J B S N E W S L E T T E R
J B S N E W S L E T T E R
J B S N E W S L E T T E R
A Letter From the Principal
Mr Richard Drew, Executive Principal
Dear All
As we reach the end of the second term, I want to wish all members of the JBS community a restful spring break and Eid Mubarak
It’s been another busy term since the start of the new year with students engaged in a multitude of learning experiences both in and out of the classroom The extra curricular provision continues to grow and our success in sporting and non-sporting events shows the calibre of our students as well as the continued efforts of our dedicated staff This year has also seen a number of students from both primary and secondary represent Dubai and the UAE at international competition, something which we continue to be very proud of.
Our PFA continues to support us in numerous ways and is always at the heart of the JBS community Our International Day and Spring fair were as well supported as always and its great to catch up with new and existing parents as well as a few old friends at such events Yesterday we had our community Iftar and I am always surprised by the generosity of our community not just in terms of food but also the spirit of the occasion and the sharing of friendship during the holy month.
Term 3 is the beginning of the end for our G12 students and with weeks left before the external exams begin, I encourage them to keep going in their preparations for the assessments Whilst this is a challenging time for our senior students it is also the culmination of study that will lead to a gateway of new opportunities I wish them all the success they deserve
I look forward to seeing students and parents on April 7th when we start our final term for this academic year Enjoy the break, be safe and come back refreshed for another busy term
Kind regards
Richard Drew Principal
Early Years Updates
Ms. Laura Soutar, Head of Early Years
Dear JBS Early Years Families,
What an incredible Term 2 it has been in our Early Years community! Our young learners have been curious, confident, and engaged in their inquiries, developing essential IB Approaches to Learning skills and Learner Profile attributes such as being thinkers, inquirers, and communicators. As we reflect on the term, we are so proud of the progress each child has made and the joy they bring to our learning environment every day Let’s take a look at what each grade level has been up to!
Our Pre-K learners have been on an exciting adventure as they explored two new units: How We Organise Ourselves and How the World Works Through their inquiry into How We Organise Ourselves, children investigated different journeys they take in their daily lives. Role-play opportunities transformed classrooms into bustling airports, train stations, and even family road trips! One of the most thrilling moments was our real-life experience of a school bus ride to KidZania, where the children actively participated in planning their journey As part of our real life links, our learners packed their own bags for their own exciting journey and explained why they chose each item developing their communication and decision-making skills. A highlight was exploring the school buses up close, taking a ride, and learning about bus safety. Through hands-on experiences, our young learners gained a deeper understanding of how people move from place to place in a safe and organised way We are looking forward to where our inquires will take us through How the World Works, stay tuned in Term 3!
KG1 students embarked on an exciting new unit, Sharing the Planet, where they explored animals, their habitats, and our responsibility towards them. A highlight of this inquiry was our school trip to the camel farm, where the children learned about animals native to the UAE. They also delved into STEM science experiments to investigate animals that inhabit icy environments, discovering the adaptations that help them survive the cold As part of our hands-on learning, the class conducted an experiment to understand how blubber keeps animals warm in freezing waters In the arts, the children explored the patterns found on animal skin and created beautiful collages to showcase their learning. It has been an inspiring unit, fostering a deep sense of curiosity and responsibility for the natural world! Recently, KG1 started their new unit How the World Works, inquiring into light sources, sustainability and had a visit from the Science Made Fun workshops where they explored how light travels, how shadows are formed, and the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque materials They engaged in hands-on activities like using flashlights, mirrors, and coloured filters to see how light can change and create different effects We are so excited to continue our Unit and learn more about sustainability!
Early Years Updates
Ms. Laura Soutar, Head of Early Years
This term, KG2 students started a new unit, How We Organise Ourselves, with a focus on plants and living things They explored the importance of plants and what they provide for us, deepening their understanding of the world around them As part of their inquiry into healthy eating, they learned about the foods that help keep our bodies strong and those we should consume in moderation Through hands-on activities, they sorted foods into their respective food groups, explored the food pyramid, and even created delicious fruit salads! A highlight of this unit was their visit to Green Planet, where they saw firsthand the vital role plants play in supporting both humans and animals This experience helped them develop an appreciation for nature and sustainability, encouraging them to think about how we can take care of the environment for future generations As part of this inquiry, the students were learning how to plant seeds and took home their own plants to care for We hope they are growing well and beginning to blossom!
This term, our Early Years were excited to be part of our wider school community celebrations, including International Day and Book Week These events allowed our young inquirers to develop an appreciation for different cultures and traditions Our learners demonstrated the IB attributes of being open-minded and caring, celebrating diversity and strengthening our sense of belonging within the JBS community!
The children have had a fantastic term filled with exploration, discovery, and growth. We can’t wait to see what Term 3 brings!
Wishing you all a restful and joyful break See you in term 3!
Kind regards,
Ms. Laura
Book Dress Up Day
EARLY YEARS UPDATES
Primary Updates
Mr Brett MacKenzie, Head of
Primary
Dear JBS Community,
As we come to the end of another exciting and eventful term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful experiences and achievements that have shaped our school community over the past few months. Our students, staff, and parents have come together to make this term truly memorable, and I am incredibly grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment that each of you has contributed From our youngest learners in Early Years to our Grade 5 students preparing for the next step in their journey, this term has been packed with enriching experiences that have extended learning beyond the classroom
Our PreK students had an incredible trip to KidZania, where they explored real-world professions through hands-on role-play. Grade 1 students ventured to X Park, enjoying outdoor exploration and physical challenges Grade 4 had an exciting trip to StuDIYo Lab, engaging in creative design and innovation, while Grade 5 visited the Museum of the Future, immersing themselves in groundbreaking technology and futuristic thinking Our KG2 students had a fantastic day at Green Planet, discovering a rainforest ecosystem and learning about biodiversity.
Our Primary Sports Week was a highlight of the term, showcasing our students’ athletic abilities, teamwork, and sportsmanship Another highlight was Primary House Day, where students embraced the spirit of friendly competition and teamwork across various challenges The Timetables Rockstars competition brought a buzz of excitement to numeracy, with students engaging in friendly battles to strengthen their mental math skills The International Day of Mathematics provided a fantastic platform for students to see the beauty of numbers in everyday life.
Our KG1 students took part in engaging Science Workshops, sparking curiosity and discovery through hands-on experiments The Quran Memorization Competition highlighted our students’ dedication and commitment to learning, and we were proud to see their achievements celebrated.
Our Book Week and Book Fair, complete with author visits, was an incredible celebration of literacy, sparking a love of reading across all grade levels The excitement of Book Dress-Up Day added an extra element of fun, with students and staff bringing their favorite book characters to life in a colorful parade
Primary Updates
Mr Brett MacKenzie, Head of Primary
A huge thank you to our parent community for making this term’s Language Coffee Morning, Francophone Coffee Morning, and EAL/ELL Coffee Morning such a success These gatherings continue to strengthen our community bonds and provide a platform for rich conversations We were also honored to celebrate International Day, where our school community came together to share and embrace the wonderful cultures that make up our diverse school. The Emirati Day for Education allowed us to honor and appreciate the UAE’s rich heritage, instilling pride and appreciation in our students Our PFA Spring Carnival was a fantastic day of fun, games, and community spirit A special thank you to our dedicated Parent and Friends Association for their incredible efforts in organizing such a joyful event
This term, we also observed the holy month of Ramadan, and it was wonderful to see our community come together in a spirit of reflection and togetherness. Our School Iftar was a beautiful evening of unity, where families, students, and staff shared in the joy of breaking fast together
As we close this term, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our incredible teaching staff for their unwavering dedication, our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning, and our parents for their ongoing support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Brett MacKenzie
PRIMARY UPDATES
Author Visits
Book Character Dress Up Day
Secondary Updates
Mr Johnny Croall, Vice Principal and Head
of Secondary
Dear JBS Families,
As we wrap up another term, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the incredible achievements and events that have shaped our community during Term 2 It has been a term full of growth, celebration, and unity, and I couldn’t be more proud of how our students and families have come together to make it all happen
One of the standout events this term was our International Day, which was shared with all of our JBS families. It was truly heartwarming to see the number of flags growing each year, reflecting the rich diversity within our school community As we continue to grow, it’s amazing to witness how our students and their families embrace and celebrate the different cultures that make JBS such a special place to learn and grow together
A special mention goes to Elijah in Year 8, who has achieved an incredible milestone by becoming the National Spelling Bee Champion! Elijah’s dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we are so proud to see one of our own shining on the national stage. Congratulations, Elijah – your achievement sets a wonderful example for all our students!
As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, it has been beautiful to see our students partaking in the spirit of reflection and community that this time brings The sense of kindness, compassion, and giving that permeates throughout our school is truly inspiring
One of the highlights this term was our JBS School Iftar, where we had the privilege of gathering together with our wonderful community to celebrate Ramadan The Iftar was a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, share a meal, and strengthen the bonds that make our school so special Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable event!
As we approach the end of Term 2, I would like to wish everyone a restful and enjoyable spring break. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on 7th April for what promises to be another exciting term of learning, growth, and community Thank you to all our students, parents, and staff for making this term such a success Wishing you all a peaceful spring break, and we can’t wait to see everyone back in April!
Warm regards,
Johnny Croall
Vice Principal and Head of Secondary
SportUpdates
MrWilliamCrossley,DirectorofSport
Dear Parents, Families, and the Wider JBS Sporting Community,
As we come to the end of Term 2, it fills me with pride to reflect on the outstanding achievements in sport at JBS this term Despite being the shortest term of the year for sport, it has been one of the busiest and most successful, filled with historic firsts, incredible team performances, and outstanding individual accomplishments
A major highlight was our U14 Boys’ and Girls’ Football Teams reaching their respective Cup Finals a remarkable achievement considering over 40 schools entered each competition To finish in the final two is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and resilience of our student-athletes. Our U14 Netball Team also had a fantastic campaign, finishing as finalists and bringing home silverware in a highly competitive DASSA tournament Meanwhile, our U14 Girls' Rugby Team made history as the first-ever girls’ rugby squad at JBS, competing with determination and paving the way for future teams This term also saw another milestone in rugby, with our first-ever competitive Primary Rugby Teams our U9 tag team and U11 contact team representing the school for the first time
In Primary, our young athletes shone across various competitions Our Primary Athletics Team claimed victory in the DASSA Athletics Festival, and our Primary Swim Squad and Cross-Country Runners put in fantastic performances A special mention goes to our Primary Aquathlon athletes, who secured multiple medals, showcasing their endurance and skill in a challenging multi-sport event. Primary and Secondary Sports Days were another highlight, with all students across the school demonstrating house spirit, determination, and athleticism across a range of events
With 8 trophies already secured across different teams, leagues, and tournaments this year, we remain focused on adding to our silverware tally Many Term 2 sports will conclude their league campaigns in early Term 3, while new competitions will begin, and we aim to surpass last year ’ s record of 12 trophies
A huge thank you from me to all parents and students for your unwavering support. A special mention must go to our incredible staff who volunteer their time early in the mornings and late into the evenings to provide these opportunities for our young athletes, going above and beyond to ensure JBS students can compete, develop, and thrive in sport Their dedication is truly what makes this success possible I look forward to another exciting term ahead as we continue to build on this success and push JBS sport to new heights!
Mr W Crossley
Arabic and Islamic Updates
Arabic and IslamicUpdates
Dear Parents and Members of Our School Community,
As we conclude the second academic term, we reflect on a period filled with activities and events that have enriched our students’ linguistic and intellectual skills
We began the term with the Debate Program for the secondary stage, where our students participated in the Taaleem Debate Competition hosted by Dubai British School Emirates Hills Competing against 10 schools, our students secured second place, a remarkable achievement for them and our school.
In line with our mission to promote community values and legal awareness, our students took part in an educational visit to Dubai Courts There, they learned about the legal system and attended live trials, helping them understand the importance of law and compliance Additionally, our department celebrated Al-Israa and Al-Mi'raj through a school-wide competition at the entrance, along with informative displays inside and outside classrooms We also welcomed the holy month of Ramadan with a special assembly, where secondary students presented a rich program to introduce their peers and teachers to the significance and values of this sacred month
As part of our commitment to social engagement, our students visited the Elderly Happiness Center, where they interacted with senior citizens and participated in meaningful activities We concluded the term by honouring our students who took part in the "Rattel" Quran Recitation Competition during the school's annual Iftar event. The top-performing students have now qualified for the Taaleem Quran Recitation Competition, set to take place at AlMizhar American Academy at the end of April
As we bid farewell to this term, we wish everyone a wonderful holiday and encourage parents to communicate with their children in Arabic to strengthen their language skills
Best regards,
Imad Nasr
On behalf of the Arabic Language and Islamic Studies Department
Admissions Admissions Admissions
We are currently accepting admissions for 2025/2026
Re-registrationDeadlines
There-registrationlinkfortheupcomingacademicyearhasnowclosed However,pleasetake noteofthefollowingimportantpaymentdeadlinestosecureyourchild'splacement: AED2,000isduenolaterthan17thApril2025.
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Kindlyensurethatthispaymentismadeontimetoavoidanydisruptionsinyourchild's enrolmentfortheupcomingacademicyear.
LeavingJBS
IfyouareplanningtowithdrawyourchildfromJumeirahBritishSchool(JBS)attheendofTerm 3,pleasefollowthesenecessarysteps:
EmailAdmissions:Notifyusofyourintenttoleavebysendinganemailto admissionsteam@jbschoolae
ClearAllOutstandingFees:Makesurethatanytuitionorotherfeesduearepaidinfull.
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StudentReferrals
WecontinuetoofferareferralincentiveforparentswhosuccessfullyrefernewfamiliestoJBS fortheAcademicyear2025-2026 Here’showthereferralprogramworks:
ReferralFee:AED500willbecreditedtowardsthereferringstudent’stuitionfeeafterthe referredstudentsuccessfullyjoinsJBS
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Toreferafamily,kindlyfilloutthereferralformusingthelinkprovided
SiblingDiscount
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A10%discountontuitionfeeswillbeappliedforthethirdchildandanyadditionalchildren enrolledatJBSfromthesamefamily. Thisdiscountisawayofacknowledgingourcommitmenttosupportingfamilieswith multiplechildrenatJBS.
PRIMARY KEY DATES 2025
7th April - School resumes
10th April Taaleem Talks Competition
TBC - PFA Cinema Night
15th &16th April: KG1 trip to Roboland
24th April - Trashion Show
12th -16th May: Francophone week
19th - 23rd May - Arabic Book Fair
19th - 23rd May: PreK -G1 Swim Galas
5th & 6th June: Eid Al Adha TBC
12th June: Primary Sports Awards
27th June - Summer Break
SECONDARY KEY DATES 2025
7th April School resumes
TBC - PFA Cinema Night
18th April - Leaver Assembly
26th May G12 Graduation
5th & 6th June: Eid Al Adha TBC
27th June - Summer Break
