SummaRISe 32 - Raffles International School

Tuesday, 22 May 2012 Issue 32
GENERAL NURSERY
KG JUNIOR SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR
EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG JUNIOR SCHOOL ASA A S A
ARABIC & ISLAMIC
1-3 May 2012 Science Week - Nursery & Grade 1 to 5
6 - 10 May 2012 Teacher Appreciation Week - PARIS
8 May 2012 Classroom Assistants Appreciation Day
9 May 2012
15 May 2012 Arabic Fun Day
Cambridge Primary Programme Presentation for parents at 10:00am
(Nursery-KG-Junior)
Dubai Dolphinarium at Dubai Creek -Grade 1
“My first license‖ All Grades
17 May 2012 Professional Development Day-Dismissal at 12:00 noon
20 to 31 May 2012 Revision & Examination Week - Grades 3 to 5
21 May 2012 Open Day at 2:45pm
23 May 2012 Rainbow Day - Nursery
27 to 31 May 2012 Splash Party - KG
29 May 2012 Ski Dubai—Educational Fun in the Snow - Grade 3
Volunteers Appreciation Morning
30 May 2012 Bake Sale - PARIS-Grades 1 to 5
31 May 2012 Grade 2 visit to the Mall of the Emirates-Special Movie-Planet 51

Raffles International School, South Campus parents had an opportunity to
interact with Mr. William Bickerdike, Regional Manager, Cambridge International Examinations at
a special information session and learnt more about their child‘s Cambridge curriculum.
It was well attended by all parents including prospective parents.

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG JUNIOR SCHOOL A S A
Dear Parents,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of David Impey as the Principal of
Raffles International School, South Campus, effective the start of the new academic
year in September 2012. David joined Innoventures Education in August 2008 as
the Secondary School Principal at DIA.
David began his career in education over 30 years ago, teaching in a school in
Southern Africa. He then spent 10 years in teaching in England before moving to
Dubai in 1994, where he taught in an international school, holding posts of responsibility as IGCSE
Coordinator and then as Deputy Principal of the Secondary School. This was followed by 4 years in
India where he was the Head of International Curriculum at Dhirubhai Ambani International School,
Mumbai, a highly rated school offering the Cambridge Primary, IGCSE and the IB Diploma
Programme.
David‘s appointment at Raffles International School, South Campus consolidates his past experience
with the Cambridge curriculum in an international setting, experience in a Junior School as well as
the International Baccalaureate. His expertise will be valuable in setting up the Secondary School at
Raffles International School, South Campus.
At this stage, it is important to recognize the significant contribution of Donavon Reinsmoen as the
Superintendent of Raffles International School, South Campus over the past two years. Under the
leadership of Donavon the school has moved from strength to strength as evident by the improved
KHDA rating, student enrollment, parent satisfaction and a happy environment at South Campus.
Special mention must also be made of Zeba Khan who has played a key role in the growth of
the Junior School and now will also support the development of the Secondary School in collaboration
with David Impey and other team members.
Zeba Khan, Head of Junior School, Peter Hickey, Deputy Head of Junior School, Susie McShane, KG
Coordinator and Garima Kapoor, Nursery Coordinator, will continue in their respective positions.
We thank you for your confidence in the school and look forward to another good year ahead.
Best Regards,
Poonam Bhojani
Chief Executive Officer
Innoventures Education

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG JUNIOR SCHOOL A S A
Dear Parents,
The remaining five weeks of school are filled with activities and events
where our students will demonstrate their many talents. The annual
musical production preparations are underway. The team of teachers
collaborating on this endeavor are masterfully involving students from
across the grade levels. PARIS continues to provide very special benefits for
the school, the students and the staff. Teachers welcomed the special
attention given to them during the teacher appreciation week which was arranged by PARIS.
The flowers and food were greatly enjoyed and deeply appreciated.
Planning for the next school year has also been happening. School will start for all students
at Raffles South Campus on September 5. The additional teachers are being hired and the
resources ordered for the start of the school year. Please remember to contact the admissions
office to begin your child‘s re-enrollment for September.
After 11 years in Dubai and 31 years of being in schools out of America, my wife and I are
returning to the USA and our home in Iowa. The two years that I have spent with Raffles
South have allowed me to meet many wonderful students, teachers and parents. Taking on
the new full time position of grandfather and retiree will start a very different phase in my
life. I wish to especially thank Poonam Bhojani for the opportunities she has given me in my
seven years with Innoventures and also thank Zeba Khan for her dedication to seeing that
RISS is a great school with great students.
Best regards,
Donavon Reinsmoen
Superintendent
Raffles International School, South Campus

Dear Parents,
I am sure you have read the DSIB Inspection report and are happy with the many areas of the school which
have received an ‗Outstanding‘ and ‗Good‘. I would like to take this opportunity to thank
our staff members and support staff for their dedication and hard work without which
the overall ‗Good‘ rating would not have been possible. A special mention has to be made
for our STAR performers, our children - once again they have made all of us so proud
and I am sure they will continue to do so in the coming school year.
From ‗Good to Outstanding‘ is our goal for next year, and we are going to try our best to
achieve this goal with your support. Even when KHDA has given an ‗OUTSTANDING‘
for our safety and security measures, we continue to review and enhance our systems
and look into the requirements for the new academic year. I am happy to share with you the additional steps
we have taken this year as well as some improvements we are putting in place with immediate effect.
Access Gates: The gate timings are as follows and will continue to be strictly enforced. Some parents continue
to use the front entrance to drop off and pick up children. This rule has been in place for the whole year and is
applicable on all parents. The security personals can keep the school premises safe only with your full
compliance and cooperation.
Timings of the gates at the rear end of the school:
Mornings:
Opening Time: 7:00am (Supervision is provided only from 7:30am)
Closing Time: 8:15am (parents to exit the school building promptly)
Afternoons:
Main gate opens: 1:00pm
Gates leading inside the school: 1:45pm
Visitors to school: All visitors will submit an ID, sign the register and receive a visitor‘s pass to enter the
school. This rule will apply to all parents who visit the school during school hours. This will not apply at drop
off and pick up times.
Cleaners in the Building: In addition to female cleaners in the Nursery and KG section, we have now female
cleaners for the grade washrooms as well. The cleaning process will start after school hours starting at 3:00pm.
Parents are requested to pick up their children promptly at dismissal times.
Continued on Page 6

School Cameras: We have 43 cameras around the school. These will be checked for recording by the security
and IT dept. at regular intervals during the school hours. In addition, we are in the process of installing
additional security cameras in key areas of the school.
At this time in the school year, we see an increase in conflicts amongst children. It would help to talk to your
children about the different ways of conflict resolution. At school, children are taught to use WITS and it would
help if this learning is reinforced at home as well.
W: Walk Away I: Ignore T: Tell Someone S: Seek Help
On another note, the preparation for the Annual Production is gaining speed now. A big ‗thank you‘ to parents
involved with the production and I am sure we will have a great finale to another successful school year.
Teacher Appreciation week was once again a great success; from luncheons, flowers, chocolates and not to forget
the morning coffee with Tim Horton – all was greatly appreciated by teachers and their assistants. Thank you,
PARIS! South Campus truly appreciates your hard work, passion and dedication to the children and staff and
together we look forward to another great year. I would encourage more parents to become active and contributory
members of PARIS in the new school year- Parents Association of Raffles International School.
Parent Volunteer Appreciation Morning: 29 May 2012
As the summer vacations are almost upon us many expatriate families will be travelling during the holidays.
This presentation will help to make you more aware of how to keep our children safe when travelling to new
lands or going back home.
Once again, thank you for the trust and confidence you place in us. We have an open door policy, so please feel
free to step in to share your thoughts, concerns and appreciation. It helps us to move forward together in
pursuit of our common goal; the wellbeing and holistic education of our children.
Zeba Khan
Head of Junior School
Raffles International School, South Campus

Dear Parents,
Gosh how time passes by with such a busy term! Despite only a short time to go until the end of the year, there
is much to do in that time to finish off this year. I thoroughly enjoyed last week having appreciation day for
teachers and classroom assistants. A big thank you to our Parents Association (PARIS) Committee for putting
this on for us having a delicious lunch and morning tea provided. It was really lovely
that the staff and myself were given beautiful flowers, chocolates and cards thanking us
for what we do. It is nice to be valued and appreciated during the year for our efforts.
The Arabic Fun Day is presently happening and a considerable amount of work has gone
into this. It was fantastic to see students and parents celebrating those days together of
their achievements in Arabic. Last week the school had the Road Safety Team informed
students about road safety. They brought in small buggies for the students to pretend
they were cycling on the road. It was a fun, hands on activity that gave them real
experiences about cycling safety. Please remember to encourage your children to be safe when near roads and
always. Please continue to read newsletters and letters from the school as that there are many events
happening as we draw near to the end of the year.
Peter Hickey
Deputy Head-Junior School
Dear Parents,
Grades One and Twos
I can hear you, can you hear me?
ELS Tip of the Day!
The message came across loud and clear as the Grade One and
Two students had a wonderful time speaking into homemade
telephones. Both grades did a fantastic job speaking and thinking
in English and getting their message passed to their partner.
This fun activity can be done at home by using paper cups and string. Have fun and keep
enjoying the many new words and phrases we have learned in English!
Translating slows students down which means you run the risk of getting
bogged down in the pursuit of a word which isn‘t English anyway. Thinking in
two languages simultaneously (which is necessary for translating) is very hard.
Often words which are very similar to English have a different meaning.
For example; in Italian the word ‗sensibile’ means sensitive. Not sensible. When learning English or any new
language, it is important to stay focused and ―train the brain‖ to think in the one specific language.
Kind Regards
Michelle, ELS Teacher

Dear Parents,
Teacher Appreciation Week was a great success. Thank you to those who volunteered their
time. Special thanks to Tim Hortons who treated the Teacher's to coffee and breakfast
pastries! The luncheon, flowers, hand made cards and sweet treats were very much appreciated!
Thank you to all of the Raffles South Campus families for their support in all of the events
held by the Parents Association throughout the year, we were able to treat the teachers and
the assistants to an outside catered luncheon during Teacher Appreciation Week.
The KG will soon be welcoming 20 new members. A fish for every class! This donation was made by PARIS on
behalf of all KG parents. The generosity and success of the recent KG bake sale helped fund this "fishy" gift!
Grade 1-5 Bake Sale
We are now on the final stretch of the 2011/2012 calendar. We would like to give our children a gift.
After much consideration, we have decided to purchase a rock climbing wall for the gym. We have been
fundraising all year with this goal in mind. Unfortunately, we have not yet reached our financial target. So we
are looking to our "parents" for support in baking goods for our upcoming bake sale (cupcakes, brownies, cookies
etc). If you can help, please bring in your baked goods to the canteen on the morning of May 30th.
Lost & Found
We have a bountiful collection of lost and found items! Please stop in and look through the items in the Lost
& Found room. All unclaimed items will be donated after May 31st.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
If you have any gently used school uniform pieces that you would like to donate, please contact -
pasouth@rafflesis.com.
Parent volunteers needed! All parents and/or guardians of each student are, by definition, members of the
Parent's Association. We meet every Sunday after morning drop off. The Parent's room is on the Second Floor,
Room #S026. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!
Parents Association
Raffles International School, South Campus

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
A S A
Dear Parents,
The Libra football coaches would like to say big congratulations to all of the players we have worked with this
term.
Thursdays see us working with the mini – kicks, players in KG1 and KG2. Sessions are based around fun,
games and stories with players always having a ball each. Players not only develop basic football skills such
as dribbling, stopping and turning but also communication skills and learning to play as part of a team.
Sessions always finish with a small sided match giving players there first opportunity at ‗real‘ football! Star
players this term include Lukas Dahlin, Celeste De Clerq and Iker De Alba.
On Wednesdays we work with players in Grades 1-5. Players work in groups with players of similar ages and
abilities. Like with the KG‘s all activities involve every player having a ball but the activities and games require
more technical detail. Players have worked on skills such as dribbling, running with the ball, shooting,
turning, heading and passing. Again sessions finish with matches to give players the opportunity to practice
what they have learnt. Star players for this term include. Connor Barun, Keanon Barun, Yusuf Alfardan and
Su Han Jin.
We would like to thank the players for their hard work and commitment and the parents for their support
throughout the year. Sessions finish on the 17 th May but we look forward to working with you all again in our
next set of classes.
The Libra Coaches
(AJ and Russ)
As you can see from the pictures developed by the Yoga fun after school activity they do have a lot of fun and
enjoy working together. You will be surprised to know that all the kids were asked to colour the sketch
together on just one single piece of paper. Brilliant effort – great teamwork !

Dear Parents,
Ciel Events sent a team on the 9 th May that set up a mini driving track resembling a regular street in our
large sports hall. The track included road signs and traffic signals. A qualified instructor briefed the children
at the start of the session, where each student received an easy to understand booklet on road safety
rules. Children then drove pedal cars and learnt basic road safety rules.
On completion students received a license with their photograph – endorsed by Dubai Police stating ―My first
license – I know my road rules‖.
Grade 1 -5 students had a great time and learnt lots.
Lisa Butcher
ASA & Events Coordinator

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ASA
Dear Parents, Grandparents and Extended family,
Montessori work, Concert preparations and lots of buzz in activity while we edge our way
to the end of this academic year! We have had a fun filled fortnight, becoming young scientific
explorers and then examining insects in the Culture area of our Curriculum.
The highlight of course was the Teachers‘ Appreciation Week. A big, big thank you to all
the parents and children who made the week so memorable for us. The love you have
shown is over whelming and indeed so touching. During May, as part of our transition procedures from the
Nursery South Campus to Kindergarten in the South Campus, your children will visit the Montessori KG
department. This is just an informal visit and will be supported by the Nursery staff. The visits start on the
17 th of May.
Looking forward to lots of work and loads of fun… Please read on to get news from Casa G and Casa H.
Garima Kapoor
Dear Parents,
Thank you parents for acknowledging and appreciating our work with your little ones and above all for
making us feel so very special!!
The children are showing an immense amount of interest in academics and
now feel confident working with Language and Mathematics material. The
older ones are enjoying working with pencils using their understanding and
imagination on paper. The Music classes are still going on successfully.
We have started practicing for the end of the year Concert, with children
showing a lot of enthusiasm.
Science week was a fabulous one; children learnt fascinating new things
with a sense of awe and wonder. They used their previous knowledge and
Science Week
understanding to assume results of experiments. They showed keen interest
for the Sink and Float and Magnetism and Colour Symphony experiments.
The children were also taken for the Science Exhibition where they displayed excellent behavior and
appreciated the hard work of other students in higher grades. Insect week has been a successful one as well
and the children have been excited to share their knowledge. They have also been found spotting insects and
categorizing them during their outdoor play time.
We are now looking forward to Nursery Rhymes Week!!
Regards,
Tatheer and Meriam

Dear Parents,
The final scaffolding is in progress with children of Casa H before they move to their new Casa next year.
The older children are working towards strengthening their finger
muscles by practicing to write with pencils and the younger ones are
learning to use the toilet by themselves.
Science Week
After we returned from the Spring Break we have been having a fun
filled term with lots of events like Earth Day, Brown Day, Science
Week and Teachers‘ Appreciation Week. Science week was a big hit
and left Casa H children in awe while they discovered scientific facts
through fun experiments in the classroom. They learnt to use a
magnifier to study the detailed parts of an insect. They had fun
discovering Static Electricity and Magnetism.
Along with these events, we have been also enjoying the weekly cultural topics about Sea Life, Birds and
Insects. We have been using outdoor playtime to explore and observe the environment as it appeals to the
child‘s natural curiosity. We have incorporated nature walks and theme walks while playing outside and have
set a pace to watch birds and ants in silence to understand the interconnectedness we all share. This allows
the children to absorb the abundance of sensory stimuli present in the environment, and experience firsthand
the beauty and wonder around them.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the parents with gratitude who put in so much effort, to make Teacher‘s
Appreciation Week so special.
―The child who has felt a strong love for his surroundings and for all living creatures, who has discovered
joy and enthusiasm in work gives us reason to hope that humanity can develop in a new
direction” – Maria Montessori
Varsha, Asuncion and Brigida

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Dear Parents,
As we draw to the end of the Academic year, many different transitions are put in place for
the KG 2 students. The students have been very excited to know what new experiences
they will have in the Junior School. This month the KG 2 students have visited the Grade
One classes. They enjoyed interacting with the students and getting to know their future
teachers. The morning assembly is a weekly routine for the junior school, it is with great
pleasure to announce that the KG 2 students have been active participants in the morning
assembly. We are all very proud of the way they display their courage and confidence in front of their peers.
During this month the KG 2 students will be having a small assessment. This assessment will allow the Grade
One teachers to prepare the classes and the individual students. I am sure they will do extremely well.
KG 1 students are enjoying practicing for the KG2 Graduation, which will be coming up in the month of June.
They will be waving goodbye to their friends in KG 2, but looking forward to making new ones next academic
year.
Please read on to see what Casa‘s G, H and I have been doing this month.

Dear Parents,
"A child's work is to create the man he will become. An adult works to perfect the environment, but a child
works to perfect himself." Maria Montessori
There is so much going on this term, it is hard to know where to begin. First I would like to say a very big thank you to all
the parents for participating in the Teacher Appreciation Week; we really felt loved and appreciated by you!
I was very happy to see parents last month for Parent Teacher Conferences. Quite often a comment
from parents can be very helpful in understanding a child‘s needs and behaviour. So let us keep the
dialogue between us. I have also had some parents saying they want to learn
more about their children‘s progress in class. I encourage you to come and
see me on my Drop-in-Day (which is on Wednesday), and I would be happy to
discuss your child‘s development in length.
Last week we celebrated Mother‘s Day and the children drew some wonderful
portraits of their mothers undertaking everyday tasks. We have a
number of budding artists in the class!
In the classroom, we are continuing with games that promote listening skills. Now we also have the opportunity to work on
extension activities with the mathematics and language materials. The children love these challenges and respond, asking
for more, and the opportunity to repeat each activity again. Sometimes we look at the clock and it is past their outdoor play
time and we are still busy!
In the next five weeks of school, we will be focusing mainly on Mathematics and Language. If your child needs some extra
handwriting practice, please help them do so. Similarly, encourage them to do mental math or involve them in house-hold
activities instead of letting them watch television. Reading to your child at bedtime should be done on a daily basis.
We saw some cool months earlier this year but now the summer is here with the vengeance! It is imperative for the
children to drink enough liquid throughout the day. Please ensure they bring a bottle of water with them to school which of
course can be refilled in the classroom as and when required. Please also remember to send in a hat for your child if
they don‘t have it already. Stay safe and keep well!
Lead teacher: Saba Salahuddin
Assistant: Jona Tabakig

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY
KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ASA
Dear Parents,
In Grade 1 we are doing many experiments to explore
the properties of different states of matter. We also had a
wonderful time at the Dubai Dolphinarium. The dolphins
and seals were so clever! They did the most amazing
tricks! We also had a Road Safety presentation and got
driving licences which meant we could drive the special
cars that were in the Sports Hall. We were very good
drivers and followed all the road traffic signs.
Our friends from the KG will be visiting us throughout
the month of May and we are looking forward to showing them around our classrooms.
Dear Parents,
We had an exciting Teacher Appreciation Week in Grade 2! The classrooms were overflowing with cards,
flowers and chocolates. The 2D assembly had all of us entertained with their lovely skit featuring Ms. Frosty,
Ms. Sunshine and the magic genie! The Grade 1 and 2 teachers were also pleasantly surprised to see some of
their own students on the video screen, describing the characteristics they love about their teachers. What a
successful week overall!
Speaking of success, the Grade 2 students have completed their Ancient Egypt unit and have now moved on to
studying Space and the Galaxy. Already the unit has started with a (big) bang! With the planets in their
proper positions in the Grade 2 area, the students have already learned important facts about the Galaxy and
our moon! The classroom ‗moon logs‘ have begun and we look forward to seeing the results from each student.
Students are reminded to fasten their space belts as the excitement is just beginning!

Dear Parents,
Everyone is good at something! On Thursday May 3rd, Grade 3A did their assembly on a very special topic
called ―Everyone is good at something‖. We learned that our class is full of talented children and with the help
of some ―good guys‖ we discovered different types of talents and learned to use them at the right time.
We know that every single one of us is good at one thing, at least. Many of us are good at a lot of
things. Our talents are like precious seeds, they need nurture, not neglect.
We hope you enjoyed our assembly and remember, practise makes perfect!
Dear Parents,
DEFORESTATION
Fantastic news, Grade 4 have now completed their module on deforestation! They can articulately discuss the
issue from many different perspectives, including that of the local indigenous people, farmers, loggers, rubber
tappers, scientists, Environmentalists and government officials. They are able to present a really good argument
both for and against deforestation and can debate the issue passionately. Students understand the impact
of deforestation on the environment and can show in diagrammatic form how global warming occurs.
They understand the notion of sustainability and the need to protect the environment for future generations.
During the latter part of the module, students participated in a classroom discussion and collectively listed
ways in which they could be a good citizen and individually help to save the environment. The importance of
reducing/reusing/recycling was noted and the need to buy food and goods from local producers was highlighted.
Remember parents, there are lots of things that you can do at home to help, the children want to be good
citizens and want to make a difference, they know that every little helps!

Dear Parents,
The end of an exciting academic year is quickly approaching but not before the final assessments! Students in
Grade 5 are preparing for some of the biggest tests they will have seen in their educational careers. Not to
worry, they will be well prepared. They are consistently encouraged to get into a regular study routine and use
their study packs and guides, class notes, homework, previous assessments, and textbooks when studying. A
week of revision should also help students get into study mode and further supplement their learning before
the tests. Best of luck Grade 5!
Date Subject Subject
8:15-9:15 a.m. 10.15-11.15 a.m.
22 nd May- Tuesday Islamic A and Islamic B Math
23 rd May-Wednesday - English
24 th May-Thursday Science Arabic A&B
27 th May-Sunday French/ Mandarin Social Studies
Grade 5 students passed a road safety course recently and received a licence. After watching some of them
drive their go-carts around the obstacle course, I am glad it is not a real driver‘s license and the streets of
Dubai are safe for a few more years.
Grade 5 teachers were greatly appreciated during Teacher Appreciation Week. Students spoiled their teachers
with homemade goodies, cards, flowers, and treats. The Grade 5 teachers are going to have to do a bit more
exercise in the upcoming weeks to burn off all that extra chocolate. A huge thank you goes out to all the students
and parents for their thoughtful gestures.
Grade 5 Team