THE OXFORD SCHOOL
DUBAI
VISION
MISSION
FOUNDATION
Dear Parents,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the first newsletter of the Academic Year 18-19. Each new school year
brings with it a renewed sense of stimulation and keenness for learning, along with exciting opportunities to explore and collaborate. Students come back armed with eagerness and energy and teachers are animated to facilitate a new group of enthusiastic learners. There were a host of activities conducted, events organized about which you would read as you proceed. I had the pleasure to meet many of you during the Parent Orientation day and Coffee Afternoon. Our young learners are also hard at work with communicating and collaborating in academics, student council, special months etc. We could not do this without the support of our parent community, dedicated Staff and of course the creative minds of our students. The success of the school depends on the successful collaboration of all stakeholders. Primary amongst the key tasks is to ensure students are in attendance 98% of the time. Keeping our students healthy and at school is so important. You, as parents, play a crucial role in your child’s life by reinforcing what is expected at school. The loss of learning and subsequent effect of that on students due to unscheduled leaves is tremendous. Please review the Code of Conduct with your child and discuss school rules, policies and procedures. It is available in the school diary and the website. Thank you for all you do to encourage your children to come to school every day and to do their very best to learn. We shall continue our determined and committed effort to provide positive, inclusive education to ensure every student is supported and encouraged to excel at their individual level. Together we can prepare our students to become contributing global citizens. Looking forward to collaborating with you at all levels; Best regards,
Aisha Ansari Principal
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL The first day of FS was an exciting day. Children were looking forward to their school day and most of them greeted their teachers with cute little smiles. However, we had some who were a bit emotional; which is quite normal as this was their first experience at school. In a short while they had settled and were engaged in different activities.
SAND AND WATER PLAY Sand and water play encourages sensory development and provides the ideal opportunity for children to explore; It helps to improve their co-ordination skills by developing arm and hand muscles, gross motor and cognitive skills as well as Mathematics and Science. The children were so excited to experience their first sand and water activity. They went on to explore; using shovels, trucks and mixer toy trucks, some of them made sand cakes and castles. In the water area they enjoyed fishing toys out of the water, watering the plants with watering cans and using rollers to paint the blackboards making wet patterns. It was so wonderful to see them exploring and enjoying themselves.
FRUIT SALAD MAKING ACTIVITY Objective: Reinforce Healthy Eating Habits During the Fruit Salad Activity Day, the students came to school with their favourite fruit. The little master chefs were excited to explore their cooking skills. They first coloured and prepared master chef caps. They discussed about healthy food habits and importance of eating fruits every day. Classes were divided into groups. Some of them washed the fruits whilst others peeled and cut the fruits using childfriendly plastic knives. Together they made their yummy fruit salad. They enjoyed the activity and at the end of it they shared the fruit salad that they had made.
SENSORY PLAY We are learning all about our senses…. Sensory play is important for the children’s development. From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. They do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing. Children and even adults learn best and retain the most information when they engage their senses. Providing opportunities for children to actively use their senses as they explore their world through ‘sensory play’ is crucial to brain development – it helps to build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways.
ACTIVITY – BASED LEARNING
MATH ACTIVITY
Mathematics is an important part of learning for all children in the early years and receiving a good grounding in Math is an essential life skill. As well as numeracy, it helps skills such as problem solving, understanding and using shapes and measure and developing their own spatial awareness. Mathematics in early childhood helps children develop critical thinking and reasoning skills early on and it’s the key to the foundation for success in their formal schooling years. Our FS children learn Math through a wide variety of activities and play experiences.
CELEBRATING SAUDI ARABIA’S 88TH NATIONAL DAY UAE schools celebrated Saudi Arabia's 88th National Day on Sunday 23rd Sept 2018. The celebration aimed to introduce students to the Saudi National Day so as to reinforce the bonds of love, brotherhood and unity between the two peoples of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Our FS children joined in to celebrate the Saudi National Day. During the course of the school day, an array of activities took place. The Section was adorned with flags, pictures, banners that children made during the day. They chanted and sang to express the celebration of the Saudi National Day. The highlight of the day was the FS parade.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY At Oxford, we play, draw, dance, smile, cry, write and read; but most important we explore ourselves and the world around us‌ we have a lot of FUN together! And it all starts with play. Play underpins the EYFS; it also underpins learning and all aspects of children’s development. We value play and provide safe but challenging environments that support and extend learning and development of our children.
ORIENTATION ASSEMBLY On 6TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 1 and 2 All the year 1s and 2s were gathered in the basket ball area along with all their Principal, Vice Principal, Supervisor and Teachers. The event started with the Quran recitation and its translation following with the National Anthem by year 2 students.
Welcome dance was done by year 2 students as well as all the teachers. All the teachers were introduced by the supervisor. And the most important school rules including proper uniform along with the examples were introduced by the students of year 1 students.
ASSEMBLY On 20TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 2 The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.”- Meryl Streep Days have passed by as quick as the cool wind of September goes our direction. You could the excitement in the faces of the little children eager to learn and have fun outside the four corners of the classroom. It’s time to meet and greet with Year 2 students and share the greatest power in each one of us. Last 20th September 2018, our Year 2 students gathered for a morning assembly to celebrate the month’s core value – Empathy. Selected students led the Islamic Prayer and singing of the National Anthem. They have presented a wonderful skit about how one can show empathy when someone’s feeling alone and sad. The students proudly shared why empathy is important in our daily lives. They also rendered an action song in the tune of “Lean on Me.” The performances reflected our vision to empower each individual with creativity and values to become compassionate life-long learners, enabling them to be contributing global citizens. At the end of the assembly, our dedicated Supervisor, Ms. Dorothy David left a very wonderful message to our Year 2 students to show empathy in the school and be a friend and not a bully. Some students even shared what they have learnt in the presentation. You could see smile eyes and faces of the students showed how much they enjoyed the presentations. Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another- Alfred Alder
ISLAMIC ASSEMBLY On 27TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 1 and 2 The Islamic Assembly was held on Thursday 27th Sep 2018. The topic was based on the theme Empathy in Islam. Empathy means the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Helping others is the main point, this is just a positive side effect! ❖ It’s good for your conscious and subconscious ❖ You become a better citizen and a Human Being ❖ Sharing is caring Students of year 1 and year 2 actively participated and enlighted the importance of Empathy in Islam. The assembly went smooth. Students enjoyed the assembly and learnt the importance of Empathy. The assembly ended with a Nasheed by year 2 students.
ORIENTATION ASSEMBLY On 5TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 3 and 4 Students of Year 3 and 4 presented Assembly welcoming all the students back to school on 5th September, 2018 in the MP Hall. The assembly commenced with the recitation of Surah Naas which was further translated in English. This was followed by UAE national anthem. The audiences included students from Year 3 and 4, Principal Mrs. Aisha Ansari, Viceprincipal Mrs. Deepa Vinod, SLT’s and all the staff members. Students in the assembly discussed about various rules and regulations to be followed during the new academic session. Some of the points discussed were:
• Mission and Vision of The Oxford School • Order of hierarchy • Classroom and school rules • Dress code • Discipline • Punctuality The students exhibited their excitement for the commencement of the new session.
The Vice Principal welcomed the students and teachers and showered her good wishes and blessings for the new session. The students were advised to raise the bar and focus on their new goals and aspirations. The entire teaching faculty and administrative staff was introduced in the assembly. The students dispersed to their new classrooms accompanied by their class teachers.
ASSEMBLY On 12TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 3 and 4 On September 12, 2018, some of the Year 3A students lead the assembly about Empathy. This is the first assembly about the theme of the month. In this picture we can see the class teacher of 3A leading the students on stage. The students lead the rest of the students in singing a song about empathy. The 3A class teacher also played along with a guitar.
The participants presented an acronym of EMPATHY in the assembly.
A video clip about empathy was also played.
Ms. Priti Shenoy, section head of years 3 and 4, also gave a talk about Empathy.
ISLAMIC ASSEMBLY On 26TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 3 and 4 The Islamic Assembly as held on Wednesday 26th Sep 2018. The topic was based on the theme Empathy in Islam. Students gave a short introduction on ways to be empathetic towards others. Then few students demonstrated the same with a skit. At the end, the narrator asked the audience a few questions regarding the theme. The children answered brilliantly showing that they understood the importance of empathy in our daily life.
ASSEMBLY - EMPATHY On 11TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 5 and 6 The Oxford School, Dubai declared the month of September as the month of Empathy. Year 5 and 6 students got the opportunity to conduct an assembly on the topic Empathy. The purpose of the assembly was to promote the meaning and awareness about the importance and need of Empathy among the students. After the formal beginning, students introduced the topic with the help of a video. After that a short skit was presented in which many students presented their understanding of empathy. The assembly ended on short video clip about the heartbreaking calamity that hit Kerala just recently.
CIRCLE TIME ACTIVITIES Activity 1: Students are busy writing their goals for this school year.
Activity 2: Selection of Class Prefect
Activity 3: Students watching the video clip about Empathy.
CIRCLE TIME ACTIVITIES As the School was observing Islamic Month in September, therefore various circle time activities were conducted so as to increase and inculcate the awareness of Empathy in students. Following activities were done: The purpose was to reinforce the concept of Empathy in our students. The activities included: 1) Welcome – back to school activity 2) Empathy poster making activity 3 )Feedback to video on Empathy Through these different activities , students learned what Empathy really was and how to be empathetic towards everyone.
THEME -EMPATHY The theme of the circle time activity was about empathy. Videos based on empathy were shown to students to give a visual example and explanation of empathy. After the video, students discussed among groups what empathy is. then students acted out in pairs, how to empathy each other. Some of the students spoken why empathy important in our life.
CIRCLE TIME ACTIVITIES
Children were acknowledged about Empathy. What is Empathy? How we can apply Empathy in our daily life? Emphasis the importance of Empathy in our daily life. To express their feelings and ideas teacher asked them to create a card on Empathy . They designed the class word map on Empathy.
ASSEMBLY On 10TH SEPTEMBER YEAR 7 and 8 On 10th September, Year 7 & 8 had an assembly on the topic – Hijrah (Migration). This assembly was conducted a day before the start of Muslim new year. Which started from the time Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah to Madinah. Students narrated to miracles that took place on the way of migration. They also shared the benefits gained out of this migration. Everyone realized the importance of Hijrah in our lives today and the reason we recall it every year.
On 10th September, Year 7 & 8 had an assembly on the topic – Empathetic nature of different personalities. Students shared about empathetic nature of Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Zayed. Then they also narrated incidents from the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). They emphasized on showing empathy towards all the creations and even towards people regardless of religion, nationality or language.
ASSEMBLY - HIJRAH On 23rd SEPTEMBER YEAR 10 to 13 Students from Year 10 and 11 conducted assembly on 23rd September on the topic- Hijrah in modern times. Qur’anic ayaat were based on forgiveness and rewards for good doers. Year 10 and 11 students shared how we can take great lessons from Hijrah – migration of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). They encourage their peers not that any goal that they want to achieve, they should have the right intention. Never to forget your past rather learn from it. And remember always not to harm others on your way towards success. This topic was apt as our student council members, would be needing these pointers in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities of being a leader.
CIRCLE TIME ACTIVITIES Islamic department had organized different circle time activities throughout the year groups. Students designed posters on the topic – Empathy in Digital age, they had Quiz on Seerah and Quran, Talk by the senior students, Article writing, and creating short stories. Senior students went to different classes to speak on the topics – Don’t be judgmental, Be steadfast, Set priorities and Time management. This gave an opportunity to students to interact and to learn through their peers. Their interest is seen in the feedback forms provided. They want senior students to speak to them on various other topics. It also encouraged and motivated the senior students for teach – in day. The posters designed initiated research and discussion. Their creativity is seen in various new ideas in the posters. Students were also asked to write article on an Ideal society. This not only improved their writing skills but they also realize that they can be the change they want to bring in the society. Short stories on good character fulfilled the objective of understanding that a character of a person has a major impact on the progress of a society.
CPD REPORT ON ORIENTATION DAY
On 26th August The Principal welcomed all the teaching staff on their first day of the school and wished them for the new academic year. Ms Aisha Ansari reminded the staff about the goal set for the new academic year. Ms. Aisha Ansari displayed few videos for brainstorming. Activities were well planned on School policies. Each table (subject group) were assigned one policy and asked to list down the points on the chart paper. After that each group were asked to pass their chart paper and review others work with correction this was continued till each and every policy were reviewed by all the tables. Moreover, Ms. Deepa Vinod, the school’s Vice principal spoke about dedication and commitment to the work is the key on being a great teacher. The points that were discussed are : ➢ Classroom Management – Discussed different strategies to manage classroom behavior issues. ➢ Quality Indicators – Discussed the six quality indicators. -- Discussed the current ratings of the school -- Discussed the steps we are taking to ensure that we move ahead.
Orientation was concluded by applauding the As and A2 level teachers and leaders for producing excellent result.
PARENT’S FORUM The Oxford School, Dubai has organized a Parent’s Forum meeting on Thursday, 27th October 2018 in Senior Library at 12:30 PM. The main Purpose of the meeting was to create a parent body which can feed in views and represent the parents and careers of issues surrounding the school where teacher and parent come together to enrich the student’s educational experiences and discuss the various issues, regarding all round development of students. The meeting was organized under the presidentship and guidance of Principal Ms. Aisha Ansari and The Vice Principal Ms. Deepa Vinod. The SMT Members, Student Welfare Officer were attended the meeting. The Principal, Ms. Aisha Ansari started the meeting by introducing all the SMT members. She shared the KHDA recent ratings with the parents. She discussed about the strength and area of improvement of the school according to KHDA. Following the Vice Principal, Ms. Deepa Vinod informed the parents about the upcoming assessment tests and its importance to the students. Various Concerns by parents were addressed by Principal, Vice Principal and Head of the departments of different subjects. After meeting, parents were offered a cup of tea and one to one interaction with staff member over different student-oriented issues.
INVESTITURE CEREMONY What ho! September 20, 2018 highlights one of the important events of the school; the investiture ceremony marks the day where elected students are awarded badges, as a symbol of not only authority, but taking responsibility of the school and student body. Every year the school hand picks intellectual, competent, and amiable people to represent the student body and help the school in their respected positions, gone through rigorous interviews, prior behaviour, and teacher recommendations, these students were chosen to prove what Oxfordians are capable of doing. The day starts off with the students marching in unison to their respected seats, as the assembly follows formalities; we soon start the badge awarding ceremony with the head boy and girl of the school with their deputies follow suit and moving to over to the others. We also get a glimpse of future leaders with the junior council bearing pride. Soon after this, all members stand to recite an oath to seal their positions, and soon uptake responsibilities for this academic year. September highlights one of the important events of the school, but it’s up to them and their actions, that will help shape what they want to be remember as.
INVESTITURE CEREMONY
Islamic Month Activities
NASHEED COMPETITION
YEAR 1 and 2 The Nasheed (Islamic song) competition was held on Wednesday 26th September 2018. The competition was held in MP Hall. Students worked together in their year groups to practice a Nasheed of their choice. The students rehearsed in their own time and performed in front of the school. This for the students to develop their confidence in performing in front of their peers and the judges. Their excitement was visible in their performances.
NASHEED COMPETITION
YEAR 3 The Nasheed (Islamic song) Competition was as held on Wednesday 26th September 2018. The competition was held in senior library. Students sang different nasheed of their choice. The Students rehearsed in their own time and performed in front of the school judges. This was an opportunity for students to work with their peers and develop their confidence in performing. While performing this activity they will built up their skills and at the end the Judges finalized the result. Bushra Rehman was awarded 1st position, Raniya Raheel 2nd, and Ahmed Falah was awarded 3rd position.
AZAAN COMPETITION Azaan in Islam has great significance. This is an appeal from an individual soul to the soul of humanity to turn to Allah. The Azaan competition was organized on 19th September, 2018. The objective behind the competition was to encourage the students to show case their talent and feel pride in being a Muezzin of the school. The competition was a success, 17 students participated. One of the senior students, Omar Farooqi who has been the Muezzin of the school for the past years, rectified the students if they made any mistake. He even encouraged them and give them pointers on giving the Azaan properly.
Omar Farooqi and Saif ur Rehman Year 11B are awarded first position. Abu Na’eem Year 7B1 was awarded 2nd positions. Ahmed Zubair 8B1 and Maher Farooqi 9B1 shared the third position.
ISLAMIC ART Primary & Middle school students took part in Islamic Art activities during their Art class. Art teachers conducted activities like making Lanterns, drawing & coloring of Islamic patterns, drawing and coloring of Masjid dome. Students enjoyed taking part and they put in a great effort in completing the task assigned. Their hard work can be seen in the pictures captured. These activities increased their knowledge about different kinds of Islamic Art.
QIRAT COMPETITION
YEAR 3 and 4 The Qirat Competition was held on Wednesday 16th Sep 2018. Students recited different chapters from the Quran. This gave them an opportunity to revise the surah they have memorized. It increased their confidence by reciting in front of their peers. Judges corrected their mistakes in Tajweed. Students were excited to hear the winners and the ones who did not win were motivated to revise more often and take part in competitions. Anas was awarded 1st position, Khadija & Heliya – 2nd, Ismail & Qazi Farhan – 3rd. From Year 4, Fatima was awarded 1st position, Khansa – 2nd, Hafsa Hisham & Maliha – 3rd.
QIRAT COMPETITION
YEAR 5 As part of the Islamic month observed, in the month of September 2018, a Qirat Competition was held between year 5 students. Students recited any Surah of their choice from the Qur’an. Masha Allah many students from year 5 showed interest and they participated enthusiastically, displaying their love for Qur’anic recitation. They gave them courage to recite in front of an audience and a judge. Subhan Muhammad was awarded 1st position, Al -Mubassim & Abdur Rafa – 2nd, Abdullah, Mahir & Yusuf – 3rd.
ISLAMIC QUIZ
YEAR 5 and 6 Islamic Quiz was held on 26th September, 2018 amongst the students of Year 5 & 6. The preliminary round was conducted in the classrooms, from where the winners moved on to the final round. Questions in both the rounds were related to the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The Quiz was a competitive ground that tested the knowledge of students and encouraged teamwork. Alhamdulillah all teams played really well and enjoyed the competition. It was a good learning ground for the students also, to help them improve in Seerah Strand. In sha Allah. Seniors students were in charge of conducting the Islamic Quiz. WINNERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Aamnah Shoaib Rayyan Saad Baasim Ahmed Abdul Rahim Kashif Ayaan Adeel
: Year 6G1 : Year 5B : Year 6B2 : Year 6B1 : Year 5C
TRIP TO OMAR BIN AL KHATTAB MASJID YEAR 3 27TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Year 3 students were taken to Omar bin Al-Khattab Masjid in Jumeirah for an educational trip. The guide held an interactive session with the students, telling the students who Omar bin AlKhattab was and that this Masjid is a Cultural Center also, along with being a Masjid. He asked the students informative questions pertaining to Pillars of Islam, Pillars of Imaan, Tayammum etc. The students were then shown the library where there were thousands of books in different languages. All in all, an informative field trip for Year 3 Alhamdulillah.
ISLAMIC DEBATE YEAR 9,10,11 24TH and 27TH SEPTEMBER 2018 On 24th and 27th September, year 9, 10, and 11 took part in debates. Year 9 debated on the topic – Media: Nuisance or Blessing and Year 10 and 11 debated on the topic – Beliefs are to be backed up by logic. Students had done good research and debated with their peers with evidence. They not only practiced the skill of debating but also gained a lot of knowledge regarding the topic. They applied that in their debate.
It was a tough competition between all the classes. Year 11 girls won the debate against Year 10 girls. Year 11G – Fatima Afrooz (Best speaker), Mehak, Hania Baseer, Adilah, Umaima. Fatema Mortaza and from the losing team, Year 10 – Best speaker was awarded to Adessha Jamil. Year 11 boys got defeated by the Year 10 boys. Best speaker from the winning team – Wajdaan and from the losing team – Bilal Ahmed. From Wajdaan’s team – Abdullah Khan, Ahmed Aamir, Montaser Chowdhary, Kamil Shahbaz. Year 9G1 won the debate against 9G2. Best speaker from the winning team – Syeda Huda and from the losing team – Neelab. Winners – Khush Bakht, Sonia, Misbah Aslam, MasudaKhon.