September 19, 2025 - Elementary School Principal Blog
Mr Geoff Heney
Dear Elementary School Families,
What an absolutely joyful week in Elementary School. I have had the pleasure of visiting all classrooms, and regardless of whether it was with our youngest CC3 learners or our eldest Grade 5 students, read-alouds have been a meaningful part of each child’s day.
Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to grow a child’s comprehension and love of language. When students hear stories, they encounter new vocabulary, rich ideas, and complex language structures that deepen their thinking, often beyond what they could access by reading on their own.
This practice can be just as powerful at home. Whether in English or in your family’s home language, reading aloud strengthens your child’s ability to understand stories, recognize patterns, and make connections. Research shows that these comprehension skills transfer across languages, supporting your child’s growth as a reader in every setting.
Just a few minutes each day of enjoying a story together, talking about the characters, or sharing favorite parts can make a lasting difference. Thank you for the many ways you support your child’s learning at home.
A reminder that September 29 is a Professional Development Day. Students have NO SCHOOL as teachers will be engaging in professional learning that day.
Regards,
Mr Geoff Heney
Elementary School Principal
Chinthe Readers: Library Book Reminder (CC3 to Grade 2)
We love seeing our students grow as readers. Returning books on time helps every child discover new stories and build great reading habits.
To support this, students in CC3, CC4, KG, G1, and G2 will bring home reminder slips the day before their library visits. Please check your child’s backpack and send books back so they are ready to choose their next great read.
Thank you for your support in building great Chinthe Readers.
✨ What’s On:
We extend a warm invitation to parents to join us on Wednesday, October 1, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm for a session led by our counselors, Mr Amundson-Geisel and Ms. Patty. Together, we will delve into our Child Protection Policy to understand how ISY is a leader in child safeguarding. This information evening will explain how we keep our students safe and secure. To secure your spot for the session above, kindly register using this Child Safeguarding Parent Night Registration Form by 4:00pm, Thursday, September 25.