Your feedback is very important to us and we are grateful for your engagement and partnership in our shared mission of providing the best possible education for our students.

We would like to address a topic that has been brought to our attention by several families regarding the possibility of early leave during the assessment period. After careful consideration, please note that we will not accommodate requests for early leave during the assessment period. In the future, this may become an option for GCSE students but for now, students need time to cover the curriculum and have guided revision with their teachers. Please also encourage time for rest and short, manageable bursts of revision at home; the brain needs rest to function optimally. 

Revision in school

The time allocated for assessments is integral to our curriculum coverage and revision in school efforts. It is very important that students have sufficient time in class to engage and receive any necessary support from their teachers. Allowing early leave could disrupt this critical learning process and potentially disadvantage those students who require additional assistance or instructions.

We must also consider the logistical challenges posed by early leave, especially for parents who may face difficulties in arranging transportation or supervision for their children outside of regular school hours. We do our best to support all families in our community and ensure that our policies are inclusive and equitable for everyone involved.

Wellbeing during assessment period

While we understand the need for students to have time for relaxation and rest, we believe that our current approach to revision in school and support systems adequately addresses their wellbeing needs during assessment periods. Our teachers are committed to creating a positive learning environment where students can feel supported and encouraged during this time.

We appreciate that this decision may not align with everyone's preferences, but please know that it was made thoughtfully and with the best interests of our students in mind. 

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Term 2 assessments are scheduled to start on Monday 4th March 2024 spanning a duration of 7-8 days depending on your child's year level. These assessments will be conducted during the school day, ensuring suitable testing conditions. The remainder of the school day will proceed as usual, following the class timetable for continued teaching and learning.

Exams are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and we would like this period to be one of minimal stress for Parents and Students. The exams are based on students' prior learning and teachers will be conducting an in class review session with students before the assessment day.

Illness at Assessment Period

If a student has any signs of sickness that are causing them distress or could be considered contagious then they should not be sent to school to sit for their assessments.

If a student is found to be exhibiting any such symptoms, he/she will be sent home from the school clinic without completing their assessments. Ultimately wellbeing is paramount. Students who have arrived at school and have been sent home will be classed as a medical absence for the day and the student will be given their overall grade based upon their formative assessments. Please note that examinations will not be taken in the clinic. 

Parents of students who are absent due to illness and do not attend the school, should provide a medical note. Upon receipt of the medical note, the student will then be awarded the marks of their formative assessment as their test grade. Students who are absent without a medical note will be given a zero for the test.

On Wednesday 28th February, ASPS is transforming into a global hub as we celebrate International Day! 

Let's showcase the beauty and diversity of our community! We encourage all students, parents and staff to proudly wear their national dress or costume or wear clothing inspired by the colors of their home country's flag! Just remember to keep it in line with our dress code guidelines.

Gate Timings: 

• 7:15 am for stall holder (both Bazaar and Country stall holders)

• 8:15 am for all other parents

Entry and Exit Gate: Gate 5 (Back Gate) Only 

Programme Schedule:

• Nursery & FS1- 8:00 am to 9:15 am 

• FS2- 9:30 am to 10:45 am 

• Year 1- 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 

Venue: Front Play Area

Activities: Puppet Show, Face Painting, Nail Painting, Bouncy castle, Cotton Candy, Popcorn (Detailed prices package will be sent to parents)

• Year 2 to 3- 8:30 am to 10:00 am 

• Year 4 to 6- 10:15 am to 11:45 am 

• Year 7 to 9- 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm 

Venue: Football Pitch/MPS

Activities: Parade, stage shows and bazaar

Important:

• To help ensure the safety of students, please note that visitor identification is mandatory and visitors, including parents and staff are issued a clear visible Parent ID badge to be worn at all times when they are on school premises.

• We will follow a regular school day schedule. Please ensure your child arrives at school and collected promptly at the end of the school day. 

• Students will visit the stalls after watching the stage shows as per their schedule.

• Students have other activities in class they surely don't want to miss (before and after their scheduled activities). We ask parents not to collect their children early or before the normal dismissal time.

• We will have a Ramadan Bazaar in the MPS and fun food vendors. Parents are encouraged to send extra cash with their child/children to buy items or food. A percentage of the  sale from at the bazaar will go to Al Jalila Foundation.

Dispersal (home time):

• Students will be collected from their classes. Our usual collection points will be occupied by the international day stalls. 

• Bus students will go home at the usual/normal time

Food:

Country Stalls: Food will be served at the country stalls, however a form has been sent to parents in Year 2-5 for those who do not want their students to consume food during the event. They will be identified by a special wristband so that stall holders know not to serve them. 

Bazaar Stalls: Please send extra money with your child for some paid items and fun food in the International Day Bazaar.

We have been receiving questions about bringing food on International Day. Please note of these guidelines:

We can only allow outside food if it has been bought at a store and individually wrapped.

If purchasing food for the International Day celebration, we request parents to make sure that all students can enjoy the food you have brought to share. 

Food Allergies

Please ensure that the food you send with your child to share in class contains NO NUTS.

Fresh fruit is something almost everyone can enjoy- it is the perfect celebration food! But if you are not sure, please ask and contact your child's teacher for a list of student allergies so you can make sure your food is safe for all.

Proper Food Storage

This is a very important food safety measure—harmful bacteria grows quickly in foods that are not stored correctly. Please note, however, that our school canteen cannot store your food on this day.

Get ready for another fantastic Dress-Up Day on 1st March as part of World Book Day celebration.

This special event aims to ignite creativity, spark imagination and foster a love for reading among our students. Here are the exciting details:

Nursery to Year 3 Fairy Tales:

Encourage your children to dress up as their favourite characters from timeless fairy tales! Bring along the book that inspired their costume, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. 

Year 4 to Year 9 will be celebrating 'Creativity and Genius':

This year, we are adding an exciting twist! Students and staff members are invited to dress up as their favourite famous writers, artists, mathematicians, scientists or characters from their beloved books. Whether it’s channeling the brilliance of Albert Einstein, the artistic flair of Leonardo da Vinci, or the literary genius of Shakespeare, there’s no limit to the inspiration. Don't forget to bring the book or mention the title that inspired your costume.

The most creative, accurate and imaginative costumes will win special prizes! 

Preparing Minds and Hearts: Pre-Ramadan Workshop for Year 6

The Islamic Department is excited to announce that we have organised a special pre-Ramadan workshop for our Year 6 students, taking place on the  29th of February. 

Our guest speaker, Farheen KS, is a passionate educator with 11 years of experience and is the founder of 'Tayyibah,' an online institute dedicated to spreading love for Islam among children and mothers.

This workshop will aim to instill the excitement of Ramadan and teach them practical ways to be productive during this blessed month to reap the rewards.

To ensure that the academic team stay laser-focused on our students; their wellbeing and academic progress, they will no longer be responsible for collecting and handling money. Please do not to send cash payments for with your child to be handed to their teachers.

Starting from February 2024, we will be transitioning to Zenda payments only for our trips, after-school activities and other school-related events. Until then, we will continue to accept cash or card payments through our Accounts counter in school.

Preferred Payment Option: Zenda App

Our preferred and recommended payment option is the Zenda App. This secure platform provides a convenient way for our parents and guardians to make school payments (this includes school fees!)

Payment through Zenda App:

Download the Zenda app today from app.zenda.com/getstarted 

To sign up, please use the school code: alsalam and your email or mobile number registered with the school.

For Support:

If you have any questions or do not remember your sign up details, you can reach out to the Zenda team on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/12515511110