Wow! What an amazing and successful Book Week we had this year. It kicked off with our Book Fair. Students and teachers loved getting their hands on the latest copies of popular series like Beast Quest, Flower Fairies and Minecraft, as well as all the classics like Peter Pan, Treasure Island and Kensuke’s Kingdom. Teachers were able to add to their class libraries, so that students could enjoy the new authors.
On the 14th November we were delighted to receive the White Horse Theatre Group and all students in International and Premier Primary were treated to the totally fabulous Dick Whittington performance. Students adored the show and asked very thoughtful questions of the actors. Many students went back to class and produced outstanding follow up work. Their teachers were thrilled.
Our theme this year was ‘Chinese Traditional Stories’ and we began Monday 19th November with a sensational traditional Chinese puppet show. Students were encouraged to ‘have a go’. Inspired by the show students created their own puppets and wrote scripts ready to perform. As a bilingual school the students were able to competently use both English and Chinese when performing. Many successful students recorded their performances and were able to share them in assemblies, treating students from other grades to a highly professional film.
Students took part in many competitions related to our theme. Doors to classrooms became gateways to a multitude of traditional stories with fabulous decorations. A treasure hunt based on quotes from stories saw many winners. Our students impressed us with their understanding and knowledge.
Fran Bruce came to share her traditional Chinese story with Grades 1, 2 and 3. An absolute delight as the students were encouraged to take part in the retelling. It was great to have a published author join us and share her knowledge. Students were inspired to start their own stories ready for our story writing competition.
Teachers shared their favourite stories, alongside visits from students in Grade 4, 5 and 7. We loved having the older students read to us in such a confident and entertaining way. We are so lucky to have such mature and eloquent students.
Friday was our finale, a parade of perfectly created character costumes! Teachers and students had surpassed themselves and looked phenomenal. We had Monkey Kings, Dragons, Empresses and Emperors, and gods and goddesses.
A truly wonderful week of activities. We can not wait for next year!