The new semester began with some unseasonably cold weather and our children returned to school with lots of winter attire and for the first time since coming to Oman I wished for some central heating!

The new year started well with the staff and students ready to commit themselves to a hard working five months returning as they were to familiar faces and routines. Reports were issued  followed by very well attended Parent Teacher  Meetings  and it is hoped that the advice offered to our students with regards to progress and improvement will be adopted wholeheartedly with positive results!

A number of class trips took place with some Grade 5 and all of the Grade 4 classes having the opportunity to extend their learning outside of the classroom. A new venture for us this year was the Grade 6 four day activity break. A number of our students elected to go on this venture which proved to be a fantastic opportunity for them to participate in a series of outdoor activities, work cooperatively with their peers in challenge situations and spend time away from home and the family. My thanks go to all of the staff who accompanied the children and who worked very hard supervising and taking care of them during the week. I do hope this particular event will continue.

The Upper Elementary Filed Day once again proved to be a well organized enjoyable occasion with all of the students participating at some level, no matter what their ability. It is so important that the children learn the value of team effort  and that their  contribution to  their house points is a valued and worthwhile role.

As teachers, we strive continually to update our skills and qualifications hopefully, improving our teaching too! It is wonderful to report that a large number of Upper Elementary staff are following a language course to help to improve the quality of learning for the children. This entails a huge time commitment after school and at weekends as well as large number of work assignments to complete. My "Thanks" go to all those staff who have elected to take this course and to Mr. Griffin and Mrs. Wright for acting as  group leaders.

Yours,

Marie Stewart,
Head of Upper Elementary