Parent Newsletter 12 September

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

It has been another fantastic week in the Primary School. The children have really settled down to their routines and learning. We have also carried on from our success of lockdown by engaging in Google Classroom activities in all year groups. The teachers really enjoyed sharing their class weekly news with you last Friday as at the moment we are unable to see each other in person quite as often. I do hope that you are able to watch their weekly videos with your children and hear what daily life is like in school this term.

The wearing of masks in school has become as routine as wearing our uniform and we always like to look smart! With this in mind please can you ensure your child’s mask is a simple and practical design and not a fashion item. Additional ‘dangling’ material and sparkles do not help children remain focused on their learning! 

If you are experiencing any concerns regarding the sizing of your child’s uniform or indeed the fit , please do not hesitate to contact Isabel at isabel.rueda@aloha-college.com who will attend to your needs.

As the children have been absent from school for so long we are focusing very heavily on reading. Children now have access to the library in addition to their reading books. Please can you support by encouraging your child to read for pleasure and enjoy books.

 

 

Finally, in the words of Smilla, Alba and Julia in 4ITA
“We like being at school… a lot… a lot… A LOT!”

Talk Homework: What is your favourite book and why? Is it fiction or non fiction? What is the difference?
Aloha Value CARE                
Personal GoalRespectful

Yours sincerely

Kathryn Salmon
Headteacher, Primary
kathryn.salmon@aloha-college.com


SECONDARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

I remember as a child going to funfairs with my parents and the only thing I wanted to do was play at those claw machines. At the time I was not aware that, in order to get anything out of those vending machines, one had to be a trained mechanical engineer and have plenty of coins in one’s pockets. 

What was I thinking? Well, thinking was exactly what I was not doing. I was acting purely on emotion. 

Before I continue this week’s reflection, I would like you to read this poem:

The owl and the chimpanzee went to sea
In a beautiful boat called The Mind
The owl was sensible, clever and smart
The chimp was a little behind
The owl made decisions, based on fact
And knew where to steer its ship
The chimp reacted a little too fast
And often the boat would tip
The waves would come and crash aboard
The chimp would start to cry
Large tears would roll right down his face
Afraid that he would die
The chimp and the owl would wrestle at night
When the world was quiet and still
The chimp would jump up and rock the boat
And the boat would start to fill
Then the owl stepped in and grabbed a pail
And started to empty it out
And the chimp would start to get quite cross
And would often scream and shout
The battle continued night after night
Until the chimp started to see
That if it let the owl take control
A more peaceful night it would be

 

Please take a few minutes to think about the owl and the chimp. What do they represent?

This poem describes the internal battle many of us face when the more primitive or emotional part of our brain (the chimp brain) takes control. The wise owl within all of us (logic) is seen here fighting with the chimp who seems determined to make the situation worse, despite its fears of the situation worsening.These internal conflicts are totally normal and human. 

We must pay attention to the way we are feeling and recognise how those emotions may distort our thinking and influence our behaviour. I sometimes list the pros and cons when I have to make a tough decision. Seeing the facts on paper can help you think rationally about your options. 

I still wonder how much I would have saved in my piggy bank had I let my inner owl take control. 

I hope you have a nice weekend.

Francisco Escobar
Headteacher, Secondary

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