GPS Newsletter

Dear Parents

Another great week at GPS.  All assessments have been completed for our checkpoint.  We ended the week with "Spread the Love" by wearing red and white.

To answer requests from the students - GPS' Got Talent will be held on the 28th February.  We would LOVE to have parent involvement - perhaps you could perform with your children?  Together as a group of Adults?  Mininum time for a performance is 2 mins and the maximum is 5.  Please coordinate with either Monica or your class teacher.

Calling all parents - PLEASE complete the survey (thank you if you have already).  Not only will it help us develop the school for your children, but it is essential for our inspection rating.  The link is below.....

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrtjtnnMMfUY5UW_7MmbVCtAjZiPPmaGfrJ2mJ0qXNRCXYMQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

On the 24th of February we will be hosting the DHA approved dental practice Appolonia Denistry for Children for a dental screening that involves - drums!!!  As parents you will get a full report on what they find.  Please complete the consent forms that we have already sent out and return to school.

Save the Date: 

Thursday 6th of February - Year 1 "Makers Market" - Selling plants and planting kits- prices ranging from 10 aed

Friday 7th February "Spread the Love" - dressing up in red and white colours with activities on empathy and caring

Friday 21st February "Sports Day"

Half-term break starts 12.00pm Friday 7th and we return Monday 17th February

Monday 24th February DHA dental health check for all children

Tuesday 25th February - Yrs 3-6 trip to the "Qu'ranic Park"

Wednesday 26th February - FS-Yr 2 trip to the "Qu'ranic Park"

Friday 28th February - Emariti Education Day - we will celebrate this with the UAE for the first time ever! and GPS' Got Talent

Have a lovely week!

Ms Jan

My dear students,

From tomorrow for a week you have break and I thought of giving some tips on How to Spend Your Holidays in Fun and Constructive Ways.

Holidays are a time to relax, have fun, and try new things! But did you know that you can also make your holiday time useful and exciting? Here are some great ideas to help you spend your holidays in fun and constructive ways that can help you grow, learn, and have a blast!

1. Explore a New Hobby

 Holidays are the perfect time to try something new! Whether it’s drawing, playing an instrument, knitting, or even learning magic tricks, there are endless hobbies to explore. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to draw, you can start with simple sketches or take an online drawing class. Starting a hobby, you enjoy can help you get better at something while having fun!

2. Read Exciting Books

 Reading is not only fun, but it helps your brain stay sharp! Pick up a few books you’ve been curious about, or visit your local library to explore new stories. You can dive into magical worlds, thrilling adventures, or even funny comics. Reading for just 20 minutes a day can improve your reading skills and take you on incredible journeys. You can also join a book club or share stories with friends and family.

3. Help at Home

Holidays are a great time to be a helpful member of the family! You can help with small chores, like cleaning your room, washing dishes, or organizing toys. By doing this, you’re learning responsibility and helping your parents or guardians. Plus, it can make you feel proud of the work you’ve done. Maybe you can even come up with a fun way to organize your books or toys, and make the task exciting!

4. Get Creative with Crafts

 Crafting is a fun and creative way to spend your time! You can make homemade cards, decorations, or even gifts for friends and family. Use things you have at home, like old newspapers, colored paper, or glue, and get creative! Not only will this help you learn new skills, but you’ll also have cool things to share with others. Try making a family tree, creating your own comic strip, or building something out of clay.

5. Play Outside and Stay Active

 The holidays are a perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature! You can play sports like soccer or basketball, ride your bike, go for a walk, or even just run around in the yard. Playing outside helps keep your body strong, your mind happy, and it gives you lots of energy. You can challenge your friends or family to fun games, or just explore the outdoors and see what new things you discover!

6. Learn Something New

 Why not use your holiday to learn something cool? You can pick up fun skills, like baking cookies, riding a skateboard, or even learning a new language. There are many websites and apps that offer free lessons on just about anything. Maybe you’ve always wanted to know how to do a cartwheel, or you’d love to learn how to make your own slime. Holiday time is the best time to try!

7. Spend Time with Family and Friends

 Your holidays are also a great opportunity to bond with your family and friends. You can play board games, have a movie night, or cook something special together. By spending time with the people, you love, you’ll make wonderful memories. Maybe you can even start a new holiday tradition, like creating a scrapbook of fun moments or hosting a talent show with your family.

8. Volunteer and Help Others

 The holidays are a wonderful time to give back to your community. You can volunteer with your family at a local charity, help a neighbor, or even make cards for people who are sick or elderly. Helping others teaches kindness and makes the world a better place. You’ll feel proud knowing that you’ve made someone else’s day a little brighter!

9. Create a Holiday Journal

 Why not start a journal to record all your holiday fun? Write about your favorite activities, places you visit, or new things you learn. You can even draw pictures or stick in photos. This will help you remember your holidays for years to come, and it’s a great way to practice your writing and creativity.

10. Relax and Rest

 While it’s important to stay active and productive, holidays are also about resting and recharging. It’s okay to take a break and enjoy some quiet time. You can listen to music, take a nap, or just enjoy some peaceful moments with a good book or puzzle. Relaxing helps your body and mind feel ready for the new year ahead!

Holidays are a wonderful time to relax and have fun, but they’re also a great chance to learn new things, be creative, and spend quality time with those you love. Whether you’re reading, playing, helping at home, or exploring a new hobby, you’ll make the most of your time and come out feeling proud of yourself. So, enjoy every moment of your holiday, and remember—there are endless ways to grow and have fun!

Happy Holidays!

Ms Jikku

This week, we have been enjoying playing educational games and having fun while learning! In the Thrive Hive, students have been evaluating how well they know their English grammar. They have also been learning  how to form new words from a random assortment of letters by playing the game Scrabble. The students have also been challenged to make their own sentences using the words on the Scrabble board. The students are always excited to speak about themselves. They gave very elaborate replies as to what their plans are for the holidays, during the diagnostic assessments for EAL. 

This week during our Thrive Hive sessions, we focused on the theme "Learning Through Play."

We started with Scrabble, a fantastic brain game that not only expands vocabulary but also enhances cognition, memory, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.

Next, we engaged in a fun art activity where children blew paint through a straw, creating beautiful designs. This activity helps with breath control and strengthens oral muscles, which are essential for speech development.

We also practiced differentiating between rough and smooth textures, helping children use their sense of touch to explore the world around them.

In addition, we encouraged independence with activities like putting on socks and shoes. These tasks support the development of self-care skills and fine motor abilities.

Our main goal is to provide the necessary support for children to achieve their goals, gain independence, and meet their unique needs.

Well done to Year 3 this week for completing all of their assessments! It has been a busy week filled with revision and tests and ended with well deserved fun.  We dedicated time to revising key concepts in Maths, English, and Science before completing our assessments, allowing everyone to showcase their learning. In the spirit of kindness and community, we celebrated 'Spread the Love' by wearing red, white and pink, creating a wonderful atmosphere of positivity. A highlight of the week was our Screenless Day, where we stepped away from technology and engaged in team bonding activities, fun educational games, and interactive challenges. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to collaborate, think creatively, and enjoy a day full of laughter and connection! 

What we've done

What an incredible term this has been! 

This week we have consolidated our learning through conducting internal assessments to assess how the children have done.  I am incredibly proud of the hard work and resilience each student has shown!

On Thursday we attended the Year 1 makers market which showcased the wonderful talent we have by the students of Ghaf School. On Friday we celebrated our hard work with hands-on activities, fun teambuilding  games across Key Stage 2.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support as always and wish you restful mid-term break!

This week, we wrapped up our learning for the half term, with the children demonstrating exceptional dedication as they revisited past topics and consolidated their understanding. They engaged in a range of revision activities, from interactive discussions to problem-solving tasks, which helped them feel confident as they tackled their assessments. Their hard work and perseverance paid off, and it was fantastic to see their progress and determination throughout the week.

On Thursday, we had the pleasure of attending a fantastic Year 1 Makers Market while also enjoying our very first 'No Screens Day.' The children participated in a variety of engaging hands-on activities, from strategy-based games to exciting team-building challenges that strengthened their collaboration and critical thinking skills. The day provided a refreshing break from technology, allowing them to connect, create, and have fun—all while enjoying plenty of delicious food! We also celebrated 'Spread the Love Day.'

Take a look at the pictures from this half term to relive all the wonderful moments!

Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable half-term break—see you back refreshed and ready for more learning!

This week we have been wrapping up our learning for the half term. Students have worked exceptionally hard this week revising their past learnt topics and completed their assessments in preparation for the half-term holidays. We also were delightedly hosted to a Year 1 Makers Market on Thursday while having our very own and very first 'No Screens Day' where the children enjoyed some fun with hands-on activities, fun games, team building exercises to enhance their skills further as well as lots of food. We also took time to celebrate Spread the Love Day, sharing kindness and appreciation through thoughtful activities and creative expressions.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week off, see you back fresh and energised!

                       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 theArabic 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.
 

                                                              What did we learn? /    ماذا تعلمنا؟ 

                                        Arabic  A    /  اللغة العربية للعربية                       
 الروضة:  كانت بداية رائعة لهذا الأسبوع،  وتعرفنا على أنواع جديدة من الخضروات من خلال درسنا الجديد  مثل : ( بصل - خيار - بطاطس - كرفس )
وقمنا بمراجعة ( طماطم - فلفل -  خس - جزر.......... )  وتدربنا على جمل بسيطة باللغة العربية : ( هذا بصل - أنا أكل بطاطس -  لون الكرفس أخضر )
وربطنا درسنا بالألوان والأرقام من خلال عد الخضروات والفواكهه، كما استمتعنا بعمل أنشطة مختلفة وتلوين أوراق العمل
  الصف الثاني: قمنا بِمراجعة الدروس السابقة يوم الأثنين، كما اتمننا اختبار اللغة العربية خلال هذا الأسبوع للفصل الدراسي الأول
         الصف الرابع: قمنا بِمراجعة الدروس السابقة يوم الأثنين، كما اتمننا اختبار اللغة العربية خلال هذا الأسبوع للفصل الدراسي الأول
 

                                                   Islamic A  /   الإسلامية للعرب                      
                                       الصف الثاني:
قمنا بِمراجعة الدروس السابقة يوم الأثنين، كما اتمننا اختبار الإسلامية خلال هذا الأسبوع للفصل الدراسي الأول
                                                                                                                                                                                      الصف الرابع: قمنا بِمراجعة الدروس السابقة يوم الأثنين، كما اتمننا اختبار الإسلامية خلال هذا الأسبوع للفصل الدراسي الأول

                                                                                                                                                                 
                                            Arabic B /     اللغة العربية للناطقين بِغيرها               
Fs: It was a great start to the week! We learned about new types of vegetables in our lesson, such as onion, cucumber, potato, and celery. We also reviewed previously learned vegetables, including tomato, pepper, lettuce, and carrot. Students practiced forming simple sentences in Arabic, such as: (This is an onion. - I eat potatoes. - Celery is green) We connected our lesson to colors and numbers by counting different vegetables and fruits. Additionally, the students enjoyed engaging in various activities and coloring worksheets.

y1:We reviewed previous lessons on Monday and also completed the Arabic language test this week for the first term.
y2:We reviewed previous lessons on Monday and also completed the Arabic language test this week for the first term.
y3:We reviewed previous lessons on Monday and also completed the Arabic language test this week for the first term.
y4:We reviewed previous lessons on Monday and also completed the Arabic language test this week for the first term.
y5:In grade 5 Arabic B we had a quick revision for the last topics they learnt to get ready for the Arabic assessment and we already finished it
y6:We reviewed previous lessons on Monday and also completed the Arabic language test this week for the first term.

                                      Islamic B   /  الإسلامية للناطقين بِغيرها
y2: As we usually do we started greeting students  and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to finish the assessment after the revision we had along the week before.
y3: As we usually do we started greeting students  and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to finish the assessment after the revision we had along the week before.
y4: As we usually do we started greeting students  and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to finish the assessment after the revision we had along the week before.
y5: As we usually do we started greeting students  and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to finish the assessment after the revision we had along the week before.
y6: As we usually do we started greeting students  and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to finish the assessment after the revision we had along the week before.  
  Regards, Arabic and Islamic team
Mr. Desoky, Ms. Basma

Ms: Asmaa Elsherbiny   Arabic & Islamic Head   

What we've done

Hola todos, 

We had great week , students have completed their assessments and able to understand the concepts they have learnt in their Spanish lesson . In year 1 students have done the assesments based on los dias de la semana , los meses del año , los colores , saludos y numeros in Spanish . In year 2 students completed their assessment based on En mi estuche , Saludos, los partes de mi cuerpo  y Numeros 0-30  . In year 3 students had their assessment on the basis of Saludos , En mi estuche , las preguntas generales y numeros  . In Year 4 students completed their assesment based on los paises del mundo hispanico con los capitales , los transportes , las preguntas generales . In year 5 students had their assessment based on los transportes, saludos , preguntas generales y los animales con adjetivos . In year 6 students completed their assessments based o Pronombres , Saludos , Preguntas Generales , Comida española , Las banderas del mundo hispanico . Muchas gracias for your support . 

Tengas buenas vacaciones 

Hasta Luego 

Señor Radhey