Weekly Communication from our Leadership Team
Week Twenty Two - February 20th, 2026
Weekly Communication from our Leadership Team
Nevita Pandya MBE
CEO/Principal
Mirna Hafez-Farah Primary School Principal
Aaron Kane Secondary School Principal
Dear GIS Parents,
Ramadan Kareem
As we continue through the blessed month of Ramadan, we extend our warmest wishes to all members of our community observing this sacred time. Ramadan is a month of reflection, faith and togetherness, and we remain committed to ensuring that our school environment is respectful, considerate and supportive throughout this important period.
Over the past week, a number of families have contacted us to express their preference for an online learning option on Fridays. We sincerely appreciate the respectful and thoughtful manner in which this feedback has been shared.
As communicated previously, any move to optional distance learning must comply with KHDA regulations, which require a minimum of 80% agreement from the parent community through a formal survey before approval can be granted. Unfortunately, the earlier survey did not meet this threshold.
In response to the further feedback received, we are now re-issuing the survey to ensure all families have the opportunity to share their view. The survey link is provided HERE, and it will close at the end of the day on Monday 23 February. Should the 80% threshold be met, we will immediately seek KHDA approval and, upon confirmation, share detailed arrangements for each grade level.
If approved, the following principles will apply for the remaining three Fridays of Ramadan:
Families must choose one option only, either fully online for all three Fridays or fully on site for all three Fridays.
Weekly changes between online and in-person attendance will not be possible.
A hybrid structure will be implemented; however, live dual delivery of lessons will not be feasible. Online provision will therefore be structured appropriately - we will provide further details for each Grade Level.
We would strongly encourage all Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to remain on site to ensure they continue to receive the focused academic support required at this crucial stage of their IB journey.
We will communicate the outcome early next week once survey responses have been reviewed and regulatory guidance clarified.
Frequently Asked Questions
If approved, can my child alternate between online and in-school Fridays?
No. Families must select one consistent option for all three remaining Fridays to ensure operational clarity and educational consistency.
Will live lessons be streamed for online students?
No. A live dual-delivery model is not operationally feasible given that we will have students on site attending normal lessons. Online learning will follow a structured format with learning materials provided through ManageBac and Toddle, with grade-specific guidance shared if approval is granted.
When will we know the final decision?
Following the close of the survey on Monday 23 February, we will review results and, if the threshold is met, seek immediate KHDA approval before confirming arrangements in time for online learning to commence on Friday 27th February 2026.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for engaging constructively as we seek to balance community needs with regulatory requirements during this important time.
Kind regards,
Nevita Pandya
Principal/CEO
(on behalf of the GIS Leadership Team)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Greetings from the GIS School Clinic.
Dr. Nicolas & AP Clinic, in collaboration with Dubai Health Authority will be conducting an oral health awareness program for students through dental education and a dental screening on 23rd and 24th February during school hours on the school campus.
The screening will be conducted only for students whose parents have already provided consent through the DHA medical form.
The dental screening program will be carried out for specific grades (KG1, Grade 1, Grade 4, Grade 7, and Grade 10). The screenings will take place at the school for both primary and secondary students on the same days.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our students.
Best regards,
GIS School Clinic
Please seethe Ramadan Squads timetable, which will begin on Monday 23rd February.
Kindly note that only the squads listed on the timetable will be running during Ramadan. If your son/daughter’s squad does not appear on the schedule, it will not be taking place during this period.
GIS Jaguar Squad Communication
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Official Jaguars WhatsApp Community. This will serve as a broadcast-only channel where coaches can share quick updates about fixtures, cancellations, logistics, and key dates.
Attached, you will find a QR code to join the Jaguars Community. Once you have joined, please also select and join the squad(s) your son or daughter is currently part of. This will allow your child’s coach to share relevant updates directly with you.
Please note that this number is used for broadcast messages only and will not support two-way conversations. Scan the QR code or follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HBITTrjtqv5ITdKtNHvped?mode=wwt
Photo Consent Preferences
Reminder: Please update your child's 'Photo Consent Preferences' via the GEMS Connect app, to ensure your child has permission to be featured in school marketing photos and videos.
To update your preferences, please follow the steps below:
Open GEMS Connect app
Click on Student Information icon
Click on General Consent (the consent tab is the very last option and will require you to scroll across)
Select Photographs and videos
Select your preference for your child
We require all parents to have manually ticked either 'yes' or 'no' for their child's photo consent.
WhatsApp Channels
Primary and Secondary WhatsApp Channels for our GIS community. These Channels will run on WhatsApp, meaning you will be able to manage your own notification settings and access the updates easily.
It is important to note that only our Parent Relations Executive, Helen Gornall, will be able to post messages to
these Channels and this will only be to share announcements/updates applicable. We encourage you to check
the relevant Channels regularly to remain informed about the latest developments.
We are introducing new trousers and joggers, which will be available through Threads from next academic year. In the meantime, students may wear plain navy blue trousers as part of the core uniform and plain navy blue joggers for the PE uniform if they wish.
GIS house color t-shirts and swim wear will be available to purchase from threads.
For any queries on Slices, please call or WhatsApp Andrea from Slices on 050 504 5908
Kind reminder to ensure students accounts have enough credit loaded so they do not face issues purchasing food.