Week Thirty Three - June 7th, 2024
Dear Parents,
As we approach the end of the week, we are excited to share some important updates and upcoming events with you:
We are hosting Student-Led Conferences on Tuesday. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for your child to take the lead in discussing their learning journey. By presenting their work and reflecting on their progress, students develop critical skills in self-assessment and communication. Please be aware the conference sign up will close on Sunday. You can sign up using the PTC Fast link.
Students will be performing "Aladdin" as part of our Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) program. The performance will showcase the hard work and dedication of our students and staff, who have been rehearsing tirelessly. We look forward to seeing you at the show and sharing in the magic of this tale brought to life by our students. If you would like to come please reserve your seat using this link.
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors have successfully completed their projects on community building, self-esteem, relationships, and resilience. These projects have been a significant part of our commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing school environment. Working closely with the wellbeing team, our ambassadors have delivered workshops and activities that have positively impacted their peers. We encourage you to speak with your child about these projects and the valuable lessons they have learned.
Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful weekend!
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
In this edition you will find:
Announcements / Reminders / Upcoming dates
Peek Into Learning
Student Life Updates
Student Spotlight
PYP curriculum resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
June 11th - Student Led Conference (poster below)
June 12th - Connect Ed: RAFT model - navigating transitions
June 13 & 14 - Aladdin Musical Performance (ECA)
June 17 & 18 - School closed for Eid (TBC)
June 19th - Eid Al Adha celebrations at school (TBC)
June 20th - Student leadership workshop and celebration
June 21st: PYP Step Up Day; last day for library books
June 24th - PYP Sports Awards
June 28th - Grade 5 Completion Ceremony (only G5); Reports to parents
July 4th - Last day of school for students
July 5th - Optional Parent teacher conference (last day for teachers)
For Information of all the sessions we have to support Grade 5 through transition
Early years begin their scientific journey by engaging in straightforward investigations like mixing different substances, fostering an early interest in cause and effect. This approach is designed to spark curiosity and ground their first scientific observations in engaging and meaningful experiences.
In upper primary, students delve into more advanced scientific concepts. Recently, Grade 4 has been investigating how friction and energy influence the speed of moving objects, while Grade 5 explores the chemical properties that make fire extinguishers effective. These experiments not only enhance their understanding of scientific principles but also connect classroom learning to real-world applications, embodying the GIS principles of engaged, purposeful, and innovative learning.
Student Life
Resilience workshops
Grade 2-5 students went to the early childhood classrooms to deliver resilience workshops to them. Pre-K had to build a tower and when it fell the students used words of encouragement. In KG1 they had to look at feelings through faces and how we can support those who show negative emotions. In KG2 they did a role play and in Grade 1 they watched a video about resilience and what strategies they could use to be more reslient.
Term 3 Connect Eds
The purpose of Connect Eds is to support our parent community with information related to social, emotional, and academic 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 facilitators.
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 note that times differ during the holy month of Ramadan)
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.
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 )
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.