KGIS Weekly Newsletter 29 February 2024

THE KNOWLEDGE

A Message from the Executive Principal

We started the week with Oman Teacher's Day and I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their generosity in sending in gifts of appreciation for our dedicated and hard working teachers. This show of thanks and support is never expected but is deeply appreciated by all staff, and it is always a pleasure to see the joy on student's faces as they present gifts to their teachers!

Thank you also to parents for your support today as we were forced to close early due to unexpectedly heavy rainfall that cause significant flooding inside the school buildings and on the roads around the school. Our first priority is always the safety of students and staff, and the decision reflected our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone. I would also like to thank our amazing Operations Team led by Mr. Uriah for springing into action, and for the clean up and repair work that has already started and will take place over the weekend to ensure that students can return to school as normal on Sunday.

We have an exciting week ahead next week as we look forward to Book Week and World Book Day! Please encourage your children to participate in as many of the wonderful events on offer as possible, and I look forward to seeing the spectacular and creative range of costumes on Thursday as we celebrate World Book Day!

We also have our KGIS Community Fair taking place on Tuesday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. This will be a fantastic opportunity to come together once again with family and friends to enjoy games, henna, bouncy castles, food and drink. I look forward to seeing you all there! Entry is OMR 1 for adults and is free of charge for children, with all proceeds being donated to charitable causes as part of our KGIS 'Year of Giving' Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

Key Dates

Please make a note of the following important dates:

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

Thursday 28 March: Last day of Term 2

Sunday 31 March-Thursday 11 April: Spring Break (school closed)

Sunday 14 April: Start of Term 3

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

Clickonthelinksbelowtoaccessthelearningoverview,homelearningexpectationsand assessmentdatesforeachgrade:

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

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 Sport: Week Commencing 3 March

Please note that there are no extra-curricular Sports activities next week. Sports activities will resume after Ramadan.

BSME U11 Games in Al Ain

Sport takes centre stage this weekend for our BSME U11 Squad who departed for Al Ain to compete in the highly competitive BSME Games at Brighton College. We are sure our young budding athletes will make themselves, their families and KGIS proud Our young sportsmen and women will compete in football, netball, swimming and track events. We wish them the very best of luck!

Grade 6 Humanities Field Trip

Grade 6 Humanities students recently embarked on a captivating and enriching field trip to Muttrah Fort and the National Museum of Oman, creating lasting memories and deepening their understanding of our rich cultural heritage. The visit to Muttrah Fort provided a unique historical perspective, allowing students to explore the architectural marvels and strategic significance of this iconic landmark.

The fort's commanding presence served as a backdrop for lessons on Oman's past, connecting the students to the roots of their cultural heritage The journey continued at the National Museum of Oman, where students were immersed in a treasure trove of exhibits showcasing the country's diverse history, art, and traditions. From ancient artifacts to contemporary displays, the museum offered a comprehensive exploration of Oman's evolution through time.

The field trip wasn't just a day of exploration; it was an interactive learning experience that complemented the Grade 6 Humanities curriculum. Students engaged in discussions, asked insightful questions, and gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural tapestry that shapes Oman. This hands-on encounter with history and heritage undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our students, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the rich legacy of Oman.

Mother & Toddler Group

r Timetable for this term

Mother & Toddler Group for children aged 6 arch at 1:30pm to meet other mums, enjoy soft The group is free of charge, and we are also ds know! You can sign up for a place by

Inspired Forte Music Programme

Extra-Curricular Activities

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

Inspired Summer Camps

Inspired Global Camps, a tailored option for every child

Watch our YouTube video here!

Extra-Curricular Activities

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 Update

News

This week KG1 and KG2 students had the wonderful opportunity to visit a pizza restaurant and make their own pizzas! Children have been learning about the topic ‘Once Upon A Time’ and they have been thinking about stories that involve farms and baking. We were able to connect our classroom learning to a real life situation! On our trip, children were able to see how pizzas are made and even make their own individual pizza. The children were able to explore a range of ingredients when making their own pizzas and had a tour of the restaurant's kitchen As part of the EYFS curriculum, it is important that children develop their confidence in different social situations, try new foods and experience new settings when developing their ‘Understanding The World’.

Last week, as part of our topic ‘Once Upon A Time’ KG2 children made bread; just like the hen in the story we have been reading ‘The Little Red Hen’. We learnt about the ingredients, the process of making bread and reread the story! We were even able to do some Maths when measuring and weighing ingredients!

A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary

Primary News

A reminder that next week is Book Week. This year’s theme is “Roald Dahl” and our annual World Book Day Dress Up Parade will take place on Thursday! All students and staff are encouraged to get involved and dress up as their favourite Roald Dahl or book character!

Continuing our series on “Keeping your child safe online” this week we look at the popular app “Discord”:

What is Discord?

Discord is a popular communication platform designed for communities, gamers, and friends to interact online. It allows users to create or join servers where they can chat via text, voice, or video in real-time. Users can join specific channels within servers to discuss different topics or activities. Discord also supports file sharing, screen sharing, and integration with other gaming platforms and services.

Discord, like any online platform, can present various dangers for Primary children if not properly monitored or used responsibly. Here are some potential dangers:

Inappropriate Content:

Discord is primarily designed for communication among gamers and communities, which may expose Primary children to inappropriate language, images, or discussions unsuitable for their age.

Cyberbullying:

Primary children may encounter cyberbullying from other users on Discord. The anonymity and ease of communication on the platform can embolden individuals to engage in bullying behaviour

Predatory Behaviour:

There is a risk of encountering adults posing as children or other users with malicious intent. These individuals may try to exploit or manipulate young users, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

Privacy Concerns:

Discord collects personal information from its users, and Primary children may not fully understand the implications of sharing personal details online. This could compromise their privacy and safety.

Addictive Behaviour:

Discord, like many online platforms, can be addictive, leading children to spend excessive amounts of time online at the expense of other activities such as homework, physical exercise, or socialising in person.

Exposure to Extremist Views:

Some Discord servers may promote extremist ideologies or hate speech. Primary children may be exposed to these harmful ideas, leading to confusion or radicalisation.

Distraction from Learning:

Excessive use of Discord can distract Primary children from their schoolwork and other responsibilities, affecting their academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Primary News

Discord is a site that many of our students have said they have access to at home or that they use with their friends. It has been blocked on the School’s network but please ensure that you children are not accessing it at home without adequate supervision

Grades 1 & 2

This week the ever enthusiastic Grade 1 students have been engaged in a captivating mathematical journey as they dive into the world of two-digit numbers In this lesson filled with active learning, budding mathematicians explore the concept of partitioning, unravelling the mysteries of place value. Armed with useful resources and an insatiable curiosity, these young learners adeptly wield bar models and part-part-whole models to dissect numbers, understanding the value of each digit with ease. With boundless creativity and a dash of perseverance, they decode the secrets hidden within numbers, paving the way for a solid foundation in mathematical comprehension.

Children are also learning ICT skills to upload a photo, research a topic about using different online resources and apply this learning to create a digital leaflet on Purple Mash. The children used previous knowledge to type text to match the picture, punctuate appropriately using the correct keyboard skills, change font type, colour and size. They also applied capital letters where necessary, used the space bar, enter and delete buttons.

Grades 3 to 5

Primary News

In Grade 4 lessons this week we have been looking at STEM, more specifically engineering. We designed and crafted our own ‘robotic’ hands that can move. Through teaching of STEM children learn vital skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. In addition to these skills the children can use their creativity and take part in low risk activities that improve their confidence and communication skills

This week, our talented Grade 5 students were learning about forces! They explored the power behind gravity, air resistance, and how these forces contribute to successful parachute design, some more successful than others as our poor Lego parachutist found out!

Following the parachute adventure, our Grade 5 scientists navigated the topic of water resistance and boat building. They learned about the principles behind buoyancy, explored different materials and their effects on flotation. They put their skills to the test and constructed their very own boats!

Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary

Secondary News

This past week was a significant milestone for our Grade 12 Bilingual Diploma students and I want to begin by saying a big congratulations to those who received their Term 1 results! It was fantastic to see some amazing results and it is testament to the hard work and dedication put in by students and their teachers Now it is important that students maintain and increase, where necessary, their focus and level of study to ensure they achieve the best possible outcomes in Term 2.

Speaking of achieving the best results, it was wonderful to see our Grade 6 to 12 Parent Consultation Evening so well attended by both parents and students Having an effective three-way partnership between teachers, parents and students is key to helping students realise their potential and it was great to see such active and productive conversations taking place. If you were unable to attend, please contact your child’s subject teachers for an update if required.

Finally, I was very proud of our Grade 12 students who, in the true sentiment of the KGIS 'Year of Giving', organised a Bake Sale to raise money for local and international charities. Their dedication to raising funds for local and international charities reflects the essence of our Universal Islamic Values As we approach the Holy Month of Ramadan, it's a poignant reminder of the significance of benevolence, generosity, and community support. Such endeavours not only contribute to charitable causes but also reinforce the values that unite us as a school community and resonate with the teachings throughout Ramadan.

Book Week: 3rd - 7th March

Book Week stands out as one of the most thrilling events of the academic year, emphasising our commitment to developing students’ passion for literacy. This week-long celebration fosters a love for reading, encouraging students to embark on literary adventures. The focus on literacy is not only educational but also on instilling a lifelong passion for learning through the enchanting world of books A highlight of Book Week is the Classroom Decorating Competition, infusing classrooms with creativity and transforming them into immersive literary landscapes.

The pinnacle of the week ends with World Book Day where students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters from books and take part in the Character Parade. This fun-filled day not only brings stories to life but also cultivates a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, celebrating the diversity of literary worlds. By combining educational elements with enjoyable activities, Book Week becomes a cornerstone in fostering a love for literature and imaginative exploration among our students. I am looking forward to seeing students enjoy all the activities we have planned, and in particular, some unique costumes next Thursday!

Uniform Reminder

I would like to remind you again 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. If students come in with a non-school hoodie, Homeroom teachers will ask them to take it off and will confiscate it I really appreciate your support

Revision Tip - Studying With Music

Secondary News

Continuing on from the exam tip of Retrieval Practice which was discussed last week, I would like to discuss a very important misconception; studying with music helps students to concentrate and retain information. Many students do their homework and revision whilst listening to music. Many of them will insist that listening to their favourite songs helps them study

But does it actually increase or hinder learning? And interestingly, does it matter what type of music you listen to whilst revising? To answer this question, researchers Nick Perham and Harriet Cure from the Applied Psychology department of Cardiff Metropolitan University recently ran a study. They assigned students of a range of ages to one of four groups and their results were extremely interesting:

Students who revised in quiet environments performed over 60% better in an exam than their peers who revised listening to music that had lyrics. It made no difference if students revised whilst listening to different types of music. Both led to a reduction in their subsequent test performance. Students who revised in silence rated their environment as less distracting, and accurately predicted that this would lead to better performances in subsequent tests.

Whilst listening to music before a task can make someone feel better, listening to it whilst trying to learn something new tends not to help. This is because music, especially with lyrics, can take up processing space. This conflicts with the material you are trying to learn, effectively creating a traffic jam in our memory, as there is less space to process what you are revising. We know how hard our students are working at home but it is just as important that they are working in the most efficient way

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Subject Spotlight: Arabic

Secondary News

In this week's subject spotlight on Arabic, the emphasis on collaboration has illuminated the dynamic and enriching nature of our language classes. Students have enthusiastically engaged in collaborative efforts, fostering an environment where the beauty of Arabic language, poetry, and stories comes to life through shared discussions.

The collaborative approach extends beyond conventional classroom activities, moving into the realm of interactive and participatory learning Through group discussions, students not only enhance their linguistic skills but also deepen their understanding of cultural nuances embedded in Arabic literature. This collaborative spirit serves as a catalyst for building strong interpersonal relationships among students, creating a supportive community within the Arabic language classes.

Through the medium of, and the exploration of poetry, stories, and language in a collaborative setting amplifies the learning experience. Students benefit from diverse perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the cultural and literary dimensions of the Arabic language. This collaborative endeavour aligns with our commitment to holistic education, nurturing not only language proficiency but also teamwork, communication, and cultural appreciation.

As we celebrate the collective efforts in Arabic classes this week, we recognise the power of collaboration in fostering a love for the language, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom. This collaborative journey not only strengthens language skills but also builds a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of Arabic literature and culture.

School

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

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