KGIS Weekly Newsletter 23 March 2023

THE KNOWLEDGE

A Message from the Executive Principal

Dear parents and carers

On behalf of myself, the school staff and Leadership Team and the members of the School Board, I wish you and your family Ramadan Mubarak! May this special month bring you blessings and peace in abundance

Last week I wrote to share with you the different ways in which we are celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan as a school. Our Universal Islamic Value for the month is 'Benevolence' and we are thinking about how we can give back to the local and international community Thank you to all parents who have sent their children to school with food, gifts and monetary contributions for our packages for the underprivileged in the community. There is still time to contribute items so please do send these into school for your child to give to their Homeroom Teacher.

A reminder to all families that we look forward to welcoming you at the KGIS Community Iftar on Wednesday 29 March at 6:00pm. The spaces are filling up fast but there is still time to join! Please click here and complete the form to reserve your places if you would like to attend.

Finally, the Student Council are working hard planning the Iftar meals for workers in the local community during the week commencing Sunday 16 April. Thank you to the parents who have already offered to make food for these. If you feel you are able to contribute then please click here to complete the form and the students will be in touch with you

Ms. Liz Stanley Executive Principal

Key Dates

Please

Wednesday 29 March: KGIS Community Iftar (6:00pm)

Thursday 30 March: Last day of Term 2

Sunday 2 April-Thursday 13 April: Spring Break (school closed)

Clickonthelinksbelowtoaccessthelearningoverview,homelearningexpectationsand

KG1

KG2

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

Ramadan at KGIS

We are pleased to share details of how we will be celebrating this very special month as a community at KGIS. Our Universal Islamic Value for the month of March is benevolence, and as a school community we plan to embrace the Pillar of Zakat during this holiest of months in order to instil a joy of giving in all our students. As such we will be starting Ramadan by promoting the following charitable causes and will launch some further initiatives as the month progresses We thank you all in advance for your support of these

Zakat at KGIS

1 Food and Gift Packages for the Underprivileged

As a school we will prepare and distribute food and small gift packages to underprivileged families and groups in the local community during the week commencing Sunday 26 March. Food packages will be distributed to needy families, and gift packages will be distributed to a local orphanage, and to child cancer patients at SQU Hospital. We therefore ask students and parents to contribute dry or tinned food items, small gifts or books for children (new condition), and toiletry items. We can also accept monetary donations which will be used to purchase food items. Students should bring their donations to their Homeroom Teacher from Sunday 19 March to Thursday 23 March. There will be House Points for the Homeroom Group that collects the most items!

2 KGIS Workers Iftar

During the week commencing Sunday 16 April, our Student Council will be preparing and serving an Iftar meal to 50 workers based in the local community each evening. 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 29 March

We are pleased to invite families to our first ever KGIS Community Iftar on Wednesday 29 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 our fast together with a lovely meal The event is open to all KGIS families, and is free of charge, however we are limited to a maximum number of 400 guests, and therefore will be allocating tickets on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. 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!

Ramadan at KGIS

School Hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan

We expect the Holy Month of Ramadan to start on Wednesday 22 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-11:45am

Grades 1 & 2: 8:15am-1:10pm

Grades 3-12: 8:15am-1:40pm

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 Mr. Ibrahim and the Islamic Studies Department.

We look forward to seeing you in school to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan and thank you for your support!

Extra-Curricular Activities

a-Curricular Timetable for this term

Sports Fixtures

Please note that there will be no Sports fixtures during Ramadan

Extra-Curricular Activities

Please note that there will be no before or after-school extra-curricular activities or Football Academy during Ramadan

Maths Week: Escape the Maths Room Competition

Last week was Maths Week at KGIS. Secondary students took part in an inter-House 'Escape the Maths Room' competition during their Maths lessons Congratulations to Dolphin House who won with a total of 91 points!

KG Update

We have had another fun filled week in KG, we aren't sure where the time goes! The children have enjoyed learning about Ramadan and have been busy making decorations for the KG classrooms. They enjoyed putting a lot of time and dedication into creating lovely Mother's Day cards, we hope you will cherish them for years to come! Thank you for joining us for our Mother's Day celebration on Tuesday morning, as always, it was fantastic to see so many of you and we greatly appreciate the strong home school partnership.

Collection lanyards have been shared with all parents (except where children take the school bus) for collection time from the Early Learning Centre You must have your lanyard if collecting your child or if a nominated person is doing so, they must show the lanyard. Your child’s teacher may ask to see ID or to call you for confirmation. Please expect this, as it is in your child’s best interests and ensure their safety.

Please be aware that the Ministry of Education has instructed that all Grade 1 enrolments for September 2023 must be completed by June 2023. If you are planning to enrol a sibling or new child or have friends planning to enrol in Grade 1 next year, please visit the school or email admissions@kgis-edu.com as soon as possible as there are very few spaces left and priority will be given to existing families.

Primary News

A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary

In the Primary Phase this week, we have been busy preparing for the Holy Month of Ramadan. We focused Wednesday morning’s assembly on our preparations across the school for this blessed month and Mr. Tom spoke to the children about how Ramadan is not just a month for people to fast but also a month to engage in good acts, charity and kindness.

This, as always, ties into our KGIS Universal Islamic Values and it is fitting that we chose 'Benevolence' as the value for March. Our Grade 5 students were on hand to read recitations from the Holy Qu'ran and we thank Mr. Khalid for preparing them wonderfully I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 29 March for our KGIS Community Iftar (please remember to reserve your places by clicking here) and wish you all a blessed and peaceful month ahead. Ramadan Kareem!

Extra curricular activities are cancelled during the Holy Month of Ramadan and will return again straight after the Eid Holiday as normal.

A reminder to parents that we are unable to supervise children after collection times. Please ensure your driver or representative is clear on collection times or if collecting yourself, that you are timely and punctual. Children must be collected from the Car Park. Collection from Reception is not available unless prior permission has been granted by Ms. Liz, Mr. Ian or Mr .James. Security will be denying entry, please do not abuse our staff if denied entry and follow correct school procedure

Primary News

Grades 1 and 2

Children in Grade 1 have been preparing for the Holy Month of Ramadan this week and made some beautiful lanterns during their Islamic Studies lessons They carefully constructed them using coloured paper and card

They were also learning about correct sentence structure in Arabic lessons. They used visual prompts in order to carefully and correctly arrange their sentences in the correct order and to ensure they didn’t make mistakes.

Grade 2 were making some beautiful Mother’s Day cards for their lucky mummies I am sure they all spoiled their mums this week with plenty of hugs, flowers and chocolates!

Primary News

Grades 3 to 5

Grade 3 have been measuring perimeter this week and have been having lots of fun using trundle wheels to calculate the perimeter of larger spaces as part of their Shape, Space and Measure module in Maths They learned how to find the perimeter of regular and irregular shapes and put their theory into practice by measuring the back hall One child even wants a trundle wheel for his birthday as it was so much fun!

Grade 3 have also been learning about the features of play scripts and have been learning how to read and perform plays. They studied “How Birds Got Their Colours,” a cultural story which refers to how everyday birds became colourful

In Arabic and Islamic Studies, the children were also making preparations for Ramadan. Here is a sneak peak of what they have been making!

In Grade 4 English, the students have been writing the final part of their Fantasy stories. We have asked the children to include, description of setting and characters, similes and personification Personifying an object means figuratively describing it with human characteristics in order to create a vivid image of that object in your reader's mind. We have shared a couple of the opening paragraphs from 4C, we cannot wait to read the rest!

The king realised something had to be done straight away. He wrote a letter to all the bravest warriors in the Kingdom asking for their help to fight the monster Credular. He sent his servant out to post the letter to all corners of the Kingdom.

Day’s passed by, all of the most courageous warriors reached the Grand Hall, all on time to listen to the King's speech. The King said, “thank you for coming, you are the bravest warriors in the whole Kingdom, you must go to the dark side of the Kingdom and capture the monster Credular and bring back my captured warriors.”

(Marya 4C)

The warriors stood at the entrance to the cave and the first warrior said “ I can hear some howling and screaming, it is smelly and there is blood and bones everywhere we need to be careful.” Then, as they crept inside they heard a howl as loud as thunder One of the warriors whispered “he is huge, we need to make a plan.”

(Nibras 4C)

Primary News

Our Grade 5C students have been reading a selection of poetry by famous poets and have not only been thinking about what constitutes a good performance but also learning their poems and reciting them aloud. They have debated the devices used in poetry and how these bring poetry to life!

Secondary News

Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary

As we welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all the parents and students in our community. This month marks a time of spiritual reflection, increased acts of worship, and selfdiscipline.

Ramadan is a month that holds great significance for families, as it provides an opportunity for us to come together in devotion, prayer, and the sharing of meals. Through the challenges of fasting and the rewards of breaking fast, we can deepen our relationships with our families and our faith. May this Ramadan be a time of renewal and blessings for all of us, as we strive to deepen our connection with Allah and strengthen our bonds with each other.

Exam interventions in core subjects will still take place during Ramadan but these will be optional for students However, we would recommend that students attend to continue pushing progress. The sessions will start at 8:00am and punctuality is important.

I would like to remind parents to speak to their child about the Grade 10 Options and Pathways. You will find links to the two Google Forms below that need to be filled out by the 28th March These forms are important as they will help us to understand which subjects your child is interested in studying and will enable us to plan for the next academic year accordingly:

To make subject choices for the A Level pathway click here

To make subject choices for the Oman GED Bilingual Diploma pathway click here

Learning and Teaching

Grade 6 students have had an exciting half term learning how to use a script for "Darkwood Manor" in their Drama lessons. Through this process, they have been given the opportunity to not only develop their acting skills but also their leadership abilities They have been encouraged to direct their peers and take on the responsibility of ensuring that the performance runs smoothly. This has allowed the students to learn key social skills, such as communication, confidence, teamwork, and leadership. By directing their peers, they have learned how to effectively communicate their ideas and provide constructive feedback They have also had the chance to build their confidence and develop their ability to work as part of a team.

Overall, this experience has been a great learning opportunity for the students and has allowed them to develop valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future. Ms. Katherine, their Drama teacher, is excited to see the performances next week!

Secondary News

Grade 9 Science students yesterday successfully extracted DNA from strawberries as part of their IGCSE Biology course exploring DNA and inheritance. Students used a variety of techniques including using microscopes to explore the DNA they extracted The process of extracting DNA from strawberries is a hands-on way for Grade 9 Science students to explore the fundamental concepts of DNA and inheritance. By conducting this experiment, the students were able to gain a deeper understanding of the structure and function of DNA, as well as the techniques used to extract and study it.

Using microscopes to examine the extracted DNA allowed the students to see first hand the intricate structure of DNA and the potential impact of mutations on the genetic code. This experience will help to prepare them for the IGCSE Biology course and beyond, as they continue to develop their knowledge of the biological sciences and the role of DNA in genetics and inheritance

The Grade 9 Geography students had a great day out exploring wadi Qurai. They took multiple measurements of the wadis discharge and average velocity and conducted a sediment analysis at varying stages of the wadi. They were also able to witness first hand an impressive Falaj system that is still in use by the locals of Qurai today In addition to the scientific aspect of their field trip, the students were also able to witness the practical applications of traditional water management techniques. The impressive Falaj system that is still in use by the locals of Qurai today is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of communities in adapting to their environment.

Secondary News

Revision Tip - Balancing your studies during Ramadan

As Ramadan approaches, many students may find themselves concerned about how they will balance their studies with the physical and spiritual demands of fasting. While it can be a challenging time, with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to balance both and make the most of this blessed month

First and foremost, it is important to remember that Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink during the day. It is a time for increased prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth, and should be approached as such. Here are some tips to help students and parents find the right balance during Ramadan:

Prioritise rest and sleep:

With fasting during the day and increased worship during the night, it is essential to prioritise rest and sleep during Ramadan. This means making sure to get enough sleep each night and taking naps during the day if needed.

Plan your study schedule:

Plan your study schedule around your fasting and prayer times. Try to study during the hours when you have the most energy and focus, and take breaks during the times when you may feel more tired or distracted.

Stay hydrated:

It is important to stay hydrated during the non-fasting hours to ensure you have enough energy and focus for your studies. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks that can lead to dehydration.

Break your fast with nutritious foods:

When it comes time to break your fast, make sure to eat nutritious foods that will give you sustained energy throughout the night. Avoid overeating or eating too many sugary or fried foods, which can leave you feeling.

Seek support:

If you are struggling to balance your academic and spiritual commitments, don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers, parents, or peers for support and guidance.

Focus on Self-Care:

Take care of your physical and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing mindfulness. These practices can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your ability to focus on your studies

Stay Connected:

Stay connected to your community during Ramadan by attending tarawih prayers and participating in communal Iftars. This can help to strengthen your spiritual connection and provide a sense of belonging.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and devotion for Muslims around the world However, students must balance their academic pursuits with their religious obligations during this holy month. By prioritising self-care, planning their schedules, and seeking support when needed, students can make the most of Ramadan while maintaining academic performance. Let us all strive for a fulfilling and productive Ramadan this year.

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