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PYP Parent Handbook Academic Year 2019-2020

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Dear Parents, A warm welcome to Uptown School and the PYP (PreK to Grade 5). In the PYP, we are proud to educate a truly international body of nearly 1000 students from many different nationalities and cultures. Our school is committed to academic excellence and to supporting each child in reaching their full potential; while engendering independent learners and caring international citizens. The PYP School fosters a very positive environment that shows itself in every aspect of our school, and in the wider Uptown School community. We are committed to effective teaching and learning for 3 to 11 year olds and the provision of wide-ranging opportunities and supportive relationships that allow every student to achieve his or her best. Our school's student body is international and multi-cultural in character. We believe passionately in the value of a global education and accept the responsibility to teach our students how to develop skills which enable them to inquire, to question, to solve problems in constructive ways and to develop appreciation for their own and cultures and languages different from their own. The following pages provide key information about the PYP School policies and procedures and will assist you and your son/daughter in settling into the school / back into the school. Please read the booklet carefully and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you. Mrs. Pali Nahal Head of PYP

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Key Staff Contact Details Please see below for a list of key people you may need to contact at different times throughout the year. Name: Pali Nahal Job Title: Head of PYP Email Address: pnahal@uptownschool.ae Name: Jodie Eardley Job Title: Assistant Head of PYP. Senior Leader for PreK, KG 1 & 2 Email Address: jeardley@uptownschool.ae Name: Lee Higginbottom Job Title: PYP Assistant Head of PYP/ PYP Coordinator. Senior Leader for Grade 5 Email Address: lhigginbottom@uptownschool.ae Name: Claire Hitchings Job Title: Assistant Head of PYP. Senior Leader for Grade 3 & 4 Email Address: chitchings@uprownschool.ae Name: Gavin Fleck Job Title: Assistant Head of PYP. Senior Leader for Grade 1 & 2 Email Address: gfleck@uptownschool.ae Name: Christine Cubelo Job Title: PYP PA Email Address: eyoffice@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 204 Name: Tania Sadruddin Job Title: PA to Head of PYP Email Address: primaryoffice@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 219 Name: Gina Ragub Job Title: Early Years Nurse Email Address: gragub@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 202 Name: Nice Ambrose Job Title: Primary Nurse Email Address: nambrose@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 212

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Admissions Email Address: admissions@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 201 Accounts Email Address: finance@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 228/229 Marketing & Communications Email Address: community@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 210 ECA Coordinator Email Address: eca@uptownschool.ae Extension Number: 226

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Overview Uptown School in Mirdif is committed to delivering the outstanding International Baccalaureate's Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programme. Dedicated to nurturing the development in all aspects of education and personal growth, our mission is to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm, creativity and independence, and compassion and communication through an exciting, rich and engaging learning experience.

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Uptown Vision and Mission

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Uptown: An Inclusive School (Students of Determination) Uptown School is a non-selective school, and we pride ourselves on our inclusive approach to the educational provision we offer. Inclusive education encompasses the principles of diversity, personalisation, equity, respect, acceptance and enrichment. When we improve the quality of inclusion within our schools, we improve education for all. We welcome students of any race, nationality or cultural background. We see the diversity of our student and staff population as one of our greatest assets, and we make every attempt to give each and every student full access to our learning programmes. Impairments only become disabilities when the person experiences barriers that prevent full and effective participation within a community, such as attitudes or physical environment. Therefore, a disability is the result of an individual’s interaction with society when barriers are not removed. Uptown seeks to remove barriers to enable every student to feel safe, confident and happy at school. Teachers are assisted by specialist staff, such as the Inclusion Leaders and inclusion teachers, in the identification of and provision for an individual student’s specific learning needs. Our determination to cultivate and maintain an inclusive ethos of the highest quality is fundamental to the way in which our school will evolve. We will give careful thought to the definition, implementation and review of policies to promote inclusion, including policies to tackle abusive behaviour such as racism and bullying. We will ensure that students themselves have a prominent voice in all matters that affect them, and we will act fairly and decisively in dealing with any behaviour that is contrary to our inclusive ethos. At all times, we will seek to provide exemplary leadership as role models ourselves.

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Our International Curriculum: The International Baccalaureate The IB aims that all learners should become: Inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers who are knowledgeable, principled, caring, open- minded, balanced and reflective. Uptown School is a dynamic international school that aims to be at the leading edge of educational innovation and excellence. We are an authorised IB World School in delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) of the International Baccalaureate Organisation, which is enriched and supplemented by specialist subjects and a dynamic, innovative music programme. We offer a full range of sporting and extra- curricular activities and opportunities to learn Arabic and French as part of the taught curriculum. The Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (Please refer to the programme specific handbooks) The IB Learner Profile Inquirers - We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. Knowledgeable - We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. Thinkers - We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators - We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups. Principled - We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

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Open-Minded - We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience. Caring – We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. Balanced - We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live. Reflective - We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. Risk-Takers - We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

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The Primary Years Programme Uptown Schools Primary Years Programme is the programme that best meets our aims and aspirations. The PYP is a curriculum framework; it brings with it a clear educational philosophy and a methodology for young learners. The IB PYP was developed by member schools around the world and is administered by the International Baccalaureate according to whom: The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students between the ages of 3 and 12. It is an international, transdisciplinary programme designed to foster the development of the whole child, not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning. The PYP focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare. The PYP combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant and engaging educational framework for all children. You can find the Schools Guide to the Primary Years Programme, IB, at the following website address www.ibo.org The PYP places structured inquiry at the heart of the learning process. Children are encouraged to develop, through the learning process, those attributes and traits that will enable them to become expert learners. The PYP curriculum model is built from a framework of transdisciplinary themes that help teachers and students to explore and acquire essential knowledge and skills and to take socially responsible action. The PYP sets out six such transdisciplinary themes to offer continuity and progression of learning: Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How the world works How we organise ourselves How we share the planet In PreK to K2 each child will inquire into four of the above transdisciplinary themes through units developed around these themes.

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Our teachers devote a great deal of time and thought thorough and meticulous curriculum planning, which is the essential prerequisite for the PYP programme. The teacher will integrate the many subjects that connect naturally into units of inquiry, ensuring that students can see both the connections between subjects and the relevance of each subject to their lives. Students learn how to take risks, ask questions, plan investigations, solve problems and find the answers to their questions. Within each transdisciplinary theme, the PYP’s written curriculum emerges out of a series of essential elements, which are in part planning guidelines and in part desired learning outcomes. Knowledge The PYP identifies a “body of significant knowledge” for all students in all cultures in six principal subject areas: language social studies mathematics science and technology the arts personal, social and physical education Concepts Seven fundamental concepts, expressed as questions, provide the structure for inquiry: Form: what is it like? Function: how does it work? Causation: why is it like it is? Change: how is it changing? Connection: how is it connected to other things? Perspective: what are the points of view? Responsibility: what is our responsibility? Skills Five transdisciplinary skills are acquired in the process of structured inquiry: Thinking Communication Social Research Self-management

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Responsible Action Every opportunity is taken to encourage and empower students to take socially responsible action and contribute to the immediate and wider community. Community service is an important element of this, and it forms part of the PYP profile. Students are required to keep a log documenting their service, and they will have an opportunity to reflect on their contribution at the end of each semester. While we do provide time, opportunities and resources for students to take part in community service, students are nonetheless expected to take initiative and seek out community service opportunities on their own accord. Assessment of Students’ Progress Through The PYP Programme High quality and precise pre, formative and summative assessment is integral to the success of the PYP. School-based assessment and feedback techniques will include student/teacher/parent conferences, writing samples, structured observations and performance tasks assessed by teachers and self-assessed by students.

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PYP (PreK to Grade 5) New Students Orientation (beginning of academic year) Our new students and their families are invited to join us for new student orientation. When: Thursday, 29th August Time: Pre-K – 9:00 to 10:00am In the child’s classroom K1 – 8:00 to 9:00am In the child’s classroom K2 – 9:00 to 10:00am In the child’s classroom Grade 1 to 5 10:00 to 11:00am In Dance Studio Class lists will be posted in reception. First Day of School for all students: 1st September 2019 Pre-K to K2 First Month Timings To support the separation process and the children’s social emotional development, we use adjusted departure times during the first few weeks of school. Please see below for timings: PRE-K SCHOOL TIMINGS: Sunday 1nd September to Thursday 5th September 7:45am to 10:00am Sunday 8th September to Thursday 12th September 7:45am to 12noon Sunday 16th September onwards Option 1: 7:45am to 12:30pm Option 2: 7:45am to 2:00pm K1 SCHOOL TIMINGS: Sunday 1nd September to Thursday 5th September 7:45am to 12noon Sunday 98h September to Thursday 12th September 7:45am to 1:00pm Sunday 165h September onwards 7:45am to 2:00pm K2 SCHOOL TIMINGS: Sunday 1nd September to Thursday 5th September 7:45am to 12:30pm Sunday 8th September onwards 7:45am to 2:30pm GRADE 1-5 TIMINGS: 7:45am to 2:30pm If you are late and arrive after 7:50am, please sign in and escort your child to the reception area. Do not drop them at the gate as their class may not be in their classroom.

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Meet the Teacher Afternoon Meet the Teacher is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers and find out in greater detail about class routines, procedures and learning. Meet the Teacher afternoons will be held on the following dates in your child’s classroom: Monday 2rd September at 3:00pm Pre-K Meet the Teacher Tuesday 3th September at 3:00pm K1 Meet the Teacher Wednesday 5th September at 3:00pm K2 Meet the Teacher Tuesday 3rd September at 5:00pm Grade 1 to 5 Meet the Teacher REGULAR Daily School Timings PreK to K2 7:15am – 7:45am - Morning Procedure/Morning Drop Off The school gates open at 7:15am each day. Children may be dropped off at the main gate or parents may park their car in the allocated parking bays and take children to class. Please do not park in the drive through drop off area (other than to drop children off). Morning supervision begins in the playground for K1 and K2 and in the classroom for Pre-K. Grade 1 to Grade 5 School Timings 07:25am - Students enter school, teachers are on duty from 07:25am (If a student enters school before then they are unsupervised.) 07:40am - Students line up and go into homeroom classes 07:50am- Registration closes 14:30pm - End of the school day for G1-G5 7:45am – PreK to K2 Children Line Up At 7:45am and the children should line up in their class lines. The National Anthem is played. Please show your respect by standing still during this time. After the conclusion on the anthem, teachers escort children to classroom to begin lessons. 7:50am - Lessons Begin Lessons begin promptly. Please ensure that your child arrives to school on time as latecomers miss out on valuable learning time, orientation to the day ahead and distract their peers.

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PreK to K2 Daily Pick Up (afternoon) Parents drive through and pick up their child/ren who will be waiting in the Admin Room/Gym. Staff will assist children into the cars and put on their seatbelts. You will be provided with a car sign with your child’s name and class to display in the windshield during pickup. This sign helps staff keep pick up time running smoothly and reduces your waiting time. If you wish to get out of your car and collect your child, please use the allocated parking spaces. Cars must not be parked and left unattended in the pick up zone. K2 parents should only use the drive through pick up system from 2:20pm as before this, K2 parents being in the queue will hold up K1 pick up procedures. Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to depart from the premises unless he/she is with a previously identified person. A staff member must always acknowledge the dismissal of a child so please let your child’s teacher know you are collecting them. Student Collection by other adults In the event that you will be sending a third party to collect your child, please let us know in advance in writing (email to your child’s class teacher and reception eyoffice@uptownschool.ae or Primary Office primaryoffice@uptownschool.ae and a follow-up confirmation call. This person will have to collect the child from reception with identification such as an Emirates ID. Please ensure that your child is collected on time as there is no aftercare facility.

Carpark Safety Safety at this busy time is a priority for us. Primary age children should not be responsible for dropping off their younger siblings to the PreK, K1, K2. Drivers should be mindful of pedestrians crossing the carpark as due to our children being small, they are not always easily seen. We also ask that drivers travel at a safe speed when entering or exiting the carpark as young children are unpredictable. No child should be left at the gate before 7:15am. Grades 1 to 5 Pick Up We ask parents to collect their children from the Primary pick-up areas when leaving at the end of the day. If you come into school we ask you not to stand outside the classrooms or wait in the corridors before 2:30pm as these spaces are often used as learning zones and it can disrupt student focus. Please wait in the reception area or in the playground.

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All Students After school, teachers do not supervise the outside play area as they are preparing for the next day. Therefore, for health and safety reasons we ask you to supervise your children and not allow them use the common play areas. Shurooq Gate Access There is a gate connecting to the school in the Shurooq community for families to use/access that live within Shurooq. Other families should not use the gate to access the school. The gate is open each day from 7:00 am to 8:15am and from 2:00 pm to 4:30pm. Students are not allowed to pass without an adult all Shurooq residents require a pass to use this gate. School ID Badges School ID badges MUST be worn by all parents at all times. The school will provide you with these ID badges on the first day of school. If you are visiting the school during the day, please sign in at security and report to reception. Collaborative Planning school for students finishes at 12:30 There are five collaborative planning days this academic year where students will leave school at lunchtime.

The dates for the academic year 2019/20:

• Thursday 10th October • Sunday 17th November • Monday 3rd February • Tuesday 3rd March • Wednesday 10th June

Taaleem Professional Development days (school is closed for all students) The dates for the academic year 2019/20: September 29th Sunday January 26th Sunday May 31st Sunday

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Student Absence from School Teachers want to see their students in school so they can give them the best possible learning experiences. Absence undermines and disrupts learning, and it is not possible to “make up” in full the learning lost during a period of absence. We ask teachers to monitor and record attendance and punctuality rigorously and you will be contacted by school if your child’s attendance becomes a concern. We recognise that the expatriate lifestyle presents great opportunities for travel, and we are pleased to encourage families to take advantage of the many rich experiences that can provide lifelong memories. However, we ask parents to do everything they can to ensure that such trips do not conflict with school days. Whilst we make every effort to support the learning needs of students who miss school due to illness or a family emergency, we do not expect teachers to make exceptional lesson planning arrangements for students who miss school because of planned holidays. Please note that attendance and lateness are judged by the criteria set by KHDA and are as follows:

• Outstanding 100% • Excellent >99% • Very Good >98% • Good >96% • Satisfactory >94% • Unsatisfactory <94% • Unacceptable <92%

If a student is absent from school, we have clear guidelines from the KHDA as to what we can authorise as an acceptable reason for absence and what we will not. Students’ absences will be granted at his/her discretion in line with KHDA guidelines. If your child is absent for any reason please email Primary Office at primaryoffice@uptownschool.ae with the reason, this will ensure your child’s absence is correctly recorded and you do not get a call home inquiring about absence.

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Lateness

During the morning registration, your child’s homeroom teacher will impart important information regarding activities, curriculum and other appropriate information. Therefore, it is vital your child is in school for the start of registration, so they are informed, well prepared and organised for the day ahead. In the

unlikely event that your child arrives late, please ensure they visit the PA to Head of Primary in the Primary Reception area to receive a late slip and be electronically registered onto the school attendance system. If your child reaches class after 7:50 they will be late. Leaving Early If you need to collect your child prior to the end of the school day for an important appointment please see Primary Office. You will need to collect a gate pass from her in order to clear security. Sickness

We do understand that sometimes your child may be too unwell to attend school.

Students should visit the Nurse when they return to school after a contagious illness and must show a doctor’s note stating that they are fit to resume class. Students may not be allowed into class if the Nurse feels they are still unwell.

Nurse’s Office The School nurses are responsible for the assessment, treatment and referral of student injuries and illnesses that occur during the school day. We ask parents complete a Student Medical Record form prior to admission and to update it annually. It is vital that we are made aware of any medical conditions for the safety and care of your child. If your child has a new medical diagnosis during the academic year we ask you inform the nurse to ensure our support and care is appropriate.

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In Case of Injury

In the unfortunate event of a student being injured during the school day the child will be taken be to the school nurse. A blow to the head or neck will be taken very seriously, and the student will be taken for appropriate assessment and treatment immediately. Records of injury are kept with the nurse. Parents will always be informed by phone. In the event of no pick up you will be emailed.

Nuts

Several members of the Uptown community have severe nut allergies and as such Uptown is a nut free school. No nut products are permitted in school – this includes all nut products, Nutella chocolate spread and peanut butter. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of our whole school community.

Safeguarding At Uptown we take child protection very seriously and any issues relating to safeguarding concerns for a child will be reported to the Child Protection Leads. Any student who is the victim of abuse or who is concerned about the safety of another child should know that s/he will be supported by the school and that appropriate action will be taken ensuring that her/his dignity, well-being and safety are of the highest importance and urgency. A student who is the victim of abuse or who is concerned about the safety of another is encouraged to seek the assistance of a member of staff they are comfortable talking to. Teachers will report any suspected child abuse to the Child Protection Leads. All Uptown staff receive regular safeguarding training. Sun Protection

Hats must be worn by students when outside (no hat no play – even for older students!)

Students must never be allowed to play games without their shirts on.

Sunscreen protection is recommended to be used by all students.

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Students are educated about the importance of drinking water throughout the day and reminded to drink water regularly. Please ensure your child has their own named water bottle in school every day. Snack and Lunch Breaks

Here at Uptown we encourage our students to develop very healthy eating habits. Students are encouraged to socialise and practise their table manners as they eat. The school canteen in situated between the Primary and Secondary building where students may purchase healthy snacks and lunches. More information on the canteen services will be sent to parents at the beginning of the school year.

We ask that parents support our healthy eating policy by ensuring they send their children to school with suitable and healthy packed lunches that will sustain them through the busy school day. Foods such as fresh fruit, unrefined carbohydrates, protein, unsweetened drinks ideally water. Packed lunches should not contain nuts, sweets, crisps, cookies, fizzy drinks or caffeine fuelled energy drinks. Students often find it difficult to focus and get the most out of their time in school if they have made poor food choices. We also ask parents to make their children aware that we do not allow the sharing of food to ensure we are respectful of all religious beliefs and possible food allergies. K2 to Grade 5 Extra-Curricular Activities Extra-curricular Activities are after-school activities in these areas: Academics, Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Music, Crafts and Media and General Hobbies. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in this programme as it enables students to share their skills and become part of Uptown's international school community. ECAs may include: Mother Tongue Club, Origami, German Foreign Language, Quran Reciting, Movement to Music, Public Speaking, Chess Club, Football, Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball, Reading Club, Cursive Writing, Creative Writing, Construction Club and more. Uptown teacher-led ECAs are included in the tuition fees. Uptown teacher-led ECAs are included in the tuition fees. ECAs by external providers or companies are being charged.

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Educational Visits: Uptown also offers a broad range of educational visits and excursions, which are a vital part of our curriculum. Please see our memorable experience boards. Sports in PYP Sports in PYP begin in the PE curriculum. All students attend twice weekly concept driven/inquiry based PE lessons that enrich and extend the unit of inquiry study in their classroom. For two terms swimming is one of the weekly lessons. The other lesson students use our multi-purpose sports fields or in the PYP dedicated gymnasiums. The sports programme is extended through the extensive extra-curricular activities (ECAs) offered after school on various days during the week. In addition, Uptown PYP competitive sports teams are; Swim Squad (U8-U11), Aquathon Squad (U10 & U11), Girls Football Team (U11), Boys Football Teams (U8 – U11), Desert Dance Group (U9 – 11), Basketball (U10 & U11) and Athletics (U8 – U11).

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Music and Performance

The study of music is an integral part of the Uptown curriculum and is transdisciplinary in nature. Students learn to play a variety of instruments throughout the PYP years and develop Music literacy. Focus instruments include: the Ocarina and glockenspiel in Grade 1, the recorder in Grade 2, the violin in Grade 3, the Ukulele in Grade 4 and the Guitar and keyboard in Grade 5.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts being an essential element of our curriculum, students are exposed to the subject. It is transdisciplinary in nature and along with a study of history and theory of art, students learn to use a range of art materials and experiment with different art techniques to design projects that reflect their creativity.

French Language Study Students commence the study of French in Grade 1, which is taught as a second language. Arabic Studies As directed under the KHDA and the UAE’s Ministry of Education, all Uptown students undertake the study of Arabic. Language Support and Mother Tongue Maintenance At Uptown the language of instruction is English. Our international student population hold passports from 85 countries and speaks 20 different mother tongue languages. We offer language support to assist students whose first language is not English. As an IB school we encourage students to understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories as well as those of others, and to be open to differing values, perspectives and traditions. With this in mind, Uptown recognises the dual goals of increasing English fluency when required and the importance of mother tongue maintenance and support. Maintaining and developing language and literacy skills in the mother tongue is valued at Uptown; dedicated time is provided in the curriculum to pursue these studies. Mother tongue maintenance classes are offered according to the demographic demand at school, year to year and the willingness of parents to be involved in the classroom programme.

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Moral Education Grade 1 to 5 Moral Education is an innovative, engaging curriculum designed to develop young people of all nationalities and ages in the UAE with universal principles and values that reflect the shared experiences of humanity. Happiness, Health and Personal Development

The ethos of happiness, healthy living and personal development runs through all the work that we do with our students. We endeavour to consistently promote a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle for everyone in the school.

Birthdays

Grade 1 to 5 students, parents and teachers are encouraged to donate a book to the library or a game to the class as a celebration of their birthday. The book/game then has an inscription placed in it, acknowledging the donation.

Students birthdays are celebrated within the homeroom, every class has a birthday display and your child will have their special day celebrated. We ask you not to bring in cake or other food. Prek to K2 Please only bring in cupcakes or donuts on the day. Please refrain from bringing in elaborate cakes, balloons and goody bags for the children. Please also remember, we are a nut free and candle free school. There may be other allergies that children have in your child’s class. If sending out invitations at school, please hand these to the classroom teacher who will distribute them. Fire Drills

Inthe event of the fire alarm going off, the students will beasked to evacuate the building in line with the school’s evacuation policy. No one is allowed to return to the school building until the all clear is given.

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Students and Personal Devices Grades 2 to 5

At UTS, we have a vision for the integration of technology for the children. We have a responsibility to fully prepare our children for the realities of the life after education ensuring that they have developed 21st century skills

We recognise the importance of technology, now and in the future. As forward-thinking schools around the world have embraced the inclusion of technology as best practice in learning and teaching. The International Baccalaureate advocates “The role of ICT to support inquiry is important as students engage in building understandings that contribute to their success as lifelong learners in a digital age.” What kind of educational activities will the personal devices be used for?

• Using Seesaw, a student-driven digital portfolio that empowers students of all ages to independently document and share what they are learning at school

• Working in Google Apps for Education (Google Drive) for various purposes such as producing documents, spread sheets, and/or slide shows

• To collaborate on projects • Ability to create and present work in different formats • To develop 21st century ICT skills • Access to content in order to support learning. • To facilitate research • To support Home Learning

Grades 2 to 5 Which Device? Children are permitted to bring in any suitable device, as outlined in the BYOD policy. It is recommended, though not an expectation for your child to have an iPad for their optional device. This mirrors the devices and applications used at school. Phones are not an acceptable research device for school use. How can my child's device connect to the Internet? At UTS, we have invested in the school wireless network which children may safely connect to while using their devices in the building. All devices need to be registered. Can my child bring more than one device? No. During the optional period all children may bring only one device.

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What ‘Apps’ would be needed on my child’s iPad? We will provide parents and students a list of recommended iPad Apps to install – including an overview of the purpose of the application. There may also be a suggestion to purchase a small number of recommended applications; however, this will not be mandatory. If possible, alternatives for paid apps will be provided. Further information is available in the BYOD Policy. In addition, and consistent with our approach that access to particular sites or applications need to have educational value. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, snapchat are not to be accessed with any devices (phones, iPads, laptops etc.) at any time during the school day. Primary aged students are prohibited to have an account such as Facebook, whether at school or at home, until they are aged 13. Student Leadership We believe that all students have the potential to lead, and we therefore offer opportunities for them to develop their leadership skills in all aspects of our programmes through, for example, role-play, discussion groups, posts of responsibility, house leaders, community service and active, significant and problem-solving participation in the myriad activities that take place at our school. Our Student Leadership Teams are chosen by staff and students and take on considerable tasks within the schools.

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Student Personal Appearance (School Uniform)

The school uniform is available from ‘Zaks’. All children are required to wear their uniforms from Sunday to Thursday. We request that every article of clothing worn to school is clearly labelled with your child’s name and class (hats, shoes, socks and underwear included) to facilitate the prompt return of lost items. The used uniform shop, run by the parent organisation, is open on Mondays at 1:45-2:30pm if you wish to purchase a second hand uniform.

Pre K to K2 Please see the table below for uniform information:

White/blue polo shirt with logo * Uptown swim bag * Navy blue shorts * Uptown navy swimsuit/navy shorts

* Uptown jumper (for cooler months) *

Uptown swim cap *

Black or White Velcro trainers with white socks (non-marking)

Swim goggles Towel

Crocs/flip flops for LTM/Swimming Lunch box and water bottle School bag (does not need to be Uptown bag)*

*Available from Zaks Uptown Mirdif Mall 04 2847384

Children’s apron/art shirt/old t-shirt Uptown cap * Grades 1 to 5 Students are expected to wear the official school uniform according to our Uniform Policy, including the school hat and safe black school shoes at all times. PreK – K2 Plain black or plain white trainer shoes with VELCRO fastenings must be worn by all students.

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An appropriate level of personal hygiene should be maintained. Clothing that a student chooses to wear must be in good repair. A student who is unsuitably dressed may be asked to return home to change clothing. All students are asked to label uniform with first and last name. Students wear their Uniform to school every day. PE kit is brought into school and students will change in and out of it during their lesson.

Uptown School shirt * Uptown swim bag * Navy blue tailored shorts boys/ skorts for girls*

Uptown navy swimsuit/navy shorts

Uptown jumper (for cooler months) Uptown swim cap * trainers with non-marking soles for PE

Swim goggles Towel

Flip flops for Swimming Lunch box and water bottle School bag (does not need to be Uptown bag, ideally not a trolley bag.

Uptown cap

Children’s apron/art shirt/old t-shirt House T shirt * The Uptown uniform can be purchased at the ZAKS store in Uptown Mirdif (behind Starbucks). Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm, Telephone +971 (0)4 284 7384. Jewellery - Only Small stud earrings are allowed to be worn. No necklaces are allowed to be worn due to safety reasons. Hair Accessories - Long hair should be tied for safety when playing. If hair bands or other hair accessories are worn, they must be simple either plain black, white or plain blue in colour. Hair Colour - Students hair colour should be ideally natural, if hair is dyed it should be a natural colour.

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Bus Transport

Uptown and Taaleem have contracted Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC, a highly experienced and established bus transportation company. All vehicles used by Arab Falcon follow the strictest Road & Transport Authority (RTA) safety standards and guidelines. All bus drivers are highly experienced and authorised and trained by the RTA. A bus helper/’nanny’ will travel with each vehicle. All buses feature CCTV cameras and a Tracking System for the purposes of our students’ safety and attendance.

For further information contact Ms Farah, Transport Manager at farah@arabfalcondubai.ae. Students are expected to follow the bus rules and behave appropriately on the bus at all times. Students using the bus and their parents are required to sign the Code of Conduct for the School Bus form. Students who do not observe this Code of Conduct will be given a warning by the Bus Coordinator or the Principal. If a problem persists, the student may be denied access to the bus service. Responses to Unacceptable Behaviour Basic principle: In dealing with unacceptable behaviour we will always emphasise to the child that it is the behaviour that is unacceptable, rather than the child. We will explain that it is the behaviour that must therefore be modified and that this will be to the advantage of the child. The school operates a positive behaviour policy. Other Forms of Interpersonal Abuse All students have a right to learn in a safe and secure environment without fear. Bullying can undermine and even prevent students from progressing academically and socially, and it can have negative consequences both for the victim and the bully, for life. We therefore have zero tolerance of bullying. All students involved in bullying will be disciplined and will receive appropriate counselling and support from the school. In extreme cases of bullying, it may lead to suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity of the case. Parent Information We will conduct a Parent Information meeting early in the first term at which the Homeroom Teacher will outline the classroom routines, the curriculum and how parents can assist in the classrooms, participate in after school activities and be “authentic” research tools. To ensure parents can attend if they have more than one child in the section we run our talks twice in the evening. This evening is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher/s.

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Reporting Your child’s school reports will be published on Managebac each term. We no longer send out paper copies but make the reports available to save as a printable download. Conferences Conferences are held three times a year. However, parents are encouraged to keep in close contact with the homeroom and subject teachers. We have three types of conferences: 3-Way Conferences (student/parent/teacher) - held near the beginning of the academic year. Teacher Conferences – held after reports in Term Two. Student-Led Conferences – held in Term Three. Regular information evenings/forums/coffee mornings are held throughout the year and it is therefore vital that parents check emails and the Uptown Primary Updates on the Communicator. Parent Contact Interactions between parents and teachers/staff should be respectful and courteous. Any issues raised are taken seriously and followed up on. For any parent queries, questions and concerns the following procedures should be followed: • Parent/s should speak with the class teacher. • If the issue remains unresolved, the parent/s may make an appointment to meet

with the Grade Level Leader. • If parents would like to discuss an issue further, they may make an appointment with

the Head or Assistant Head.

Your child’s teacher knows your child best, so it is important that you go through this channel first to discuss learning, routines and behaviour, etc. Teachers will endeavour to answer emails within 24 hours within the working week. Parent Helpers/Link Parents Uptown Parents (UP) is our school parent support group. Please see the School Communicator for details of UP events and meetings or contact upf@uptownschool.ae. At Uptown we strongly encourage parents as partners.

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Once the children are settled, we welcome parent helpers to our classrooms. Pre k to K2 please arrange times with your class teacher if you are able to assist in any way. Please also see your class teacher if you are interested in becoming the Link Parent for your class or if you would like more information about what this involves. Claire Hitchings Assistant Head of Primary co-ordinates the parent volunteers Please contact Claire if you are interested in regular volunteering. chitchings@uptownschool.ae

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Parent Communication How to stay up-to-date with Uptown How to use The Communicator? The Delta 6 Communicator is the Uptown School app to keep you up to date during the Academic Year. You can get this at http://www.six -delta.com or, for mobile users please go to the App Store/Google Play and search for “D6 communicator” Along with diaries, The Communicator App is the source for information on general news at school, school-wide events and alerts. Use the communicator to keep your calendar up-to-date plus link for school news, school resources, parent association messages and letters from the principal and classroom teachers. The key tabs are NEWS, RESOURCES and CALENDAR. You can even personalize this essential app to receive information for your child’s class and messages from your teacher. Follow us on Facebook

We have our own official Facebook page where we post details of the day to day lives of our students, where sporting and other achievements are celebrated and where we share useful information.

Facebook - @Uptownschooldubai https://www.facebook.com/uptownschooldubai/ Twitter - @UptownschoolDXB Instagram - @uptownschooldubai Youtube – Uptown School Dubai https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpdndtqzOOqC4usk-4X5HUg

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Supporting and assisting your child Separation Anxiety It is very common for young children to be anxious when separated / separating from parents. Children need to be assured that separation will result in a reunion. Please, say good-bye to your child when you leave and reassure them of your return. Each child is unique – the staff will work with your child and you to ease separation anxiety issues based on individual child/ren and family needs. Settling-in to School Some children take longer to adjust to school life. Children will get to know each other and their teachers during interactive games and hands on learning opportunities. Stay positive and talk to your child about the fun things they can do at school. All of our staff are experienced and have encountered this before. Please work with your child’s teacher to ease the separation process. Once your child is settled, parents are encouraged to leave them to it! Pre K to K2 Bathroom Routines All children must be fully toilet trained and out of diapers/pull ups/nappies before they start school. Children are supervised and encouraged to use the washroom at regular intervals throughout the day. Staff will assist children to practice good hygiene when using the washroom. Please speak directly to the classroom teacher about any specific information you would like to share in regards to your child’s toileting routines. Please include a full change of clothes for your child so we can change them in the case of a toileting accident. Wet or soiled clothes items will be placed in a plastic bag and returned home. In the case of a child soiling themselves, to the extent that they are uncomfortable, the school will call you and ask that the child be taken home so they can be properly cleaned and changed. Note: If a child is having frequent toileting accidents, it may be suggested for them to spend some time in their home environment to work on their toilet training.

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Home Learning We ask parents to:

• Support school policies on behaviour and attendance. • Support your child’s organisational skills so resources such as reading books, PE

Kits etc. are in school on the correct days. • Provide the conditions and implement the strategies necessary to help your

child complete home learning tasks.

Tips on how to effectively support a child’s home learning:

• Initiate and encourage discussions with your child on local, world and/or family

issues in a manner that engages the child and stimulates his or her thinking. • Bring problems and concerns directly to the appropriate teacher for

clarification and resolution. • Share and communicate any special circumstances or problems (to the teacher

in the first instance) that may have an effect on your child’s behaviour, attitude and/or academic performance.

There are different kinds of home learning:

• Practise assignments reinforce newly acquired skills. Students review and practise what they have learned. These assignments may be differentiated for students working at different levels/age groups.

• Preparation assignments help students get ready for learning activities that will take place in class; students may be asked to read something or to carry out some research on the Internet.

• Grades 1 to 5 extension assignments are long-term projects that parallel class work. Students must apply previous learning to complete these assignments, which include projects and essays.

• Revision of previously learned content.

At Uptown we seek to avoid any approach to home learning that might stifle learning and we think that our hard-working students deserve some time for rest and relaxation with their families when they return home. All links to home learning are given on your child’s Grade Newsletter.

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Recognising and Dealing with Plagiarism Grade 1 to 5 Plagiarism – copying or getting someone else to do the work – is a form of cheating. Care should be taken not to overstep the boundary between helping your child and doing the work for them. The school will provide students with clear age appropriate guidance to:

• acknowledge their sources, possibly using parentheses to enclose the citation • use quotation marks for all quoted material • revise paraphrased material so that it appears in their own writing style • provide a works cited list for every source used • ensure that others do not copy their work • ensure that work they submit is actually their own

The Library

Students may borrow the following number of books: PreK to K2 2books Grade 1: 3 books

Grade 2: 3 books Grades 3 and above: 4 books or at the discretion of the

Librarian Students who do not return books on time will not be allowed to borrow additional resources. Library Charges The Library does not issue overdue fines but reserves the right to charge a replacement and processing fee for any long overdue items. An item is deemed long overdue if it has not been returned within a month of issue. At the end of the school year, students need to have returned all Library materials or made a payment for lost materials in order to receive their progress report. Parents as Borrowers Parents may borrow items from the Library, but are asked to return any item immediately if it is needed for school learning purposes. Parents borrow under the name of their eldest child at school and follow the same borrowing regulations as students. Parents who are interested in helping out in the Library on a voluntary basis should contact the librarian.

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Books and Stationery

Books are supplied to the students. Graffiti of any kind will not be accepted and students may be asked to buy replacement books if there is any kind of intentional damage. Stationery is supplied to the class.

All students Grades 1 to 5 should bring their own personal pencil case with pens, pencils, HB for writing, coloured pencils, and felt tip pens. A 30 cm ruler, ideally not a bendy one, the clear ones are helpful for younger students. In addition, highlighters and glue stick. Where possible items should be named.