Dear Families,
I hope you managed to relax over the unexpected long weekend, and that everyone was able to take a break from screen time. I also took advantage and went walking in the fresh autumn air in Canada, admiring the beautiful changing colours and even seeing some wildlife. I’ve attached some photos below for you to enjoy. Progress is being made at ABIS as we work on bringing all of our overseas teachers to Oman. I hope we are all together in Sohar soon, and fingers crossed that we will all be able to meet in person before we know it!
Students had another short week, as today all teachers were involved in professional development sessions. We were looking at assessment and reporting procedures in anticipation of November Progress Reports, working with team partners to continue planning excellent online learning for students, meeting with specialists to align teaching across all subjects , and developing personal professional goals such as investigating inquiry strategies or integrating mathematics planning into units of inquiry. All said, it was a very busy and productive day for everybody at ABIS!
Learning throughout Primary continues to develop and grow as students amaze us with their resilience and adaptability. ABIS students are really starting to take ownership for their learning, and are managing their time between on screen lessons and off screen work time. The support you are providing your children at home is invaluable, and we thank you sincerely for your ongoing dedication, as well as your communication with teachers. A positive partnership between home and school is so important for student success.
Please talk with your children daily about their learning experiences and help them to develop confidence and independence in their learning. Remind them to follow Distance Learning agreements, such as being on time, being respectful during online meetings and keeping cameras on. Teachers are carefully monitoring students who are absent from homeroom or specialist classes and you will be informed each time your child misses a meeting. If there are issues at home, such as internet connection, it is important to let your child’s teacher know so that we can be supportive and understanding.
If you have not yet filled out the Parent Survey that was sent home last Thursday, please do so. Your feedback is valuable.
Many students have submitted entries to the Primary Talent Show, congratulations! We are very excited to view the performances on Seesaw next week. Each day different performances will be highlighted for classes to watch together. Thank you to everyone who collaborated to make this project successful: students, parents and teachers alike.
Don’t forget that our October break is coming soon. The school will be closed during the week of October 18 – 24. I hope that students, teachers and families are able to refresh and rejuvenate, hopefully get outside and spend some active time together, far away from iPads and Google meets!
In the meantime, enjoy your long weekend!
Maeve
