Dear Parents,
On behalf of Anne Hill International (AHI) Preschool, I am very pleased to welcome your family as we embark on a life-long journey of learning ahead.
This handbook serves to introduce school life at AHI Preschool and what you can expect for your child as he/she joins our community.
Our founding principles are to ensure quality education is priced affordably, and we aim to provide a safe and conducive environment for students, teachers and all staff members.
We have a mission to:
Last but not least, I look forward to welcoming you and your child to our campus.
Anne Hill
Preschool Principal
Meet Our Team
At AHI Preschool we believe in providing quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Our homeroom and specialist teachers have experience working in various educational settings. They will work closely with their Teaching and Learning Assistants (LTAs) to ensure that each child receives the support needed during these early years of the development stages.
For the full AHI faculty, please refer to: https://annehill.school/meet-our-team/
AHI Preschool is committed to the successful learning of all our students by offering quality private education. This means an effective teacher-student ratio and good class size, taught by an academic team of competent and caring teachers from different parts of the world. The main curriculum is IEYC complemented by other teaching approaches including Montessori, Jolly Phonic and Numicon.
Our vision is to nurture well-rounded, globally-minded, lifelong learners.
Our mission is to deliver affordable, high-quality international education in a safe and caring environment.
School is where children begin understanding what it means to be a member of an interconnected and global community. Responsible citizenship is an underlying element of our school programmes. Our four school values at preschool are:
International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC)
International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) is the main preschool curriculum at AHI. It helps to meet the educational needs of our children and ensure that teachers are providing the best learning environment and opportunities for their community.
The International Early Years Curriculum is a research-based curriculum recognising global best practices in early childhood education and the developmental needs of students 2-5 years old. It supports key areas of learning through holistic enquiry and play-based approaches that cover all curriculum areas including personal, social and emotional development. Learning is largely based on exciting themes that capture children’s interest and spark their imagination.
IEYC is designed around eight learning principles for our preschoolers who will find this curriculum exciting, fun-filled, and educational. The IEYC also provides learning outcomes to describe the knowledge, skills and understanding children will have as they progress.
For more information please refer to the following link: https://fieldworkeducation.com/
Montessori Method
Montessori is AHI’s signature programme. The emphasis is on self-directed activities, child-led learning and discovery. The five key areas of learning in the Montessori environment include Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Culture.
Practical Life – Exercises for the child to learn how to perform activities independently and in a purposeful way in their daily life routine e.g. peeling/cutting bananas, watering plants, etc. These activities will also help children develop coordination & control, concentration, environment awareness and good work habits.
Sensorial – Exercises that help the child to develop and refine his/her sense of smell, touch, taste sight and hearing. This translates to the child being able to perceive size, shape, colour, loudness, texture and smell. Like many other materials in the Montessori classroom, sensorial learning materials have what is called a “control of error’. It is a method that allows the child to check the work himself/herself rather than seeking out for teacher’s help. Working with sensorial materials lays a firm foundation for subject learning in the future such as Mathematics, Geometry, Geography, Botany, Art & Music.
Language – Multi-sensory exercises that combine phonics, stories and language experiences to bring meaning to reading and writing.
Mathematics – This activity-based programme complements our Numicon approach to learning where children will have a hands-on experience in learning mathematical concepts. It is taught through the manipulation of concrete subjects.
Cultural – Cultural areas of studies that are introduced in the Montessori classroom range such as Science, Geography, History and Botany and Zoology. It helps to facilitate the child’s exploration of the world around them i.e. observing, inquiring, researching and communicating his/her discovery. The child is introduced to different countries, cultures and environments. Cultural topics introduced during Montessori also encourage AHI students to appreciate the diversity within their school.
Jolly Phonics
Jolly Phonics is a fun and child-centred approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. It is systematic and teaches the letter sounds in an enjoyable and multi-sensory approach. Jolly Phonics teaches children the five key skills for reading and writing:
Numicon
Numicon is a multi-sensory approach to teaching math suitable for all ages. It is designed to help children understand the connections between numbers. Through a hands-on approach (by seeing and feeling), children will develop a foundation that underpins their understanding of numbers later on in school. Numicon utilises learning equipment that provides a range of sensory experiences such as shapes and kinetic sand. The equipment:
Subjects and activities introduced at AHI Preschool aim to provide a holistic development of the child. In addition to knowledge and understanding, children will also engage in activities and daily routines that focus on developing their loco-motor skills, social & emotional well-being, cultural awareness and moral compass. Learning is conducted across different settings – inside and outside of classrooms.
Subjects & Activities Introduced*:
*Certain activities may only be introduced starting from older age groups, or for Co-curricular activities (CCAs), with additional fees involved. Please check with your class teacher for your child’s class timetable.
Second Language
English is the main teaching medium for all subjects with the exception of 2nd Language. Currently, Vietnamese Language & Culture (VLC) and Mandarin are offered as 2nd Languages.
Preschool students will learn both Vietnamese and Mandarin Language for exposure. Lessons are conducted twice a week, for a duration of 30 minutes each.
Sample Timetable Preschool 2023-2024.pdf
Please note that meal times and the weekly duration of each subject or activity may differ depending on each year level.
The exact class timetable will be provided to you by the class teacher.
AHI Preschool tailors its programme for children of different age groups:
Playgroup (18 months – 2 years)
At this age group, they require both a stimulating and nurturing environment to develop their independence and motor skills. Practical Life activities and manipulative play help to develop their motor skills, sense of order, concentration and responsibility in their environment. Through Sensorial Activities (i.e. learning through the five senses), they will also be engaged in activities that stimulate their senses to learn early number concepts and language skills.
Nursery (2 – 4 years)
Continuing from the early learning experiences in Playgroup, children of this age group are able to work with more complex exercises in Practical Life and Sensorial Activities and engage in thematic learning. Early mathematical concepts, word building and early writing skills are taught at the Nursery stage. A foundation is also laid at this stage for good work and social habits.
Kindergarten (4 – 5 years)
Kindergarten consists of children who are 4 to 5 years old. At this stage, children are ready to take on more complex exercises in a more disciplined way in preparation for primary school. Mathematics, language and writing skills will be further developed in fun ways. They will also be involved in early science and cultural activities
Class Allocation is based on the following criteria:
AHI reserve the right to respectfully but consistently decline any parental requests to change class allocation or teacher at any stage throughout the year.
No. | Things to do/receive | Submission Deadline |
1. | Please ensure that all requested recommendation forms and/or reports from previous schools are submitted on time. You may be requested to fill in and submit an AHI Recommendation Form as below. AHI Recommendation Form | Any delay in the submission of the documents above may result in a delayed school start date.
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2. | AHI Health Check & Medical Record Form All new parents are required to submit their child’s general health check report following the standard Health Check & Medical Record Form provided by the school. The school strives to keep all medical records up to date in the interest of students’ safety on campus. The school will sponsor all new students for this general health check at Raffles Medical International Clinic, HCMC. A complimentary voucher for each child’s health check at Raffles Medical will be issued to parents upon confirmation of enrollment. Important Note – The form has to be completed by parents and the clinic’s doctor. Please bring a hard copy of the form, your child’s immunisation record and the complimentary voucher to Raffles Medical on the day of your child’s health check. Parents will be required to accompany the child to the health check. The child should be in good health before presenting for his/her health check at the clinic. · Health Check Location: Raffles Medical International Clinic, HCMC (advanced appointment bookings via the clinic’s telephone or email will be required)
(Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tel: (028) 38240777 | Email: frontdesk_hcmc@rafflesmedical.com Fit for school – Students must be deemed fit for school after the health screening and medical examination to confirm their enrolment. Please note that enrolment may be revoked in cases where the student is deemed unfit to attend schooling at AHI. | Submission of health check reports for newly enrolled students will be required before the 1st day of school (for a new student. The school will have the right to cease the enrolment if the health check is not submitted within 30 days of the enrolment. Parents are required to submit the original hard copy of the completed form to the school. The school and Raffles Medical reserve the right to keep a copy of the child’s medical record within their premises; however, sharing and submission of medical records can only be done by the parents. This is to uphold patient confidentiality on both sides.
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3. | Vaccination Policy All students registering at AHI must have the essential vaccination, as recommended by the doctor, to ensure the health and safety of themselves and the school community. Moreover, they need to have their vaccination documents approved and updated by the school. Please refer to the health check form for details of the essential vaccination required. To ensure the well-being of both students and the broader community, the school reserves the right to decline enrolment for a student who has not received the necessary vaccinations. |
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4. | AHI Health Booklet All AHI students will be given an AHI Health Booklet. The Health Booklet includes the following:
Student Health Booklet will be shown to parents twice/year in September and January during Parent Teacher Meetings and collect on the same day. |
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5. | STAR PORTAL Parents will need to complete their child’s registration by registering their account on the school’s STAR PORTAL. A registration link will be sent to your email. Please follow the registration steps and upload all necessary documents. Parents are responsible for updating their personal information on the STAR PORTAL including any changes to personal contact information, authorisation, allergies, dietary requirements and other student details. Please ensure that your latest email address is updated on the STAR PORTAL. A reminder email will be sent to parents every six months, and it is the parent’s responsibility to update the portal should there be a change in any information.
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The school partners with learning support experts to address developmental and learning challenges that the students may be facing. As such, the school reserves the right to request additional support from parents e.g., shadow teachers as and when deemed essential at any point during the enrolment of the child. Kindly note that parents are responsible for the fees incurred for additional support. In circumstances where these additional supports are not provided due to various reasons, the school may involve parents to review their child’s enrolment and discuss a suitable course of action.
Additional uniforms can be purchased at the AHI Uniform Shop. Students must wear the appropriate school uniform every day when they are at school including caps, shoes, grip socks, jumpers and other outerwear and accessories. For more information, please refer to the Dress Code section of School Life of the Parent-Student Handbook. AHI school caps, socks and jumpers are available for purchase at the AHI Uniform Shop.
Personal Items – What to Bring?
Preschool:
All items brought to school must be labelled with the child’s name.
All water bottles, towels and clothing are to be brought home daily for washing for hygiene purposes. Sleeping bags will be returned for washing every Friday.
Please refer to the school calendar on our website for more details on holidays and events: https://annehill.school/term-dates-holiday-breaks/
Full-day Students: 8.15 am – 5 pm (pick-up time from 4 pm to 5 pm)
Half-day Students: 8.15 am – 12 noon
The class teacher will provide parents with the class timetable for any new enrolment or if there is any change to the timetable. Please reach out to the class teacher if you have not received the timetable.
Drop-off Procedure
Last-minute arrangement via phone call before the pick-up time is not allowed to avoid confusion by all parties and to ensure the safety of the child.
At AHI Preschool, we start to introduce students to the qualities that are aligned with our core values: Integrity, Empathy, Humility and Respect. Being able to conform to the rules of the school and observe the expected conduct is important as an AHI student.
Punctuality
Being punctual for school is a form of discipline and respect, these are attributes which are important in life. To minimise disruption in learning, your child is expected to arrive at school no later than 8.15 am.
Parents have to fill in the reason for late arrival after the stipulated time. If you know in advance that your child is going to be late or going to leave school early on a particular day, please inform the teacher at least one day in advance. For emergencies, you may contact the Student Care Team.
Absence From School
To ensure the safety of our students, please note the followings:
Absence from School due to Medical Reasons
Example of a typical dated medical certificate. Details and layout may differ depending on the clinic, hospital or medical practitioner.
Dress Code – Uniform
The AHI uniform is a means of showing our identity and school pride to the wider community as well as being practical school wear.
Students of all ages are required to wear their uniforms to campus at all times provided by the school:
From time to time there will be days where students are allowed dress up for various school occasions and events. The school will inform parents of such occasions; these are the only times when students may not wear their uniforms.
Dress Code – Shoes & Socks
Students are required to wear covered shoes with their toes covered. Appropriate shoes and grip socks must be worn for Gym lessons. Grip socks are available for purchase at the school’s uniform shop.
Left to right: example of shoes (toes covered) and grip socks.
NOT ALLOWED
In the interest of safety, children who are not wearing appropriate shoes or attire will not be able to take part in outdoor activities. The school will only permit students with grip socks to use the trampoline.
Dress Code – Accessories & Attire
