SummaRISe 31 - Raffles International School

Thursday, 3 May 2012 Issue 31
GENERAL NURSERY
KG JUNIOR SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR
EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG JUNIOR SCHOOL 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 Cambridge Primary Programme Presentation for parents at 10:00am
(Nursery-KG-Junior)
“My first license” All Grades
15 May 2012 Arabic Fun Day
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 Volunteers Appreciation Morning
30 May 2012 Bake Sale - PARIS-Grades 1 to 5

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG JUNIOR SCHOOL A S A ARABIC & ISLAMIC
Dear Parents,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. 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

Dear Parents,
The admissions office is continuing to take new enrollments for the next school year.
For those who are planning to return, or leave RISS, please contact the admissions office.
There are many forms already returned for re-enrolling. This notification is also needed if
you are changing schools or need to take school records with you. All schools must inform
KHDA about student movements. We encourage you to contact the admissions office to
complete this formality.
The musical production is progressing. You will receive a notice about the costume needs for your child. Please
contact your child‟s teacher if any clarification is needed.
The students are now having their recess breaks inside the school building. Please continue to send a water
bottle, with your child's name on it.
PARIS has provided many delightful events during the school year. Thank you for being a participant and member
of PARIS. The remaining weeks will have additional events that you may get involved with.
Regards,
Donavon Reinsmoen
Superintendent
Dear Parents,
As the summer temperatures begin to soar, children are advised to bring in their
hats to play outside as well as carry their water bottles to the play areas and to specialist
lessons. Teachers remind children to drink enough water during the day and it would help to reinforce
the same message at home as well.
Please make certain that children have enough money on their ID cards or have cash to purchase food from the
cafeteria. Sometimes children who do not have either, are using their friends‟ ID card numbers or buying food
on credit. It is challenging for the cafeteria management to maintain accounts and follow up on payments.
The planning for the new academic year is in full swing with recruitment of staff, ordering of resources, facility
enhancements and the drawing up of the Action Plan 2012 - 2013. Teachers and management are working
hand in hand to make sure that the start of the New Year is both smooth and exciting for the children.
At this time of the year, we also start looking into the placement of teachers and the regrouping of children.
Both of these are complex exercises which take into account the particular skills of teachers, their interest in
the age group as well as their experience. Reshuffling of children into new groups is also a complex exercise
which takes into account the age, gender, ability levels, nationalities and friends. This exercise is best done by
teachers who know the children‟s personalities and needs within a classroom.
Continued on page 3

I am confident that all parents will trust and support the decisions made by teachers and management regarding
the placement of our students. Children may also have their preferences but surely they are not always
able to define what is good for their learning experience in the classroom. Please understand that we will not
be able to accommodate any request for teachers or on the placement of children in the new academic year.
The South Campus annual production is coming along fine with parents, staff and students all excited and
working together. Thank you for your support and all the best wishes.
I am sure we will have another spectacular event that will be enjoyed and appreciated by the whole school
community.
With kind regards
Zeba Khan
Head of Junior School
Hi All,
Its been a hectic time at school with many of our students preparing and presenting
show boards of Science experiments, for Science Week. I was so impressed to see
such a variety of investigations take place. I found it very hard to judge this year as
the standard was high in content and presentation. All the students and their teachers are to be commended
for their input into producing quality show board in Science. A big thank you to Ms. Megan for organizing the
Science Exhibition so thoroughly.
I enjoyed the visit from Virgin Radio as did the students as they entertained us and gave away some freebies.
Thank you to Ms. Deirdre and Ms. Lisa for organising this event in the school.
As we draw closer to the end of the year, it is evident the students are tired and become less patient with each
other arising in small conflicts whether verbally or physically. Please be supportive to remind your students to
use their „WITS” should something happen to them that they don‟t like.
W - Walk away
I - Ignore
T - Tell Someone
S - Seek Help
If they remember this and put it into practise, it will always work to their advantage in solving a matter more
positively.
Regards,
Peter Hickey
Deputy Head of Junior School

Dear Parents,
ELS-Grades One and Two!
Music to my ears!
A special thank you goes to the wonderful Grade One and Two ELS students, who performed their musical
assembly on Thursday April 30 th , 2012. The Grade One‟s had done an excellent job singing two new songs
while the Grade Two students had done a brilliant job preforming the difficult task of singing in a “round!”
Both groups sang with clear voices, courage and actions for each specific song. A special thank you goes to
Amanda and Jiwoo in Grade One for preforming a duet and Romina in Grade Two for preforming a solo.
I am very proud of all the students.
Over the next two weeks the Grade One students will be studying the People in the Community. Some of our
vocabulary words will be: bus driver, dentist, doctor, fire fighter, nurse, police officer, shop keeper, taxi driver
and police car. Pronouns: I, he, she you. Verbs: be (am, is) see.
The Grade Two students will be doing a book review of the exciting story “Do Not Wake the Dragon”. While
studying this book the emphasis will be on the simple past, with such words as: found, took and woke.
ELS tips of the day!
Up-grade Your Vocabulary
Most students write using their exist-
ing and largely surface vocabulary - words that
come to you without much thought. This is understandable because, as you write and think you have to juggle
many things in your mind. Your vocabulary is like an iceberg. You can only see 20% of an iceberg above the
water, but most of it is below the surface. Similarly you know and recognise many more words than you actively
use. You can improve your writing by up-grading, or improving, your vocabulary by diving under the surface
for better words and expressions.
Warm regards,
Michelle Jenkins
Dear Parents,
On Thursday 26 th April, three of the Virgin radio presenters arrived at our school in a limo armed with
20 goodie bags – Kris Fade, Rossi and Pritty. They received a warm welcome by Grades 1-5 in the multipurpose
hall. All three presenters entertained us with some singing and invited some of our students to
help. There was plenty of time to ask the presenters questions regarding working in radio and presenting.
Everybody had lots of fun and would happily welcome them all back again. Two lucky students from each
class in Grades 3-5 were given goodie bags that contained a mug, t-shirt and body wash.
Lisa Butcher

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ARABIC & ISLAMIC

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ARABIC & ISLAMIC
Dear Parents, Grandparents and Extended family,
We are in the middle of a very exciting Science week, as our young explorers open up
their curious minds to ask questions and absorb interesting facts. As part of the Science
week, the Nursery children will be visiting the Main school where the proud students of
higher grades have put together projects for view.
The classrooms are „abuzz‟ with activity and quiet concentrated work. The teachers are busy getting children
ready as they move towards completion of this academic year in June.
We have been having our Parent Teacher Conferences in the form of DID days for the past two weeks to give
you a chance to discuss the progress of our children. The children are developing beautifully and the teachers
are eager to share this with you. Please make an appointment to see your child‟s teacher in case you have not
already done so.
On April 22 nd we „celebrated‟ Earth day. As I walked around the classrooms I witnessed some engrossing
conversations during circle time, during which the teachers were talking to the children about the importance
of taking care of our Earth. If we engrain these virtues in our children at a tender age we are already paving
the way for them to become responsible citizens of the world tomorrow.
Garima Kapoor
A big thank you to all the parents
who donated plants for Earth day!

Marco on his birthday
Dear Parents,
Martin enjoys his
birthday celebration
Casa B has been enjoying learning in lots of
our different areas. Our Culture topics add a
little bit of fun in the classroom; for example,
recently we learnt about reptiles. The children
enjoyed making crafts and reading
about lizards, turtles, snakes etc.
We would like to thank all the parents who
came for the Parent Teacher Conference.
Hopefully we‟ve answered all your questions
and have helped out with your concerns. If you wish to speak to me
please come in on my DID.
Happy Birthday to Marco who turned 4 on April 20 th 2012 and Martin who turned 4 on April 21 st 2012.
Thank you for the delicious cupcakes we all enjoyed them.
Shahana and Micaela
Dear Parents,
Third term seems to be moving at a fast rate, but as usual filled with
lots of exciting activities! It was lovely to see all the children dressed
up in brown on “Brown Day” including the girls who love wearing
pink!
During our Montessori time it‟s nice to see the concentration the
children have as they explore more complex Mathematical and
Language activities and Culture topics thereby gaining knowledge and
understanding of the world.
Our music classes are now something the children look forward to
especially as they practice songs for the upcoming social events.
We have had very interesting topics in our Culture subjects which included Reptiles and Amphibians, where
we also learnt the Life Cycle of a Frog. This week we have been looking at different types of birds around the
world and discussing the various colours of their beautiful feathers. A practical way to differentiate shades of
colours!
We are looking forward to the Science Week where we have lots of discoveries and exciting experiments to
make!
Casa F time is rushing by, and every moment we share together, is precious and never to be forgotten.
Joanne and Judee

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ARABIC & ISLAMIC
Dear Parents,
The visit we had from William Bickerdike gave us all, an in-depth insight for the framework
of the Cambridge Curriculum. The Cambridge Primary program, catering for 5-11 year olds,
gives schools a curriculum framework to develop English, Mathematics, and Science skills, knowledge and understanding
in younger learners. Cambridge Primary provides guidance for curriculum development and
classroom teaching and learning. It enables teachers to assess children's learning as they progress with two
optional assessments: Cambridge Primary Progression Tests and Cambridge Primary Checkpoint.
For More information, please visit their website: www.cie.org.uk.
As the summer heat is defiantly being felt by us all, please remember to provide your child with the Raffles
School Cap and a bottle of water on a daily basis.
Please read on to see what Casa‟s D, E & F have been doing.
Susie Mcshane
Dear Parents,
As the saying goes “GOODBYE is the end of something simple and the beginning of everything else.” It‟s so
hard to believe that the academic year is coming to an end. I have had the opportunity to spend the year with
an amazing bunch of children, who have shown an astounding zest to learn & work towards becoming independent
& confident children.
This month we learnt many new things & discovered themes such as Transportation and explored „what‟s
found beneath the canopy‟ with the Rainforest theme. We also enjoyed the YUMMMYYY cakes & cookies from
the bake sale. The children are all eager to take the next step and move into a new world. I wish them all the
best for the future and am so PROUD of their achievements.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents for their support and co-operation.
Kaniz Zainab

Dear Parents
We are now in our last term and what a great year it has been. All the children
are preparing to enter Grade One or KG2. The children have all grown so much
this year showing independence, confidence and the
desire to learn every day. It has been fantastic to
watch this progression. The KG2 children are doing
lots of abstract work and they all really enjoy
Creative Writing. The KG1 children have become so independent this term with
choosing their own work and helping each other. The children are enjoying our
themes of Transportation and the Rainforest. They love to bring in material;
thank you for your support in this. We also celebrated Earth Day and learnt how
we could help our environment and community. The children also enjoyed a bake
sale organised by Paris.
I have really enjoyed my first year at Raffles. The children are such a joy to teach
and the support I have received from all parents is what has made it such a wonderful
year. We are all looking forward to lots more fun in the next two months and
preparing for graduation.
Samantha Naughton
Dear Parents,
Casa F had a wonderful time sharing their work at Parent Teacher Conference. Once again thank you to all
the parents for their continuous support. In the month of April Casa F celebrated seven birthdays in
Montessori way, marking that children are getting older, including Ms. Innie‟s Birthday.
Their Creative Writing is becoming more expressive and they created a wall with their creative writing.
Casa F is abstracting the concepts in all areas of work. We are thoroughly enjoying our swimming lessons.
They learnt lots during the themes Dinosaur, Transportation and Rainforest. Casa F has now become ardent
recyclers especially after commemorating Earth Day on the 22 nd of April.
We are now gearing up towards the end of the year, preparing ourselves for the next year.
Thank you for all your help at home.
Shireen Ahmed

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY
KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ARABIC & ISLAMIC
Dear Parents,
In Grade 1 we have been learning how to do simple word problems. We are learning about Matter and how
matter can change if it is heated or cooled. We also visited the Science laboratory to do some experiments. It is
so interesting! Our teachers said we were already scientists because we listened and answered so well.
Dear Parents,
In Grade 2 we are completing our unit on Ancient Egypt and 2A presented
some interesting facts in their class assembly on the 16 th of April. We
have also learnt about pyramids and the purpose these structures served in
Egyptian culture. Students worked in groups to design their Egyptian-style
pyramid by turning a pile of sugar cubes into a model
pyramid! We have really enjoyed learning about this topic and are
looking forward to studying the Solar System as well as Light and
Dark in the coming weeks.

Dear Parents,
Grade 3 students have had a wonderful Science Week. Not only did we display
our fantastic projects at the Science Fair, we also did several experiments in the
classroom to learn about Friction.
We learned that Friction creates heat, that different surfaces create different
amounts of friction, that lubrication decreases friction and that rolling causes
less friction then sliding. Students really enjoyed doing the hands on Science activities and working in groups
and pairs.

Dear Parents,
INDIVIDUAL SCIENCE PROJECTS
Well what a busy time! Grade Four have spent much of their time at home preparing their individual projects
for the Science fair. Students were able to work closely with their parents to collate ideas for their projects.
There has been a constant ’buzz’ in the classroom as students have been presenting their work to the class in
preparation for the ‘big day’. Whilst practicing their presentation, students have been able to experience the
pressure of answering questions about their particular piece of research, at the same time being able to share
their area of expertise and knowledge with the group. Overall, this aspect of the science curriculum has been a
huge success. Watch this space to find out the final results from the judges!!

Dear Parents,
It did not take long for action to begin after the Spring Break. In Grade 5, students had absorbing sessions
sharing their learning with the parents during the Student Led Parent Teacher Meeting. Students discussed
their goals, portfolios, assessments and achievements and answered questions posed by the parents. It was
indeed rewarding to see them do this with great enthusiasm and confidence.
All of last week the fifth graders have been showcasing amazing science projects during their class presentations.
From osteoporosis to decalcification of egg shells, designing bridges and chemical reactions, the Science
Fair proved to be a great platform for students to express their scientific thinking and skills. The sheer
hard work and effort showed through at every presentations. Eureka!!! We say.
The Student Council organised their first fundraiser for Dubai Cares during the “Pyjama Day” on the campus.
Students as well as teachers came in dressed in their pyjamas and made donations which will go a long way to
improve the state of education in countries in Africa and Asia. The very same day they had a whale of a time
with Chris Fade from Virgin Radio who had the students enthralled with his “question answer” session.
As we move onto the month of May, we will begin preparations for the Final Assessments. There will be a
revision week and we will be guiding the students on preparation for exams. The School Counsellor will
address the students‟ concerns leading upto the exams during their Life Skills lessons.

EVENTS CALENDAR GENERAL NURSERY KG
JUNIOR SCHOOL
ARABIC & ISLAMIC
Dear Parents,
Meal time is very important to Islamic people. Grade 1 children show enthusiasm in learning the manners of
eating they have to follow. It is important for them to say “In the name of Allah “ before eating as well as after
eating the food they will say “ Thanks Allah “ .
They learn the importance of eating using only their right hand and take the food which is in front of them or
on their plate without taking from others. To make it more practical, the Islamic teachers with the
cooperation of Madam Amina Al Najar brought food in school for the children to experience and practice
their manners of respecting the food which a gift from Prophet Mohammed. Inserted here are pictures which
were taking during their experience in the cafeteria.
Heba Al Saadi & Ghada Abu Shareb