Dear Parents and Friends of Clarion,
As we bring our third week to a close, we are very happy to see and experience the excitement of our students.
1. Student Council:
Our school will have a Student Council consisting of students from Grades 3 - 7. The Student Council is a group of students working together with an adult advisor to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities, giving opportunities for student experience in leadership. Our students will run their election campaigns this coming week with final elections occurring on Friday, September 23.
2. Junior Duke Program:
We will be offering the 'Junior Duke' award program to our students in Grades 4 - 7 this year. The Junior Duke program provides children with the opportunity to participate in a variety of new experiences. It teaches them that it is good to ‘have a go’ and challenges them to learn new and varied skills from an early age. By enrolling for this award, children will learn that you may not always succeed first time and that is okay. This helps them to develop the resilience they will need throughout their lives. More information about this wonderful opportunity will be shared with parents and students early next week and can also be found at: www.juniorduke.com
3. Clarion Parents' ID Card:
I am very happy to share that the vast majority of our parents have received their school ID cards and are wearing them when at the school. We ask all parents to assist us by wearing their ID cards when at the school. Please understand that this is for reasons of safeguarding your children.
New parents who have not yet received their parent ID’s, or returning parents who may have misplaced their old ID's, may kindly connect with Hemi at admin@clarionschool.com with their updated passport size pictures to have one issued at the earliest.
4. MAP Testing:
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP testing) has commenced this week for Grades 1 - 7 and will be completed towards the end of next week. Information regarding MAP testing and individual student reports will be sent to parents by the end of September.
5. Field Trips:
Field trips are a tremendous educational experience for our students and an important part of our program. Our Grade 3 students had a wonderful field trip to the Sharjah Archeological Museum this week. Additional field trips are planned for the coming weeks.
6. Pakistan Emergency Relief Drive:
We are all aware of the tragic situation in Pakistan due to the extreme flooding and devastation it has caused. At Clarion, we believe it is important to assist those in need. Our CPC has organized a relief drive where our community can donate essential items to assist those who are suffering in Pakistan at this time. Further details regarding the items required that are most critical at this time, are in the CPC section of the newsletter below. Items can be dropped off at Gate 2 and 3 during the morning student drop-off times. We will also have a drop-off area at our Atrium.
7. Atletas Sports Academies' Free Taster Session:
Atletas Sports Academies will host a multi sports Open Day at our school on Saturday, September 17 from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This event is at no cost to our Clarion families. For registrations and information please connect with Captain Ahmed on 058 855 4000.
8. CPC Back-To-School Parent Social:
Our Clarion Parent Community (CPC) has organized a Parent Social Event for Friday, September 23 at 7:00 PM. The event will be at JB’s Gastropub - JBR. Please RSVP Burcin at 058 258 7799. This event will provide a wonderful opportunity for our parents to meet and get to know each other in a relaxed social setting.
9. World Peace Day:
Wednesday, September 21 is World Peace Day. Our students will be involved in a number of activities recognizing the significance of this day throughout the week starting on Monday, September 19. We will also have engaging activities for visiting Clarion parents and community members at the Atrium so be sure to stop by.
10. World Inventors Day:
This will occur on Thursday, September 29. Design work will be evident throughout the school for this occasion. Students are encouraged to dress up as an inventor or an invention that has benefitted the world using only recycled materials.
11. Student Absence and Lates:
Students who are absent due to illnesses are requested to inform their homeroom teacher, with an email CC to Hemi at admin@clarionschool.com and the school Nurse at kballares@clarionschool.com.
Students who arrive late to school will be required to obtain a late pass from Hemi before entering class.
12. Extra Curricular Activities:
Both external (CCE’s) and internal (CCI’s) extra-curricular activities have started this week. We have had a wonderful response to our after school activities this year with over 230 students registered for CCI’s and 60 students for CCE’s. CCI’s (teacher-led) are offered on Monday and Wednesdays. CCE’s are offered Monday to Friday.
Feel free to connect with Hemi at admin@clarionschool.com if you require additional information or have questions concerning CCI’s or CCE’s.
13. Clarion Curriculum Information Sessions:
We are pleased to share that we will be offering curriculum information session for our parents in the upcoming week. The dates and times are as follows:
We have received few requests from parents who are unable to attend the sessions. As such, we will record the general session and have teachers share a document with their specific presentations. However, we encourage for all parents to come into school for the event as per the schedule provided above.
14. Sun Protection and Hydration:
Please remember to apply sunscreen to your child prior to sending them to school and send them with a hat.
Send a refillable water bottle and a hat with your child so that we can assure they remain hydrated and protected from the sun throughout the day.
15. COVID Protocols
New parents are requested to share their COVID vaccination copies with Nurse Kristine and may send it via email to kballares@clarionschool.com, if not done so already.
Masks: The wearing of masks is mandated for students Grade 1 and above and all parents, staff and visitors when indoors.
I wish everyone a wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing you on Monday morning!
Sincerely,
Larry