Dear parents,

If colour had sounds, then this week has been a cacophony of colours with two Hari Raya assemblies and so many students and teachers dressed up in their Hari Raya finery, and of course Sports Days on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The atmosphere has been electric, as one teacher described it and of course very enjoyable. What is most pleasing about this week is the number of parents who have been able to attend some or all of these events, and I am always grateful for the support and generosity of you, my dear parents.

The Primary Hari Raya assembly was just lovely. The students conducting the assembly sang singing songs about Hari Raya and the reason we celebrate it. It was a pageant of music and colour and I think the 300 or so parents attending it enjoyed it almost as much as I did.

One of my favourite days of the scholastic calendar is Sports Day. As a youngster I used to play a lot of sport and I love to see our youngsters participate actively in all the activities that are organized for them on Sports Day. At the point of writing, the two Primary Sports Days have occurred and have been a success. In Key Stage 1 the Green House emerged victorious whilst on Thursday it was the turn of the Red House to savour sporting success. As I said in my opening remarks that the important thing was participation more than winning and losing. Without doubt this did occur with many children participating in the many activities and events that had been set up.

I would like to thank everyone who was involved in these days, and worked so hard, including teachers, parents and students. I would like to single out three groups of people for special consideration. Firstly, the PE Department who have worked unstintingly to make this Sports Carnival a success. Next, behind the scenes and often overlooked, the Facilities Department which works hard to make all the logistical arrangements. Lastly, the Sports Day committee and the parents involved in it who have coordinated so well the stalls and the food which brought a real gaiety to the day. There is such a mix of activities and it works very well.

In other news, we had our students and two teachers return from two days of jungle adventures as part of the Duke of Edinburgh program. I look forward to reading the reports from the students but by all accounts, they had a good time. Stimulating, challenging at times (walking in the rain for three hours I am told), tiring but also worthwhile. It seems they were able to learn new skills and more importantly about themselves. I am very proud of them.

Lastly, a reminder to Year 6 parents that we are commencing transition talks and information for those students going from Year 6 into Year 7 in Secondary in January 2020. There will be an initial presentation on the transition on Monday 17th June at 8 am in the Primary Meeting Room. I hope to see as many of you there to commence this very important dialogue.

It has been a great week. Thank you.

Kind regards
Stefano Piumatti
Principal of Taylor’s International School Puchong