Week Seven - October 15th 2020

Secondary School

I could not start this edition of the newsletter with anything other than a thank you to our amazing StuELT for arranging Spirit Week this week. It has brightened my day each day this week when I've seen the weird wonderful and creative dress down ideas from out students and staff. I have included as many images as I could below this entry for you all to see and enjoy.

I also have to extend my thanks to the StuELT for their efforts over the last 12 months. It has certainly been an interesting tenure for the outgoing team but I could not be prouder of the legacy that they leave behind for the new team to continue. Thank you to Hania and Rana and to the rest of their team (Yassin, Manel, Tanvi, Rushil, Alvin and Vasu).

You will notice at the bottom of this edition that we have now finalised our StuELT for 2020-21 and they are an amazing bunch that we are excited to work with. Well done to Taleen for being appointed as Student Body President; Neila as Vice President and their team of committee heads (Tara, Zoya, Sarah, Kiana, Eashani and Akshita). Our outgoing team led a lovely assembly at the end of this week to pass on the baton.

Finally, this has been one of the toughest starts to a school year that any student, teacher or school community member has gone through (perhaps ever). Please enjoy a restful mid-term break; remain cautious with your actions, look after yourselves and if you choose to travel, please follow all government directives carefully and complete the travel declaration form at the bottom of this newsletter before returning to school (more guidance on this in the sections below).

Tanvi is a excellent role model of what it means to engage beyond academics as an IB student.
Tanvi has been awarded multiple academic awards through her school life including individual subject accolades and honor role. She has participated in academic competitions and projects both in school, locally and even globally.
Tanvi is an active student leader and has been a representative on the StuELT in different committees; she was the Secretary General of GISMUN 2019; has led World Scholars Cups teams and was Editor of TheLink Magazine (the list goes on and on)
Tanvi is also an accomplished musician and has achieved Level 8 practical ABRSM on piano. Tanvi took this to another level also and tutors younger students in her community.

Academics are crucial but there's more to being an IB student

Tanvi Dhingra (Grade 12)

While academics are important, having a balanced lifestyle is crucial. This doesn't just mean eating well and sleeping well but being engaged in activities inside and outside of school apart from simply your studies. This ranges from participating in sports, learning an instruments, joining a club, or starting your own project! This helps develop your portfolio and makes you a more attractive candidate for college; however, that is simply a bonus compared to the other benefits you can receive.

Being involved in activities is key to leading a holistic life as you are involved in the community, you are developing your interests, and working on soft and hard skills. Many neglect this in favor of academics but it is important to have interests outside of what you learn in class. It can also help inspire you in what you want to pursue or do later in life and can help guide you towards new interests!

Travel during the break

With the mid-term break coming up for some schools, we would like to remind you about the requirements for joining on-campus teaching or learning following travel abroad:

· All students and staff must declare their recent travel history by completing the DHA form online: https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Pages/coronaregistration.aspx

· Schools must keep these declarations on file.

· All students and staff who have returned from travel abroad require a negative PCR test with a 48-hour validity, in order to resume learning/working at school.

· Students who do not have a negative PCR test result with a 48-hour validity will be required to access distance learning for 14 days from their arrival date.

· Students who would like to resume on-campus learning without completing their 14-day quarantine, should produce a negative PCR test.

Additionally, please note that PCR test results are valid for 48 hours only from the date of result. The PCR test may be completed at Dubai airport or any approved DHA facility within the emirate.

Travel declaration form can be accessed by clicking on the image above (this is also linked at the bottom of the newsletter)

One of the best squads in town

Our tweet of the week this week comes from our incredible ACe (Achievement Center) team. They honored "Squad Sunday" in style and Ms Hannah Kelly posted the image of her amazing team.

Thank you for everything that you do for our students team!

Reminders & Updates

Absence

Please can we remind families that they must make contact with the absence email address on days where their child is sick and staying home from school.

Any absence that is longer than 3 days requires a doctors certificate for this to be an authorised absence.

gis_secondaryleaverequest@gemsedu.com

Distancing at pick up

We please ask that parents remember to honor social distancing during pick up in the afternoons.

This is particularly important on Tuesday pick up as this is a busier period.

It is important that all adults in the lives of young people role model what we expect of them on a day to day basis.

There's a new team in town

Well done to our wonderful new StuELT from Grade 11 and Grade 12. The images to the right detail the names of our Heads of Committee and their deputies.

Any of our Grade 6 - Grade 9 students that are interested in becoming a committee member can send their expressions of interest to the GEMS ISAK email address of any the Head and Deputy Head.

We look forward to seeing what this team (and their committees) can achieve over the next 12 months.