The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has developed a short survey to gather parents’ feedback on student drop-off and pick-up procedures and road safety practices. Link to survey here.

Uniform Standards and Consistent Routines

As we re‑establish full campus routines, we have noticed that uniform standards have slipped slightly. Over the coming weeks, staff will place a renewed emphasis on our fundamentals - including correct school uniform, punctuality, and readiness for learning.

High expectations in these everyday routines support a calm, positive learning environment and help foster pride and belonging across our whole school community. We thank parents and guardians for reinforcing uniform expectations at home.

Behaviour and Expectations

To support a smooth and positive return, students will continue to be reminded of our Be A GEM expectations. These routines are being actively re‑taught and consistently reinforced to ensure a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for all.

Primary School Updates

Canteen
Pre-ordering is available through the GEMS Connect app. Parents can order meals for their children one week in advance. The ordering window remains open until Friday at 12:00 noon for the following week.

A step-by-step guide to the online ordering process is attached. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further assistance.

Canteen pre-ordering process

Drop-off and Pick-up

• Pre-K to Grade 1: Drop-off and collection at Gate 6

• Grade 2 to Grade 5: Drop-off at Reception and collection at Gate 8

In line with updated KHDA guidelines, parents of students in Grades 2 to 5 may now enter the school to collect their child if this is more convenient.

Sibling Collection

• Secondary students may collect siblings in Grades 2–5 from the indoor area, and Pre-K to Grade 1 from their homeroom classrooms before leaving campus.

• Grade 2–5 students may collect siblings from Pre-K to Grade 1; however, parents must collect both children from the classroom.

ECAs and Squad Tryouts

Primary ECA’s

Primary ECA Overview & Registration Timeline

• The ECA overview (including activity options and timings) will be shared via email on Tuesday, 5th May

• Registration will open on Wednesday, 6th May at 6:00 pm via esm.ae

• Registration will close on Saturday, 9th May at 3:00 pm

• Requests to change or drop ECAs can be made during the week beginning Monday, 11th May

• ECAs will begin on Monday, 11th May and finish on Friday, 26th June

• To sign up for ECAs, you will need to create an ESM profile. Please visit esm.ae to register.

• If you already have an account, we recommend checking that your profile details are up to date and working correctly prior to registration opening.

•  Squad tryouts will begin next week, starting with ECAs.

• For any Secondary ECA enquiries, please contact r.elsayed_gis@gemsedu.com.

Secondary School updates

We are pleased to share that, from Wednesday 29th April, the Secondary School has returned to normal operating procedures.

Teaching, Learning, and Daily Routines

• Students have returned to their regular classrooms.

• Normal transitions to and between lessons are fully in place.

• PHE lessons continue as scheduled.

• Our usual break and lunchtime routines have resumed across the Secondary School.

Updated Canteen Arrangements

To support smooth transitions and manage student numbers effectively across available spaces, the following canteen arrangements are in place:

• Ground Floor Canteen: Grades 6–8

• Second Floor Canteen: Grades 9–11

Outdoor Activities and Provisions

• Students are once again permitted to use outdoor spaces during PHE lessons, break, and lunchtime.

• The school has returned to the ‘Green Day’ schedule, allowing outdoor access until the daily heat index exceeds 41°C, in line with guidance from the GIS Clinic.

• Students must be logged into their GIS Gmail accounts to view the full Break and Lunch Protocols.

Drop‑off and Dismissal Procedures

To ensure safety and smooth movement at the beginning and end of the school day, families are reminded that:

• Secondary students should enter campus via Gate 8 (Bus Yard) or Gate 10 (Football Pitch).

• At the end of the day, students should exit the campus promptly and must not pass through the Admin Block/Main Reception area or the Primary School building.

• While waiting to be collected by parents, drivers, or taxis, students must gather and remain inside the Indoor Sports Hall (next to the Swimming Pool).

• Late collection should take place from Gate 8 (Bus Yard).

ECAs and Squad Tryouts

Secondary ECA’s

• Secondary ECAs will run from Monday, 11th May to Friday, 26th June.

• Students will be provided with a timetable outlining the range of ECA options available. They will also receive a Google Form, through which they can select and sign up for their chosen activities.

• This timetable will be shared with parents next week to support discussions at home.

• ECAs will take place at various times throughout the school day, including before school, during break/lunch times, and after school, offering students a wide range of opportunities to get involved.

We appreciate families’ support in reinforcing these procedures to maintain a safe and orderly dismissal.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It is a pleasure to have our community together again.

Warm regards,

Aaron and Mirna

WhatsApp Channels

Primary and Secondary WhatsApp Channels for our GIS community. These Channels will run on WhatsApp, meaning you will be able to manage your own notification settings and access the updates easily.

It is important to note that only our Parent Relations Executive, Helen Gornall, will be able to post messages to

these Channels and this will only be to share announcements/updates applicable. We encourage you to check

the relevant Channels regularly to remain informed about the latest developments.

For any queries on Slices, please call or WhatsApp Andrea from Slices on 050 504 5908

Kind reminder to ensure students accounts have enough credit loaded so they do not face issues purchasing food. 

GIS Community Calendar 25/6

If you would like to subscribe to the the GIS Community Calendar, please click HERE for the link.  

This calendar will be continually updated to reflect key dates and events.