Week One - September 1st, 2023
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
We had a wonderful start to the year in the PYP!
Many exciting enhancements have taken place over the summer to improve academic engagement. Our Innovation hub (2nd floor) for students grade 2-5 will open officially for students in the coming weeks. We will welcome parents to visit during one of our upcoming parent ConnectEd sessions. We will also begin construction for a new PYP sports hall soon. We will continue to run classes during construction with minimal disruption. However the swimming pool will be out of operation during certain aspects of construction. Dates will be shared soon and we appreciate your patience as we work to increase our learning spaces.
Thank-you to our whole community for a smooth start and welcome to all of our new families. Orientation on August 28th for new students and parents was a success and supported a successful start to the year. Parents with students in early years (Pk-G1) spent orientation with their child's teacher, so there will also be a leadership welcome for our new parents in the early years this coming Wednesday Sept 6th, after drop off. Please see the ad below for details.
All parents (new and returning) should save the date September 12th to visit the school for Back To School Night. This is a night to meet your child's teachers for the year and learn about the expectations and learning opportunities. Each class will also be allocating a room parent to support the communication between home and school. If you are willing to take on this role, please reach out to your child's teacher.
If your child will ride the school bus, it is important that any changes to the routine are communicated to both the homeroom teacher and STS via email. If an email is not received, the child will be taken to the bus as planned. Homeroom teachers must also receive communication if a student below grade 2 will be collected by an adult other than the parent.
Finally, please take some time to review the parent handbook to ensure you are aware of any new protocols and important reminders for those in place.
In this edition you will find:
Announcements / Reminders / Upcoming dates
Peek Into Learning: a whole new year
Primary Pages - link to Grade and Class pages
PYP reminders and resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
September 6th - New Early Childhood Parent Orientation
September 12th - Curriculum Evening - Back to School Night
September 18- 27th - MAP Assessment Window
The first week of school has been a whirlwind of excitement and new beginnings!
Students are already settling into their new routines, navigating the hallways with increasing confidence. Friendships are forming naturally as students engage in meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Teachers are thrilled with the enthusiasm and curiosity that students have brought into their classes. Fun, interactive activities have helped everyone get to know each other better, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children; it's clear that this year is going to be one of growth, learning, and plenty of joy. Stay tuned for more updates as we dive into the heart of the academic year!
Parents PK-G1 drop/pick up in classroom (through gate 4,6,8)
Grade 2-5 drop/pick up either gate 4 (PYP canteen) or gate 8
Late: any student arriving after the national anthem must get a late slip at front reception/gate 4.
Any absence (whether it is planned or unplanned ) must be communicated via email to the homeroom teacher and gis_primaryleaverequest@gemsedu.com by 8:00 AM. STS/bus users must also copy the STS manger on the email. vijesh.kumar@sts-group.com
A planned or extended absence beyond 2 days requires the completion of an absence request form.
Absence for more than 3 days requires prior approval if planned or a doctors clearance for illness related leave (in some cases a medical certificate is requested )
Parents are urged to schedule medical, dental and other appointments after school hours or during vacations.
A request must be submitted before a child can be released once in school for health and safety and reasons.
Filling in the form 24hrs in advance is expected where possible.
At the time of collection, please come to the Primary Reception at Gate 4.