Dear Elementary Families,

To begin this first SPOTS of the school year we would like to thank you for being part of our community; your children are in very good hands with us.

This school year has begun like no other in our lifetime. Social distancing, masks, virtual and hybrid learning, PCR tests and daily announcements by the government of cases has raised everyone’s anxiousness. As the students have begun the new school year and filled a building that has sat empty for the past five months, I am reminded of what is important in education.

• It is the joy a teacher brings to a classroom as they creatively unfold learning for their students.

• It is the small moments that a teacher takes to connect one on one with a student to know them just a little more as a human being, and a learner.

• It is the laughter and smiles of our students as teachers bring humor to learning.

• It is the drive to succeed that a child has when they know their teacher believes in them, and with that they want to demonstrate that belief is warranted.

• It is the care teachers take to challenge each student in the curricular expectations and in a manner that builds their knowledge, understanding and skills to be successful lifelong learners.

• It is the absolute commitment and passion a teacher gives to his/her students, colleagues, families and the profession.

This week as I walked the halls and visited classrooms, I wondered how many other professionals could have their practice so fully turned upside down. Our teachers are having their “office” live streamed into your homes by 2-3 cameras, some are teaching half their students in a physical space (with 1.5 meters distance) while also engaging and including students who are watching and participating through a video screen. They are doing this with new technologies and finding new ways to ensure our children get the best education possible. Many people say that “I couldn’t be a teacher”, and at this time in history, it really is a special person who makes all this happen for our children.

Make no mistake, this is not easy work. Our teachers are working incredibly hard and spending long hours because they care about your children. This is what Dubai American Academy teachers do, and will continue to do.

We know the beginning of the year can be one filled with anxiety for children, parents and staff. This year, that has simply been magnified with COVID-19 and all the changes we are seeing to start 2020-2021. Please know we are doing our absolute best to ensure each and every child receives the education you expect from Dubai American Academy; an education that teaches the head, and the heart of our students. Please also know that we continue to review, reflect and improve on to ensure optimal academic and social-emotional learning for all.

One of the COVID-19 hashtags on social media has been #inthistogether and we have been so thankful to parents who understand the current situation we find ourselves in, and have reached out to teachers and administrators with messages of thanks, encouragement and gratitude. It has been so nice to see parents bringing our Culture of Kindness to life as our teachers continue to work to bring normalcy to our students in a very un-normal year.

Thank you for being role-models for your children with your patience, kindness, understanding and resilience as we continue into this new year with open-minds, flexibility, learning excellence and commitments to look after and support one another. It will be an incredible year.

We look forward to virtually welcoming you into classrooms on Wednesday, September 16. Opening Night will begin at 6pm with the Elementary Leadership Team and our team of Learning Specialists. This will be followed by two live sessions of classroom presentations by our teachers. On Wednesday you will receive a link, via email, to the Opening Night website.

School begins at 7:40am for Grades 1-5 and 8:00am for KG. As our teachers are working with two sets of students, the children being on-time is more important than ever. Beginning next week we will be tracking our late students and starting Mr. Cantlie’s 100% Club. Please help ensure your child(ren) is in class before the National Anthem plays at 7:40am and make it into our 100% Club.

As our students are participating in learning virtually, we created a set of expectations for all students. One particular expectation is that cameras must be on while a student is online. This has both safety considerations along with proper virtual meeting etiquette. Our teachers have reviewed these with their students and we hope this helps you as well when your children are at home.

As it is the beginning of the year, you may feel some anxiousness and that’s normal. Throughout the year if you have any student/class questions or concerns we will expect everyone to proceed in the following manner:

First: Approach your classroom teacher. This is always the first person you should contact. As they are with your child everyday, they can best answer your questions.

Second: Grade Level Administrator:

Mrs. Nathalie Salameh - Grades 4-5

Mrs. Noha Bishara - Grades 2-3

Mrs. Tooshna Gandhi - KG1 - Grade 1

Third: Executive Principal, Elementary

Mr. Craig Cantlie

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Please note that the school is not part of the WhatsApp group set-up or conversation. This is a voluntary group that school parents may join and regulate as a collective, with the above guidelines to support healthy dialogue.