Swimming Starts Monday!

Dear Parents, 

This Monday, swimming will start again. 

Please have your child come prepared with a swim cap, swimsuit (one piece), goggles, towel, and flip flops. As a reminder, if your child cannot participate due to medical reasons, a doctor's note should be provided to me. 

Thank you, 

Mr. Luke 

News to Note

Ok, can someone please tell me how it can be February already?! This year is flying by way too fast and I'd really like it to slow down just a bit, so I we can all enjoy it even more. Hopefully, the day off yesterday provided a great opportunity to do just that...and the weather was just glorious! Though we teachers were at school, it was a fantastic day of professional growth as we learned from Brian and Robin Fogarty, who are renowned experts in education. Our time was very well spent.

Since it's been a while (so sorry!), I wanted to touch base about a few things:

• I want to offer a huge thank you to those of you parents who were able to come to our Track and Field Day last Tuesday, Jan. 31. I so appreciate your help, encouragement, time, effort, and support. It made our day so much more fun having you there with us, so please know that I am very appreciative. (I'll be posting pictures soon!) 

• Swimming is canceled for this cycle and the rest of Trimester 2, as the recent storm caused some damage to the pool area and it will take time for the repairs, insurance, inspection, etc. Thank you for your understanding. I know the children are disappointed, but this is a great opportunity to use a favorite expression in our classroom, "C'est la vie." (That's life.) 

• Parent Engagement Week in the ES: You are invited to join us in our classroom on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 8:10-9:00. I will be teaching a mini-lesson about how to effectively elaborate in narrative stories (in this case, our fractured fairy tale). Knowing a few strategies will help to equip you at home when/if your child gets stuck as a writer and doesn't know what else to add to his/her story. I hope you'll be able to join us! 

• We will be going on a field trip next Thursday, Feb. 16. First, we'll head over to the Dubai Museum to learn about life in the UAE, Bedouins, pearl diving, and more. Then, we'll walk down the block to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. There, we'll partake in a full Emirati meal, learn about local culture, and make a tile craft. (This is the reason why this field trip is a bit pricey. Rest assured that it's a high quality field trip, which students have typically greatly enjoyed and students will be brining home the art the create.)  
• If you would like to volunteer for this trip, please just let me know. It's a fantastic trip! We'll be off campus from 8ish until 1:30 pm. (You will need to drive your own vehicle, as parents are not allowed on school buses for insurance purposes.) 

• Valentine's Day is next Tuesday, Feb. 14. We will be having a small classroom party; however, it will just be limited to the students and me, since our time will be short. If you would like to send in some goodies (cookies, cupcakes, fruit, chocolate, etc.), you are welcome to. Just send me an email, so I know what to expect. 

• Students are invited to dress down in Valentine's Day colors (red, pink, white) on Tuesday, Feb. 14, for a minimum donation of AED 5, which will go to Dubai Cares. (Students who don't wish to dress down are also most welcome to still donate.)

• If you would like to have your child write valentines for their classmates, here is a list of our 3LN students: 

• Girls: Jenna, Mariam, Zoya, Anita, Sarah, Farida, Isabella, Sofiya (8 total) 

• Boys: Zayd, Zaid, Jordan, Aly, Efe, Woochan, Zunyi, Ali, Yehia, Julian, Leo, Alvin, Can (13 total)

• Next week will be Love Your Library Week, so be on the look-out for all the "lovely" details. 

• Also, you may have heard my big news that I have accepted a teaching position in Shanghai, China!! I told the news to our class and they share the same bittersweet emotions that I am also feeling. While I'm thrilled to be embarking on a whole new adventure, I will really miss my precious students, you parents, my colleagues, friends, and all of the other aspects of Dubai that I have come to know and love so well. It's difficult to leave. Having said that, however, I'm ready for a change, new challenges, and a whole culture in the Far East. (If you want to read  the whole story, which includes a very detailed description, you're welcome to view and read my personal blog post.) 

• Academics: We have been busy learning! Here's a brief summary...

• In reading, students are now in Unit 3 and learning more about characters through inferencing, examining the character's motivations, and forming theories about characters. Students are now reading fiction again in class, so please encourage your child to read his or her "just right" chapter book each night and bring the reading log back to school each day. Thank you! 

• In writing, we are also in Unit 3, which is all about writing fractured fairy tales. Students will be learning about fairy tale adaptations and how to write their own. They will write 1-2 short fractured fairy tales of their own, with the final goal being to publish their favorite one. 

• In math, we are wrapping up Chapter 5 (place value, decimals) and will have a test next Tuesday. 

• In science, students have been learning about the different between weather and climate, as well as weather tools, how to analyze weather data and draw conclusions, and how to predict the weather based on patterns. 

I think that's it. Thanks for taking the time to read all of our 3LN news and, most importantly, thank you so much for all of your ongoing support! Together is better.  :) 

Swimming starts Wednesday!

This Wednesday, Feb. 1, students in 3LN will be starting their next swimming unit.  

They should bring the following every single day starting Wednesday: 

• swim cap
• swimsuit (one piece)
• goggles
•  towel
• flip flops

Students may wear their bathing suits under their uniform only on Days 1 and 6. They should change into their bathing suits at school on Days 3 and 8. (This is due to hygienic and comfort reasons, since we have swimming towards the end of the day on Days 3 and 8.) 

If a student cannot participate for medical reasons, then he/she will need to bring in a doctor's note.

Students will be given one mulligan (free pass) if they forget their swim gear.  If they forget their swim gear twice in the ten day cycle, then they will go down one grade level. 

Thanks for your support! We look forward to a great time back in the water! 

News to Note

A very Happy (belated) Diwali to you 

&

Happy Halloween! 

I want to thank those of you who were able to make it to our fall parade and/or party this morning. We had a fun time guessing the body part of poor Mr. Brown's shriveled corpse ("Ewwww!"), dressing up like mummies, listening to spooky music, and eating delicious treats. I have many good pictures to share, so stay tuned as I'll be posting those soon. 

Here are a few things to note: 

• If you haven't already checked, please be sure to read our latest Assignment Sheet and News, which I posted on Friday. 

• Thursday, Nov. 10th, will be United Nations Day in the Elementary School.  The ES UN Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate our cultural diversity at DAA, something we are truly proud of! ES students may come dressed in their country’s traditional dress or the colors of their country's flag.  The morning will begin with a Parade of Nations (similar to the parade that starts the Olympic Games) around the track. All children from grades 3­-5 will be walking in the parade in groups with other children from their same country.  Parents are invited to join us on the main field between 8:05-8:30 am to watch the Parade of Nations. We ask that you please stand on the inside of the track to watch. Hope to see you all there cheering on the many United Nations of DAA! 

• From the Library: The fall Bookworm Book Fair will be held November 6-10th in the ES Conference Room. Parents are welcome to shop with their children before or after school, or during their child’s scheduled class visit.  Labeled envelopes will be sent home next week with students if parents would like to send money so their children can purchase books. The average cost of a book is 50 dirhams.   

          Here are the times it's open to everyone: 

• Sunday, Nov. 6 -- 11:00-3:30 pm
• Monday, Nov. 7 -- 7:30-3:30 pm
• Tuesday, Nov. 8 -- 7:30-2:00 pm
• Wednesday, Nov. 9 --7:30-3:30 pm 
• Thursday, November 10 -- 7:30-3:30 pm 

• Swimming starts this Wednesday! Here's what Mr. Luke wants you to know: 

• Students' need to bring a swimsuit (one piece), goggles, swim cap (mandatory), flip flops, and towel.

• If a student cannot participate for medical reasons then they need to bring in a doctor's note. Doctor's notes can only exempt a student if it's for one of the following: stitches, ear infections, fever, or broken bones. 

• It is recommended that students bring their swim equipment to school daily, even when they don't have PE, as this will minimize the chances of a student forgetting it on PE days. 

• Finally, students will be given one mulligan (or "free pass") if they forget their swim gear.  If they forget their swim gear twice in the ten day cycle, then they will go down one grade level. (Students will have to sit out and watch if they forget their swim gear.) 

Swimming has always been an enjoyable activity for Grade 3 and they always look forward to getting into the pool. Thanks for your support! 

• Coffee Morning!  Doaa, our class mom, would like to invite you to come to 3LN's first coffee morning! It will be next Thursday, November 3rd, after the morning drop-off (around 8:00-8:15), at the Starbucks in the Mall of the Emirates. (It's the Starbucks upstairs near Ski Dubai.) I hope you'll be able to join in the fun. I wish I could go!! 

Looking forward to a great month of November! 

Swimming

It's that time again, which is perfect timing as the temperatures are starting to slowly creep up again. 

Our class will have their first swimming class on Day 3, Thursday, April 28th. 

Mr. James has spoken to all of his classes about being fully prepared for the swimming classes by bringing all their appropriate swimming gear, which includes the following items:

 1. swimming goggles and cap
 2. swim attire- boys (swim shorts) and girls (one-piece suits)
 3. flip flops
 4. towel

 As Per Ms. Kit:

All students will participate unless they have a medical note that states they have the following conditions:

 1. Fever
 2. Ear Infection
 3. Broken arm
 4. Stitches

All other inquires should kindly contact  Ms. Kit regarding any exceptions or emergencies.

FYI: The water temperature and PH level is suitable for the children, as we are monitoring it to ensure it’s safe and acceptable.

 Thanks so much for your ongoing support! 

A Note from Mr. James about Swimming

It's time for another round of swimming, which will run for a full 10 day cycle.

I have spoken to all my classes about being fully prepared for the swimming classes by bringing all their appropriate swimming gear.

1. Swimming goggles and cap
2. Swim attire: boys (swim shorts) and girls (one piece suits)
3. Flip flops
4. Towel

As Per Ms. Kit:

All students will participate unless they have a medical note that states they have the following conditions:

1. Fever
2. Ear Infection
3. Broken arm
4. Stitches

For all other inquires regarding any exceptions or emergencies, please message me at james.anaya@gemsdaa.net and I'll direct them to Ms. Kit.

FYI: The water temperature is suitable for the children as we are monitoring it to ensure it’s acceptable.

Thank you,

Mr. James

Swimming News

Last week, our PE Teacher, Mr. James informed our class that they will their swimming unit. These classes will be during your child’s regularly scheduled P.E. lessons and not in addition to them. Students are to wear their PE clothes to school on these days. Just to be clear, our swimming days will be the following: 

• Day 3, Monday, Oct. 19th
• Day 5, Sunday, Oct. 25th
• Day 6, Monday, Oct. 26th 
• Day 8, Wednesday, Oct. 28th
• Day 10, Sunday, Nov. 1st 

During the swimming class, students will focus on stroke development, body position and breathing techniques. The measured water temperature has averaged 30C.

Here is a list of items students will need to bring to school for swimming class:

• Swimsuit (girls - one piece please)
• Towel
• Sandals/flip flops (prevents slipping and keeps feet healthy)
• Plastic bag for wet items
• Goggles – mandatory (promotes proper technique)
• Swim Cap – mandatory (ensures a cleaner pool)

Please remember to label all swimming gear and towel tags so we can return lost items. 

Also, it is very important to keep the P.E. Staff informed of any health problems or health conditions. Students need to bring a written note from a doctor to inform their P.E. teacher if a student is unable to participate in swimming. Otherwise, if a child is at school, they should be well enough to be in the pool.

If students miss any swim class, their grade can be affected. We only have 5 classes of swimming in this unit, so even missing one class is missing 20% of swim time.

Grade 3, 4 and 5 students are expected to be in the pool without a life belt. If your child still requires one, or has any concerning issues with swimming, please let Mr. James know.

Thanks so much for your support! I know most all of the students are excited about getting in the pool!! 

Swimming!

Swimming News! 

Mr. James just informed our class that they will their swimming unit on Thursday, Feb. 26th. These classes will be during your child’s regularly scheduled P.E. lessons and not in addition to them. Students are to wear their PE clothes to school on these days. Just to be clear, our swimming days will be the following: 

• Thursday, Feb. 26
• Tuesday, Mar. 3
• Thursday, Mar. 5
• Sunday, March 8
• Tuesday, March 10

During the swimming class, students will focus on stroke development, body position and breathing techniques. The measured water temperature has averaged 30C.

Here is a list of items students will need to bring to school for swimming class:

• Swimsuit (girls - one piece please)
• Towel
• Sandals/flip flops (prevents slipping and keeps feet healthy)
• Plastic bag for wet items
• Goggles – mandatory (promotes proper technique)
• Swim Cap – mandatory (ensures a cleaner pool)

Please remember to label all swimming gear and towel tags so we can return lost items. 

Also, it is very important to keep the P.E. Staff informed of any health problems or health conditions. Students need to bring a written note from a doctor to inform their P.E. teacher if a student is unable to participate in swimming. Otherwise, if a child is at school, they should be well enough to be in the pool.

If students miss any swim class, their grade can be affected. We only have 5 classes of swimming this unit, so even missing one class is missing 20% of swim time.

Grade 3, 4 and 5 students are expected to be in the pool without a life belt. If your child still requires one, or has issues with swimming, please let Mr. James know.

Thanks so much for your support! I know most all of the students are excited about getting in the pool at last!! 

Important Swimming News

Swimming is coming again soon! 

Please read this important notice from Mrs. Allison, so you are prepared for the first class.