News / Nunn Road / 2007 / November 2007 (E73)

Dear parents,

Last month, the class was busy preparing for the English Class graduation. The small children practised songs and acting with the big children. They even picked up the big children’s poems and songs. While the big children were making their own music instruments and decorating them with colourful paper, some children started to discuss what they are going to make for their graduation in the future.

On the graduation day, my heart was melted by the three little angels. They stood upright and confidently in front of friends, teachers and parents. I was so pleased to see their achievement. Towards the end of the ceremony, I could see tears of happiness in some parents’ eyes. I was sure that the children had moved their parents’ hearts as they had moved mine. Few weeks later, a mother shared with me that her son loves his creation so much. Every night, he sleeps with his crown and instrument beside him. I hope that the graduates will have sweet memories of their time spent in Nania and become stronger in the future.

-English class graduation

-Singing with their handmade musical instruments

One day before the Hari Raya holidays, I encouraged the children to keep their bags clean and tidy. We had a discussion and decided that children should only bring cloths, towel, water bottle and cap or hat in their bags. They don’t need to bring personal gifts for friends in the class unless there is a farewell. However, they can bring their ‘letters’ like drawings or craftwork to put into the ‘letter box’. I was very surprise and moved that all the children took that discussion seriously and every one kept their bag clean when they came back after the holidays. They took out their origami, ‘treasures’ from the garden like leaves or seeds and kept them at home. After practicing this for a few days, a boy even suggested to his mother that he wanted to help to clean up their shelves. I hope that parents will support their children to continue with this habit of clearing their bags every day.

During the Deepavali celebration, children were told about the festival of lights. They enjoyed the Indian delicacies especially the Muruku. Later, a story about Deepavali was related in the class.

"Festival of lights"

Deepavali snacks

Blessings before snack

The children have started practicing songs and poems for the Christmas Festival. Enclosed are songs and poems we are practising. The children are also making paper “Christmas Socks.” They will bring home their beautiful paintings and drawings in their “Christmas Socks” on the festival day.

In Taska Nania we are working on the theme of ‘sharing and giving’ with the children for the Christmas Festival. The focus of this festival is to connect the children to their inner beings and cultivate the goodness that lies within them. Christmas is not just about receiving presents, having parties and dressing up. It is also about giving and nurturing kind thoughts for one another. As part of the ceremony, the children are asked to think about someone who needs help and to send out good thoughts and love to them. By encouraging them to carry a kind thought for others, we hope to help the children rekindle their inner light and experience the warmth and joy of sharing and giving.

I am looking forward to see all of you at the Christmas festival.

Teacher Thian

2nd Nov marked the lovely graduation morning for Chia Zheng, Jing Fang and Kai Wei. Watching them stand upright and confident with the star crowns during the ceremony, I was much moved. They have surely achieved their goals! It was also heart-warming to see the small children supporting them by acting and singing together with them. Blessed with the presence of their loving parents, the celebration touched all our hearts.

I wish them all the best as they continue in their life’s journey.

Junko

Coming events

Christmas Festival/ End of Year Festival (14th Dec 2007)
Parents are cordially invited to join this festival which begins at 9.00 a.m. The children will go home with their parents after the festival at about 11.15a.m.

Holidays
The school holidays are from 15th December 2007 till 6th January 2008. Please take note that this year we have a longer holiday than we planned for in the yearly calendar. This is due to some renovations and paint work that needs to be done before the kindergarten reopens. We will see you again on 7th January 2007 (Monday).