Halloween Festivities

I know the classroom mothers have been in touch, but just a few last-minute reminders about tomorrow's Halloween celebrations: (I'm sorry this is a bit late. I was sick yesterday.) 

• We will have our Halloween Parade around the track around 8:35 am tomorrow, so if you are available to come, please have your cameras ready to snap photos of your sweetie. Our class will walk in a line with the rest of Grade 3. We will make one loop around the track, so there is plenty of time to get pictures. 

• After the parade, parents are invited to come to our class for our 3LN Halloween Party. It should take about an hour, so we will plan on going outside for recess at 9:30. By then, the children will be wired and ready to expend some energy! 

• During our party, we will do some short activities and enjoy some tasty treats, which the class mothers have organized. 

• As we have PE in the afternoon,  your child may remain in his/her costume as the PE teachers have adjusted their lessons in light of this special day.

• Keep in mind that dressing up is entirely optional.  If your child would prefer not to participate, that is no problem and he/she can remain in the regular DAA uniform (for PE). 

• The costume your child wears should not be overly scary (blood and gore, or weapons). 

We are looking forward to a fun day of festivities! A big thank you in advance to all of you who are bringing necessary items, food, and supplies. I'm so thankful! 

ANNUAL HOODIE SALE

It's time to get ready for those changing temps!  

The PS/ES annual hoodie pre-sale will take place on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th of October in the ES/PS Lobby at morning drop-off, KG 1 afternoon pick-up and regular afternoon pick-up on both days (Sample sizes will be available to try).  Cost: AED150.  Cash only

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Dear Parents,

You are invited to parent/teacher conferences on October 22nd and 23rd at DAA. All you need to know is the website where you can book your conferences.

That site is:  http://www.schoolbookings.net and the event code(s) is:  7QJP3

For more information please visit gemsdaa.com and look at the front page for the parent teacher conference info.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

With regards,

DAA Administration

ES Dismissal Procedures

What: ES Afternoon Dismissal

When: Starting Sunday, October 19th

After an excellent first 6 weeks of having the students leaving their classrooms in an orderly, respectful fashion, we will now transition to having the students walk down on their own. This will not be a complete return to how it was done last year, as we do not want all of our hard work and effort to go to waste!

During this phase we will use the following dismissal procedure:

• Classroom teachers will have students pack up their belongings in the classroom.
• Classroom teachers will line the class up inside the classroom and dismiss the students, asking them to stay in their lines, as they walk independently down to the foyer or the buses.  Teachers should assign a student line leader.
• Classroom teachers will monitor their students in the hallway to assess their behavior as the students walk on their own.  Please also assist with monitoring the behavior of other classes passing by.
• Classes will no longer use the KG1 hallway or the stairway by the cafeteria (Grade 5 walk through the Grade 4 Hallways).

What if students are unable to do this?

• If a student(s) are unable to walk down on their own in a respectful manner they will be sent back to their classroom.
• The classroom teacher will be made aware of this.  
• As a consequence these students will be held back for a short period of time for the duration of one week after the rest of the class has been dismissed.
• Chronic misbehavior at dismissal should be referred to Mr. Molloy.

ES Dismissal and the start of ASA’s:

We want to say a big thank you to all of you that have assisted us before and after school with keeping our hallways clear until 7:30am and again until 2:45pm in the afternoon by waiting for your children in the foyer.  It has made a huge difference in keeping instruction going until the end of the day and speeding up dismissal!  

As ASA’s are beginning on Sunday, October 19th with teachers leading many of the ASA sessions, similar to last year, classes will now independently make their way to the Foyer at the end of the day. Teachers will continue to assist students in packing up, lining up in the classrooms and supervise students as they walk down the hallway. Please continue to help us by waiting in Foyer for your child to come down. Students have been told to continue to meet at the same meeting spot in the Foyer. 

Thank you for your help with this.

3LN Coffee Morning

Our lovely class mothers would like to invite you to join them for coffee this Wednesday, October 15th, at 8:00 am at Le Pain Quotidien on the ground floor of the Mall of the Emirates. 

For more information, please contact Iliana Possani (Lucia's mom) at iposs7@yahoo.com.  I'm sure it will be an enjoyable time!

Breast Cancer Awareness Day News

Thursday, October 16th is Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the PS/ES at DAA.  

Students are invited to wear a pink shirt (or a shirt with pink on it) with their PE shorts or uniform bottoms in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  On this day, students are encouraged to make a voluntary 5 dirham donation which will be given to an approved local charity. 

Thank you to DAAPA for organizing this event and helping to raise awareness.  Parents are also encouraged to dress in PINK to show their support as well.

DAAPA in ES/PS will be also be holding a PINK bake sale on Thursday. Stop by at pick up in the PS/ES to purchase some pink treats or trinkets.  DAAPA is requesting donations of pink baked goods for the Pink Bake sale.  If you would like to contribute, please drop off your delicacies in the ES foyer on Thursday morning. Volunteers are welcome to assist with the Pink sale.  

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to stayintouchwithdaaes@gmail.com.