January 21, 2025
Dear ELC families,
As the Chinese New Year dawns, we are reminded of the snake, shedding its old skin, embracing the promise of renewal. In this vibrant community, we too rise, ready to grow and transform.
Our mission is a song of hope, guiding us to nurture students who are not just learned but alive with passion and purpose. This past semester has been a journey, filled with trials and triumphs, yet our commitment to raising confident, compassionate learners shines through.
Let us open our hearts and minds, fostering a culture of trust and transparency as we navigate change together. Each of us plays a part in this tapestry of resilience, weaving threads of joy and strength.
As we step into the Year of the Snake, may we celebrate our unity and forge ahead, crafting lives that soar beyond the ordinary.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous new year! Looking forward to welcoming you all back to campus on February 10.
Avenues Leadership Teams
Avenues: Our Mission Continues!
Avenues Discovery Course | Unit study in the 2nd term
As we approach the second semester, a new chapter of learning awaits our students in Avenues Discovery Course. This period marks an exciting transition into new topics and explorations that will captivate and inspire our young learners. Each grade level will delve into unique units of discovery, fostering curiosity, growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Small World:
In the second semester, our Small World students will be engaged in the unit "Let’s Explore”. Students will explore how engaging in various explorations can enhance their joy of learning, expand their knowledge, and develop their skills. They will be encouraged how these explorations contribute to their personal growth and learning experiences. Our young learners will embark on a journey of discovery and curiosity, fostering a love for exploration and learning.
Nursery :
For our Nursery students in the upcoming semester, the unit of Discovery will revolve around "Growth and Change." Through this unit, students will delve into the concepts of growth and changes in themselves, nature, and the world around them. By exploring sub-units such as personal growth, changes in nature, and ways to positively impact others and the environment, students will reflect on their own development and the transformations they observe in the world.
Pre-K :
In the second semester, Pre-K students will immerse themselves in the unit "My Community”. They will explore the essence of a community and how every individual within it can contribute to its growth and well-being. By investigating sub-units like community helpers, and the places in their community, students will ponder questions about community roles, contributions, and aspirations for the future. They will learn about the significance of community collaboration and support in fostering a nurturing environment for all.
Kindergarten:
Kindergarten students will embark on a journey to understand what it means to be a global citizen in the upcoming semester through the unit "I Am A Global Citizen" . This unit will emphasize the importance of appreciating diverse cultures and fostering empathy. Students will explore questions about cultural diversity, respect, and the lessons to learn from one another. Students will broaden their perspectives, celebrate global cultures, and learn the value of cultural appreciation and understanding.
Specialist Update
As we begin the second semester, we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates about our specialist teaching team!
First, we are delighted to welcome Nicole Li back to the ELC. Nicole has been greatly missed during her maternity leave, and we can’t wait for students to reconnect with her in science class as she brings her creativity and expertise back to the classroom.
At the same time, we extend our warmest congratulations to Ms. Hollie, who recently welcomed her new baby! Hollie has begun her maternity leave, and we wish her all the best as she embraces this special time with her growing family.
Joining our ELC team this semester is Neo Huang, an experienced WAM teacher from the Avenues secondary program. Neo brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for teaching wellness and movement. We are confident Neo will be an incredible addition to our community, and we’re excited for the fresh perspectives he’ll bring to our team.
Please join us in celebrating these transitions and welcoming Nicole and Neo into their roles this semester. You can also find a book list and resources from our ELC librarian, Ms. Robin, at the end of this message. We are so grateful for the amazing specialists who continue to inspire our students with their expertise and passion for their content.
Neo Huang has been dedicated to the education sector for over a decade, and has worked with students ranging from kindergarten through middle school. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and he finds immense joy in watching students grow and thrive.
In addition to his professional life, he is the proud father to a 2-year-old daughter. Being a dad has taught him patience, empathy, and the importance of nurturing young minds both inside and outside the classroom.
He also has a deep love for outdoor activities and sports. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, playing ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, or staying fit at the gym, these activities help him stay active and connected with nature. They also provide him with valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, which he strives to impart to his students.
Ms. Li holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Capital Normal University and participated in dinosaur fossil excavation at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her passion for children's education led her to pursue a master's degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education at Columbia University, where she also earned a New York State teaching certificate. During her time in New York, she worked as a general education teacher in the bilingual immersion program of New York City public schools and taught science to kindergarten and elementary students at the Hollingworth Science Camp at Columbia University's Teachers College.
In 2019, Ms. Li joined the founding faculty of Avenues Shenzhen’s Early Learning Center. She believes that every child is a natural scientist and is dedicated to inspiring their curiosity through engaging and interactive teaching, helping them experience the joy of scientific exploration. In August of last year, Ms. Li joyfully welcomed her baby boy. Becoming a mother has given her deeper insights into education and sparked even greater enthusiasm for her work. She can’t wait to return to the classroom and embark on new learning adventures with her students!
Special Events: Looking Forward
We are excited to share a lineup of special events happening at the Early Learning Center in the coming months.
In February, we will host our first ever whole school WAM Slam event, an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate wellness and movement as a foundational element of our program. This event will be a highlight for our school community as we join our primary and secondary divisions in this athletic event.
In March, we look forward to Shenzhen’s first-ever Ruckus Constructus event, inspired by the innovative spirit of São Paulo, which will emphasize the importance of STEM learning and creative exploration for our students.
Finally, in May, we will celebrate our Annual Book Week with a captivating theme centered on paleontology and old rock. This immersive event will integrate library, art, and science, offering a unique and enriching experience for our students as we explore the wonders of the past through literature and hands-on activities.
