Issue 37

Dear Parents and Children,

May I extend a very warm welcome to the new families who have joined us for part of the final term of this academic year. The previous few weeks have seen Kings‟ Dubai make the headlines in the press with coverage of our very successful Inspection by the KHDA. I am very proud that Kings‟ is ranked as one of only four 'Outstanding' schools in Dubai. It is a title we have worked hard for and one which will continue to strive to maintain.

GOODBYE TO STAFF

It is always with mixed feelings that we approach the end of the academic year as it usually means we have to say goodbye to some of our staff and children.
I can confirm now the following teachers and Teaching Assistants will be leaving us at the end of the term:

Mrs Lucy Hunn, Teaching Assistant in Year 3 – has been working at Kings‟ for two years and is returning to the UK.

Mrs Stephanie Bird, Teaching Assistant in Year 3 – has been with the school for three years and is relocating to Holland with her husbands work.

Mr Kevin o Neill – Year 5 Teacher has been at Kings‟ for two years – the first year as ICT teacher and the second as a class teacher. He will be returning to Ireland.

Mr Peter O Brien – Year 6 Teacher, has been at Kings for two years has gained promotion in a school in the UK.

Mrs Donna Duffy – Year 1 Teacher, has been with the school for one year. Congratulations to Mrs Duffy who is pregnant and will be returning to the UK with her family. (She can not hide the bump any longer!)

Mrs Vicky Ogilvie – Foundation Stage Manager – has been with the school since it opened. Miss Ogilvie has gained a post as Assistant Headteacher of Early Years in a school in Jakarta.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to all of the staff who will be leaving. Their dedication and commitment to the school has been second to none and their presence will be greatly missed.

GOODBYE TO CHILDREN

We unfortunately due to the current economic climate in Dubai will be saying farewell to some of the children at school at the end of this term. This is always very sad and to all families relocating I send my best wishes and thanks for your support of Kings‟ Dubai. I hope you take with you some very happy memories and hope you will remain in contact and keep us informed of how you are getting on – it is always lovely to hear how children have settled into new schools.

As I hope you will appreciate, families moving on is a very sensitive area and in some cases at the moment an uncertain time with some families still not knowing their situation.

Each family moving have very different situations pertinent to their private circumstances, therefore as a school we will not be announcing publicly which children will be leaving. We ask that parents inform their class rep of their own situation and whether they are happy for the news to be shared. I encourage families to share this so the children leaving can be given a “send off” they deserve but also respect the decision should you choose to keep this confidential and private. If you are leaving, the school does require formal written notification as soon as possible to be able to proceed with transfer documents and Ministry of Education paperwork. As mentioned this will remain confidential.\

ASSESSMENTS

Recently children in Years 1-5 completed their end of year assessments in Literacy and Numeracy. The formal assessments enabled children to “show what they could do” and I was very impressed with the positive and enthusiastic manner in which the various assessments were undertaken. The children rose to the occasion but without undue pressure. Our Year 6 children have sat the UK Standard Attainment Tests.(SATS) The tests are carried out in exam conditions and follow as closely as possible the UK expectations and regulations. The papers are sent back to the UK for external marking so to provide the children at Kings‟ with a comparative benchmark of their attainment. We are very proud of the efforts and performances of the children.

REPORTS AND PARENTS EVENINGS

The annual report for children will be sent home on Sunday 21st June. This report is a summary of your child‟s progress throughout the year and is to be read in conjunction with the very detailed tracking information provided in the Learning Journals. The report this year is slightly amended to give an opportunity for parents to make a written comment about the content of the report and their child‟s progress. We feel this is another step forward to heighten the continuous links made between home and school.

On Tuesday 23rd June there will be an optional parents meeting which will provide an opportunity for any parents wishing to address specific issues from the report. Unlike previous years there is not an expectation for all parents to attend and therefore sign up sheets will not be put out. After reading the report, please read the accompanying letter carefully and if you require a meeting with a teacher please call reception to make an appointment.

SUMMER SAFETY

As the summer months are upon us may I remind parents of the need for increased sun protection. Children are required to have a refillable drinks bottle in school every day and are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Hats are essential and children are not allowed outside without one. In the light of recent head lice children will not be permitted to borrow or share hats with others.

Sun protection cream should be applied each morning before the children come to school.

Following my recent letter raising awareness to potential safety concerns in Dubai I urge yet again, all users of the car park to take care. We are still, despite constant mentions in newsletters encountering problems with drivers not adhering to the parking policy. As the days get hotter please be patient, understanding and tolerant in the car park. The Security Guards are there to help the traffic flow and to protect the children. They do and excellent job and should be treated with respect and courtesy.

FIRE

I would like to once again publicly thank the staff and children involved in the unfortunate evacuation of school on Sunday 31st May. The fire which broke out on the site adjacent to the school was quickly brought under control and fortunately no damage to the school building was incurred. I was immensely proud of the children and staff who were on the school premises at the time. They dealt with the emergency exceptionally well. Thank you to the numerous letters and emails of support received by parents following the event. They have been very much appreciated.

Yours Sincerely

Debbie Watson
Headteacher