Faith, Knowledge and Work
KFS Primary Newsletter
We seek excellence. It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.
King Faisal School
The goal of King Faisal School is to develop young people through a rigorous national and international program of study. KFS students are encouraged to attain academic excellence based on a foundation of faith, knowledge and work in order to help create a sustainable, peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. KFS fosters respect for Arab Islamic heritage while embracing an international perspective which is vital to meet the demands of the modern world. KFS inspires students to succeed as world citizens and to be the best that they can be. depart the school without loitering. Students who have not been collected by 2.15pm will remain with their student supervisor. Tardiness by parents in collecting their students should not be a regular issue. Effective communication can be problematic in any school or organisation. KFS uses many means. At a Primary School level, we send home weekly planners, class notes, newsletters and bulletins, as well as using Twitter (@KFS_Primary) and the Primary School website (http:// www.kfs.sch.sa/pyp-eng/tabid/214/Default.aspx)
A focus for April is reporting to parents about their son’s achievements. This will occur at two forums: the Fathers’ Meeting (held yesterday, thank you Dads) and Portfolio Day, on 17 April when mothers and their son will meet with their teachers to review achievement today with work student work samples. Please note that there will be no normal classes on this day as interview sessions will be conducted between 7.00am - 2.30pm. As school education is a threeway partnership, we expect maximum parent participation. All ‘A’ classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A & 5A) will commence swimming lessons for their PSPE lessons from Sunday, 13 April. Parents are requested to ensure their sons bring their swimming gear to school on their PE days. All students must be collected from their classrooms each afternoon at 2.00pm by the responsibleadult (parent, maid, driver, older sibling.) This also applies to students in Grades 4 and 5. Students must be accompanied to their vehicle and
KFS Primary School Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 5
Extra-curricula activities commenced this week. It was disappointing that some students missed their first choice selections due to popularity (for example, swimming and football) or due to not observing return deadlines (20 March). Grade 1-2 students are appreciating the opportunity to participate this term and will continue to do so in future sessions. A Levels System for student behaviour management will be trialled during the last Unit of Inquiry sessions. An outline of the system is detailed within this newsletter. The Primary School Newsletter is published each fortnight and copies of the abridged version will be sent home with students. The full colour edition can be found on the Primary School website: http://www.kfs.sch.sa/pyp-eng/tabid/815/ Default.aspx Skyward, or at http://issuu.com/kfsprimaryschool/docs/kfs_primary_newsletter_090414 I appreciate your support. Dr Ken Darvall (Principal)
9 April, 2014
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LEVELS AWARD SYSTEM LEVEL Gold Silver Emerald Bronze Red Blue 0 1
2
3
4
5
REWARD / SANCTION Gold Level Certificate Silver Level Certificate Emerald Level Certificate Bronze Level Certificate Red Level Certificate Blue Level Certificate Students start here at the commencement of each school year. Students will do community service during breaks whilst on this level. In addition, a school leader will forfeit his position for this period. Parents will meet with the class teacher. The student is ineligible for a level award during this UOI session. Students will do community service during breaks whilst on this level. Students will not participate in school excursions. In addition, a school leader will forfeit his position and a replacement will be elected or promoted. Parents will be meet with the class teacher and the Counsellor. The student is ineligible for a level award during this UOI session. Internal school suspension for up to 10 working days. Students will not participate in school excursions and special school functions. In addition, a school leader will forfeit his position and a replacement will be elected or promoted. Parents will be meet with the Principal. The student is ineligible for a level award during this UOI session. External school suspension for up to 10 working days. Parents will meet with the Principal. The student is ineligible for a level award during this UOI session. Expulsion
TIME PERIOD ON THE LEVEL Sixth UOI session Fifth UOI session Fourth UOI session Third UOI session Second UOI session First UOI session One session Minimum 2 weeks Letter to parents
Minimum 2 weeks Letter to parents Counselling
Minimum 2 weeks Letter to parents Counselling
1 – 10 Days Letter to parents Counselling Permanent. Letter to parents
Primary School PO Box 94558 Riyadh. 116114 P: +966 114820802 Ext1101 E: primary@kfs.sch.sa
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DISCIPLINE POLICY Purpose •
Guide individual development towards informed understanding, mature judgement, responsible selfdiscipline and moral autonomy.
•
Develop the ability to make responsible decisions and accept responsibility for actions.
•
Specifically, to develop: self-discipline; self-esteem; respect for others; respect for own and other people’s property; tolerance; and an understanding of the difference between reality and fiction (as influenced by media).
Guidelines •
Teacher’s Role Teachers will facilitate effective classroom and playground discipline for all students by using appropriate strategies. Parents should be informed and involved sooner rather than later. Teachers should respond to any request by a parent to discuss a problem.
•
Parent’s Role Parents should inform teachers of any situation that could have an effect on their child’s behaviour whilst at school (e.g., medication, broken night’s sleep, family issue). Teachers should be informed sooner rather than later. Parents should respond to any request by the school to discuss a problem.
Implementation •
A behaviour management process will be based on the Levels System.
•
Students who demonstrate consistent attendance and effort towards their schoolwork, consistently wear the correct school uniform and exhibit acceptable behaviour for a period of one UOI session will be promoted to Blue Level. A certificate will be presented to these students at the end of the UOI session.
•
Blue Level students who demonstrate consistent attendance and effort towards their schoolwork, consistently wear the correct school uniform and exhibit acceptable behaviour for a period of one UOI session will be promoted to Red Level. A certificate will be presented to these students at the end of the UOI session.
•
Red Level students who demonstrate consistent attendance and effort towards their schoolwork, consistently wear the correct school uniform and exhibit acceptable behaviour for a period of one UOI session will be promoted to Bronze Level. A certificate will be presented to these students at the end of the UOI session.
Primary School PO Box 94558 Riyadh. 116114 P: +966 114820802 Ext1101 E: primary@kfs.sch.sa
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•
Bronze Level students who demonstrate consistent attendance and effort towards their schoolwork, consistently wear the correct school uniform and exhibit acceptable behaviour for a period of one UOI session will be promoted to Emerald Level. A certificate will be presented to these students at the end of the UOI session.
•
Emerald Level students who demonstrate consistent attendance and effort towards their schoolwork, consistently wear the correct school uniform and exhibit acceptable behaviour for a period of one UOI session will be promoted to Silver Level. A certificate will be presented to these students at the end of the UOI session.
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Silver Level students who demonstrate consistent attendance and effort towards their schoolwork, consistently wear the correct school uniform and exhibit acceptable behaviour for a period of one UOI session will be promoted to Gold Level. A certificate will be presented to these students at the end of the year.
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Alternatively, students who display unacceptable behaviour in the classroom, playground or when representing the school will be sanctioned according to each school’s procedures. Parents will be informed of the action taken.
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Certain kinds of serious misbehaviour will result in immediate action by the Principal. Such action may include suspension.
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This policy maintains the principles of procedural fairness.
•
KFS prohibits corporal punishment and does not explicitly or implicitly sanction the administering of corporal punishment by non-school persons, including parents, to enforce discipline at the school.
School Rules KFS is a HAPPY SCHOOL. You make this a HAPPY SCHOOL by: •
wearing the correct school uniform;
•
being in the right place at the right time and ready to learn;
•
respecting staff, students and visitors;
•
respecting the property of others;
•
putting your best effort into each activity you attempt;
•
being honest; and
•
allowing others around you to learn.
Primary School PO Box 94558 Riyadh. 116114 P: +966 114820802 Ext1101 E: primary@kfs.sch.sa
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Reflective is one of the core attributes of the Learner Profile of PYP and a core value at King Faisal School. Reflective learners give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations, in order to support their learning and personal development.
KFS Book Fair The KFS Book Fair will be held next week from Sunday, 13 April to Thursday, 17 April, from 7.15 am to 2.30 pm each day. KFS parents are welcome to visit the Fair at any time. All classes from KG1 to Grade 11 have a scheduled time to visit the Fair with their teachers, but may also visit after school with their parents or supervisors.
At the end of a term, learners should reflect on the past achievements to set their goals for the next term. Weekly awards are presented to students who demonstrate Learner Profile attributes. Other attributes include: inquirer; caring; thinker; knowledgeable; balanced; communicator; principled; open-minded; and risk-taker.
Grade 4 Mini World Cup
Key Dates
Grade 4 has always been ahead of the ball game this year, so to speak.
13/4
Consequently, it is only natural that they will be conducting their mini world cup over the next month, with the official opening being held in Building 5 on this Thursday, 10 April from 11.45am.
14/4
The day’s motto is ‘sports for all’.
16/4
Unit 6 commences KFS Book Fair KFS Book Fair ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
15/4
KFS Book Fair ASA (2.05-3.30pm) KFS Book Fair ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
The day’s activities include:
Teachers will not be responsible for any money brought to school, so please ensure that it is enclosed in a wallet or envelope.
21/4
ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
11.45am Holy Quran
22/4
ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
23/4
ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
24/4
ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
100 SAR is sufficient to purchase two good quality books.
12.10pm Teams’ show
28/4
Art exhibition
The schedule is: Sunday, 13th: Preschool
11.50am Opening ceremony
12.20pm Saudi players
ASA (2.05-3.30pm) 29/4
KG3 visit to Grade 1
12.30pm Karate show
Monday, 14th: Grades 1, 2 and 5 12.45pm Opening match
Tuesday, 15th: Grades 3 and 4 Wednesday, 16th: Grades 6-10 Thursday, 17th: Grade 11 and visiting PYP students with their parents.
1.15pm
ASA (2.05-3.30pm) 30/4
Second match
Parents are welcome to attend the opening on Thursday.
KFS Primary School Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 5
Art exhibition
Art exhibition ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
1/5
ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
5/5
ASA (2.05-3.30pm)
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The Parents’s Role in 21Century Learning Parents have a major role to play in their child’s education and a child’s success in school depends largely on how much his parents are involved with his learning and how they contribute in it. Parent involvement can be interpreted in many different ways. Traditionally, it meant to attend every meeting, conference, function, etc., parents were invited to at school. Parent involvement in the 21st century means a great deal more than that. Parents today need to understand that they have a much more participative role in their children’s education. Parents are increasingly taking leadership roles in the school environment. They are forming groups and organized advisory councils to identify systemic issues in their children’s schools and are providing ideas and suggestions to solve those issues. Schools are now making the shift to 21 century learning. Today students are required to learn a new set of skills that will prepare them for the challenges and changes ahead. Students can be fully ready for college and careers if along with academic knowledge, they also know about how to collaborate, think critically and creatively, and use technology tools to communicate. Rote learning and memorization won't help students become the actively involved and creative thinkers who can work well with others. To embrace 21 century learning, there is a need to create opportunities for students to practise these critical skills through technologyrich experiences.
Learning in the past A major difference between 21 century education and education that went before it is the embedding of the 21 century skills in the curriculum. Earlier, skills like problem-solving or decision making weren’t seen as important because when people left school, they went to work where they were told what to do and if they faced a problem or if a decision had to be made, they just took it to someone higher up rather than making it themselves. But in the modern world, there is more scope for autonomy and decision making at every level, we are all expected to be self-directed and responsible for our own work and autonomy. The 21st century competencies were not covered in yesterday’s schools. Academic rigour was defined by the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic) and the coverage of a large amount of content and knowing the content was more important than understanding it.
Learning in the Present As we know, that information is changing rapidly, so content doesn’t hold as much importance now and hence today’s students need the competencies to be able to apply previous experience to new situations and they need the ability to be lifelong learners because they will need to keep learning as the situations they find themselves in change. Students should be engaged in more inquiry and project-based learning. Teachers, parents and guides need to be encouraging students to develop higher-order thinking skills. They need to be guiding students as they direct their own learning. Without a doubt technology can be used effectively to promote the building of 21st Century competencies. But just giving the student a new piece of technology for learning is not automatically going to bring about the changes in learning that we need. We need to rethink how students learn and we need to rethink what they are learning. By ensuring that 21st Century competencies are embedded into all curriculum areas, all teaching, all assessments, and into the professional development teachers receive, children will be best prepared for their future careers.
From Parent as Supporter to Parent as Participant The new model of learning in the 21 century will be more collaborative and inclusive, changing the roles of the student, the teacher and parent. The increased role of the parent has to be acknowledged. With greater information availability, parents can be more involved with their child’s education progress, overcoming challenges, and supporting learning outcomes. They now have the opportunities to learn more quickly and more intimately what their child is doing at school and can help guide decisions and respond to challenges more rapidly. Technology allows far more access to the student’s progress than the periodic report cards and parent teacher interviews of today. Now, parents can expect and they do even receive greater feedback than in the past. With all this, it is also important for parents to recognize their educational role outside the classroom since the learning of a student outside of the school is critical. “Students only spend 14% of their time at school. Indeed, learning is an inherent part of everyday life: each new experience, at home, at work, or during leisure time, may throw up a challenge, a problem to be solved, or a possibility of an improved future state.” Source: Saomya Saxena, EdTech Review 2014
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The Importance of Reading
‘’Reading is dreaming with an Open Eye’’
Reading triggers the child’s mind and stimulates his imagination. It expands his knowledge and leads him to a world full of happiness and enjoyment. From an early age, the child develops a connection with reading through the sound of language before he realizes the existence of printed words on page. Reading allows the child to see the world in different perspective. It helps him develop language and listening skills, thus, prepares him to establish a better understanding to the written word. When rhythm and melody blend in to form the sound of language, it becomes an essential part of the child’s life. With time, the child continues to expand his knowledge by feeding his inquisitive mind and learn more about the world. Reading is the child’s key to open a portal full of magic and great expectations. It frees his spirit and allows him to grow in body and soul. So, always remember that reading is not just a skill; it is a way of life.
Ms. Manal Bilabaheith (Grade 1 D/ Homeroom teacher)
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INVITATION
BOOK EXHIBITION AT KING FAISAL SCHOOL Date: 13th to 17th April 2014 Time: 07.15 am to 2.30 pm Venu: Tent (Behind Building NO10)see the map BEHIND BUILDING 10
No1.
KFS parents are welcome to visit the Fair at any time.
No2.All classes from KG1 to Grade 11 have a scheduled time to visit the Fair with their teachers, but may also visit after school with their parents or supervisos. No3.Teachers will not be responsible for any money brought to school, so please ensure that it is enclosed in a wallet or envelope. !
Schedule:* Sunday*13th:*Preschool* Monday*14th:*Grades*1,*2*and*5* Tuesday*15th:*Grades*3*and*4* Wednesday*16th:*Grades*6>10*
Thursday*17th:*Grade*11*and*visiting*PYP*students*with*their*parents.**
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KFS Primary School Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 5
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KFS Primary School
The Learner Profile Risk-Takers
Caring
Communicators Reflective
Thinkers
Inquirers
OpenMinded Knowledgeable
Principled
Balanced
The IB Learner Profile is the at attributes and descriptors th at IB define the type of student th hopes to develop through its programs. KFS Primary School Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 5
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KFS Primary School Diplomatic Quarter PO Box 94558 Riyadh 11614 P: (+966) 11 4820802
Ext 1101
E: primary@kfs.sch.sa www.kfs.sch.sa @KFS_Primary
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