The Parent Connection
The latest Dunecrest news for MS & HS parents!
August 26, 2021
Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year!!!!
Hello parents, and greetings once again from Dunecrest American School! I hope this information finds you and your family, happy, healthy and safe.
If you have any questions after reading this newsletter, please do not hesitate to email me at: phould@dunecrest.ae. Once the school year begins, I will be sharing the "Daily Cup" newsletter every morning. The Daily Cup is the news that our students hear every morning, and it includes the daily "Patcast" in case you want to watch the video. I do hope you enjoy this daily communication. Until our paths cross in person, please take care and peace be upon you.
Remembering the 2020-2021 School Year!
COVID Updates
Below are some of the new COVID regulations, as shared with schools earlier this week by KHDA, and as highlighted in an email sent on August 25 by our director, Mr. Jeff Smith. The letter can be found in its entirety at this link, or by pushing on the "button" found above this message.
- Students will no longer need a current PCR test in order to enter the Dunecrest Campus. The requirement for all students aged 12+ to have a PCR test before returning to the campus has been lifted. However, as per the DHA, .....
- ALL students, parents and staff, who have travelled and returned to Dubai on, or after August 20, may return to school but must provide the school with a negative PCR test result done within Dubai since their return.
- Every student must complete the Travel & Health Declaration Form prior to returning to Dunecrest and regardless of their travel history. Kindly use nurse@dunecrest.ae as the school email address when completing the form.
- It is recommended that all eligible staff and students have a double vaccine. However, vaccination is not compulsory. Students are not obliged to submit negative PCR tests.
- Parents, guardians, or visitors who enter the school premises, including those dropping off and picking up younger children, must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken in the previous 48 hours. This rule applies at all times, not only at the start of the year.
Student Plan for August 29
- All new students (grades 6-12) are encouraged to come to the campus - with their IPad or MacBook - for an orientation program from 10 AM - 12:00 PM. Upon arrival at 10:00, students (and parents) should proceed to the gymnasium for a brief program. Upon Arrival, parents of new students who would like to attend the 10:00 program, must provide a copy of their COVID vaccinations, or a PCR test taken within the 48 hours of arriving on our campus.
- Returning students whose last name begins with the letters A-L are encouraged to come to the campus - with their IPad or MacBook - at their leisure any time between 8AM and 10AM. Students can collect their new class schedule in the cafeteria, have a tech check with the Dunecrest IT team and collect their school uniform. Students are kindly asked to depart the campus after receiving their new class schedule and collecting their uniform.
- Returning students whose last name begins with the letters M-Z are encouraged to come to the campus - with their IPad or MacBook - at their leisure any time between 1 and 3PM. Students can collect their new class schedule in the cafeteria, have a tech check of the Dunecrest IT team, and collect their school uniform. Students are kindly asked to depart the campus after receiving their new class schedule and collecting their uniform.
- All Grade 12 year 2 IBDP students will attend their regularly scheduled classes beginning @ 7:45 on Sunday, August 29
- All Grade 11 year 1 IBDP students are asked to attend an orientation program from 8 AM - 10 AM in the classroom of Mr. Barrett, the IB coordinator.
ALL students will attend their regularly scheduled classes beginning Monday, August 30 @ 7:45. Students who are unable to collect their class schedules on Sunday, can collect their schedules upon arrival on Monday.
Schedule For Sunday, August 29
What parents can expect on August 29
Parents are kindly asked to bring either their vaccine records or PCR results to enter the school. These results can either be on paper or on an app that you share. We will be recording all this information for future use. If you have already submitted your vaccine records through the google form that was sent previously, you will not need to provide a copy of the vaccination record on Sunday.
Please bring your ID tag as we will be marking your ID with a sticker if you are vaccinated.
Pre KG to Grade 1 families are kindly asked to use the Early Years Entrance and Grades 2-12 families are kindly asked to use the Main Entrance. There will be tables set up in the Reception with people to meet you and check your records before you proceed into the building. Thank you for your cooperation.
Back to School Tips
- Due to the COVID regulations, students will not have access to the locker room facilities during their PE classes. As a result, students are allowed to wear their PE kit during the school day.
- Every school day starts @ 7:45 AM. Any student who has not crossed the threshold of their period 1 classroom by 7:45 will be counted as tardy. Parents will be contacted and students will earn consequences if they have multiple days of tardiness within a given school week.
- Students arriving late must pass by Ms. Rozy Khouzam, the attendance officer in the reception area to collect a pass before proceeding to their period 1 class.
Calendar Events
Upcoming Dates and Events to Remember
- August 29: New student & parent open house,
- August 29: returning students collect schedules and school uniform
- August 30: first full day of classes for all students
- September 8: MS/HS Back to School Night
- September 14: Student Early Dismissal @ 12:45
- September 19-23: MAP testing
Parent Inspiration
From the Principal's Desk
Email: info@dunecrest.ae
Website: http://dunecrest.ae
Location: Dunecrest American School - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 508 7444
Facebook: facebook.com/DunecrestDubai
Twitter: @DunecrestDubai