Welcome to 2018-19
Message from the Principal, Fatima Martin
2018: The Year of Zayed
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. - Pelé
Welcome to the new school year 2018-19. May this year herald success and well-being for every member of the NMS family.
My message for the new year is derived from the inspiring quotation by the greatest footballer, Pelé .
Success is no accident.
As adults, in a competitive world of work, we inevitably agree, that the mantra to success is hard work and perseverance. How do we ensure that our children understand the importance of these values in no uncertain terms? Technology has given a warped sense of identity to this generation. In addition, as adults, we have always provided a better lifestyle for our children, and this has got many youngsters accustomed to living in a world of 'entitlement'. Parenting in this day and age is challenging. However, we need to keep counseling our children, so they do not run after success. Instead, they should be inspired to pursue those timeless values that lead to success. And as parents, let us try no matter what, to walk the talk. Our children don't do what we say as much as do what we do.
Success is no accident.
Current school news:
The short break sandwiching the close of 2017-18 and start of 2018-19 has been filled with continuous action, including an educational trip to Germany and another trip to participate in the Model United Nations in Thailand. Our social media handles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) has more information on these trips. Do take a read of more details about these trips on our social media pages.
We also had some students intern at the 'Tender Hearts' special needs centre. The experience was life-changing as they mentioned.
Additional Grades at NMS:
We are extremely glad to welcome students into Pre-K and Grade 11. The school is growing across grades and from strength to strength. Our senior batch of students are almost through with their grade 10 exams and we wish them happy results.
New appointments and re-organisation of roles at NMS:
Head of Pre-K, Kindergarten 1 and 2 and Grade 1: Mrs. Michelle Verghese (additional grades)
Head of Primary: Grades 2 to 5: Mrs. Sampoorna Shetty
Head of Middle School: Grades 6, 7 and 8: Mrs. Venetia Jayaraj (new)
Head of Senior School: Grades 9, 10 and 11: Mrs. Teresa Rusten
We wish our NMS leaders every good luck in their new/added roles. In addition, please join me in congratulating:
Ms. Nafisa Ali: Head of Students' Personal and Social Development (internal promotion)
Ms. Masha Nazeem: Head of Innovation (new appointment)
Mr. Ahmed Nageeb: Head of Department, Arabic (new appointment)
Mrs. Susanna Porob: Supervisor, Kindergarten (internal promotion)
Mr. Montini Vaz: Head of Music (new appointment)
Please do make a note of the orientation with your child(ren)'s homeroom teacher on Saturday, 21st of April 2018. We intend to share with you the focus areas for 2018, pertinent to your child's grade, including the standardised assessments, attainment data from 2017-18, new initiatives and so on. This will help you participate in your child's learning this year in a more informed manner.
Do read on the rest of the newsletter as I have put-together crucial information, that will be helpful for you.
First year of school or the final stages of schooling:
At NMS, we host the Masterclass Sessions for parents, across different phases of the school. These sessions are subject specific and age specific. From orientations for transitioning into the new school year, to acclimatizing parents at different stages of their parenting journey, we try and include expert guidance through the Masterclass sessions.
Here are a few links should you wish to embark on some online reading, even as you get ready for the new school year.
Education Consultants for Higher Education in the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia:
Brigher Prep, Inner Universe Educational Services
Entry to tertiary professional courses in Indian Universities
Khaleej Times invited me for an interview with Young Times, the children's magazine.
H.H. The Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan: Leadership Icon, 2018-19 @ NMS
All Grade 11 students will be members of the student council. They will also partake of the Duke of Edinburgh awards (Bronze level) to further develop their leadership skills.
Grade 11 students will undertake online courses from Awe Academy, connect with innovators across the globe and solve grand challenges contributing to human progress.
Innovation @ NMS
Weblinks to know more about Ms. Nazeem's achievements:
Alternatively, Grades 7 and 8, will engage with Skills 21, from ARC skills, a gamified school programme, that nurtures 21st century skills by immersing students in superhero themed activities and deep reflective discussions.
NMS will play host to the Model United Nations in May 2018
With support from Mr. Mohd Mohsin, Social Studies teacher at NMS and focus group of parents, we now are all set to host the first ever MUN.
The dates are 10th, 11th and 12th May 2018.
Frequently asked questions:
A. On day 1, students will meet their homeroom teacher, have an introduction to other subject teachers. New students will be assigned a buddy, go on a school tour and meet with senior leaders. All students will engage in drawing up their Class Treaty and Character Wheel, allowing them to reflect on expectations of students' behaviour and attitudes for the rest of the school year. Students should carry their stationery pouch and snack box on day 1. Timetable will be shared on MyLearning and with students on day 1. In Kindergarten and Primary Grades, you will receive information from your child's homeroom teacher on particular books to be sent to school and please follow that schedule. In the middle and senior school, students have lockers and are requried to use the same judiciously. From Day 2, structured learning, based on the Timetable will begin and students should carry books according to the subjects set out each day.
2. When does PACT begin?
A. All afterschool activities begin from the week starting 8th April.
PACT coordinator is Mrs. Stella Laus. She can be contacted via email: stella.l_nms@gemsedu.com
3. How can my child use the school's canteen services?
A. The school's canteen follows the cashless system. You are required to add in money on your child's id card via GEMS Oasis. The user guide is attached along with this email.
4. STS customer care executive for NMS: Sooraj.K.R
Sooraj can be contacted via email on: sooraj@stss.ae
Key Dates, for Pre-K, KG 1 and Grade 11 students
1. KG 1 Orientation Day: Wednesday, 4th April 2018, 7.30 am to 11 am (Parents to bring the child to school and take them back as well on this day. School transport will be available from 5th April onwards for KG 1 students.)
Agenda: 7.45 to 8:00 am: Meet and Greet with Principal, Vice-Principal, Head of KG
8:15 to 8:20 am: Performance by KG2
8:20 to 8.50 am : Presentation by VLE Coordinator Mrs. Anita Pradhan, to understand NMS Online Portal ‘My Learning’
9:00 to 10:30 am: Meeting with Home Room Teacher and students allowed to acclimatize to the new environment.
10:45 am: Meet with STS (Drivers and Customer Care Executive)
2. Grade 11 Orientation Day: Thursday, 5th April 2018, 7.30 am to 11 am
Agenda: 7.45 to 8:00 am: Meet and Greet with Principal, Vice-Principal, Head of Senior School
8:15 to 8:45 am : Presentation by VLE Coordinator Mrs. Anita Pradhan, to understand NMS Online Portal ‘My Learning’
9:00 to 10 am: Meeting with Home Room Teacher
10:15 am: Meet with STS (Drivers and Customer Care Executive)
3. Orientation Day for parents of Pre- K students, 5th April 2018, 8.15 am to 11 am (Parents to bring the child to school and take them back as well on this day. School transport will be available from 8th April onwards for Pre- K students).
Agenda: 7.45 to 8:00 am: Meet and Greet with Principal, Vice-Principal and Head of KG Early Years
8:15 to 8:20 am: Performance by KG2
8:20 to 8.50 am : Presentation by VLE Coordinator Mrs. Anita Pradhan, to understand NMS Online Portal ‘My Learning’
9:00 to 10:30 am: Meeting with Home Room Teacher and students allowed to acclimatize to the new environment.
10:45 am: Meet with STS (Drivers and Customer Care Executive)
Joining/Re-opening Dates:
KG 2 to Grade 10: Monday 2nd April 2018
KG 1: Wednesday 4th April 2018 (along with parents)
Pre-KG: Thursday, 5th April 2018 (along with parents)
Grade 11: Monday 9th April 2018
Am looking forward to a very good year with you and your precious gems entrusted in our care.
Sincerely,
Fatima Martin
Principal
GEMS New Millennium School