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Week Seven - October 13th, 2023
Dear Parents & Guardians
Happy 10th Birthday GIS! It was wonderful today to take a trip down memory in celebration of this milestone. Hearing the stories of our origins from past students and staff emphasized how much we have grown and achieved in a short 10 year period. I would sincerely like to thank all staff and students involved in making today’s celebration so memorable. I wonder what the next 10 years will bring!
Last weekend I, along with Ms Sandy & Mr Simon, had the privilege of collaborating with other IB educators at the IB Global Heads Conference in Dublin, Ireland. We were inspired listening to Keynote speakers such as, Wandile Mthiyane, Sue Roffey and Director General of IB Oilli-Pekka Heinonen. However, the highlight for me was listening to the stories from young IB learners from various parts of the world. Some of the projects that they are involved in are mind-blowing! The Festival of Hope: Youth in Action has allowed IB students to gather to share ideas and collaborate. As the website states, ‘This is an invitation to join an inspiring community that will help us think boldly, nurture our curiosity, and empower us to act together.’ I am well aware that we have projects happening within the walls of GIS that could easily be added to the Festival of Hope initiative. I am aiming to chat with these groups in coming weeks, but am also hopeful that some other students will access the link and come forward with some further ideas!
This week we were extremely fortunate to host two cast members from the production Matilda, currently performing at Dubai Opera. They worked with our GIS cast on Thursday providing valuable tips, insights and teaching skills to the students. Thank you to Ms Ellie, Ms Emma and Ms Irasa for organizing such a special workshop. I know that the students gained a lot from the experience.
Finally, this week, I would like to advise parents that the Term 1 Progress Report will be shared with parents later today. This report provides a brief snapshot of how your son or daughter has settled in this year. You can see how your child’s ‘Learning Commitment’ and ‘Engagement in Class’ is faring. Where teachers would like to meet with you, they have also highlighted this on the report. Secondary PTC’s will take place in the week commencing Nov 6th. Further details surrounding these will be shared in coming weeks. Please note that a more comprehensive report is shared with parents just prior to the Winter break.
I wish you and your family an enjoyable break next week. For those travelling, stay safe and, those staying in Dubai, enjoy the cooler weather!
Kind regards
Amanda Murphy
Secondary School Expectations, Culture and Curriculum
Secondary School Expectations, Culture and Curriculum
Attendance
Attendance
The adjacent information (and more) can be found on the Parent Information Site. We encourage parents to familiarize yourselves with this site. To access, please click the button, above.
Roles and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
Roles and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
Ensure that their child(ren) receive(s) a full-time education and those children registered at GIS attend regularly and punctually
Inform the school of any absences/ leave
Discuss with the Homeroom Teacher any planned absences well in advance
Support the school by aiming for their child to have 100% attendance each year
Avoid taking their child out of school for non-urgent medical or dental appointments
Only request a leave of absence if it is for an exceptional circumstance
Student Leave and Absence
Student Leave and Absence
Parents and guardians, please use the Secondary Leave Request to submit:
1. A notification of your child's late arrival to school
2. A notification of your child's unplanned absences from school, due to sickness or injury
3. Advanced requests for planned leave from school
4. A request for early dismissal from school
5. A request for a gate pass
In case of unforeseen absence, it is the responsibility of parents/guardians to notify the school on the first day of unplanned absence. Notification should be made by 8:30 am or as soon as practically possible, by submitting a Secondary Leave Request.
Secondary Parent ConnectEd Schedule
Secondary Parent ConnectEd Schedule
Progression through the MYP 2023_24.pptx.pdfEnglish Language Learners (ELL) - Connect-Ed - October 2023-2024.pptx.pdfIMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
October 24-27 Secondary School Spirit WeekOctober 27 Grade 10 Families Meet & Greet (Ground Floor Canteen; 11:00-11:40am)November 3 Grade 11 and 12 Families Meet & Greet (Ground Floor Canteen; 11:00-11:40am)November 6 PTCs (8am - 8pm)November 7 PTCs (3:30 - 6:30pm)November 9 PTCs (3:30 - 6:30pm)November 13 School PhotosDecember 6 Secondary School Sports DayDecember 7 Arabic Language DayDecember 8 WinterFest | Term 1 Report published to families
Empowering our students: Safeguarding Training at GIS.
Empowering our students: Safeguarding Training at GIS.
At GIS, our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community goes beyond the classroom. Our Grade 12 students attended a Safeguarding Training program on Tuesday, 3rd October which was led by the social-emotional counselor, Ms. Daania.
The aim of this initiative was to equip our students with vital skills that would empower them to be empathetic, responsible and compassionate citizens of the world.
During the training, students gained a variety of key takeaways, some of which includes the following:
1. Recognizing what a safeguarding concern could look like.
2. Understanding the protocol in reporting a concern in school.
3. The safeguarding personnel in school.
4. Strategies they could implement, should the need arise.
Safeguarding training is an essential constituent of our commitment to the safety and welfare of our school community. Providing our Grade 12 students with the training equipped them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate and understand the importance of prioritizing the welfare of our students, particularly with many of them getting involved with developing community support programs for their CAS projects. Together, we are building a safer, more inclusive, and empowered community at GIS.
Online Safety
Online Safety
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.Keeping Our Children Safe Online
Parental controls for Apple, Android and other devices
Parental controls for Apple, Android and other devices
Whether your child uses Apple, Android or other devices, it’s important to consider the available parental controls and setting available.
Choose your child’s device and find step-by-step instructions on setting up parental controls. Manage everything from location tracking to screen time balance.
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.
Assembly
Grade Level: 7
In our recent Grade 7 assembly, we came together as a united community to celebrate the learner profiles of "Caring" and recognize those students who have excelled in demonstrating our school's principles of "Respect," "Trust," and "Ambition." It was a heartwarming event that showcased the compassionate and principled nature of our students. As we move into October, our focus now shifts to the learner profile of "Principled." We look forward to another month of growth and learning in our IB program.
Drama
Drama
Grade 6-9
Summary of learning and/or celebrations from the week
Congratulations to the ‘Drama Llamas of the month’ for September! This is an indication of their excellent engagement and hard work in Drama lessons and tasks this month . Keep up the amazing work!
Mostafa Khatab; Navya Rakholia (G6)
Maria Komarovskaya; Abreen Samadi; Florentijn Holthuizen(G7)
Merishka Maharaj; Ibrahim Hamed Ibrahim ElHakim; Leon Kimsa Zieman (G8)
Ved Nakhwa; Sanskrati Sharma (G9)
Language and Literature
Language and Literature
Grades 6-12
We are thrilled to share the remarkable efforts of our talented students over the past week. It has been a week filled with inspiration, collaboration, and engagement, showcasing the incredible commitment to learning that defines our school.
In Ms. Marie-Claire's grade 6 class, students embarked on a captivating journey to create cultural displays for their classroom. These displays were the culmination of their recent cultural presentations, reflecting the diversity and unity that make our school special. Their teamwork and creativity were truly commendable.
In DP1, students dedicated themselves to honing their research and presentation skills, focusing on the beauty of poetry. Their dedication to this artistic expression was awe-inspiring.
We are proud of our MYP and DP students for embracing every challenge and seizing every learning opportunity. Their happiness, enthusiasm, and dedication are a testament to their commitment to excellence.
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Grade 6-10
Summary of learning and/or celebrations from the week
The prayer rooms in the secondary school and the reception area have been beautified with new prayer mats and Islamic calligraphy. Mosques (masjids) are indeed essential features of the Islamic way of life, and they serve as places for communal worship, spiritual reflection, and community gathering.
In many Islamic communities, having prayer facilities in schools and public spaces can be very important, especially for students and individuals who may not have access to a mosque or other designated prayer areas throughout the day. This effort to create a peaceful and well-appointed environment for prayer and reflection is commendable and can help promote a sense of unity and spiritual connection among those who use these spaces.
Islamic calligraphy is a beautiful art form that often features Quranic verses or other religious texts in an artistic and decorative manner. It can add an aesthetic and spiritually uplifting element to these prayer spaces.
Providing such facilities and beautifying them with prayer mats and calligraphy demonstrates a commitment to respecting the religious and spiritual needs of the community, and it can enhance the overall well-being and sense of belonging for those who use these spaces. It's a positive step towards promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity in educational and public environments.
Food Design
Food Design
Grade 8
Summary of learning and/or celebrations from the week
Exploring culinary creativity in our Food Design class!
This month, we delved deep into the world of diabetic-friendly recipes, learning to create dishes that are not only delicious but also tailored to meet the unique dietary needs of individuals with diabetes. From mindful ingredient choices to innovative cooking techniques, our students have truly embraced the challenge of making food both healthy and delightful.
We're proud of their commitment to inclusivity and well-being. Stay tuned for more delectable creations in the making! #FoodDesign #DiabetesFriendly
Science
Science
Grade 8
Summary of learning and/or celebrations from the week
In a fascinating and educational hands-on experience, eighth-grade studennts recently delved into the intricate world of human anatomy by dissecting a heart. Guided by their dedicated science teacher, the students embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets of this vital organ. The heart dissection provided an immersive and unforgettable lesson on the structure and function of the human heart, reinforcing the students' understanding of the circulatory system and the role the heart plays in keeping us alive. With awe and excitement, these young scientists got up close and personal with this remarkable organ, gaining a newfound appreciation for the incredible complexities that make our hearts beat. This memorable and engaging activity left the students with a lasting impression and a deeper understanding of the marvel that is the human heart.
Useful Links
Useful Links
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Secondary School Handbook
School meal processes
Parent Portal for fee payment, updating details etc.
Email bus Services
Email IT support (password reset etc.)
Travel declaration form
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