Raha International School

Family Handbook

2017

Table of Contents

Principal’s Letter ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Taaleem ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Raha International School .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Our Mission ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Our Vision ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

RIS Values .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Our Aims ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5

International Baccalaureate....................................................................................................................................................... 6

The IB Mission ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

How does the IB define ‘international education’? .............................................................................................................. 6

How long has each programme been established? .............................................................................................................. 7

IB Learner Profile .................................................................................................................................................................. 8

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) .................................................................................................................................... 9

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) .................................................................................................................................. 11

The Diploma Programmer (DP) ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Who’s Who at RIS? .................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Senior Management Team .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Senior Leadership Team ...................................................................................................................................................... 15

Administration Staff ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Parent Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

Child Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Administration ......................................................................................................................................................................... 17

School office hours.............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Accounts ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Security Arrangements ....................................................................................................................................................... 17

Communications ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Communication from the School ........................................................................................................................................ 17

iParent App .................................................................................................................................................................... 17

SMS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Social Media ................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Website .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Newsletters .................................................................................................................................................................... 18

ManageBac ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Seesaw ........................................................................................................................................................................... 18

SchoolsBuddy ................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Communicating with Teachers and Staff ............................................................................................................................ 18

The School Day ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21

School Timings .................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Pick up and drop off ............................................................................................................................................................ 21

Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals ........................................................................................................................................... 21

Prompt Collection ............................................................................................................................................................... 21

Attendance and Absence Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 22

Reporting Absence and Sickness ......................................................................................................................................... 22

Attendance Procedures: ................................................................................................................................................. 22

Transportation ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22

School Transport ................................................................................................................................................................. 22

Car Park Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................. 22

Reporting Procedure ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

Reporting to Parents about Student Progress .................................................................................................................... 23

Probationary Reports .......................................................................................................................................................... 23

Homework .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Homework in EY2, Grades 1-3 ........................................................................................................................................ 23

Homework in Grades 4-5 ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Homework Extension in Secondary ................................................................................................................................ 24

Uniform Expectations .............................................................................................................................................................. 24

Technology in School ............................................................................................................................................................... 24

Extended Programmes............................................................................................................................................................. 24

Extracurricular Programme ................................................................................................................................................. 24

Athletics Programme .......................................................................................................................................................... 25

Excursions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 25

Community .............................................................................................................................................................................. 27

General Expectations .......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Prayer Room ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Library ................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

School Materials ................................................................................................................................................................. 27

Lost and Found .................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Birthdays ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28

Valuables ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28

Students’ Guests ................................................................................................................................................................. 28

Food Services and Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 28

Nut Policy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 29

The Health Centre ............................................................................................................................................................... 29

Health Promotion and Illness Prevention ...................................................................................................................... 29

Immunizations ................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Health Authority Recommended School Health Checks ................................................................................................ 29

Hygiene .......................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Protection from Solar Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation ......................................................................................................... 29

Bike Safety ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Swimming Pool Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 30

Medication and other treatments .................................................................................................................................. 30

First Aid and Student Illness ........................................................................................................................................... 30

Principal’s Letter

Welcome to Raha International School. I am delighted and

honoured to be working with such an excellent team.

Raha is an outstanding school but we are always looking to improve.

‘Raha’s Exceptional Journey’ outlines how we can continue to make

our school amazing and to ensure our reputation as one of the best

schools in the city and UAE.

You are part of a dynamic school community where I am continually impressed with staff

motivation and dedication and also the wonderful behaviour and attitude of our students. As

the school increases to over 2000 students, with over 80 nationalities and 50 mother tongues,

we will continue to pursue a ‘big school-small family’ feel and an enjoyable working

environment for the whole community.

This handbook will help to answer many questions you may have about the school but there

is no substitute for asking colleagues and friends for guidance.

Principal

Taaleem

Taaleem was founded in 2004 in Dubai and is one of the largest education providers in the United

Arab Emirates. Our main activity is the development and management of early childhood, primary

and secondary schools. With quality at the forefront of our offering, we tailor each project to answer

the specific educational requirements of a wide range of families by offering top international

curricula including British, American, the International Baccalaureate and our multi-lingual, custom

early childhood programme.

Taaleem, which means 'education' in Arabic, is committed to inspiring students and helping them to

identify and develop their passions and talents. We also only recruit the best international teachers

who are capable of delivering our international curricula in a creative and engaging manner.

Taaleem seeks to raise the educational standards in the region. The combined experience of its core

team of senior education leaders in international education policy, operations and global

management best practices means Taaleem is well positioned to ensure the creative of truly

exceptional schools that satisfy the most comprehensive and exacting education developmental

requirements.

Taaleem is committed to:

Equipping children in the region holistically with the skills, knowledge and character to compete globally

Offering a comprehensive range of outstanding international curricula Designing, building and managing the best educational facilities Creating and implementing benchmark educational initiatives Nurturing educational excellence through the attraction, retention and development of the

best educators Continuously evaluating and improving standards across our schools Establishing our schools as valued cornerstones of their communities

Raha International School

Our Mission

Empowers and equips individuals to excel

Provides a safe, happy and caring community

Inspires thoughtful action, locally and globally

Creates a passion for learning

…and, in so doing, transcends the ordinary

Our Vision

To be the preferred school for students, parents and educators who seek excellence through an

innovative International Baccalaureate education.

Raha Values

Some of our core values at Raha are:

• Respect • Honesty • Justice • Sincerity • Trust • Integrity

The Raha community is made up of people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Independently and

collectively, members of our community recognise and respect the inherent dignity of each

individual. We recognise that we all share the responsibility for creating a safe, nurturing and

encouraging environment. We recognise and celebrate our strengths and, at the same time, we help

others to overcome tasks they find challenging.

Our Aims

At Raha International School we will:

Identify, celebrate and nurture the diverse talents and intelligences of all our students.

Engage staff who is expert managers of learning and able to promote excellence in

academic, creative, social, spiritual, physical and emotional development.

Teach students to learn by questioning, problem-solving and creative, critical thinking rather

than by the mere retention of facts.

Enthuse, motivate and inspire students with our innovative approaches and high

expectations.

Enable our students to achieve beyond their previous limits and expectations.

Encourage our students to be active participants in the learning process and to become

independent, co-operative learners.

Welcome parents as equal partners in their children’s education.

Enrich students’ learning by making effective use of the abundant resources and linguistic

opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region.

Nurture in our students a sense of personal accomplishment, self-confidence and an

enduring appreciation for learning.

Make a significant contribution to the success of the UAE’s 2021 Vision of having a First Rate

Education system.

International Baccalaureate

Established in 1968, International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are offered in more than 4,000

schools worldwide.

The IB Mission

The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young

people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding

and respect.

The IB has a hard-earned reputation for high standards of teaching, pedagogical leadership and

student achievement, working with schools, governments and international organizations to develop

challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and

lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

At Raha we offer three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years

Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

How does the IB define ‘international education’?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) chooses to define ‘international education’ according to the

following criteria:

Developing citizens of the world in relation to culture, language and learning to live together

Building and reinforcing students' sense of identity and cultural awareness

Fostering students' recognition and development of universal human values

Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of

learning

Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or

collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range of

areas

Providing international content while responding to local requirements and interests

Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods

Providing appropriate forms of assessment and international benchmarking

All four programmes are committed to the development of students according to the IB learner

profile. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human

capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. They imply a commitment to help

all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around

them.

The profile aims to develop learners who are:

How long has each programme been established?

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) was developed through the vision and effort, sustained over

ten years, of the former International Schools Curriculum Project (ISCP) and introduced in 1997

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) began as an initiative of the International Schools Association

and was adopted by the IB in 1994.

The Diploma Programme (DP) was established in 1968 to provide students with a balanced

education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international

understanding.

All IB programmes are regularly reviewed to meet the needs of students, teachers and parents

worldwide.

Inquirers

Knowledgeable

Thinkers

Communicators

Principled

Open-minded

Caring

Risk-takers

Balanced

Reflective

IB Learner Profile

The IB learner profile promotes education of the whole person for a life of active, responsible

citizenship emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth. The attributes and

descriptions of the learner profile define the type of learner Raha hopes to develop through its

programmes. All members of the Raha Community including students, teachers, administration,

support staff and parents strive to develop these qualities.

Attribute Descriptor

Inquirers We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Open–minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Risk–takers

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, (spiritual) and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Raha International School offers a balanced and academically challenging education, which is

designed to develop individuals who are both independent learners and international citizens. From

Early Years 1 to Grade 5, our curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years

Programme (PYP). Raha offers the PYP for students aged 4 onwards.

The International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed to build upon the

natural curiosity of the child. The programme focuses on the development of the whole child as an

inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Students participate in four to six 'Units of

Inquiry' per year.

To ensure that children acquire a broad base of knowledge, the Units of Inquiry are developed

under six 'organising themes'. The subject areas of Language, Social Studies, Personal, Social and

Physical Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology and the Arts are woven into the Units of

Inquiry to provide a trans-disciplinary approach to learning.

The IB Primary Years Programme

Addresses students’ academic, social and emotional well-being

Encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own

learning

Supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably

within it

Helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which international-

mindedness will develop and flourish.

To find out more about the PYP, please either visit www.ibo.org/pyp or come and meet our PYP Co-

ordinator at Raha.

(Source: ibo.org)

PYP in the Early Years

In our dynamic and nurturing Early Years programme, children are given opportunities to construct

and expand their knowledge and understanding through shared experiences in an organised, safe

and stimulating environment. Our children learn through discovery and student-led inquiry with

specialist teachers complementing the Early Years’ philosophy of learning through play and

discovery.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP is offered from Grade 6 through Grade 10 (students aged 11 to 16). The MYP aims to help

students develop their personal understanding, their emerging sense of self and responsibility in

their community. MYP teachers organize the curriculum with appropriate attention to:

Teaching and learning in context. Students learn best when their learning experiences have

context and are connected to their lives and the world that they have experienced. Using global

contexts, MYP students explore human identity, global challenges and what it means to be

internationally minded.

Conceptual understanding. Concepts are big ideas that have relevance within specific disciplines

and across subject areas. MYP students use concepts as a vehicle to inquire into issues and ideas

of personal, local and global significance and examine knowledge holistically.

Approaches to learning (ATL). A unifying thread throughout all MYP subject groups, approaches

to learning provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of

their knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Developing and applying these skills help

students learn how to learn.

Service as action (community service). Action (learning by doing and experiencing) and service

have always been shared values of the IB community. Students take action when they apply

what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of

the community who demonstrate a commitment to service - making a positive difference to the

lives of others and to the environment. Service as action is an integral part of the programme,

especially in the MYP community project.

Language and identity. MYP students are required to learn at least two languages (language of

instruction and additional language of choice). Learning to communicate in a variety of ways is

fundamental to their development of intercultural understanding and crucial to their identity

affirmation.

It provides a framework of learning, which encourages students to become creative, critical and

reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make

connections between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world. It fosters the

development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement,

qualities that are essential for life in the 21st century.

Research shows that students participating in the MYP:

Build confidence in managing their own learning

Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world

Outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills

Consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations

Thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel

Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible

citizens

To find out more about the MYP, please either visit www.ibo.org/myp or come and meet our MYP

Coordinator at Raha.

The Diploma Programmer (DP)

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year academically challenging, rigorous and balanced

programme of education with final examinations that prepares students aged 16 to 19 (Grade 11

and 12) for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual,

social, emotional and physical well-being of young adults. Leading Universities worldwide recognize

and respect the outstanding and varied qualities of IB Diploma students.

The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is made up of the DP Core and Six Subject Groups.

The Diploma Programme Core

The Extended Essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a

question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The world studies extended essay

option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance, which they examine through the

lens of at least two DP projects.

The Theory of Knowledge develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic

disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and

deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic

studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts

and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service

with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of

CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and

enable journeys of self-discovery.

Why the Diploma Programme?

The DP prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global

society as they:

Develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically

Acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from 6

subject groups

Develop the skills and a positive attitude toward learning that will prepare them for higher

education

Study at least two languages and increase the understanding of cultures, including their own

Make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of

knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course

Undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more

academic disciplines in the extended essay

Enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action and

service

To find out more about the DP, please either visit www.ibo.org/diploma or come and meet our DP

Coordinator at Raha.

Who’s Who at Raha?

Senior Management Team

Iain Colledge Principal

Kathryn Simms Head of Secondary

Craig Eldred Head of Primary

Jasmine Taylor Head of Early Years

Senior Leadership Team

Nicholas Grey Head of School Improvement

Richard Ballard Head of Technology Integration

Carmen Barrack Head of Support Services

Paul Ede Deputy Head of Secondary - Pastoral

Andrew Tomlinson Assistant Head of Secondary – DP Curriculum

Sharon Thompson Assistant Head of Secondary – MYP Curriculum

David Taylor Deputy Head of Primary

Administration Staff

Jennifer Caster Front Desk Administrator

Rebecca Rouen Executive Assistant to the Principal

Sharleen Samuelson Admissions Manager

Zoë Kanters Admissions Administrator

Raymonda Yacoub Registrar

Muneera Alnawas Arabic Administrator

Estée Caplen PR & Communications Officer

Vinitha Mathews Accountant

Rosemarie Delmundo Assistant Accountant

Desiree Small ECP Administrator

Responsibilities

Parent Responsibilities

Parents play an important role at Raha in the education of their children and have a responsibility to

support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all

students. Parents fulfil this responsibility when they:

Show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress.

Communicate regularly with the school.

Use the iParent App to stay informed and keep you contacts up to date.

Help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school in the correct school

uniform.

Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival.

Become familiar with the Honour Code, Behaviour Policy and School Rules.

Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour.

Treat all school employees with respect and respect school rules.

Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues.

Parent Courtesy Policy

We would like to ask that all parents adhere to our courtesy policy.

Wear clothing that is respectful of the culture and country we live in.

Lanyards should be clearly displayed and worn around the neck at all times.

Smoking is prohibited on campus.

Child Responsibilities

The Raha Honour Code

Responsibilities to Myself

Take responsibility for my actions.

Maintain a sustained and committed effort towards learning, academic achievement, and

personal growth.

Be punctual and prepared for every Raha event on or off site.

Dress in a manner that is appropriate to the Raha International School setting.

Be a positive ambassador of Raha on and off site.

Demonstrate self-respect through cleanliness and grooming.

Recognize and learn to appreciate both my strengths and my weaknesses.

Address each opportunity at Raha with honesty and thoughtfulness.

Refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise my safety, or the safety of

others.

Responsibilities to Others

Respect the rights of others to be heard and appreciated, both within and beyond the

classroom.

Respect all persons regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, or mental or physical ability.

When visiting other schools respect and honour their codes of conduct.

Use only language and gestures that are appropriate in a school setting, and in keeping with

an attitude of respect for all individuals.

Welcome and support all members of the Raha community and visitors.

Keep halls and entrances quiet while classes are in session.

Honour scheduled commitments and give appropriate notice if unable to attend.

Responsibilities to Property

Keep personal and common areas in the school clean and neat.

Administration

School office hours

Raha Offices –including Admissions & Accounts – are open Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00am to 4:00pm.

During Ramadan these hours are reduced to 8:00am to 2:00pm. If you have any queries, please call

us on +971 (0)2 556 1567 or email frontdesk@ris.ae. At least one member of staff is available over

the summer.

Accounts

Tuition fees, due dates and payment information can be found in the pages that follow this guide.

Accounts is open over the summer and can be reached at 02 556 1567 ext. 170 or ext. 104, or by

emailing accounts@ris.ae.

Security Arrangements

Parents and visitors without badges are to only enter the school through the main entrance. Visitors

to the school are required to wear a Raha visitor badge during their time in the school. If you are

arriving during the school day, please check in at the Reception desk. Parents are not permitted to

enter school buildings, hallways or instructional areas during the school day. Should you need to

drop off an item for a student or need to talk to your child or leave early with your child please

always make sure you contact our Front Office Administrator at Reception.

Communications

Communication from the School

iParent App

Raha International will use the iSAMS parent portal app, the ‘iParent App’, from September 2017 to

communicate with parents. This will replace the D6 communicator. This app is designed to keep you

up to date during the Academic Year.

The iParent App provides quick and easy access to everything parents need to know about their

child’s school life, school news and more.

The iParent App has a user-friendly interface, organised across five key tabs:

My App Dashboard – view a snapshot of relevant notifications, news and calendar events by

date

My Children – access profile menus for each child at the school

Communications – update contact details, view communication history and manage

communication subscriptions

Information – view the school calendar and school news

Settings – manage personalised app settings and device integration

(iSAMS website)

SMS

The school will communicate with parents, in some instances, via SMS alert.

Social Media

For all the most up-to-date information about our activities, photos and videos, ‘like’ us on Facebook

at ‘Raha International School’. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Website

The Raha website is a wonderful source of information about our school, and about events and

activities. Be sure to book mark this site.

Newsletters

The Principal’s newsletter will be issued at the end of each term and include information on past

events, upcoming events and announcements as well as general updates on the school and facilities.

ManageBac

This is a portal designed specifically for the IB, allowing parent/student access from home to teacher

pages including curriculum documents, calendars of deadlines and lessons, assignment outlines and

records of student achievement. You will be provided with a login for our school portal:

https://raha.managebac.com/login

It is used extensively in the MYP & DP for planning documents, to track special components of our

programmes such as the extended essay, personal project, CAS and MYP community and service. In

the EY & PYP it is used primarily for reporting.

All school reporting will be published via ManageBac at selected dates during the school year. Please

be advised that if you require reports to be stamped, please print them at home and bring them in

to be stamped. You are able to request the reports to be printed by the School Assistants, however

this can take up to 2 weeks to process.

Seesaw

This application is used in the EY & PYP as a platform for managing digital portfolios of student

learning, providing feedback and communicating this with parents. You will be provided with a login

for this system.

SchoolsBuddy

SchoolsBuddy is a software solution for integrating parent communications, ECP and sport signup

and allocation, and more into one system.

The SchoolsBuddy App is available on IOS devices through the App Store or online. Further

communication on SchoolsBuddy will be communicated soon.

Communicating with Teachers and Staff

Parents can contact the teachers through email or through the School Assistants.

Lalenya Meeks - Assistant to the Head of Early Years lmeeks@ris.ae (0)2 556 1567 ext. 141

Mandy Taylor - Assistant to the Head of Primary mtaylor@ris.ae (0)2 556 1567 ext. 176

Lynlee Jones - Assistant to the Head of Secondary ljones@ris.ae (0)2 556 1567 ext. 162

Our faculty members check their email daily and are expected to respond within 1-2 working days of

receiving your message.

Homeroom Teachers/Advisors/Heads of Grade, Single Subject or Language teachers are a parent’s

first point of contact in the event of an issue or concern. Our teachers’ email addresses generally

follow the format of their first initial, followed by their last name, @ris.ae

e.g. jsmith@ris.ae for John Smith.

Teachers are advised against sharing their cell phone numbers with parents.

A detailed ‘master plan’ of how the school will communicate with parents can be found below:

The School Day

School Timings

EY1 7.45am to 1.00pm Sunday to Thursday

EY2 7.45am to 2.00pm Sunday to Thursday

Primary 7.45am to 3.00pm Sunday to Thursday

Secondary 7.45am to 3.00pm Sunday to Thursday

*All students finish at 1.30pm every Tuesday

Pick up and drop off

Early Years and Primary students should congregate in their designated areas of the school where at

least two teachers will be on duty from 7.35am – 7.45am. At 7.40am the UAE National Anthem will

play and all students are required to stand and face the flag. After the anthem has played, Primary

students will line up according to their class and grade within the Primary Piazza, outside Building L

at their designated spot where they will be met by their class teacher. EY1 students will meet at

Building B, outside their classroom, EY2 students will meet at Building E outside their classroom and

Grade 1 will meet outside of Building D near the playground.

At the end of the school day, EY1 and EY2 students can be collected from their classrooms using the

external doors. For parents collecting children in Grade 1, Building D doors will be opened by staff as

soon as the bus students leave for the day. Please do not enter the building before this time. Primary

students can be collected outside of Building L.

Secondary Students are expected to be on campus promptly at 7.40am. They will meet in the

advisory rooms for registration each morning at 7.45am, after the UAE National Anthem has played.

Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals

Students arriving from 7:45am (Secondary) and 7:50 am (Primary) will be considered late and are

required to sign in at Reception, before going to class, to collect a late slip or they will be marked

absent. School gates close at 8:10 a.m.

If you wish to collect your child early from school parents, please send an email in advance to

frontdesk@ris.ae, then check in with the Front Desk Administrator at Reception who will arrange for

your child to be brought to the office. Please do not go to their classroom as this can disrupt

teaching. Students must be signed out by their parent/guardian in person or the parent/guardian

must be able to be reached by phone to verify the early dismissal. The student will be given an Early

Dismissal Pass that must be given to Security (please note children may not be released between

2.30pm and 3.00pm).

Parents wishing to collect Secondary students early must either email frontdesk@ris.ae and the

Head of Grade or call the school 30 mins prior to collection. Secondary students must have their

Early Dismissal Pass signed by their Head of Grade before being released by the Front Desk

Administrator.

Prompt Collection

If children are not collected after 10 minutes they will be removed to another location. It is

important that young children are collected on time; late collection can cause children anxiety. If a

child is consistently being left for late collection a parent conference will be called with a member of

the SLT or SMT.

In the event of a family emergency or change of plan, please try to contact the school office as soon

as possible so that your child and the teacher can be informed of your new arrangements.

Parents should notify their child’s Homeroom Teacher if another adult is picking up their child to

avoid any issues.

Attendance and Absence Policy

Reporting Absence and Sickness

Parents are required to report a student’s absence the night before if they know that their child will

not be attending school by sending an email, with the name of the student and class, to

absent@ris.ae. Please do not leave recorded messages on the answer machine.

Attendance Procedures:

All days missed from school for any reason will be reported on the report card as an absence.

a. When your child is absent from school for three (3) consecutive days or more, you need

to provide a letter explaining their absence or provide a note from the doctor upon

return to school.

b. Extended absences of 10 days or more will be followed up by the school.

c. After 21 consecutive absences a student may be withdrawn from school.

If your child has an illness or is recovering from an illness and is unable to participate in physical

education or swimming activities a medical certificate should be issued by the child’s physician. The

certificate should indicate the period of time that the child should be excluded from certain

activities.

Absenteeism disrupts learning and it is not possible to “make up” in full the learning lost during a

period of absence. We understand that emergency situations happen, however, the nature of our

programme is designed for students to learn within their community of peers. It is not possible to

send class work home or for students to complete the equivalent work at home.

Transportation

School Transport

We have contracted Seven Stars Buses Transportation Services, an RTA approved company, to offer

school bus service. Parents should deal directly with the bus company for all reservations and bus

affairs. Visit our School Transport website for links to bus fees and Transport FAQs.

Parents wishing to use school transport services in the next academic year can register through

www.sevenstarsschoolbus.com.

Further information regarding transportation can be found here.

Car Park Procedure

When using the car park, please keep to the 10km/h speed limit and give priority to pedestrians,

buses and bicycles

Parents/Guardians/Drivers should avoid parking in the designated Drop-Off zones as this disrupts

the flow of traffic. Additionally, please avoid parking in the designated staff parking and buses

parking.

Reporting Procedure

Reporting to Parents about Student Progress

Raha uses a variety of reporting practices to inform parents about the progress of their children.

PRIMARY STUDENTS - Within the first few weeks of school parents will be invited to make an

appointment with their child’s teacher to discuss the way they have settled into school (First

Impression Meeting).

End of Semester Report Cards are sent home twice a year (February and June).

Parent, Teacher Meetings, the Three Way Conference and Student Led Conferences will be

scheduled throughout the year. Additional parent teacher interviews may be held at parent

or teacher request. Please do not hesitate to contact a teacher if you have a concern about

your child’s progress.

Probationary Reports

Students may be placed on probation as a result of academic and/or behaviour difficulties at any

time. In these cases a letter will be sent home informing parents of the reasons for the change of

status, the corrective measures to be taken and possible consequences in the event that

improvement is not achieved.

Homework

Raha believes homework, carefully administered, can have a positive effect on student in the

following ways:

Facilitates retention and understanding of material covered

Improves students’ study skills and attitudes towards school

Fosters independent learning and responsibility

Teaches students that learning can happen anywhere

Involves parents in schooling process

The amount and type of homework assigned to students will depend on their developmental level

and the classroom programme. Homework serves different purposes at different grade levels and

should reflect the unique needs and circumstances of individual students.

If at any time your child is experiencing difficulty with any aspect of homework completion, please

email or telephone to communicate with the teacher.

Homework in EY2, Grades 1-3

Young children should be read to every night. Parents can engage their children in the reading

process by having them anticipate endings, retell parts, and, when ready, share the reading. Always,

the goal is to enjoy the story and the time together. Homework will be set on the Primary Website.

Teachers in Grades 1 to 3 may assign follow-up tasks for the students to do at home. Other possible

activities might include practicing of math facts through reinforcement games, writing in journals or

collecting news.

Homework in Grades 4-5

Please keep reading aloud to your children! Older students benefit from being read to as much as

younger children. Parents can select more advanced texts that students might not read on their

own, and literature offers many opportunities to deal with themes of interest to children at this

stage.

As students move up through the grades, homework becomes more important to success in school.

A parent’s goal should be to have their children move towards independence in completing

homework tasks. Teachers need to know the extent to which homework is completed independently

or with guidance.

Homework Extension in Secondary

In the Secondary School students are expected to meet deadlines. In exceptional circumstances

extensions may be granted. Students can request extension from the teacher who has set the task

and should be made BEFORE the deadline for submission.

Uniform Expectations

The school uniform is to be worn during each school day unless special activity days are announced.

Students are expected to wear uniform to and from school.

We encourage students to take pride in their uniforms as a reflection of their pride in their school.

All uniform items must be purchased from Zaks clothing shop in Raha Mall or at the Second Hand

Uniform shop on campus. There will be no exception to this rule.

The Primary School Uniform Policy can be found on iParent or the Parent Portal.

The Secondary School Uniform Policy can be found on iParent or the Parent Portal.

Technology in School

The focus on the use of technology at Raha international School is to provide tools and resources to

the 21stCentury Learner. Excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated

throughout the educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential for that future, and

one of the learning tools of these twenty-first century students the use of technology.

You can view the EY and PYP Acceptable Use of Technology Policy on iParent or the Parent Portal.

You can view the Secondary Acceptable Use of Technology Policy on iParent or the Parent Portal.

You can view the BYOD Policy on iParent or the Parent Portal.

Extended Programmes

Extracurricular Programme

Raha places a huge emphasis on its ECP programme. It is often shared activities outside of regularly

scheduled school hours that create the strongest memories, and the activities offered by the school

are many and varied.

The ECP also coordinates with the Athletics Programme and External Clubs, to provide as many

quality experiences for Raha International School students as possible. Activities are organized and

offered by teachers, each of whom has their own interests and areas of expertise. A number of

parent volunteers and senior students also actively participate and help out, to the benefit of

everybody! The programme is constantly evolving, ensuring new and interesting opportunities for

the students.

Some ECPs are offered by external companies and incur an extra charge.

A list of all ECPs on offer will be produced and communicated to parents

Ms. Desiree Small dsmall@ris.ae is our ECP Administrator and is your contact for all things ECP.

Athletics Programme

As part of our commitment to the education of the whole child, Raha offers a top quality athletics

programme. Raha recognises the values students gain from participation in a well organised, high

quality athletics programme, and is dedicated to excellence in this pursuit.

Raha endeavours to offer its students the best in coaching, facilities and equipment. The values of

sportsmanship, fair play, self-discipline and dedication are highly stressed. The participation of all

interested students is encouraged. However, because of some restrictions on the number of

participants on a team by the rules of the game or association regulations, some limitations are

made.

The Raha Athletic Department maintains a philosophy that all players will be given meaningful

(though not necessarily equal) playing time in all regular season games. Our coaches recognise that

playing time in competition greatly enhances the total development of athletes. At higher levels of

competition playing time should be earned by athletes through their skills, attitude and effort. At

these higher levels, athletes should begin developing an understanding of individual roles within

their respective teams.

Student athletes are expected to meet academic and behavioural expectations in order to represent

a Raha sports team. The students must organise their time to meet the combined demands of after

school practices and games and still meet the demands of the Raha academic programme.

Consideration will be given to students having academic difficulties but who are making positive

progress and working to the best of their ability. Students are responsible for making up any work

that they may miss while away from school representing their team and Raha at an athletic

competition.

Excursions

Our philosophy at Raha is that enriched learning takes place both inside and outside of the

classroom. Excursions at Raha are planned and chosen to enhance classroom learning. Students

participate in a wide variety of opportunities in the larger community. These may include visits to

places such as the Cultural Foundation, Dubai and Sharjah Museums, the Heritage Village, as well as

a host of other venues. Overnight stays may be arranged at outdoor education centres.

All parents must sign the Raha consent form for a student to participate in excursions and major

athletic activities. The letter that accompanies the consent form should provide sufficient detail

about the excursion or activity. It must be signed and returned before the excursion occurs. A

student will not be able to go on an excursion without signed consent.

The following information will be included in a letter to the parents:

The nature and purpose of the activity or excursion.

Where the activity or excursion will take place, including relevant departure and arrival

dates and times.

Supervision provided.

Transportation arrangements and pick up points.

Cost for parents.

Potential risks to which students may be exposed.

Media release permission acknowledgement from parent.

Any other information that could have a bearing on whether a parent would give or

withhold permission.

A reminder that parents should let the teacher know of any relevant medical conditions in

case there has been a change which is not reflected on the medical forms or is not known by

the organizer, and any special food requirements.

Please note that parents are asked to provide sunscreen, a water bottle, a hat, and other appropriate

attire if the excursion is outdoors.

Some of the excursions will involve a cost although we try to avoid excursions that have a cost

factor; this however is not always possible. We aim to have one unit related trip every 6 weeks

although this may vary from grade to grade.

Community

Parent Team

Our Parent Team is regularly active on campus and helps in many day-to-day activities, as well as

organising some big events during the school year. Look out for communications from your Class

Parent (in EY and PYP) or parent representative (in MYP and DP) for how you can get involved or

email parent.team@ris.ae

General Expectations

Members of our community are expected to show pride in the Raha campus. Classrooms, dining hall,

hallways, bulletin boards, grounds, fields and other shared areas should be kept neat and clear of

rubbish and personal belongings. Showing pride in our campus sometimes requires one to pick up

after others and return found items to the office. For parents with young children, please be vigilant

regarding what your children do. For example the play equipment in our school is designed for

particular age groups.

To maintain a safe environment for learning, students are required to keep their cubbies/hook area

tidy and clean.

Prayer Room

We encourage our Muslim students to perform their prayers during their lunch break under the

supervision of their Islamic teachers. Students are expected to respect the fact that it is a sacred

place that is used for worship by the Muslim members of the school community.

Library

Our libraries provide a welcoming environment in which students may read, study, and work on

school projects or hobbies. Students may use any of the resources in the Library. A Librarian is

available to assist with finding materials, to instruct students in library skills and to recommend

books. Students visit the Library during regularly scheduled classes and the library is also open

during break times and after school.

Our collection provides both print and non-print resources that meet the needs of the school

community. Books, magazines, videos, DVDs, iPads and on-line resources are carefully selected to

ensure a high-quality collection that is appropriate for school projects and recreational reading.

Please note that lost materials will be charged to parents. If a material is not returned by the due

date there will be two requests to produce the lost book, one written and one by phone. If the item

is not returned after six weeks the parents are charged with the replacement cost. At the end of the

school year, students need to have returned all library materials or made a payment for lost

materials in order to receive their progress report.

School Materials

Students will be provided with consumable materials such as an agenda, notebooks. In the event of

students losing these materials they will need to pay for a replacement. For some of the older grades

there is an expectation that some items are also provided by families.

Lost and Found

The School Lost & Found section is located in H Building on the Ground floor. Students and parents

are free to look for the lost articles at any time, provided it does not disrupt the classroom routine.

All unnamed articles are given to the Parent Team’s second hand uniform shop.

Please ensure all clothing items are clearly labelled.

Birthdays

Since respect for others and their feelings is an important part of our school, we ask that invitations

not be sent to school for distribution unless you are inviting ALL the children in the class.

Birthday cakes may be sent into the school but they must not contain nuts or nut oil because of the

dangers to those students with severe food allergies. Birthday cake celebrations must be co-

coordinated with the Homeroom teacher ahead of time. Please only supply a cake and / or drinks for

distribution. Party favours or party bags are not to be brought to school for birthday celebrations.

Valuables

Students are not permitted to bring unnecessary valuables, such as toys and electronic

entertainment items to school. In the event of valuables being brought to school for learning

experiences, parents are encouraged to coordinate with the homeroom teacher.

We discourage students bringing large amounts of cash to school. Any deposits for payment should

be paid directly to the Accountant by parents.

Students’ Guests

We, unfortunately, are not able to accommodate guests as this disrupts the learning and continuity

of our programmes and therefore we do not allow non-Raha children to attend classes.

Furthermore, we do not expect nor want Raha teachers to take responsibility and care for students

not officially enrolled at our school.

Food Services and Policy

If a child has allergies to certain foods or is on a restricted diet they must bring food from home. If

you have any concerns about your child’s diet with regard to allergies, please call the School Nurse.

In order to support effective learning throughout the day and to promote a well-balanced lifestyle,

we ask parents to provide healthy lunches and snacks for their child/ren. Students have the option

of bringing food from home. Otherwise, well-balanced snacks and lunches are available for students.

If you have any concerns about your child’s diet with regard to allergies, please call the School

Nurse.

Maintaining our healthy eating, the following items are banned for individual’s lunches:

energy drinks,

pop drinks/sodas,

large servings of junk food including crisps/potato chips

Occasionally a class party will be held to celebrate an event we acknowledge at this time of sharing

there may be exceptions however we encourage healthy choices and emphasize our nut free policy.

Encouragement for students to have lunchbox contents which are:

1. Nutritious and well balanced (including low saturated fat, low processed sugar)

2. Child friendly and appealing to eat at school (no need to use knife )

3. Environmentally friendly (reduce pre-packaged foods and costs)

Students in Grades 1-12 can use the Slices pre-paid card to purchase food from the cafeteria. This

can be purchased directly from the Slices staff. You can find further information on Slices here.

Nut Policy

Due to the high number of students who have severe life-threatening food allergies, we ask that you

strictly adhere to our ‘Nut Free’ policy which states that food containing nuts is not to be brought

onto the school premises.

The Health Centre

The Health Centre is a licensed Medical Facility via the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi. It is located

between the Senior Gym and the Senior Dining Hall on campus and is staffed by our two School

Nurses from 07:30 am to 3:30pm. Extended hours will be in place for any sporting activity held on

campus after hours.

Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

The Centre has a holistic approach to care for the physical, emotional and social well-being of the

students. Consider the Health Centre as a resource and visit or call to discuss issues related to the

positive health of students and the school community. Health promotion activities are conducted

throughout the school and information is available at the Health Centre on a variety of holistic

topics. The nurse is also available to provide individual or group student health information.

Immunizations

In the interest of safety for all children, immunizations are to be conducted by the student’s general

practitioner or paediatrician. Reminders are sent out to students and please keep your child’s

immunization record in their Medical file up to date.

Health Authority Recommended School Health Checks

The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi have recommended a range of regular checks for school age

children. These may be undertaken by the students own medical practitioner or paediatrician or

through the school. If you have any questions please speak to the school nurse.

Hygiene

A high standard of independent hygiene is encouraged and promoted at this school for every class.

Some of the topics addressed at the school include:

Promoting regular hand washing,

Covering coughs,

Keeping teeth clean

Appropriate toilet use

Keeping clean to prevent body odours

Keeping hair tidy and tied up

Keeping nails short and clean.

Protection from Solar Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation

To prevent the dangers of excess ultraviolet radiation from the sun, we ask that all parents,

promote, role model and praise children who wear appropriate hats or head cover and/or sunscreen

in the sun. Remember too, we have a strict No Hat, No Play policy.

Bike Safety

If your child rides a bike to school, please ensure that they wear an appropriately fitted helmet and

are very clear on the safety rules. Children may ride on the footpath to school. The gate from Raha

Gardens is open in the morning and afternoon for pedestrians and bike riders. In the interest of all

children, please ensure your child does not ride their bike on school grounds. Bike racks are located

near each of the entrances.

Swimming Pool Safety

All pool users will be provided with safety rules verbally and swim rules will also be available for all

to review on the wall near the pool.

For the safety of others using the swimming facilities please advise the swim teacher or home room

teacher if your child has:

Presence of fever, known virus or communicable disease.

Otitis Media (external ear infection with pus) or perforated ear drum

Open wounds, or ulceration of wound with signs of infection (e.g. Deeper than 2mm)

Impetigo with pus

Weeping Molluscum Contagisum (may need to cover and have separate towels)

Warts or Verrucas (may need to cover and have separate towels or wear flip flops in change room)

Conjunctivitis with pus/crust

Onset of exacerbation of bronchial asthma which is exercise induced

Medication and other treatments

If your child is prescribed a medication that is given during the school day, it should be brought to

the Health Centre by a parent or caregiver. A note, dated, with instructions and signed by a parent

should accompany the medication. The container for the medication should also be properly

labelled with the student’s name, the name of the medication contained, the dosage, the

prescriber’s name and the schedule for its administration to your child. The same also applies if your

child is required to take herbal, homeopathic, alternative therapies or over the counter medicines.

If your child requires medication like Epi-Pen, Glucogon, Ventolin for any potential emergency, it is

the parents responsibility to replace expired medication. Please visit the Health Centre on the first

day of school to check expiry dates and check administration instructions.

First Aid and Student Illness

If your child has a medical condition of any type, i.e. allergies, asthma, epilepsy, or diabetes, please

ensure this is indicated on the medial health form. The Health Centre welcomes opportunities to

discuss/ consult with you or your child’s doctor.

If your child requires first aid or develops an acute illness during school hours, the child will be taken

to the School’s Health Centre. If necessary, you will be contacted and may be expected to pick your

child up or make the necessary arrangements for your child to be seen by his/her doctor. All children

who are well enough to come to school are expected to participate in normal class activities. The

school health service is not expected to check on injuries that happen outside of school hours.

Parents are contacted in cases of serious illness, injury or to request your permission for

administration of medication. We call you to check if any medication had been taken previously on

the day, for any allergies or administration. There are limited resting facilities at the school, so we

ask that if you need to pick up your child that this is done at your earliest possible convenience. On

most occasions a medical slip will be written and given to the child to exit from the front gate with

an adult. The child will usually wait in front reception for their parents unless unable to do so.

We stress the importance of up-to-date contact and medical information in your child’s medical

forms. It is required that we have current telephone numbers and an alternative contact number for

a care giver who is available, in the case of emergency, other than parents/ guardians. In the event

of a medical emergency, if we are unable to contact the parent, the child may be taken to hospital in

the care of a school staff member.

If a student has an illness or is recovering from an illness, and/or is unable to participate in physical

education or swimming activities the parents need to provide a medical certificate or note from the

parent indicating the period of time that the child should be excluded from certain activities.

For the safety of your child and other children and staff, it is essential to keep your child at home if

they have any of the following:

Severe conjunctivitis

Severe bronchitis or continuous cough

Severe gastroenteritis, vomiting or diarrhea

High fever or any serious illness, -especially with drowsiness/lethargy

Presence of Lice/Eggs

Any contagious /communicable disease like Chicken pox or Measles

Please be sure to inform the School if your child has been exposed to any communicable disease or

condition, such as:

Chicken Pox,

Measles,

Lice.