Last Thoughts from the Chatsworth Primary Hallways

Geoffrey Chaucer penned the phrase "All good things must come to an end", in his poem Troilus and Criseyde written in the context of a tragic love story.  While this is not a love story my time at Chatsworth and Singapore has come to an end. With that, comes a deep reflection of the last three years.

The focus of every decision and every change centres around what's best for students.  Our focus on student learning and developing a love for learning is at the core of all that we do.  Our classrooms are ones that students feel comfortable in, are encouraged to be risk-takers, where student opinions are valued and where mistakes are positive learning experiences.  Our students are happy and successful, always smiling and excited about their learning. My morning walk about each classroom visiting students and spending some time with them is the highlight of each day.

Celebrating our learning is a large part of what we do in the Primary school, and we celebrate through the annual Learning Journey Concert, end of unit celebrations and class assemblies.  The Year 6 Exhibition has a large focus on process and a strong action component as we celebrate the culmination of our PYP programme.

Sports Day is a K-Year 6 annual event where we come together as a school to participate in competition through our House colours. We focus on our host country Singapore and celebrate and learn about its important festivals,  Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas.  We participate in World Book Day with visiting authors and a character dress up day.

The teaching staff of the Primary School is one of the strongest group of educators I have worked with in my 27 years of education.  Dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning are valued and practised by all.  The constant desire for professional development to do better is at the core of all staff members, and there is a strong feeling of respect for one another, for the students and the community as a whole.

So as I pass on the baton to the incoming Head of Primary, Dr Michael Berry, I would like to take this opportunity to thank: the Primary Leadership team for their constant support in all aspects of school life; all the teaching staff for their dedication to being the best educators they can be; to the students for making me smile each day; to the parents for the privilege of teaching your children; and to Chatsworth International School for you will always have a special place in my heart.

Yours
Mario Gauci
Head of Primary