viss newsletter

Volume 7 Issue 8 08 January 2014
NEWSLETTER
meetings in the next few weeks. These
meetings are an essential part of the
school’s communication to parents and
complement the interim report that
was sent home at the end of last term.
The time available at the parent teacher
interview allows for a more detailed
conversation on your child’s progress
than any piece of paper can provide
and I encourage all parents to attend.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
W
elcome back – I trust all families
have had an excellent break.
Term 2 is another busy term with many
events while the weather remains cool.
The school has been asked by the
Sharjah Education Council and the MOE
to train and mentor Cycle 2 principals
and teachers from Sharjah Government
schools and these programs are now
underway. We hold our annual open
day for new parents in late February,
followed closely by grandparents
and special friends day. We will also
have house athletics and swimming
carnivals, as well as numerous other
events, and the term will culminate
with two international tours (to France
and Spain) in the next break. The first of
all these events will be parent teacher
One of the major tasks we have been
doing as a school has been reviewing
and enhancing the curriculum, thus
raising the expectations for the students.
High expectations are essential in any
school, and apply to all – students,
staff, families. The school community
should rightly have high expectations
of the school and both school and
home should have high expectations
of children. There is plenty of research
(and I know only too well from my own
experience) that children will respond
to expectations. If we lower them, they
will drop their standards, in the same
way that sporting teams often struggle
against lower ranked teams, and if
we raise them, they will also respond.
So we should expect the second half
of the year to be more demanding
academically for children than the first.
The second half of the year provides an
opportunity for us all to refocus and set
new goals. I encourage all parents to
help their children establish new
goals for the rest for the year. Have a
conversation with them prior to the
parent teacher interview – ask them
to reflect on what they have achieved
in the first term and how they can
improve. Children have a habit (as they
want to please) of setting unrealistic
goals so help them develop goals that
are realistic by breaking them down into
achievable chunks and then developing
strategies together to achieve them. As
parents, an important goal for us all
is to how to assist our children to be
independent learners as this is a key to
success, not just in the IB program, but
in life itself. The VISS curriculum with its
emphasis on critical thinking, hands on
learning and group work encourages
this independence but by sharing
responsibility and not doing everything
for them, there are many ways at home
we can support and encourage our
children to be self-relient, independent
and resourceful.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY
This Sunday, 12 January 2014 will be a
religious holiday to mark Milad Al Nabi,
the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). The school will therefore be
closed.
VISS NEWSLETTER
2
FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
A
warm welcome back after the holiday-I hope that everyone has had a safe and restful
break. Once again, this term promises to be a busy yet exciting time with a lot happening
throughout the Secondary School. There are a number of great events occurring this term
including our first Model United Nations (MUN) conference; our annual Amazing Mathematics/
Humanities race; Grandparents day; Year 6 Outdoor Education Camp; Middle and Senior
school dramatic performances ; Athletics Day; Boy’s and Girl’s Swim Galas; Open Day and a
host of other academic and sporting events.
Mr Dean Pyrah
Deputy Principal
Head of Secondary School
One of our key events this term is the MUN later this month and we are very excited to have
been able to attract some of the best schools from around the UAE to participate and compete
against our students. I look forward to writing more about this fantastic event in the coming
weeks.
Due to minor timetabling and staffing shifts, there will be some changes to the Arabic Languages and Islamic Studies class teachers
for Term 2 at certain Grade levels. There may also be some movement between Mathematics classes as students move between
ability groups. This type of movement is normal at the start of a new term and should in no way impact on your child’s learning.
Should you have any questions regarding any of these changes, could you please speak with the relevant Head of Faculty for
clarification.
Finally, a reminder to all parents that our teacher/ parent interviews will be held on Sunday 19 January and Monday 20 January
from 3.30-6.30 pm. In the coming week, all students will receive a booking form from their homeroom teacher. Students should
make individual bookings with their teachers and record their appointments on these forms. I encourage all parents to attend
these meetings as they are an essential element of the reporting process. They are also an excellent opportunity to reflect on last
term’s results and to help set goals for the term ahead.
Mr Dean Pyrah
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary School
WINTER CLOTHING AND BLANKET DRIVE FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES
G
rade 11 and 12 CAS students, after seeing the freezing conditions in Syria, have decided to take part in a project to help
provide valuable assistance to Syrian refugees.
We are hoping to send blankets and winter clothing to the refugees as it is extremely cold and many refugees have to sleep on the
floor, surrounded by melting snow, with nothing to keep them warm. To help them, we will be working with the Sharjah based SYS
organization. They will send any blankets and clothes we can collect to Syria. Many parents, especially from the Primary School,
have already donated generously, but we are hoping to collect as much as possible in the next two days.
We hope that you will be able to support us and we ask you to bring in any NEW blankets or NEW winter clothing by 8.00 am
Sunday 12 January, 2014.
Thank you all for your help and support.
CAS Students
VISS NEWSLETTER
3
SWITZERLAND SKI TRIP 2013
T
he school’s second international ski trip departed on 13 December and travelled to La Tzoumaz-Verbier, Switzerland for 7 days
of skiing and sightseeing. Three teachers and 18 students from Grades 8-12 took part in this amazing trip. The students arrived
in Geneva very excited and could barely control their enthusiasm as we drove into the depths of the amazing Swiss Alps. For some,
this was their first experience of real snow.
The week consisted of 5 full days of instructor-led skiing and snowboarding, with afternoon and evening activities each night. The
students all participated extremely well and thoroughly enjoyed the activities.
The snow conditions were ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. We were very fortunate with the weather conditions, as after
snowing on the first morning, there were blue skies and no wind for the rest of the week! This made learning and navigating our
way around the 400km of ski terrain much more enjoyable.
Our excursion this year was to the offices of the United Nations in Geneva. This was a fantastic experience where the students were
given a guided tour around the facility, learnt how the organisation worked and walked into some of the many conference rooms
where world leaders have debated how to improve world conditions. From here we made our way to the heart of Geneva where
we roamed the streets, sampled and purchased lots of chocolate from the abundance of chocolate shops and marvelled at the
extraordinary talent of Swiss watch makers.
Thank you to all the parents for their ongoing support before and during the trip. Congratulations to the students, who were
AMAZING. The teachers were very proud of how well they behaved and performed on and off the slopes. Lastly, a big thank you to
Ms Elif and Mr Dean V for their assistance during the trip, it was much appreciated.
Mr Iain Rowe
Grade 9 Level Leader
Outdoor Educa on Coordinator
Physical Educa on and Science Teacher
4
VISS NEWSLETTER
VISS ARE CHAMPIONS OF SHARJAH SCHOOLS…2 YEARS IN A ROW
V
ISS football squads have been in action since October 2013, competing in the Sharjah Schools League. Following the success
of 2012-13 season, our boys’ teams were keen to capitalise on this foundation.
Having undergone a rigorous selection and training regime at the beginning of the year, our under 10, 12, 14 and 16 teams proved
that fitness and dedication to training made the difference between success and failure.
With all VISS teams concluding their division leagues in 1st or 2nd position, it was all down to ‘Finals Day’ at AUS in December
to decide who would become EISSA champions for the year. Our u14 and 16 teams made it to the semi-final but were unable to
make the final this year. Our u10 and 12 teams both came up against strong opposition in Creative Science School, Sharjah in the
EISSA final. Due to the disciplined approach of our teams, our u10s finished the season as EISSA champions 2013-14, with our u12s
worthy runners up.
Congratualtions to all students involved and special thanks to the efforts of our dedicated coaches Mr Montaser and Ms Kim, Mr
Caleb, Ms Jillian and the IFA team.
Training continues for all football squads and it is our intention to continue to build on our successes in the next academic year.
This term we will participate in a Sharjah Schools football tournament that is scheduled for February.
INTER HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013-14
J
ust before the winter break our annual inter-house cross-country championships took place.
Primary School students from Grades 3 – 5 took to the Al Mamzar Corniche for a 1km run. With numerous enthusiastic teachers
running alongside the students and Ms Kim and Ms Bernadette steering everyone to complete the challenge, the finish line at the
top of the sand dune was a welcome sight for all students who each gained valuable points for their house.
Additional points were awarded for the top three students in each grade level resulting in Scorpions winning the Primary School
cross-country, closely followed by Falcons, Gazelles and then Leopards. In addition, many of our existing cross-country records were
broken this year by some exceptional performances. New record holders are :
GRADE 3
05: 49.83 min
04: 54.19 min
Aisha Alsuwaidi
Harsh Bhatia
GRADE 4
05 : 10.21min
04: 43.75 min
Ninoshka Desilva
Abdulrahman Dabour
GRADE 5
04: 23.09 min
Majd Almitwali
...continued
5
VISS NEWSLETTER
The middle/senior school event concluded the term on Thursday 12 December 2013, with students challenging themselves over
a longer 3km course. First to complete the course in a sensational record-breaking time of 12 mins 43 secs was Cedric MacLeodGonzalez (Grade 12). Other records were
UNDER 12
UNDER 14
23: 36. 68min
Jessica Steininger
15: 08. 74min
Enver Kapetanovic
UNDER 16
13: 03. 71min
Mustapha Adam AllAli
OPEN
22: 23. 39min
Nelli Simonyan
12: 43. 93min
Cedric Macleod - Gonzalez
In the middle/senior school Interhouse cross-country, Gazelles dominated, winning from Falcons, then Scorpions and Leopards.
Congratulations to all students who rose to the challenge and tested themselves against the course and their peers.
Mr Russell McKie
Head Of HPE & Sport
TUG OF WAR / HOUSE CHANT
F
inishing off the Term 1 with House Competitions solidified the students’ loyalty to their House. Falcons easily won the tug of war
competition winning all 3 of the Year level tugs. Leopards narrowly took 2nd thanks a win in the staff competition. Scorpions
were 3rd and Gazelles 4th but Gazelles made up for this with the most creative House Chant to win the chant competition. Mixing
languages and enticing the crowd, the Gazelles performance was entertaining. Falcons backed up their heroics in the tug of war
with an energetic 2nd in the House Chant.
TUGOFWAR
CHANT
FLACONS BLUE
1
2
LEOPARDS YELLOW
SCORPIONS RED
2
3
3
4
GAZELLES GREEN
4
1
Mr Michael Fitzharris
Grade 7 Homeroom Teacher
6
VISS NEWSLETTER
ARTS DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
MUSIC ACADEMY: APPLICATIONS FOR TERM 2
Welcome to the VISS Music Academy Program, whether you are joining us for the first time for Term 2, or continuing with
private music lessons from Term 1. Applications forms can be obtained through the Primary School Office and/or the Middle
School Office.
Please be reminded about the following, regarding weekly lessons:
❶ To commence lessons, please complete the Music Academy Application Form and return it to the Main School Office
(Gate1) with payment for the fees.
❷ Students should have access to their own instrument before enrolling in private music lessons.
NB: Before purchasing an instrument, your private music teacher will advise what size instrument and any additional equipment
that may be needed for the weekly lessons.
❸ Lessons are taught EITHER on a one-to-one OR a group basis.
❹ Lessons are either 30 minutes duration (Primary School) or 40 minutes duration (Middle/Senior School).
❺Students are placed on a rotating timetable which ensures minimal disruption in their other subjects.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department should you have any further queries.
Ms Nevann Hardwick
Director of Music
SENIOR SCHOOL DRAMA ENSEMBLE
A
group of students from Grades 10, 11 and 12 have been meeting on Thursday afternoons throughout Term 1 to devise and
develop an original group performance and learn about contemporary theatre techniques. They will be performing their
original work at the Senior School Assembly in Week 5.
The students were given a starting theme and from that starting point they brainstormed, improvised and collaborated to develop
their ideas. They have been introduced to a number of contemporary theatrical techniques and devices found in the work of
leading world theatre companies such as the UK’s,‘Complicite’ and, ‘Gravity Feed’ and Canadian circus company, ‘Cirque De Soleil’.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION
“Scary Play”
the Middle School Production, will be performed on 26 March. Students are working hard to bring this fun and
interesting play to life and in the process, are learning new skills and techniques. Productions for students provide excellent
extension activities, develop collaboration skills and creativity and enhance students learning in literacy. The students look
forward to presenting this work to our community.
Mr Jon Suffolk
Head of Faculty – Arts, Design and Technology
7
VISS NEWSLETTER
FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
W
elcome to Term 2. Last term we had many significant achievements, as well as new
additions to the school program. One such addition was the introduction of formal
reports for Nursery students while another was a change in the Primary School and ELC Term 1
reports. The new reports ensure consistent communication a cross the school and form part of
our wider communication with parents.
Through school and home working together and communicating closely, we maximize the
opportunity for student success. The student report provides the framework for this two –
way conversation to take place. As we believe that parents and teachers have one very special
common driver – we all want each child to learn and do well at school - it is therefore important
Ms Gayle Roads
for each family to have direct contact with their child’s teacher in order to develop this supportive
Head of Primary School & ELC
partnership. We have scheduled individual parent – teacher meetings on Tuesday 21 January or
Wednesday 22 January. Parent teacher meetings provide the opportunity for teachers to discuss each child’s specific academic
progress and show the pathway to facilitate opportunities and challenges for each child. Parents will be given suggestions for
activities and strategies parents can use at home to help their child. This week parents will receive information about these parent
-teacher meeting.
What can parents do to prepare for the parent teacher – meeting?
Before the parent teacher meeting, review your child’s report and talk with your child about his or her progress at school. As there
will be an emphasis on learning, be ready to talk about how well your child is doing at school in particular areas and how your child
can do even better in others. Be prepared to think about your child’s strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask for ways
you and your child’s teacher can help your child with some of his her challenges.
At VISS our school values are Excellence, Diversity, Learning, Integrity and Community. As all our school actions are underpinned
by these values we will continue to ensure that our programs have high expectations for all and that it is another successful term
for each and every student.
Ms Gayle Roads
Head of Primary School & ELC
8
VISS NEWSLETTER
PRIMARY SCHOOL SRC UPDATE
D
uring Term 1 the Student Representative Committee (SRC) successfully conducted
a number of events and activities around the school which exhibited their school
values. They showed integrity and excellence by organising a charity fundraiser which
aimed to help the victims of the Philippines typhoon. By setting up a stall on UAE
National Day and selling food and drinks at the canteen, the SRC raised over AED
5500. This incredible amount was donated to the United Nations Food Network which
provided emergency food supply to affected families. The SRC also created a card
which displayed the whole school’s support for the VISS staff members who have
families in the Philippines. They also worked with staff members to send a large amount
of second hand supplies to schools located in the affected areas of the Philippines. The
SRC demonstrated a great amount of integrity, excellence, community, diversity and
learning through this action. Well done to 3A Malak Talib, 3B Sara Alshurafa, 3C Ahmed
Al – Dhaheri, 3D Ali Elhaj, 3E Layal Chreim, 3F Jana Abdalla, 4A Mahmoud Elshafey, 4B
Ninoshka Desilva, 4C Tareq Alharethi, 4D Elmoatasm Bila Amer, 4E Rida Ahmed, 5A
Noor Raslan Rihawi, 5B Eva Khuder, 5C Carina Du Plessis, 5D Dorsa Moezzi.
Ms Natasha Shukuroglou &
Mr Mathew Williams
SRC Coordinators
ART COMPETITION
T
he results of the UAE National Day Art Competition have been announced. I thank all students who participated and congratulate
the following on their creative winning works:
GRADE 1
1st Noora Alghurair 1E
2nd Jumanah Zaidan 1E
3rd Momin Husain 1E
GRADE 2 AND 3
1st Zaina Aliabari 2C
2nd Fatima Sajwani 3A
3rd Noor nassar 3A
GRADE 4 AND 5
MIDDLE SCHOOL
1st Kristina Massouh 5A
2nd Subhan Nawaz 4B
3rd Kenzy Shalaby 4B
1st Sarhan Nawaz
2nd Abdulla Tariam
3rd Maryam al Mualla
9
VISS NEWSLETTER
GRADE 5 CAMP
W
ithout phones, ipads, TVs or any other digital equipment, the Grade 5s set off on an adventure to North Star camp. They
participated in a variety of activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, raft building, swimming activities, GPS and a
night walk.
The students worked on many lifelong skills such as; working in teams, facing fears, showing independence and resilience, developing
lifelong memories and skills, using strategies to problem solve, and challenging themselves beyond their limits by risk taking.
Here are a few comments from students:
“Staying with my friends and the water activities were really fun”. Anannya 5A
“I was really excited about camp because of mountain biking, GPS and rock climbing. It is a safe environment for kids and at the same
time it was fun.” Zaid 5B
“I enjoyed it very much because I got to do stuff that I don’t always get the chance to do, like rock-climbing and having dinner with
my friends. I would recommend camp to anyone!” Zeenah 5C
“I loved camp because the activities were amazing especially the swimming and mountain biking. The worst thing was bed time
because I had so much fun that I didn’t want to end it by going to sleep”. Clarissa 5D
Mr George Ibrahim
Grade 5 Team Leader
10
VISS NEWSLETTER
PRIMARY SCHOOL VISS VALUES AWARDS
T
he new award system rewarding positive behaviour has been a great success in the Primary School. Students are gaining a greater
understanding of what the VISS values are and how they should underpin everything they do. The students strive to achieve their
award and have a sense of pride and satisfaction when they finally get to receive their certificate and have their photo taken for the
newsletter.
Term 1 finished with many students being eligible for the award after having gained ten signatures in their diaries.
VISS VALUES AWARD WINNERS
Sebastian Kalamati
Yousef Talib
Yussuf Chreim
Yousef Albahsh
Ahmed Alomaym
Yassin Hassan
Mariam Kamel
Layla Kittaneh
Saif Rabah
Jumanah Zaidan
Waleed Zarouni
Javitha Jayawardhana
Noya Faisal
Mehar Jawad
Thani Albloushi
Fatima Dabour
Hanpei Wu
Kainat Mahmoodi
Danial Khan
Youssef Elshaarawy
Jana El Wakil
Faysal Ali
Tamara Alqahtani
Noor Khattab
Fahad Al Ali
Hamad Zaalok
Adam Badran
Ghanem Almehairbi
Jumana Salah
Mahmoud Elshafey
Ahmed Obaid
Moutaz Khair
Leen Dajani
Hiba Sagheer
Ali Khan
Bana Al Hariri
Ahmad Albostami
Hamad Almehiri
Liam Evans
Diana Dedu
Rafael Razapov
Rama Diab
Noor Alkhemeiri
Ninoshka Desilva
Rizk Sujaa
Kenzy Shalaby
Mohammed Elani
Jasmin Jami
Hassan Sagman
Sultan Altunaiji
Randa Khanafer
Eva Khuder
Fatima Almualla
Miar Alhamad
Ali Hussain
Joud Alkhawaja
Rashid Alsuwaidi
Ahmed Tagel Sir
Eissa Almarzoqi
Atiq Alhelli
Ali Mohammed
Krishna Bhatia
Abdul Rahman Trfas
Danielle Du Plessis
Judi Bakier
11
VISS NEWSLETTER
SCHOOL UNIFORM IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
F
or both students and teachers, part of taking pride in our school is maintaining neat and tidy personal presentation. The school
has designed a comfortable and appropriate uniform which all students must wear. Parents are encouraged to ensure their
child wears the correct uniform to school each day, unless otherwise specified. Information on uniform requirements can be found
in the school diary.
Uniform items may be purchased from the Uniform Shop which is located in the main administration area (Gate 1).
WINTER UNIFORM FOR BOYS :
Navy blue trousers, blue and
white check shirt, school navy
blue sweater, black shoes.
WINTER UNIFORM FOR GIRLS :
School dress or navy blue trousers, blue and white check blouse, school navy
blue sweater, white socks or tights, black leather shoes.
PE UNIFORM
Tracksuit - navy blue top and
pants, navy blue shorts, PE polo
top in house colours and PE shoes.
HATS
The Primary School has a ‘no hat no play’ policy. The VISS
broad brimmed hats are to be worn by all students when
outside all year round. Hats should be clearly labelled with
the child’s name and grade.
Ms Bernade e O’Sullivan
Deputy Principal Primary and ELC
VISS NEWSLETTER
12
HIGHLIGHTS OF GRADE 3 VISIT TO CULTURAL SITES IN SHARJAH
A
s part of their Inquiry Unit into History, Grade 3 students went on the “Big Bus Tour” of Sharjah. They discovered the culture of
the old town area of Sharjah and saw Al Qasba, the famous Blue Souq and the Al Noor Mosque (the only mosque in Sharjah
that welcomes non-Muslim visitors for guided tours) as well as sandy beaches, the Fish Market, Al Montazah and King Faisal Mosque.
The bus tour was a great success and the students thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.
Ms Leah Mather
Grade 3 Team Leader
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
W
elcome back to all our ELC families. I wish you a very happy, healthy and peaceful new year and I hope you had a chance
to relax with your children. I hope you have all enjoyed the amazing weather in UAE, and had a chance either to get away
or do something different. We will certainly be taking advantage of the cooler weather this term and are planning lots of outdoor
activities before summer arrives again.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Julia Mahe, our newest staff member who is taking over from me as the class teacher
of KG1B. Ms. Julia is a very experienced teacher from Sydney, Australia with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood education and
a Master’s degree in teaching.
Being out of class will give me time to focus on my role as the ELC Coordinator. I will be primarily working on enhancing the
ELC curriculum and providing the best teaching and learning opportunities for all children not only to reach their potential but
preferably to exceed it. Please do not hesitate to contact Ms Dina on 065993191 in the ELC to schedule an appointment to discuss
any issues or concerns you may have or email me on elcschool@viss.ae.
13
VISS NEWSLETTER
INCURSIONS AND EXCURSIONS
Dates for your Diary:
3SM Basketball Final
• Friday 10 January
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY
• Sunday 12 January
CURRICULUM OUTCOME 2: CHILDREN ARE
CONNECTED WITH AND CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR WORLD
Amazing Humanities / Maths
Race
• Thursday 16 January
Experiences of relationships and participation in communities contributes to children’s
belonging, being and becoming.
At VISS, excursions and incursions are planned, based on the interests of our children to
provide them with invaluable learning experiences to explore the broader community
and to extend learning beyond our classroom curriculum. Excursions and incursions
are opportunities to provide your child with first hand experience and information in
a particular area of interest. In addition to the objectives behind each excursion, there
are also opportunities for growth and learning that arise as we take the children into
a new and wider environment. Expectations are placed on the children as they are
required to behave in a socially acceptable way, to listen to others, to follow directions,
to concentrate, and to control their emotions.
Each year, children thoroughly enjoy a variety of incursions ranging from animal
encounters, educational talks, and theatre performances. The children are always
ecstatic about the incredible line up of excursions we offer – experiences that stay
with them forever. The nursery children have an incursion per term and the KG1 & KG2
receive both one incursion and one excursion each term. The children love these events
and for some children it’s their first experience of plays, puppet shows etc.
Parent / Teacher Interviews
Secondary School
• Sunday 19 & Monday 20
January
Parent / Teacher interviews
(PS & ELC)
• Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22
January
MUN at VISS
• Thursday 23 & Friday 24
January
Grade 6 Camp
• 29 – 30 January
During Term 1 Posh Paws visited the Nursery and delighted the children with a chance to
see, pet, and hold a wide variety of animals. Our
KG1 classes also greatly enjoyed the morning
that they spent admiring the sea animals at the
Sharjah Aquarium. The KG2 classes had a blast
exploring the history of cars at the Sharjah Car
Museum. Lastly, both our KG1 and KG2 classes
were enchanted by the lively and interactive
musical, “Quacker: The Not So Ugly Duckling,”
performed by a professional theatre company.
Ms Reshma Kudrolli
ELC Coordinator
Athletics Day
• Wednesday 5 February
Careers Fair
• Thursday 20 February