Embedded Files
Week five - October 1st 2020
From the Head of School's Desk
From the Head of School's Desk
Dear Parents,
I hope that you are well.
It was a pleasure to meet our GISPA (Parent Association) team this week. It was a chance for the leadership team at GIS to meet with these enthusiastic GIS supporters and we were so impressed by their plans. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this group of parent volunteers is determined to inspire and re-energize the community, to welcome new families and to introduce community events, even virtually. I thank them in advance for all they are doing and plan to do.
It was also my privilege this week to go to the KHDA headquarters, along with all other new Principals in the region. We were shown the KHDA offices, given insights into the work of KHDA and plans for all schools and we enjoyed a presentation on the UAE cultural context. It was also a chance to network with Heads of School from within and outside the GEMS network. Dr Abdullah, the Director of KHDA, answered questions from Principals about the current situation and plans for the future. I was also able to organize a meeting with the Head of the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau.
Earlier this week, I sent parents a note about the calendar, and the documentation sent by KHDA. I am now pleased to say that our calendar proposal has been approved. Therefore, as I had hoped, the October break is confirmed and we are also aligned for the winter and spring holiday. You will notice, if you click the link here, that the other changes are the obligatory removal of the two February professional development days, and the continuation of the summer term to the 30th June. As I mentioned, there will be seven additional public holidays, which will be announced by the government nearer the dates (we shall let you know as soon as we have confirmation).
GIS staff are keen to promote our values and we know that learning goes way beyond the classroom. It is always so pleasing to see these values acted upon. Therefore, it was my honor to present my first ‘Head of School Commendation’ certificate to a student in Grade 4 this week. One morning on entering the school building, Omar (Grade 4) helped his younger sister Amy (KG2) to put on her mask, straighten her glasses and prepare to head to her classroom. The level of care and attention was remarkable, and Omar was absolutely unaware of anyone around him as he helped his sister at the start of the day in the main lobby. Well done Omar for living the values! I look forward to giving more commendations through the year.
Despite social distancing, our students still manage a birthday celebration – I dropped into a classroom at the right time this week to enjoy the chance to see one of our Primary students with his crown on with his friends singing to him!
Finally, to try and assist families with making contact with the right people at school regarding COVID-19 related questions, information and updates, we have created a single email address.
Please use GIS_MedicalAlert@gemsedu.com for requests/questions such as:
· What are the rules around ‘close contacts’ with a confirmed COVID-19 case
· Who to inform if your child is/has/will be taking a PCR test for any reason
· Self-isolation and the advice (you received my link on this last week)
Please note that this is not the email for absence or other medical requests, only COVID-19 relevant. I hope you find this useful.
I wish you a safe and happy weekend,
Kind Regards,
Simon Herbert
Registration for academic year 2021/2022 is now open for sibling priority.
Registration for academic year 2021/2022 is now open for sibling priority.
Click HERE to begin the application process.
Click HERE to begin the application process.
Gate 8 (side gate) will close promptly at 8:15am each morning.
Gate 8 (side gate) will close promptly at 8:15am each morning.
Late students will need to access gate 4 to enter school.
Late students will need to access gate 4 to enter school.
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