What a wonderful week to be a part of the GIS community!

Well done to all students who got into the spooky spirit when they dressed up at the start of this week. I would like to especially commend our senior students who are really getting behind such initiatives. They may not realize it, but they are helping to develop further the positive culture of the school in establishing traditions and establishing worthy legacies. Timmy the Mascot is one such example of positive school spirit that is being generated in a subtle way. Timmy, who loves having his photo taken, is becoming a regular feature on the Third Floor!

Secondary Students did us proud when they took to the football pitch in an orderly and coordinated manner on Wednesday to form the UAE Flag to commemorate Flag Day. Students did very well to sit on the pitch in the heat waiting to do a ‘Mexican wave’ while a drone recorded overhead. A highlight was the sense of pride that was evident from the students. The video will be released shortly to the community - it is a must see!

We also wish a Happy Diwali to our community. While the main celebrations take place today, Secondary Staff were treated to a Diwali lunch on Tuesday afternoon. Not only was the food delicious, but having the chance to sit and chat with colleagues in such a warm and welcoming environment was priceless. We are deeply grateful to our valued staff who supplied and served the lunch to us.

In amongst these celebrations, student groups have continued to visit the Expo. They have told me that they have enjoyed it a lot, especially visiting the various pavilions.

We were also fortunate this week to be presented with a small number of free tickets to attend the Men’s T20 World Cup. Mr Kieran and other PE staff were more than happy to take a group of G9 to 12 students along to watch New Zealand defeat Scotland (sorry Mr Herbert!) We are delighted to be able to offer such opportunities to our students again.

Finally, you will soon receive your child’s Progress Report. Those of you with children in the MYP, we would like to emphasis that assessment in the MYP is an accumulative process, whereby four criteria are regularly assessed throughout the year. At this stage of the year, not all criteria have been formally assessed. Where this is the case N/A will appear. There are also no grades included on these reports for this reason. The information that is most valuable to parents is the Engagement in Class and Commitment to Learning. The appraisal of your child’s performance in these two categories is far more important at this stage of the year. Your child’s level of engagement and commitment to their education has a direct correlation to their academic success. However, should you have any queries regarding your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant teacher.

Progress reports can be accessed via GEMS Connect > Academics > Assessment Reports

Amanda Murphy

Head of Secondary