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Week Thirty Six - July 3rd, 2025
Dear GIS Primary Community,
As we wrap up another incredible school year, the energy across our campus has been nothing short of joyful. From heartfelt reflections and end-of-year parties to beautiful staff farewells, this final week of term has been a perfect reminder of just how special our community is.
After eight wonderful years at GEMS International School, I'm leaving with a full heart to move on to my new opportunity as Head of Primary at another IB World School here in Dubai.
This decision wasn’t an easy one. GIS has truly been my home—filled with laughter, learning, growth, and connection. I’ve grown both personally and professionally in this incredible community and am deeply grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned from each of you.
To our amazing students—thank you for making me smile every single day, for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and those brilliantly tricky questions that kept me on my toes. To our parents, thank you for your trust, your support, and for being true partners in your child’s learning. To the teachers and Primary Leaders—thank you for your unwavering dedication, collaboration, and the countless ways you’ve lifted me up. And to Simon Herbert and Kim Conlin and the rest of ELT — thank you for challenging me, guiding me, and helping me grow into the leader I am today.
While it’s bittersweet to leave GIS, I know the Primary School is in very capable hands. Ms. Mirna will be stepping into the role of Head of Primary, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a heart for our students. She’ll be supported by the dynamic duo of Ms. Aamna and Ms. Wanita, who continue to lead with warmth, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes our school special!
Wishing each of you a restful and joyful summer ahead. A quick reminder that our Early Childhood and new-to-GIS students return on August 25th, and all students will be back on campus August 26.
I hope to see many of you around Dubai, and I’m already planning to visit GIS next year to see how brilliantly you’re all doing. Thank you for everything—it has truly been the honor of a lifetime to be part of this community.
With heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes,
Sarah McLean
Head of Primary (just for a little longer!)
Events and Updates
Class information and schedules
Class information and schedules
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. All information will be sent through Toddle, so please inform your class teacher if you have any trouble registering.
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.
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 )
Key Contacts
Key Contacts
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