PDO School  Newsletter

12th February 2025

Dear Parents

Security Control 6666 (24/7)

ROP 9999

Tim Robinson

Headteacher

Ramadan Arrangements

The Holy Month of Ramadan is expected to begin on the 28th of February.  The date however, might change by a day depending on the moon sighting.  So that we can better support our fasting children, please complete the form linked below to let us know if your child will be fasting and any other relevant information, if you have not already done so.  Please contact Nurse Munira (nurse@pdoschool.com) if you would like to discuss any matters concerning your child's fasting. 

Form link:  https://forms.gle/diXbPq4qhEnzVkuR9  

A Respectful Reminder on Appropriate Attire

As a multicultural school in a Muslim country, we take great pride in fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. Our school community brings together families from diverse backgrounds, and we deeply appreciate the mutual understanding and consideration that makes our school a welcoming place for all.

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With this in mind, we kindly ask parents and visitors to be mindful of their attire when coming onto school grounds. As a place of learning and a professional setting, we encourage clothing that reflects the respectful and family-friendly atmosphere we strive to maintain. Ensuring that attire is modest and appropriate helps to create a comfortable and inclusive environment for everyone in our community.

We appreciate your support in helping us uphold these values and thank you for your cooperation. Your understanding and respect for our shared space make a positive impact on the school experience for students, staff, and fellow parents alike.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

PDO School Calendar 2025/26

The full calendar for 2025/26 is now available to viewed and downloaded from this link.  It is also available from the school website.


PTA Event - SWAP and SHOP! - 26 February 5-6:30pm

A wonderful opportunity for our children to engage with the United Nations Sustainability Goals and ‘exchange’ quality items rather than buy new. A super community event!  Trade in your quality books, toys, fashion accessories, or costumes for 'new to you' items at the Swap & Shop!  With book week taking place in April, we also thought ahead. On many occasions children often use a book week costume once… this opportunity allows the potential to bring these in and swap. Naturally it can’t be guaranteed another will be found but the opportunity is there.

 

How it will work:

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Guidelines

Choose-days - Encompassing autonomy & wellbeing while creating space for our students to achieve their Personal Learning Goals...

With many thanks to our Teachers and Teaching & Learning Assistants, this half-term has been filled with fantastic Choose-day activities across the year groups. Check out all the fun & learning that has been happening…

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Gardening & Outdoor Craft- While enjoying the lovely weather, our green-fingered students have been planting and creating in our outdoor spaces. Curious fairy houses, rock gardens and beautiful decorative tree hangings have appeared in our playground for all to enjoy...thank you!

Ultimate Frisbee- The weather has been perfect for this popular Choose-day activity. This fast-paced, non-contact sport has built students’ coordination, communication skills  and sportsmanship. It has been tremendous to  witness the development in their confidence in this game while they built rapport with their peers across the year groups.

Lollipop Craft - This activity offered a creative space for students to explore their imagination through a fun and engaging craft. Using simple materials like lollipop sticks, glue, paint and sparkles, they refined  motor skills and artistic confidence resulting in some very creative outcomes. 

Drones: Sky Explorers - We are proud to host an in-school drone club for students! This activity was designed to provide students with practical experience in drone technology while learning about the fundamentals of the history, evolution, and applications of drones. They developed drone piloting skills: mastering takeoff, controlled flight, and landing techniques. 

Felt & Fabric Art- The results of this activity were outstanding, vibrant and completely unique. Through this expressive  activity, students created beautifully crafted pieces of work that balanced colour and texture. Some children progressed on to adding embellishments with beading by either attaching with glue or sewing. Each session was filled with inspiration, sensory stimulation and seeing  their creations come to life.


Cooking - Delicious smells have been wafting through school as our mini-chefs have been sharpening their culinary skills. A very popular activity that we hope all our students get to take part in...hopefully, some of the dishes made it home for you to try. 

Free Painting- This was an activity inspired by our student survey. In a calm and well equipped creative environment they were able to express themselves without boundaries.

Slimy Science - Another popular choice - colourful, fragrant, gooey and slimy! The students followed and adapted different recipes, working together to create their favourite fluffy, slimy and glittery creations which we are sure they loved to bring home and share with you.

Water Play - The children have had a fantastic time splashing, pouring, and laughing in our newly constructed water play area! They explored water in all sorts of fun ways: filling buckets, making funnels, creating environments for water creatures and making mini waterfalls.

Lego Creator - With open-ended building activities and Lego creator kits, lots of fun learning has taken place unleashing creativity and developing collaboration. The students built bridges, ukuleles, cars, tigers and vehicles...to name a few!

Mileage Running Club - Motivated by their teachers, peers and self determination, students clocked up the kilometres each week in our popular running club. This activity develops accountability, self & peer responsibility & motivation, while producing endorphins. The students have loved, and been motivated by, collecting and wearing colourful wristbands to mark their achievements… well done!

News from the Music Room

We've had an exciting and productive start to this term in Music!



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Year 6: The students have been exploring African drumming, focusing on its structure and rhythm.

Year 5: The children are learning the rhythms of Samba, diving into its lively and dynamic patterns.

Year 4: Continuing with clarinet practice, the students have made great strides, now comfortably playing notes from C-G. In March, they'll begin working with keyboards.

Year 3: The students have been busy performing their own rhythm patterns and are currently in the process of composing a group performance.

Year 2: After composing and notating their own rhythm patterns, Year 2 has been using percussion instruments to describe insects in their compositions. This will culminate in a ‘Rainforest’ piece.

Year 1: The children have been playing the glockenspiels and learning notation through fun animal-themed songs. They especially love ‘Shrimp Glockenspiel.’

Early Years: The youngest musicians have been singing a variety of action songs, playing percussion instruments and dancing to express themselves, with favourites like The Toolbox Song and The Minibeast Rave.

In addition to regular class activities, many students have been participating in extracurricular lessons, such as keyboard, recorder, guitar, flute and ukulele. These activities are fostering a passion for music across the school!

Upcoming Performances:

MP2 is preparing to perform together in informal lunchtime concerts, offering students a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents in front of their peers. Our music room performances are a great opportunity for children to share their skills and enjoy performing.

Keep up the great work, everyone!

Miss Rachel

Year 4 Explore Online Safety on Safer Internet Day 

This week, our Year 4 students took part in Safer Internet Day, diving into important discussions about online identity and safety. The children watched the virtual lesson How You Feel Online, exploring how people can create different identities on the internet. They learned key vocabulary such as identity and image, helping them understand how online personas may not always reflect reality. 

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As part of their independent learning, students created two portraits—one of their real identity and one of an invented online identity. This hands-on activity reinforced the message that we should always be cautious and never trust someone online without verification.

The session concluded with a discussion on the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable online. The children reflected on situations where they might need help and shared ideas on staying safe.

After the half-term break, all year groups will continue exploring different aspects of online safety, including self-image, online relationships, reputation, and privacy. Throughout the year, children from Year 1 to Year 6 participate in dedicated internet safety lessons every half term, ensuring online safety remains a key part of their learning.

By equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely, we empower them to make smart choices online.

Parent presentation - Classwize

Enhancing Online Safety with Linewize by Qoria 

At PDO School, we are committed to ensuring a safe and secure online learning environment for all students. To support this, we use Linewize by Qoria, a robust filtering and monitoring system designed to protect students while they navigate the digital world. 

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How Does Linewize Work?
Linewize provides real-time filtering and monitoring, helping to block inappropriate content and safeguard students from online risks. It enables our school to manage internet access, ensuring that students stay focused on learning while promoting responsible online behaviour.

Classwize
Teachers also benefit from Classwize, an easy-to-use classroom management tool that allows them to see students’ online activity, guide their learning, and minimize distractions. With Classwize, our teachers can:
✅ Monitor student screen activity in real time
✅ Set internet restrictions during lessons
✅ Encourage digital responsibility and online safety discussions

We believe that a collaborative approach between school and home is essential for online safety. Please have a look at our internet safety parent presentation.

If you have any questions about Linewize, Classwize, or how you can support safe internet use at home, please feel free to reach out to either Ms Anre or Ms Kirsty.

Early Years - Exit Point

Brilliant Bug Ball – What a Celebration!

Our Brilliant Bug Ball was a huge success! The children arrived in their amazing recyclable costumes, bringing creativity and excitement to the event. It was wonderful to see them fully immersed in the theme, celebrating minibeasts in such a fun and eco-friendly way.

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Looking back on our Brilliant Bug Ball journey, we have explored the world of minibeasts and their habitats. The children observed life cycles, built bug homes and discovered how insects work together. We learnt about bugs from around the world and our home country, developing international mindedness. Through hands-on activities, they developed curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. We also reflected on the importance of caring for nature and respecting all living things, linking to SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. It has been a wonderful journey of learning and discovery. Well done everyone! 

Milepost 1

On World Read Aloud Day, Year 2 gathered in the new sensory garden to enjoy the magic of reading aloud. With the fresh air and new surroundings, the children took turns sharing their favourite stories, connecting with each other through the joy of books.

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Reading aloud to children at home helps improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills. It also fosters a love for reading, strengthens their imagination, and enhances their emotional development. We encourage families to make reading aloud a daily habit, as it builds lifelong learning habits and strengthens the bond between parents and children. 

Milepost 2

Year 4 Explore!  As part of our Explorers and Adventurers IPC unit, the children had the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna that inhabit Al Ansab Wetlands.

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The Year 4 team were lucky to be accompanied by Ms Liz- bird spotter extraordinaire! Empathetically moving through the wetlands, the children observed a range of fauna such as Common Egret, Flamingos and Kingfishers, they spotted tracks, nests and other signs of life. 

Back in the classroom and reflecting on their learning the children noted:

"I understand that some of the trees can be used to make medicine." Fatima 

"I used my skills of spotting birds in a hide." Chris

"I didn't know about the Great Cormorant before. We learnt that the Flamingos are white but from their food, their feathers turn pink." Sara

Milepost 3

Last week, our Year 6 students embarked on an unforgettable two-night adventure with Outward Bound Oman. This special residential experience was designed to challenge and inspire them through a variety of outdoor activities in the stunning desert landscape.

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The students took part in a breathtaking sunset hike and a longer desert trek, learning to navigate and appreciate the beauty of nature. They also developed essential life skills by preparing their own meals and setting up their own camps. Through team-building activities and a cozy campfire under the stars, they strengthened their collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

The objectives of this course were to promote leadership, self-reliance, and personal organisation, while also fostering teamwork and environmental awareness. Most importantly, it helped the students build resilience and determination when facing new challenges.

The residential was a huge success, with all students learning valuable lessons and making wonderful memories. Well done, Year 6!

Toddler Hut 

Today was all about love and friendship at Toddler Hut! The little ones got creative making heart-shaped sun catchers and decorating popsicle sticks with hearts, chatting about who they’d give them to—such sweet moments! 

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Our foamy tuff tray was a hit, with tiny hands whipping up pretend cupcakes and diving into sensory fun. And of course, nothing beats water play—splashes, giggles, and pure joy all around. A morning full of warmth, laughter, and little acts of kindness! 

Congratulations to our Learners of the Week

Well done for all your hard work and effort, they haven't gone unnoticed!



Parent Calendar

The Parent Calendar can also be found on the school website About page.

Wishing you a pleasant weekend,

The PDO School Team