Week Thirty Five - June 9th, 2023
Kim Conlin
Head of Primary
Dear PYP Parents,
With end of year reports well under way, many classes are working on completing their final units of the year. Next week we begin our end of year MAP assessments for students grade 1 and above. This is a standardized test given twice a year to indicate progress and growth. Students new to english will also take part in WIDA (an assessment for English Language Learners).
Thank-you for returning the transition forms for your children in PYP. As part of preparation for next year, groups of students are being combined to form classes. Teachers however are not allocated to a specific class until August.
We are hosting our first parent ConnectEd in Russian language this week (Родительский ConnectEd на русском языке на этой неделе) (Thursday), to talk about the IB Primary Years Programme. Please join us to hear more about the approach from the school and to learn tips for parents and families at home. We welcome our Russian speaking parents to join us at 8:30 in the PYP conference room.
Next Friday, student leaders will be recognized with certificates and a pizza party to thank them for their contributions to the school. House captains and student council reps have been instrumental in raising the profile of student voice in decision making throughout the year. We thank Ms Janice Au and Mr Javier Lucero for their guidance for our student leaders.
Have a wonderful weekend!
In this edition you will find:
Announcements / Reminders / Upcoming dates
Peek Into Learning
Primary Pages - link to Grade and Class pages
PYP reminders and resources
Absence Procedure
Whole School Calendar
June 9-16 - PYP MAP Assessments
June 16- Last day of ECAS
June 19-22- Splish Splash Week
June 20 - PYP Sports Awards
June 23 - G5 PYP Completion Ceremony
June 26 - Last Day of School - 12:00pm dismissal
In Grade 4, students are introduced to French as part of their language-learning journey. Through a comprehensive approach, they develop the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening to effectively communicate in the language.
This week's focus for the students is on introducing themselves using French vocabulary and applying their social and research skills to explore the concept of food groups. By understanding the different food groups and their importance, students are preparing themselves to confidently order food in a restaurant setting.
Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, students acquire language proficiency and cultural understanding. They learn to express themselves, comprehend written texts, and engage in meaningful conversations, laying the foundation for their continued language-learning journey.
Parents PK-G1 drop/pick up in classroom (through gate 4,6,8)
Grade 2-5 drop/pick up either gate 4 or gate 8
Late/Tardy: any student arriving after the national anthem must get a late slip at front reception/gate 4
Email your child's homeroom teacher before 8am so that he / she can mark their absence as excused.
Complete an absence form for an absence of more than 2 days and submit to PYP office or homeroom teacher on the child's first day back.
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 )
Email the gis_primaryleaverequest@gemsedu.com and your child's homeroom teacher 24 hours in advance to ensure your child and their leave slip are prepared in advance.
At the time of collection, please come to the Primary Reception at Gate 4.