INTRODUCTORY GUIDE FOR PARENTS 2017-2018 - Uptown School
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Parents Introductory Guide MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear parents, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our parents back to the new school year at Uptown. I would like to extend an especially warm welcome to our new parents. Starting at a new school can be an anxious time for both children and parents and, while we are confident that you will be impressed with the education provided at Uptown, we are also confident that you will find our community warm and inclusive. We see the education of your sons and daughters as a partnership, between the school and you at home, and at the heart of that partnership lies effective communication. Communication in any community requires constant vigilance by all members. We all need to work unerringly to provide the constant flow of information that will make your son or daughter’s time at school enjoyable and rewarding. We welcome, moreover, we encourage, parental involvement in the life of the school, so please feel free to contact us whenever you need to ask a question or discuss issues of concern. However, all successful schools are pro-active in sharing information with parents. To this end, we have created a series of Parent Handbooks, designed to give as much information as possible, for you to digest at your leisure. You will find more detailed handbooks for each section of the school on the Uptown website. However, we hope this guide can provide easy access to the general information needed to prepare for, and enjoy, the first few weeks at the school. Hopefully, this guide will help parents and children feel confident and informed about the start of the new year. However, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the school if you have any questions remaining. Yours faithfully Chris Bromham Uptown School Principal principal@uptownschool.ae 2
Parents Introductory Guide CONTENTS Page 4 Before Starting: Student Registration Page 5 Medical Information Page 5 Orientation Day and Page 6 School Timings Page 6 Finding your class on the first day of school Page 7 Drop Off & Pick Up Page 7 Parent Identifications Badges Page 8 Uniform Information Page 9 Compulsory Uniform List Page 10 Stationary Requirements, BYOD and Student Lockers Page 11 Communications at Uptown School Page 12 Frequently Used Contact Details Page 12 Attendance & Punctuality Page 13 Extra Curricular Activities Page 14 Special Educational Needs Page 14 Counsellor Page 14 Snack & Lunch Breaks Page 15 Photo Release Page 15 Bus Information Page 16 Feedback Policy Page 17 Parent Organisation –Uptown Parents Page 17 Used Uniform Shop Page 17 Parents Handbooks Page 18 Uptown Calendar 2015/16 Page 19 Location Map 3
Parents Introductory Guide BEFORE STARTING: STUDENT REGISTRATION NEW STUDENTS The KHDA registration system is now open for 2017-18. This is a necessary process for students to attend any school in Dubai. Step 1 - verification of Emirates IDs (EID) This involves scanning the chip of the physical EID of both the child and one parent, and will take 10mins. Please visit the school with the child’s EID and your own, along with your mobile phone. In addition to the EID, we will also need the following: For students coming from outside Dubai (including other Emirates) 1. Transfer certificate (TC) in English or Arabic. (if not, this should be translated and authenticated by your Embassy or Consulate). The Transfer Certificate must confirm the grade or year completed and exit date from the current school (for a midyear transfer, please also include their current grade/year) Please note that the Transfer Certificate may need to be attested –check with Admissions for details. 2. An end of academic year school report. *Please note that we need the physical Emirates ID cards, in order for them to be registered with the KHDA. This will be returned on the spot, as soon as we have collected the electronic data held in the chip. If you have not yet received your Emirates ID then we will need a copy of the EID application. For students coming from within Dubai (including other Emirates) The transfer will be completed online, between the schools; please note that this transfer process can only be done after your child has finished the school year at his/her old school. Once the online transfer has been completed, we will require you to come in with your and your child’s EID for the verification process. This will be sometime after 1st July. Step 2 - signing the KHDA Parent School Contract This step can be completed by either using the free downloadable KHDA app, or by visiting the school and signing using our electronic signature pad. We will inform you when the contract is ready for signing. Instructions for signing are to be found in on the School communicator, under Resources/KHDA/KHDA Parent School Contract - how to sign using the App. EXISTING STUDENTS Existing students who have already been verified in the KHDA system will not need to be re- verified. However, all students, whether new or existing must have a signed KHDA parent School Contract for the new Academic Year 2017/2018. We will inform you when the contract is ready for signing in July. Please sign the contact either using the KHDA app or by visiting the school and signing using our electronic signature pad. 4
Parents Introductory Guide MEDICAL INFORMATION All parents are required to provide the school with complete and accurate medical documents giving us an up to date history of each child. The Medical Information Form can be found online at https://www.uptownschool.ae/images/16_pdf/Uptown_School_Medical-Info-Pack2.pdf To support your child’s well-being we have three full-time nurses at school, one on each of the Early Years, PYP and MYP campuses. If you would like to discuss any element of your child’s medical care please do not hesitate to contact the relevant nurse. ORIENTATION DAY (FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE NEW TO UPTOWN) Thursday, 7th September Early Years KG1 - 8-8:45am Pre-K& KG2 - 9-9:45am Venue: Meet in individual KG classes Primary (Grades 1 to 5) Time: 10-10:45am Venue: Meet in Primary Library (followed by individual classes) Secondary (Grades 6 to12) Time: 11am-12:30pm Venue: Meet in Secondary Gym (The used uniform shop will be open from 9-11:30am on this day) 5
Parents Introductory Guide SCHOOL TIMINGS EARLY YEARS At the beginning of the school year we understand that there may be an adjustment to starting school for younger children. We seek to support them and their parents make the transition by using adjusted timings that increase each week. PRE K SCHOOL TIMINGS: Sunday 10th September to Thursday 14th September 7:45am to 10:00am Sunday 17th September to Thursday 21st September 7:45am to 12noon Sunday 24th September onwards Option 1: 7:45am to 12:30pm* Option 2: 7:45am to 2:00pm (*please note that parents will need to make their own arrangements for pick up as there is no bus at 12:30pm) K1 SCHOOL TIMINGS: Sunday 10th September to Thursday 14th September 7:45am to 12noon Sunday 17th September to Thursday 21st September 7:45am to 1:00pm Sunday 24th September onwards 7:45am to 2:00pm K2 SCHOOL TIMINGS: Sunday 10th September to Thursday 14th September 7:45am to 1:00pm Sunday 17th September onwards 7:45am to 2:30pm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MYP & DP First Day for all MYP and DP students Sunday 10 September 7.45am to 3pm Regular School Timings – Sunday through Thursday 7.45am to 3pm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PYP First Day for all Primary students Sunday 10 September 7.45am to 2.30pm Regular School Timings – Sunday through Thursday 7.45am to 2.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINDING YOUR CLASS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Noticeboards with class lists, teacher locations and general campus directions will be placed outside all key entry points to all buildings (Early Years, Primary and Secondary) to guide you to your classroom and other locations around the campus. The Primary Canteen (1st Floor in the Primary Gym) will be open, selling coffee, tea and snacks for the convenience of waiting parents. 6
Parents Introductory Guide DROP OFF & PICK UP Early Years/Kindy parents are requested to use the car park directly adjacent to the Early Years campus (off of Algeria Street/D56). Parents of students in Grades 1 -12 are asked to use the car park in front of the main administration building (off of Tripoli Street D83) Parents of Early Years or PYP students can accompany their child to the classroom, corridor or drop them in designated zones in the relevant car parks. It is not necessary for parents of MYP or DP students to accompany them to their classroom. At the end of day students will be released to their parents as follows: Early Years Pre-K – for the first few weeks, initially from classrooms. KG1 and KG2 – Students will wait inside and parents can collect directly from the gate. Grades 1 – 5 Parents may park their cars and physically collect children from the waiting rea outside the library or they can drive through and use the pick up point in the car park. Grade 6 – 12 Students will make their own way to their cars. If they are delayed, they will wait in the secondary Library. PARENT IDENTIFICATION Parents entering the school premises are required to wear their parent ID badges at all times. If need to enter the campus after 8am or before 2pm, we ask wear your ID badges and that you sign in with security at the relevant entrance. All families will be issued with two parent ID badges. Extra or replacements badges can be ordered at the Accounts office for the sum of AED50. We ask that you wear your ID badge is visibly whilst moving around the school and that you dress with modesty and respect in line with local customs and expectations in public places. 7
Parents Introductory Guide UPTOWN SCHOOL UNIFORM The aim of our uniform is for students to present a neat, work like appearance at all times and to take pride in being members of Uptown School. Personal presentation is very important and a high standard of personal appearance is expected of all students at all times. The students are our ambassadors when they are out in the community and what they do and say, and how they look reflects on all of us. The uniform is compulsory throughout the school and may be purchased from Zaks. Uniform can be ordered online from www.zaks.store.com or can be brought directly from the store at Uptown Mirdif. House Shirts are required for all students’ Grades 1-12 and can also be purchased directly from Zaks. Students will be placed in houses during their first few weeks at UTS, and will not be changed throughout the period of enrolment. There is no guarantee that siblings will be placed in the same house. All students grade 1 – 12 will also need a house shirt. Houses for new students will be allocated during the first few weeks of school. Please ensure all uniform items are clearly labeled with the child’s name and class. Name tapes are excellent or alternatively a waterproof marker pen. Students in Grades 3-12 must wear regular school uniform on PE/Swim days and change into their sports kit for their lessons. Grade 1 & 2 students may wear PE kit on both PE and Swim days. ZAKS Uptown Mirdif Mall • Ground Level (behind Starbucks) Corner of 47 & Algeria St PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT IN MIRDIF CITY CENTRE Tel: 04 284 7384 Timing: 9:30am to 7:30pm Saturday to Thursday www.zaksstore.com 8
Parents Introductory Guide THE COMPULSORY UNIFORM LIST Early Years White or blue polo shirt with Uptown logo Navy blue shorts White Velcro Trainers and white socks. Navy Uptown swimsuit/swim shorts, Uptown swim cap GRADES 1-5 White formal shirt GIRLS - Tartan skort (optional long tartan skirt) BOYS - Navy Bermuda shorts (optional full-length navy trousers) Plain black school shoes (black sports shoes or canvas shoes are not acceptable) Plain white socks. Blue Uptown cap with or without flaps (No hat, no play) PE KIT FOR BOYS & GIRLS White polo shirt with Uptown logo and navy blue shorts Training shoes with non-marking soles Navy blue swimsuit/swim shorts and Uptown swim cap GRADES 6-12 Girls Blue formal blouse with side slit (long sleeve available as "made to order") Navy skirt or trousers with pin stripe Blazer (available as "made to measure") Blazers are an optional item Plain black school shoes - black sports shoes or canvas shoes are not suitable Plain white or gray socks Blue Uptown cap Boys Blue formal shirt straight cut Navy trousers with pin stripe Blazer (available as "made to measure") Blazers are an optional item Plain black school shoes - black sports shoes or canvas shoes are not suitable Plain white or gray socks Blue Uptown cap PE KIT FOR BOYS AND GIRLS White polo shirt with Uptown logo and navy blue shorts Training shoes with non-marking soles and a change of socks Navy blue swimsuit/swim shorts and Uptown swim cap In the cooler months: Uptown jumpers and fleeces available which can be worn. non uniform jumpers or jackets may not be worn. 9
Parents Introductory Guide STATIONARY/EQUIPMENT At the start of the school year students will need to equip themselves with the following items Primary Students will need a pencil case containing the following: 2HB lead pencils Set of coloured pencils Ruler (30cm) Pair of round-ended scissors for cutting paper Good quality eraser Black and/or blue pens (Grade 4 & 5 only) Pencil sharpener USB Flash Drive (Grade 4 & 5 only) Secondary Students will need the following: Black and/or blue pens Pencils Pencil Sharpener Eraser Highlighters Coloured Pencils 30cms ruler USB Flash Drive Protractor Scientific Calculator (Casio Fx82 or Fx100 is recommended) Compass All of the above should be able to fit into a reasonable size pencil case. Students in Early Years will be provided with everything that they need. BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE TO SCHOOL (BYOD) Grade 5 and upwards students will benefit from carrying a digital device to enhance their learning. This may be a smart phone, Tablet or Laptop computer. All must follow the BYOD policy. From Grade 9 upwards, students must have a laptop in order to augment their courses with software and resources that facilitates the needs of our digitally agile students. STUDENT LOCKERS/CUBBIES All Early Years and PYP students will be provided with a cubbyhole for storing their lunch and belongings. These are located outside of their classrooms. Large “wheelie” bags are not suitable, as they do not fit into the cubby spaces. Secondary students will have a locker, which will be in the corridors close to their homeroom. Secondary students will be required to place a combination lock on the locker to secure it. Students should ensure their combination is given to their homeroom teacher in case they forget the number. 10
Parents Introductory Guide COMMUNICATIONS AT UPTOWN SCHOOL There are several ways in which Uptown will communicate with parents: School Communicator The D6 Schools Communicator, our school app, is the main communication tool for school- wide notifications from the school to parents. All parents are strongly encouraged to download this (called the D6 for short). It is available for mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop. Just go to www.six-delta.com, select Uptown school from the schools list, click on the device you are using and download. NB: on your phone, please simply visit the App Store/Play Store and search for ‘D6 Communicator.’ It has a blue logo: 1. Download the App to your device and register following the online instructions 2. Select Country - UAE 3. Select Schools –Uptown School 4. Personalise with your child’s class(es) class and select the channels in which you are interested – sports, music, ECAs, external events, etc. Class teachers will also send emails to parents when communicating class-specific information. Email You can communicate directly with any member staff within the school via email. All UTS emails follow the format FSURNAME@uptownschool.ae where F is the first letter of the staff members forename, followed by the surname. (see contact list on the next page for more information) ManageBac ManageBac is an online learning platform used at Uptown School. You can use ManageBac to oversee aspects of your child’s education including contact details and attendance, teacher emails, portfolios, curriculum overviews and reports. For Secondary parents, your son/daughter will also use Managebac account in order to access their homework. We will send out information on setting up a Managebac account early next year.Should you have concerns or questions regarding Managebac, please feel free to get in touch. Student Diaries/Planners Primary and Secondary students carry Planners/ Diaries for their day to day notices. Please check your child’s diary on a daily or weekly basis and sign it off as required. Social Media We also have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. These are used to celebrate school life, whether extraordinary achievements or simply to document day to day events. www.facebook.com/uptownschooldubai/ www.twitter.com/UptownSchoolDXB www.instagram.com/uptownschooldubai/ 11
Parents Introductory Guide FREQUENTLY USED CONTACT DETAILS Main School Number 04 251 5001 Contact Extension number Email address Main Reception 0 Early Years Section 204 Primary Section 219 Secondary Section 400 Nurses Early Years Nurse- ext. 202 Primary Nurse- ext. 212 Secondary Nurse - ext. 407 PE Departments Early Years Gym – ext. 306 Primary PE Office – ext. 226 Secondary PE Office – ext.4ise School Canteens Primary ext. 236 Secondary ext. 410 Accounts – ext. 228 Admissions: Admissions Manager- ext. 201 Registrar - ext.203 ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY If your child is unwell or has an unforeseen absence from school please email or call the relevant Section Secretary before 8am. Absences for sickness that last for 3 days or longer will require medical certification. We believe that good attendance and punctuality are vital in enabling students to make the most of their learning opportunities at Uptown. By attending every day, research indicates: * Learning is made easier * Students who develop good patterns of attendance and punctuality early on at school tend to continue in this pattern throughout their school life and beyond. * With good attendance and punctuality students will achieve better results, have greater confidence, have increased self esteem and develop useful skills for the workplace. 12
Parents Introductory Guide 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
Parents Introductory Guide SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Uptown School prides itself on its inclusive approach to education. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, nationality, disability 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 IB learning programmes. Teachers are assisted by specialist staff, such as our Head of Student Support and Specialist Teachers and assistants, in the identification of and provision for an individual student’s specific or exceptional learning needs. If a student should need additional learning support beyond that available at the school, then the school reserves the right to pass on to parents part or all of the additional cost incurred. Our determination to cultivate and maintain an inclusive ethos of the highest quality is fundamental to the way in which our school is developing. We define, implement and review all of our policies to promote inclusion, and have developed policies to tackle abusive behaviour such as racism and bullying if it emerges. We also ensure that at Uptown students themselves have a prominent voice in all matters that affect them, and we act fairly and decisively in dealing with any behaviour that is contrary to our inclusive ethos. At all times we seek to provide exemplary leadership as role models ourselves. COUNSELLING We have two full time counselors at Uptown – for Early Years, Primary and Secondary. They promote the development of personal, emotional and social skills relevant to specific age groups. They also conduct individual and group counseling sessions on topics such as friendship, anxiety, parental divorce, anger and behaviour management. SNACK & LUNCH BREAKS Here at Uptown we encourage our students to develop healthy eating habits from an early age. Students are encouraged to socialise and practice their table manners as they eat. The school canteens operate in the Primary and Secondary schools. Students may purchase snacks and/or lunch. Monthly menus and the monthly purchase program are outlined on the Communicator, in the Resources/Canteen-Slices/ and are listed in the canteens on a daily basis. Options include healthy choices where students can choose from a variety of hot foods, salads, sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, wholegrain snacks and healthy beverages. 14
Parents Introductory Guide Students in Early Years are not able to visit the school canteens, but parents may pre-order lunches that will be delivered to the classrooms. We ask that parents support our healthy eating policy by ensuring they send their children to school with suitable and healthy packed lunches. We request packed lunches do not contain sweets, crisps, cookies, fizzy drinks or caffeine fueled energy drinks. It is incredibly difficult for children to focus and get the most out of their time in school if they are overloaded with sugar and poor food choices. IMPORTANT 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. We also ask parents make their children aware that we do not share food to ensure we are respectful of all the other religious beliefs concerning food products. SCHOOL PHOTO RELEASE Uptown School has an ‘opt out’ policy regarding photos taken at the school during the school day and at school events such as sports, performances and classroom activities. Photos will be used for display around the school, in our School Yearbook, the Uptowner, and for promotion of the school and taken for school year pictures. If you do not want your child included in photographs at Uptown School please contact the following: secondaryoffice@uptownschool.ae for Grades 6-12 eyoffice@uptownschool.ae for grades Pre-k, K1 & KG 2 primaryoffice@uptownschool.ae for Grades 1-5. Note: The opt out policy includes the annual school class photos (as these are published online). BUS INFORMATION The bus provider for Uptown School is Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC. Parents please contact Arab Falcon directly to sign up and discuss your transportation requirements. By RTA rules a bus helper/nanny will travel with each vehicle. For all bus-related information please contact: Ms Farah, Transport Manager, +971 (0)50 110 7063 or farah@arabfalcondubai.ae. Arab Falcon Main Office Number: +971 (0)4 397 6490 or 04 397 6492 15
Parents Introductory Guide FEEDBACK POLICY At Uptown, we believe that students and parents are entitled to expect courteous and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. The School takes very seriously any complaints and concerns that may arise which involves either your own child or the School as a whole. We also welcome suggestions and feedback on how to improve the School. In the event that a parent wishes to make a formal complaint, the following is shortened version of our complaints procedure. (The full version can be obtained from Gloria Celeridad, the Principal’s PA) Stage 1: It is advisable that any parent who has a concern about any aspect related to: their child, class teacher or the class, shares his/her concerns in the first instance with, his/ her class teacher. The parent should request an appointment with the teacher preferably by email. Should the matter remain unresolved then the parent may take it up with the Grade Level Leader, Leader of Learning (if in Secondary), or other appropriate member of the Leadership team. Stage 2: Referral to Principal/Head of Section (HOS). If the individual is dissatisfied with the response they have been given and would like to take their complaint further, the Principal/HOS will meet with the individual and discuss their concerns and wishes. It may still be appropriate and satisfactory to reach an informal resolution at this point. If not, and if the parent wishes to proceed to a formal complaint then he or she should submit a written complaint to the student’s class teacher or form tutor preferably by email, which will be forwarded to the Principal/HOS. The Principal/HOS should formally acknowledge the complaint within 24 hours of receiving it and begin an investigation. When the investigation into the complaint is completed, the Principal/HOS/School Complaints Committee will meet with the parents to discuss the outcome within 10 working days of the acknowledgment Stage 3: In the event that the complainant remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the School’s investigation, the matter may be referred to the School Executive Board. Stage 4: In the unlikely event that the School is unable to address an individual’s concerns to their satisfaction, the individual may wish to approach the regulator, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). 16
Parents Introductory Guide PARENT ORGANISATION – UPTOWN PARENTS Uptown Parents (UP), the parent organisation meets once a month to support the activities of the school in general. UP supports school-wide events such as International Day, Eid Dinner, UAE Day, Family Fun Day, the Used Uniform Shop, Staff Appreciation and other community events at school. Uptown School welcomes parents into the school and we actively encourage parents who have the time to join the Uptown Parents (UP), act as Link Parents, or help out on special occasions. Early Years and Primary classes each have a volunteer class parent called the Link Parent. These volunteers act as liaison between the classroom teacher and parents in her/his class. Please join us on Tuesday 3rd October, 8-9am, in Meeting Room A, Admin Building,1st floor to find out how you can become part of the Parent Organisation, or volunteer to be a Link Parent. Contact UP with questions at UPF@uptownschool.ae. USED UNIFORM SHOP (OPERATED BY THE UPTOWN PARENTS) The shop is located in the main admin building, near reception. Hours are Mondays, 1.45- 2.45pm. If you would like to donate uniforms please see the Admissions office. Parents donate outgrown uniforms for sale in the Used Uniform Shop. In addition, uniform items are collected from lost and found monthly. Any labeled but unclaimed uniform items are returned to classes for students. Any unlabeled uniform items in good condition are washed and sold in the used uniform shop. PARENT HANDBOOKS There are Parent & Student Handbooks for each of the Early Years, PYP, MYP and DP sections of Uptown. These are designed to be helpful to you and your family, as you become a member of the Uptown School community. The handbooks will be available to download from our Uptown School website and also made available on the D6 Communicator. Please use them as a reference when necessary, and feel free to contact the school should you require further clarification. We have an open-door policy and welcome your feedback Should you have any further questions about any aspect of life at Uptown, please do not hesitate to contact our Parent Relations Officer via email at community@uptownschool.ae 17
Parents Introductory Guide UPTOWN CALENDAR 2017-2018 Sunday 20 August First day for new teachers Sunday 27 August All faculty and teaching assistants return to school Thursday 7 September Orientation Day for NEW students Sunday 10 September First day for ALL students Friday 22 September* Islamic New Year public holiday* Sunday 22 October No school for students - Professional development for faculty & staff Sunday 29 October – Mid-term break for students and teaching staff Saturday 4 November First day back after break 5 November 30 November* Prophet Mohammed’s birthday* & Commemoration (Martyr’s) Day 2-3 December UAE National Day holiday Sunday 17 December- Winter Break (extended to three weeks) Saturday 6 January First day back after winter break 7 January Sunday 11 February No school for students -Professional development for faculty & staff Monday 12 - Thursday 15 Mid-term break for students and teaching staff February Spring break for students and teaching staff Sunday 25 March - Saturday 7 April Students return from spring break Sunday 8 April Friday 13 April* Al Isra W'al Miraj* Sunday 13 May No school for students - Professional development for faculty & staff Thursday 14 June* Eid Al Fitr* Thursday 5 July Last Day for students and teaching staff Tuesday 31 July First semester fees due for year 2018-19 * Islamic Public Holidays are based on lunar observations may vary by one or two days. The Administration and Admission offices are open 8am-4pm every weekday. 18
Parents Introductory Guide LOCATION MAP 19
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