Embracing New Beginnings: A Month in the Life of Primary Years Teachers at Seven Peaks School

First Month: New Beginnings

As we wrap up our first month of the new school year at Seven Peaks School, we, the Primary Years teachers, want to share our reflections and experiences. It’s been a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and learning, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to witness our students embark on their unique educational journeys.
 

Engaging Learning Experiences

This year, we’re excited to have had our International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinators for both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) offer orientations before Back to School Nights. Their expertise has enriched our curriculum, allowing us to explore deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.
For the classroom experiences, our first unit of inquiry, “Who We Are,” encouraged students to reflect on their identities and roles within their community. We incorporated art, storytelling, and even some drama activities to help students express themselves creatively. It was a joy to watch them share their artwork and learn from each other.
 

IB Learner Trait: Caring

As part of our commitment to the International Baccalaureate framework, we focus on developing specific learner traits each month. For September, our spotlight was on Caring. We’ve seen wonderful examples of this trait in action as our students demonstrated kindness, empathy, and support for one another.

In recognition of their efforts, we sent out numerous Eagle Cards to parents, highlighting those special moments when students showcased their caring nature. Whether it was helping a classmate with a challenging task or simply offering a comforting word, these actions have made our classroom a more compassionate and inclusive space.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce October’s IB Learner Profile trait: Open-minded. This month, we’ll encourage students to embrace diverse perspectives, appreciate different cultures, and consider various viewpoints in their learning. We can’t wait to see how our students grow in this area and the meaningful conversations that will emerge as they explore what it means to be open-minded.

Support for our New Parents

To our new parents, we understand that navigating the school year can be overwhelming, but we’re here to support you. This year, we are excited to introduce Toddle, a platform designed to enhance communication between parents and teachers. With Toddle, you can easily stay updated on your child’s progress, access important resources, and engage in their learning journey. The PYP framework encourages a collaborative approach to learning, where students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their education. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where students feel safe to express their thoughts, ask questions, and take risks.

As your children embark on this educational journey, we invite you to engage with them about their learning experiences. Ask them about their inquiries, encourage their curiosity, and celebrate their achievements—big or small! This partnership between home and school is crucial for fostering a love of learning.