Embedded Files
Week Three - September 15th, 2023
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
Good afternoon parents,
It was so wonderful to see so many of you at Back to School Night. The homeroom teachers put on an informative session to ensure parents are well-informed about expectations and plans for the year. We also had very informative sessions about digital safety, behavior and well-being, extracurricular activities, and the IB curriculum in the primary years. A big thank-you to our dedicated teachers for sharing their knowledge.
Extracurricular activities have been extremely popular and a few additional sections will be open this evening at 7pm. Parents are encouraged to check their SOCs accounts for any extra sessions or changes they wish to make. ECA's will begin next week.
Next week, eligible students will begin to take part in the beginning of year MAP assessments. Please refer to the MAP Letter below for more details.
On Wednesday at 2pm, we invite new families to a parent ConnectEd at school to offer support and strategies for families new to Dubai. Please arrive early this day for pick-up to take part in this session.
Student leadership is an integral part of GIS. Next week students can indicate interest in running for either a student council position (grades 3-5) or house captain (grade 5). Next week students can sign up and start to prepare speeches.
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: Igniting Curiosity
Primary Pages - link to Grade and Class pages
PYP reminders and resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
September 18- 27th - MAP Assessment Window
September 18 - ECAs begin
September 18 - October 4th - PYP Student Leadership Elections
September 20 at 2pm-3pm - Connect Ed - Transitioning to Dubai - please RSVP here
October 5-6th - 1:1 Parent Teacher Listening Conferences Students will not attend school on these (1.5) days
Announcements and Reminders:
Announcements and Reminders:
Connect Ed - SAVE THE DATES
Connect Ed - SAVE THE DATES
Please Save the Dates for the upcoming Connect Eds.
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 important to make them part of our learning community.
We hope to see you 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:
Peek into Learning:
Nurturing Future Leaders: Student Leadership Opportunities in Grades 3-5
We're putting a spotlight on student leadership this week, an element that fits right into our PYP philosophy. Leadership isn't just about standing at the front; it's about understanding, empathy, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
The Learner Profile attributes help build a foundation for responsible citizenship and leadership. Fostering qualities like being principled, open-minded, and a good communicator equips students to take on roles that influence their surroundings positively. Plus, these roles help kids develop important ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills such as communication and self-management.
We encourage all interested students from Grades 3-5 to consider trying out for the Student Council. It's a wonderful platform for those who have ideas on how we can continue to make our school an even better place. Whether it's a suggestion for a new after-school club, an environmental initiative, or a community outreach program, we want to hear from you!
For our Grade 5 students, the leadership journey doesn't end at the Student Council. You also have the exclusive opportunity to try out for House Captains. If you're filled with school spirit and have a knack for motivating your peers, this is the perfect role for you.
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. From next week, all information will sent through Toddle, so please inform your cklass teacher if you have any trouble registering.
Primary Class Pages
Primary Class Pages
Check out for weekly class updates
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
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