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July 2009
July 1st 2009
Dear Parents and Friends,
The rollercoaster ride of the first term, with the development of the new school, is still very much in most people’s minds and it is hard to believe that had it gone ahead, we would be closing the doors on the ‘village’ school for the last time. But, we are staying and we are growing. Our Year 6 will complete the cycle of a four form entry school in September and we are planning a multitude of internal developments across Key Stage One and Key Stage Two over the summer vacation.
At Key Stage One, we are developing the outside learning environment by adding additional shaded areas and resurfacing a portion at the rear of the building. We will construct a new sand pit area, design bright kerbs for the flower areas and make areas that will enhance the learning experience for all.
At Key Stage Two, we are creating the fourth Year 6 classroom, refurbishing pupil toilets, painting the interior and exterior of the buildings and renovating identified areas of the school. We have also designed and plan to construct a new block at the current site that will house a library, art room, Islamic and Arabic rooms, staff room, TA work area and administration offices. The outside learning environment will benefit enormously by the addition of the grass playing field on the current site of the sand pitch. I would like to thank all of those involved in the project for their advice and enthusiasm.
Another new development is the new look website that will go ‘live’ early next term. Thank you to those of you who have contributed ideas for the design.
Staffing
Earlier this month, I mentioned the staffing changes that will be taking place in September. I would like to elaborate further by mentioning in more detail a few staff members:
Mrs Anne Corkill began her Jebel Ali experience in September 2005. She has lead a very successful learning support team and always has the best interests of each child at heart. We may still see her about the UAE as she intends to divide her time between Ras Al Khaimah and the Isle of Man.
Mrs Catherine McClenaghan made her appearance on the teaching scene at Jebel Ali in January 2007. Kate has been a tremendous asset to the Learning Support team and ventures further East for her next challenge.
Mrs Laura Dingle joined the school a year ago but will not forget her time here as she has recently become a mum for the first time. Laura is planning to take time out to concentrate on her new role.
Mrs Brown, Mrs Hawkins and Mrs Larkin are all off to different corners of the globe and go with our best wishes.
Don, at Key Stage One, who has been a vital component to the smooth running of the site is travelling home to Sri Lanka.
To those mentioned above, I would like to thank you for your contribution to the learning experiences of the children at JAPS.
Pupils
I would like to wish every one of our leavers success in their new schools. It amazes me to think of the Jebel Ali network spreading around the globe. I hope that your experiences with us will provide fond memories of your primary school years.
I feel extremely proud of what has been achieved to date and know that there will be many more achievements to savour.
Following the notification in the Gulf News today, we have investigated via the Ministry of Education. Private schools that do not follow the MOE curriculum are not included in this mandate. Therefore, as things stand at the moment, we intend to return to school on the planned date – Wednesday 2nd September. If there are any changes then we will endeavour to notify you as soon as possible.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation and I look forward to greeting you back at the school on Wednesday 2nd September at the slightly later time as it will be Ramadan.
Kind regards,
Mr J. Price
Headteacher
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