November 2023

Dear Parents and Students,

Greetings from SAIS!

Last week, we celebrated the 52nd UAE National Day. The celebration showed the students’ pride in their country and its accomplishments. There were many festive activities, including songs, dances, art corners, a Karate show, and many other activities. We would like to thank all the people who attended or supported the celebration. In particular, we would like to thank our PTA for their participation and hospitality.

Again, we would like to congratulate the leadership and the people of the UAE on this occasion. We pray that the UAE will continue to lead the world into a better future.

Semester I Exams

As you are aware, the structure of the academic year is different. Instead of three terms, the school year is divided into two semesters. This means, rather than having major exams before the break in December, the final semester exams will be scheduled in the last two weeks of January. This allows the students to enjoy their winter vacation fully.

When they return from the vacation, students will have two school weeks to finish the lessons listed in their curriculum. During those two weeks, students should create their own study schedules to prepare for the semester exams.

Other News

Within this month's newsletter you will learn more about events and activities that took place in November, such as the University Fair, as well as important dates that will take place in the coming months.

With regards,

Saleh Jadayel

School Principal

Students should return to school after Winter Break on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Dear Parents,

As the final exams draw near, we understand the natural anxiety and anticipation both students and parents experience. To ensure your child feels confident and prepared, I encourage you to take an active role in their study preparation. Here are some suggestions:

1. Develop a Study Guide Together:

• Sit down with your child and review the syllabus and exam schedule.
• Identify key topics and learning objectives outlined in the provided revision materials.
• Create a personalized study guide that breaks down the material into manageable chunks.
• Include various learning resources such as textbooks, notes, past exam papers, and online resources.

2. Establish a Consistent Study Schedule:

• Help your child create a realistic and achievable study schedule that incorporates dedicated time for each subject.
• Aim for regular, consistent study sessions rather than extended periods of cramming.
• Encourage breaks and time for relaxation to prevent burnout and maintain focus.
• Ensure the study space is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions.

3. Foster Effective Study Habits:

• Encourage active learning strategies like summarizing key points, practicing writing answers, and discussing concepts with peers.
• Emphasize the importance of self-testing through practice questions and past exams to assess understanding and identify areas needing improvement.
• Provide constructive feedback and support while allowing your child to take ownership of their learning.

4. Celebrate Achievements and Offer Encouragement:

• Recognize and acknowledge your child's efforts and progress throughout the preparation process.
• Offer encouragement and support during challenging moments to maintain motivation and confidence.
• Celebrate their successes, big or small, to reinforce positive study habits and a sense of accomplishment.

5. Partner with the School:

• Communicate with your child's teachers if you have any questions or concerns about specific topics or learning difficulties.
• Utilize the school's resources, such as study groups, online platforms, or additional learning materials.

By working together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters success for all our students. Remember, your active involvement and positive encouragement can make a significant difference in your child's academic journey.

Diana M.H.
Vice Principal

Sharjah American International School is committed to improving school attendance rates. In order for students to realize the opportunities and benefits from school, students have to not only be in attendance, but they must also be meaningfully connected to the school and experiencing success. To achieve this, there must be a collaborative effort between the school, community, and our families to address the issues that result in absences and lateness from school.

There should be a common understanding among school stakeholders that the initial responsibility to

address attendance rests with principals, teachers, guidance counselors, and parents.

WHY IS GOOD ATTENDANCE IMPORTANT

Good attendance is a foundation for academic achievement, and it underpins all aspects of personal development. It establishes a responsible attitude towards the opportunities available in school and further education and it is the basis for the world of work. SAIS is committed to providing a full and effective educational opportunity for all students. It is the policy of the school to celebrate success. Attendance is a critical factor to a productive and successful school career.

Our school actively promotes and encourages 100% attendance for all students. Our aim is to ensure that students arrive at school and to each period on time. We strive for attendance that is consistently outstanding for all groups of students.

• Outstanding 98% and above

• Good 96% Acceptable 92%

• Unsatisfactory Below 92%

Lateness to School

One recurring problem we face every year is the number of students arriving late in the morning. When a student arrives late, they miss the first part of the first period. Therefore, they join their classes without knowing the objective of the lesson, i.e. what they will be learning and why. This creates a gap in the students’ learning. This gap grows every time the student arrives late to school. Research has shown that tardiness/lateness to school is a major reason for student academic problems and even academic failure.

Kindly, instruct your driver to ensure that your children arrive to school daily before 7:30 AM.

Absence from School

A related, albeit not as widely spread problem, is students’ absence. Research has shown that students’ recurrent absence is one of the top reasons for students’ academic problems and failure.

When students are repeatedly late to school, they miss the first part of the first period, which creates and ever-growing gap in their learning and knowledge. Imagine the impact of being absent for 9 whole periods every day! The gap will definitely be larger.

When we, as a school and parents, are forgiving with students’ recurring absence, then we help damage their chances of excelling and reaching their full academic potential.

That is why we would like to ask you to help us by being strict in this matter and not allow our students to be away from school unless there is a real emergency.

Please refer to the Student Contract for further details.

We look forward to full parental support in achieving outstanding attendance.

Students are expected to wear the mandatory school uniform to school daily. The school uniform is a white shirt with the school logo, a beige pair of pants (or skirt for girls), and closed shoes. Crocs and sandals are not allowed without a medical condition that has been communicated in advance to the section coordinator. Parents must submit a medical note.

The students may also wear the school jacket or a plain jacket (with no logos or print on it) whose color is only beige, black, grey, navy blue, or white.

Football cleats and jerseys cannot be worn in the halls or in the classrooms. On PE days (based on the class schedule), students may pack football shoes without cleats or pins.

Clothing that is not allowed: leggings, tights, joggers, colored hoodies, hoodies or jackets with logos; boys in Grades 5 - 12 may not wear shorts as a part of the PE uniform.

Boys: Must have appropriate haircuts and be well-groomed.

Girls: Must have hair closed and without color. Nails should be unpolished and clipped. Makeup cannot be worn.

All of the uniform expectations are linked to the SAIS Behavior Policy and Conduct Mark System that will be implemented this year.

Students who arrive at school not wearing the full school uniform may be denied entrance to school.

Please click the links above to access valuable tips about healthy ways to manage emotions and a variety of ways to show kindness.

If you would like to register your KG child for our Waiting Room, with hours from 1:00 - 4:30pm, please scan the QR code below.

All stakeholders in the SAIS community play an important part in preventing bullying. Our Anti-Bullying campaign for 2023-2024 was developed to keep adults and students informed about what to do if they witness or are aware of a bullying incident. We all have a social responsibility to speak up, intervene, show solidarity with the victim or even report to the concerned authorities if necessary.

The UAE Ministry of Education calls on the community to be aware of:

❏how to identify if someone is being bullied,

❏how they should intervene to break the cycle of bullying, and

❏how to provide support and care to the victims to ensure a safe and bullying free learning environment.

During the SAIS Bullying Prevention week, students in middle school and high school demonstrated effective interventions to the lower grade students. Our school counselor shared strategies with middle school classes that have proven to be successful in preventing or resolving various types of bullying in our school.

On the occasion of World Children’s Day, the SAIS Elementary Chorale had the opportunity to perform at the Children’s Day Program sponsored by Sharjah Social Services.

We would like to thank Ms Faten and Ms Fabiolla for preparing our students. Thank you to the parents for their support.

Our students sang beautifully. The performance was amazing!

We look forward to hearing more from them in upcoming programs.

At Sais, the spirit of compassion and unity is evident as students, parents, and the entire school community come together for a Relief Campaign ( Tarahum for Gaza) aiding those affected by the War in Gaza.This collaborative effort showcases the collective strength and empathy within our community. Working hand-in-hand with the Sharjah Charity Society, our campaign gains invaluable support, extending its reach and impact. Students actively engage in fundraising activities, while parents play a crucial role in fostering a sense of social responsibility in their children.

During Kindness week Grades 9-12 Boys and Girls students had the opportunity to promote and practice kindness acts and activities. Each class was given an activity to engage and help everyone create a better world by spreading awareness and increasing engagement in kind actions from kindness bake sales, kindness trees and treats, kindness games, and reading kindness stories to KG students. On the last day of the kindness week, the Well-being Ministers surprised students and teachers with kindness notes in the lockers.

What a great week to spread kindness!

Check out the classes who won BEST attendance average from September - November.

Grades 5 and 6 Girls' section went on a trip to Aventura Park accompanied by their homeroom teachers.

The students there enjoyed the beautiful weather in the wilderness. Also, they enjoyed the different activities that taught them collaboration, teamwork and challenging themselves.

Dear parents,

On behalf of Sharjah American International School, I would like to thank the PTA members for their effective participation in the National Day activities.

Sharjah American International School offers condolences to the family of Ms. Ghadeer Sabah, one of our Parent-Teacher Association members. Ms. Ghadeer Sabah worked actively for years to support our students and the school community.

"Loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."

“It’s not a surprise what the students of SAIS had showcased for us during the minister elections. It was a rewarding experience for us heads and a valuable opportunity for the runners too. We were able to witness the enthusiasm between all the voters and visitors that came along and saw just how excited they were about the student government’s return. We’re hoping that the power within the students lead to positive outcomes for the school and are pleased with all the commitment they have shown. An event like this opened the door for many more possibilities and occasions that could be hosted here. We certainly can’t wait for the engagement our new crew is willing to share!” SGA President Noura Alhajeri

“We are elated to share great news about our recent elections, which went smoothly and with great success. It was filled with competitive and enthusiastic people who have great ideas all together. Students were able to practice their right to vote showcasing engagement and commitment, which reflected a genuine interest in shaping the future of our school. The dedication of both our candidates and voters has helped with the success of our elections, setting a positive tone for the amazing year ahead.” SGA President Karim Allan

The SAIS Student Government Association Election was held on Monday, October 23, 2023. The candidates spent a week of campaigning, coming up with their slogans and plans to convince other students to vote for them. Each presented his best booth during the elections! Students in HS visited the runners-up booths to learn more about their plans and proposals. Our School Director, Dr. Aisha Al-Sayyar visited the booth of each candidate and encouraged them to implement all their plans in the school.

Also, visitors from SPEA, parents, and alumni participated in this student-led event.

Students experienced what real elections were!

EmSAT

The EmSAT is a national system of standardized computer-based tests, based on United Arab Emirates national standards. To ensure that students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively participate in the modern knowledge based global society.

The Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) is now optional for students applying to universities in the UAE, according to a decision by the Ministry of Education (MOE) for UAE-based higher education institutions (HEIs). The decision will apply to the academic year 2023– 2024.

This service allows the candidate to apply for a test retake, for candidates who desire to improve their test results or missed taking the test without a valid excuse.

This service is only permitted after 60 days of the previous test date.

We need EmSAT for:

1- Getting Equivalency letter by MOE

2- Meeting the admission requirements in UAE universities.

Is EmSAT the same of SAT?

In summary, the EMSAT Achieve Exam is a standardized test specifically tailored for students in the UAE, while SAT and ACT are internationally recognized tests used for college admissions globally.

Please note that students applying to universities outside the Emirates are not required to sit the Emsat test. “Universities in the UAE can now choose to use Emsat or other approved tests. The universities can now set their own minimum scores in Emsat for admission criteria.

Important points to be taken into consideration during booking for the EmSAT tests:

1- Avoid booking for morning sessions before 10:00 am, in case traffic or any incidents you will be on the safe side.

2- Try as much as you can to book your test in near test centers around your home.

3- Print out your exam registration ticket to be available with you.

4- Keep your real Emirates ID with you.

5- For Math test, make sure not to use a scientific calculator.

6- Please appear in your exam hall 15 minutes before.

Wish you all the best.