Subject: Preparing for a Safe Return to Campus

Dear GIS Parents & Guardians,

We hope you and your families are safe and well.

Following the recent announcements from the Ministry of Education and guidance from KHDA, we are now preparing for a phased return to in-person learning. This is a really positive step for our community, and one we are approaching with care, clarity and a strong focus on safety. While our online learning has remained strong, we know how important it is for students to be back together on campus, reconnecting with their teachers and peers. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them back.

Please note that our return to campus is subject to full KHDA approval. This includes mandatory staff training, a detailed inspection of our facilities and confirmation that all safety and operational requirements are fully in place. 

Below is an outline for next week’s learning plan. Please note that we will only be able to have students on campus once KHDA approval has been granted:

Each Grade Level will return to campus for full safety training before attending lessons.

Remote learning provision will be available for those students not returning to campus - further information will be provided next week.

As part of our preparations, we kindly ask that you read this letter clearly and the attached FAQ document carefully before submitting your response, as they contain important information about procedures, safety protocols and learning options. The consent and intention form is mandatory and required by KHDA to ensure we hold accurate and up to date information for every student, and it must be completed separately for each child. Through this consent and intention form, you will confirm whether your child will attend on campus or continue with online learning during the initial phase.

As shared previously, in-person learning is not mandatory and families can choose the option that best suits their circumstances. Your selection will guide our staffing, timetabling and safe operations. In line with KHDA guidance, students will remain in one consistent learning mode during each phase. Once submitted, this choice will apply for the current phase, and any changes at a later stage will need to be requested through the school.

By completing the form, you are confirming that your child’s information and emergency contacts are accurate, that you are contactable during the school day, and that you will support prompt collection if required. You are also confirming your intended learning model and providing consent for your child to attend school, subject to KHDA approval and in line with all health, safety and operational protocols. This needs to be completed by Monday 20th April at 12:00pm.

GIS Mandatory Consent & Intentions Form

As part of the KHDA guidance, we wanted to share some key principles shaping our approach:

• Safety comes first in all decisions. Student and staff wellbeing remains our priority

• All school activities will take place indoors, with no assemblies or large gatherings during the initial phase

• Clearly designated safe zones are in place, and staff are fully trained to respond calmly and effectively if needed

• We will follow official guidance and alerts at all times

• Both in-person and online learning will continue, with students remaining in one consistent mode during each phase

In addition, KHDA protocols require all schools to:

• Ensure staff are fully trained in safety procedures, emergency response and student wellbeing before reopening

• Implement clear routines for arrival, dismissal and movement around the school to avoid crowding

• Maintain calm environments that support students both academically and emotionally

• Be ready to respond immediately to any official alert, including moving students to safe zones if required

A few further important points for families:

• In-person learning is not mandatory

• Depending on numbers, we may adapt both in-person and online provision. Any changes will be clearly communicated

• Students will remain in one learning model during each phase

• School transport will not be available initially

• Arrival and dismissal will be staggered and carefully managed

• Access to the school site will be controlled to support safe operations

• Our school canteens will not be open or operating during the initial phase of our return to campus. We kindly ask that all students attending in person bring a healthy snack, a packed lunch, and a refillable water bottle with them each day. 

We also want to reassure you that a strong focus is being placed on student wellbeing. Staff will be trained not only in safety procedures, but also in how to support students emotionally, ensuring a calm and reassuring environment as they return.

We want to take this opportunity to congratulate our students for their hard work during remote learning, thank our staff for their dedication, and thank you for your continued trust and support. The strength of our community has been clear throughout this period, and we are confident that together we will ensure a smooth and positive return to campus.

We will continue to keep you updated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to welcoming our students back very soon.

Kind regards,

Mirna Hafez-Farah - Primary Principal

Aaron Kane - Secondary Principal

Nevita Pandya - Principal/CEO

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.

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. 

GIS Community Calendar 25/6

If you would like to subscribe to the the GIS Community Calendar, please click HERE for the link.  

This calendar will be continually updated to reflect key dates and events.