Dear Parents,

 Welcome back to a new scholastic year at Trent! I am delighted to begin a new and fresh experience of working with your child in the upcoming months.

My name is Rekha Venkataraman, and I will be the home-room teacher for Fifth grade. Additionally, my responsibilities will include team-teaching English Language Arts (ELA) to Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth grades, and Science to Fifth grade. Reading and writing are vital areas of learning that assist students to develop their minds, share ideas, and of course, to excel academically. We shall be building upon the skills that have already been acquired, while adding a deeper and more detailed understanding of the English language. The study of Science helps students to acquaint themselves with, and explore, the world around them.

The training of responsible citizens begins in the classroom, and I believe that as an International School, we provide a meeting place for children to learn and think globally. Children are vulnerable to swiftly changing conditions and values, and subsequently benefit all the more from strong and consistent guidance.

Our Fifth graders are poised at the edge of their Elementary school lives, and it is natural that they would want to assert their independence and question a lot of issues. We will, on a daily basis, endeavor to learn social, emotional, and self-help skills. Concepts of tolerance, courtesy, respect, and conflict-resolution will be explored. It is my fervent belief that the students will reciprocate the trust and respect that we, as adults, bestow upon them. Let us nurture and encourage the development of independent study habits and strong self-esteem as they progress toward Middle School.  

I am excited about working with each and every one of your children. My commitment to them and to you is firm. Please feel free to contact me regarding any queries or problems that may arise.