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Week Six - October 7th 2022
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Dear Parents & Guardians,
It's been another eventful week for the Secondary School. The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi) is on October 8th. I would like to extend a big thank you to our Islamic department, who coordinated a school celebration on Tuesday, this week, comprising treats at the school entrances for parents and students to enjoy. On Tuesday and Thursday this week, Grade 10 students attended trips to Masdar City. More information about these trips is available in the 'From the Classroom' section of the newsletter, below.
"Masdar City is a pioneer in sustainability and a hub for research and development, spearheading the innovations to realize greener, more sustainable urban living. The City is home to a rapidly growing clean-tech cluster, business free zone and residential neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and public green spaces."
We celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day on Wednesday. On behalf of the Secondary School team, a sincere thank you for the many gestures of thanks and appreciation, received from the GIS community! Emirates News Agency visited on Thursday to interview a group of students on the topic of tolerance and diversity. Thank you to the following students for your insightful and valued contributions, who impressed our visitors, throughout their conversation:
Sophie Drysdale Allen
Foteini Fasoula
Mikko Faddoul
Maitreyi Singh
Hiba Hassan
Yusra Faheem
Jhanavi Ravi
Please be reminded that there will be no school for secondary students next week. We will be on mid-term break on Monday and Tuesday, followed by Parent-Teacher Conferences throughout the remainder of the week. PTCs will take place virtually - the timings are as follows:
Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm
By now, you should have received an email containing the link to book your meetings with teachers, via PTCFast. In case the email has not reached your inbox, please check your spam folder and be sure to reserve your appointments by 5pm on Sunday 9th October.
The purpose of these conferences is to discuss the subject-related progress (to date) and goals of your child(ren). These conferences will be facilitated by your child’s subject teachers, though there is an expectation that students lead elements of the conversations; providing an opportunity for them to articulate their learning so far and to demonstrate an understanding of their areas for development.
With the mid-term break now upon us, I wish you a relaxing time with family and friends over the week ahead.
Amanda Murphy
Head of Secondary School
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
October 7 Progress Report published
October 10-14 No School due to Mid-term break & PTC's
October 12 - 14 Online Parent Teacher Conferences
November 7-11 Week Without Walls (WWW)
December 9 Term 1 Report published | End of term 1
As per the results of the community survey, PTCs will take place virtually.
As per the results of the community survey, PTCs will take place virtually.
Families should not visit the school campus for these conferences.
Families should not visit the school campus for these conferences.
Upcoming Secondary ConnectEd Sessions
Upcoming Secondary ConnectEd Sessions
ConnectEd Presentations
ConnectEd Presentations
Keeping Our Children Safe Online
Keeping Our Children Safe Online
Digital devices, such as smartphones and tablets, make online platforms and content easily accessible. And, while there are many benefits of seamless accessibility and connectivity, there are also many potential risks - to the health, well-being and even the safety of young people - that must be considered by young people themselves, as well as by parents and schools. Technological advances are faster than ever and new online platforms are released at a rapid rate, making it challenging to effectively monitor and control (for their own well-being) the online activity of the young people in our care.
Young people will, at times, seek out and/or be inadvertently exposed to inappropriate online content. If and when this is the case, it is important that they feel comfortable and confident to disclose and discuss the matter with trusted adults. While banning smart devices may not be practical (or desirable), implementing agreements around device usage (for instance) is a healthy and productive approach to online media balance and safety. There are a number of useful tips and strategies available to support healthy and well-informed approaches to media use. Please take some time to explore the E-safety: Parent Guidance, which has been created to support GIS parents in this regard.
GIS Student Voice
GIS Student Voice
Last year, the amazing Student ELT launched the Secondary Student Hub for secondary students. This is an ongoing collaborative project between the Student ELT, Inclusion Team & Grade Leaders.
The Secondary Student Hub will remain the students access point for the new social groups and peer mentoring, as well as signing up for the already established peer tutoring programme.
Students will also be able to find links to ECAs, student voice initiative, counsellor referral forms, mindset matters and homeroom information. We are really proud of the work that the Student ELT have put in to this so far and look forward to seeing their expansion of the site.
*Students must be logged into their gemsisak gmail account to access the site.
Parent WhatsApp Groups
Parent WhatsApp Groups
Scan the QR code(s) to join our
Scan the QR code(s) to join our
Grade Level Parent WhatsApp Groups
Grade Level Parent WhatsApp Groups
From the Classroom (and beyond)
From the Classroom (and beyond)
Jaguars Updates
Jaguars Updates
Throughout the year, you will be able to review information about the week's sports results and scorers, in addition to action photos, match reports, sports news and much more on our Jaguar Sports website.
Throughout the year, you will be able to review information about the week's sports results and scorers, in addition to action photos, match reports, sports news and much more on our Jaguar Sports website.
NBA Abu Dhabi Games
NBA Abu Dhabi Games
As part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, featuring Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, Albert Klintell (Grade 7), Tia Sarrouh (Grade 9) and Nima Klintell (Grade 11) were selected by their respective Dubai-based academies to attended and participate in a unique NBA showcase event, facilitated by some of the most high-profile professional basketball players (and their coaches) from the USA's NBA league.
Albert, Tia and Nima were selected by their respective academies (see below) to participate in some training and skills-based activities, along with NBA players. Tia even asked John Collins if he could dunk over her... and he did - see the Instagram post here!
Nima was also selected to participate in a game against some of the best female U16 basketball players from across Europe. Still to be confirmed, Nima may also get to participate in the half-time Gatorade Challenge on Saturday, when the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks go head to head.
Tia Sarrouh: Sole Ball Above AllAlbert and Nima Klintell: NBA Dubai
This a wonderful experience for these students, who continue to add significant value to our GIS Jaguars sports squads - congratulations and well done for embracing the opportunity!
UAE Tennis Federation
UAE Tennis Federation
Last weekend, Ishir Mehta competed in a tournament organized by the UAE Tennis Federation. Ishir won the U12 category, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the U14 category. Congratulations and well done, Ishir!
Swim Gala
Swim Gala
Congratulations to our GIS Jaguars Swim Squad, who competed in the first MYP Swim Gala of this academic year. They did an excellent job, with several swimmers finishing in the top three places in their respective races.
Overall, GIS finished in 3rd place, with several Jaguars swimmers placing in the top three of their respective races (see below).
Overall GIS came in the 3rd place - Go Jaguars!
Relays
- 1st place in the U19 girls Medley Relay
- 2nd place in the U19 Boys Freestyle Relay
- 3rd place in the U15 Girls Freestyle Relay
- 3rd place in the U15 Boys Freestyle Relay
- 3rd place in the U19 Boys Mixed Freestyle Relay
Pictures taken by Kabir (G12) and Kian (G6)
1st Place Finishers:
- Fayth Fernandes 6F in 50 Freestyle.
- Shayna Katra 11B in 50m Breststroke.
- Belma Demir 6D in 100m Individual Medley.
- Dario Moya Aleman 8D in 100m Individual Medley
2nd Place Finishers:
- Sean Duva 8A in 50m Backstroke.
- Francesca Terzi 9B in 100m Freestyle.
- Christopher Dufva 11C in 50m Backstroke and 100m IM.
- Avery McWhorter 8E in 50m Breaststroke.
- Dario Moya Aleman 8D in 50m Butterfly.
- Shayna Katra 11B in 50m Butterfly and 100m IM.
- Marcela Landeaux 9D in 50m Freestyle.
- Kabir Kantharia 12D in 50m Freestyle.
3rd Place Finishers:
- Vanessa Almeida 6F in 50m Breaststroke.
- Glikeriia Sazonova 6C in 50m Backstroke.
- Taylor Cooks 7C in 100m Freestyle.
- Edward Eyley 8D in 50m Backstroke.
- Marcela Landeaux 9D in 50m Backstroke.
- Cigdem Kavcar 12A in 50m Backstroke.
- Luciana Moya Aleman 7B in 50m Breaststroke.
- Belma Demir 6D in50m Butterfly.
Language Stars of the Week
G6
Sophie Allen, Ishana Sane, Martina Escobar, Ahmad Farrag, Shiv Praveen, Abreen Samadi, Nazah Mariam Farzad, Anannya Rakendu
G7
Zain Abaidat, Arianna Kitchen, Hannah Anderson, Sameer Sayed, Leen Mahfouz, Lana Hirnandani
G8
Diego de Freitas¸ Alma Ibrahim¸ Mikko Faddoul, Fernando Antonio Rossi Cima, Selim El Mogy, Youssef Ramzy
G9
Filippos Lamprinos, Frank Liu, Sara Simon, Hassan Al Zubaidi¸ Areka Fatima, Riti Paghdar¸Parth Sarathy
G10
Kyraa Lulla, Suhani Kothari, Yuliia Kutsa, Patrick Kumm¸Fatima Mahmoud¸ Ryad Dahmani,
In a “show and tell” activity, Grade 6 students bring in cultural objects from home which represent their family’s culture. Students got a chance to both develop their confidence speaking in front of an audience, and learn about cultures from around the world.
Grade 10 students are studying Urbanization in their Individuals and Societies course, and for this they ventured out to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi to conduct field research on how to design a city that meets the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. Students tested the smart technology such as autonomous taxis and buses, and engaged with local workers to learn more about how it is to live and work in Masdar City.
DP2 Global Politics students think about what a “perfectly developed” country might look like, as part of their unit on Development. Categories to consider included education, parenting, what childhood looks like, the role of religion, architecture, how social connections are fostered, and more. Students were encouraged to consider who might not see their country as being utopian.
PPS
PPS
Grade 12
Over the past 2 weeks, students have been creating board games. These board games have been created in a way that educates the player about the cultural background of the game developer. This is an excellent tool for promoting a deeper intercultural understanding amongst our Careers Programme cohort.
Well done to Abdulla, Faisal and Dylan for creating this excellent game to develop our understanding of Arabic culture.
Science
Science
Grade 8
Here are some images of 8E students modeling the journey a red blood cell takes through the heart. Throughout this activity, our young scientists used ‘everyday’ equipment to show how this amazing process occurs.
Well done to our actors who all played the role of ‘red blood cell’ ever so well.
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Grade 6-12
Muslims worldwide celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad as Mawlid un Nabi during the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. This day is a public holiday in many countries, such as UAE, with a sizeable Muslim population. It begins the anniversary of the birth of the founder of Islam and the receiver of the Holy Quran.
This week, the GIS community celebrated Mawlid un Nabi with decorations, goodies at the reception, announcements about him, and the singing ofan Islamic nasheed in the reception. Muslim students also paid tribute to their beloved Prophet PBUH by sharing their sentiments, love, and devotion for him through reflections on his teachings during the Islamic lessons.
Morning Drop-off and Pick-up Arrangements
Morning Drop-off and Pick-up Arrangements
Morning Drop-off
Morning Drop-off
Students are to be dropped off between 7:50 - 8:05am.
Students are to be dropped off between 7:50 - 8:05am.
Homeroom begins at 8:10am, following the UAE national anthem.
students are considered late if they arrive to class after the anthem.
Dismissal
Dismissal
Monday to Thursday: 3:15pm
Friday: 11:40am
Please arrange for students to be collected promptly after dismissal. Secondary students are not permitted to gather inside the Main Reception or Slices Cafeteria while awaiting collection. They may wait in the adjacent courtyard or the outdoor area at the front of the school, being careful not to block doorways.
*Parents may enter the school campus via Gate 4, Gate 6 and Gate 8.
Pre-order Food Through Slices
Pre-order Food Through Slices
Students are encouraged to bring a packed lunch to school - particularly while COVID-19 restrictions are in place - as it ensures that they are able to eat and drink as required throughout the school day.
If you wish to make use of the Slices catering service, please note that:
Food deliveries will not be permitted from external restaurants/catering services.
Food orders must be ordered through Slices in advance by completing this GOOGLE FORM.
Orders for following weeks must be placed by 10am each Friday.
Orders must be placed in advance for the full week (Monday to Thursday).
Same-day orders/deliveries will not be possible.
Food orders will be delivered to the students' classroom.
Students will not be permitted to visit the canteen in order to purchase water or snacks throughout the day.
Please consider an appropriate quantity and variety of foods to sustain your child for the duration of the school day.
Students are encouraged to bring sufficient water with them to school to sustain them throughout the day.
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
Any student accessing remote learning school sessions must provide the necessary medical documentation and the school must submit a report on their behalf to avoid fines. Please understand that GIS does not have authority to permit remote learning without KHDA approval.
For more information on how to apply for exemption to on campus learning, contact our clinic at GIS_MedicalAlert@GEMSEdu.com
Useful Links
Useful Links
Please click on any of the images below to be redirected
School meal processes
Email bus Services
Travel declaration form
Secondary School Handbook
Parent Portal for fee payment, updating details etc.
Email IT support (password reset etc.)
MAP Testing
MAP Testing
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