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Week Nineteen - February 2nd, 2024
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
Dear GIS Primary Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. We just completed our Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday and Friday. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who took the time to attend and engage in discussions with our dedicated staff. Your active involvement is truly appreciated. This will be followed up with your child's written report. Our teachers have been working diligently to provide a comprehensive overview of your child's progress and achievements.
Exciting news for many of our students in grades 3, 4, and 5! Next week we are runing our 'Week Without Walls' trips. These adventures provide a unique opportunity for outdoor education and the application of IB Approaches to Learning skills. We can't wait to see our students embrace this hands-on learning experience.
We are excited to announce the upcoming celebration of World Read Aloud Day on Feb 7th at our school. This event holds great importance as it not only promotes the joy of reading but also provides an opportunity to celebrate our diverse and multilingual community. Please contact Ms Emma Johnson if you are willing to read a book to children on this day in any language. e.johnson_gis@gemsedu.com
Mark your calendars for an important event on February 8th - the launch of "Positive Discipline for Parents." Join this session to gain insights into this approach and learn more about upcoming parent courses. We believe that fostering a positive and supportive community is essential for the holistic development of our students.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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
Feb 5 - Feb 9: Reading Assessments continue
Feb 7: World Read aloud day
Feb 8: Positive Discipline launch (online)
Week beginning Feb 5: Week Without Walls - G3,4,5
Week beginning Feb 19: Student Leadership Spirit week: Mind, Body, Spirit and Friendship.
Feb 23: International Day (Evening event)
Mar 4-8: GIS Lit Fest
Announcements and Reminders:
Announcements and Reminders:
SAVE THE DATES for our future Connect Eds
The purpose of the Connect Eds is to support our parent community with information related to 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 times, locations and the facilitators.
Peek into Learning: Connected
Peek into Learning: Connected
Over the next five weeks we'll be showcasing the five key Learning Principles at GIS. These principles guide us in recognizing and achieving high-quality learning experiences. They are: purposeful, engaging, connected, innovative, and ambitious learning.
At GIS, our learning journey is deeply rooted in making meaningful connections through the Unit of Inquiry that bridge the curriculum with the broader world. For example, our Grade 2 students explored the Unit of Inquiry on "Marketplaces connect trade and society," which was brought to life by a visit from Riaan van Niekerk of Network International. He shared insights into electronic payment processing systems, directly tying classroom concepts to real-world financial systems. This exemplifies the authentic application of their learning. Similarly, from the earliest stages, our approach is evident; in Kindergarten, students explore practical applications of materials, such as using water for cleaning, as part of their Unit of Inquiry. These activities demonstrate the relevance of their inquiries beyond the classroom walls. At GIS, these intentional connections through the Unit of Inquiry framework are fundamental, ensuring that learning is engaging, relevant, and equips our students with a deeper understanding of their place in a globally interconnected society.
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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