Week Thirty Two - May 30th, 2025
Dear PYP Families,
What a joyful and inspiring week it has been at GEMS International School as we celebrated Arts Week across our PYP community!
From the vibrant art installations proudly displayed around our campus to the uplifting music mornings that kicked off our days with energy and joy, every moment has been a true celebration of creativity and expression. Our art workshops were filled with curious hands and imaginative minds, and it was wonderful to see our learners so deeply engaged in the creative process.
The highlight of the week, of course, was the much-anticipated PYP Musical: Finding Nemo Junior—and what a performance it was! With over 50 students and 20 staff members involved, the show was a shining example of collaboration, commitment, and artistic excellence. The choreography, the singing, and the set design were nothing short of remarkable. Every moment reflected the heart and soul our community poured into this production.
I feel incredibly proud to be part of a community that wholeheartedly embraces the arts and values the many ways in which our students can shine. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this week such a success!
As we look ahead, please be reminded of the upcoming Midterm Break from June 2–4, followed by Eid Holidays on June 5–6. We wish you a restful and joyful time with your families and look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, June 9th.
A few important reminders:
The last day of school for students is Wednesday, July 2nd.
Optional Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) will take place on Thursday, July 3. Teachers will be available to answer any questions. More details about PTCs will be shared closer to the date.
Thank you for your continued support and for celebrating the arts with us in such a big way. Have a wonderful week off!
Warm regards,
Sarah McLean
Celebrating Kden Tshering Krishnan’s Dance Achievements
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of Kden Tshering Krishnan from Grade 5A, whose passion for the performing arts continues to shine on both local and international stages. Over the past two months, Kden has showcased her talent in a range of dance competitions, earning multiple awards across solo, duo, and group performances. Notably, she qualified to represent Team UAE at the Global Dance Open Finals in Birmingham, UK this July!
Highlights from her recent successes include:
Dance World Cup UAE Qualifier (March): Silver medals in Solo Lyrical, Commercial, Musical Theatre & Group Dance; Bronze in Duo Musical Theatre
Global Dance Open UAE Qualifier (April): Gold in Solo Commercial Dance; Silver and Bronze across four other categories
Dare Dance Experience (April): First place in both Solo Musical Theatre and Solo Lyrical Dance
Kden’s dedication, creativity, and love for dance are truly inspiring. We wish her all the best as she prepares for the international finals!
Events and Updates
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.
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.
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 )