Embedded Files
Week Thirty Two - May 19th, 2023
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
Dear PYP Parents,
What a wonderful day in the primary school yesterday with our student-led conferences. There were many smiling kids and proud parents roaming the hallways. It is always such a pleasure to see the confidence that has been instilled in the students at this time of year. Thank-you to all the parents who came and took part in this special day. Gratitude to our amazing teachers for going above and beyond each day to support student growth.
As we approach the final month of school, the focus is on consolidation of grade level benchmarks, assessment and of course reflection. Learning is a continual process and each grade marks a point along the journey. Teachers are beginning to write year end reports for students to support communication about your child's learning. All reports include next steps, as a way to honor learning as an ongoing journey. We trust that each family is considering summer holiday plans, keeping in mind the importance of learning beyond the structure a school provides.
Thank-you to our Arabic team for hosting a parent session this week to communicate how Arabic is taught in the primary grades with helpful strategies to support at home. We have a dedicated Arabic department dedicated to the development of Arabic language and culture at GIS.
A belated congratulations to all swimmers who represented GIS in the Falcon Competition. The swimming competition was a huge success, and all the swimmers should be proud of their achievements. They have demonstrated their talent, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the competition, and it is clear that they have a bright future ahead of them in the sport. The team won the 2nd place with 126 medals. Well done!"
Arts week is just around the corner and you may notice the entire school slowly transforming into a giant art gallery. We have many surprises in store for the students and look forward to a week of artistic celebration.
Enjoy your weekend!
Head of Primary, GIS
Newsletter at a Glance
Newsletter at a Glance
In this edition you will find:
Announcements / Reminders / Upcoming dates
Healthy Eating Campaign!
Peek Into Learning: Student Led Conferences
Primary Pages - link to Grade and Class pages
PYP reminders and resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
May - Healthy Eating Campaign Month
May 24th- Parent talk: tips for creating nutritious lunches for young children
May 29-June 2 - GIS Arts Week
June 20 - PYP Sports Awards
June 23 - G5 PYP Completion Ceremony
June 26 - Last Day of School
Announcements and Reminders:
Announcements and Reminders:
Healthy Eating Month Continued
Healthy Eating Month Continued
Primary Student Leaders have been busy raising awareness on how we can can add more health into our lives.
Primary Student Leaders have been busy raising awareness on how we can can add more health into our lives.
Students quickly took action after learning about how food affects your mood, from our school counselor Ms. Kim, and developed presentations to share with all classes in the primary school. They worked together with Ms. Au, to schedule times to visit KG classrooms and share their learning with our youngest students. Their hope is to inspire others to take control of their healthy eating choices.
Students quickly took action after learning about how food affects your mood, from our school counselor Ms. Kim, and developed presentations to share with all classes in the primary school. They worked together with Ms. Au, to schedule times to visit KG classrooms and share their learning with our youngest students. Their hope is to inspire others to take control of their healthy eating choices.
More presentations to take place next week.
More presentations to take place next week.
Peek Into Learning: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
Peek Into Learning: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
Student-led conferences in the IB program provide an opportunity for students to take an active role in showcasing their learning progress to their families. These conferences are an integral part of the IB approach, as they promote student agency, self-reflection, and communication skills.
Throughout the year, our dedicated teachers and teaching assistants have guided and supported our PYP students in their journey toward student-led conferences. They have facilitated reflective activities, goal-setting, and documentation of learning experiences, empowering students to take ownership of their education. By engaging in these activities and creating presentations, our PYP students have been preparing for these conferences, reflecting on their strengths, challenges, and strategies they've developed to overcome obstacles. Active participation in their own conferences allows our PYP students to develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of their learning. This fosters a strong partnership between students, parents, and educators, creating a more collaborative school community.
Thank you to all of the families that celebrated learning with our students!
Student Led Conference.MOV
to check your child's class page
to check your child's class page
Primary Class Pages
Primary Class Pages
Check out for weekly class updates
Information for new/starting families
Information for new/starting families
Overview of communication platforms (PYP)
Overview of communication platforms (PYP)
GIS Primary Handbook 2022_23.docx.pdfPrimary Handbook 2022-2023
Primary Handbook 2022-2023
Drop off and Pick up
Drop off and Pick up
Parents PK-G1 drop/pick up in classroom (through gate 4,6,8)
Grade 2-5 drop/pick up either gate 4 or gate 8
Late/Tardy: any student arriving after the national anthem must get a late slip at front reception/gate 4
My child will be absent
My child will be absent
Email your child's homeroom teacher before 8am so that he / she can mark their absence as excused.
Complete an absence form for an absence of more than 2 days and submit to PYP office or homeroom teacher on the child's first day back.
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)
Email the gis_primaryleaverequest@gemsedu.com and your child's homeroom teacher 24 hours in advance to ensure your child and their leave slip are prepared in advance.
At the time of collection, please come to the Primary Reception at Gate 4.
Key Contacts
Key Contacts
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