GPS Newsletter

4th October 2024

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents

Can you believe it - we have only 1 week left before half term break.... doesn't time fly when you are having fun!

We had another fabulous week at GPS. The external assessments have been completed and I am quietly confident in the results. The teachers will now write their individual learning plans.

On Tuesday we had a great informative session on Phonics with Ms Chloe. Parents got an insight to our programme 'Monster Phonics' and how to assist their children in developing their reading skills. Thank you all for attending and Ms Chloe for a very practical presentation.

Save the Date:

Thursday 10th October -FS dress up - "What I want to be when I grow up"

Friday 11th October - Year 3 and 4 Assembly on "Courage" (parents invited)

Saturday 12th October - Sunday 20th October - Half term break (yes, there is school on Friday 😀)

Thursday 31st October - "Spooks and Sparkles" day (fancy dress)

Have a lovely weekend and break (as there will be no newsletter next week)

Ms Jan

Wellbeing

Dear Parents,

As parents, we strive to provide our children with structure and predictability, which can significantly enhance their emotional and cognitive development. One effective tool to achieve this is the use of visual schedules and clear rules. Here are some key benefits to consider:

Benefits of Visual Schedules and Rules in Your Child's Life

1. Enhanced Understanding and Independence

Visual schedules provide a clear representation of daily activities and routines. Children can see what is expected of them, which fosters a sense of independence. By knowing what comes next, they feel more in control of their environment, which can reduce anxiety and uncertainty.

2. Improved Focus and Attention

With a visual schedule, children can focus better on the task at hand. Knowing the sequence of activities helps them transition smoothly from one task to another without the frustration of uncertainty. This structured approach can enhance their ability to concentrate and engage more fully in each activity.

3. Encouragement of Responsibility

When children can visually track their responsibilities, such as chores or homework, they are more likely to take ownership of their tasks. This visual reminder helps them understand the importance of completing their responsibilities and can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment.

4. Reinforcement of Positive Behavior

Clearly defined rules presented visually can help children understand acceptable behaviors and consequences. Visual reminders of rules, such as "Respect Others" or "Use Kind Words," serve as ongoing guidance, making it easier for them to internalize these expectations.

5. Supports Emotional Regulation

Visual schedules can help children anticipate changes in their routine, which is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with transitions. By knowing what to expect, they can better manage their emotions and reactions, reducing instances of meltdowns or frustration.

6. Boosts Communication Skills

Using visual schedules often encourages children to express their thoughts and needs. For instance, they may point to pictures or icons to communicate what they want to do next or how they are feeling. This can be especially beneficial for younger children or those with language delays.

7. Facilitates Family Engagement

Creating visual schedules together can be a fun family activity. It encourages communication about daily routines and allows children to participate in decision-making. This collaboration strengthens family bonds and helps children feel valued and heard.

8. Promotes Consistency

Consistency is key in parenting, and visual schedules can help ensure that routines are followed regularly. When children know what to expect and see that rules are consistently applied, it creates a stable environment that fosters security and trust.

Implementing Visual Schedules and Rules

To get started with visual schedules and rules in your home:

Create Simple, Clear Visuals: Use pictures, icons, or color-coded elements that represent different activities and rules.
Involve Your Child: Let your child help design their schedule. This engagement can increase their buy-in and motivation.
Place Schedules in Visible Areas: Keep schedules in places where your child spends the most time, such as the kitchen or their bedroom.
Review and Adjust Regularly: As your child grows and their needs change, be flexible in updating the schedules and rules.

Conclusion

Incorporating visual schedules and rules into your child's daily life can lead to numerous benefits, from fostering independence to enhancing emotional regulation. By providing a structured and predictable environment, you are equipping your child with essential skills that will serve them well throughout their life. Embrace this opportunity to support their growth, and enjoy the positive impact it can have on your family dynamics!

Hope this helps you

Have a lovely weekend

Ms Jikku

FS 1 & 2

What we've done

We have had a fantastic start to our Community Helpers project. On Monday, the children discovered that Ollie, our class mascot, had been taken and the class was a great big mess with toys and chairs strewn all over the place. The children hand and footprints and gathered key pieces of evidence in bags to study. Some children created questions to interview staff around the school and measure their feet to see if it matched the footprints in class. They even found cupcake wrappers and everyone in the school had eaten a cupcake that day. Still was not to be found and the investigation continues. In Science we went on a community walk and mapped out key places in our community. The children created giant maps and painted them turning them into a fun interactive map using cars and magnets. In math, we have been exploring patterns and repeating patterns and going on pattern hunts around the school and creating our own repeating pattern using found objects.

Year 1

What we've done

Year 1 have had a busy week of learning!

In English, we have been learning about instructions and their purpose. First, the children wrote a list of the ingredients and items needed for making a jam sandwich, before writing simple instructions. The children thought of some great bossy verbs to use in their writing and even added some time connectives. Once completed, we then followed our instructions step by step to make a jam sandwich with the final step 'enjoy and eat'.

In maths, we have started 'addition and subtraction' within 10. We looked at the part-whole models and how two numbers make the whole number. We went outside and drew a large part-whole model on the ground and used our bodies to tell addition stories. We then used this a stimulus to write number sentences. The children have participated in many different practical activities both in class and provision to develop their addition skills. I am so impressed with how hard they have been working.

In science, we wrote about our plants and the changes we have notices. We compared our plants with our peers discussing smilarities and diferenences. In geography we have been discussing where we come from. We have been learning about the seven emirates and how the UAE is a small country within the continent Asia.

Year 2

What we've done

Well done year 2 on completing their CAT4's and NGRT assessments. Year 2 have had another busy week. In english the children have been focused on writing their own instructions, developing clarity and sequencing in their writing. In maths we have started our new topic of addition and subtraction and the children have been strengthening their number skills and confidence in calculations. In science we have been learning about different animals and the habitats they are best suited to, discovering how living things adapt to their environments.

Year 3

What we've done

Well done Year 3 for completing their CAT4's and NGRT assessments this week!

They have also been working really hard in preparing and practising for their assembly on 'Courage' which will be showcased next Friday. We would love to have all families join us for this assembly on the 11th of October.

For Maths this week the children have been focusing on using different methods such as place value charts, number bonds and number lines to add and subtract ones, tens and hundreds. In Science we focused on how the skeleton, joints and muscles work together to allow movement. The children conducted a practical where they created an arm which showcased the bone, joint and muscles, they were then able to use this to explain how the bicep and triceps contracts and relaxes depending on how the arm is moving. In English the children completed their diary entry plan and started their write up . Their diary entries are written in the perspective of Matilda and what she experienced/ how she felt and what had happened when she finally started school.

Year 3 using a range of materials, to create a model showcasing how the muscles, joints and bones work together to allow movement.

Year 4

What we've done

A massive well done for all students in Year 4 for completing their NGRT and CAT4 assessments this week.

This week in Maths, we have been focusing on adding up to 4-digit numbers using the column method. The children grasped the concept very well and next week, we will be going onto addition with an exchange!

In English, over the past week, we have successfully compared a normal story text vs a playscript. We identified the features of both and went onto looking at what makes them differ. In the latter part of the week, we started to plan our own play script based on a scene in James and the Giant Peach, using the features that we have learnt. I am really looking forward to reading this.

In Science, we created circuits using switches and buzzers, looking at how these impact a circuit. Year 4 have loved this!

It has been great to see the energy and enthusiasm of every student for our upcoming assembly with Year 3 on an important school value of ours- 'courage'. It would be great for you to come and watch our childs performance with their peers on Friday 11th October at 8am.

Have a fabulous weekend- half term is near!

Year 5

What we've done

It’s been another fantastic week of learning. In English, we focused on different types of instructions, including recipes and how-to guides. The children explored the features, comparing the differences and similarities.

In Maths, the place value unit concluded with rounding, where children practised rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, and 100,000. For Science, the children continued learning about the life cycles of various mammals, such as kangaroos and platypuses. They were amazed to discover that the platypus is a mammal that lays eggs. In MSC, we continued discussing sympathy and empathy, and ways to practice them.

Well done to Year 5 on completing their CAT4 and NGRT assessments with great effort!

Following instructions to create origami

Year 6

What we've done

Well done to Year 6 on completing their CAT4 and NGRT assessments with great effort this week! It’s been another fantastic few days of learning with a sweet ending of the children gifting their teachers an appreciation certificate.

In English, we focused on different types of instructions, including recipes and how-to guides. The children explored the features, comparing the differences and similarities. They ended the week with planning their final instruction write of creating their own Willy Wonka sweet.

In Maths, the children have been working on common multiples and factors in their topic of addition subtraction, multiplication and division. Its a long topic which were looking to work through into the next half term. In Science, the children had conducted and written up an experiment on the affects of exercise on their heart rate. the children measured their heart rates before and after exercise and conducted it multiple times for reliability.

In MSC we have started to read Sheikh Al Maktoums book 'The journey from the desert to the Stars', weve also brainstormed some ideas for projects to complete over the half term in regards to it and our CP3 values. In humanities we went into further details of the dynasties and Han dynasties construction of the silk road and the history behind the making of silk.

Just another week to go before our half term holiday!

Arabic and Islamic

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

يسرني أن أقدّم نفسي لكم الأستاذة أسماء عبدالظاهر الشربيني، رئيسة قسم اللغة العربية في مدرسة الغاف. يشرفني التعاون مع فريق المعلمين المتميزين في المدرسة لتقديم أعلى مستويات التعليم في مواد اللغة العربية والتربية الإسلامية، بما يساهم في تعزيز الهوية الثقافية والدينية لطلابنا. نسعى دائمًا إلى تنمية مهارات الطلاب في القراءة والكتابة والفهم، وتعزيز قيمهم الإسلامية بما يتماشى مع رؤيتنا التربوية
I am pleased to introduce myself to you as Ms. Asmaa Abdel-Zaher El-Sherbiny, Head of the Arabic Department
at Al Ghaf School. I am honored to collaborate with the distinguished teaching team at the school to provide the highest levels of education in Arabic language and Islamic studies, contributing to the enhancement of our students' cultural and religious identity. We constantly strive to develop students' skills in reading, writing, and comprehension, while promoting their Islamic values in alignment with our educational vision.
ماذا تعلمنا؟ / What did we learn?
Arabic A/ اللغة العربية للعرب
:خلال الأسبوع الماضي، تم تقديم العديد من المواضيع والأنشطة التعليمية الشيقة للطلاب في الصفوف التالية

الرَّوْضّة: لقد كانت بداية رائعة للتدرب على بعض العبارات العربية ليقدم الطفل نفسه بشكل سليم مع شخصية راشد ونورة (مرحبا، اسمي.....، كيف حالك؟). كما قضينا وقتاً ممتعاً في تعلم الألوان من خلال "أغنية الألوان" وقمنا بعمل مراجعة للألوان التي انهيناها، كما تعلمنا عن أجزاء الجسم ( رأس - عين - أذن - فم - أنف )ولعبنا بعض
الأنشطة والألعاب الممتعة.
الصف الثاني : لقد قمنا بعمل مراجعة عن الحروف الهجائية بالحركات القصيرة والطويلة وعن درس أوشي أرنب أكول ودرس بوبي البومة الحكيمة ثم قمنا بعمل اختبار بمهاراته الأربعة(التحدث - الأستماع - القراءة - الكتابة ) شكرا صف ثانيABT

الصف الرابع لقد قمنا بعمل مراجعة عن الحروف الهجائية بالحركات القصيرة والطويلة وعن درس ملك الحكايات بمهاراته ثم قمنا بعمل اختبار ABTبمهاراتة الاربعة (التحدث -الاستماع - القراءة -الكتابة ) شكرا صف رابع .

Islamic A / الإسلامية للعرب
الصف الثاني :كما نفعل عادة في الصف نقوم بتحية الاسلام

وتعويد الطلاب علي رد تحية الاسلام ثم قمنا بعمل مراجعة عن سورة الفاتحة والفلق والناس والاخلاص مع التركيز على الممارسة في المنزل للتعويد علي حفظها واتقانها ثم نحن نقوم بخلق جو من التفاعل والنشاط لتبسيط الافكار الاسلاميةABTقمنا بعمل اختبار
بمهاراته الثلاثة شكرا صف رابع .ABTالصف الرابع : لقد قمنا بعمل مراجعة علي سورة العلق وقمنا علي اعادة تلاوتها ومراجعة معاني المفردات ثم قمنا بعمل اختبار

Arabic B / اللغة العربية للناطقين بغيرها
Gr1: It was a wonderful start to our week as we began our lesson by practicing some Arabic phrases so the children can introduce themselves correctly with the characters Rashid and Noura (Hello, how are you? My name is..., which grade are you in?). We also had a fun time reviewing the colors and numbers the students mastered, and the alphabet song. We studied about the family, and the students learned the following words (family, my mother, my father, my brother, my sister). We also practiced writing Arabic letters with short vowels (fatha and dhamma).
Gr2: We did a wonderful review at the beginning of the week on the Arabic letters and the sounds of the letters with the short vowels (fatha - damma - kasra) and the long ones, as well as numbers, colors, and family members. We did an ABT test with the four skills (reading - writing - listening - speaking). Well done Year 2.
Gr3: "It was an amazing start to our week as we conducted a thorough review with year 3 to remind them of the most important concepts they had studied. During the week, we administered the ABT test, which covered all the Arabic language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). The girls performed wonderfully on this test. Well done, princesses of the Arabic language!"
Gr4: “We started our week with a strong review with year 4 students to remind them of the most important concepts they had studied over the past period, and throughout the week we took the ABT test, which covered all the Arabic language skills (reading), writing, listening, and speaking), and the students’ performance was very good, and I am happy and proud of all of you.” For your efforts in learning the Arabic language.
Gr5:we started as we usually do by greeting students in Arabic it was fantastic to see my dear students say Sabahul khair. this week we had a review for what they studied along the last weeks to get ready for the Abt assessment which covers the Arabic skills " reading , writing, listening and speaking", which demonstrated great effort and high performance of Arabic language.
Gr6:I did a review of the alphabets with short and long sounds and reviewed my family's lesson and then we did an ABT test with his four skills thank you sixth grade

Islamic B/ الإسلامية للناطقين بغيرها

Gr: 2In year 2 as we usually do we started greeting students and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied before to get ready for the Abt assessment then we went back to our lesson Allah is my Lord and the meanings of the key words therein. We are working diligently and actively on reviewing Surat Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, with a focus on practicing surat al-fatihah, as we encourage students to review and practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery. We are currently discussing the pillars of Islam. We are keen to create an atmosphere of interaction and dialogue to simplify ideas and deepen students’ understanding of Islamic teachings. In the coming period, we will continue to build a deeper understanding of the surahs and verses through simplified explanations and activities that help students relate to their daily lives.

Gr:3In year 3 we as usual started with teaching students to greet others with Islamic greeting and to reply to it. it was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied before to get ready for the Abt assessment then we went back to our lesson The Prophet PBUH loves to work.We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating surat al-asr, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.

Gr:4 In Islamic this week it was fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied before to get ready for the Abt assessment then we went back to our lesson.We started revising pillars of islam and pillars of Iman. We folloowed the lesson (The Revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)).We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating verses 1 to 12 of Surat Al-Alaq, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.

Gr:5It was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied before to get ready for the Abt assessment then we went back to our lesson we followed this week studying the lesson some of rules of Tajweed.We also revised some important islamic concepts like pillars of islam and pillars of iman and prayers. We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating verses 1 to 10 of Surat alBuruj, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.

Gr:6it was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied before to get ready for the Abt assessment then we went back to our lesson .we followed this week studying the lesson( Echo letters)(Qalqalah).We revised some important islamic concepts like resources of shari'ah, pillars of islam and pillars of iman and prayers. We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating verses 1 to 6 of Surat al-Ifitar, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.

ESPAÑOL

What we've done

Hola todos,

We had an amazing week in our Spanish lessons . In Year 1 and 2 students learnt about Numeros 0-20 and Colores along with songs , worksheets and games (Kahoot) which made students more engaged during the lesson which built their confidence and improved their pronunciation in Spanish . Year 3 4 students were describing themselves (Introduction) in which they told their name , age , likes and dislikes. Students also learnt the difference between Señor, Señorita and Señora (Mr. Ms. and Mrs.) which helps them address someone in the correct way in Spanish . In Year 4 students were learning about Spanish Speaking countries and their capital, to discover more about Spanish cities and culture . Year 5 and 6 students elaborate about Todo sobre mi (All about Me ) they describe about their hobbies likes and dislikes , year of their birth , age and their favourite colour and subjects . Gracias for your support .

Feliz fin de Semana

Hasta Luego

Mr. Radhey

STREAM

What we've done.

Another busy, fun week for everyone in our STREAM class! The children in FS had been busy finishing their paper collages of the UAE flag and Emirati woman cardboard display for the UAE flag day. Year 1 had fun finishing their paper collage cardboard display of an Emirati man wearing a Kandura. Years 3 and 4 worked in pairs and did well in presenting and making their Big Green Legacy posters. The winner of the poster-making contest will be announced next week. Year 5 was busy finalising their 3D cardboard sculpture of the Arabian Oryx. Year 6 has been busy working on their 3D cardboard sculptures of the dhow and date trees as we explore the culture and heritage of the UAE. Good job, everyone!

Have a restful and relaxing weekend everyone!

Miss Janice

Have a great week ahead!

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