Kindergarten Newsletter

Dear Kingston Families,

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with our school community. This year, Kingston International School marks a significant milestone: our 30th anniversary!

For three decades, Kingston has been a unique "through-train" school, guiding students on an incredible journey from their very first steps in our playgroup all the way to secondary school. We look back with immense pride on the generations of students who have thrived in our nurturing and challenging environment.

Our graduates step out into the world exceptionally well-equipped, thanks to the strong foundation of our bilingual English and Putonghua programme and the inquiry-based framework of the IB programme. They are confident, curious, and truly ready to face the challenges ahead.

To celebrate this special 30-year legacy, we will be holding an alumni gathering later this year, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.

Seeing your children in our preschool section, we are reminded that every great journey begins with a single step. By choosing Kingston, you have given your child the gift of that crucial first step. You have made the right choice, and we are honored to partner with you in these formative years.

Here's to 30 years of excellence, and to the bright future we are building together with your children!

Warmly,

Eliza Wong

Head Principal

Our 4 and 5 Year Old Classes have been participating in enriching weekly art therapy sessions led by students from the HKU Masters of Expressive Art Therapy programme. Each session focuses on themes such as self-awareness, self-understanding, self-expression, communication, and friendship. Through engaging activities that include art, games, and songs, the children are encouraged to explore their feelings and express themselves creatively. These sessions provide a safe space for students to connect with their emotions, build social skills, and strengthen friendships. By using various artistic mediums, they not only enhance their artistic abilities but also develop important communication skills and a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. This collaborative experience fosters a supportive environment where the children can thrive emotionally and socially.

Near the end of their Who We Are Unit our 4 and 5 Year Old Classes extended their emotional awareness initiative to the Kingston community. Their mission was to become ‘Feelings Detectives’ and warmly greet students and caregivers at the front gate. They used a feelings chart to encourage everyone to share their emotions and also to uplift everyone’s spirits they also handed out positive affirmation cards and stickers. This definitely created a positive atmosphere as the Kingston community stepped through the door and ensured that everyone started their day on a bright note!

A massive thank you to all the families who attended our Open House last Saturday! We truly hope everyone enjoyed their time with us and had a chance to explore the school and participate in the wide variety of activities we had on offer. Your enthusiasm and support made the event a great success.

Our 4 and 5 Year Old students recently enjoyed a fun-filled trip to The Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum, as part of their unit, Who We Are. The museum offered a variety of engaging activities that allowed the children to explore and express themselves creatively.

During the visit, students participated in water play, where they experimented with pouring and splashing. They also had the opportunity to paint and build with large materials, fostering their imagination and teamwork skills. The dress-up and role-play areas encouraged the children to step into different characters and scenarios, enhancing their social and emotional development.

Additionally, the hands-on science activities sparked curiosity and exploration, while a new interactive exhibit about emotions helped students understand and express their feelings. This immersive experience not only reinforced the importance of play in learning but also deepened their understanding of themselves and their connections to others. The visit was a delightful and enriching adventure for all!

Our 3 Year Old Class students recently embarked on their first field trip to Ngau Chi Wan Park as part of their "Who We Are" unit. The outing was an exciting opportunity for the children to bond with their classmates and teachers while exploring a vibrant new playground.

At the park, the students engaged in various games that promoted teamwork and cooperation. They laughed, played, and cooperated as they navigated the playground's fun equipment. This experience not only encouraged physical activity but also fostered social skills and confidence in their environment.

Overall, the trip to Ngau Chi Wan Park was a fantastic way to kick off their kindergarten journey, providing memorable moments and valuable lessons about connection and community.

Our 3 Year Old Class students have enthusiastically embarked on their first unit of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), titled "Who We Are." They are exploring the central idea that our choices affect our health and well-being. This journey of discovery has been both exciting and enlightening, as the children learn about the benefits of healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

Engaging in hands-on activities, such as sorting pretend foods into 'sometimes' and 'always' categories, has helped them grasp the effects of their dietary choices on their bodies. They have also been actively participating in various physical activities, from enjoying outdoor playtime to practicing simple yoga poses, which promotes an appreciation for staying active.

In addition to health education, the students are developing vital social skills and learning to cultivate positive relationships with their peers. Through collaborative games, sharing activities, and guided discussions, they are beginning to recognise the importance of kindness, cooperation, and sharing in supporting emotional well-being.

It's been heartwarming to see these young learners make connections between their choices and their overall health, demonstrating the IB learner profile attributes of being balanced and reflective. This unit has established a solid foundation for increased awareness of their own well-being and the well-being of those around them.

During August and September our 4 and 5 Year Old classes engaged deeply with the IB PYP unit "Who We Are," centered around the central idea that Recognizing and managing emotions helps us build better relationships with others and influences our health and growth. Through various lines of inquiry, students explored why understanding emotions enhances relationships, how to express feelings in diverse ways, and strategies to maintain both physical and mental health. They learned to identify different emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear, and practiced basic expression techniques using words, drawings, and facial expressions. Mindfulness practices were introduced, highlighting the importance of exercise, rest, and open communication for overall well-being. Students gained insights into how emotions manifest in the body, fostering a deeper understanding of their own feelings and how these can affect their peers. They also discovered that some methods of expression are more suitable for specific situations. By participating in activities that promote health—like outdoor play, relaxation exercises, and sharing emotions—students developed the skills to effectively express their feelings, recognize those of others, and cultivate strong, supportive relationships, laying a solid foundation for their emotional and social growth.

Autumn is a season filled with warm colors and cozy aromas, and what better way to celebrate than with delightful autumn-scented playdough? Infused with the comforting scents of pumpkin pie, apple pie, and cinnamon, this playdough not only sparks creativity but also evokes the essence of autumn. Perfect for sensory play, these recipes invite children to explore textures and scents while engaging their imaginations. Whether they’re shaping pumpkins, baking imaginary pies, or simply enjoying the inviting fragrances, autumn-scented playdough offers a fun and aromatic way to embrace the season. Below are easy-to-follow recipes to create your own fragrant playdough at home!

Why Create Homemade Playdough?

Making playdough at home is incredibly simple and requires just a few common pantry ingredients. In just a few minutes, you can produce hours of entertainment for your child. It also allows you to create large batches affordably and uses natural ingredients.

How Long Does Playdough Last?

When stored in a zip-lock bag or airtight container, playdough can last for more than six months.

Benefits of Playdough for Children

Young children love the creativity and sensory experiences that playdough offers. This seasonal version is perfect for helping them explore autumn colours and enjoy seasonal scents. Playdough provides excellent opportunities for developing fine motor skills through activities like rolling, stamping, and squeezing, allowing for endless fun and creativity.

We are delighted to showcase our students' remarkable achievements beyond our classroom walls. At Kingston, we believe in celebrating the diverse talents and interests of our young learners as they explore and excel in various activities.

If you would like to share your child’s talents with us please fill in the Google Form below:

https://forms.gle/RyJjm94PfiNxfVFi7

Remember our annual school trip for the 2-5 Year Old Classes is coming up in November! A notice with further information will be sent out in late October.

Stay connected with our school community by following us on social media! Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and RedNote for updates, event highlights, and a glimpse into our daily activities. We love sharing our exciting moments with you and fostering a vibrant online community!

Email: enquiry@kingston.edu.hk

Website: www.kingston.edu.hk

Address: 12-14 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

Phone: 23379049