Dear Primary Families,
This week has been a real mix of excitement, fun, and frustration with regards to the weather causing so many troubles with our planned trips and we thank you for your patience, support, and understanding.
In amongst the rearranged trips, I was lucky enough to be part of the Grade 5 trip to Muscat that did go ahead. Ms. Rachel and Ms. Khadija worked tremendously hard to organise a jam-packed itinerary that was a balance of educational and fun activities. We visited the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, the Bait al Zubair Museum, a planetarium, an observatory, as well as Snow Oman.
Being part of this trip was a wonderful reminder of how these trips away are such a good opportunity for students to further develop and apply their learner profile attributes and approaches to learning skills (ATLs). While away, I saw firsthand students being risk-takers, principled, open-minded, caring, and thinkers. I saw how students had to make use of their social skills, communication skills, and, in particular, their self-management skills.
On my arrival at school early this morning I visited the Grade 3 students who had enjoyed their sleepover at school last night. Although clearly tired – it seems that they did not finally go to sleep until quite late! – it was evident that they had enjoyed the experience. As with the Grade 5s, they too had the opportunity to apply and make use of various ATL skills and learner profile attributes. A huge thank you to Ms. Roshell and Ms. Sarah and the whole Grade 3 team for their efforts organising this evening.
Other highlights this week, for trips that did go ahead, include the KG2 students visiting the beach, Grade 2 students heading to the Mosque and museum, and all the grades enjoying seeing or riding the camels while they were on campus on Sunday. Indeed, this was my very first time sitting on a camel!
Next week will bring the start of Ramadan and I would like to wish all families who celebrate this Ramadan Kareem.
The school hours for Ramadan will take effect from Monday, as per the Newsflash from earlier in the week.
Best regards,
Matthew
Primary Team Lead