Tivoli Kindergarten and Nursery

Newsletter February 2010

Dear Parents / Guardians,

We would like to wish you a prosperous and healthy year of the Tiger.  Now that winter's gone, the beginning of spring brings excitement, a sense of new life and fresh start.  Flowers bloom and trees get buds receiving the nature's substance to grow strong and healthy.  It reminds me of Tivoli children as they started like a small shoot and with the teachers' cultivation, they absorb all the love and care (the nutrient) they need to help them grow strong and healthy.  As time goes by without noticing, the 2009-2010 school year has already come half way through.  I believe that parents have been very pleased to see their children's school life and improvement in various aspect of learning, including self help skills.  As early childhood educators, we feel the same as nothing is better than seeing your child develop and make progress.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuous support, trust and maintaining the home-school partnership.

Experience is an integral part of learning

Experience is a process one has to undergo on the journey of learning and growing, just like the way we promote our educational belief 'to allow children to learn through hands on experiences and to progress from experience'.  We adults have many different ways to solve problems when encountered and that's because we have accumulated a lot of experiences.  It applies the same to the children with learning as they build up their experiences.  Following are stories to share with you...

Story One...

One day, a mother took her child to the park's sand pit to play.  The child found a soda bottle in the sand and then started to put sand into the bottle.  The child could only pinch a very small amount of sand into the bottle at a time.  The mother at this time came up to the child and tore a piece of her magazine paper and made into a funnel.  She inserted the funnel into the mouth of the bottle and then scooped up handful of sand and poured into the bottle through the funnel and in no time the bottle was filled up.  The mother told the child that he was stupid and the way he put the sand into the bottle would take him forever....

Story Two...

The second story is quite similar with the first one except the method the mother used was different from the previous one.

When the mother saw the child trying to put sand into the bottle a bit at a time, she observed patiently.  Later, she noticed that her child realized that this was not the best way and then moved away from the sand pit and started looking for other objects to scoop the sand.  At this moment, the mother smiled as she knows what her child was thinking.  The child found a twig and used it as a spoon, but failed.  The child did not give up and came up with many different ideas, but still failed.  At this time, the mother came over and gave him some hints.  At last he used his own way to filled up the bottle.  He found a leaf and used it to transfer sand into the bottle.  Later, he rolled up one leaf as a funnel and then used another one to scoop up the sand and put it through the funnel and finally, he filled up the whole bottle with sand.  He was very proud with a sense of achievement; he ran to his mother and said 'I did it!'

According to the above two examples, we can see the importance of the learning process in a child.  Being parents, of course we love our children and by nature would contribute to them unlimitedly.  However, besides teaching them and helping them, children also need time and space to allow them to experience their learning.  From the above stories, which parent are you?  Just like the two circles on our school logo, circles have infinite transformation.  It is important that we see things from children's perspectives and provide them vast amount of time and space for creations and imaginations.  Let's work together to provide our children the best learning environment and experiences.

Special thanks to parents for your support with Tivoli's new image!

Thank you for your support for the new school logo and other changes made from the new school logo.  Our school has envisions and embraces the move with times and innovation that allow us to create a good development for children and prepare to face the future challenges.  In the globalization trend, the world is changing every split second; our education system and equipment needs to align with international practices.  Therefore, during the 10^th anniversary celebration, we have created a new image of Tivoli that incorporates with the international trend.  It is aimed at allowing Tivoli children to learn through the significance of 'Child Centred Approach'.  We would like to thank both the former and current parents for your support for the new uniform as we work together hand-in-hand for a new Tivoli image.  The new uniform and the new school logo are just a part of the school's development; we hope that with our ceaseless hard work, parents will appreciate and acknowledge Tivoli's enthusiasm and devotion towards early childhood education and our firm perseverance toward the development of the school.

A good education programme takes time to develop

Tivoli started with about 13 students and with your continuous support and trust, Tivoli has established well.  The third branch 'Tivoli International Playschool' in Tsing Yi Garden is opening soon.  We will continue to persist in our educational beliefs to provide children with a stimulating learning environment to facilitate their needs and development.  As per a Chinese proverb: Guanzi - "When planning for a year, plant corn.  When planning for a decade, plant trees.  When planning for life, train and educate people." (http://www.amadaproject.info/) There's nothing more rewarding than cultivating and educating our new generation.  We strongly belief that each person possesses his/her own very special talent and our mission is to help them discover their potentials and explore to learn more.  It is also important to help them set a solid foundation and enjoy the remarkable learning process.

The new branch is mainly to cater the needs of the development of the international section.  If you have any friends or relatives with children who are already 2, they may apply for the playgroup class in March 2010.  Regarding the enrolment for the August 2010-2011 school year, it depends on the availability of school place in August.

Christmas Fund-raising and Family Disco

We would like to express our greatest gratitude for your active participation for the Christmas Fund-raising and Family Disco held last December 19, 2009.  There were three sessions of shows that day and every single one of them was splendid and remarkable.  The disco dance part was the high point of the day that all the teachers, students and parents danced on the stage and off the stage.  The day ended with laughter and positive remarks.  We raised the total of HK$40,460.00 this year.

This year, we did not deduct any administrative expenses.  The full amount was donated to the China Star Light Charity Fund Association for the children in China who have heart problems and need surgery.  Once again, we would like to thank you for your generous donations and for remembering those in need on this festive time of the year.  Your love, care and warm wishes have been sent to the children.

Tivoli Activities

Time and date	Activity and Place	Content	Remarks
Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.	Family Field trip to Kam Tin Country Club	To enjoy the nature and a weekend full of fun activities and events with family.
March 2 to 12, 2010	Dragon Passion Ambassador Contest Place:  Tivoli Kindergarten & Tivoli Nursery	In own school
April 16 to June 25, 2010 (Fridays)   7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m	Tivoli Parent Choir   Place:  Tivoli Nursery	A form of home-school partnership to elevate one's singing technique.  For those parents who enjoys music	No classes on April 30 and June 18 available seats: 40 persons
Saturday, April 17, 2010	Kiddies and Family Olympics Place:  Tsing Yi Sports Ground	Various sports activities for both parents and children

 

Finally, on behalf of all the teachers and staff of Tivoli, I would like to wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Year of the Tiger!

 

Yours truly,

Carmen Chan Ka Mun, JP

Chief Principal

September 2009 Newsletter

Dear Parents / Guardians:

Varying the Students' adjustment period and trusting the school is one of the key factors!

To start with, a warm welcome to the new students of the Tivoli Family! The Nursery Section started school early last month on August 10. Recalling the first few weeks of school, the little precious princesses and princes had finally stepped forward to see a new world of new challenges all by themselves. It was exciting for them to see a lot of other children the same size as them, but fearful at the same time seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces and the only way to seek for help was to cry out loud hoping someone from their kingdom (the queen and the king) would come and rescue them. Of course, there were other very independent princesses and princes who cried for just for a short while when saying goodbye to their parents and quickly adjusted to the school environment. One way to help these precious ones who were anxious about their separation from parents is to build a sense of trust toward the school and also to comfort and encourage them at home. We trust that they will adjust to the school routines and environment before we noticed it if we achieve this. Remember, crying is just a part of growing up and is their way of expressing emotions. You do not need to feel shame or guilt about it. Instead, give your child positive support and let them know that the teachers love them as much as mommy and daddy. One day, they'll show you a positive way of expressing their emotions - SMILE! If you have any concerns about your child's situation in school, our teachers will be very happy to help you.

Human Swine Flu H1N1 Preventive Measures and Updates

We understand that besides being anxious about your child's adjustment to the new school, you have another worry, the recent outbreak of the H1N1 in schools general. We have always been very cautious and strict about cleaning and sanitizing the school premises. However, the virus is so strong that finally one student and one teacher were infected on August 18 and 25. We keep in close contact with the Education Bureau and Department of Health, and as per their guideline, we do not need to suspend the school at this time. However, when necessary, the school will follow the guideline of the Centre for Health Protection and Department of Health to suspend the school for seven days in order to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (HSI). At this moment, let's work together and be vigilant and fight against H1N1!

Reflection on the Kindergarten Section - Briefing on Primary One and Introductory Parents' Night

In order to be well prepared for this new school year, and to have a strong communication between parents and teachers, introductory parents' nights were held at the end of August for K1, K2 and K3. We also had a briefing on primary one admission. According to the parents' concerns, we gave a lot of feedback and shared our experiences. The parents gave positive feedback about the meeting. With your support and cooperation, we are confident in providing high quality education.

Below is the summary of the parents' night keynote:

1. To have a clear written record of messages exchanged and to enhance the communication channel between home and school.
2. The marking criteria for the assessment have been amended from 4 to 5 scale to provide more details.
3. There will be some talks arranged for parents. This year we have also included students' health check services. Please note that whether or not your child will join the health check services, you still need to fill up both the 'Medical Information Form' and the 'Student's Lifestyle and Emotional Development
4. In order to enhance the parents' understanding on the importance of play in childhood, we will hold a 'Play' workshop. A 'Parent-Child Play Day' has been arranged on November 21 to raise awareness on the Asian Olympics

Accepting New Enrolment from September 1 (2010-2011)

The school has just started and it is already time to receive new enrolment for 2010-2011. We will be receiving new enrolment forms from September 1 to 30, 2009. Remember to enrol early, especially those with siblings already studying at Tivoli now. Interviews will be arranged at the end of October for both the Nursery section and the Kindergarten section and the result will be released in December. Remember to submit all necessary documents and incomplete documents may affect the enrolment procedure. Placement confirmation letter (Anglo-Chinese Section) will be sent home to children who are currently studying in the Nursery section in October, so parents may choose their preference of transferring to the Kindergarten section or to remain in the Nursery section for the following year (K1/K2). Please remember to submit your reply on time together with the deposit of $550.00 (half-day) and $1,100.00 (full-day).

WE ARE EXPANDING THE INTERNATIONAL SECTION
(Tivoli International Playschool)

In order to cater for the demand of the community, we have continually been searching for an ideal place to expand our International Section. We have finally found a place and we're in the process of dealing with the legal documents. The actual date for enrolment will be announced on a later date.

Upcoming Events

Date and Time	Activity	Place
September 12, 19 and 26 (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please arrive on time for the check up	Student Health Check (for students who have already enrolled for this programme)	Tivoli Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten Block 4, G/F., Tivoli Garden 75 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi 2432-6628
September 28 and 29 (Monday & Tuesday) During School Hours	Mid-autumn Festival Lanterns Appreciation	All schools
September 30 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.	National Day Parade Flag-raising ceremony To celebrate 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China	Tsing Yi Garden Open Area
October 17	Play and Explore Workshop for parents	To be confirmed
October 24 The time will be announced later	Tivoli Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten - Open Day	Tivoli Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten Block 4, G/F., Tivoli Garden 75 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi 2432-6628
October 30 During school hours	Halloween Party (students may dress up for the party)	All schools

Finally, we would like to wish you and your child a Happy & Healthy Life and Learning!

Regards,
Carmen Chan Ka Mun, JP
Chief Principal

二零零九年六月刊

本届畢業典禮暨文藝滙演概況

今年是本校第十三屆畢業典禮，每年這個時候總會聽到輕輕從大堂傳來又温馨又令人牽起依依不捨之情的歌聲─『師恩難忘』。為免提早牽起傷感之情妨礙工作，一般我會選擇在最後一周才參與的，但又難禁心急之情，所以急不及待找高班老師分享。據聞今年的畢業生演練『師恩難忘』及排位的果效是歷屆之冠，實在令人欣慰。日前與家長閒談間發現家長們都好想知道每位畢業生在文藝滙演部份的節目，為讓家長了解今屆畢業生的綵排情況，現作以下預告：今年的文藝滙演是一個綜合的音體互動劇，將會由所有畢業生領銜主演，內容早已不知不覺地滲入課程中，就是將數月前香港教育學院黄樹誠高级講師與本園合作研發的《創意肢體音樂活動》教學元素運用於舞台上，而且本園更邀得黄樹誠講師擔任劇中角色與畢業生及台下的觀眾互動表演，稍後會視乎整合的情況而決定是否需要另函通告家長安排特別時間及場地作綵排。 

 

本年度(2008-2009)的學校自評工作

首先非常多謝各家長參與本學年有關《家長》對學校的意見調查，結果已完成，家長的參與率最高是(青怡花園)幼兒園部的幼兒班，佔幼兒班人數九成，幼兒遊戲班是佔八成半；宏福花園（幼稚園部）的高班、低班及幼兒班分別佔八成、八成成和七成。有關的分析和結果將會用作學校整體自評用，完成的2008-2009學年的學校報告及2009-2010學年之周年計劃將於2009年9月1日或以前透過電郵傳送給各家長。

 

升小家長會安排

近日升小派位放榜結果公佈後，初步知悉派位結果令人滿意，但由於仍未整理好《家長填報升小的問卷調查》，所以要六月尾才能上載本園網頁分享有關結果。此外，校方會據資料所得於暑假前另函通告今届畢業生派往相同學校的名單，以便聯絡及照應。至於將於2010年升讀小一的學生家長簡介會將於每年九月初待教育局分派小學概覽及升小申請表後舉行，如教育局能在於2009年9月4日星期五前送發有關文件，本園將於2009年9月4日晚上7:00舉行升小簡介會，內容將會講解自行及統一派位辦法(只適用於申請入讀政府官立小學及政府津貼小學)及派發升小申請表。若家長欲自行申請直資或私立學校，家長除可參考本園上一屆畢業生考獲之學校名單，更可自行瀏覽各間學校的網頁以了解每所學校的申辦入學手續，如需本園為學生書寫推薦書，煩請家長先行選出及提交心儀學校的名單及有關該校的資料，如地址及校長姓名(最多不超過三間) ，一般需時六個工作天完成。此外，有關小學參觀安排事宜，本園每年都會安排两至三間不同類形的小學分别讓家長及學生參觀，以體驗不同的教學模式，為擴濶交流的對象，一般本園不會重覆曾探訪的學校。由於近年有很多小學都紛紛主動舉辦不同的活動及開放日讓家長及學生參加，家長宜把握此等機會，多作了解，以為子女選擇合適的小學。若家長欲個別約見主任或校長傾談選校心得，請與Ms. Lung聯絡。

 

有關2009-2010學年新生家長會及升往宏福花園幼稚園部的過渡安排

時間過得很快，轉眼間又一個新學年。為迎接幼兒及其家長加入『宏福』的大家庭，本園將定於2009年6月26日及7月3曰假青怡花園(幼兒園大堂)分別在两個周五晚上7:15舉行新生家長會，讓家長了解及協助幼兒適應校園生活。另外為順利協助幼兒園學生過渡幼稚園生活，本園亦會邀請家長出席7月3日新生家長會，讓家長了解及協助幼兒的過渡安排。

 

最新活動推介

 

舉行日期	活動內容	舉行地點
7月10曰	2008-2009年度畢業典禮暨文藝滙演	葵青劇院演藝廳
7月18曰	2008-2009年度下學期家長日	兩校
7月17日	2008-2009年度最後一個上學曰

備註：編寫校訊時教育局仍未發出停課通告，有關畢業禮及最後一個上學日的安排有待6月23日教育局之進一步通告，敬請垂注。

 

過去校園活動花絮

1.     家長協作計劃----伴讀大使、魔術表演、閱讀圖書登記義工

      2.     世界環保日

      3.     與內地老師交流活動

      4.     與內地及本地醫護人員交流推行「健康校園」的工作及心得

      5.     校內綵排畢業禮情況

 

謹祝：生活愉快！

 

宏福中英文幼稚園暨幼兒園

 

總校長：陳嘉敏太平紳士

March / April 2009

Dear Parents / Guardians:

Tivoli Nursery Celebrated A Decade of Love and Care

This year is Tivoli Nursery’s 10th Anniversary. In these ten years, we saw the Nursery blossom, just like the way parents see their children grow and develop. We have experienced good times and critical times, such as the SARS, Pre-primary Voucher Scheme implementation, the rapid development of the society, the teachers continually upgrading themselves and the two schools renovation of the physical environment. Just like the parents’ unlimited love and responsibilities, we want to give our ‘children’ all our best and prepare to face all challenges ahead together.

Our educational belief in the early childhood education field is well recognized for its vision; everything we do is for the best interest of the children. After we received the Safe and Healthy School Gold and Silver Awards, we strive to do even better and advance with the society. From the evolution of the school environment, you may already be aware of our determination and enthusiasm in early childhood education, to provide an appropriate and happy learning environment for our children. Although we possess sensitive vision and take the leadership role in the field of early childhood education, we always keep in mind of the principle of ‘child-centred’ learning. We are willing to make changes for the best in order to cater diverse needs of children.

We are grateful for parents’ enthusiasm, trust and active participation to the school needs. We are also thankful for their valuable comments, such as giving feedback on the school website. In order to cater to the needs of students, parents and teachers, we have recruited a professional consulting company to create a new image for us. After their careful observation and understanding of our teaching aims and belief, some changes have been made, including the school logo, uniform, website, etc. All these are done under one principle: for the interest of children. The changes could further enhance the school image. As Hong Kong is becoming more cosmopolitan, these changes could also allow the students and parents to adapt to the new development; they can also help to promote the new trend in education.

The concept of the new school logo is from a very interesting story…

A child and her parents were trying to walk down the stairs. In order to help the child walk down the stairs easier, the mother helped the child hold onto her lollipop. All of a sudden, the mother tripped and fell and the child started to cry. When the parents saw the child crying so hard, they immediately soothed her and told her that the mother was fine. The child continues to cry and then says the lollipop is broken and then carried on crying…

It is such a pure and innocent story. The designer indicates that children are genuine and straightforward, their values are different from the adults. According to this story, the child’s most precious thing was the lollipop; children’s views are very simple and real. As a result, our logo includes elements of children; the circles on the logo represent children’s infinite imaginations and fantasies, in another words, children’s view of the world. This is Tivoli’s belief of ‘Child-centred’ approach.

Our new website, new logo and the new school uniform was modelled and announced during Tivoli Nursery’s 10th Anniversary Open Day held on March 29, 2009 (Sunday). For more information about the school, please browse on www.kindergarten.edu.hk.

Dragon Passion Ambassador cum Parent-Child Talent Show

The annual Dragon Passion Ambassador contest was held on February, 27 2008. Although it was postponed due to the peak season of influenza; the parents and children still showed their enthusiasm and talents. The performers were great and the audience were totally engaged. After careful considerations, the judges have selected the following winners:

	Awards	Student Name	Class	School	Performance
1	Most Outstanding Award	Venus Chu Seung Ting	K1	Tivoli Nursery	Lunar New Year
2	Most Entertaining Award	Leung Chin Ming	K3B	Tivoli Kindergarten	Father
3	Most Creative Award	Wong Yan Hin & Ng Yee Shun	K2B	Tivoli Kindergarten	Meanings of Lunar New Year Flowers
4	Most Unique Award	Shum Cheuk Him	K3C	Tivoli Kindergarten	Singing & Chinese Calligraphy
5	Highest Potential Award	Leung Hoi Kiu	K3B	Tivoli Kindergarten	Fan Dance
6	Champion	Whole Class	K2C	Tivoli Kindergarten	King & the Peasant Girl
7	First Runner Up	Whole Class	K3A	Tivoli Kindergarten	Lunar New Year Dance
8	Second Runner Up	Whole Class	K2A	Tivoli Kindergarten	Lunar New Year Story

Moreover, the ‘A Decade of Love and Care’ Parent-Child Talent Show went smoothly. The Following students and parents were presented awards during the Tivoli Nursery Open Day on March 29, 2009.

	Awards	Student Name	Class	School	Name of Work / Performance
1	Outstanding Fashion Design	Tse Tsz Chung	N1K	Tivoli Nursery	10 years of glory
2	Outstanding Fashion Design	Chan Lok Tung	K3A	Tivoli Kindergarten	Floral Tissue Dress
3	Merit Award	Duncan Yip	Playgroup	Tivoli Nursery	Advance Bravely (singing)
4	Merit Award	Lee Hei Man	K1	Tivoli Nursery	Kowloon Hong Kong (singing)
5	Merit Award	Mak Wing Ting	K3C	Tivoli Kindergarten	Fur Elise (piano)
6	Merit Award	Lai Tsz Ching	K3B	Tivoli Kindergarten	Falling Leaves (piano)
7	Merit Award	Yim Tsz Ching	K3A	Tivoli Kindergarten	What in sea (piano)
8	Merit Award	Heung Pui Yin	K3A	Tivoli Kindergarten	Chinese Martial Art
9	Merit Award	Ruchi Gurung	K3D	Tivoli Kindergarten	The Lion and the Mouse (story)
10	Merit Award	Carolyn So	K3 English	Tivoli Kindergarten	Once Upon A Dream (singing) and Princess Dress Design
11	Merit Award	Omar Hui	K2 English	Tivoli Kindergarten	Pleasant Goat & Big Big Wolf (story)
12	Merit Award	Hazel Malhotra	Playgroup	Tivoli Nursery	Fashion Design and Birthday Cake
13	Merit Award	Ma Wing Yan	K2B	Tivoli Kindergarten	Little Kitten (Putonghua Declamation)
14	Merit Award	Ng Shing Hin	K1A	Tivoli Kindergarten	Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (Piano)

Besides presenting awards to the students and parents during the Open Day, the visitors also had the chance tour around the school and see children’s work, as well as joined in the music and movement activities, storytelling, art and craft, etc.

Besides the above-mentioned activities, parental involvement programme is also well-liked by the parents. We were grateful to have had Chow Yee Ching’s mother (Nursery Section) for two sessions of Healthy Diet workshop for the children in both schools. Mrs. Chow made some impressive learning materials herself to further enhance children’s understanding of the importance of eating healthy and provided professional advice to the teachers. We would like to take this opportunity to express our greatest gratitude to her for sharing her valuable time and helping to enhance our knowledge. We highly value parents’ involvement and you are more than welcome to join us during your spare time, for more information on the Parental Involvement Programme, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This year’s Family Field Trip held on February 14, 2009 to Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung was a successful one. There were more than 600 people joining the trip. Both parents and the children were keen on joining the activities provided. The teachers also had the opportunity to mingle with parents and get to know each other better. The trip also enhanced parent-child relationship, children’s social skills, small and large motor skills, as well as giving them the opportunity to explore nature and get to know ways to protect our environment. If parents feel the field trip was not enough, don’t worry, we will continue to arrange activities like this in the future. So please pay close attention to our notices and website. Remember, we also welcome the graduates to join us.

As some parents have inquired about the difference between kindergarten section and the nursery section, please refer to the following table for relevant information:

School Location	Catering Level	School Fee	Age
Tivoli Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten G/F., Block 4, Tivoli Garden 75 Tsing King Road Tsing Yi, N. T. Hong Kong Tel: 2432-6628 Fax: 2434-4588	Anglo-Chinese Section K1 to K3 morning/afternoon sessions & full-day programme PEVS applicable	Anglo-Chinese Section Half-day: $12,980 / year Full-day: $36, 320 / year After deducting the PEVS 11 instalments	From 2 years and 8 months by September of the school entry year to 6 years old.
	International Section K1 to K3 afternoon session only PEVS not applicable	International Section Half-day: $29,150 11 instalments
Tivoli Nursery No. 21-25, 1/F., Tsing Yi Square, Tsing Yi Garden Tsing Yi, N. T., Hong Kong Tel: 2432-2223 Fax: 2436-1820	Anglo-Chinese Section N1 and K1 morning/afternoon sessions & full-day programme PEVS applicable for K1 only	Anglo-Chinese Section K1 Half-day: $13,000 / year Full-day: $36,280 / year after deducting the PEVS & meals 12 instalments N1 Half-day: $31,440 / year Full-day: $52,800 / year PEVS not applicable	From 2 to 4 years old
	International Section Playgroup afternoon session only PEVS not applicable	International Section Playgroup Half-day: $33,600 / year PEVS not applicable

Once again we would like to thank you for your continuous support and involvement in the school activities. Wishing you a happy and healthy living!

Best Regards,

Carmen Chan Ka Mun, JP
Chief Principal