Dear ASPS Parents and Families,

As we reflect on the challenges of the past week following the storm, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your unwavering patience, flexibility and support. Navigating the transition to online learning amidst school closures and impassable roads has been no small feat and your understanding has been invaluable.

To our incredible team at ASPS, our dedicated teachers and diligent operations staff, your resilience and commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Your efforts have ensured that our transition back to school has been smooth and seamless.

A special acknowledgment goes to our transport department for prioritising the safety of our students and staff to and from school. Your attention to detail and commitment to safety standards provide peace of mind to all of us.

Now that the students are back on campus, the atmosphere is filled with excitement. We share in their joy as we welcome them back to the classrooms, all set for Term 3!

As we have already lost some time due to shortened days in Ramadan, followed by the inevitable days off following the floods. We have revisited our assessment calendar to allow for more time to catch up and revise. Whilst we appreciate families wish to book their summer holidays, please note the last day of the term for students is 5th July 2024.

Additional information addressing parent enquiries regarding assessment days and leave requests can be found below. 

We would like to thank you for entrusting your children to us and for your intention to re-register them for the upcoming school year at ASPS.

As we move forward with the re-registration process, we kindly remind you that the re-registration fee of 1000 AED should be settled on or before 17th May 2024 to complete the re-registration and secure your child's seat. Please note that this amount is deductible from first term fees.

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

Students in Year 4 to 6 completed another set of novels in Term 2 and to commemorate the end of these novels, they engaged in various competitions and projects during their English lessons, as part of the UAE Reading Month.

In Year 4, students engaged in a dragon-themed project, where they showcased their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills by designing businesses and other projects related to dragons.

Year 5 students delved into Animal Research, exploring the various animals from the novel The Jungle Book. They honed their technology skills and utilised reliable sources to research information about their chosen animals.

Year 6 students delved into Podcast Production and Emotional Monologues. They used their voices to discuss themes from the novel Wonder by RJ Palacio, such as Bullying and Stereotypes, through self-produced podcasts. They also tapped into their dramatic abilities by dramatising monologues from the perspective of characters from the novel.

We are excited to announce that we are once again hosting our annual Interschool Competition. This competition aims to promote the skills, abilities, knowledge and creativity of Gifted and Talented students. 

At Al Salam School, academically Gifted and Talented students are identified in areas of Maths, Science and English among other categories. This competition will allow Gifted and Talented students from Years 3 - 9 to challenge their abilities and skills. 

Students from ASPS, Al Diyafah High school, MSB Private School, Pristine Private and Al Salam Community School to take part in the competition. Schools select gifted and talented students as well as students with higher abilities to take part in the competitions.

Attendance

This is a plea to request that students attend school regularly in this very valuable last term of the year. Despite the extensive effort that went into the staff and students trying to ensure they did not miss any curriculum content, we do need to re-teach and re-assess content to ensure that the depth of learning required is there. We therefore urge parents to ensure that there are no missed days - or gaps due to late attendance- including full attendance on Fridays.

Assessments

It is very important that students attend school and avoid any absences. We have a number of internal and external assessments in Term 3 and we are not disclosing assessment dates as these are for now fluid and could change. Moreover, we have additional external and internal assessments at the end of the year and this is why the assessments have been spread over a length of time- to avoid undue stress on the students.

Can we remind parents that attendance will be recorded and is mandatory for all students until the last day, 5th July, of the academic year. We ask parents/families to schedule family vacations after the last day of school for students. 

Authorised holidays for Hajj only

The holy pilgrimage for Hajj will be taking place in June and we have had queries with regards to applying for leave. Please note some 'frequently asked questions' pertaining to such requests.