16 Dec 2019
Monday, December 16, 2019

Holiday Message from our Head of School

News

Holiday Message From Our Head of School

Dear SLAS Family,

As we draw near to the end of the first half of our 16th school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your overwhelmingly positive support during the fall term.  SLAS has progressed in many ways, especially in continually improving curriculum standards, behavior, cafeteria, and adding cutting edge technology throughout the school.  There have been many high points to celebrate since August and the students and parents have been a credit to our school.  I am very proud to be the Head of School of Shanghai Livingston American School (SLAS).

 

The students have worked very hard this term and we are very proud of them all.  In the first half of the year, we hosted our annual Trick O’ Treating in October. We held a successful Jogathon, raising money for the Athletic Department, and enjoyed more than 22 turkeys in celebration of Thanksgiving in November. In December our children in Nursery through Secondary presented their Christmas concerts and class plays to parents. We enjoyed the wonderful performances that we have come to expect at SLAS, well done all of you!  We salute our Fine Arts Teachers for their vision, expertise and dedication.  Likewise, we appreciate all of the time and energy put in by our classroom teachers and teacher assistants either creating skits, song performances or allowing students to miss class in order to prepare for the concerts.  Through our children’s creative expression, we have been drawn closer as a community as we celebrated together.

As I enter my ninth year as Head of School at SLAS, I can truly say that I have cherished every moment. The days get challenging and sometimes I am very overwhelmed with so much to do, but our community has a way of warming my heart and making me appreciate the day to day interactions with students, parents, and staff.  You hear this from me frequently; however it is worth repeating to each and every one of you again…you and your children are truly a gift to me. I am so fortunate to have joined the SLAS community. I consider us to be a family, the family of SLAS.

As the holiday season approaches I hope you share my goal of taking a breath, being appreciative, and having some meaningful time with family. In education we are thankful for the opportunities to impact young lives. Our students are the reason we’re here. Their learning and progress is the school’s mission.

At SLAS we have much to be thankful for. We first thank our faculty and staff.   I am truly blessed to work with such an amazing group of dedicated educators.  Their enthusiasm and willingness to grow in their practice never ceases to amaze me!  Your children are reaping the benefits of this excellence in education and I get to witness this every day!

Next, to our parents…..not only do you raise money to support our educational programs but you also help in so many ways on a daily basis. Volunteering in the classes, in the libraries and serving on many committees. At every level, when we need something, there are parents willing to step up and fill the need. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all that you do. You are wonderful!! Thanks also to our fabulous PTA for sponsoring exciting enrichment service programs for our students and parents, and for holding the delicious Friday kiosks and fund raising. The teachers, students and I appreciate it very much! I would like to take this time to again thank all of you who volunteer your time or give of your talents, in helping our school. You all are what help make our school what it is today!

Having said that, we still have a lot to do in the spring term.  We must ensure that we continue to sustain these improvements, and from January it will be time to build on our successes and focus on improving the quality of teaching and achievement of every student.  When we come back refreshed from Winter Break in January, we will be focused on academics as we bear down on our curriculum. Now that our winter weather is here, please make sure that your child comes to school dressed for the colder conditions. Students will continue to go outside for recess and perhaps physical education, weather permitting.  Children should wear multiple layers and appropriate uniform pieces.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I sincerely wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Enjoy every moment with family and friends and find time to rest, relax and play.

Once again, thank you for your support.  May 2020 bring many blessings, love and peace to all!

Thank you,

 

Faustina Martinez M.A.Ed

Head of School

Shanghai Livingston American School