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Also this month we celebrated life by learning about people and cultures around the world with our Festival of Colors. You may have had the chance to see our displays at the school entrance showcasing the highlights from the festival. This annual activity is a two week event with specialized lessons to teach the children about diversity and to encourage multiculturalism. This year teachers read stories about a variety of subjects including the ways different countries celebrate birthdays, carry their babies and even how they wear their hair. Children played different games from around the world and practiced unique cultural dances. I am sure during these weeks you heard many exciting new facts from your children and perhaps you learned something too! Another part of the Festival of Colors is inviting parents to come to the kindergarten to teach their child’s class about their own culture or their travel adventures. I am lucky to say that we had many eager participants and have a wonderfully diverse Newton family. I want to give a special thanks to everyone for their efforts in making this year’s festival another success.

You may have noticed during the morning drop off that we have incorporated a variety of new toys to the children’s outdoor play time routine. At the kindergarten we are always working to find new ways to stimulate, challenge and excite the children. It is part of our philosophy that through structured and diverse play children can learn many useful life skills. This month we have put extra focus on adding to our already extensive exploration materials collection. We have bought new natural wood blocks and balance beams, and also provided materials for children and teachers to make their own new play toys. The children have especially shown great interest in the concept of repurposing recycled items into a new toy or game. Projects like this are not only good for imagination but for the environment, and we will continue to find ways to encourage this mindset.

As you may remember from my previous letter and seen in the notices, this month we started a new activity for birthday celebrations. We now celebrate all the birthdays from the month together in the classroom on the last Friday of the month. The kitchen prepared delicious birthday treats and the teachers helped to make the birthday girls and boys feel special by decorating the classroom and giving them hand made cards designed by their friends. We have made this change for a few reasons that I want to remind you. A birthday celebration should feel happy, cozy and from the heart. We no longer allow parents to bring gifts for sharing to the class because we do not want to encourage this behavior as a requirement. Parents sometimes feel the need to buy gifts simply because another parent has and it adds unnecessary pressure to our families. Purchasing material things does not support the sweetness of a birthday celebration. A gathering with friends showing kindness and love, enjoying tasty treats and singing ‘Happy Birthday’ is the way we want to celebrate the children to make them feel special. Parents are welcome to join the party for their child and share in the experience. For this change, we appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Lastly I would like to tell you about our upcoming events:
April 4-6 Tomb Sweeping Holiday- school is closed
April 15-26 Parent Open Day Demonstration Lessons- please check the the communication books for further details about your classroom’s date
April 19th Earth Day- the kindergarten will prepare special activities for the children, please check the communication book for more information and ways you can participate
There are many exciting things coming up this semester and we hope that you are ready for more learning and fun! I am looking forward to the warmer days coming soon and watching the children play in the sunshine.

Sincerely,

Ms. Joanne
Newton Bayside Campus Principal