GPS Newsletter

20th September 2024

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents

Another busy week at GPS!

Monday we will celebrate Prophet Mohammed with a special assembly arranged by our Arabic and Islamic team. Student Council members were voted in and they held their first official meeting this week and we finished the week with an Assembly on Friendship by Years 5 & 6.

Digital Dubai has created a new Parental Guide Handbook to help you. In today’s digital age, keeping kids safe online is a constant concern. This parental control guidebook is here to help equip parents with the knowledge and tools to set healthy boundaries for screen time, discuss online safety with their children, identify and address potential issues like cyberbullying, and provide detailed steps on how to activate parental controls on several social media platforms. Click on the link below for your guide:

https://www.digitaldubai.ae/knowledge-hub/publications/parental-control-guide

Save the Date:

Friday 20th September - Year 5 and 6 Assembly on "Friendship" (parents invited)

Friday 27th September - DHA Health Screen eye test for children Year 3 and above

Monday 30th September - Friday 4th October - External international standardised testing for all students (nothing to study for 😁)

Tuesday 1st October - Phonics workshops for parents with Ms Chloe (FS, Year 1 and Year 2 parents)

Tuesday 8th October - FS and Year 1 field trip to the Fire Station (TBC)

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

Ms Jan

Wellbeing

Dear Parents,

This week , I thought to pen down some strategies to help you manage your time to spend with your child in active listening, as this practice is vital for your child's development. Finding moments to connect can be challenging in our busy lives, but making the effort to listen can foster stronger relationships and support their emotional growth. Here are some effective strategies to help you find that precious time:

Schedule One-on-One Time: Set aside regular time each week dedicated to spending with each child, whether it’s a short walk, game, or chat during dinner.
Incorporate Listening into Daily Routines: Use everyday moments, like car rides or bedtime, to engage in conversation. These moments can provide a natural opportunity to listen.
Limit Screen Time: Create tech-free zones or times, allowing for uninterrupted family interactions that encourage open dialogue.
Be Present: Practice mindfulness by being fully engaged when with your children. Put away distractions like phones to show you value their time.
Use Transition Times: Utilize transitions, such as after school or before bed, to ask open-ended questions and encourage sharing about their day.
Create Family Traditions: Establish regular family activities, like game nights or weekend outings, where everyone can share and connect.
Encourage Shared Activities: Involve children in daily tasks, like cooking or gardening, where conversation can flow naturally.
Set Priorities: Identify what truly matters and create a family calendar that includes time for connection, ensuring it’s a priority.
Teach Self-Expression: Encourage kids to express themselves through art, journaling, or other creative outlets, which can prompt meaningful discussions.
Model Balance: Show kids how to prioritize relationships by managing your own time effectively, setting an example for them.

By intentionally integrating these strategies into daily life, parents can create meaningful connections with their children, even amidst busy schedules.

Hope this will help you to bond with your kid effectively. Have a lovely weekend.

Ms Jikku

FS 1 & 2

What we've done

This week we have been exploring all about me! We have been looking at what makes us unique, from the things that we enjoy to how we look. The children had fun sorting themselves into different groups such as; eye colour, hair colour and style, height and age! In writing they wrote about themselves using their current phonic knowledge, some practiced writing their name while others were able to create sentences about themselves. We also created our self portraits which will be part of an art exhibition later this year. In mathematics we have been learning all about measuring and size. We have been learning about spatial awareness through activities like wrapping parcels and measuring each other in class. The children have enjoyed comparing their height which each other and trying to order items by size and height.

In phonics we have learned the sounds d, m, g and the high frequency words; dad, and. next week we will look who makes up our family!

Year 1

What we've done

This week in year 1 we have been comparing numbers using the language, more, fewer and less than. In English we have finished our story 'We're going on a bear hunt', the children have been exploring adjectives and have been using them to describe different settings. I was so impressed to see how the children are beginning to apply digraphs in their caption writing. We also focused on sight words this week, we had a scavenger hunt around our provision room and played a game of sight word dominoes. In science, we planted some seeds and looked at different plants sorting them into garden plants and wild plants. In humanities we were discussing where we come from and where we live now. We have been learning all about the seven emirates and how to locate them on a map. Well done year 1, keep up the great work!

Year 2

This week in year 2 we have been busy learning lots of new things. In maths,the children have been comparing and ordering numbers, practising how to arrange them from smallest to largest. In science, we explored microhabitats and discovered the different plants and animals that can be found in environments like under logs or in the soil. During our English lessons, we focused on the features of instructions and learned how to sequence them in order. In IPC we continued with our topic a day in the life and the children researched the skills required for a chosen profession. In humanities we have been continuing to learn about different monarchs and the children were able to arrange the monarchs on a timeline.

Year 3

It's been another fantastic week for Year 3! The girls have really started to get in full swing of things and are showing great perseverance. In Maths we wrapped up our first topic of Place Value, which means we will be started our new topic of addition and subtraction next week! In English we have been exploring features of a diary and will start planning our very own (in the perspective of Matilda) next week. In Science we have been investigating different animals and comparing similarities and differences of their skeletons. Whereas in IPC the children created amazing posters to convince tourists to come and visit Dubai.. very persuasive to say the least. Looking forward to another fun week ahead.

Smashing an online quiz on skeletons !

Islamic Assembly for the Prophet Mohammed

Year 4

What we've done

Yet another fabulous week in Year 4! The students have continued to work incredibly hard in all activities and have built such an amazing bond with one another, it’s great to see!

In English, we have finally consolidated our learning of diary entry in the perspective of James. I have seen the progress in each individual child’s writing, ensuring they are incorporating the features we have learnt. We will be moving onto planning, editing and writing a playscript next week.

In Maths we are coming towards the end of our place value unit. This week we looked at ordering numbers up to 10,000 and Roman Numerals. The children grasped the concept very well and were able to answer reasoning style questions.

Our mini scientists were able to independently build a circuit. They also identified the difference between a complete and incomplete circuit and understood what makes them complete/incomplete.

Gentle reminder to ensure your child is reading at home daily and recorded in their reading record.

We have our upcoming Year 3 and 4 assembly on Friday 11th October and parents are welcome!

Have a lovely and restful weekend.

Ms Nimra

Year 5

What we've done

Another week of learning in Year 5 has flown by, and it’s fantastic to see the children making progress in every lesson.

Year 5 did a wonderful job presenting the friendship assembly. Despite feeling a bit nervous, they delivered an excellent performance. Well done, everyone!

In English, the children continued writing diary entries from Sophie’s perspective, focusing on key language features like conjunctions, pronouns, and time adverbials.

As mathematicians, the children explored the concept of powers of 10. Although they initially found it a bit tricky, they are steadily deepening their understanding.

In Science, the children planted sunflower seeds and wrote detailed instructions on how to do so. They are now observing the plants daily, recording any changes in growth, and making careful notes of their observations.

As historians, the children explored what life was like in Ancient Egypt, focusing on the various types of jobs people had during that era. In Geography, they studied countries in Europe, with a special focus on identifying those in Eastern Europe.

Lastly, a gentle reminder: children should be reading at home every day for at least 10 minutes, and they should record the pages they've read in their reading record.

Planting a sunflower seed 🌱

Year 6

What we've done

A productive week in year 6 this September! The students have come into routine and worked hard in their subjects and also grown a bond with not only their peers but also teachers. Year 5 and 6 partook in an assembly they presented to the whole school about friendship!

In English we had excelled in our Charlie and the chocolate factory book and alongside also completed our Diary entries in perspective of Charlie, ensuring to add in their features. Next week, students will be looking at instructional writing and having a go at a cold task.

In maths we are finishing up our topic on Place value and looked at rounding and negative numbers. During the coming week we will be reviewing and testing our knowledge while also starting our new topic of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

During Science we are looking into the contents of blood and how blood is made up in our body and linking it to the circulatory system and its function in our body.

Humnaities we had a look into Chinese dynasties while in MSC we looked into recognising others perspectives.

Please ensure to remind students to complete their homework and practice spellings on a weekly basis in addition to practicing their reading as it is essential to their growth.

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
Arabic A

ماذا تعلمنا
:خلال الأسبوع الماضي، تم تقديم العديد من المواضيع والأنشطة التعليمية الشيقة للطلاب في الصفوف التالية

، الرَّوْضّة: كان تدرّب رائع على بعض العبارات العربية لِيُقدم الطفل نفسه ( مرحبا ، أنا اسمي ..... ، كيف حالك؟) نرى تَحسُّن ملحوظ في تَقدم مُستوى تَحدث ، الطلاب في مرحلة الروَّضة، أيضًا درسنا أجزاء الجسم من خلال الأنشودة
وقضينا وقتًا مُمتعًا وميّزنا الألوان من خلال أنشودة الألوان وركزنا على ( أسود - أبيض) وقمنا ببعض الأنشطة وتلوين العلم الإماراتي وبعض الألعاب الترفيهة المُسلية لنشاط الألوان

في الصف الثاني: هذا الأسبوع، بدأنا بمراجعة الحروف وتحليل الكلمات لتقوية مهارات القراءة والكتابة. تعلمنا كيفية تقسيم الكلمات إلى مقاطع صوتية وفهم أصوات الحروف. كما بدأنا دراسة درس "بوبي البومة الحكيمة" الذي يعلّمنا قيمة الحكمة والتفكير الجيد. ركزنا بشكل خاص على حرف "الباء"، حيث تعلمنا كيفية نطقه مع الحركات الثلاث: الفتحة، .والضمة، والكسرة. تدربنا أيضًا على كتابة حرف الباء بشكل صحيح في الكلمات والجمل، مما ساعدنا في تحسين قدراتنا على القراءة والكتابة بشكل أفضل.

في الصف الرابع: راجعنا المهارات اللغوية السابقة، بما في ذلك التنوين وتحليل الكلمات. بدأنا بمراجعة قواعد التنوين بأنواعه، وتطبيقه على الكلمات المختلفة. ثم انتقلنا إلى تحليل الكلمات من حيث التركيب والاشتقاق، مما ساعدنا على فهم أعمق للغة. استكملنا درس "ملك الحكايات"، حيث ركزنا على تحسين مهارات القراءة وفهم المقروء. قمنا بقراءة النصوص بعناية وتحليلها، وفهم الأفكار الرئيسية والتفاصيل الداعمة. كما تدربنا على استخراج معاني الكلمات من السياق واستخدام التفكير النقدي لتفسير الأحداث والشخصيات. كانت الحصة مليئة بالتعلم الممتع والمفيد.

Arabic B
What we've done

KG: It was a wonderful training session for practicing some Arabic phrases to help the child introduce themselves (Hello, my name is..., how are you?). We noticed significant improvement in the speaking level of kindergarten students. We also studied body parts through a song. Additionally, we had a fun time learning and identifying colors through the colors song (black - white). We did some activities, made the UAE flag, and played entertaining games for the color activity.
Gr 1:We spent a fun and active time learning the Arabic alphabet through interactive activities and songs that make learning enjoyable in a motivating classroom environment full of fun. We practiced spelling two- and three-letter words and writing the letters.

We learned about the colors (red - green - yellow - blue) We also learned the Arabic numbers from 6 to 10. Our goal is to build a strong linguistic foundation that contributes to enhancing students' abilities and developing their language skills. and t was a wonderful training session for practicing some Arabic phrases to help the child introduce themselves (Hello, my name is..., how are you? ). We noticed significant improvement in the speaking level

Gr 2:In our Arabic class, we spend enjoyable and productive time learning the letters and forming words. We focus on enhancing reading and writing skills through interactive activities that make learning fun and exciting. We learned about the colors (red, green, yellow, blue, black) and also learned the Arabic numbers from 1 to 10. We train students on spelling three-letter words, which helps improve their pronunciation and understanding of words. We use educational games and competitions to boost interaction and motivate students to participate. Our goal is to build a strong linguistic foundation that contributes to developing students' abilities and language skills in an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity, empowering them to become confident readers and writers.

Gr 3: In grade 3 for Arabic B we started our lessons with greeting students and teaching them how to greet each other in Arabic by saying hello and good morning in Arabic. we continued lessons by learning the basics of Arabic language starting from the letters names, shapes and sounds. we had funny time learning the letters sounds. we studied some letters and are going on forward. it was so enjoyable. we moved forward with students towards new teaching of arabic key words.

Gr 4:In our Arabic class we are diligently working on developing students' reading comprehension skills through regular reading practice. We focus on enhancing their ability to understand texts and grasp the finer details of phonetic structures. and we learned about colors (red, green, yellow, blue, brown, black, white). The students also practiced introducing themselves and did well in speaking Arabic (Hello, my name is... I am in the Y4 / I am in Al-Ghaf School / I am from the United Kingdom/ Sweden/South Africa....). I noticed a wonderful improvement in their speaking skills. We also created an identification card for each student, where they drew the flag of their country. It was a fantastic activity that the students enjoyed very much, and they had a great time. Additionally, we emphasize training students in both oral and written expression, where they learn to write words and sentences and express their ideas clearly and accurately. We use interactive methods, activities, and writing exercises to motivate students to express themselves fluently, which boosts their confidence and develops their language skills in reading and writing.

Gr 5:In grade 5 Arabic was so funny as we started studying recognizing the Arabic letters students read comprehension skills through regular reading practice. We focus on enhancing their ability to understand texts and grasp the finer details of phonetic structures. Building up on the fore rules students learnt we are completing our work. students good at practicing and understanding and we can help them a lot.
Gr 6: we learned new vocabulary related to the lesson "In the Classroom" and added them to our vocabulary list. We practiced using these words in sentences to enhance our language skills. Additionally, we focused on the letters "ر" (Ra) and "ز" (Zay), learning how to pronounce them with different diacritical marks. We also identified words and sentences that contain these letters, helping us recognize their sound and usage in context. This class strengthened our understanding of Arabic phonetics and expanded our vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

Islamic A

ماذا تعلمنا
الصّف الثّاني: تعلمنا عن ربوبية الله من خلال درس "الله ربي"، حيث فهمنا أن الله هو الخالق والمدبر لكل شيء، وهو الذي يرزقنا ويحفظنا. تأملنا في نعم الله من حولنا وتحدثنا عن أهمية شكر الله على كل نعمه. ثم قمنا بتطبيق هذا الفهم من خلال تلاوة سورة الفاتحة، حيث تعزز الدرس بآياتها التي تبدأ بالحمد لله رب العالمين. تعلمنا كيف أن سورة الفاتحة تؤكد ربوبية الله وأنه المستحق للحمد والعبادة. كان الدرس ممتعًا ومفيدًا، وساعدنا على تعزيز إيماننا وفهمنا للعقيدة الإسلامية.

الصّف الرّابع: تعلمنا درس قصة نزول الوحي على النبي محمد ﷺ، حيث تعرفنا على تفاصيل أول لقاء بين جبريل عليه السلام والنبي في غار حراء. شرحنا كيف أن هذا الحدث كان بداية رسالة الإسلام وبدء نزول القرآن الكريم. ربطنا الدرس بسورة العلق، حيث تلا علينا المعلم الآيات الأولى التي نزلت على النبي ﷺ: "اقرأ باسم ربك الذي خلق..." وتحدثنا عن أهمية العلم والقراءة في الإسلام. كما تعلمنا كيف أن هذه السورة تبرز قيمة التعلم والتأمل في خلق الله. كانت الحصة ملهمة ومفيدة لفهم أهمية الوحي والرسالة الإسلامية.

Islamic B

Mr Gr 2: In year 2 we started greeting students and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantstic to start our lesson with revising and learning surat al-Fatihah and the meanings of the key words therein. we moved forward based on key words. 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-Masad, 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 3: In year 3 we as usual started with teaching students to greet others with Islamic greeting and to reply to it. 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 year 4 it was fantastic to see those good students. we started revising pillars of islam and pillars of Iman. 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 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 5: we started this year revising 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 12 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 6: we started this year revising 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 12 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.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Desoky, Mr. Gamal
Ms: Asmaa Elsherbiny
Arabic Head

المولد النبوي الشريف
the Prophet Day

ESPAÑOL

What we've done

Hola todos,

This week we had lots for fun and learning in Spanish across the all year group , In Year 1 students learned about greetings (Saludos) and Numeros (Numbers) 0- 10. In year 2 students more about Mi Introduccion (My Introduction) and played Kahoot in their tablets which encourage them to learn more in Spanish in different ways . In Year 3 students learnt spellings in Spanish and they practised more writing words in Spanish independently in the whiteboards to improve pronunciation in Spanish Vocabularies. In year 4 students learnt about Spanish countries and their capitals in Spanish also learnt continents where Spanish countries are located . In year 5 and 6 students learnt and discover about types of Spanish food and wrote their names in Spanish to understand the exact pronunciation of all Spanish food in Spanish. Keep encouraging your child so he/she will keep learning Spanish .

Gracias for your support .

Feliz fin de Semana (Have a lovely Weekend)

Hasta Luego (See you later )

Señor Radhey

STREAM

What we've done

It's been a busy, fun week for everyone in our STREAM class! The children in FS enjoyed exploring the world of colours through nature. They collected various materials outside the classroom and turned them into beautiful art pieces whilst years 1 had fun exploring the world of Science in STREAM as they partook in various Science experiments and Science exploration stations. Years 3 and 4 have been busy exploring the properties of different materials. They enjoyed working in groups as they collected various materials around the school. Year 5 was busy grouping, comparing and measuring materials based on their properties. This week, year 6 partook in our STREAM challenge to build a simple electrical circuit using basic components given to them.

Have a lovely and restful weekend!

Miss Janice