Volume No: 2003-04/28

Date: 7 May 2004

Dear Parents

Yesterday’s load shedding reminded all of us rather brutally of what life was like before air conditioning. School was sweltering, despite the open doors and windows. The day seemed to lengthen appreciably and suddenly the second working day of the week felt like the fourth… It was a wonderful relief when our supply was restored at around 3.00 pm.

Mangrove planting

I have a feeling that it is also going to be very hot when we set off this afternoon to plant seedlings in the mangrove conservation area at the Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary. I am grateful to all the sponsors who have made this event possible and offered our students an opportunity for some first hand conservation experience. My thanks also to Anthea Lamb and Iggy Marsh for setting up the programme.

External Examinations

At this time of year the school is focussed sharply on external examinations. Year 9 have taken some of their Key Stage 3 SAT exams this week and Year 6 will be taking their Key Stage 2 tests next week. Meanwhile, Year 11 have been gearing up for their IGCSE and GCSE exams which start in earnest next week. We wish all of these candidates a clear mind and a cool head.

Parent Meetings

Parent meetings took place for all primary classes this week and I would like to thank all parents who made appointments to talk with the class teacher about their child’s progress. If you were unable to make an appointment then, but would like to do so now, please arrange a mutually convenient time with the class teacher. This is an invaluable opportunity for parents and teacher to sit down and discuss children’s progress and any matters of concern.

Goal posts

We would like to thank the PTA for the new goalposts. Hockey is an extremely popular game with the primary students at break and lunchtimes and I expect to see a lot of feverish goalmouth activity in the next few weeks!

Badminton

This morning saw our secondary students go off to play badminton at Foo Chow hall for the first time. The slight alterations to the timetable went smoothly and I am pleased that we are able to offer our students another sporting opportunity…

 Football match

  and talking of sporting opportunities… The Staff & Parents vs Pupils football match has now been confirmed for Friday, 14 May at the Sukma Archery Field. Mr Leak would still like to sign up any parents who feel able to inflict a crushing blow on our young pretenders!

 Best wishes,