KGIS Weekly Newsletter 18th April 2024

Page 1

THE KNOWLEDGE

A Message from the Executive Principal

Welcome back to the start of Term 3! Eid Mubarak to you all and I hope that you enjoyed a restful break What a strange start to the term we have had with more closure due to heavy rain! I hope that you and your families stayed safe during this time and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our community - teachers, students and parents for their support in transitioning to online learning during these days. The smooth transition to online learning is testament to the commitment we have in ensuring seamless learning opportunities for all students.

During times of emergency a huge amount of work takes place behind the scenes to ensure that the school remains operational and can reopen safely for all students and staff to return to work. I would like to thank Mr. Uriah, our Operations Manager and his team for their work over the last week. They worked around the clock to ensure that the buildings were watertight, were clean and damage-free, and that flood water was pumped away from surrounding roads so that we could return to school on Thursday. We are truly grateful and appreciative of all their efforts and hard work in difficult circumstances.

Term 3 looks set to be another jam-packed term of activity and opportunity at KGIS! Our extra-curricular programme starts again from Sunday. The timetable of activities can be found on page 3 of this newsletter and we encourage all students to sign up and take part in an activity, the majority of which are offered free of charge.

I would also like to draw your attention to the key dates on page 2 as we have many events taking place this term We look forward to seeing you at these events and I am particularly pleased to share that our KGIS Community Fair which was postponed before Ramadan due to rain will now go ahead on Thursday 2nd May from 5:00pm-8:00pm.

Finally, as we enter the season of public examinations I wish all our students the very best of luck particularly our Grade 5 and Grade 8 students who sit their Cambridge Checkpoint Tests in English, Maths and Science next week I am confident that you will do your very best!

P A R E N T N E W S L E T T E R 1 8 A P R I L 2 0 2 4

Key Dates

Please make a note of the following important dates:

Thursday 25 April: KG2 to Grade 1 Transition Parent Engagement (1:00pm-3:00pm)

Tuesday 30 April: LAMDA Drama Performance Evening

Thursday 2 May: KG and Grade 1 Open Day

Thursday 2 May: KGIS Community Fair (5:00pm-8:00pm)

Wednesday 8 May: Grade 6 to 9 Parent Consultation Evening (3:30pm-7:00pm)

Monday 13 May-Thursday 16 May: Class and Student Photos

Tuesday 4 June: KG2 Graduation Ceremony

Tuesday 4 June: Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony

Tuesday 4 June: KGIS Student Awards Ceremony

Thursday 13 June: Last day of Term 3

Please click here to access the Academic Calendar for this academic year Learning Overviews

Clickonthelinksbelowtoaccessthelearningoverview,homelearningexpectationsand assessmentdatesforeachgrade:

KG1

KG2

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

KGISUniversalIslamicValueforApril: Integrity

Extra-Curricular Activities

Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

Extra-Curricular Activities

A reminder that our programme of extra-curricular activities has now started for all students. We have a huge variety of activities on offer before school, at lunch times and after school. There really is something for everyone! All activities are free of charge and students are encouraged to join as many as possible in order to broaden their skills. Please click on the link above to see the timetable of activities.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Term 3

Extra-curricular activities will resume next week from Sunday 22nd April. Please click here to see the updated timetable of activities for Term 3.

‘Matilda: the Musical’ at KGIS

Those of you who attended our school musical theatre production of ‘Matilda’ in Term 2 know just how fantastic it was! We have now received the professional photographs and video of the performances and we are pleased to share a few with you here to enjoy. Once again, well done to all the students involved in this amazing production, and congratulations to our fabulous Performing and Creative Arts team on their success!

Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-Curricular Activities

Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

Inspired Forte Music Programme

We are very excited to remind parents of this unique opportunity available for students who learn a musical instrument! This opportunity is only available to students in Inspired schools, and offers a series of private instrument lessons with a tutor from the Royal College of Music in London - the world’s number one music conservatory.

In partnership with The Royal College of Music in London, Forte has launched the Pathways to Performance programme exclusively for Inspired students. The programme offers a package of private lessons with otherwise inaccessible top music tutors, verified by The Royal College of Music, the world’s #1 ranked music conservatory. Every private tutor currently teaches at or has received music education training at The Royal College of Music, so they are not just excellent Royal College of Music musicians, but they have also been trained by the best in music teaching practice.

The programme caters to students at senior school level who desire to achieve advanced levels in their instrumental abilities and to those preparing for auditions or public performances. Upon completion, students will have the chance to get certificates of attendance issued from The Royal College of Music, further reflecting their hard work.

Further information can be found: https://fortelessons.com/inspired . The following video also offers more insight into the programme: Click here for video

Extra-Curricular Activities

Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

Inspired Summer Camps

Inspired Global Camps, a tailored option for every child

Watch our YouTube video here!

Our summer camps give students the chance to stay at some of Europe's top boarding schools and take part in programmes delivered by world-class partners. It is an opportunity to travel, meet peers from other countries and get involved with inspiring activities, learning new skills that will stay with them forever. For more information, please click here.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this time, various organisations and communities worldwide hold events, share information, and promote awareness about ASD, aiming to foster acceptance, support, and inclusion for individuals with autism. It's a crucial opportunity to educate people about the unique strengths and challenges of those on the spectrum and to advocate for greater access to resources, services, and opportunities for individuals with ASD.

We are very lucky at KGIS to have a number of children in our school with the superpower we call Autism! At KGIS we have inclusive policies, in addition to providing individualised accommodations, fostering peer understanding, and collaborating with parents and professionals to create a supportive learning environment We have a sensory room available for use by all of our students, including those with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. It's called a 'spectrum' because it encompasses a wide range of strengths and challenges that vary from person to person

For some children, autism might mean they have difficulty with social skills, such as making eye contact, understanding social cues, or engaging in conversation. They may also have special interests or hobbies that they're deeply passionate about.

Sensory sensitivities are also common in individuals with autism. This means certain sounds, textures, or lights might be overwhelming or uncomfortable for them They might seek out certain sensory experiences, like spinning objects or rocking back and forth, as a way to self-regulate.

It's important to understand that autism isn't something that can be 'cured' or 'fixed.' Instead, it's a part of who your child is, and with the right support and understanding, they can thrive and reach their full potential.

As a parent, there are many things you can do to support your child with autism. This might include creating a predictable routine, providing clear instructions, and offering plenty of opportunities for sensory breaks. It's also important to celebrate your child's strengths and interests, and to advocate for their needs both at home and at school.

Remember, every child with autism is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. By embracing your child for who they are and providing them with love, understanding, and support, you can help them flourish and lead a fulfilling life.

KG Update

We are having a throwback Thursday this week! It was very refreshing in Term 2 to welcome so many parents to our parent events which our team held in the KG Garden. It is so important to have the chance to welcome parents into school to share in your child’s learning but also build relationships with our teaching team as well as other parents.

We look forward to more events over the coming weeks and into next year where we welcome and include parents in their children’s learning journey.

KG News

A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary

I hope you all had a wonderful Eid holiday and that the children are all well rested and recharged! It was a strange week with us having to return to online lessons unexpectedly I think we all experienced flashbacks to Covid and are thankful that children were able to return to school on Thursday!

Our Grade 5 students will undertake Cambridge Checkpoint exams next week in English, Maths and Science. They have spent all week and a lot of time before the holidays preparing for these exams and your child may be feeling nervous or anxious as they go into their exam. Remind them to do their best, try every question and above all not to worry! Wishing all of our Grade 5 students the very best of luck in their exams, I know you will do KGIS and your families proud!

I look forward to a pleasant and enjoyable term ahead!

Grades 1 & 2

Grade 2 Children have spent time lately learning about animals, habitats and how to take care of pets in Global Perspectives lessons. The children researched their favourite wild animals, learned about the habitats in which they live and how they adapt to the environment in which they live. They then did a research project on how to take care of their ideal pet and made posters and guides on how to properly look after a wide range of animals.

Primary News

Grades 3 to 5

Primary News

To complete our Ancient Sumerian learning in Grade 5, the students were tasked with researching clothing, jewellery and fashion styles from the era The students were also asked to consider the farming in Ancient Sumer and what materials would have been available to make clothes.

The students were then tasked with making Ancient Sumerian clothing for a fashion doll. The students discussed the shapes that needed to be created, measurements required for fittings and decorations for the clothing. Here are some of the students' unique designs!

Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary

Secondary News

Welcome back to Term 3! Despite the unpredictable weather this week, I hope everyone, along with their loved ones, remained safe and secure. A big thank you goes out to the parents for their unwavering support and collaboration in coordinating with teachers to ensure students attended their online classes seamlessly The ability to offer live lessons has proven to be a tremendous asset, ensuring that all students receive equitable access to education without any disruptions or disadvantages. Your proactive involvement truly exemplifies the strength of our school community and its commitment to fostering continuous learning.

Starting Thursday 18th April and continuing through until next week, our Grade 8 students are sitting important Cambridge Checkpoint exams in English, Maths and Science. I want to wish them all the best and I am sure they will do themselves proud This will be the first time our Grade 8 students will complete an external exam and the experience alone that they will gain from these exams will be extremely beneficial to them in the future.

Continuing the theme of exams, as our senior students approach the final stages of their academic journey with IGCSE, A-Level, and final GED exams looming ahead, the significance of attendance, punctuality, and independent study cannot be overstated

First and foremost, consistent attendance is fundamental to success. Each class session offers invaluable opportunities for learning, clarification, and engagement with course material. Missing classes can lead to gaps in understanding, making it challenging to catch up and stay on track with the curriculum. Having as much contact with teachers and subject specialists can make a massive difference to students’ final grades Furthermore, punctuality is equally vital as it demonstrates respect for oneself, peers, and teachers. Arriving on time sets a positive tone for the day, maximising instructional time and minimising disruptions.

Independent study plays a pivotal role in academic achievement. While classroom instruction provides foundational knowledge and guidance, independent study allows students to deepen their understanding, explore individual interests, and develop critical thinking skills. Whether it involves reviewing class notes, completing assignments, or engaging in additional research, independent study empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey and strive for excellence. All students should have a rigorous study timetable that they follow. Home learning and study has to be planned and organised to ensure maximum effectiveness.

In the context of rigorous examinations such as IGCSE, A-Level, and final GED exams, consistent attendance, punctuality, and independent study are essential pillars of success These exams demand thorough preparation, comprehensive understanding of subject matter, and effective time management skills. By attending classes regularly, arriving punctually, and dedicating time to independent study, students can optimize their learning potential, build confidence, and perform to the best of their abilities on exam day!

School Catering

We are proud to partner with Azima Catering to offer healthy, nutritious meals for all students. Please contact Ms. Amira at admissions@kgis-edu.com for any queries or requests relating to catering.

Click here to see this week's menu

Contact the School

For General Enquiries please contact the School Reception:

E: reception@kgis-edu.com

T: 2407 3500 / 2407 3501

For academic or pastoral concerns and questions, please contact your child's Homeroom Teacher in the first instance via email

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is situated at the Main Reception and is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00am-3:30pm

Finance Office

The Finance Office is situated at the Main Reception and is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00am-3:30pm

E: finance@kgis-edu.com

T: 2407 3517

Admissions

The Admissions Office is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00am-4:00pm

To see school fees and Admissions information please click here

E: admissions@kgis-edu com

T: 2407 3504

www.kgis.edu.om

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