Letter to Parents

Dear AIS-R Parents,

At the American International School - Riyadh (AIS-R), the AIS-R Trustees, in keeping with our core values and mission statement, has adopted a Child Protection Policy to guide all members of our community in matters related to the health, safety and care of children in attendance at our school. This policy is so important to AIS-R that I am sending this handbook to you reminding our community about this truly critical issue.

The AIS-R Child Protection Policy is based on international law and on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The two key articles we wish to draw your attention to are:

Article 19 - Protection from abuse and neglect: The State shall protect the child from all forms of maltreatment by parents or others responsible for the care of the child and establish appropriate social programs for the prevention of abuse and the treatment of victims.

Article 34 - Sexual exploitation: The State shall protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, including prostitution and involvement in pornography.

By enrolling your child at AIS-R, you agree to work in partnership with the school and abide by the policies adopted by the AIS-R Trustees. Please know that we genuinely value our partnership in providing for the safety and care of your children. It is for this reason that AIS-R has endorsed a Child Protection Policy that defines the standards by which all students should be treated with respect and dignity at all times.

The American International School - Riyadh Child Protection Policy

As part of our overall educational program and specific to our shared responsibility to educate children, to protect them, and to learn and grow in a safe environment, AIS-R will:

• 1. Provide age appropriate lessons for all grade levels to help students understand personal safety, needs and rights.

  2. Provide parent materials and information sessions to help you better understand our programs and policy.

  3. Annually train faculty and staff to recognize and report issues of abuse and neglect.

We will work together with you to ensure that our children are safe and are knowledgeable about rights and responsibilities, both personal and of others, so that they can grow and learn free of fear in a safe and supportive environment. I thank you for your support of our efforts and invite you to contact your division counselor and/or principal regarding any specific questions you may have in this regard.

Sincerely,

The AIS-R Leadership Team