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Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for BOYS

Parent Handbook

Principal: John Conway

Emirati Vice-Principal: Ahmed Al Shehhi

Head of Secondary: Paul Dallyn

Head of Elementary: Rhys Flavell

Head of Early Years: Honey Tondre

Head of Arabic: Mona El Saleh

SENCO: Naomi Wheeler

Table of Contents

Section 1……………………………………………………………...Welcome letter

Section 2………………………………………………………………Purpose, Mission, Values

Section 3………………………………………………………………Academic Program

Section 4………………………………………………………………School Hours and Operations

Section 5………………………………………………………………Grading and Reporting

Section 6………………………………………………………………Additional Programmes

Section 7………………………………………………………………Behavior Expectations

Section 8………………………………………………………………Parent Concerns

Section 9……………………………………………………………….School Uniform

Section 10 ……………………………………………………………..Food Services

Section 11……………………………………………………………..School Nurse Services

Section 12………………………………………………………………Bus Transportation

Section 13………………………………………………………………Extra Curricular Activities

Section 14………………………………………………………………Celebrations/Birthday Party

Section 15………………………………………………………………Home-School Communications

SECTION 1: Welcome

Dear SZPAB Parents,

Welcome to the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy academic school year. We are

honored that you have chosen SZPAB as your school and believe you have made an excellent educational choice. We provide a diverse, challenging educational

program as well as extracurricular activities that create exceptional academic,

social and emotional growth opportunities for your child.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with important information that

will help you become more familiar with all aspects of the school program. Please take the time to read through the handbook together with your child. If you have

questions or concerns please come to us for clarification.

We recognize that the every school year is essential in building a foundation for happiness and success in

life. Our highly-trained, committed, and caring professional staff provide our students with a safe and

stimulating environment in which to learn. We believe that it is important to create a program that is

balanced and rich in academics, athletics, and the arts. We hold our students to high academic international

standards, and support them by identifying their strengths and needs, and differentiating instruction to

ensure that all students are given the opportunity to progress, excel, and learn the essential skills that will

allow them to compete in a global society.

We strongly promote a culture that fosters independence, problem solving, inquiry, positive self-esteem

and a sense of belonging. Our goal is that each student sees themselves as a leader whose choices impact

on themselves, others, and the community.

We look forward to getting to know all of you in the coming year. I hope you will contact us if you have any

questions or concerns. Research confirms that a school’s success is influenced by a cooperative partnership

between students, parents, and school. Please accept our sincere invitation to play an active and productive

role in this partnership.

Yours sincerely,

John Conway

Principal SZPAB

SECTION 2: Purpose, Mission and Values

Core Purpose

Honoring the past. Educating for the future.

Mission Statement

Sheikh Zayed Private Academy will honor the past and educate for the future by developing confident,

committed, creative and caring young people of integrity who achieve to their academic potential and,

armed with an international competitive education, are well positioned to succeed in the world of

tomorrow.

Values

To achieve our mission we will work to our core values which are:

Pursue excellence in all that we do

Celebrate achievement and participation of all

Appreciate and foster UAE National Identity

Cherish the community and the environment

Promote Islamic, moral and ethical values

Promote respect, responsibility, belonging and caring

Develop leadership capacity and global citizenship

Section 3: Academic Program

The School Curriculum and Assessment

• We provide students a standards-based, integrated, American Curriculum using both international

standards and Common Core State Standards for all non-Arab subjects.

• Each lesson is framed by clear learning and assessment targets that students are expected to meet

during the lesson. Instruction is differentiated based on the assessed learning strengths and needs

of the students.

• Instruction is provided through whole-group, small-group, and 1:1 instruction. Learning activities

are designed to promote interest and engagement for the content being learned, and generate

opportunities to think and talk about the learning target.

• A variety of materials, texts, and technology are used to present content to students in ways that

will promote interest, inquiry, and independence. We strive to use active learning models that

encourage thinking, problem solving, and language.

• As well as learning the cores subjects; English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, our students will also have study Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education each week (swimming will be

offered to specific grade levels throughout all three terms) and French in Grades 6 to 8.

• Arabic, Islamic and Arabic Social Studies are also taught by specialists to students at SZPAB, based

upon the Ministry of Education requirements

Assessment to Guide Instruction

• Assessment involves diagnostic assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment.

• Learning expectations are communicated to students in advance.

• Students are provided with opportunities to learn how to assess their own work and to set goals for

improvement. Students are provided with examples and models to assist them in understanding

how to achieve excellence.

• Teachers provide students with on-going and descriptive feedback on their learning to assist them

to establish goals for improvement.

• The students are assessed using a variety of assessment methods.

Learning Support - Philosophy and Objectives

The Learning Support Team aims to ensure that all students who are admitted to SZPAB are given the

opportunity to learn to the best of their individual abilities and to reach their full potential. Learning support is provided based on assessed student needs to provide additional and specialized instruction from a

member of our learning support team within the school day.

We aim to:

• follow some of the principles of the ‘Response to Intervention’ model

• meet the individual needs of students with mild learning difficulties

• develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to learning

• build on the strengths of each student and foster a sense of personal achievement

• implement consistent procedures for monitoring and responding to students at the risk of underachieving

• promote a differentiated approach to the delivery of the curriculum that may result in a modified

curriculum

• encourage a close relationship with parents/carers to prepare students academically and socially

for the adult world

Section 4: School Hours and Operations

Start of Day (Grades 1 to 8)

Our instructional day begins at 7:45 am. It is best if students arrive close to that time However, the school

doors are opened to allow students to enter the building at 7:30 am. Please do not drop your children off

before this time as there is no supervision for your child until 7:30 am (unless your child is participating in

the Qu’ran Memorisation Programme).

End of Day Pick Up (Grades 1 to 8)

We encourage all our students to sign up and participate in an ECA (Extra Curricular Activity). However, if

students are not attending an ECA, they can be picked up from their homeroom classroom at 3:00pm for

After 3:00, students will wait in the relevant reception area.

The KG Day

Except for the first two weeks of school for KG1, the school hours for KG are 7.45am to 12.30pm.

Late Slips

Students will be marked late after 87.45am. They will need to visit the reception desk to get a late slip

before going to their homeroom class.

Early Pick Up

It is very important to your child’s education to be in school all day, every day. If your child has an appointment and must leave the school, please advise the homeroom teacher in advance and go to the

office upon your arrival at the school. The Administrative Assistant will call your child to come to the office.

Absences

Students are expected to attend school every school day. Good attendance is essential if the student is to

be successful. The school can best help students learn when students meet this expectation. We expect all

students to attend classes a minimum of 95% of the time. Students below 92% will be closely monitored

and detailed follow up with parents is required. Parents should notify the school early in the morning to

report their child’s absence and the reason for the absence. All appointments should be made outside

the school day whenever possible. We request that holidays and travel are conducted during school

vacation times. Any extended leaves of absence need approval in advance. All absences are tracked

electronically. If a student is absent, attempts are made to confirm the absence with the family.

Student Supplies and Materials

All students will be provided with SZPAB notebooks for core subject areas. Necessary writing utensils,

markers, crayons and art supplies are also provided. Some teacher may send home a special request based upon a grade level specific project. You will be notified in your child’s communication /agenda books for

these requests. Lockers are provided at school adjacent to the classrooms to house the bags in a neat and

tidy way.

Lost Books

As part of our communications home to you on your child’s English reading progress, books are sent home weekly to be read and reviewed with families. Students are also allowed to check out library books. If

books are lost or damaged, then a fine will be imposed to cover the replacement costs. Thank you for

sending your books back on time.

Swimming

Students are required to purchase a swimming suit as part of the uniform policy. The sessions are 50 mins

long and every effort is taken to have the children prepared and ready to start the session on time. If, for

some reason your child is not able to attend the swimming class, please provide a doctor’s note to verify.

Section 5: Grading and Reporting

Report Card Procedures

Each term, students will be presented a report card, and will be sent home in December, March and June

indicating student progress at that time. If you have outstanding school fees, the report card will be held

until the fees are paid in full. At the end of each term, students will take home a report card indicating

student progress and providing an indication of next steps in learning. Parents with unpaid school fees will have the report withheld.

• During the year, parents will be invited to school to attend a three parent-teacher conferences. These are critical important opportunities for parents to learn about the academic, social, and emotional

progress of their children, ask questions and express any concerns.

• If parents have questions and concerns at any point, they may contact the school at any time to arrange

a meeting with their child’s teacher.

Reporting and Grading

Continuous assessment tools include:

• Teacher observation • Class discussion • Portfolios • Class activities • Projects • Rubrics • Teamwork • Oral quizzes • Written quizzes • Monthly assessments • Diagnoses assessments • Educational games

We use American standards called Common Core for English Language Arts, Math and Science.

• Our learning standards provided clear targets for teaching, learning, and assessment.

• For the report cards, targets have been identified for each subject area,

LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT:

B = Below Expectations 0 - 55%

A = Approaching Expectations 56 - 70%

M = Meeting Expectations 71 - 85%

E = Exceeding Expectations 86 - 100%

Section 6: Additional Programmes

My Identity Program Values

Fostering students’ pride and appreciation for their UAE National Identity is of utmost importance SZPA

has established the My Identity program for all students. Each month (as listed below) one key attribute is

highlighted within the school curriculum, activities, and assemblies to further define and reinforce the value and appreciation for these attributes.

Months Values القيم

September UAE Values قيم اإلمارات العربية المتحدة

October Respect االحترام

November/December National Identity الوطنيةالهوية

January Responsibility المسؤولية

February Self-Confidence الثقة بالنفس

March Communication التواصل

April/May My Family أسرتي

May/June Moderation االعتدال

Military Programme

Students in Grades 6 to 8 will have one lessen each week when the UAE Armed Forces will be rehearsing military

drills with our boys. The initial focus will be on Marching Skills with more information provided as the year

progresses. Each boy will be provided with an army uniform, free of charge.

Qu’ran Memorisation Programme

Students from Grade 1 upwards will be invited to join the Qu’ran Memorisation Programme. This runs from 7.00am

each morning (except Thursday). More details about how to enroll on this programme will be provided later on,

during Term 1.

Section 7: Behaviour Expectations

Philosophy

We believe that all students should have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. We believe our teachers must guide students as they become progressively more self-disciplined, responsible learners,

able to work independently and cooperatively. We will provide a positive learning environment that is developmentally responsive to the social and academic needs of students. This environment, both in and

out of the classroom, encourages a wide range of learning experiences. We encourage close collaboration

and partnerships with students, parents, and faculty. The collective goal is learning.

School Wide Expectations

Our goal is to implement school-wide expectations consistently so that students are clear about how we

expect them to behave throughout the building. If students are not following the building rules or the

expectations of the classroom teacher, we will respond appropriately by talking to the student, problem

solving, and deciding on a respectful, logical consequence depending on the level of misbehaviour.

At SZPAB with have a very sophisticated rewards and behaviour management system based on the ADEC Student

Competency Framework.

Section 8: Parent Concerns

Responding to Parent Concern

SZPAB is committed to good communication between home and school and to listening to the views of all users of the facilities in order to improve the services provided. We aim to respond to concerns and queries

in an informal manner and resolve them quickly, sensitively and to the satisfaction of the complainant.

In the first instance, concerns should be raised with the class teacher and then escalated to the relevant

Head of Secondary / Elementary / Early Childhood should the problem continue.

The school will make every effort to respond fully to a written complaint within 5 school days. Where this proves unrealistic, the school will inform the complainant in writing, and give some estimate of how long it

will take to provide a detailed response.

Section 9: School Uniform

Dress Code

We maintain a strict uniform policy. Students are expected to follow the uniform as provided by ZAKS, our

uniform supplier. Students may wear their PE uniform on PE. If a student is not in uniform, we will notify

their family and ask for their uniform to be brought to school.

Section 10: Food Services

Research shows a significant link between nutrition and academic, social, and emotional success. We strive

to provide healthy food choices to our students every day and expect them to bring healthy snacks and

lunch choices if they choose to do so. We do not allow nuts, chips, candy, chocolate products biscuits, or

any other sweet food items at school. Water coolers are installed in every class, but we ask all our students

to bring a water bottle to school each day to carry with them at PE and recess times. The water bottle should

be taken home each night and cleaned.

Our catering service is managed by Keita. Additional information on how to use the school’s ‘cashless’ online

catering system will be provided by Keita.

Section 11: School Nurse Services

Services and Requirements

The School Clinic responsibilities include, administering first aid, treating minor ailments, health education,

maintaining health records, updating vaccinations and medical information, and coordinating with the

Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HADD).

HADD requires that the following completed forms be kept on file to enable us to care for your child

effectively. These forms must be completed and returned to the Health Office directly, prior to your child

starting school.

1. Health Information Form

2. Medical Consent Form

3. Immunization Record – a copy is required

The school should be informed immediately of any change in telephone numbers to enable us to contact

a parent or guardian in the event of sickness or accident. In the event of both parents being out of the

country an alternative contact number must be left with the Health Office and with the Registrar.

When to Keep Your Child At Home:

A sick child cannot learn effectively and is unable to participate in classes in a meaningful way. Keeping a sick child home prevents the spread of illness in the school community and allows your child the opportunity

to rest and recover. It is recommended to keep your child at home for the following reasons:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea: A child with either of these problems should stay at home and return to

school only after being symptom free for 12 hours.

• A temperature of 38c/100f and above: Even if the temperature has been reduced with medication please keep your child at home until they have been 12 hours without a fever.

• Conjunctivitis: Following a diagnosis of conjunctivitis (also known as “pink eye”), A child may return to school 12 hours after the first dose of prescribed medicine.

• Common infectious diseases with rashes are most contagious in the early stages. A child with a suspicious rash should return to school only after a doctor has made a diagnosis and the school

nurse has seen your child before returning to the classroom.

• Many rashes are not contagious. If you are in any doubt please take your child to see the school

nurse before he/she attends class.

• Bad Colds: Consider keeping your child at home if he/she is experiencing serious discomfort from

cold symptoms such as serious nasal congestion. A continuous green discharge from the nose may be a sign of infection.

• Sickness: If your child is sick and unable to attend school the parent must call the school by 8:30 am

to notify them of the absence.

• Collection of a sick child: Please collect your child within 30mins, following a request call from a

member of the nursing team.

School Medical Examinations:

HADD requires that students in selected grades undergo immunizations by HADD nurses at SZPA.

Medications: If your child is taking any regular medications during school hours, (long or short term basis), kindly give drop these medications off at the school clinic to be administered by our nursing staff to your

child. Students are not permitted to keep medications with the exception of personal inhalers to

prevent/treat asthma attacks and Epipen’s for students with life threatening allergies.

Section 12: Bus Transportation

Services and Expectations

Bus transportation to Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys is available for a fee through a private service. Information about bus services is available at the reception area. Parents are in no way restricted to the

use of this service and are welcome to investigate alternative transport services should they desire.

Reservations for bus services remain a contract between the family and that bus service provider, not

SZPAB.

Bus Behavior Expectations:

Established rules ensure safety on the buses. Parents are advised to review these rules with the child.

1. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT. Seatbelts are worn across the hipbones, not stomach.

2. Keep arms, legs and head inside the vehicle at all times. Keep windows closed.

4. Stay in your seat the whole time

6. Do not distract the driver. Use level 1 voice - “Inside voices – please.”

7. No music players, video games or electronic items.

10. Keep the aisles clear.

11. Listen and be respectful to the bus CA and bus driver at all times.

SZPAB Bus assistants can only release a student from the bus to a parent or designated adult family member.

If a parent is not present at the bus stop, the student will be safely transported back to school to be collected

by the family.

Section 13: Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)

ECA Program Information and Expectations

ECA’s will begin Term 1 within the first few weeks of school. Students will be offered a variety of activities

they can participate in after school on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. Most ECAs are run by SZPAB teachers, but Computer Explorers offer paid ECAs run by professional facilitators. You will receive a

letter during the second week of the term, outlining the ECA’s offered that term. Please have your child choose the activity they would like to participate in and return the form immediately as space is limited for

each activity. Most of the activities will begin immediately after school and end at 4.00 pm.

The sign-up and payment for Computer Explorers should be made directly to the company if you wish your

child to attend. More information will follow.

It is very important that all children be picked up from ECA’s precisely at 4.00 pm unless otherwise

notified.

Late pick-up from ECAs may result in your child being withdrawn from the activity. We appreciate your

understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Section 14: Celebrations/Birthday Parties

Birthdays and special events are recognized in the classrooms, by classroom teachers in a variety of ways. Due to loss of instructional time, it is not possible to have individual celebrations for each child’s birthday at

school. All parties, cakes and special celebrations for individual birthdays must take place outside of the

school day. Please do not ask the classroom teachers to pass out party invitations when all students are not invited. Those invitations must be distributed outside of school.

Please do not bring food items to school to be passed out in celebration of your child’s birthday.

Section 15: Home-School Communications

Communication with our families is of primary importance to us. There are multiple ways you should be

accessing up to date information related to our school and your child’s grade.

Newsletter:

Communication between parents and school is a high priority at SZPAB. Parents will receive notices

throughout the year about school events though a school-wide monthly newsletter sent by email.

Information is also available on our website.

Agenda/Communication Book:

Your child will carry an agenda/communication book to and from school each day. Please look in the book for assignments, important notices and messages from the teacher. If you want to send a message to the

teacher, please write it in the book.

SMS:

You will receive an SMS messages relaying important news from the school.

Email

Each teacher has a school email address and will make this available to all families through the first Welcome

Letter of the year.

Website

The school website will be included in the first newsletter of the year. We look forward to keeping you up to-date on happenings at all grade levels.

My Learning

The school has recently launched its learning platform ‘My Learning’. All students and parents will receive LOGON

details so that they can access My Learning to gain information about the content of our curriculum, homework

assignments and resources. My Learning is intended to be used increasingly as a means of academic communication

with students and parents.

Homework

Parents are valued partners in establishing the foundations for lifelong learning. Research tells us that children of parents who take an active interest in their schooling can progress up to 15% more in

mathematics and reading. A primary way to understand and support your child’s learning targets is to view

the weekly curriculum and homework overview, and provide your child the support he/she needs in order to successfully complete his/her homework. Homework will reinforce and provide practice for the learning

that has occurred in the classroom most recently.

The prime responsibility for completing homework lies with the individual student. As they advance through

the school, it is expected that students will take increasing personal responsibility for all aspects of their

learning, including homework.

Coffee and Conversation

Once a month, parents are invited to attend a semi-formal Coffee and Conversation morning. These

occasions are open to all families and provide opportunities for parents to meet with one another, as well

as senior members of staff, to discuss issues or simply ask questions about aspects of school life. The dates

for Coffee and Conversation are included in the Calendar for Parents.

There will also be a series of talks during the year on current educational issues. More information about

such events will follow during the year.