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PrimaryParentHandbook

AcademicYear2017-2018

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DearParents,

WelcometoUptownandtothePrimarySchool!InthePrimarySchoolweareproudtoeducateatrulyinternationalbodyofover700studentsfrommanydifferentnationalitiesandcultures.Ourschooliscommittedtoacademicexcellenceandtosupportingeachchildinreachingtheirfullpotential;whileengenderingindependentlearnersandcaringinternationalcitizens.ThePrimarySchoolfostersaverypositiveenvironmentthatshowsitselfineveryaspectofourschool,andinthewiderUptownSchoolcommunity.Wearecommittedtoeffectiveteachingandlearningfor6to11yearoldsandtheprovisionofwide-rangingopportunitiesandsupportiverelationshipsthatalloweverystudenttoachievehisorherbest.Ourschool'sstudentbodyisinternationalandmulti-culturalincharacter.Webelievepassionatelyinthevalueofaglobaleducationandaccepttheresponsibilitytoteachourstudentshowtodevelopskillswhichenablethemtoinquire,toquestions,tosolveproblemsinconstructivewaysandtodevelopappreciationfortheirownandculturesandlanguagesdifferentfromtheirown.ThefollowingpagesprovidekeyinformationaboutthePrimarySchoolpoliciesandproceduresandwillassistyouandyourson/daughterinsettlingintotheschool/backintotheschool.Pleasereadthebookletcarefullyanddonothesitatetocontactusifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns.Welookforwardtoworkingwithyou.Mrs.PaliNahalHeadofPrimary

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OverviewUptown School in Mirdif is committed to delivering the outstandingInternational Baccalaureate's Primary Years, Middle Years and DiplomaProgramme. Dedicated to nurturing the development in all aspects ofeducationandpersonalgrowth,ourmissionistoencouragecuriosityandenthusiasm, creativity and independence, and compassion andcommunication through an exciting, rich and engaging learningexperience.

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UptownVisionandMission

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Uptown:AnInclusiveSchool

UptownSchool isanon-selectiveschool,andweprideourselvesonour inclusiveapproachtotheeducationalprovisionweoffer.Wewelcomestudentsofanyrace,nationality or cultural background.We see the diversity of our student and staffpopulationasoneofourgreatestassets,andwemakeeveryattempttogiveeachandeverystudentfullaccesstoourlearningprogrammes.Teachersareassistedbyspecialiststaff,suchastheSpecialEducationalNeedsandDisabilityCo-ordinatorsandtheEALteachers,intheidentificationofandprovisionforanindividualstudent’sspecificlearningneeds.Our determination to cultivate and maintain an inclusive ethos of the highestquality is fundamental to the way in which our school will evolve.We will givecarefulthoughttothedefinition,implementationandreviewofpoliciestopromoteinclusion,includingpoliciestotackleabusivebehavioursuchasracismandbullying.Wewillensurethatstudentsthemselveshaveaprominentvoiceinallmattersthataffectthem,andwewillactfairlyanddecisivelyindealingwithanybehaviourthatis contrary toour inclusiveethos.At all timeswewill seek toprovideexemplaryleadershipasrolemodelsourselves.

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OurInternationalCurriculum:TheInternationalBaccalaureate

TheIBaimsthatalllearnersshouldbecome:Inquirers,thinkers,communicators,risk-takerswhoareknowledgeable,principled,caring,open-minded,balancedandreflective.Uptown School is a dynamic international school that aims to be at the leadingedge of educational innovation and excellence.We are an authorised IBWorldSchoolindeliveringthePrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP),MiddleYearsProgramme(MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) of the International BaccalaureateOrganisation, which is enriched and supplemented by specialist subjects and adynamic,innovativemusicprogramme.Weofferafullrangeofsportingandextra-curricularactivitiesand opportunities to learn Arabic and French as part of thetaughtcurriculum.The Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (Please refer to theprogrammespecifichandbooks)TheIBLearnerProfileInquirers-Wenurtureourcuriosity,developingskillsforinquiryandresearch.We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn withenthusiasmandsustainourloveoflearningthroughoutlife.Knowledgeable - We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploringknowledgeacrossarangeofdisciplines.Weengagewithissuesandideasthathavelocalandglobalsignificance.Thinkers - We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and takeresponsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in makingreasoned,ethicaldecisions.Communicators -Weexpressourselvesconfidentlyandcreatively inmore thanonelanguageandinmanyways.Wecollaborateeffectively,listeningcarefullytotheperspectivesofotherindividualsandgroups.Principled -Weactwith integrityandhonesty,withastrongsenseof fairnessand justice, andwith respect for thedignity and rights of people everywhere.Wetakeresponsibilityforouractionsandtheirconsequences.Open-Minded - We critically appreciate our own cultures and personalhistories,aswellasthevaluesandtraditionsofothers.Weseekandevaluatearangeofpointsofview,andwearewillingtogrowfromtheexperience.Caring -Weshowempathy,compassionandrespect.Wehaveacommitmenttoservice,andweacttomakeapositivedifferenceinthelivesofothersandintheworldaroundus.Balanced -Weunderstand the importance of balancing different aspects of ourlivesintellectual,physical,andemotional—toachievewell-beingforourselvesand

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others.Werecognizeourinterdependencewithotherpeopleandwiththeworldinwhichwelive.Reflective - We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas andexperience.Weworktounderstandourstrengthsandweaknessesinordertosupportourlearningandpersonaldevelopment.Risk-Takers-Weapproachuncertaintywithforethoughtanddetermination;wework independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovativestrategies.Weareresourcefulandresilientinthefaceofchallengesandchange.

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ThePrimaryYearsProgrammeUptownSchoolsPrimaryYearsProgrammeistheprogrammethatbestmeetsouraimsandaspirations.ThePYPisacurriculumframework;itbringswithitacleareducationalphilosophyandamethodologyforyounglearners.TheIBPYPwasdevelopedbymember schoolsaround theworldand isadministeredbytheInternationalBaccalaureateaccordingtowhom:ThePrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP)isdesignedforstudentsbetweentheagesof 3 and 12. It is an international, transdisciplinary programme designed tofoster thedevelopmentof thewholechild,not just in theclassroombutalsothroughothermeansof learning.ThePYPfocusesonthetotalgrowthofthedeveloping child, touchinghearts aswell asmindsandencompassing social,physical,emotionalandculturalneedsinadditiontoacademicwelfare.The PYP combines the best research and practice from a range ofnational systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience frominternational schools to create a relevant and engaging educationalframeworkforallchildren.YoucanfindtheSchoolsGuidetothePrimaryYearsProgramme, IB,atthefollowingwebsiteaddresswww.ibo.orgThePYPplacesstructuredinquiryattheheartofthelearningprocess.Childrenareencouragedtodevelop,throughthelearningprocess,thoseattributesandtraitsthatwillenablethemtobecomeexpertlearners.ThePYPcurriculummodelisbuiltfromaframeworkoftransdisciplinarythemesthathelpteachersandstudentstoexploreandacquireessentialknowledgeandskillsandtotakesociallyresponsibleaction.The PYP sets out six such transdisciplinary themes to offer continuity andprogressionoflearning:

WhoweareWhereweareinplaceandtimeHowweexpressourselvesHowtheworldworksHowweorganiseourselvesHowwesharetheplanet

Our teachers devote a great deal of time and thought to thorough andmeticulouscurriculumplanning,whichistheessentialprerequisiteforthePYPprogramme. The teacher will integrate the many subjects that connectnaturally into units of inquiry, ensuring that students can see both theconnectionsbetweensubjectsandtherelevanceofeachsubjecttotheirlives.Students learn how to take risks, ask questions, plan investigations, solveproblemsandfindtheanswerstotheirquestions.

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Withineachtransdisciplinarytheme,thePYP’swrittencurriculumemergesoutof a series of essential elements,which are in part planning guidelines and inpartdesiredlearningoutcomes.Knowledge

ThePYPidentifiesa“bodyofsignificantknowledge”forallstudentsinallculturesinsixprincipalsubjectareas:

languagesocialstudiesmathematicsscienceandtechnologytheartspersonal,socialandphysicaleducation

ConceptsEight fundamental concepts, expressed as questions, provide the structure forinquiry:

Form:whatisitlike?Function:howdoesitwork?Causation:whyisitlikeitis?Change:howisitchanging?Connection:howisitconnectedtootherthings?Perspective:whatarethepointsofview?Responsibility:whatisourresponsibility?Reflection:howdoweknow?

SkillsFivetransdisciplinaryskillsareacquiredintheprocessofstructuredinquiry:

ThinkingCommunicationSocialResearchSelf-management

AttitudesWeseekthroughthePYPtofosterthefollowingattitudes:Tolerance, respect, integrity, independence, enthusiasm, empathy,curiosity, creativity, cooperation, confidence, commitment andappreciation

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ResponsibleActionEveryopportunityistakentoencourageandempowerstudentstotakesociallyresponsible action and contribute to the immediate and wider community.Communityserviceisanimportantelementofthis,anditformspartofthePYPprofile.Studentsarerequiredtokeepalogdocumentingtheirservice,andtheywill have an opportunity to reflect on their contribution at the end of eachsemester.Whilewedoprovidetime,opportunitiesandresourcesforstudentsto takepart incommunityservice, studentsarenonethelessexpectedto takeinitiativeandseekoutcommunityserviceopportunitiesontheirownaccord.AssessmentofStudents’ProgressThroughThePYPProgrammeHighqualityandprecisepre,formativeandsummativeassessment is integraltothesuccessofthePYP.School-basedassessmentandfeedbacktechniqueswill include student/teacher/parent conferences, writing samples, structuredobservationsandperformancetasksassessedbyteachersandself-assessedbystudents.Eachstudent’sprogressthroughthecurriculumisdocumentedinthePYPportfolio.Formalreportsaresenthomeattheendofsemesteroneandattheendoftheacademicyear.

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TheSchoolDaySchoolHours07:30-Studentsenterschool,teachersareondutyfrom07:25am.

Ifastudententersschoolbeforethentheyareunsupervised.07:45-Studentslineupandgointohomeroomclasses08:00-Registrationcloses14:30-EndoftheschooldayforG1-G5WeaskparentstocollecttheirchildrenfromthePrimarypick-upareawhenleavingattheendoftheday.Ifyoucomeintoschoolweaskyounottostandoutsidetheclassroomsorwaitinthecorridorsbefore14:30asthesespacesareoftenusedaslearningzonesanditcandisruptstudentfocus.Afterschool,teachersdonotsupervisetheoutsideplayareaastheyarepreparingforthenextday.Therefore,forhealthandsafetyreasonsweaskyoutosuperviseyourchildrenandnotallowthemusethecommonplayareas.

Uptown7-DayRotationTimetableInordertomaximizecurriculumopportunitiesforourstudentsweruna7-Dayrotation timetable, this rotation calendar is published at the start of theacademicyear.Forexample,PEwillnotbeonthesamesetdayeachweek.CollaborativePlanning(schoolforstudentsfinishesatlunchtime)There are five collaborative planning days this academic year where studentswillleaveschoolatlunchtime.Thedatesfortheacademicyear2017/18:Tuesday26thSeptemberTuesday28thNovemberTuesday30thJanuaryTuesday20thFebruaryTuesday24thApril

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SpecialCurriculumDaysStudentscompleteactivitiesonachosentheme.Thedatesfortheacademicyear2017/18:Sunday10thDecemberSunday22ndAprilTaaleemProfessionalDevelopmentdays(schoolisclosedforallstudents)Thedatesfortheacademicyear2017/18:Sunday22ndOctoberSunday11thFebruaryMonday12thFebruarySunday13thMayStudentAbsencefromSchoolTeachers want to see their students in school so they can give them the bestpossiblelearningexperiences.Absenceunderminesanddisruptslearning,anditisnotpossibleto“makeup”infullthelearninglostduringaperiodofabsence.Weaskteacherstomonitorandrecordattendanceandpunctualityrigorouslyandyouwillbecontactedbyschoolifyourchild’sattendancebecomesaconcern.We recognise that theexpatriate lifestylepresents greatopportunities for travel,and we are pleased to encourage families to take advantage of the many richexperiences that can provide lifelongmemories. However, we ask parents to doeverything they can to ensure that such trips do not conflict with school days.Whilstwemakeeveryeffort to support the learningneedsof studentswhomissschool due to illness or a family emergency,wedonot expect teachers tomakeexceptionallessonplanningarrangementsforstudentswhomissschoolbecauseofplannedholidays.Pleasenote that attendanceand lateness are judgedby the criteria setbyKHDAandareasfollows:

• Outstanding100%• Excellent>99%• VeryGood>98%• Good>96%• Satisfactory>94%• Unsatisfactory<94%• Unacceptable<92%

Ifa student isabsent fromschool,wehaveclearguidelines fromtheKHDAas towhatwecanauthoriseasanacceptablereasonforabsenceandwhatwewillnot.Students’ absences will be granted at his/her discretion in line with KHDAguidelines.

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LatenessDuring the morning registration, your child’s homeroom teacher will impartimportant information regarding activities, curriculum and other appropriateinformation.Therefore,itisvitalyourchildisinschoolforthestartofregistration,so they are informed, well prepared and organized for the day ahead. In theunlikely event that your child arrives late, please ensure they visit the SchoolSecretaryinthePrimaryReceptionareatoreceivealateslipandbeelectronicallyregisteredontotheschoolattendancesystem.

LeavingEarlyIfyouneedtocollectyourchildpriortotheendoftheschooldayforanimportantappointmentpleaseseethePrimarySecretary.YouwillneedtocollectaleaveslipfromtheSecretaryinordertoclearsecurity.SicknessWedounderstandthatsometimesyourchildmaybetoounwelltoattendschool.Weaskparents to telephoneoremail the school (HomeroomTeacher/Secretary)priorto07:30toregisterastudents’absenceandletusknowthereason.StudentsshouldvisittheNursewhentheyreturntoschoolafteracommunicativeillness and must show a doctor’s note stating that they are fit to resume class.StudentsmaynotbeallowedintoclassiftheNursefeelstheyarestillunwell.Nurse’sOfficeThe SchoolNurses are responsible for the assessment, treatment and referral ofstudentinjuriesandillnessesthatoccurduringtheschoolday.WeaskparentscompleteaStudentMedicalRecordformpriortoadmissionandtoupdateitannually.Itisvitalthatwearemadeawareofanymedicalconditionsforthesafetyandcareofyourchild.InCaseofInjuryIntheunfortunateeventofastudentbeinginjuredduringtheschooldaythechildwillbetakenbetotheschoolnurse.Ablowtotheheadorneckwillbetakenveryseriously,andthestudentwillbetakenforappropriateassessmentandtreatmentimmediately.For any injury, our School Accident Report Form will be completed by thesupervising teacher and given to the school nurse who will forward it to thePrincipaland/orPrimaryHead.Foranyinjury,andwiththeutmosturgencyinthecase of any more serious injury, parents will be contacted either by the schoolnurseortheteacherinvolvedatthetime.Itisfundamentalthatparentalcontactdetailsarekeptuptodate.NutsSeveralmembersoftheUptowncommunityhaveseverenutallergiesandassuchUptown is a nut free school. No nut products are permitted in school – thisincludesallnutproducts,Nutellachocolatespreadandpeanutbutter.Thankyouinadvance for your cooperation inensuring the safetyandwell-beingofourwholeschoolcommunity.

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SafeguardingAt Uptown we take child protection very seriously and any issues relating tosafeguardingconcernsforachildwillbereportedtotheChildProtectionLead.Anystudentwhoisthevictimofabuseorwhoisconcernedaboutthesafetyofanotherchildshouldknowthats/hewillbesupportedbytheschoolandthatappropriateactionwillbetakenensuringthather/hisdignity,well-beingandsafetyareofthehighest importance andurgency.A studentwho is the victimof abuseorwho isconcernedabout the safetyof another is encouraged to seek theassistanceof amemberofstafftheyarecomfortabletalkingto.Teacherswillreportanysuspectedchild abuse to the Child Protection Lead. All Uptown staff receive regularsafeguardingtraining.SunProtection• Hatsmustbewornbystudentswhenoutside(nohatnoplay–evenforolder

students!)• Studentsmustneverbeallowedtoplaygameswithouttheirshirtson.• Sunscreenprotectionisrecommendedtobeusedbyallstudents.• Studentsareeducatedabouttheimportanceofdrinkingwaterthroughoutthe

dayandremindedtodrinkwater regularly.Pleaseensureyourchildhas theirownnamedwaterbottleinschooleveryday.

SnackandLunchBreaksHere at Uptown we encourage our students to develop healthy eating habits.Studentsareencouragedtosocializeandpractisetheirtablemannersastheyeat.There is a separate Primary School canteen. We ask that parents support ourhealthyeatingpolicybyensuring they send their children to schoolwith suitableandhealthypackedlunchesthatwillsustainthemthroughthebusyschoolday.Packed lunchesshouldnotcontainsweets,crisps,cookies, fizzydrinksorcaffeinefuelledenergydrinks.Studentsoftenfinditdifficulttofocusandgetthemostoutoftheirtimeinschooliftheyhavemadepoorfoodchoices.Wealsoaskparentstomaketheirchildrenawarethatwedonotallowthesharingof food to ensure we are respectful of all religious beliefs and possible foodallergies.The school caterer, Slices, offers nutritional and healthy food options in ourPrimarycanteen.Grade1lunchesaredeliveredtotheclassroomandoldergradeseat in the canteen. Please see Slices’ website, http://slices.ae, for furtherinformation, including thecardsystemofpayment.Childrenarealsowelcometobringtheirownhealthypacklunchinsteadofpurchasingthecanteenfood.Extra-CurricularActivitiesExtra-curricular Activities are after-school activities in these areas: Academics,Sports,PerformingArts,CultureandMusic,CraftsandMediaandGeneralHobbies.Allstudentsarestronglyencouragedtoparticipateinthisprogrammeasitenablesstudents to share their skills and become part of Uptown's international schoolcommunity.ECAsmayinclude:MotherTongueClub,Origami,GermanForeignLanguage,QuranReciting,Movement toMusic, Public Speaking, Chess Club, Football, Badminton,

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Table Tennis, Basketball, Reading Club, Cursive Writing, Creative Writing,ConstructionClubandmore.

Uptownalsooffersabroadrangeofeducationalvisitsandexcursions,whichareavitalpartofourcurriculum.

Uptown teacher-led ECAs are included in the tuition fees. ECAs by externalprovidersorcompaniesarebeingcharged.SportsinthePrimarySchoolSports in thePrimarySchoolatUptownbegins in thePE curriculum.All studentsattendweeklyPE lessonsthatenrichandextendtheunitof inquirystudy intheirclassroom.Swimisusuallyoneoftheweeklylessonswiththeotherlessononourmulti-purpose sports field or in the PYP dedicated gymnasium. The sportsprogrammeisextendedthroughtheextensivefreeextra-curricularactivities(ECAs)offered after school on various days during the week. In addition, Uptown PYPcompetitivesportsteamsareU11,U12boysandgirlsfootballteams,swimsquadfor students in Grades 2-5, U12 girls netball and U12 boys and girls basketballteams.MusicandPerformanceThe study of music is an integral part of the Uptown curriculum and istransdisciplinaryinnature.StudentslearntoplaytherecorderinGrade2andtheviolininGrade3aspartoftheirmusiccurriculum.LanguagesFrenchLanguageStudyStudents commence the studyof French in Primary,which is taught as a secondlanguage.ArabicStudiesAs directed under the KHDA and the UAE’s Ministry of Education, all UptownstudentsundertakethestudyofArabic.LanguageSupportandMotherTongueMaintenanceAt Uptown the language of instruction is English. Our international studentpopulation holds passports from 85 countries and speaks 20 different mothertongue languages. We offer language support to assist students whose firstlanguageisnotEnglish.AsanIBschoolweencouragestudentstounderstandandappreciatetheirownculturesandpersonalhistoriesaswellasthoseofothers,andto be open to differing values, perspectives and traditions. With this in mind,UptownrecognizesthedualgoalsofincreasingEnglishfluencywhenrequiredandtheimportanceofmothertonguemaintenanceandsupport.Maintaining and developing language and literacy skills in the mother tongue isvalued at Uptown; dedicated time is provided in the curriculum to pursue thesestudies. Mother tongue maintenance classes are offered according to the

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demographicdemandat schoolyear toyearand thewillingnessofparents tobeinvolvedintheclassroomprogramme.Happiness,HealthandPersonalDevelopmentTheethosofhappiness,healthy livingandpersonaldevelopmentrunsthroughallthework thatwedowithour students.Weendeavour toconsistentlypromoteawell-balancedandhealthylifestyleforeveryoneintheschool.BirthdaysStudentsbirthdaysarecelebratedwithinthehomeroom,everyclasshasabirthdaydisplay and your childwill have their special day celebrated.We ask youNOT tobringincakeorotherfood.FireDrillsIftheeventofthefirealarmgoingoff,thestudentswillbeaskedtoevacuatethebuildinginlinewiththeschool’sevacuationpolicy.SafetyandSecurityTheschoolcampusismonitoredbysecuritycameras.Eachfamilyisissuedwithtwobadges/gatepassesandthesemustalwaysbewornbyfamilieswhenenteringtheschool site. Uptown staff will direct any person not wearing a name badge tosecuritytosignin.StudentsandPersonalDevicesUptownhasa clearand responsiblepolicyonAcceptableUseofTechnology thatbothstudentsandparentshavebeenaskedtosignoffoninacknowledgment.Thisis theumbrellaagreementbetweentheschoolandall students. It isexpectedallstudentswilladheretoit,respectinganindividual’ssafety,securityandprivacyinrelationtoallaspectsoftechnologyuse.This policy aims at ensuring everyone understands and appreciates the potentialandpowerofvarioustechnologiesandapplications,aswellastoinstilahighlevelofcommonsense,responsibilityandsocialmindednessaboutitsuse,regardlessofdevicewhenusingtheUptownwirelessconnections.StudentsinGrade4andGrade5canwithteacherpermissionuseamobiledevicein line with the school’s BYOD policy. We specify that the device only needsInternetaccess,butrecommendithasanattachedkeyboard.Different grade levels will have different exposure to devices. In Grade 4 this ishighlyguided.Accountability sanctionswill follow for any studentwho fails to complywith theschoolpolicy.In addition, and consistent with our approach that access to particular sites orapplicationsneedtohaveeducationalvalue.Facebook,WhatsApp, Instagramarenottobeaccessedwithanydevices(phones,iPads,laptopsetc.)atanytimeduring

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theschoolday.Primaryagedstudentsareprohibited tohaveanaccountsuchasFacebook,whetheratschoolORathome,untiltheyareaged13.The school is proceeding to allocate all students with an email address. Onceestablishedthiswillbetheonlystudentapprovedformatforcommunicationwithintheschool.StudentLeadershipWe believe that all students have the potential to lead, and we therefore offeropportunities for them to develop their leadership skills in all aspects of ourprogrammes through, for example, role-play, discussion groups, posts ofresponsibility, house leaders, community service and active, significant andproblem-solvingparticipationinthemyriadactivitiesthattakeplaceatourschool.Our Student Council are chosen by staff, and students and take on considerabletaskswithintheschools.StudentPersonalAppearanceStudentsareexpectedtoweartheofficialschooluniformaccordingtoourUniformPolicy, including the school hat and safe black school shoes at all times. Anappropriate level of personal hygiene should be maintained. Clothing that astudent chooses to wear must be in good repair. A student who is unsuitablydressedmaybeaskedtoreturnhometochangeclothing.Grade1,2and3wearPEkitonthedaystheydoPEandmayweartrainersTheUptownuniformcanbepurchasedattheZAKSstoreinUptownMirdif(behindStarbucks). Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm, Telephone+971(0)42847384.BusTransportUptown and Taaleem have contracted Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC, a highlyexperiencedandestablishedbustransportationcompany.AllvehiclesusedbyArabFalconfollowthestrictestRoad&TransportAuthority(RTA)safetystandardsandguidelines.AllbusdriversarehighlyexperiencedandauthorisedandtrainedbytheRTA.Abushelper/’nanny’willtravelwitheachvehicle.AllbusesfeatureCCTVcameras,aTrackingSystemandaSafetyforthepurposesofourstudents’safetyandattendance.For further information contact Ms Farah, Transport Manager atfarah@arabfalcondubai.aeStudentsareexpectedtofollowthebusrulesandbehaveappropriatelyonthebusatalltimes.StudentsusingthebusandtheirparentsarerequiredtosigntheCodeof Conduct for the School Bus form. Students who do not observe this Code ofConduct will be given a warning by the Bus Coordinator or the Principal. If aproblempersists,thestudentmaybedeniedaccesstothebusservice.ResponsestoUnacceptableBehaviourBasicprinciple:Indealingwithunacceptablebehaviourwewillalwaysemphasisetothechildthatitisthebehaviourthatisunacceptable,ratherthanthechild.Wewillexplainthatitisthebehaviourthatmustthereforebemodifiedandthatthiswillbetotheadvantageofthechild.Theschooloperatesapositivebehaviourpolicy.

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BullyingandOtherFormsofInterpersonalAbuseAll studentshavea right to learn ina safeand secureenvironmentwithout fear.Bullyingcanundermineandevenpreventstudentsfromprogressingacademicallyand socially, and it can have negative consequences both for the victim and thebully,forlife.Wethereforehavezerotoleranceofbullying.Allstudentsinvolvedinbullying will be disciplined and will receive appropriate counselling and supportfrom the school. In extreme cases of bullying, it may lead to suspension orexpulsion,dependingontheseverityofthecase.ParentinformationEveningWewill conduct a Parent Information Night early in the first term at which theHomeroom Teacherwill outline the classroom routines, the curriculum and howparents can assist in the classrooms, participate in after school activities and be“authentic”researchtools. Toensureparentscanattend if theyhavemorethanone child in the sectionwe run our talks twice in the evening. This evening is agreatopportunitytomeetyourchild’steacher/s.ReportingYour child’s school reports will be published on ManageBac each term. We nolongersendoutpapercopiesbutmakethereportsavailabletosaveasaprintabledownload.Ifithasbeenidentifiedthatastudentisnotmakingexpectedprogressinanyofthecurriculumareas,thestudentwillreceivean‘Interim’reportduringthefirstterm.Furthertothis,allstudentswillreceivecomprehensivewrittenreportsattheendofeachterm.ConferencesConferencesareheldthreetimesayear.However,parentsareencouragedtokeepinclosecontactwiththehomeroomandsubjectteachers.Wehavethreetypesofconferences:3-Way Conferences (student/parent/teacher) - held near the beginning of theacademicyear.TeacherConferences–heldafterreportsinTermTwo.Student-LedConferences–heldinTermThree.Regular information evenings/forums/coffee mornings are held throughout theyear and it is therefore vital that parents check the website and the UptownPrimaryUpdatesonthecommunicator.ParentContactParents may request a conference/discussion with a teacher(s) if they havequestions or concerns about their children. To arrange a conference/discussion,parents are invited to contact the teacher directly through email or through thediary. If parents are not able to contact a teacher, then they should contact theschoolreception.Teacherswillendeavourtoansweremailswithin24hourswithintheworkingweek.

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ParentCommunicationHowtostayup-to-datewithUptownHowtouseTheCommunicator?TheDelta6CommunicatoristheUptownSchoolapptokeepyouuptodateduringtheAcademicYear.Youcangetthisathttp://www.six-delta.comor,formobileuserspleasegototheAppStore/GooglePlayandsearchfor“D6communicator”Alongwithdiaries,TheCommunicatorAppisthesourceforinformationongeneralnewsatschool,school-wideeventsandalerts.Usethecommunicatortokeepyourcalendarup-to-datepluslinkforschoolnews,schoolresources,parentassociationmessagesandlettersfromtheprincipalandclassroomteachers.ThekeytabsareNEWS,RESOURCESandCALENDAR.Youcanevenpersonalizethisessentialapptoreceiveinformationforyourchild’sclassandmessagesfromyourteacher.FollowusonFacebookWehaveourownofficialFacebookpagewherewepostdetailsofthedaytodaylivesofourstudents,wheresportingandotherachievementsarecelebratedandwhereweshareusefulinformation.Youdonotneedtohaveafacebookaccounttoviewourpostsbutifyoudohaveanaccount,and‘like’us,youcanreceivealltheaboveinformationdirectlyinyourdailynewsfeed.TweetusonTwitter!Follow@SchoolUptownifyouhaveaTwitteraccountSupportingandassistingyourchildWeaskparentsto:

• Supportschoolpoliciesonbehaviourandattendance.Review and sign your child’s reading diary once perweek in an effort tomonitorhisorherperformanceatUptown.

• Support your child’s organizational skills so resources such as readingbooks,PEKitsetc.areinschoolonthecorrectdays.

• Providetheconditionsandimplementthestrategiesnecessarytohelpyourchildcompletehomeworktasks.

Tipsonhowtoeffectivelysupportachild’shomework:• Initiate and encourage discussions with your child on local, world and/or

family issues inamannerthatengagesthechildandstimulateshisorherthinking.

• Bring problems and concerns directly to the appropriate teacher forclarificationandresolution.

• Share and communicate any special circumstances or problems (to theteacher in the first instance) that may have an effect on your child’sbehaviour,attitudeand/oracademicperformance.

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Therearedifferentkindsofhomework:

• Practise assignments reinforce newly acquired skills. Students review andpractisewhattheyhavelearned.Theseassignmentsmaybedifferentiatedforstudentsworkingatdifferentlevels.

• Preparationassignmentshelpstudentsgetreadyforlearningactivitiesthatwilltakeplaceinclass;studentsmaybeaskedtoreadsomethingortocarryoutsomeresearchontheInternet.

• Extensionassignmentsare long-termprojects thatparallelclasswork.Studentsmust apply previous learning to complete these assignments, which includeprojectsandessays.

• Revisionofpreviouslylearnedcontent.

AtUptownweseektoavoidanyapproachtohomeworkthatmightstiflelearningand we think that our hard-working students deserve some time for rest andrelaxationwiththeirfamilieswhentheyreturnhome.StudentsinGrades1to3willbeaskedtolearnspellings,practisetheirmusicalinstruments,readforenjoyment,solvepuzzles andpractise number facts. Students inGrades 4 and abovewill beasked to complete more challenging research tasks, practise their musicalinstruments, learnspellingsandnumberfactsandworkontheirforeign languageskills.Studentswouldnotnormallybeexpectedtospendmorethanapproximately40-60minutesperdayontheirhomeworkdependingontheirgrade.

RecognisingandDealingwithPlagiarismPlagiarism – copying or getting someone else to do the work – is a form ofcheating. Care should be taken not to overstep the boundary between helpingyourchildanddoingtheworkforthem.Theschoolwillprovidestudentswithclearageappropriateguidanceto:

• acknowledge their sources, possibly using parentheses to enclose thecitation

• usequotationmarksforallquotedmaterial• reviseparaphrasedmaterialsothatitappearsintheirownwritingstyle• provideaworkscitedlistforeverysourceused• ensurethatothersdonotcopytheirwork• ensurethatworktheysubmitisactuallytheirown

TheLibraryStudentsmayborrowthefollowingnumberofbooks:Grade1: 3booksGrade2: 3booksGrades3andabove: 4booksoratthediscretionoftheLibrarianStudentswhodonotreturnbooksontimewillnotbeallowedtoborrowadditionalresources.

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LibraryChargesThe Library does not issue overdue fines but reserves the right to charge areplacementandprocessingfeeforanylongoverdueitems.Anitemisdeemedlongoverdueifithasnotbeenreturnedwithinamonthofissue.Attheendoftheschoolyear,studentsneedtohavereturnedallLibrarymaterialsormadeapaymentforlostmaterialsinordertoreceivetheirprogressreport.LibraryBehaviourPolicyThe Library is shared by students, staff and other members of the Uptowncommunity,thusallusersarerequestedtobehaveresponsiblyandrespectfully.Theeatingorchewingofanyfoodordrinkisnotallowedandneitherisunruly,noisybehaviour,noranyactions,whichcouldresultindamageorinjury.Inordertomaintainapleasantandenjoyablelearningenvironmentwealsoaskthatuserstidyupafterthemselves.Thisassistanceisgreatlyappreciated.

ParentsasBorrowersParents may borrow items from the Library, but are asked to return any itemimmediately if it is needed for school learning purposes. Parents borrowunderthe name of their eldest child at school and follow the same borrowingregulationsasstudents.Parentswhoare interested inhelpingout intheLibraryonavoluntarybasisshouldcontactthelibrarian.

BirthdayBooksStudents,parentsandteachersareencouragedtodonateabooktothelibraryasacelebration of their birthday. The book then has an inscription placed in it,acknowledgingthedonation.

BooksandStationeryBooks are supplied to the studentswhomay then cover them in a transparentcovering.Graffitiofanykindwillnotbeacceptedandstudentsmaybeaskedtobuy replacementbooks if there is any kindof intentional damage. Stationery issupplied to the class. Students shouldbring their ownpersonal pencil boxwithpens,pencilsandcolouredpencils.