Week Thirty Three - June 13th, 2025
Dear Parents,
I hope you enjoyed the midterm break and Eid ul Adha. It was wonderful to be welcomed back by our amazing Arabic colleagues, who had organised coffee, dates, quizzes and a special performance by students which visually illustrated and explained the Festival of Sacrifice. My thanks to all involved, particularly our students, and Heads of Islamic Ms Nomah and Ms Rasha.
This week, I have again been so impressed with the dynamism and academic prowess of our students. I would like to mention, in particular, the extraordinary work on genetics from Grade 9 student, Pranay M, a member of Ms Nisa’s science class. Pranay has received an Honourable Mention in the prestigious Seventeenth Annual European DNA Day Video Contest 2025, organised by the European Society of Human Genetics. His submission, titled “One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Why Diversity in DNA Matters,” was selected from nearly 300 essays and over 30 videos submitted from 26 countries, evaluated by a panel of 45 international experts. You may watch his video here
This recognition celebrates Pranay’s originality, scientific insight, and ability to communicate the importance of genetic diversity with clarity and purpose. His achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the quality of scientific learning within our school.
We were also treated to a high-level debate this week. As parents know, I am a huge supporter of debating clubs in schools, which give confidence through risk-taking in a supportive environment, develop critical thinking skills and of course the art of oratory and rhetoric. Therefore, I am hugely grateful to our Student Body President, Iman Bint F (G11), for organising a debate entitled, ‘This House Believes That Social Media Influencers Should Be Taxed Based On Their Following To Fund Social Causes’. What a thrill it was to see six students battle it out in front of a respectful and appreciate Grade 7 audience and three staff judges. Well done to all the debaters: Sara Bint F (G9), Sara S (G9), Sarrah S (G9), Dario M A (G10), Vihaan G (G10), Loyan D (G11).
On an academic theme, my thanks also to Ms Sandy, our MYP Coordinator, and her team, for the organisation of Grade 10 examinations, which are taking place this week. Grade 10 exams have not always been a feature of the school calendar, but this year have been introduced as an even sharper way to prepare for the DP/CP that lies ahead in G11 and G12. I wish our students the very best.
Finally, I would like to thank our amazing GISPA team for organising not just one, but two events for our staff (support staff and academic). Firstly, a support staff lunch gathering took place at the The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on the 31st May.
And secondly, our teachers, TAs and LSAs enjoyed a ‘teacher appreciation’ banquet provided by our lovely families. This is always the best cuisine and our staff were truly grateful on Thursday.
Kind regards and have a good weekend,
Dear Parents,
We want to extend a heartfelt Thank you for your generous contributions to our Teachers’ Appreciation Day lunch. Your delicious dishes, thoughtful preparation, and support made the event truly special and meaningful.The teachers felt deeply appreciated and celebrated, and it wouldn't have been possible without your kindness and effort.
Thank you for helping create such a warm and memorable occasion.
With gratitude,
GISPA
Dear Parents,
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generous support in helping us raise funds for the Support Staff Appreciation Lunch held at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Your contributions made it possible for us to host a special event that truly showed our appreciation for the dedicated individuals who work so hard behind the scenes every day to support our school community. The lunch was a memorable occasion, and it meant a great deal to our support staff to feel recognized and valued.
We are so grateful to have such a thoughtful and engaged parent community. Thank you once again for your kindness and support!
Warm regards,
GISPA
The Country Ambassador program was launched in 2021 with the intention of helping connect families with their motherland tongue and country. Small community sub groups have been created to help integrate new families from these specific countries as they enroll at GIS. We encourage you to join your country group via the QR code.
Although as a whole, we are one big family, it’s always nice to connect with those from our country. Ultimately, the goal is to have at least ONE representative for each country.
If you see that your country or ambassador is not listed and you are interested in representing your country, please reach out to us via email at gispa@gemsisak.com
Our Iranian, Egyptian and Latino parents have already started to welcome returning and new parents on a nice breakfast gathering.
We encourage all GIS communities to get together and keep us posted.
GIS house color t-shirts and swim wear will be available to purchase from threads.
Please see below the current Slices menu.
For any queries on Slices, please call or WhatsApp Andrea from Slices on 050 504 5908
Kind reminder to ensure students accounts have enough credit loaded so they do not face issues purchasing food.