Principal’s Letter
Dear KCC Families,
Welcome to our exciting community. We are delighted that you have chosen to join us and look forward to many years working in partnership with you.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we are committed to the IB mission, “developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect” and vision “develop learners who embrace a holistic education that engages them intellectually to become creative problem solvers and socially to become empathetic global citizens.”
We hope that you will see and feel this in everything we do.
Our committed staff are aware of the privilege they have helping students to unlock their unique potential. By planning a range of opportunities for children to learn knowledge, develop skills, share their understanding and explore the world around them, our teachers enable students to explore interests whilst directing their own learning journeys. Each learning opportunity provides students with the chance to grow, develop and make connections.
At KCC our students are active members of our community who embrace their learning. Be it exploring the wonders of play in the EY, presenting research projects as part of the PYPx, taking part in our Service as Action international trips or choosing university destinations, each student will be encouraged and supported to broaden their horizons and exceed their expectations.
Finally, I encourage you to join the KCC community by taking part events, sharing your skills and helping shape our school as we grow and develop.
I look forward to getting to know you and your children over the next year as we work together to ensure our school community goes from strength to strength.
Ms. Abi
Abigail Fishbourne Principal, Khalifa City Campus
Who We Are
Taaleem Group
Raha Khalifa City Campus is part of Taaleem, the United Arab Emirates’ second-largest school provider for early years, primary and secondary schools founded in 2004.
Taaleem, which means “education’ in Arabic, is committed to inspiring students and helping them to identify and develop their passion and talents.
Please click on the image for further information about Taaleem Group
KCC as an IB World School
We are a proud IB continuum school. This means we offer the IB programme starting with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for our 3 year olds in the Mini’s classes, moving into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grade 6 to 10, and ending with the Diploma Programme in Grade 11 and 12. KCC is currently open to Grade 11 and will open Grade 12 in 2025-26.
The IB programmes not only prioritises academic excellence but also cultivate personal growth, stimulating students to think critically, explore interdisciplinary connections, and develop an inquisitive mindset. Embracing diversity, fostering curiosity, and nurturing a genuine passion for learning are fundamental values within an IB education.
The KCC Promise
Our Core Commitment
To open doors.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to cultivate Knowledge, Courage, and Connection to unlock the unique potential in all.
Our Vision
Our Vision is a community of global learners exceeding expectations.
Hello, from our KCC Team
Khalifa City Campus
At KCC, our team consists of highly skilled and talented staff hailing from diverse countries and educational backgrounds. United by our shared commitment to provide the best educational outcomes for our students, KCC brings together individuals who are passionate about their profession, and the students that they work alongside.
Early Years
There are 4 homeroom classes in the Minis, 6 in EY1, and in EY2 there 5 homeroom classes. Each class has a Homeroom Teacher and a Learning Assistant.
Primary Years
In the Primary Years there are 6 homeroom classes in each grade. Each class has a Homeroom Teacher, and a Learning Assistant is shared. In Grade 1 each class has a Learning Assistant.
Secondary Years
There are 6 classes in Grade 6 and Grade 7, 4 classes in Grade 8 and Grade 9. In Grade 10 there are 2 classes. DP students follow personal programs of subjects. Students have a Mentor Teacher who meets with them each morning before they head off to their specialist subject teachers.
Specialist Teachers
We have an experienced Specialist teaching team which includes Student Support teachers, PE/swimming teachers, Arabic and Islamic teachers, music and art teachers and STEAM and Innovation teachers. In the Secondary all teachers are specialists the different disciplines of the MYP and the DP.
School Map
EY2
Ground Floor
Primary
G1-G3: Ground Floor
G4-G5: 1st Floor
Main Entrance
The School Day
Start of the Day
Our gates open at 7:30am. The National Anthem plays at 7:45am each morning. This marks the start of the school day
• Minis - G3 students enter the classrooms through the external doors
• G4 – G11 enter the building through the stairwells at the rear of the building
• EY bus children will be dropped at class by a Bus Monitor in the morning.
We appreciate punctuality, which enhances the learning experience. Your child is late if they enter class after 7.50. Registers will be closed and you will need to report to main reception to collect a late slip to be permitted into class. Please go to Gate 1 for Primary or Secondary students, or Gate 2 for EY students. Students will receive a late slip from reception to take to their classroom.
We ask that the parents of EY students take their children to their class, say their goodbyes and leave straight after the National Anthem at 7.45 am. Our kind, experienced teachers and LAs will take it from there and will contact you, if it is needed, to update you on how your child has settled.
End of the Day
If you need to collect your child early, please email kccabsent@ris.ae, at least 30 minutes before collection. Please collect at Reception through Gate 1 for Primary or Secondary students and Gate 2 for EY children.
• Minis and EY 1 - School finishes at 1:00pm*
• EY 2 – School finishes at 2:00pm*
• Grade 1–10 – School finishes at 3:00pm*
• Grade 11 - School finishes at 3:00pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and at 4:00pm on Mondays & Wednesdays*
*School closes at 4.15pm after ECPs and children must be collected by this time *Students finish school at 12.00pm every Friday. School closes at 12.15pm.
Absences
You are required to advise us your child’s absence. This must be done before 7am on the morning of absence, or the night before if you know your child will not be in school. Please log in to the Toddle app and submit an excusal request. A doctor’s certificate will be needed for absences over 3 days. Please follow the link to our Attendance Policy for more information.
School Calendar
Life in the Early Years
Think of EY as the foundations of your child’s school journey. We take pride in being the facilitators of that journey and we are here to nurture and guide your child through this learning process as well as support you as parents every step of the way. In our EY classrooms, you won’t find mass-produced, identical pieces of work. You will see adults and children working collaboratively to solve problems and children being scaffolded by adults to reach the next step in their chosen learning experience.
Each child is a unique learner and develops at varying rates; you may find one child writing independently in their play, yet another child learning to control a pencil. We are not driven solely by academics. We are here to encourage physical, personal, emotional, social and language development. We are here to build confidence, independence, creativity and imagination, so that children are ready to apply themselves academically when the time is right for them.
The diversity and individuality of our children in EY is the reason we love our jobs and find this age group so special.
Our Learning and Teaching Leads
Becky Minis rturner@ris.ae
Vangey Deputy LTL vbronkhorst@ris.ae
Rachel EY1 & EY2 rharlen@ris.ae
Sinead Deputy LTL sbrady@ris.ae
Life in the Primary Years
In the Primary years learning is transdisciplinary. Skills taught and learned in one area can be transferred to other subjects or areas of the curriculum. Students learn by connecting prior and new knowledge in meaningful ways, so they may broaden their understandings about the world around them.
We aim to bring together knowledge, skills and dispositions for students to feel empowered to take ownership of their learning. We encourage students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that being open-minded and considering the perspectives of other people, helps to bring about cultural understanding and respect.
Students are encouraged to be curious, creative, collaborative, caring and considerate of others. Teachers provide opportunities for students to seek and address local opportunities and challenges, and to help students develop the necessary competencies to navigate this changing world.
Our Learning and Teaching Leads
Danel Grade 1 dschultz@ris.ae
Grade 2 kgibson@ris.ae
Steffi Grade 3 steffaniwilliams@ris.ae
Life in the Secondary Years
Moving into the Middle Years Programme, our students will continue to develop their knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills that are the foundation of their primary education through an interdisciplinary programme In our MYP, students will learn in subject areas lead by specialist teachers.
Students will move around the campus to enjoy their learning in our purpose-built areas to compliment the requirements of each subject. Teaching teams work together to ensure that students receive the correct balance of challenge and support as they develop their approaches to learning to be confident, successful and purposeful learners.
Students will be challenged in their learning to make real world connections between concepts studied in each subject area and key global contexts. As inquiring, principled and thoughtful communicators, students will be empowered with the knowledge and skills required to make informed choices about how they engage with the world as they find their place within it. Our Learning and Teaching Leads - Student Engagement
Uniform
The uniform is an important feature of our school to create pride, unity, and a sense of belonging to KCC.
Every student is required to wear a school uniform. Minis, Early Years, Primary, MYP and DP each have a different uniform so please check the Uniform section on the School Website for further details.
School uniform should be purchased from Magrudy’s at Al Forsan Mall or via their online store If skirts are worn in the MYP these should be long in length, beneath the knee at a minimum.
Shoes must have a closed back and a closed toe, not sandals.
Earrings should be studs to prevent any injuries. Minimal make-up should be worn (mascara and clear lip gloss only).
Raha hoodies may be worn in colder months. Please note that hoodies that differ from the grey school hoodie will not be allowed to be worn in school.
Hats to be worn outdoors can be student choice.
PE Uniform
PE kit and school hoodies can be purchased at Magrudy’s in Al Forsan Mall or via their online store.
EY and Primary students may wear PE kit to school on their PE days. Secondary students should wear uniform to school and change into PE kit for their lessons.
Sports shoes must be worn for PE.
Swimming
At KCC we believe that swimming is a life skill. We work closely with Arabian Swim Academy to provide our students with swimming lessons. We believe that if children are well enough to attend school, then they are well enough to take part in swimming. All children are expected to swim unless a letter from a doctor is provided, with the reason why and the length of time the child must not swim.
EY students swim for 1 term and swim twice each week.
Primary students swim for half a term and swim twice each week. Students in Grade 5 are split by gender and once a week for 1 term.
Secondary students take part in swimming lessons connected to their PE units, these change according to the grade level but are always split by gender.
Swimming Clothes
On swimming days, EY students may arrive at school wearing their swim clothes underneath their uniform or with rash vest and swimming shorts. They will need to bring their uniform to change into afterwards.
In Grade 1 to Grade 11 students should arrive in school uniform and bring their swimming kit to change into.
In addition to swimming clothes, children will need:
Be Prepared
There is nothing more important than being prepared for school. The correct equipment will help your child to be independent within school and will also help them to stay safe around the school campus.
Bags
Your child needs a small back-pack which can hold their belongings for the day. It is recommended that bags do not exceed 20% of a child’s body weight. There are cubby holes outside each classroom to help children manage their belongings.
Trolly bags should not be used, as these are heavier and bulkier for students. In the Secondary School we do not use lockers and have cubby holes instead.
For more information, please refer to the School Bag Policy
Library Bag
If your child is in EY or Primary they will need a library bag for their weekly session at the library. This can be the ‘Zaks’ Raha library bag, or any other lightweight bag big enough to fit a book inside. Students only need to bring this bag on their library day.
School Materials
Students will be provided with consumable materials such as workbooks and stationery.
Sun Safety
In EY and Primary we operate a policy of ‘No hat, no play’ during outdoor playtime to encourage students to be sun safe. Students without hats must stay in a shaded area throughout their playtime, which limits their active experiences. Please ensure your child brings their hat so they can access the full range of outdoor learning.
In Secondary School students are encouraged to manage their own safety by playing in shaded areas, wearing shoes on the pitch and taking water breaks when they need them.
Water Bottles
Every child needs a refillable, reusable water bottle everyday. There are water fountains throughout the school, both inside and outside. All children have access to water at all times.
As we are trying to inspire students to respect the environment, and to limit waste, please do not send disposable water bottles to school.
Naming Belongings
Please name your child’s belongings with their name and class. We have a lost property where students may be able to find lost items. If items are not collected at the end of each term, these items are either donated or disposed of.
BYOD - Grade 1 and Above
Students are expected to bring their own device to school each day to support the learning in the classroom.
• Grades 1-5 require an iPad
• Keyboards are recommended in Grade 4&5
• Grades 6-11 require a laptop, preferably MacBooks
Parents have a responsibility to talk to their children about values and the standards that their children should follow regarding the use of the Internet.
For more information, please refer to the BYOD & Acceptable Use Policy and Taaleem E-Safety Policy on our website
Healthy Lunches
At KCC we know that snack and meal times are an important part of a child’s day and that there is an important connection between a healthy diet and a student’s ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards.
We are therefore committed to ensuring that our students have access to a healthy, balanced, varied and nutritious snacks and meals. We ask students to bring to school both a snack and lunch. Students in primary and secondary also have access to the school canteen. Our external food provider Food nation offers well balanced snack and lunches.
We encourage students to have foods which are:
• Nutritious and well balanced (including low saturated fat, low processed sugar)
• Environmentally friendly (less plastic)
The following items should not be packed in students lunches:
• Fizzy or sugary drinks or fruit flavored squash.
• Large servings of junk foods such as chocolate, crisps and sweets
More information can be found in our School Food Policy
Medical & Allerigies
All information and medications are stored by the school clinic and all teachers are informed of their students’ medical needs. Parents are required to inform teachers of any medical conditions their child may have.
Staff take allergies very seriously. Children are taught the importance of this in class and are not allowed to share food. If you have a child with an allergy, you will need to disclose this information on your enrollment form. Please also follow up with the class teacher.
We urge you to choose carefully when selecting food for your child’s lunch as some of our children’s allergies are life-threatening. We kindly ask parents not to send food in to share with the class.
If you have any concerns about your child’s diet regarding allergies, please contact the school nurse at kccnurse@ris.ae
We are a nut aware school
Food items with nuts are not allowed to be brought to school. The following items are examples of food items that contain nuts:
Communication
Communication in any school can be quite overwhelming at times. We try to keep communication to a minimum. Please take the time to communicate all information to your Nanny or other person who may care for your child.
We may email you occasionally with reminders or upcoming dates for events, but the main communication will be in the following ways:
• Raha Reminders – The official school communication. Sent out to our families every Friday through Toddle.
• Toddle App – Our platform for managing digital portfolios of student learning, teacher and parent communications, and our reporting tool.
• PYP Unit Overviews – These share and highlight the curriculum outcomes that are being covered. These are sent at the start of each unit.
Please email your child’s teacher with any questions, messages or concerns. The teacher is always your first point of contact followed by the Learning and Teaching Lead for the Grade.
• Teachers will respond to your email within one working day, sooner if they can.
• Please note – teachers are busy with their students and seldom check emails during teaching times. If you email during the day, it is likely they will only read the message during the afternoon. Therefore, do not send urgent emails regarding ECP’s, buses or pick-up as this information may not be received in time. Instead speak to reception as below.
For any urgent messages, please call Reception on 02 550 5271 or email to reach the Assistants to the Heads of EY, Primary and Secondary:
• EY: Siham Alaoui - Ext. 208 or kcceyassistant@ris.ae
• Primary: Carolina Rodriguez – Ext. 231 or kccprimaryassistant@ris.ae
• Secondary: Karoline Danzinger t – Ext. 233 or kccmypassistant@ris.ae
See below the staff member to contact when raising an issue or concern. The following order should be used:
1. Teachers
2. Learning and Teaching Leads
3. Assistant Head
4. Deputy Head
5. Heads of School
Community
Prayer Room
We encourage our Muslim students to perform their prayers during their lunch break. Our Prayer Room is located on the first floor, in the main building.
Library
Our libraries provide a warm, welcoming environment in which students may read, study and work on school projects or hobbies.
In the EY and Primary library, a library assistant is available to help students locate materials, support with their library skills and to recommend books. Students visit the Library during regularly scheduled classes.
The library is also open during break times.
In the Secondary our iHub is a central space for the growth ofdigital literacy skills, academic integrity and research methodology, along with reading for pleasure. Students can be referred to the iHub during lessons to access resources and help. The iHub is also open during break times.
Birthdays
Due to the high number of students and staff with allergies, and our commitment to healthy eating at KCC, we do not allow children to bring food to share for birthday celebrations.
Since respect for others and their feelings is an important part of our school, we ask that invitations not be sent to school for distribution unless you are inviting ALL the children in the class.
We also ask that party bags and food are not brought to school for birthday celebrations.
Cultural Consideration
As a school we ask the members of our school community conduct themselves that are mindful of cultural consideration, including respecting the UAE’s cultural and social norms, values and traditions. When on school premises, at a school event, or in school uniform behaviours that are culturally inconsiderate such as drug use, alcohol use, and smoking are strictly prohibited.
Parents as Partners
Parent Badges
To keep our children safe, all parents and guardians entering the school premises will need to wear a parent badge. These are on red lanyards. This must be worn onsite at all times. These can be applied for via this link and will be sent home with your child in the first few weeks of school.
Parent Team
Our parent team is an active and supportive part of our school community. We hope to welcome new parents to volunteer for different events run by the parent team. Details of these will come out in the new year.
WhatsApp Groups
As a school we do not take part in discussions or concerns raised in WhatsApp groups. Please respect each other and the school if using these groups. If parents have any concerns, please speak directly with teacher to resolve these.
Parent Community
We strive for a happy community where all members feel safe and valued. We ask that all parents please;
• Treat all school employees with respect; security, nurses, admin
• Wear clothing that is respectful of the culture and country we live in
• Respect the ban on smoking/ vaping on campus
• Do not take photos of other students on campus
Our Extra Curricular Programmes
At KCC we offer a wide range of after school activities designed to enrich our curriculum These is our Extra Curricular Programme or ECP. These fall into two categories; Teacher-Led and External.
The main difference between Teacher Led and External ECPs is who runs and orgnaises them. External ECPs are a paid for service that vis run by outside providers who use the school facilites.
Teacher-Led ECPs
• Run and managed by the school
• Free of charge
• Take place in each of the 3 terms and run for 8 weeks
• Minis and EY1 run from 1:00-1:45pm. Please note that for the Minis, Teacher-Led ECPs do not start until January.
• EY2 from 2:00-2:45pm
• Primary and Secondary from 3:00-4:00pm
• The timetable is sent out through Raha Reminders
• We do not offer a bus service after ECPs
Sign ups take place using the SchoolsBuddy App. At the start of the school year you will receive a SchoolsBuddy welcom letter with details fo your child’s account.
For any questions about Teacher Led ECPs please reach out to our ECP team on KCCecp@ris.ae
We have strong relationships with external companies that use our facilities to run additional clubs after school and at the weekends. Infinite Sports is our main provider. They fun multiple clubs such a basketball, gymnastics, karate, ballet and languages.
External ECPs
• Run and managed by approved external providers (Infinite, CFTennis, Coding Camp and Arabian Swim Academy)
• These involve a charge
• These take place throughout the school year
• Sessions are available straight from school, in the evenings and at the weekends.
• The timetable is sent out through Raha Reminders
After School Club
After School Club is a company that runs after school provision for our Early Years children with older siblings. Sessions run after school to allow a simplier pick up for EY children. Sessions run from 1-3pm, 1-2pm or 2-3pm. Priority is given to children who would like the service for the entire week.
External ECP Contacts
For any questions about External ECPs please reach out using the contact detials below;
After School Club: kccaftercare@gmail.com
Arabian Swim Academy: bookings@arabianswimacademy.com
CFTennis: info@cftennisacademy.com
Infinte: Paidecp@infinitesportsuae.com
Transport
Buses
We use an external provider for our bus transport. Our external provider is Emirates Transport.
For new students, please find your unique registration information communicated in the pre-registration email.
Changes for current students using the bus service should be communicated through the bus company directly using the email kcctransportation@ris.ae
Please allow for some minor delays in the first few weeks, the school works closely with the bus company to minimise this.
More information regarding bus routes and timings will come out in August.
Parking
In the mornings we encourage drop and go. Parents should use the following parking areas:
Gate 1 for Primary and MYP
Gate 4 for EY2
Gate 2 for Minis and EY1
We strongly encourage parents to park across the road, on the street, if they are wanting to walk their children in as our parking gets very full.
Parents should not drop younger children off in any places where they are expected to cross the road alone.
When in the car park, please keep speed limit to a minimum and give priority to pedestrians, buses and bicycles.
Cycling or Scootering to School
If your child cycles or scooters to school, please ensure that they wear an appropriately fitted helmet and are very clear on bike safety rules.
This involves walking their wheeled vehicle on footpaths around school and through the school gates. Bike racks are located at Gate 4 and Gate 6.
School Fees & Finance
Term Fee Due Dates
Due dates for payment of term fees for 2024/2025 are as follows:
Registration fee - due 5 days from date of invoice or 3 days prior to intended start date
Term 1 fee - due 1 August 2024
Term 2 fee - due 2 December 2024
Term 3 fee - due 3 March 2024
Other Charges
Uniforms and PE kits are compulsory and must be purchased from Magrudy’s.
Books & Stationery are supplied by the school. Charges may apply for lost textbooks/ library books.
Bus transportation is optional and outsourced to an external provider. The charges of this service may vary from year to year. Currently bus fees are priced at AED 5,000 per student per annum.
Field trips and excursion activities are optional and may involve charges from external providers.
Extracurricular activities (after school) are optional and offered directly by Raha as Extra Curricular Programmes (ECPs). These are free of charge, unless otherwise specified. External providers offer a range of sports and other activities at an additional cost in the late afternoon, in the evening and on weekends.
Special Educational Needs Support: If additional support is required then parents will be contacted and the next steps will be outlined, discussed and additional charges may then apply in accordance with ADEK regulations.
Tuition Fee Terms & Conditions
Tuition Refund
In accordance with ADEK guidelines, Raha International School follows the below tuition fee refund policy and will retain school fees according to the following cases:
For new students:
• If a student attends any part of week one of the term or fails to show up at all without the Parent/Guardian notifying the Admissions team in writing by April 30th. In such a case, Raha will retain the value of the registration fees.
For existing students:
• If a student attends any part of week one of the term or fails to show up at all without the Parent/Guardian notifying the Admissions team in writing by April 30th. In such a case, Raha will retain the value of the re-registration fees.
• If moving out of the Abu Dhabi emirate, and proof can be provided, Raha will refund the re-registration fees if the Parent/Guardian notifies the Admissions team in writing by June 30th.
• If a student attends from one week and up to three weeks in a term, Raha will retain the value of one full month of tuition fees.
• If a student attends over three weeks and up to six weeks in a term, Raha will retain the value of two full months of tuition fees.
• If a student attends over six weeks in a term, Raha will retain the full-term fee.
Student withdrawal during the school year:
• If a student attends from one week and up to three weeks in a term, Raha will retain the value of one full month of tuition fees.
• If a student attends over three weeks and up to six weeks in a term, Raha will retain the value of two full months of tuition fees.
• If a student attends over six weeks in a term, Raha will retain the full-term fee.
These cases apply even after a term has already commenced. Official holidays and absences from class are considered part of the week.
The value of one month of tuition fees is calculated by dividing the total tuition fees for the school year by ten months.
Transportation fees should be refunded in the same manner as tuition fees.
For more information on school fee terms & conditions, please read through the School Fees Policy.
General Information
School Office Hours
Reception:
Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 4.30pm
Friday: 7.30am to 12:00pm
Admissions
Open Mondays to Thursdays, 7.30am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 7.30am - 12.30pm.
The Admissions office remains open during the Summer during the following hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays, 8.00am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 8.00am - 12.00pm.
Accounts
Open Mondays to Thursdays, 7.30am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 7.30am - 12.00pm.
The Accounts office remains open during the Summer during the following hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays, 8.00am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 8.00am - 12.00pm.
Opening hours during Ramadan will be reduced and communicated accordingly.
Helpful Contacts
+971 (0)2 550 5271 KCCfrontdesk@ris.ae
School Assistants
Jennifer Caster - Executive Assistant to the Principal, ext. 202 jcaster@ris.ae
Siham Alaoui - Assistant to the Early Years, ext. 208 KCCeyassistant@ris.ae
Carolina Rodriguez - Assistant to the Primary School, ext. 231 KCCprimaryassistant@ris.ae
Karoline Danzinger - Assistant to the Secondary School, ext. 233 KCCmypassistant@ris.ae
School Clinic / Nurses KCCnurse@ris.ae ext. 207 (male) or 218 (female)
Accounts Department
Ahlam Alhosani - Accounts Assistant, ext. 221 KCCaccounts@ris.ae
Fionah Ziso - Accounts Assistant, ext. 216 risinvoices@ris.ae
Limuel Arias - Finance Administrator, ext. 217 KCCfinanceadmin@ris.ae
Admissions & Marketing Department
Estée Caplen - Head of Admissions & Enrolment KCCadmissions@ris.ae
Nivashne Joshi - Registrar, ext. 211 KCCregistrar@ris.ae
TBC - Admissions Administrator, ext. 212 KCCadmissionsadmin@ris.ae
Johanna Latham - Admissions Administrator, ext. 213 KCCadmissionsadmin@ris.ae
Lynsey Bolin - Marketing & Communications Executive, ext. 214 KCCmarketing@ris.ae