Dear KG 1 Families,
Welcome to all new students and to those of you who are returning to ABIS. We are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming your child to the ECC. Here are some things that you need to know before your child begins their journey in KG.
On the first day of school, parents and caregivers are welcome to stay until circle (group) time and spend time with their children in their new environment. However, we find the best way to handle this transition to a new environment is to come in and settle your child into an activity for a few minutes. Then, reassure him/her that you will pick them up later and say goodbye. If your child is having a very difficult time settling after some time, we will call you for an earlier pick up.
Please note that the school day for KG students will begin at 8.00 am and end at 1.00 pm. Please ensure that you arrive at ECC building promptly in order to pick up your child on time.
What to Bring
Your child will need the following items each day at school. All items should be labeled with the child’s name and should be easy for your child to manage independently:
- School bag – big enough for spare clothes and lunch box
- Small snack
- Lunch
- A hat – preferably with a wide brim
- Sunscreen should be applied at home before traveling to school
- A full set of spare clothes, including tee shirt, pants, underwear, socks and possibly shoes
- Reusable water bottle (not glass)
- Any folders been issued by school
What to Eat
All students are required to bring a packed morning snack and lunch from home each day. Students are encouraged not to share lunches as they may not be aware of dietary requirements of their classmates. When considering what to incorporate into student lunches please think healthy.. Please maintain a high standard of nutrition in the foods you give your child for snacks and lunches.
If your child has special dietary needs, please advise the teacher.
Snack suggestions – crackers, cheese, fresh or dried fruit or vegetable sticks. Foods which are high in sugars and fats are discouraged, (such as chips, biscuits, cookies, cake, sweets and chocolate). Please ensure food is fully prepared at home – i.e. fruit peeled and cut, vegetables diced or in small bite size pieces. ABIS requests that parents do not send soda (fizzy drinks with added sugar) to school. It is not permitted for fast food, such as McDonalds or Kentucky Fried Chicken, to be delivered and consumed at the school.
Lunch suggestions – healthy sandwiches e.g. meat/cheese/salad fillings. Meatballs and boiled eggs have also proven popular choices over the past year. Foods which need heating (such as lasagna or risottos) are fine but will be eaten cold. Pork products should not be brought to school. Forks and spoons need to be provided from home.
Whilst pre-packaged foods can be fun as an occasional treat, we do not encourage them to be placed in the children’s lunchboxes as an everyday food.
When preparing snacks and lunch for your child, please also think sustainably.
Please see here for some sustainable snack ideas. Please use containers that can be opened by the children without any adult support and ensure that your child has a reusable drink bottle. Please also note that children are encouraged to drink only water at school.
Communication
Throughout the upcoming academic year, we will be communicating with you through our Broadcaster as well as our weekly newsletter. The Broadcaster will be used in order to highlight our learning. Our weekly newsletter which you will receive on Sunday mornings will inform you about our programme, news, upcoming events etc… Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are looking forward to meeting all KG children soon!
Warm regards,
Celine Rowlands
c.rowlands@abisoman.com
Buthina Alshizawi
b.alshizawi@abisoman.com
Kamla ALmaamari
ksg.almaamari@abisoman.com
Asila ALmeqbali
a.almeqbali@abisoman.com