Dear WIS Community,
It is with a sense of WIS Primary accomplishment that I write the final article for the Oryx. As we bid farewell to 2023, it's good to recognise the significance of "lasts" – the last newsletter, the last class of the semester, the last school event. Lasts are conclusions and provide us with a pause and a chance to reflect. At the same time, they are a moment to look forward to the next semester with renewed aspirations.
Looking back on the past semester, achievements resonate with the spirit of our IB learning community. One noteworthy highlight is the dedication of our coordinators Ms. Beata in her role as our new Maths coordinator and Ms Jenna as the new Literacy and PYP coordinator. Their efforts have enhanced our curriculum and supported teachers to develop engaging and enriching learning experiences for our students. All teachers have worked hard at implementing text-type pedagogy over the past semester after our Literacy Consultant’s visit and we have seen a real increase in quantity and quality of writing.
The PE department's initiative to set up new games during break time in the car park has added a new dynamic to our school environment. This simple yet effective measure has encouraged physical activity and created a sense of camaraderie and fun among our students.
The recently concluded Art exhibition was a testament to the creativity and talent within our student body. The impressive artworks on display showcased the commitment of both students and our Art teacher, Ms Mandy, to cultivating a vibrant and expressive artistic community at WIS.
As parents, you've likely attended numerous learning celebrations throughout the year, where the personal learning journeys, acquired skills, and displayed learner profile attributes of our students have been highlighted. These events serve as a tangible testament to the progress and growth our students undergo within the framework of the PYP at WIS.
Notably, our assemblies this semester focused on the learner profile attributes – inquirer, knowledgeable, thinker, principled, and caring. These gatherings provided our students with a platform to delve deeper into these attributes, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
In addition to academic milestones, we had many cultural celebrations such as Namibian Heritage Week, Diwali, Rosh Hashanah and Christmas festivities. These events showcase the rich diversity within our school and serve as reminders of the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation.
A new initiative that has added tremendous value to our community is the establishment of the WIS Parent Network. The support and collaboration fostered by this network have been so important in creating a more connected and engaged parent community. Your active involvement is truly appreciated, and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership in the coming year.
Undoubtedly, we all deserve the upcoming break – a time to recharge and prepare for the exciting challenges that await us in the new year! Wishing you all a delightful holiday, and looking forward to continued success and togetherness in 2024.
Warm regards,
Marcelle van Leenen
Primary School Principal
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