KGIS Weekly Newsletter 22 February 2024

THE KNOWLEDGE PARENT NEWSLETTER 22 FEBRUARY 2024

A Message from the Executive Principal What a week it has been at KGIS! The absolute highlight of the week were the fantastic performances of “Matilda: the Musical” by our Primary and Secondary students. Watching such a talented group of students deliver a professional performance served as a great reminder of just how far we have come as a school. It is hard to believe that three years ago we delivered our first ever Drama lessons at KGIS, and that only last year we held our first full musical theatre performance! The impact that Drama has on our students, their confidence and their ability to present themselves has never been more in evidence and I am so proud of the opportunities we are building for students as a result.

Further evidence of the impact of Drama was seen this week when our Grade 8 students delivered amazing persuasive speeches as part of their 'Talking Museum' English and History cross-curricular project. Every single student delivered their speech with conviction and passion, again serving as a reminder of the positive impact that teaching public speaking as part of the curriculum has on student learning and development.

We have many more exciting events planned over the next few weeks including our KGIS Community Fair on Tuesday 5th March. I am also pleased to share our programme of Ramadan events and initiatives in this newsletter, and I look forward to seeing you all during this important month as we come together as a community. I thank you in advance for your support of our events.

A reminder to all parents that school is closed on Sunday 25th February following the government announcement of the public holiday for school staff in celebration of Oman Teachers Day. We will open as normal on Monday 26th February. Wishing you a restful weekend!

Key Dates Please make a note of the following important dates:

Wednesday 28 February: Parent Consultation Evening Grades 6 to 12 Thursday 29 February: KGIS ‘Year of Giving’ Non-Uniform Day & Student Council Bakesale Sunday 3 March-Thursday 7 March: Book Week Tuesday 5 March: KGIS Community Fair (5:00pm-8:00pm) Wednesday 6 March: KGIS Mother & Toddler Group (1:30pm) Thursday 7 March: World Book Day Sunday 10 March: Henna appointments for Ramadan (KGIS Year of Giving) Wednesday 20 March: KGIS Community Iftar (6:00pm) Sunday 24 March-Tuesday 26 March: KGIS Workers Iftars

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

Learning Overviews Click on the links below to access the learning overview, home learning expectations and assessment dates for each grade: KG1 KG2 Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10

KGIS Universal Islamic Value for February: Excellence

The Holy Month of Ramadan at KGIS This year we are focusing on our 'KGIS Year of Giving'. This is particularly fitting as we approach the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. For Muslims, Ramadan is considered one of the most blessed months of the year. This is due to the revelation of the Holy Qu’ran to the Prophet Muhammad (May Peace and Blessings be Upon Him). The Holy Month of Ramadan provides an opportunity for Muslims around the world to reinforce their faith in Allah through the process of self-purification.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, many members of our school community will fast, will engage in more prayers and acts of worship, and will spend more time with family to strengthen and unify these relationships. Ramadan is a time where we should be more concerned about the needs of others. Sharing meals and giving to charity are encouraged as some of the most beloved deeds to Allah that Muslims desire to be accepted by Him. Fasting, praying and giving during the Holy Month of Ramadan should not affect our daily activities. They mean a greater effort to perform all the usual duties and more. It is important to remember that this holiest of months is like an intense ‘training period’ for life. The intention is not that we fast, pray and give only during Ramadan, but that these are behaviours that we demonstrate throughout our lives.

This month at KGIS, we will be encouraging all students and families to think about our value of benevolence and how we can give back to our local and international community. As such we will be promoting the following charitable activities in order to raise money for local and international charitable causes including the Oman Charitable Fund and our mosque building project in Senegal, and we thank you all in advance for your support of these.

Ramadan Food Boxes for the Needy Parents who wish to donate Ramadan food boxes to needy families in the local community now have the convenience of being able to order and distribute their food boxes directly through the school! The boxes will contain essential non-perishable food items and are available at cost of RO 12 each. As well as helping local families in need, a proportion of the income from the food boxes will be donated to our local and international charitable causes.

As a school we will distribute the Ramadan Boxes to underprivileged families and groups in the local community during the week commencing Sunday 10th March. Please click this link to pre-order your Ramadan boxes no later than Thursday 7th March.

Henna Appointments for Ramadan On Sunday 10 March, we are providing the opportunity for parents to take an appointment at the school to have their Henna decorations done for Ramadan with a local Henna artist. Prices start from RO 5 for hand decorating and a detailed price list with options will be shared. Please click here to register your interest for an appointment.

Income from the Henna appointments will be donated to our local and international charitable causes.

The Holy Month of Ramadan at KGIS Sponsorship of Items for Senegal Mosque Building Project After Eid, our Construction Engineer Mr. Syed is travelling to Senegal in order to supervise the first phase of the build for our mosque project. As such we are inviting parents who wish to give Zakat and contribute to sponsor individual items that are required for the mosque. These include lights, wall tiles, carpet, air conditioning units, ceiling fans and more. Please click here to register your interest in sponsoring an item. A complete list of items required will be sent to parents who register interest.

Orphanage Shoe Box Appeal Students across the school are invited to donate shoe boxes filled with clothes, toys and small gifts for local orphans to be donated during the week commencing Sunday 10th March. The items in the shoe box should be new and students must mark the shoe box to show whether the gifts are intended for a boy or girl. They should also indicated the age of the child the gifts are intended for. Homeroom Teachers will be collecting the boxes over the next two weeks and House Points will be awarded for the House that donates the most boxes!

KGIS Workers Iftars Following the great success of our Workers Iftars last year, the Student Council will once again be preparing and serving an Iftar meal to 50 workers based in the local community each evening during the week commencing Sunday 24th March. In order to support this fantastic student initiative, we are asking parents to consider if they would be willing to prepare and donate a dish for up to 50 people on one evening. This could be an appetiser (samosas etc.), a main dish or a dessert. If you would be willing to contribute a dish, and would be happy for the Student Council to contact you, please click here and complete the form.

KGIS Community Iftar: Wednesday 20th March We are pleased to invite families once again to our KGIS Community Iftar on Wednesday 20th March at 6:00pm. The Community Iftar gives us the chance to come together as a community to pray, celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan and break fast together with a lovely meal. The event will be sponsored by Azima Catering once again this year and we thank them for their generosity in preparing another amazing buffet for this event! The event is open to all KGIS families. Tickets cost RO 3 for adults and RO 1.5 for children and all proceeds will be donated to our local and international charitable causes. If you would like to join us for the Iftar, please click here to obtain your places as soon as possible. We hope to see lots of you attend!

School Hours during Ramadan We expect the Holy Month of Ramadan to start on Monday 11th March. Once the start of Ramadan is officially announced, we will inform all parents and will operate amended timings for the school day during the Holy Month.

The timings of the school day will be as follows: KG: 8:15am-11:50am Grades 1 & 2: 8:15am-1:15pm Grades 3-12: 8:15am-1:45pm Parents are asked to drop their children at school no earlier than 7:50am, and no later than 8:15am. The school bus service will operate with amended timings as per the above. Please note that the morning pick up will be approximately one hour later than normal during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Please also note that there will be no before or after school extra-curricular activities during the Holy Month of Ramadan. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the school will operate designated fasting and non-fasting areas at break and lunchtimes. Students will be able to pray during the school day and take part in daily group prayers under the supervision of the Islamic Studies Department.

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.

Matilda Musical Theatre Production Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of “Matilda: the Musical” for their stunning performances this week!

We look forward to being able to share the professional photographs and video shortly, and have shared some of our own as a taster. Thank you to Ms. Katherine and the entire Performing Arts Team for their commitment and dedication in ensuring a fantastic experience for all the students involved. Thank you to all the parents, family and friends who came to watch and support the crew!

U11 Athletics Competition The Sultan's School hosted the U11 Athletics Competition on Wednesday 21st February. Six boys and six girls competed for KGIS in running, throwing and jumping events. This was great preparation and experience for next weekend's BSME Games in the UAE!

Mother & Toddler Group Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term KGIS Mother & Toddler Group We are very pleased to announce the launch of our first ever KGIS Mother & Toddler Group for children aged 6 months to 3 years! Come along with your child on Wednesday 6 March at 1:30pm to meet other mums, enjoy soft play and educational games led by our expert Early Years teachers. The group is free of charge, and we are also welcoming families from outside the school so please let your friends know! You can sign up for a place by emailing Ms. Jenny: jennifer.s@kgis-edu.com

KGIS Community Fair: 5th March Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

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.

KG News KG Update The children had a wonderful time during our Stay and Play Picnic on Tuesday! Making ice lollies, necklaces and playing with playdough are just a few of the activities the children enjoyed with their friends and families. Thank you to all the parents who were able to join us, it was a lovely morning and the weather was definitely on our side!

We would also like to thank you all for the generous food contributions. Events like these are so important and it is parental support and involvement that makes them so worthwhile for our KGIS community!

As always, time in our KG Department is action packed and busy! Our children can’t wait for our school trip to Pizza Inn next week. Just a reminder that the children should wear their school uniform and bring a water bottle with them on the day.

Primary News A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary Recently Primary students were invited to an assembly to discuss the importance of keeping ourselves safe online.

We discussed why we should not share passwords with our friends or classmates as well as ensuring we are accessing age appropriate content when online.

Over the next few weeks, I will feature a piece on some of the apps, games and online platforms that children tell us they have been using. This week we will examine “Roblox” which I am sure many parents are already aware of.

Roblox has many positives but it cannot be something your child uses alone or without supervision.

Inappropriate Content: Roblox is a user-generated content platform, meaning that users can create their own games and experiences.

While Roblox has guidelines and moderation in place, inappropriate content can still slip through the cracks. This may include games with violence, adult content, or other inappropriate themes.

Online Predators: Just like any other online platform, Roblox can attract individuals with malicious intent who may attempt to exploit or groom young users. These individuals may pose as other children to gain trust or coerce children into sharing personal information.

Cyberbullying: Children may encounter bullying or harassment from other players while playing Roblox. This can happen through in-game interactions, chat features, or other communication methods. Cyberbullying can have serious emotional effects on young children.

Addictive Behaviour: Roblox offers a wide variety of games and experiences that can be engaging and addictive for children. Excessive screen time and a lack of moderation can lead to negative effects on physical health, academic performance, and social development.

In-Game Purchases: Roblox allows players to purchase virtual currency (Robux) and spend it on in-game items, clothing, and other features. Children may not fully understand the value of money and could overspend or be tricked into making purchases without parental permission.

Privacy Concerns: Children may inadvertently share personal information while interacting with others on Roblox. This could include real names, locations, or other identifying details, putting them at risk of privacy violations or targeted advertising.

Malware and Scams: Some user-generated content on Roblox may contain malware or scams designed to steal personal information or compromise accounts. Children may not recognise these threats and could unknowingly put their devices and personal data at risk.

Next week we look at “Discord” and its negative applications.

Primary News Grades 1 & 2 In Global Perspectives we have been learning about the people who help us in our community. We then discussed and brainstormed all the people who help us in our school community. The children talked about how we can help the people who help us in our community such as tidying up after ourselves and remembering to say please and thank you. We talked about how we could show our appreciation for those that help us in our school community and decided to make cards to give to them to show our thanks. The children made cards for a range of people/groups in our school community including the security staff, teachers and canteen staff. It was lovely to see lots of smiles when the children handed out the cards.

In Science lessons Grade 2 investigated components of simple circuits. We learned that a circuit is a path of electricity and all components must be connected in order for the circuit to be complete. We looked at energy sources for example, batteries and how they have two poles; positive and negative. Pictured, you can see us building our own circuits using an energy source (battery), conductor and electrical load (bulb).

Primary News Grades 3 to 5 Grade 3 students have enjoyed studying the types of pronouns in the Arabic language, distinguishing between them in how they are used, then using them in sentences of their own creation through a challenge between students called the “Hero Challenge.” They used a number of student-led assessment strategies, such as peer assessment as well as self assessment to measure if they were able to apply what they had learned correctly.

Grade 5 students enjoyed a lesson with different activities, effective strategies, and different learning sources to learn about how to apply the Arabic grammar of Kana wa Akhawatuha). Ms. Khawla used a variety of interactive methods for students to practise and apply their understanding. To conclude the learning, students undertook a theatrical demonstration of what they had learned.

Secondary News Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary What an unbelievably exciting week we have had at KGIS this week! The highlight was undoubtedly the phenomenal production of ‘Matilda’. It was amazing to see how far our talented actors and actresses have come in the past two years. It was definitely a proud moment for all at KGIS and I would like to congratulate all students who were involved. The Performing Arts Department, under the guidance of Ms. Katherine put in meticulous effort and endless hours to ensure the show’s success so I would like to thank them.

Drama has definitely been the overarching theme this week as the English department put on a ‘Talking Museum’ which was led by our Grade 8 students. This wonderful cross-curricular activity merging English and History not only showcases the creativity and collaboration within our school but also provides students with a unique and engaging learning experience. Such events not only foster a love for literature and history but also highlight the diverse talents of our students. A special thanks to Ms. Kate and her English team for organising and to all the parents who helped students design some very unique costumes!

Parent Consultation Evening - Wednesday 28th February - 2:15pm-7:00pm Please note that the combined Grade 6 to 12 Parent Consultation Evening will take place from 2:15pm -7:00pm on Wednesday 28th February. Students will receive an online Google Sheets link to book an appointment so please encourage your child to go and see their respective teachers. Please note that each appointment will last for approximately 5-10 minutes. This time-frame allows for a focused discussion on your child's progress and any areas that may require attention.

We encourage both parents and students to attend these appointments together, as it fosters a collaborative approach to education and helps students take ownership of their learning journey. Your active involvement contributes significantly to their academic success, and these collaborative discussions strengthen the schoolparent partnership.

Uniform Reminder I would like to remind you that students need to come into school in the full uniform. Key elements of the uniform include the wearing of plain black shoes. If a student has PE, they can bring a change of trainers with them.

Furthermore, it is not permitted to wear hoodies. There are school jackets available to purchase in the school Uniform Shop. Students will be asked to remove any non-school hoodies, and these will be confiscated by staff and returned at the end of the school day.

Revision Tip - Retrieval Practice Our senior students have had a busy month in January with exams but the preparation for the summer exams has begun in earnest for all grades. Regular and sustained revision is absolutely essential to achieve success in the end of year exams. One proven method of improving studying methods is through Retrieval Practice.

Our working memory is where you do your thinking and where you take in new information. It is finite and we can only absorb a limited amount of information at any given time. Forgetting is completely natural. Research has shown that over time you forget a majority of what you’ve learnt and this happens immediately. Understanding the concept of working memory is crucial, as it is the mental space where thinking occurs and new information is processed. It has its limits, allowing us to absorb only a finite amount of information at a given time.

Secondary News In addition to deliberate and spaced practice, various effective techniques can enhance memory consolidation.

Flashcards prove invaluable, promoting active recall and reinforcing connections between concepts. Platforms like Quizlet provide interactive and engaging ways to review material. Retrieval clocks, a visual aid displaying key information at intervals, aid memory retention. Knowledge organisers serve as comprehensive summaries, facilitating holistic understanding. Interleaved practice, mixing different topics, solidifies connections between concepts, fostering concrete and enduring links. Furthermore, encouraging students to teach concepts to peers deepens understanding, while incorporating real-world examples makes abstract concepts more relatable.

Emphasising the application of knowledge through practical exercises contributes to a well-rounded and enduring grasp of the material. If your child needs further suggestions, please advise them to see their teacher.

In summary, what do we know about memory?

Importance of Consistency: Consistent practice over time is crucial for memory retention and long-term learning.

Connection to Previous Learning: Regularly revisiting material not only strengthens memory but also enhances overall learning effectiveness.

Limitations of Working Memory: Recognising the finite and limited capacity of working memory highlights the need for strategic learning approaches.

Ineffectiveness of Cramming: Overloading working memory or relying on cramming for revision is ineffective and hampers optimal memory function.

Memory Loss without Revisitation: Information that is not revisited tends to be lost from our memory, emphasising the need for ongoing reinforcement.

Diverse Learning Techniques: Utilising various techniques like flashcards, Quizlet, retrieval clocks, and interleaved practice offers a comprehensive approach to memory enhancement.

Active Recall Strategies: Implementing active recall strategies, such as teaching concepts to peers, solidifies understanding and promotes effective memory recall.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Secondary News Subject Spotlight: Mathematics This week in Maths, teachers have been using technology as a means to help students retrieve previous knowledge and also to enhance their understanding of upcoming topics. DrFrost Maths serves as a dynamic tool, leveraging technology to enhance student engagement and reinforce mathematical concepts through interactive and gamified approaches. The platform offers dual modes of utilisation, providing educators and students with versatile ways to leverage its capabilities.

In the first mode, DrFrost Maths facilitates targeted learning through a question-answer format. Students actively participate by inputting their responses, creating an immediate feedback loop. The platform's intelligent system colour-codes responses, rendering correct answers in green and incorrect ones in red. This real-time visual feedback not only informs teachers about individual student performance but also empowers students to self-assess.

Moreover, the adaptive nature of the system allows students a second attempt to correct their answers.

In the second mode, DrFrost Maths transforms into an engaging starter activity, introducing an element of quick, interactive gameplay. Students can challenge themselves with a series of succinct yet pivotal questions, fostering a sense of competition and urgency. This gamified approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also stimulates active retrieval of previously acquired knowledge. The quick-paced nature of the interactive game encourages students to recall and apply key concepts swiftly, contributing to the reinforcement of their mathematical proficiency.

By seamlessly integrating technology, real-time feedback mechanisms, and gamified elements, DrFrost Maths emerges as a multifaceted tool, not merely transmitting information but actively engaging students in the retrieval and application of their mathematical knowledge. This innovative approach not only aligns with modern pedagogical principles but also cultivates a positive and interactive learning environment for students.

Should you require further information on DrFrost or Sparx Maths, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Vee (vee.s@kgis-edu.com).

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

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