Embedded Files
Week Fourteen - December 8th, 2023
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
Dear GIS Primary Families,
As we approach the winter holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. This week of gratitude, led by our Student Council, has been a heartening way to draw the curtain on what has been a busy first term.
I find myself reflecting on the immense gratitude I hold for being part of such a vibrant and supportive GIS community. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by our students, parents, and staff have made this term a remarkable journey of growth and learning for all. As we gear up for a well-deserved break, please take the time to focus on things you are grateful for.
Term 2 is on the horizon, beginning January 2nd. Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) sign-ups will be open on January 4th (KG2/G1) 5th (grade 2/3) and 6th (grade 4/5). ECA's are an excellent opportunity for our students to explore new interests, develop skills, and make new friends beyond the classroom. Stay tuned for further details on the ECA sign-up process, and make sure to mark your calendars to ensure your child's participation in the activities they're passionate about.
Your child's mid-year report card and parent teacher conference will take place early in term 2. Further information will be given after the winter break.
In closing, I wish you all a joyful winter holiday. Thank you for being an integral part of the GIS family.
Spirit of Gratitude (summary)
Spirit of Gratitude (summary)
The Spirit of Gratitude week was intended to embody and synthesize what it means to be an IB student and truly, a balanced and caring person. There is no higher synthesis and embodiment of the IB than to bring light into dark moments. To bring hope and friendship into difficult moments. PYP student leadership has undertaken this initiative in order to bring a sense of community in a thoughtful and innovative way while integrating the school’s focus on literacy.
The visual arts arts department, in a humble showing of gratitude, displayed the tree of gratitude.
The PYP choir sung songs of joy, happiness and gratitude throughout the school in an uplifting ensemble.
Grade four certainly go into the spirit of Spirit of Gratitute by exploring gratitude as a community.
Grade five met and discussed what they are grateful while wearing white to symbolize.
Door Decorating contest
Door Decorating contest
The door decorating contest was part of the spirit of gratitude. The student council led this initiative by creating a presentation and video for our students and staff. They then took pictures of each door on Thursday 7 Dec to judge on a winner and they were announced on Friday 8th December. Everyone was given a participation certificate created by the school council and handed out to the ones that participated. Please see the vidoe below of all the participants.
Newsletter at a Glance
Newsletter at a Glance
In this edition you will find:
Announcements / Reminders / Upcoming dates
Peek Into Learning
PYP curriculum resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
December 11- Jan 1 - Winter Break
Jan 2nd - First Day of School
Jan 15 - Jan 30 - MAP Assessment Window
Feb 1-2 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Announcements and Reminders:
Announcements and Reminders:
Connect Ed - watch out for Term 2 dates soon.
Connect Ed - watch out for Term 2 dates soon.
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.
Peek into Learning: Creating
Peek into Learning: Creating
In reflecting on our students' work at GIS, it's crucial to recognize that the real magic lies not just in the finished products but in the journey of creating. Whether it's constructing box cars during a science unit, crafting cultural artefacts in art, producing digital beats in music, or collaborating on inclusive recreational park spaces, our PYP students are actively engaged in the process of making, doing, and learning from their mistakes. These experiences teach resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. As we approach the break, consider taking some time to create something, anything, with your child. Embrace the joy of the process, fostering a memorable bonding experience that transcends the final outcome.
Keep up to date with what is happening in your child's class!
Keep up to date with what is happening in your child's class!
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.
Please remember that weekly updates will come to you through Toddle.
Please remember that weekly updates will come to you through Toddle.
Information for new/starting families
Information for new/starting families
Drop off and Pick up
Drop off and Pick up
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.
My child will be absent
My child will be absent
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 )
My child will leave during the school day (exceptional/unavoidable cases only)
My child will leave during the school day (exceptional/unavoidable cases only)
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.
Key Contacts
Key Contacts
GIS Primary Behavior Policy 2.pdfPage updated
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