Volume 6 Issue 5 7 November, 2012
newsletter
VISS
IT’S MOVEMBER! VISS Behaviour Management Strategies
See page 6 for
more...
See PDF files attached with Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
SUPPORTING EDUCATION IN SHARJAH
with some assistance from the two heads
of school, Ms Mary and Mr Dean, and a lot
of assistance from our head of Arabic, Mr
Waleed Jamil, as the workshops will be given in
English and Arabic. It is likely the program will
be adapted for assistant principals later in the
year. I’m looking forward to it.
Dr Roderick Crouch
Principal
I
am delighted to advise that VISS has been
asked by the Sharjah Educa on Council
and the MOE to develop several training
programs to assist government school
teachers and principals in the 50 government
primary schools in Sharjah.
The first program is a leadership training
program for school principals. This will
consist of five fortnightly 4 hour workshops,
the first being today at the school. I will be
preparing and delivering these workshops
www.viss.ae
PUBLIC AND RELIGIOUS
HOLIDAYS
Over the next few weeks, there are several
poten al public and religious holidays. Islamic
New Year will be on Thursday 15 November
and of course, UAE Na onal day is Sunday 2
December. As parents are aware, decisions
regarding public and religious holidays are
The second program is a mentoring program made quite close to the day itself.
for primary school teachers. We will host
40 teachers from 20 government primary Currently, I have received conflic ng advice as
schools for 10 workshops on best prac ce to whether there will be one or two days of
in the classroom, which we will develop and public holidays for UAE Na onal Day. Some
deliver. Twenty of our own staff have eagerly have stated that past prac ce has been to have
volunteered to assist. Visi ng teachers will be two days. However, yet last year, one of these
here for a full week star ng 11 November and was a Saturday and the holiday was combined
then for a day each subsequent fortnight. Ms with the Islamic New Year.
Mary will be the coordinator of this program.
There will also be opportuni es for those staff Each teaching day is important. Therefore, as
involved to visit the schools of the teachers they we have all just enjoyed an addi onal day at
are mentoring. The program will run un l the Eid, and the end of term is on 15 December, no
end of Term 2. We will be running this program decision will be made by the school regarding
in conjunc on with the Australian Interna onal UAE Day (2 December) un l there is an official
School, as staff there will also be mentoring, announcement.
though VISS has been asked to coordinate it. It Once we know, we will communicate via email
is both an honour and a wonderful recogni on or SMS to parents. I can advise that Thursday
of the benefits of Australian educa on that we 15 November will be a holiday for Islamic New
have been asked to develop these programs. Year.
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
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VISS
newsletter
GOOD LISTENING
I
FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
came across the following recently ,
concerning good listening skills. While it was
originally wri en for husbands and wives to
help them listen to each other, especially in
terms of providing a good example to children,
the advice is applicable to all of us when we
speak with each other – whether that be our
spouse, our children, our parents, or indeed
the staff here at school.
“It is our choices...
that show what we
truly are, far more than
our abilities.” – Albus
Dumbledore.
Mr Andrew Marshall
Deputy Head of the
Secondary School
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
IDEAS AND TIPS
① Stop whatever you are doing so you
can look at whoever is speaking and pay
full a en on to his/her words and body
language.
② Save ques ons or comments for a er
the person has finished.
③ Focus on understanding the speaker’s
point of view and feelings about the
situa on.
④ Ask ques ons that encourage the
person to talk instead of giving a yes or no
answer. Avoid too many ques ons – this
can sound like an interroga on.
⑤ Confirm whether you’ve understood
what he/she means.
⑥ Show that you are interested in finding
out more by asking for clarifica on.
⑦ If in conflict, try not to assume that
the other person is being hur ul, or is the
one with the problem.
T
here are always consequences for any choices we make – good or bad. We
want to encourage our students to make good choices so they can experience
good consequences.
Like all good schools, we have a robust Behaviour Management Policy that outlines
consequences and sanc ons we use when students make the wrong choices about the
way they behave in school. Some mes it is too easy to focus on the nega ve things.
Therefore, we also have a system of rewards that is designed to recognise posi ve
behaviour and acknowledge students when they make appropriate decisions. This
year, we have called this system ‘VISS Values in Prac ce’.
This system reflects the values of our school, which are Excellence, Diversity, Learning,
Integrity and Community. We encourage our students to strive for Excellence in
everything they do. We provide opportuni es here to ensure every student has the
chance to excel in something they are good at.
We are all different and celebra ng the diversity in our school community helps us to
be good global ci zens. Learning is, of course, at the heart of everything we do and we
encourage students to learn at every opportunity they can. It is vital that we are true
to ourselves and are honest about the things we do. We expect students to conduct
themselves with integrity in their schoolwork and in their dealings with the people
around them. It is vital that we all have a sense of community and that we develop
habits of giving back and helping others who are in need.
These values underpin everything we do at school and our posi ve rewards system
supports our students in learning how to make good choices in their schooling and
in life. Help us to support your child by celebra ng their good choices with us. “It
is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abiliƟes.” – Albus
Dumbledore.
A ached to the newsle er is a PDF of the Behaviour Management Strategies.
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
3
VISS
newsletter
FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
Visit to N_K_D Pizza 6 Grade
A
group of Grade 6 students from all three classes went to N_K_D Pizza at Dubai
Marina on Thursday 1 November. This excursion was part of the Business
and Enterprise program at VISS to teach students about different types of business
and how a business runs. The Manager of Opera ons of N_K_D Pizza, Colin De Bruin,
commented on the fantas c a tude and behaviour of our students – well done!
Ms Tordy Brain
Grade 6 teacher
From the students:
We went to N_K_D Pizza on 1 November for an amazing
me. Twenty-one students went with Ms Tordy, Mr Coby and
Alyina from the Young Business Minds to take the pictures.
When we arrived, we were all excited about making the pizza.
First, we put on t-shirts and hairnets ( which we were able to keep )
as Colin explained how pizza can be healthy. In N_K_D Pizza,
the business works differently than most pizza places. The thing
that makes it so special is that they have 55 drivers so that you
can get your pizza in 21 minutes rather than wai ng one hour
like an ordinary pizza place. The flour they use is also special –
it’s made out of 10 grains and seeds so it’s healthier and tas er.
A er Colin finished explaining, we split into two groups. The
first group started making their pizzas, while the other group
started talking and reviewing everything we heard from Colin
(the Opera ons Manager), James (Franchise Manager) and
Szilvia (HR Manager). When it was our turn to make pizzas,
there were various toppings you could choose!
A er
everybody made their pizza, we ate them and got a juice.
On returning to school we presented to the Grade 6
classes what we did, tole her how much fun it was and
how the business works and what made it so successful.
We truly appreciate the teachers who put a lot of effort into this
amazing trip – thank you.
Fa ma Ali and Hamed Majed
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
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VISS
newsletter
F1 IN SCHOOLS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SCHOOL
O
n Tuesday 30 October a group of 20 students from Grades 5-7 a ended the
F1 in Schools World Championship in Abu Dhabi at Ferrari World. The F1 in
Schools program was started in England as a means of developing greater interest
in design and technology. The program not only caters for those areas, but also
fosters the development of problem solving skills across all areas of the curriculum.
Our students were able to see the best teams from across the world, who were
each represen ng their na on in the compe on. The quality of the research,
designs, displays, engineering and passion of the par cipa ng students was simply
breathtaking and provided great inspira on for our future F1 in Schools students.
Our students were then lucky enough to be able to engage
in some real engineering feats by exploring Ferrari World
and enjoying various rides. We are really looking forward to
beginning the program again for the 2012-13 compe on
and our teams will welcome community support in the
form of sponsorship, goods and services in the future.
F1 in Schools Display at the 2012 E had Airways Abu Dhabi
Formula One Grand Prix
Last year VISS entered two teams in the UAE F1 in Schools
Na onal Championships. Both teams presented excellent
designs, team iden es and cars to the judges. As a result of
their high calibre entries they were asked to be in charge of the
F1 in Schools display at the grand prix on Saturday 3 November
between 2 and 4pm.
This involved the students taking the public through the display
and explaining the steps involved in the program. It was a really
worthwhile way for the students to display their understandings and
promote the program to local and interna onal guests. This group
of Grade 6 students is to be congratulated for their dedica on and
enthusiasm towards F1 in Schools and have surely encouraged many
other students, parents and teachers to join such a rewarding task.
Mubadala recognized this and provided the school with a number of
complimentary ckets to the grand prix as an incen ve to F1 in Schools
par cipants and as a thank you to the students for manning the display.
Mr Bradley Venn
Grade 7B teacher
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
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VISS
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DEPARTMENT OF ARABIC, MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND ISLAMIC
STUDIES
VISS STUDENTS CELEBRATE HAJJ
I
n the celebra on of Hajj and Eid Al Adha, the students created models represen ng the Holy Mosque (Al Masjid
Al Haram in Mecca) and Ka’baa, as well as recrea ng the a re worn by the Muslims during Hajj. The students also
designed Eid cards to give out to their friends and loved ones to rejoice this special fes vity, a movie was screened about
Hajj and the students were very excited to be involved during this special me.
VISS STUDENTS ATTENDED AN ISLAMIC SEMINAR
ENTITLED: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAJ IN ISLAM.
Mr Waleed Jamil
Head of Arabic, MFL and Islamic Studies
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
6
VISS
newsletter
MOVEMBER
M
ovember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year ,
which raises funds and awareness for men’s health.
Movember asks men across the world to grow a moustache with the aim of raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health issues
– especially cancer. Movember moustaches were first grown in Australia back in 2003 and since that me word of Movember and its
men’s health messages have spread across the globe. In Movember, guys (Mo Bros) register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face
and then for the remainder of the month dedicate themselves to growing a fine moustache.
A number of the male teachers at VISS are par cipa ng in Movember and are seeking your understanding and sponsorship of this
charity event. Please get behind the male teachers as we aim to raise as much money as we can for this worthwhile cause. Each
par cipa ng teacher will be seeking the support of par cular classes as they race to raise the most money and take out the tle of
VISS Man of Movember. Teachers will distribute their individual Movember website to classes so you can login and donate directly to
the charity. Thank you in advance for your support and remember to check their websites and the newsle er for updated photos and
fundraising progress.
Mr Bradley Venn
Grade 7B teacher
VISS SENIOR SCHOOL PRODUCTION
Planning and prepara ons are well underway for this year’s show. We will
be presen ng a musical en tled ‘Bugsy Malone’ in Term 3, which is set
amid the back streets and glamour of New York in the 1920’s. It should
be a fun and enjoyable produc on for cast, crew and audience alike.
The play is open to all students from Grade 6-13. Audi ons will start in
early November. Please watch the school bulle n for all details and full
rehearsals will commence when school resumes in Term 2.
All budding actors, singers, dancers and backstage crew are urged to
become involved. This is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and
shine!
Any queries or ques ons should be directed to Mr Peter or Ms Amina.
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
7
VISS
newsletter
GRADE 9 MATHS
I
n Grade 9 Maths, we have been looking at the different ways of represen ng data. One of
these ways is the use of the Venn diagram. In order for students to make a connec on with
their own situa on, we took the students outside where they created life size Venn diagrams
using chalk on the concrete. The data used was about the Grade 9 students themselves,
with all 40 students making up the universal set of data. From that, smaller sets were made.
These included boys, girls, old students, new students, students taking the bus to school, and many more to make up 26 sets in total.
Students then worked in groups to answer ques ons related to the combina ons of these sets. Not only did they have the opportunity
to apply their knowledge of how Venn diagrams work, but they also learnt a bit more about each other. Some groups worked be er than
others (well done group 4!), but a great me was had by all, as you can see in the pictures.
Ms Hivin and Ms Hediah
Grade 9 Maths teachers
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
8
VISS
newsletter
NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Primary School Student Representative Council
T
he Primary School Student Representa ve Council (SRC) contributes to the life and energy
of VISS by providing an avenue for student voice. The SRC representa ves are elected by
the students in their grade and their role is to represent the students and ensure that our school
remains the best place to learn.
At mee ngs with Mr James, the students have an opportunity to represent the views of the
student body, enhance the quality of school life by organising special events and assist with whole
school events. More importantly, the SRC gives its members the opportunity to develop leadership,
organisa onal skills and work as part of a team.
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SRC FOR 2012
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
3A Maitha Julfar
4A Hannah Alapa
3B Diana Dedu
4B Majd Almitwali
3C Marjan Mohamad Yousef
4C Ibrahim Badawi
3D Elmoatasm Bila Amaer
4D Mira Faris
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
GRADE 5
Grade 5A Omar Daoud
Grade 5B Aseil Khanfer
Grade 5C Mohamed Asad
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
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VISS
newsletter
NEWS FROM EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
T
he ELC’s first Celebra on of Learning took place last
month. It was gra fying to see so many parents in the
classrooms and to witness the posi ve and rich interac ons
between parents and children. The focus of this ini al
Celebra on of Learning was literacy. The Victorian Early
Years Learning and Development Framework embraces
literacy through its communica on and learning outcomes.
These outcomes stress the importance of children
interac ng verbally and nonverbally for a range of purposes.
In our ELC classroom there is a strong focus on talking and
listening skills, inquiring, predic ng, story-based play and on
providing a wide variety of high quality and interes ng texts,
nursery rhymes, and music for our children.
There is a strong emphasis on oral communica on and
teachers con nually model appropriate language skills,
such as proper gree ngs and good manners. In addi on to
promp ng lots of polite language, such as “good morning,”
“thank you,” and “excuse me,” we are constantly conversing
with children on a wide range of topics and encouraging
them to ask ques ons and as we guide them to seek out
answers.
In addi on to modeling good language skills to the children,
the ability to listen to others is also a large focus in all ELC
classrooms. During circle me children are expected to
listen while the teacher is explaining or while a peer is
talking.
www.viss.ae
Learning how to wait their turn to speak and how to
converse is a cri cal skill which all children need lots of
prac ce to develop.
The students are not only exposed to rich and varied oral
language but also the classrooms of the ELC offer a text
rich environment. Children spend me each day looking
through books and our walls are filled with pictures of
objects with the matching wri en words. The first word
that most of our students learn is their name, and in our
classrooms the child’s names are displayed and constantly
used as a point of reference. Recognising that wri en
symbols have meaning and make words is an essen al step
in early literacy. During play children o en begin to write
in order to represent their ideas on paper as they discover
that certain symbols have meaning. It is important to note
that this scribbling or early mark making is actually a first
step in learning to write.
Another essen al part of our literacy framework is the
focus on storytelling and drama c play. Our teachers
choose rich stories with vivid characters, humour, and
engaging plots that appeal to children. A er reading the
story aloud several mes and making the students familiar
with the characters and new vocabulary, the teacher will
encourage the children to drama se the story. Drama c
play builds up the children’s vocabulary, ability to speak in
front of others and increases confidence.
As a parent you can support your child’s early literacy
learning by taking the me to engage your son or daughter
in conversa on. Use rich and expressive language. Read
to your child every evening and prompt him/her to make
predic ons about what will happen next in the story or to
summarise the plot in their own words. Remind your child
to handle books with care and to put them back in their
proper place so that they can be enjoyed for a long me.
At VISS we want our students develop a love of language
and literacy that will not only aid children in the classroom
but will enrich them in the rest of their lives.
[email protected]
Ms Susan Rodehaver
KG2C Teacher
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
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VISS
newsletter
PRIMARY SCHOOL ART
Kandinsky was a Russian ar st. He created abstract pain ngs, such as
this one, tled Squares with Concentric Circles.
Whilst Grade 3 portraits watch us all walk past.
The Grade 1 students have created their own concentric circle pain ngs
using oil pastels and water colour paints.
The Grade 1 masterpieces are on display in the wavy room.
Grade 4 portraits have been enjoyed by many when they
visit the Primary School recep on area and finally the
Grade 5 students have been experimen ng with the use of
abstract colour to create a colour portrait. The results were
outstanding.
Grade 2 seahorses are dancing down our art room corridor.
Ms Jennifer Tully
Art Primary Teacher
www.viss.ae
[email protected]
Tel: +971 6 577 1999
11
VISS
newsletter
FROM THE MEDICAL CENTRE
DATES FOR YOUR
VITAMIN D:
DIARY:
Vitamin D or calcetrol is a steroid hormone which regulates body bone level of calcium and
phosphorus.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, which means that it passes brain barrier ssues.
Grade 8 Camp
• 6 – 8 November
Vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are the most abundant forms of vitamin D in the body.
3SM Basketball tournament
• Friday 9 November
Vitamin D can be found in fa y fish such as sardines, ca ish, salmon, tuna and mackerel.
It can also be found in whole eggs, beef liver, fish liver oil & mushrooms. Vitamin D2
nutri onal sources are vegetables, yeast and fungi.
Low vitamin D can have a significant
impact on our health. Some symptoms
include:
.
• Muscle spasm
• Parasthesia especially around the
mouth and fingers.
• Muscle pain with proximal myopathy.
• Sun screen, especially more than 8 SPF,
can block the skin synthesis of vitamin D.
Any medicine metabolised in the liver
by cytochrome P45 (eg - cardiac drugs
erythromycin, psychotropic, grape fruit,
an convulsant cor costeroid, cime dine
and an TB drugs) can interfere with
vitamin D metabolism.
• Abnormal denta ons if started during
childhood.
• Pseudo-hypo-parathyriodism.
• Low mood and worse cogni ve
• Performance in older adult
• Increase percentage of upper
respiratory tract infec on with vitamin D
deficiency
• In children symptoms of rickets appears
◌ Winding lower bone part of wrist
◌ Delay teething with rarefac on
◌ Fracture of the bones.
The best recommendaƟon to prevent
Vitamin D deficiency is to spend 10
minutes a day from the early morning or
the late sunset with 40 % exposed skin.
The treatment strategy for Vitamin D
deficiency is to treat the underlying
diseases, advice suitable food, regular
exercise, suitable sun exposure at early
morning and before sunset & replacement
therapy of vitamin D and calcium. As a
prophylac c, it’s advised to add vitamin D
with breast feed in infants from birth.
VISS V NIMS at VISS 10.45
ELC Community Helpers
Week
• Sunday 11 November
ELC Assembly
• Tuesday 13 November
Author / Cook in Residence
• 11 -14 November
Religious Holiday
• Thursday 15 November
Gradua on Assembly
• Monday 19 November
Grade 9 Camp
• 19 – 22 November
VCE Examina ons
• Un l 22 November
Causes of low vitamin D include:
Deba ng at Jumeriah
College
• Malabsorp on diseases as celiac
disease, cys c fibrosis, lactose
intolerance,renal and liver disease, etc.
• Saturday 24 November
• Low amount of vitamin D in the breast
milk.
Gradua on Dinner – Hilton
Sharjah
• Saturday 24 November
• Gene c defect in the vitamin receptor.
• Poor diet and insufficient sun exposure
especially elderly people who stay
indoors for prolonged periods of me.
• Heavily covered women when outside
in public.
www.viss.ae
Dr Thana Essa
VISS Clinic
Family Medicine
[email protected]
VISS UAE Na onal Day
Celebra on- parents
welcome
• Wednesday 28 November
Tel: +971 6 577 1999