Week Eleven - November 17th, 2023
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
Good afternoon parents,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to extend my gratitude for your cooperation and adaptability as we swiftly transitioned to online learning today.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to announce that Sports Week is just around the corner! Grade 1 and 2 on Monday, Early Years on Tuesday, grade 3 on Wednesday and grades 4 and 5 on Thursday. We end the week with a fun opportunity to dress as a sports hero . Sports week is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in various sports activities, fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a healthy dose of fun. Don't forget to send a video to our head of PE of a favorite way your family stays active. r.flaherty_gis@gemsedu.com
As the weather gradually cools down, I urge everyone to prioritize their health and well-being. If your child is feeling unwell, I kindly request that you keep them at home and notify your homeroom teacher. This proactive step is crucial in maintaining a healthy environment for all our students and staff. Attendance procedures are given below.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Your child's attendance and punctuality matters more than you might think. Students who attend school regularly in primary grades are more likely to achieve higher grades and perform better on standardized tests compared to those with poor attendance. Consistent attendance in school is not only about academic progress; it's a fundamental pillar for nurturing a child's social and emotional well-being, setting the stage for their overall development.
Your support in ensuring regular attendance sets the stage for your child's future success. Let's work together to make every school day count!
Any unavoidable 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 vijesh.kumar@sts-group.com.
Absences without prior communication will be marked unauthorized.
Parents will receive an email if their child is absent and it has not been authorized.
We hope the children that attended the ECAs in Term 1 found them valuable. Your voice matters so if you would like to request any ECA please add your suggestions here.
In this edition you will find:
Attendance and ECAs
Announcements / Reminders / Upcoming dates
Next ConnectEd - Supporting Reading in EC
Peek Into Learning (Practical Learning)
PYP curriculum resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
Nov 20 - 24 PYP Sports Week
Nov 24 Sport Hero Dress Down
Nov 27 - UAE National Day Celebration at GIS
Nov 27-Dec 1st School Photos
Nov 29 - Arabic Language Day
Nov 29 - Connect Ed - Reading in Early Childhood
Dec 1 - No School (UAE National Day holiday)
The purpose of the Connect Eds is to support our parent community with social, emotional, and academics for their children.
We have a plethora of knowledge and expertise in our Primary School Team, and they will provide practical information and strategies.
The parent community is an integral part of GIS, and we feel it is essential to make them part of our learning community.
We hope to see many of you at the Connect Eds, and closer to the time, we will send you more information on the ConnectEds in our Newsletter.
For our weekly peek, we wanted to draw back the curtain on a sample of the hands-on experiential learning that goes on in our school. This week at GIS, our Grade 2 students showcased their environmental stewardship by asking their teacher if they could plantseeds after delving into lessons on climate change and the greenhouse effect. They independently took action, petitioning teachers to allow them space and resources to grow plants, taking practical steps to reduce CO₂ by way of photosynthesis. In Grade 1, children explored the crucial roles various forms of transport play in supporting communities, immersing themselves in playful learning that unveiled the diverse responsibilities of individuals in control of vehicles, from motorcycle delivery drivers to pilots and container ship captains. Simultaneously, our Grade 3 students applied their knowledge of forces and motion by designing and building vehicles, demonstrating a hands-on approach to science education through their UOI. Additionally, our Grade 5 students embraced the future of music education, utilizing cutting-edge equipment for music production, showcasing GIS's commitment to providing innovative and practical experiences that enrich their education with real-world applications. We take pride in fostering a dynamic learning environment that equips students with practical skills and a deep understanding of the world around them.
Parents have all received a notification to sign up for the Toddle platform. This is an exciting enhancement to our parent communication, and this year you will receive weekly updates through the Toddle platform.
This IB affiliated platform will offer opportunities for parents to remain up to date with their child's academic progress.
The below class pages will host resources for parents and will no longer have weekly messages. All information will be sent through Toddle, so please inform your class teacher if you have any trouble registering.
Drop Off (7:50-8:10): Parents PK-G1 drop in classroom
Drop Off: (7:50-8:10) Grade 2-5 through gate 8 or gate 4
Late: any student arriving after the national anthem must get a late slip at front reception/gate 4.
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Pick up (3:05 or 11:30 on Friday): PK-G1 pick up from classroom
Pick up (3:15 or 11:40 on Friday) Pick up through gate 8 or 4
*due to crowding at gate 4, we have allocated a safe space near the pirate ship for PYP students to wait for parents. During adverse weather or lengthy waits, students will be moved to the canteen. Follow up with with a parent or guardian will take place after 30 min. We appreciate parents effort to collect children in time.
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.