Volume No: 2004-05/28

Date: 10 June 2005

Dear Parents

As I write this we are four fifths of our way through Environment Week – and what a good week it has been. Our students have been presented with beautifully illustrated talks by experts in their fields and have listened with careful attention. Dr Mark Ancrenaz got the week off to an excellent start with separate talks for primary and secondary on, respectively, the Wonders of Sabah’s Wildlife and the Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Project. Both were very well received. Dr Toshinori Tsubouchi made us all aware of the value of Borneo ’s elephants and the plight they now face as logging and oil palm plantations drastically and continually reduce their grazing lands. Mid-way through the week, Dr Menno Schilthuizen had us both squirming and fascinated with his creepy crawlies. With Simon Enderby, the only non-parent speaker, we went underwater via some breathtaking photography from Scubazoo. Simon’s talk including some sad and thought-provoking footage that brought home to us that we all have an effect on the environment through what we do, what we eat, where we go and what we spend our money on. As I write this, Dr Nick Pilcher is due to talk on turtles – he has some hard acts to follow but I am very confident that he will rise to the challenge! Our sincere thanks, Dr Pilcher, for organising such a stimulating, interesting and provocative week.

Beach Clean-up

The beach clean-up to conclude Environment Week will take place tomorrow morning, Saturday 11 June, at Likas Bay . This offers a very practical opportunity for our students to see at first hand the polluting effects that humans have on their environment and, in a small way, to do something about it. It is an excellent teaching and learning opportunity.

  Gloves and bags will be provided through the generous sponsorship of Delta Environmental Logistics, who are based in Port Harcourt , Nigeria . Our thanks go to David and Celeste Young for arranging this. DBKK will collect the full bags.

Please assemble at 8.00 am at the parking area situated roughly mid-way between the two roundabouts (the Merdeka supermarket turn and the mosque) on the Likas Bay road.

Parents who have cool boxes are asked to bring them with additional water bottles for the thirsty. 

There will be a short briefing before the clean-up starts but I would like to emphasise again that students, and particularly primary students, should NOT pick up glass, blades or needles (should there be any) but instead tell an adult who will then dispose of them safely. All primary children need to be accompanied by a parent who stays with them throughout the clean-up.

We look forward to seeing many, if not all, of you there.

 Diane Dennis Farewell Dinner

There will be a farewell dinner for Diane Dennis at Spice Island , Sutera Harbour Marina Club, on Thursday, 30 June at 7.00pm. There will be a set menu and the cost is RM50++ (RM57.50). If you would like to attend, please confirm your booking by 23 June with either Ling-Ling Park or Mary Chong.

Lost Property

We are trying a new system in an attempt to return lost property to its rightful owners. On Friday afternoons, lost property will be placed on the table next to the stairs at the entrance to the school. Please collect what is yours. Equally, if your child loses an item, please tell the class teacher immediately.

Year 1/2 Campfire

Year 1/2 have their campfire tonight from 6.00 to 9.00 and seem very excited already! The teepees look wonderful. We wish them all an enjoyable night.

Last Chances for Photos and Books …

This is your last chance to order both school photos and books from the book club. We can extend the deadline until Monday, so please let the office have any orders no later than 3.00 on Monday afternoon.

I wish you all a good weekend,