Dear Parents,

I hope that you are well. 

Thank you again to our new families who completed the recent GEMS survey about your experience as newcomers to our school. I am so pleased that this has resulted in the most positive outcome ever for GIS, with regard to ‘net promoter score’ (how much you would recommend the school to others). I would like to thank all those involved in helping our new families, from staff and students, through to our parental community. We shall still look at areas for improvement, and avoid any complacency, whilst enhancing our strengths also. 

On the subject of improvement, I am hearing positive feedback on the new measures brought in this year, from student surveys on classroom climate, to ‘Academic Priority’ sessions each Monday afternoon after school, along with increased learning walks from middle and senior leaders. Well done to all and it is so pleasing to have this focus on teaching and learning. 

This week we had a compliance visit from KHDA. This was not about education, or the classroom. It was an annual check that our policies were in place and correct, and that we follow Ministry of Education instructions and recommendations. I am grateful to Ms Tasnim, our Government Relations Executive, for her hard work in ensuring that this passed successfully.

Other good news this week! I am reliably informed that our swimming pool has now been fully repaired and water tested. This was a huge job of excavation and investigation, and I would like to thank Mr Arun, Mr John and their teams. The pool will be back in action by Monday and I would like to thank all students and parents for your patience. 

I am grateful to our Grade 5 teachers and leaders and parents for the wonderful ‘Pot Luck’ gathering on Friday. This was the first time for the Primary School, following the success of these events in Secondary. Many thanks for the wonderful food and community spirit!