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THE BRADENTON BULLETIN 2016—2017 ISSUE 23
Home of the Panther
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Newsletter Editor: Lisa Khoury, PRE
www.facebook.com/BradentonPrepDubai
Twitter & Instagram
@BPA_GEMS
& the Panthers: ….
…@BPA_panthers
May 28th - Ramadan School Schedule begins: .8:30-1:30pm
June 11-15 Final Exams Gr. 9-11
June 15th - KG2 Celebration of Learning
June 18th - Elementary STEAM Workshop
June 22nd - Last Day of school 12pm dismissal
May 25th, 2017 On the journey -- From GOOD to Outstanding….! As announced by KHDA, your GEMS Bradenton Preparatory Academy has been rated by a six-point judgement scale to be an overall GOOD school.
Judgements were drawn from a week-long visit, last January, by an inspection team that gathered evidence, observed student learning in lessons, reviewed work, interviewed students, met with staff, parents, and governors, and reviewed surveys completed by the entire school community throughout the year since the last annual inspection.
Independent, experienced professional educators are inspectors who make judgements on how well the school protects and supports children. In addition, they judge the effectiveness of leadership, governance, management, staffing, and facilities. This year the team was joined by the NEASC (American accreditation) team to determine readiness of BPA for the self-study and accreditation process reflecting it meets the best of American school standards. One chief inspector remarked, “BPA is one of a very few TRUE American international schools in Dubai!”
A particular strength of the school is the ethos of a positive learning environment with distinctive features and characters of an American curriculum school in an international setting. Students’ positive behavior and attitudes are recognized as a strength. Improvement in the curriculum and learning environment have led to steady improvements in attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, and Science. Arrangements for the health and safety of students has consistently been outstanding! BPA will continue raising these recognized positive performance indicators.
The Arabic language program needs further student assessment information in teaching to increase the challenge and expectations for all students. It is recommended the Arabic curriculum be modified to better promote the development of language skills, including modifying teaching practices and accurate assessments processes improve. BPA action plans are underway now to make this happen!
For more detailed highlights on a very positive and thorough report, please go to: [email protected] School Inspection Reports 2017
Farewell to BPA Seniors—The Class of 2017! As students of the Class of 2017 conclude their studies at BPA and head out to a much bigger world full of opportunities, challenges and uncharted territory, we want to congratulate our Seniors for their effort, persistence and dedication in making it to the final step and receiving their high school diploma. This is one of a handful of life’s special milestones, and we are happy BPA had the opportunity to watch them grow and achieve.
The future has not been written and the paths are vast and varied. As they begin their next chapter in life, we hope they will take with them fond memories, a sense of determination, and an understanding of interdependence. While we encourage every student to grow and become more independent throughout high school, the journey forward will involve working together in harmony with others in many facets of life including occupation, family and yes, even marriage. May the journey ahead make you strong, successful and grounded! On behalf of all of the faculty and staff at BPA we congratulate the Class of 2017!
Sincerely, O. Tracey Williams, Secondary Principal
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MAY/JUNE 2017
KEITA MENU FOR NEXT WEEK
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 28 29 30 31 1 2 3
Ramadan School timings begin*
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Gr. 9-11
Final Exams Gr. 9-11
Final Exams Gr. 9-11
Final Exams Gr. 9-11
Final Exams Gr. 9-11
Final Exams
KG2 Celebration of Learning
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Elementary STEAM Day Workshop
Last Day of School 12pm Dismissal
Reports Go Home
25 26 27 28 29 30
Ramadan School Timings: 8:30-1:30pm
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
RAMADAN HOURS: School hours during Ramadan will be 8:30am to 1:30pm. We will follow the Tuesday early release schedule for classes and continue the “A” and “B” week format for Elementary and Gold and Blue days for Secondary. Our Accounts and Registration offices will be open from 8:00-2:00pm Sunday—Thursday.
PRE-KG: We are pleased to announce BPA will begin offering PRE-KG this fall for the 2017-18 academic year. If you/your friends have a child who will be 3 years old by September 10th, call our admissions department or email the Registrar at [email protected] for more information about our program. School hours will be from 8:30am-12:00pm and annual school fees 32,421dhs. School transportation via STS is available. We will be hosting a Stay and Play event in June and will keep you posted closer to the date with more details.
RAMADAN COLLECTION: Our Parents Association and Student Counsels are sponsoring a care package initiative for the construction workers building GEMS United American School next door. They are collecting male hygiene items throughout the month of Ramadan. If you would like to make a contribution in the spirit of giving, you may drop items in bins setup in reception.
ASAs: Teacher-led ASAs end today. We hope your child enjoyed this year’s after school activities. We look forward to more exciting offerings in the fall. Please note, Parkour and Hamilton Aquatics classes will continue throughout Ramadan.
GEMS PARENT SURVEY: This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what you like and what changes you would like to see at BPA. The survey is only 15 questions and responses are completely confiden-tial. Please use the following URL to complete the survey: http://bit.ly/2oQtSEw.
FINAL EXAMS (GR. 9-11): Final exams will be held from June 11-15th for all students in grades 9-11.
REPORT CARDS: Students from KG –Grade 11 will receive their final report cards on June 22nd, the last day of scheduled classes.
TRANSFER CERTIFICATES: Please note transfer certificates will be available the last day of school and there is a 120dhs fee charge imposed by the KHDA for this document. This fee is payable to the accounts office.
LEAVING BPA? (KG-Gr. 8): If your child will be leaving BPA, please inform your homeroom teacher as our Elementary and Middle School Counselors are preparing certificates for students and talking with them to help them in preparing their goodbyes. Please see the article from our Counselors in this newsletter for more information.
BPA MARKETPLACE: If you are moving, or interested in buying items second hand, one of our parents have set-up a Facebook page called BPA Marketplace for a convenient way to buy/exchange items with other BPA families.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: The last day of school for students is Thursday, June 22nd with dismissal at 12pm.
REPORTING ABSENCES:
For KG & Elementary students: email Marlee Melendres at [email protected] Secondary students: email Mr. Mason at [email protected]
*Please include the child’s name, grade and section, reason for absence and expected day of return in your correspondence.
MY LEARNING SUPPORT: If you need assistance in learning how to navigate My Learning, Charlotte Dunn will provide training to parents on week A Tuesday mornings and week B Monday mornings from 8:15-11:00am. Please stop by reception for assistance.
PLUS PORTAL: Program for viewing grades https://www.plusportals.com/Bradentonprep. You can email the receptionists for login information at [email protected]
and if you need assistance in using the program, see Joy Hagelthorn at [email protected]
BPA WITHDRAWAL: If you are leaving BPA, please be sure to notify the Registrar’s office at least 2 weeks prior to departure to ensure your child’s documents are available on his/her
last day of attendance. The following steps will assist you in this process. 1) Sign in to http://oasis.gemseducation.com with your username and password. 2) Go to ’Requests.’ 3) Click
on ’T/C’ request to start process. 4) Click on ’Click here’ to apply for TC (Transfer Certificate). You will receive an automatic notification. Transfer Certificates, School Reports and
Medical Records may be picked up from the Admissions Office on the student’s last day of attendance.
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RAMADAN
What is Ramadan?
It’s the Holy Month in the Islamic Calendar, when Muslims fast (also known as sawm) from sunrise to sunset for approximately 30 days. Doing so is one of the five pillars of Islam. The dates change annually as they’re determined by the sighting of a new moon, for many Muslims, from Saudi Arabia. The start and end of Ramadan will be declared the day before. Can non-Muslims get involved? Definitely! In the UAE, many iftar and suhoor events are set up all over the country as a way to bring the entire community together. Even if you haven’t been fasting, you are still welcome to join. Here are a few ways you can get involved…
Setting time aside to be with family is an important aspect of Ramadan. It is a time to reconnect with old friends and get to know your neighbors and community. Bring everyone together by inviting them to share a meal.
Exchange Ramadan greetings, especially at the beginning of the month. The word ‘kareem’ in the phrase ‘Ramadan kareem’ is the equivalent to ‘generous’, so the expression means ‘Wish you a generous Ramadan’.
Get into the charitable spirit during the Holy Month by donating to Ramadan camps, care packages and other charity organizations.
Fast along with your Muslim colleagues for a day or two and break the fast together at the time of iftar.
What is the etiquette with regard to eating and drinking if you’re not fasting? During Ramadan, drinking and eating in public is considered offensive and can even attract a fine or reprimand from the police. If an individual wants to eat or drink in daylight hours during Ramadan, it is to be done indoors and out of sight or in designated screened-off areas within public places.
What is iftar and suhoor? Iftar is the meal to break the fast after sunset. Typically, people enjoy dates, dried apricots and Ramadan juices before heading to evening prayer. Afterwards, large meals are typically prepared and shared with extended family, friends and neighbors. Suhoor is a meal taken just before sunrise, before the day of fasting starts. Usually this is taken as a family with special food, dates and water. Many hotels host smaller buffets, traditional activities and more to celebrate until the early hours of the morning.
Are there any exceptions where it is acceptable to publicly break the fast? . Generally, fasting is not recommended to people who suffer from medical conditions or women who are pregnant. However, the same rules apply to them as well – not to eat or drink in public places and to use designated screened-off areas in public that are well hidden from view. . What are the rules regarding dress during the holy month of Ramadan? . It is recommended that both men and women dress conservatively during the month of Ramadan. Not doing so may offend those who are fasting. Individuals should refrain from wearing revealing and/or tight clothing and at the very least ensure shoulders and knees are well covered during the Holy Month.
Are people permitted to listen to music during the holy month of Ramadan? j People in general should refrain from listening to music loudly during the Holy Month, as it may offend those who are fasting. However, it is acceptable to listen to music on your smartphone or iPod with the aid of headphones.
What is the significance of charity during Ramadan?
Charity is a very important part of Islam and is even more significant during Ramadan. However, you don’t have to be a Muslim to give during the Holy Month. There are plenty of charitable initiatives, Ramadan camps, iftar camps, care packages and more, all of which can be contributed to during the Holy Month.
Home of the Panther
SPORTS ROUND-UP
BASKETBALL REVIEW: League Play-offs.
Our younger athletes have done us proud again with their enthusiasm and passion and in the manner in which they have represented themselves and the Panthers.
The principal behind DAC has been to have fun and develop respect, sportsmanship and character, all of which has been witnessed with our youngest players. It has been awesome to see some of these students who played last year develop into good Under 12 players.
The DASSA Play-offs have kept everyone busy and the talented Under 14 boys just missed out on progressing to the top league by virtue of averaging over 30 points per game.
The playing records of the team read:
…….to all of the players and the coaches.
END OF YEAR SWIMMING FESTIVAL: This week the BPA Elite & Development swim squads celebrated with an end of season swimming festival. It was an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication our swimmers have put in all year long. For the Elite squad, it wasn’t easy regularly training at 7.00 in the morning and after school. Mr. Kirwan, Mrs. Horwell and Mrs. Cylke want to acknowledge how proud they are of the progress our young panthers have made.
On top of being crowned regional champions for the GEMS Global Swim Cup this year, our swim squad ranked no. 6 out of the 20 GEMS Schools competing at the Global cup finals.
Each student was recognized for their commitment to the squad and a select few for individual accolades.
Award Winners:
Most dedicated male swimmer: Kane Chebaut - Grade 8
Most dedicated female swimmer: Anna Albaek - Grade 5
Most improved male swimmer: Iordanis Mygdalis - Grade 4
Most improved female swimmer: Alejandra Serrano - Grade 4
TEAM GAMES
PLAYED
WINS LOSSES SCORES
BPA
SCORES
Opponent
Under 14 Boys 7 4 3 215 186
Under 14 Girls 6 3 3 83 84
Under 12 Boys 6 1 5 62 75
Under 12 Girls 7 3 4 64 112
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KG-GR. 2 ELEMENTARY MUSIC CONCERT
Thank you students for a sweet
performance. We hope our parents
enjoyed the program as we are all very
proud of you!
This year’s
theme: A
Small Part of
the World
was a perfect
mantra to
celebrate our
students and
their unique
fit in the vast
world we live
in.
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GR. 3-5 ELEMENTARY MUSIC CONCERT
Thank you students for sharing your
voices and working diligently to
put on a wonderful show for your
parents!
MY TOWN….. MY WORLD
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FROM OUR COUNSELORS
Saying Goodbye, Ma’ Alsalamah By Cathy Ottaviano, Counselor
One of the most difficult times for students in the school year is when they have to say goodbye to friends. It doesn ’t matter
if they are leaving or if the friend is leaving, it is difficult.
This is unfortunately a fact of life for all of our children who live outside of their home countries and for those of our host
culture also. Let’s face it, we are a mobile community. Parents have many choices, whether it is to change schools here in
Dubai for their children, or change countries due to job opportunities. It should be recognized that our children will have a
grief reaction to the prospect of leaving. They will often begin to withdraw from friends as it can be painful to say goodbye.
We will be trying to help our children leave well by
applying a simple acronym called RAFT. RAFT stands for
Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewells and Think
Destination. The idea behind this is to resolve any
problems they may have had with various friends
before they leave, Reconciliation. The thought
behind Affirmation is to encourage our children to
think about all of the good things about their experience
here in Dubai whether it is in regards to the people they
have met or the places they have gone or the cultural
events in which they have participated. We need to give
our children time before they leave, so that they can
say a proper goodbye or Farewell to their teachers and
friends. And finally, it is good to encourage our
children to Think Destination. In other words, think about where they will be going in a positive way so that they can begin to
look forward to it. It always helps to give them a visual of where it will be –both new school and new (or home) country and
then to learn a bit about it.
One of the things we are doing this year to help our children leave well is to give them a certificate of appreciation for being
a member of our student community. It is a way for them to affirm their experience at BPA. Here is what it says: This
certificate is awarded in appreciation of the contributions you have made as a member of the student
body of GEMS Bradenton Preparatory Academy. May this certificate serve as a reminder of the good
times you had and the friendships you made while attending BPA. Ma Alsalamah.
This recognition has meant a lot to our elementary students who have left since January. Delisa Woods, counselor, will now
implement it within the middle school, so that middle school students leaving at the end of this school year can also be
recognized. Please help us by letting the school know as soon as it is possible for you, if you will be leaving the school. We
would also like to suggest that you ‘check in’ with your children to have a discussion about what leaving means to them and
suggest that they think about ways to reconcile, say goodbye and affirm the good times that they have had at BPA. This will
go a long way toward helping them to process the painfulness of leaving their friends in a positive way. We will work to do
the same here at BPA. All of the counselors are ready to answer any questions you may have about this important topic.
Home of the Panther
GRADE 2 WRITING CELEBRATION
Today Grade 2 students celebrated their Narrative Writing Workshop with their parents. Our Grade 2 students have been learning about Realistic Fiction and writing and revising their own narrative pieces. Parents were invited to listen to "bold beginnings," "meaty middles" and "excellent endings." The students truly enjoyed sharing their hard work with parents.
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K-12 ART EXHIBITION
Look at the
talent of BPA
students!
We hope you
enjoyed this
year’s Art
Exhibition!
Thank you to
our Art
Department
& support
staff for
making our
campus come
alive with the
beauty of art!
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PARENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIPS
The Parents Association & Student Councils
are sponsoring a Ramadan Initiative to
prepare care packages for the construction
workers building the new GEMS United
American School next door.
Please see the poster for needed
items if you would like to
contribute to the cause.
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PROM 2017
PROM KING & QUEEN
Faris Alsharhan
Calista Ferreira
PROM Prince & Princess
Shaun Mayekar
Ayaka Kuroki
This year’s prom
was held at the
Address Hotel in
the Marina and
included dinner, a
DJ, dancing and a
whole lot of fun!!
A sincere Thank
You to the Prom
Committee and
faculty who
helped make
this year’s Prom
spectacular!!!!