Dear Parents/Guardians and students,

As we resumed school this week, I would like to welcome returning families and new community members, to GIS. Our students are getting used to their new routines, teachers and classmates. Walls in classrooms are being brought back to life with refreshed student work and staff have commented on how impressed they are with student’s approach to their learning. What a wonderful start, let’s keep it up!

In speaking at assemblies this week, I mentioned to students the strategic goals for the Secondary school. While the goals lie within our five learning principles; assessment & reporting, attendance, a sense of belonging and equity will underpin what happens in and out of our classrooms. Our future ConnectED sessions, and curriculum evenings will delve into these in more detail for parents.

However, one goal that can be addressed in partnership with parents immediately is attendance. As per KHDA regulations, students are required to attend school for a minimum of 92% of the year. Therefore, Parents are asked to avoid making dental or health appointments during school time, and to provide 24 hours notice should their child need to leave school early. This ensures that relevant procedures have been put in place for their early departure. We thank you in advance for your cooperation with this matter.

It can be difficult at this stage of the year to get back into the routines associated with school for some students, so I do congratulate those who have presented in correct uniform this week. As a gentle reminder, ties are to be worn and school shoes should be plain black.

Finally, this week, I would like to remind parents of the upcoming Curriculum evening. Please do save the date of Thursday September 15^th. Details will be shared in coming weeks; however, the focus of the evening will be to deepen our community understanding of the three IB Programmes offered in our Secondary School and to introduce relevant staff to the wider community.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable week ahead.

Amanda Murphy

Head of Secondary School

Students are encouraged to bring a packed lunch to school - particularly while COVID-19 restrictions are in place - as it ensures that they are able to eat and drink as required throughout the school day.

If you wish to make use of the Slices catering service, please note that:

1. Food deliveries will not be permitted from external restaurants/catering services.

2. Food orders must be ordered through Slices in advance by completing this GOOGLE FORM.

• Orders for following weeks must be placed by 10am each Friday.

• Orders must be placed in advance for the full week (Monday to Thursday).

• Same-day orders/deliveries will not be possible.

3. Food orders will be delivered to the students' classroom.

4. Students will not be permitted to visit the canteen in order to purchase water or snacks throughout the day.

• Please consider an appropriate quantity and variety of foods to sustain your child for the duration of the school day.

• Students are encouraged to bring sufficient water with them to school to sustain them throughout the day.