THE RAPTOR
REPORTER
THE RAPTOR REPORTER | SUMMER 2022
IN THIS ISSUE Message from the Principal Highlights from 21-22 Academic Year
IMPORTANT DATES 5 July: Last Day of Term 3 8 -11 July: Eid Al Adha (To be confirmed) 29 August: Orientation for new students 30 August: First day for returning students
SUMMER BREAK REMINDER Admissions and administration offices will remain open over the break. Office hours will be: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm Families should contact the school via email or by calling 02 556 1567.
From the Office of the Principal
FROM MRS PALI Dear Parents, As I write my first termly newsletter at the end of the academic year, I also reflect back on my first memorable term at Raha Gardens. Firstly, I want to thank the Raha community for the kind, warm and caring welcome I have received. Starting a new school as a staff member, family, or student (or new principal, in my case) can feel unusual as you settle in while you are getting used to the environment, the community and new friends and colleagues. However, I can proudly say that this transition period only lasted a few days for me and Raha very quickly became my second home. I am humbled and privileged to lead such a community of supportive parents, extremely dedicated staff and our wonderful Raha students.
It has been wonderful to get to know our parents through our coffee mornings,
Raha Parent Team meetings, our Ramadan iftar and the wonderful events that have taken place at the end of the year including the G5 PYP Exhibition and
the G12 Graduation. Despite many changes to the date, our first post covid performance of ‘We Will Rock You’ has finally taken place.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the extensive feedback you have provided during our recent parents’ survey. Parent voice is always a driver of improving our provision so we can meet the needs of our community
more effectively. After 2 years of parents not being on campus, it was a pleasure to open the doors again to our parent community this term. We hope to have more opportunities next year where parents can get involved with school.
From the Office of the Principal
Although we are still in ‘Covid’ times, the removal of class bubbles and social distancing no longer being mandatory in the classrooms from April, was a sign of normality returning and welcomed by teachers and students. Let’s hope things remain the same in the new school year.
As part of our term 3 review, we asked all stakeholders for your vote on our school values that best fit our Raha Gardens culture and ethos. After collating all the staff,
student and parent votes, we have finalized this in line with our school mission and vision:
Over the summer, we have some campus improvement works scheduled and I look forward to sharing images of these areas in the new academic year. We are
investing in some upgrades, as well as new areas in all sections of the school. We will also be launching our Raha MEX which provides ‘Memorable Experiences’ to our
students in line with their units of inquiry. This will further enhance our curriculum and
provide opportunities for external visits, guest speakers and other memorable opportunities.
Finally, I wish you all a relaxing, safe and happy summer with your families. For those
of you that are leaving Raha, thank you for your trust and friendship with Raha during
your time with us. For those of you returning, we look forward to seeing you ready for the start of a great academic year ahead of us. Warmest regards,
Mrs Pali Gardens Principal
Congrat
Class of
ulations
f 2022
Graduation Celebrations
From Grade 1 to 12, we celebrated so many graduations and transition ceremonies! Congratulations to all!
Grade 5 Exhibition
The PYPX is always one of our favourite times of year! The Grade 5 students show their dedication and passion for learning!
Sports Days
We Will Rock You Performances
Seeing the first live performance in the auditorium in quite some time made us so happy!
International Day
Gardens' truly international community is one of our favourite aspects of the school! To be able to celebrate this together was a highlight of the year!
Grade 10 Personal Project
We saw so many creative personal projects at the Grade 10 Personal Project Exhibition. What a fantastic day!
Being able to welcome our community back on campus to celebrate Ramadan and have iftar together was so lovely!
Community Iftar
We loved Funday Fridays! We saw so much creativity during these Fridays!
Crazy Hair Day
EY and Primary celebrated reaching the 100 day milestone in style, either dressing up as 100-year olds, or with 100 items!
100 Days
EY Colour Run
The Colour Run for EY students was so much fun! They had a great time getting active with their friends and teachers!
We heard so many fantastic recitations at the Quran Reading Competition!
Quran Reading Competition
THE RAPTOR REPORTER | SUMMER 2022