Clarion Newsletter, September 1, 2023

Dear Parents and Friends of Clarion,

We have had a great start to the 2023-2024 school year. Our Grade 1 – 7 students have joined us and we look forward to our Early Years students returning on Monday, September 4. It was wonderful to see the students and their families at school and it truly made the building feel alive again.

As we embark on this academic year, we are brimming with excitement to introduce new programs and resources, while building upon the strong foundation laid in the previous year.

Here are some important updates:

1. Facility:

Most of our summer maintenance tasks have been concluded. In the coming weeks, we are set to replace the artificial grass in the playground, and the installation of bleachers in the Multi-purpose hall is scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

2. Healthy Food Choices:

As per KHDA directive, we need to ensure we have healthy eating opportunities at school for our students. We encourage celebrations such as birthdays however, cannot permit items such as donuts, and birthday cakes that are high in sugar content. We need our parents' support with this. Our diverse student population includes those with allergies and families who prioritize low refined sugar intake. Suitable alternatives like fruit platters, fruit kebabs, unsweetened dried fruit, and low-fat yogurt parfaits can be considered. Please consult your child's homeroom teacher before contributing food for celebrations.

Furthermore, we kindly request that children not receive lunch deliveries. Ensuring your child arrives at school with a nutritious lunch and snack contributes to their well-being.

Benefits of Healthy Celebrations:

• Consistent Messages: Healthy celebrations reinforce our commitment to promoting positive behaviors, consistent with classroom teachings.
• Enhanced Learning: Proper nutrition positively impacts behavior and academic performance, creating an optimal learning environment.
• Fostering a Healthy Environment: By offering reliable health information and opportunities for its application, healthy celebrations contribute to a health-focused school atmosphere.
• Embracing Nutrition: Novel party activities and nutritious snacks create excitement around healthier choices, while traditional treats can still be enjoyed at home.
• Allergy Protection: Non-food celebrations safeguard children with allergies and ensure food safety.

3. Parent / Guardian ID Reminder:

To enhance child safety, parents are required to wear or present their parent Clarion ID card upon entering the school. Parents in need of new or replacement IDs should email Poonam at admin@clarionschool.com, copying Rushna at rpatel@clarionschool.com with updated passport-size photos. Since the school's opening, our IT team has been diligently occupied with setting up student information and operational systems. We kindly request your understanding as we require approximately 7 working days to complete the ID processing.

4. Student Absence and Lates:

For student illness-related absences, kindly inform the homeroom teacher via email, copying Poonam at admin@clarionschool.com and the school Nurse at kballares@clarionschool.com.

Late students (after 8:00 AM) must secure a late pass from the Atrium before joining class.

5. Sun Protection and Hydration:

Based on the outside temperature, outdoor or indoor recess will be determined. Please apply sunscreen and provide a hat for your child. Send them with a refillable water bottle to ensure hydration and sun protection throughout the day.

6. Teacher-Led Activities (CCIs) and External Vendor-Led Activities (CCEs):

We are delighted to announce that our CCIs will start from September 18 and CCEs will start from September 11 (please refer to the ECA schedules and information shared via email).

Clarion is also a member of DASSA, the largest and most enduring school sports association in the UAE, alongside the Dubai School Games League. This will provide our students with some wonderful opportunities to participate in competitive sports. Additional information about these opportunities will be shared shortly.

7. The Parking Lot and Drop Off Areas:

We ask that parents and drivers demonstrate extreme caution in this area.

8. Student Dismissal and Pickup:

For the safety and security of our students, we have designated specific pickup areas for each class:

• PreK – K2: Classroom pickup
• Grades 1 & 2: Clarion Street outside the Atrium pickup
• Grades 3 & 4: Gymnasium pickup
• Grades 5, 6 & 7: Parents pickup children in front courtyard inside gate 3

Your collaboration in adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe and orderly dismissal process.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank our parents for their continued support. Clarion school truly is a very special place!

Sincerely,

Larry