Raha Family Handbook 2019-2020 by Raha International School

Raha International School

Family Handbook 2019-2020

Table of Contents Principal’s Letter .................................................................................................................................... 4 Taaleem ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Raha International School ..................................................................................................................... 6 Our Aims ............................................................................................................................................ 6 International Baccalaureate .................................................................................................................. 7 The IB Mission.................................................................................................................................... 7 How does the IB define ‘international education’? ........................................................................... 7 How long has each programme been established? ........................................................................... 8 IB Learner Profile ............................................................................................................................... 9 The Primary Years Programme (PYP) ............................................................................................... 10 The Middle Years Programme (MYP)............................................................................................... 12 The Diploma Programmer (DP)........................................................................................................ 14 Who’s Who at Raha? ........................................................................................................................... 16 Senior Management Team .............................................................................................................. 16 Senior Leadership Team .................................................................................................................. 16 Administration Staff......................................................................................................................... 16 Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................... 17 Parent Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 17 Parent Courtesy Policy ................................................................................................................. 17 Student Responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 17 Administration ..................................................................................................................................... 18 School office hours .......................................................................................................................... 18 Accounts .......................................................................................................................................... 18 Security Arrangements .................................................................................................................... 18 Communications .................................................................................................................................. 19 Communication from the School ..................................................................................................... 19 iParent App .................................................................................................................................. 19 SMS .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Social Media................................................................................................................................. 19 Website ........................................................................................................................................ 19 Newsletters .................................................................................................................................. 19 ManageBac .................................................................................................................................. 19 Seesaw ......................................................................................................................................... 20 SchoolsBuddy............................................................................................................................... 20

Communicating with Teachers and Staff ......................................................................................... 20 Attendance Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 22 The School Day ................................................................................................................................ 22 Pick up and drop off......................................................................................................................... 22 Early Years ................................................................................................................................... 22 Primary ........................................................................................................................................ 22 Secondary .................................................................................................................................... 23 Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals ....................................................................................................... 23 Early Years ................................................................................................................................... 23 Primary ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Secondary .................................................................................................................................... 23 Prompt Collection ............................................................................................................................ 24 Reporting Absence and Sickness ..................................................................................................... 24 Absence ....................................................................................................................................... 24 Authorised Absence: .................................................................................................................... 24 Unauthorised Absence: ............................................................................................................... 25 Vacations During the School Year .................................................................................................... 25 Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 26 School Transport .............................................................................................................................. 26 Car Park Procedure .......................................................................................................................... 26 Reporting Procedure ........................................................................................................................... 27 Reporting to Parents about Student Progress ................................................................................. 27 Probationary Reports....................................................................................................................... 27 Homework ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Homework in EY2, Grades 1-3 ..................................................................................................... 27 Homework in Grades 4-5 ............................................................................................................. 27 Homework Extension in Secondary ............................................................................................. 28 Uniform Expectations .......................................................................................................................... 28 Technology in School ........................................................................................................................... 28 Extended Programmes ........................................................................................................................ 28 Extracurricular Programme ............................................................................................................. 28 Competitive Sports Programme ...................................................................................................... 29 Excursions ............................................................................................................................................ 29 Community .......................................................................................................................................... 31 Raha Parent Team ........................................................................................................................... 31

General Expectations ....................................................................................................................... 31 Prayer Room .................................................................................................................................... 31 Library .............................................................................................................................................. 31 School Materials .............................................................................................................................. 31 Lost and Found ................................................................................................................................ 32 Birthdays .......................................................................................................................................... 32 Valuables ......................................................................................................................................... 32 Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guests .............................................................................................................................. 32 Food Services and Policy.................................................................................................................. 32 Nut Policy ..................................................................................................................................... 33 The Health Centre ............................................................................................................................ 33 Health Promotion and Illness Prevention .................................................................................... 33 Immunizations ............................................................................................................................. 33 Health Authority Recommended School Health Checks .............................................................. 33 Hygiene ........................................................................................................................................ 33 Protection from Solar Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation ....................................................................... 33 Bike Safety ................................................................................................................................... 34 Swimming Pool Safety ................................................................................................................. 34 Medication and other treatments ............................................................................................... 34 First Aid and Student Illness ........................................................................................................ 34

Principal’s Letter Welcome to Raha International School. I am delighted and honoured to be working with such an excellent team. Raha is an outstanding school but we are always looking to improve. ‘Raha’s Exceptional Journey’ outlines how we can continue to make our school amazing and to ensure our reputation as one of the best schools in the city and UAE. You are part of a dynamic school community where I am continually impressed with staff motivation and dedication and also the wonderful behaviour and attitude of our students. As the school increases to over 2000 students, with over 80 nationalities and 50 mother tongues, we will continue to pursue a ‘big school-small family’ feel and an enjoyable working environment for the whole community. This handbook will help to answer many questions you may have about the school but there is no substitute for asking colleagues and friends for guidance.

Iain Colledge Principal

Taaleem Taaleem was founded in 2004 in Dubai and is one of the largest education providers in the United Arab Emirates. Our main activity is the development and management of early childhood, primary and secondary schools. With quality at the forefront of our offering, we tailor each project to answer the specific educational requirements of a wide range of families by offering top international curricula including British, American, the International Baccalaureate and our multi-lingual, custom early childhood programme. Taaleem, which means 'education' in Arabic, is committed to inspiring students and helping them to identify and develop their passions and talents. We also only recruit the best international teachers who are capable of delivering our international curricula in a creative and engaging manner. Taaleem seeks to raise the educational standards in the region. The combined experience of its core team of senior education leaders in international education policy, operations and global management best practices means Taaleem is well positioned to ensure the creative of truly exceptional schools that satisfy the most comprehensive and exacting education developmental requirements. Taaleem is committed to: • • • • • • •

Equipping children in the region holistically with the skills, knowledge and character to compete globally Offering a comprehensive range of outstanding international curricula Designing, building and managing the best educational facilities Creating and implementing benchmark educational initiatives Nurturing educational excellence through the attraction, retention and development of the best educators Continuously evaluating and improving standards across our schools Establishing our schools as valued cornerstones of their communities

Raha International School

Our Aims At Raha International School we will: • • • • • • • • • •

Identify, celebrate and nurture the diverse talents and intelligences of all our students. Engage staff who is expert managers of learning and able to promote excellence in academic, creative, social, spiritual, physical and emotional development. Teach students to learn by questioning, problem-solving and creative, critical thinking rather than by the mere retention of facts. Enthuse, motivate and inspire students with our innovative approaches and high expectations. Enable our students to achieve beyond their previous limits and expectations. Encourage our students to be active participants in the learning process and to become independent, co-operative learners. Welcome parents as equal partners in their children’s education. Enrich students’ learning by making effective use of the abundant resources and linguistic opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. Nurture in our students a sense of personal accomplishment, self-confidence and an enduring appreciation for learning. Make a significant contribution to the success of the UAE’s 2021 Vision of having a First Rate Education system.

International Baccalaureate Established in 1968, International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are offered in more than 4,000 schools worldwide.

The IB Mission The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB has a hard-earned reputation for high standards of teaching, pedagogical leadership and student achievement, working with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. At Raha we offer three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

How does the IB define ‘international education’? The International Baccalaureate® (IB) chooses to define ‘international education’ according to the following criteria: • • • • •

• • •

Developing citizens of the world in relation to culture, language and learning to live together Building and reinforcing students' sense of identity and cultural awareness Fostering students' recognition and development of universal human values Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range of areas Providing international content while responding to local requirements and interests Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods Providing appropriate forms of assessment and international benchmarking

All four programmes are committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

The profile aims to develop learners who are: • • • • •

Inquirers Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled

• • • • •

Open-minded Caring Risk-takers Balanced Reflective

How long has each programme been established? The Primary Years Programme (PYP) was developed through the vision and effort, sustained over ten years, of the former International Schools Curriculum Project (ISCP) and introduced in 1997 The Middle Years Programme (MYP) began as an initiative of the International Schools Association and was adopted by the IB in 1994. The Diploma Programme (DP) was established in 1968 to provide students with a balanced education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding. All IB programmes are regularly reviewed to meet the needs of students, teachers and parents worldwide.

IB Learner Profile The IB learner profile promotes education of the whole person for a life of active, responsible citizenship emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth. The attributes and descriptions of the learner profile define the type of learner Raha hopes to develop through its programmes. All members of the Raha Community including students, teachers, administration, support staff and parents strive to develop these qualities.

Attribute

Descriptor

Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Open–minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

Risk–takers

We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives— intellectual, physical, (spiritual) and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Raha International School offers a balanced and academically challenging education, which is designed to develop individuals who are both independent learners and international citizens. From Early Years 1 to Grade 5, our curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme (PYP). Raha offers the PYP for students aged 4 onwards. The International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed to build upon the natural curiosity of the child. The programme focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Students participate in four to six 'Units of Inquiry' per year. To ensure that children acquire a broad base of knowledge, the Units of Inquiry are developed under six 'organising themes'. The subject areas of Language, Social Studies, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology and the Arts are woven into the Units of Inquiry to provide a trans-disciplinary approach to learning.

The IB Primary Years Programme • • • •

Addresses students’ academic, social and emotional well-being Encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning Supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it Helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which internationalmindedness will develop and flourish.

To find out more about the PYP, please either visit www.ibo.org/pyp or come and meet our PYP Coordinator at Raha. (Source: ibo.org)

PYP in the Early Years In our dynamic and nurturing Early Years programme, children are given opportunities to construct and expand their knowledge and understanding through shared experiences in an organised, safe and stimulating environment. Our children learn through discovery and student-led inquiry with specialist teachers complementing the Early Years’ philosophy of learning through play and discovery.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP is offered from Grade 6 through Grade 10 (students aged 11 to 16). The MYP aims to help students develop their personal understanding, their emerging sense of self and responsibility in their community. MYP teachers organize the curriculum with appropriate attention to: •

•

Teaching and learning in context. Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and the world that they have experienced. Using global contexts, MYP students explore human identity, global challenges and what it means to be internationally minded. Conceptual understanding. Concepts are big ideas that have relevance within specific disciplines and across subject areas. MYP students use concepts as a vehicle to inquire into issues and ideas of personal, local and global significance and examine knowledge holistically. Approaches to learning (ATL). A unifying thread throughout all MYP subject groups, approaches to learning provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of their knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Developing and applying these skills help students learn how to learn. Service as action (community service). Action (learning by doing and experiencing) and service have always been shared values of the IB community. Students take action when they apply what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of

•

the community who demonstrate a commitment to service - making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Service as action is an integral part of the programme, especially in the MYP community project. Language and identity. MYP students are required to learn at least two languages (language of instruction and additional language of choice). Learning to communicate in a variety of ways is fundamental to their development of intercultural understanding and crucial to their identity affirmation.

It provides a framework of learning, which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement, qualities that are essential for life in the 21st century. Research shows that students participating in the MYP: • • • • • •

Build confidence in managing their own learning Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world Outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills Consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations Thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens

To find out more about the MYP, please either visit www.ibo.org/myp or come and meet our MYP Coordinator at Raha.

The Diploma Programmer (DP)

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year academically challenging, rigorous and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students aged 16 to 19 (Grade 11 and 12) for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of young adults. Leading Universities worldwide recognize and respect the outstanding and varied qualities of IB Diploma students. The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is made up of the DP Core and Six Subject Groups. The Diploma Programme Core The Extended Essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The world studies extended essay option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance, which they examine through the lens of at least two DP projects. The Theory of Knowledge develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction. Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts

and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery. Why the Diploma Programme? The DP prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they: • • • • • • •

Develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically Acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from 6 subject groups Develop the skills and a positive attitude toward learning that will prepare them for higher education Study at least two languages and increase the understanding of cultures, including their own Make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course Undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the extended essay Enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action and service

To find out more about the DP, please either visit www.ibo.org/diploma or come and meet our DP Coordinator at Raha.

Who’s Who at Raha? Senior Management Team Iain Colledge

Executive Principal

Kathryn Simms

Vice Principal

Paul Ede

Head of Secondary

Michael Baty

Head of Primary

Nicola Neethling

Head of Early Years

Senior Leadership Team Nicholas Grey

Head of School Improvement

Richard Ballard

Head of Technology & Innovation

Yvonne Donoghue

Head of Inclusion & Child Protection Lead

Asem Masharfa

Head of Arabic & Islamic

Naomi Clancy

Deputy Head of Secondary – Student Wellbeing

Andrew Tomlinson

Deputy Head of Secondary – DP Curriculum

Vaughan Kitson

Deputy Head of Secondary – MYP Curriculum

Vanessa Keenan

Deputy Head of Primary

Eileen Butler

Deputy Head of Early Years

Administration Staff Melinda Prinsloo

Front Desk Administrator

Giulia Cherti

Front Desk Administrator

Rebecca Rouen

Executive Assistant to the Principal & Vice Principal

Lynlee Jones

Assistant to the Head of Secondary

Mandy Taylor

Assistant to the Head of Primary

Jennifer Caster

Assistant to the Head of Early Years

Nicola Hewitt

Assistant to the Diploma Coordinator

Sehrab Al Kilani

Assistant to the PYP & MYP Coordinators

Sharleen Samuelson

Head of Admissions & Enrolment

Anika Zuchkan

Admissions Administrator

Shawna Pope

Admissions Administrator

Zoë Kanters

Registrar

Raymonda Yacoub

Arabic Administrator

Estée Caplen

Marketing & Communications Executive

Vinitha Mathews

Accountant

Rosemarie Delmundo

Assistant Accountant

Áine Nolan

ECP Administrator

Etienne Schultz

Database Administrator

Responsibilities Parent Responsibilities Parents play an important role at Raha in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfil this responsibility when they: • • • • • • • • •

Show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress. Communicate regularly with the school. Use the iParent App to stay informed and keep you contacts up to date. Help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school in the correct school uniform. Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival. Become familiar with the Honour Code, Behaviour Policy and School Rules. Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour. Treat all school employees with respect and respect school rules. Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues.

Parent Courtesy Policy We would like to ask that all parents adhere to our courtesy policy.

• • •

Wear clothing that is respectful of the culture and country we live in. Lanyards should be clearly displayed and worn around the neck at all times. Smoking is prohibited on campus.

Student Responsibilities The Raha Honour Code Responsibilities to Myself • • • •

Take responsibility for my actions. Maintain a sustained and committed effort towards learning, academic achievement, and personal growth. Be punctual and prepared for every Raha event on or off site. Dress in a manner that is appropriate to the Raha International School setting.

• • • • •

Be a positive ambassador of Raha on and off site. Demonstrate self-respect through cleanliness and grooming. Recognize and learn to appreciate both my strengths and my weaknesses. Address each opportunity at Raha with honesty and thoughtfulness. Refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise my safety, or the safety of others.

Responsibilities to Others • • • • • • •

Respect the rights of others to be heard and appreciated, both within and beyond the classroom. Respect all persons regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, or mental or physical ability. When visiting other schools respect and honour their codes of conduct. Use only language and gestures that are appropriate in a school setting, and in keeping with an attitude of respect for all individuals. Welcome and support all members of the Raha community and visitors. Keep halls and entrances quiet while classes are in session. Honour scheduled commitments and give appropriate notice if unable to attend.

Responsibilities to Property •

Keep personal and common areas in the school clean and neat.

Administration School office hours Raha Offices –including Admissions & Accounts – are open Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00am to 4:00pm. During Ramadan these hours are reduced to 8:00am to 2:00pm. If you have any queries, please call us on +971 (0)2 556 1567 or email frontdesk@ris.ae. At least one member of staff is available over the summer.

Accounts Tuition fees, due dates and payment information can be found in the pages that follow this guide. Accounts is open over the summer and can be reached at 02 556 1567 ext. 170 or ext. 104, or by emailing accounts@ris.ae.

Security Arrangements Parents and visitors without badges are to only enter the school through the main entrance. Visitors to the school are required to wear a Raha visitor badge during their time in the school. If you are arriving during the school day, please check in at the Reception desk. Parents are not permitted to enter school buildings, hallways or instructional areas during the school day. Should you need to drop off an item for a student or need to talk to your child or leave early with your child please always make sure you contact our Front Desk Administrator at Reception.

Communications Communication from the School iParent App Raha International will use the iSAMS parent portal app, the ‘iParent App’ to communicate with parents. This app is designed to keep you up to date during the Academic Year.

The iParent App provides quick and easy access to everything parents need to know about their child’s school life, school news and more. The iParent App has a user-friendly interface, organised across five key tabs: • • • • •

My App Dashboard – view a snapshot of relevant notifications, news and calendar events by date My Children – access profile menus for each child at the school Communications – update contact details, view communication history and manage communication subscriptions Information – view the school calendar and school news Settings – manage personalised app settings and device integration

SMS The school will communicate with parents, in some instances, via SMS alert. Social Media For all the most up-to-date information about our activities, photos and videos, ‘like’ us on Facebook at ‘Raha International School’. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Website The Raha website is a wonderful source of information about our school, and about events and activities. Be sure to book mark this site. Newsletters The Principal’s newsletter will be issued at the end of each term and include information on past events, upcoming events and announcements as well as general updates on the school and facilities. ManageBac This is a portal designed specifically for the IB, allowing parent/student access from home to teacher pages including curriculum documents, calendars of deadlines and lessons, assignment outlines and records of student achievement. You will be provided with a login for our school portal: https://raha.managebac.com/login

It is used extensively in the MYP & DP for planning documents, to track special components of our programmes such as the extended essay, personal project, CAS and MYP community and service. All MYP & DP school reporting will be published via ManageBac at selected dates during the school year. All reports are now published with the official school stamp. Please be advised that Raha does not print reports.

Seesaw This application is used in the EY & PYP as a platform for managing digital portfolios of student learning, providing feedback and communicating this with parents. You will be provided with a login for this system. SchoolsBuddy SchoolsBuddy is a software solution for integrating parent communications, ECP and sport signup and allocation, and more into one system.

The SchoolsBuddy App is available on IOS and Android devices through the App Store and Google Play Store or online. Further communication on SchoolsBuddy will be communicated soon.

Communicating with Teachers and Staff Parents can contact the teachers through email or through the School Assistants. Jennifer Caster - Assistant to the Head of Early Years jcaster@ris.ae

(0)2 556 1567 ext. 141

Mandy Taylor - Assistant to the Head of Primary

mtaylor@ris.ae

(0)2 556 1567 ext. 176

Lynlee Jones - Assistant to the Head of Secondary

ljones@ris.ae

(0)2 556 1567 ext. 162

Nicola Hewitt - Assistant to the DP Coordinator

dpc-assistant@ris.ae (0)2 556 1567 ext. 115

Sehrab Al Kilani - Assistant to the PYP/MYP Coord.’s salkilani@ris.ae

(0)2 556 1567 ext. 109

Our faculty members check their email daily and are expected to respond within 1-2 working days of receiving your message. Homeroom Teachers/Advisors/Heads of Grade, Single Subject or Language teachers are a parent’s first point of contact in the event of an issue or concern. Our teachers’ email addresses generally follow the format of their first initial, followed by their last name, @ris.ae e.g. jsmith@ris.ae for John Smith. Teachers are advised against sharing their cell phone numbers with parents.

A detailed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;master planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of how the school will communicate with parents can be found below:

Attendance Procedures 1. Students are expected to attend school on every school day as specified in the ADEK approved academic calendar. 2. Students shall arrive at school punctually every day and attend classes on time. Parents / Guardians will make every effort to ensure that their children attend school every school day and arrive on time. 3. Teachers shall maintain a record of attendance by students for every lesson. 4. Raha International School will maintain accurate daily attendance data for each student, including timely or late arrival. This is entered into the ADEK system each day. 5. If students need to be absent from school for a particular day, Parents/Guardians must inform the school accordingly (see below section on reporting absences). 6. Parents/Guardians should seek to ensure that family vacations take place during scheduled school holidays.

The School Day School Timings • EY1 7.45am to 1.00pm Sunday to Thursday • EY2 7.45am to 2.00pm Sunday to Thursday • Primary 7.45am to 3.00pm Sunday to Thursday • Secondary 7.45am to 3.00pm Sunday to Thursday *All students (including EY1) finish at 1.30pm every Tuesday

Pick up and drop off At 7.40am the UAE National Anthem will play, and all students are required to stand and face the flag. Early Years and Primary students should congregate in their designated areas of the school where at least two teachers will be on duty from 7.30am – 7.45am. Early Years After the anthem has played, EY1 students will meet at Building B, outside their classroom; EY2 students will meet at Building E outside their classroom; and Grade 1 will meet outside of Building D near the playground.

At the end of the school day, EY1, EY2 and Grade 1 students should be collected from their classrooms using the external doors by a designated adult. Alternatively, bus students will be taken to the busses by a member of the school staff. Early Years parents should notify their child’s Homeroom Teacher if another adult is picking up their child to avoid any issues. Primary After the anthem has played, Primary students will line up according to their class and grade within the Primary Piazza, outside Building L at their designated spot where they will be met by their class teacher.

At the end of the school day, Primary students can be collected outside of Building L. Primary parents should notify their child’s Homeroom Teacher if another adult is picking up their child to avoid any issues.

Parents who allow primary students to walk or cycle home to Raha Gardens must provide school with written permission for us to allow the students to leave the campus unattended Primary students will not be allowed to leave the campus or wait in the car park to be collected. They must remain inside the gates until a parent or adult collects them. Parents must collect their children from the various gates so that children do not walk across the car park unattended Secondary Secondary Students are expected to be on campus promptly at 7.40am. They will meet in the advisory rooms for registration each morning at 7.45am, after the UAE National Anthem has played.

Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals Students arriving from 7:50am will be considered late and are required to sign in at Reception, before going to class, to collect a late slip or they will be marked absent. School gates close at 8:10 a.m. Should a parent/guardian wish collect their child early from school, the following procedures must be maintained: Early Years An email is to be sent 24 hours in advance (minimum 30 minutes prior to collection) to the child’s homeroom teacher and to absent@ris.ae.

The parent/guardian is to check in with the Front Desk Administrator at Reception who will arrange for the child to be brought to the office. Please do not go to the child’s classroom as this can disrupt teaching. Students must be signed out by their parent/guardian in person. The student will be given an Early Dismissal Pass that must be given to Security (please note children may not be released between 2.30pm and 3.00pm). Primary An email is to be sent 24 hours in advance (minimum 30 minutes prior to collection) to the child’s homeroom teacher and to absent@ris.ae.

The parent/guardian is to check in with the Front Desk Administrator at Reception who will arrange for the child to be brought to the office. Please do not go to the child’s classroom as this can disrupt teaching. Students must be signed out by their parent/guardian in person. The student will be given an Early Dismissal Pass that must be given to Security (please note children may not be released between 2.30pm and 3.00pm). Secondary An email is to be sent 24 hours in advance (minimum 30 minutes prior to collection) to the child’s Head of Grade and to absent@ris.ae.

The parent/guardian is to check in with the Front Desk Administrator at Reception who will arrange for the child to be brought to the office. Please do not go to the child’s classroom as this can disrupt teaching. Students must be signed out by their parent/guardian in person or the parent/guardian must be able to be reached by phone to verify the early dismissal. Secondary students must have their Early Dismissal Pass signed by their Head of Grade before being released by the Front Desk Administrator. The Early Dismissal Pass should then be given to Security (please note children may not be released between 2.30pm and 3.00pm).

Prompt Collection If children are not collected after 10 minutes at the end of the school day, they will be moved to another location. It is important that young children are collected on time; late collection can cause children anxiety. If a child is consistently being left for late collection a parent conference will be called with a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) or Senior Management Team (SMT). In the event of a family emergency or change of plan, please try to contact the school office via telephone as soon as possible so that your child and the teacher can be informed of your new arrangements. Please do not leave recorded messages on the answer machine. Early Years and Primary parents should notify their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homeroom Teacher if another adult is picking up their child to avoid any issues.

Reporting Absence and Sickness Parents are required to report a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absence the night before if they know that their child will not be attending school or before 8:30am on the morning of their absence by sending an email, with the name of the student and class, to absent@ris.ae. Please do not leave recorded messages on the answer machine. When the Front Desk Administrator begins recording the attendance, if she has not heard from the parent/guardian, she will then send an SMS notification informing parents/guardians that their child is absent. If a parent does not contact the school or Front Desk is unable to speak to parents by telephone the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absence All days missed from school for any reason will be reported on the report card as an absence.

a. When your child is absent from school for three (3) consecutive days or more, you need to provide a letter explaining their absence or provide a note from the doctor upon return to school. b. Absences of 3 consecutive days of more will be followed up by the school. c. Unauthorized absences cannot exceed 10% of the total academic year and cannot number more than 30 days total (authorized and unauthorized). Absences exceeding this number will be referred to the academic review committee and may result in a student either being retained in the current grade or withdrawn from the school. There are two types of recognised absences; Authorised and Unauthorised: Authorised Absence: The following types of absences may be regarded as authorised when confirmed by signed letter from Parents/Guardians:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Illness Medical Appointment Religious Observance Out of school suspension Educational Visit or Trip Approved Sporting Activity

8. Other Authorised Circumstances (i.e. bereavement, mandatory appearance before an official body). Must be approved by Head of School 9. Enforced Closure Unauthorised Absence: 1. Family Holiday 2. Shopping Trips 3. Other types of absences not included in the authorised absences list

Absenteeism disrupts learning and it is not possible to “make up” in full the learning lost during a period of absence. We understand that emergency situations happen, however, the nature of our programme is designed for students to learn within their community of peers. It is not possible to send class work home or for students to complete the equivalent work at home. If your child has an illness or is recovering from an illness and is unable to participate in physical education or swimming activities a medical certificate should be issued by the child’s physician. The certificate should indicate the period of time that the child should be excluded from certain activities.

Vacations During the School Year The school year includes a generous amount of vacation time and therefore an extension of this time is not encouraged. Should you choose for your children to be absent from school for a prolonged period outside regular vacation time, parents should send an email to the relevant Head of School (Head of Early Years, Head of Primary or Head of Secondary). The absence will be acknowledged; however, we do not give approval. All days missed will be counted as unexcused absences on the report card. Teachers are not expected to make exceptional lesson planning arrangements for students who miss school because of holidays taken during school days. Should you family decide to take an extended holiday during school time, parents must fill the ‘Student Leave Acknowledgement’ form at least 7 days in advance of the proposed date of leave. This can be downloaded from the Parent Portal. Once filled, the form must then be handed to Front Desk.

Transportation School Transport We have contracted Seven Stars Buses Transportation Services, an RTA approved company, to offer school bus service. Parents should deal directly with the bus company for all reservations and bus affairs. Visit our School Transport website for links to bus fees and Transport FAQs. Parents wishing to use school transport services in the next academic year can register through their website.

Car Park Procedure When using the car park, please keep to the 10km/h speed limit and give priority to pedestrians, buses and bicycles Parents/Guardians/Drivers should avoid parking in the designated Drop-Off zones as this disrupts the flow of traffic. Additionally, please avoid parking in the designated staff parking and buses parking. • •

•

Parents should only use the parking areas which are accessed from the front of the school. Parents should not use staff parking. Parents should not drop younger children off in any places where they are expected to cross the road alone. This is dangerous and we cannot control driving along all three roads surrounding school. The drop-off area at the front of the school is not for parking and walking children into school. It is essential that this is for quick drop-offs only as we need this space to ensure the traffic flow remains smooth. Students should only enter school by the front or side gates. Parents should not drop off students to enter from the back gate of the school.

Reporting Procedure Reporting to Parents about Student Progress Raha uses a variety of reporting practices to inform parents about the progress of their children. •

• •

PRIMARY STUDENTS - Within the first few weeks of school parents will be invited to make an appointment with their child’s teacher to discuss the way they have settled into school (First Impression Meeting). End of Semester Report Cards are sent home twice a year (February and June). Parent, Teacher Meetings, the Three Way Conference and Student Led Conferences will be scheduled throughout the year. Additional parent teacher interviews may be held at parent or teacher request. Please do not hesitate to contact a teacher if you have a concern about your child’s progress.

Probationary Reports Students may be placed on probation as a result of academic and/or behaviour difficulties at any time. In these cases a letter will be sent home informing parents of the reasons for the change of status, the corrective measures to be taken and possible consequences in the event that improvement is not achieved.

Homework Raha believes homework, carefully administered, can have a positive effect on student in the following ways: • • • • •

Facilitates retention and understanding of material covered Improves students’ study skills and attitudes towards school Fosters independent learning and responsibility Teaches students that learning can happen anywhere Involves parents in schooling process

The amount and type of homework assigned to students will depend on their developmental level and the classroom programme. Homework serves different purposes at different grade levels and should reflect the unique needs and circumstances of individual students. If at any time your child is experiencing difficulty with any aspect of homework completion, please email or telephone to communicate with the teacher. Homework in EY2, Grades 1-3 Young children should be read to every night. Parents can engage their children in the reading process by having them anticipate endings, retell parts, and, when ready, share the reading. Always, the goal is to enjoy the story and the time together. Homework will be set on the Primary Website.

Teachers in Grades 1 to 3 may assign follow-up tasks for the students to do at home. Other possible activities might include practicing of math facts through reinforcement games, writing in journals or collecting news. Homework in Grades 4-5 Please keep reading aloud to your children! Older students benefit from being read to as much as younger children. Parents can select more advanced texts that students might not read on their

own, and literature offers many opportunities to deal with themes of interest to children at this stage. As students move up through the grades, homework becomes more important to success in school. A parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal should be to have their children move towards independence in completing homework tasks. Teachers need to know the extent to which homework is completed independently or with guidance. Homework Extension in Secondary In the Secondary School students are expected to meet deadlines. In exceptional circumstances extensions may be granted. Students can request extension from the teacher who has set the task and should be made BEFORE the deadline for submission.

Uniform Expectations The school uniform is to be worn during each school day unless special activity days are announced. Students are expected to wear uniform to and from school. We encourage students to take pride in their uniforms as a reflection of their pride in their school. All uniform items must be purchased from Zaks clothing shop in Raha Mall or at the Second Hand Uniform shop on campus. There will be no exception to this rule.

Technology in School The focus on the use of technology at Raha international School is to provide tools and resources to the 21stCentury Learner. Excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential for that future, and one of the learning tools of these twenty-first century students the use of technology.

Extended Programmes Extracurricular Programme Raha places a huge emphasis on its ECP programme. It is often shared activities outside of regularly scheduled school hours that create the strongest memories, and the activities offered by the school are many and varied. The ECP also coordinates with the Athletics Programme and External Clubs, to provide as many quality experiences for Raha International School students as possible. Activities are organized and offered by teachers, each of whom has their own interests and areas of expertise. A number of parent volunteers and senior students also actively participate and help out, to the benefit of everybody! The programme is constantly evolving, ensuring new and interesting opportunities for the students. Some ECPs are offered by external companies and incur an extra charge. A list of all ECPs on offer will be produced and communicated to parents Ms. Ă ine Nolan ecp@ris.ae is our ECP Administrator and is your contact for all things ECP.

Competitive Sports Programme As part of our commitment to the education of the whole child, Raha offers a top quality athletics programme. Raha recognises the values students gain from participation in a well organised, high quality athletics programme, and is dedicated to excellence in this pursuit. Raha endeavours to offer its students the best in coaching, facilities and equipment. The values of sportsmanship, fair play, self-discipline and dedication are highly stressed. The participation of all interested students is encouraged. However, because of some restrictions on the number of participants on a team by the rules of the game or association regulations, some limitations are made. The Raha Athletic Department maintains a philosophy that all players will be given meaningful (though not necessarily equal) playing time in all regular season games. Our coaches recognise that playing time in competition greatly enhances the total development of athletes. At higher levels of competition playing time should be earned by athletes through their skills, attitude and effort. At these higher levels, athletes should begin developing an understanding of individual roles within their respective teams. Student athletes are expected to meet academic and behavioural expectations in order to represent a Raha sports team. The students must organise their time to meet the combined demands of after school practices and games and still meet the demands of the Raha academic programme. Consideration will be given to students having academic difficulties but who are making positive progress and working to the best of their ability. Students are responsible for making up any work that they may miss while away from school representing their team and Raha at an athletic competition. Ms. Andrea McKinnon amckinnon@ris.ae and Mr. Lee Ruscoe lruscoe@ris.ae are our Co-Athletics Directors and can be contacted about competitive sports.

Excursions Our philosophy at Raha is that enriched learning takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. Excursions at Raha are planned and chosen to enhance classroom learning. Students participate in a wide variety of opportunities in the larger community. These may include visits to places such as the Cultural Foundation, Dubai and Sharjah Museums, the Heritage Village, as well as a host of other venues. Overnight stays may be arranged at outdoor education centres. All parents must sign the Raha consent form for a student to participate in excursions and major athletic activities. The letter that accompanies the consent form should provide sufficient detail about the excursion or activity. It must be signed and returned before the excursion occurs. A student will not be able to go on an excursion without signed consent. The following information will be included in a letter to the parents: • • • • •

The nature and purpose of the activity or excursion. Where the activity or excursion will take place, including relevant departure and arrival dates and times. Supervision provided. Transportation arrangements and pick up points. Cost for parents.

• • • •

Potential risks to which students may be exposed. Media release permission acknowledgement from parent. Any other information that could have a bearing on whether a parent would give or withhold permission. A reminder that parents should let the teacher know of any relevant medical conditions in case there has been a change which is not reflected on the medical forms or is not known by the organizer, and any special food requirements.

Please note that parents are asked to provide sunscreen, a water bottle, a hat, and other appropriate attire if the excursion is outdoors. Some of the excursions will involve a cost although we try to avoid excursions that have a cost factor; this however is not always possible. We aim to have one unit related trip every 6 weeks although this may vary from grade to grade.

Community Raha Parent Team Our Parent Team is regularly active on campus and helps in many day-to-day activities, as well as organising some big events during the school year. Look out for communications from your Class Parent (in EY and PYP) or parent representative (in MYP and DP) for how you can get involved or email parent.team@ris.ae

General Expectations Members of our community are expected to show pride in the Raha campus. Classrooms, dining hall, hallways, bulletin boards, grounds, fields and other shared areas should be kept neat and clear of rubbish and personal belongings. Showing pride in our campus sometimes requires one to pick up after others and return found items to the office. For parents with young children, please be vigilant regarding what your children do. For example the play equipment in our school is designed for particular age groups. To maintain a safe environment for learning, students are required to keep their cubbies/hook area tidy and clean.

Prayer Room We encourage our Muslim students to perform their prayers during their lunch break under the supervision of their Islamic teachers. Students are expected to respect the fact that it is a sacred place that is used for worship by the Muslim members of the school community.

Library Our libraries provide a welcoming environment in which students may read, study, and work on school projects or hobbies. Students may use any of the resources in the Library. A Librarian is available to assist with finding materials, to instruct students in library skills and to recommend books. Students visit the Library during regularly scheduled classes and the library is also open during break times and after school. Our collection provides both print and non-print resources that meet the needs of the school community. Books, magazines, videos, DVDs, iPads and on-line resources are carefully selected to ensure a high-quality collection that is appropriate for school projects and recreational reading. Please note that lost materials will be charged to parents. If a material is not returned by the due date there will be two requests to produce the lost book, one written and one by phone. If the item is not returned after six weeks the parents are charged with the replacement cost. At the end of the school year, students need to have returned all library materials or made a payment for lost materials in order to receive their progress report.

School Materials Students will be provided with consumable materials such as an agenda, notebooks. In the event of students losing these materials they will need to pay for a replacement. For some of the older grades there is an expectation that some items are also provided by families.

Lost and Found The School Lost & Found section is located in the Dining Hall (open from 7:45am). Students and parents are free to look for the lost articles at any time, provided it does not disrupt the classroom routine. All unnamed articles are given to the Parent Team’s second hand uniform shop. Please ensure all clothing items are clearly labelled.

Birthdays Since respect for others and their feelings is an important part of our school, we ask that invitations not be sent to school for distribution unless you are inviting ALL the children in the class. Birthday cakes may be sent into the school but they must not contain nuts or nut oil because of the dangers to those students with severe food allergies. Birthday cake celebrations must be cocoordinated with the Homeroom teacher ahead of time. Please only supply a cake and / or drinks for distribution. Party favours or party bags are not to be brought to school for birthday celebrations.

Valuables Students are not permitted to bring unnecessary valuables, such as toys and electronic entertainment items to school. In the event of valuables being brought to school for learning experiences, parents are encouraged to coordinate with the homeroom teacher. We discourage students bringing large amounts of cash to school. Any deposits for payment should be paid directly to the Accountant by parents.

Students’ Guests We, unfortunately, are not able to accommodate guests as this disrupts the learning and continuity of our programmes and therefore we do not allow non-Raha children to attend classes. Furthermore, we do not expect nor want Raha teachers to take responsibility and care for students not officially enrolled at our school.

Food Services and Policy If a child has allergies to certain foods or is on a restricted diet they must bring food from home. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet with regard to allergies, please call the School Nurse. In order to support effective learning throughout the day and to promote a well-balanced lifestyle, we ask parents to provide healthy lunches and snacks for their child/ren. Students have the option of bringing food from home. Otherwise, well-balanced snacks and lunches are available for students. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet with regard to allergies, please call the School Nurse. Maintaining our healthy eating, the following items are banned for individual’s lunches: • • •

energy drinks, pop drinks/sodas, large servings of junk food including crisps/potato chips

Occasionally a class party will be held to celebrate an event we acknowledge at this time of sharing there may be exceptions however we encourage healthy choices and emphasize our nut free policy. Encouragement for students to have lunchbox contents which are: 1.

Nutritious and well balanced (including low saturated fat, low processed sugar)

2. 3.

Child friendly and appealing to eat at school (no need to use knife ) Environmentally friendly (reduce pre-packaged foods and costs)

Students in Grades 1-12 can use the Slices pre-paid card to purchase food from the cafeteria. This can be purchased directly from the Slices staff. You can find further information on Slices here. Nut Policy Due to the high number of students who have severe life-threatening food allergies, we ask that you strictly adhere to our ‘Nut Free’ policy which states that food containing nuts is not to be brought onto the school premises.

The Health Centre The Health Centre is a licensed Medical Facility via the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi. It is located between the Senior Gym and the Senior Dining Hall on campus and is staffed by our two School Nurses from 07:30 am to 3:30pm. Extended hours will be in place for any sporting activity held on campus after hours. Health Promotion and Illness Prevention The Centre has a holistic approach to care for the physical, emotional and social well-being of the students. Consider the Health Centre as a resource and visit or call to discuss issues related to the positive health of students and the school community. Health promotion activities are conducted throughout the school and information is available at the Health Centre on a variety of holistic topics. The nurse is also available to provide individual or group student health information. Immunizations In the interest of safety for all children, immunizations are to be conducted by the student’s general practitioner or paediatrician. Reminders are sent out to students and please keep your child’s immunization record in their Medical file up to date. Health Authority Recommended School Health Checks The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi have recommended a range of regular checks for school age children. These may be undertaken by the students own medical practitioner or paediatrician or through the school. If you have any questions please speak to the school nurse. Hygiene A high standard of independent hygiene is encouraged and promoted at this school for every class.

Some of the topics addressed at the school include: • • • • • • •

Promoting regular hand washing, Covering coughs, Keeping teeth clean Appropriate toilet use Keeping clean to prevent body odours Keeping hair tidy and tied up Keeping nails short and clean.

Protection from Solar Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation To prevent the dangers of excess ultraviolet radiation from the sun, we ask that all parents, promote, role model and praise children who wear appropriate hats or head cover and/or sunscreen in the sun. Remember too, we have a strict No Hat, No Play policy.

Bike Safety If your child rides a bike to school, please ensure that they wear an appropriately fitted helmet and are very clear on the safety rules. Children may ride on the footpath to school. The gate from Raha Gardens is open in the morning and afternoon for pedestrians and bike riders. In the interest of all children, please ensure your child does not ride their bike on school grounds. Bike racks are located near each of the entrances. Swimming Pool Safety All pool users will be provided with safety rules verbally and swim rules will also be available for all to review on the wall near the pool. For the safety of others using the swimming facilities please advise the swim teacher or home room teacher if your child has: • • • • • • • •

Presence of fever, known virus or communicable disease. Otitis Media (external ear infection with pus) or perforated ear drum Open wounds, or ulceration of wound with signs of infection (e.g. Deeper than 2mm) Impetigo with pus Weeping Molluscum Contagisum (may need to cover and have separate towels) Warts or Verrucas (may need to cover and have separate towels or wear flip flops in change room) Conjunctivitis with pus/crust Onset of exacerbation of bronchial asthma which is exercise induced

Medication and other treatments If your child is prescribed a medication that is given during the school day, it should be brought to the Health Centre by a parent or caregiver. A note, dated, with instructions and signed by a parent should accompany the medication. The container for the medication should also be properly labelled with the student’s name, the name of the medication contained, the dosage, the prescriber’s name and the schedule for its administration to your child. The same also applies if your child is required to take herbal, homeopathic, alternative therapies or over the counter medicines.

If your child requires medication like Epi-Pen, Glucogon, Ventolin for any potential emergency, it is the parents responsibility to replace expired medication. Please visit the Health Centre on the first day of school to check expiry dates and check administration instructions. First Aid and Student Illness If your child has a medical condition of any type, i.e. allergies, asthma, epilepsy, or diabetes, please ensure this is indicated on the medial health form. The Health Centre welcomes opportunities to discuss/ consult with you or your child’s doctor.

If your child requires first aid or develops an acute illness during school hours, the child will be taken to the School’s Health Centre. If necessary, you will be contacted and may be expected to pick your child up or make the necessary arrangements for your child to be seen by his/her doctor. All children who are well enough to come to school are expected to participate in normal class activities. The school health service is not expected to check on injuries that happen outside of school hours. Parents are contacted in cases of serious illness, injury or to request your permission for administration of medication. We call you to check if any medication had been taken previously on the day, for any allergies or administration. There are limited resting facilities at the school, so we ask that if you need to pick up your child that this is done at your earliest possible convenience. On most occasions a medical slip will be written and given to the child to exit from the front gate with an adult. The child will usually wait in front reception for their parents unless unable to do so.

We stress the importance of up-to-date contact and medical information in your child’s medical forms. It is required that we have current telephone numbers and an alternative contact number for a care giver who is available, in the case of emergency, other than parents/ guardians. In the event of a medical emergency, if we are unable to contact the parent, the child may be taken to hospital in the care of a school staff member. If a student has an illness or is recovering from an illness, and/or is unable to participate in physical education or swimming activities the parents need to provide a medical certificate or note from the parent indicating the period of time that the child should be excluded from certain activities. For the safety of your child and other children and staff, it is essential to keep your child at home if they have any of the following: • • • • • •

Severe conjunctivitis Severe bronchitis or continuous cough Severe gastroenteritis, vomiting or diarrhea High fever or any serious illness, -especially with drowsiness/lethargy Presence of Lice/Eggs Any contagious /communicable disease like Chicken pox or Measles

Please be sure to inform the School if your child has been exposed to any communicable disease or condition, such as: • • •

Chicken Pox, Measles, Lice.