Panther Voices
November 2019 - Official Elementary Newsletter GEMS United School
From the Principal
Aroma Pannu
Elementary School Principal
The Panther Way at Home
Dear Parents,
As we look to November and with US Thanksgiving around the corner, I am pausing to reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for. The way in which our children are embracing the Panther Way makes me proud and thankful for your support and partnership at home.
As you know the Panther Way extends beyond school when students are encouraged to take on responsibilities at home and in their community. Responsibilities at home help a child gain independence and self-reliance. By learning to do a job and taking credit for it, a child will learn a skill that will help them in school and in all of life’s endeavors. Parents often wonder what kind of tasks children can be expected to participate in at home. Just how much responsibility should be given to a child? Please click here for a great parenting article and some tips on this topic.
As you find your child taking care of others and this place- and spreading kindness at home, please do highlight their actions by sharing them with US. You can email Ms. Richardson or myself at m.richardson_gus@gemsedu.com or a.pannu_gus@gemsedu.com. This will enable us to recognize your child at school with the GEMS Jewels of Kindness certificate during our monthly community sharing.
Happy November!
Ms. Aroma
Our kids pay attention to everything that we do. By teaching our kids about responsibility within our homes, we're teaching them how to be kind in the rest of their lives as well.
Announcement and Upcoming Events
Professional Learning Day for Teachers
November 28, 2019 Thursday
Full day training of teachers and no school for all GUS students.
ES Report Card
November 25th - Monday
Students will receive reports three times per year. The first trimester ends on Thursday, Nov. 21st. Student digital progress reports will be sent via Plus Portals on Nov. 25th.
Parent Teacher Conferences
November 19, 2019 - Tuesday at 2:00-6:00 PM
November 26, 2019 - Tuesday at 2:00-6:00 PM
KG2's Muffins w/ Mom
November 7th - Thursday
KG2 is excited to be welcoming moms to their learning spaces for this event. We look forward to sharing student learning while enjoying a yummy treat.
ES Sports Day
On Wednesday - November 27th Elementary (PK - G5) will be having the Annual Sports Day.
Popsicle Day for November B-day Celebrants
November birthday celebrants will be enjoying a Popsicle with the Principal on Wednesday, November 27th during snack time.
Grade 5 Trip to Dubai Museum
November 4th, 2019 - Monday
Chevron reading club members (Grade 3-5) Trip to GEMS Millennium School
November 6th, 2019 - Wednesday
KG2 Trip to OliOli
November 10th, 2019 - Thursday
It’s that time of year, we invite your valuable parent feedback. An e-mail will be sent from GEMS to the Primary Contact by November 4th. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.
The UAE National Flag Day
November 3rd - The United Arab Emirates Flag Day is a national occasion where people of the UAE remember the efforts of the founders of their State, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, and their brothers who sacrificed everything for the sake of their nation. It is a day when the national spirit is renewed, and an occasion to reflect on the achievements of the era of the President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The UAE flag represents meanings of justice peace, tolerance, power and moderation, under which all Emiratis live a decent life and enjoy security and stability.
The Flag Day marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming the president in 2004. Every year on November 3rd people in the seven Emirates celebrate this national occasion, in which they reaffirm their allegiance to the UAE flag, which is a symbol of the country’s unity and greatness and represents their aspirations. On that day the UAE Flag flew with pride almost everywhere in the UAE.
The Flag Day is an occasion and an opportunity to remember the efforts of the founding fathers – Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid and their brothers from five other emirates. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said: "They sacrificed everything for the sake of our nation, and because of their vision, the country was able to become a modern and ambitious state."
Happy UAE Flag Day
Caught on Camera
Fall Fun Festival
Games, movies, food, competitions, inflatables and the dunk tank were all highlights of the evening. We were delighted to see so many of our students and families/ friends attend the annual Fall Fun Festival.
Everyone who participated by dressing up in their Halloween costumes (including our teaching staff) surprised us yet again with their creativity, energy and resourcefulness. Congratulations to Ms Caroline, Ms Sally and Ms Cora for winning the best costume prizes.
Thank you to the United Parents for planning and running this event. We had a blast!
Best in Costume winners
Counselor Corner
Megan Richardson
ES Counselor
Digital Citizenship
Throughout Digital Citizenship week, Elementary school was lucky to have a group of our Middle School Student Ambassadors come down and teach us about how to be safe online. Our grade 1, 2 and 3s learned about good choices, smart passwords, technology balance, and much more. We are grateful to learn from our older student leaders and can’t wait to have them back soon.
Home-School Partnership
Ways to support your child at home
Shared by: Rachel Cook
SCIENCE: Preparing US for the future!
In our STEMscopes science lessons, students are learning the key components of STEAM through integration. Instead of teaching disciplines in independent subjects, lessons are well rounded, project and inquiry based, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning. STEAM aligns with the way we work and problem solve in our daily lives. This makes it an exceptional way of instructing and learning. With STEAM we are teaching skills the way they will be used in the workforce, and the real world. Rarely does a job require only one skill set like math.
Picture an architect, they use engineering, math, technology, science and arts to create stunning buildings and structures. The subjects do not work on their own, instead they are woven together in practical and seamless ways allowing the architect to design complex buildings.
Why add the “A” to steam (instead of stem)
The addition of Arts to STEM to create STEAM is about incorporating creative thinking and applied arts in real situations. Art isn’t just about working in a studio or drawing pictures. Art is about discovering and creating ingenious ways of problem solving, integrating principles or presenting information. For elementary aged children, in particular, the “A” is valuable as art is a natural integration of skills that students enjoy and allow for individuality.
Jobs in the real world are interdisciplinary. Through our science lessons, we develop diverse skills sets and a passion for exploration and growth.
Want to try some STEAM projects at home? Here are some links to check out (I know the one says “educators” but there are some really cool things on here that would be great to do as a family.
https://babbledabbledo.com/25-steam-projects-for-kids/
https://www.instructables.com/id/100-STEAM-Projects-for-Educators/
Elementary Sports
WARNING LOOK OUT! OUR PANTHERS ARE ON FIRE! Congratulations to all of our Elementary Panthers Sports Teams on their determination and amazing efforts competing this week. Also a big thank you to the many parents who are turning out to cheer our young Panthers on. Our US Community is truly inspiring! Next week it will be our U11 Development Soccer teams’ turn to play in a tournament along with our U11 competitive team having a game this coming Sunday. Please join us in wishing them the very best of luck!
Our Panthers community is not only reaching beyond for school sports events. Check out Laurits Ostergard’s recent achievement in tennis. Congratulations Laurits, we are extremely proud of you.
We are always looking to recognize our panthers community for their sporting achievements both in and out of school. If you have any achievements to share please send them to L.kirwan_gus@gemsedu.com
We are ready are you?!
LETS GO PANTHERS LETS GO!
Student Corner
5th Grade Tea Party
The fifth graders wrote news articles about a real life event... with some extra details from their imagination to showcase what they had been learning about realistic fiction. They shared their articles with each other while giving feedback and reflecting. Fifth grade parents please be sure to check out their SeeSaw posts.
On Thursday, Nov. 21st we will be celebrating a traditional American Thanksgiving lunch on campus for all of our students and faculty. More information will follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Everyday needs
October Menus
Located on our GEMS US website under the Parents tab; you can also click here - November Menus
Slices Registration
Want to register for Slices canteen services? Click the parent Sign-Up link below.
Absences
When your child is ill or will not be attending school, you will need to inform the school about your child's absence to the following GEMS US staff member:
- Elementary (Pre-KG-Gr5): Notify Ms. Marlee Fernan at m.melendres_gus@gemsedu.com
- Secondary (Gr.6-12): Notify Ms. Reem Abdullatif at attendance_gus@gemsedu.com
Please include your child's name, grade & section along with a day of expected return (if known).
For extended absences , please complete the absence form and return to the appropriate staff member noted above for approval by the Principal.
To view your child's report cards, grades (Gr. 6-12), MAP results and CAT 4 (for applicable grades), visit our Plus Portals login page (Secondary). Elementary families need to login at Plus Portals login (Elementary)
Your user name is your registered email (each parent has a separate account) and your password is specific to your requirements.
You can select "can't access your account" to recover/reset your unique password. If you need assistance, please contact Suja at s.vijayakumari_gus@Gemsedu.com
The GEMS Advantage
Don't miss the opportunity to save! Download the app today from the App store or Google Play and begin saving today.
There are many 2 for 1 deals on food, entertainment, beauty and attractions and you can apply for the GEMS FAB credit card to save on tuition and apply for the the GEMS Ambassador program at your fingertips.
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