PDO

School Newsletter

13th December 2023

Dear Parents,

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to show an appreciation of the contributions made by the whole community.

This has been a challenging but rewarding term for the school we have changed many of our operating procedures and this has led to significant work and new learning for all our school staff; ultimately this leads to a more positive learning experience for children, this is our core function. Thanks to all the parents who have supported and provided feedback at a number of levels. This is all helpful to the school as we continue to develop and grow. Finally, thanks to our students, you will see below how they are also involved through providing their 'vision' of the school. We also have an established Student Council who will further help to provide 'student voice'.

We have several families leaving at the end of this school year, we wish them well on their future adventures, having read a recent letter from a departing parent who has been at the school for several years, we can clearly see the positive role that the school plays in our community.

Tim Robinson

Headteacher

Early Years

Washing Vegetables

This week, the children read 'Oliver's Vegetables' and had great learning about the importance of cleaning vegetables before consuming them. Just like the vegetables picked fresh from the farm, these may have soil and pesticides, so a good scrub is necessary. Later, the children discussed vegetables they eat, linking the sensory experience with a broader understanding of healthy habits.

Milepost 1

Year 1 have been experimenting with numbers and creating various ways to write number sentences. We have been reveiwing fact families and inverse operation. Children have loved collaborating and challenging each other to complete more number sentences. Year 1 have proven to be resilient learners and often work in different learner partnerships.

Milepost 2

Year 4 put their engineering skills to the test this week with their first trip of the year to Kidsity. Before the trip the children watched videos and studied pictures of the aftermath of earthquakes as part of our Active Planet IPC unit. On Wednesday the children took part in a civil engineering workshop with the team at Kidsity, exploring and creating their own structures, keeping in mind the focus of creating an 'earthquake proof' design. They are looking forward to imparting their skills, knowledge and understanding next Monday during their Exit Point!

Milepost 3 - Flights. Camera. Action.

Exciting news from Year 5 students! They have successfully launched captivating websites for their travel agencies that specialize in crafting tailor-made tours of Oman. These budding tour guides are dedicated to unveiling the hidden gems, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage of Oman.

So whether you find yourself with a solitary free evening or consider yourself a seasoned world explorer, the meticulously designed itineraries promise to deliver unforgettable experiences. Get ready to embark on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity that Oman has to offer!

Coffee and Curriculum

Assessment and Reporting

Many thanks to all parents that attended our reporting meeting this week. It was a great opportunity to help parents understand further the assessments that children have taken this term and the reports that will be shared with parents on Thursday.

In addition to this meeting, you will receive guidance with the reports on Thursday to help you interpret the data, we advise you to take the time reading this carefully to help you get the most out of your child's report.

Assessment and Reporting.pdf

All parents in Year 1 to Year 6 will receive their child's End of Term report on Thursday 14th December at 8am via email.

Parent and Children's Voice -

Creating a Shared Ethos

Parent Voice

Following our assessment meeting this week, we took the opportunity to work with our parents to consider what they feel is important in creating a shared school ethos.

Please take a moment to look at the slides shared and then use the QR code to offer your thoughts and ideas. All words contributed will be used to help create our sharedschool ethos.

Children's Voice

Children worked together to create their ideal school. They were tasked with a mission:

To create a school that has great learning and is internationally minded.

The children discussed how they feel about learning, play and the relationship between the two. Celebrating the many different ways that children learn they chose to build models, draw their ideal school or create a Google slideshow to share their vision of learning at PDO school.

Parent voice School Ethos

What is international mindedness and why do students need it?

When we consider globalisation, the ever-rising traction of social media platforms and the ease of access to information, we can begin to gauge the increasingly interconnected world within which our children are growing up. As students in an international school, it is therefore essential that we accelerate equipping our young students with the skills and attitudes required to successfully and sensitively navigate the culturally rich and diverse community in which they learn. International mindedness ensures that our pupils recognise differences and understand the value unique perspectives have to offer. Moreover, through broadening their viewpoints, children are enabled to develop the high levels of empathy and respect requisite to fostering authentic and positive relationships with people from every walk of life. Our global citizenship aims and the Sustainable Development Goals (outlined by the UN) are also integrated with international mindedness. Children are taught to reflect on world problems and how they can contribute positively towards solving these.

Ms Munira - IPC Leader for Learning

Out of School Achievements

Last Friday, 5 children from PDO School took part in the Gavel Club public speaking competition. The Gavel Club is the junior section of the RAHRC Toastmasters club. The club helps members to develop their public speaking and leadership skills, as well as building their confidence. Well done to Ephraim (Y4), Harsha (Y5), Varshitha (Y5), Hithakshi (Y6) and Yashasvi (Y6) for your participation.

A special mention must go to Hithakshi who claimed 3 trophies across the course of the competition: placing 2nd for her humorous speech and table topic, and taking 3rd place for her evaluation speech.

Congratulations to Avnir Y5T, who participated in a Pro Tennis tournament last week held in ABA muscat. He came first in the under 11 age category.

Well done Avnir!

PTA Movie Night

Last Thursday evening, the PTA hosted a holiday movie night for 160 children. The children enjoyed pizza, popcorn and watching The Polar Express. A holiday shop was also open for the children to enjoy purchasing small glow up wands and rings. More than 120 OMR was raised at the event. This money will go towards a Teacher Appreciation Brunch later this school year. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all PTA members and PDO staff who sacrificed their personal time to be able to help make this event a success.