The Week Ahead 19 November 2021

Dear parents

Winter is on its way, and in Tianjin, that inevitably means plunging temperatures. One obvious sign of the change in season is that trees shed their leaves after a brief but glorious explosion of golden autumnal colours. A second tell-tale sign is that winter coats begin to appear. Whilst the former always lifts the spirits, the latter is often accompanied, in school at least, by a sinking feeling. Pupils stepping from the bus or striding in through the security entrances, clad in a variety of idiosyncratic colours and styles, can only mean one thing: it is time to send out a reminder of the school uniform policy and our subsequent expectations. The guidance on uniform for all pupils is easily accessible on the school's website:

https://tianjin.wellingtoncollege.cn/parent-resources/70/.

The winter season sees our pupils at their most creative in terms of uniform, from boots and shoes to warm winter coats. While we encourage creativity in other parts of the school's education, our policy is characteristically clear regarding clothing, hair and make-up. We have a uniform policy, and pupils must adhere to its requirements.

Next week we will have some visitors to the school from Wellington College China Central Office. Having a central team that work across all the Wellington and Hiba schools is such a valuable resource for the staff team. It gives us opportunities to collaborate on projects and share ideas.

We often speak about the core values that underpin everything we do here at Wellington. However, there are also the Wellington characteristics that describe the Wellington identity. The identity we focus on here is 'Inspired'. When the staff get to work with colleagues from across China and Wellington U.K. it gives us the opportunity to inspire others and to be inspired by others. We can bring this into our daily teaching and inspire the children with new ideas.

Teachers are like magpies. They collect interesting and exciting ideas that they bring back to their own classes. Inspired and dynamic teaching is what brings the curriculum to life for the children in the Nest. We are constantly reflecting as teachers, how to develop what we do and how to ensure the children are getting the best out of their learning opportunities. By working with colleagues from Central Office and sister schools across China, we have a wonderful collegiate way of working. This collegiate method of working is what we aim to teach the children. We want them to learn how to work as a team and to listen to the opinions of others. They need to learn to listen to others and know they have the right for their voice to be heard too. They learn to negotiate with each other and how to treat people with respect. They take responsibility for their actions as they get older and have the words they need to communicate well with their friends.

Sharing learning is so important for us all. We are always learning new things, even as adults. Being open-minded to learning new things is what is important. Recognising there are different ways of doing things and being willing to try something different. Different or new should never be scary, it should be exciting. We aim to bring some excitement to the children every day.

It may surprise you to hear that our children are already busy learning songs and percussion to get ready for the Christmas Show. In two weeks, every child in the Nest will be on our big stage ready to entertain you with songs and music with a wonderful winter theme. Ms Stella is working hard to prepare the children for the show and the children are working hard to learn everything to perform.

We thank you for your continued support.

Each week we will have workshops and lectures on various and colourful topics held by our school parents and friends. This is to enhance our bonds as a Wellington Community, and we would love to welcome all of you to join us!