Dear Parents and Guardians,
Season’s Greetings and Heartfelt Thanks!
As we near the end of Semester 1, I want to take a moment to thank you all for the incredible support you’ve shown us throughout this term. Your trust, encouragement, and active participation in our meetings, open houses, and school activities and your valuable feedback have made a world of difference.
Together, we’ve created a vibrant and supportive environment where our students can truly thrive. This semester has been a busy one, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved as a school community. From the successful integration of Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction (CBCI) to the launch of integration of service learning in our unit to make learning more relevant, and transitioning to the new Learning Management system Toddle, your involvement has been central to ensuring that our initiatives resonate with the students and positively impact their growth.
Reflections and Celebrations
As I reflect on the past few months, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible partnership we’ve shared. One of the highlights of this semester has been the Student-Led 3-Way Conferences, where our students confidently presented their learning journeys to you. The feedback we received from parents was overwhelmingly positive, and the data speaks volumes about the success of this initiative:
- 91% of parents attended the 3-Way Conferences, demonstrating your dedication to supporting your children’s education.
- 90% of parents felt their child’s presentation was well-structured and reflective of their learning.
- 87% of parents shared that the conference helped them gain a clearer understanding of their child’s strengths and challenges.
- 85% of parents agreed that their child had developed an awareness of the areas they need to work on for improvement.
- 90% of parents appreciated the structure of the conference, with the remainder expressing neutrality.
These figures highlight the collaborative effort between students, parents, and teachers in fostering a supportive and reflective learning environment. Watching our students take ownership of their learning and articulate their growth and challenges with confidence has been inspiring. This process not only celebrated their achievements but also empowered them to take proactive steps toward self-improvement.
This success is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared commitment we have to inspire, empower, and transform our students into confident, reflective learners.
Dates to Remember
With school closing on 13th December, the coming weeks are packed with important activities that provide our students with meaningful learning and growth opportunities. These weeks are vital for students to be present and actively participate as we wrap up the semester on a high note. Here are some of the key events we are excited to share with you:
SRC-Led Spirit Week (2nd–6th December 2024):
Our Student Representative Council (SRC) is organizing a lively Spirit Week filled with creativity and purpose. Students will dress according to daily themes, fostering school spirit while raising funds for service projects they’ve carefully planned. This initiative reflects our students’ commitment to giving back to the community and embracing the values of empathy and action.
Service Day (10th December 2024):
Our students will present their service learning projects for the first time, showcasing how their classroom learning has translated into meaningful action. The day will feature digital presentations, art displays, group discussions, TED-style talks, and panel discussions, all led by the students. We are thrilled to see the transformative power of these projects, as they make learning relevant and impactful.
Sports and Mindfulness Day (12th December 2024):
At ARIS, we emphasise the importance of a healthy body and mind. This day will promote well-being through sports activities and mindfulness practices, encouraging students to relax, recharge, and build stronger community bonds.
Christmas Break (14th December 2024 – 8th January 2025):
The last day of school this semester will be 13th December, and we will resume classes on 9th January.
Report Cards: The End-of-Semester 1 report will be shared digitally on December 13th. You will be notified via email.
Last day of School: 13th December is the last day of school. You will receive an email from our Communication department.
Mock Exams: A Crucial Milestone
As we prepare our students for success in their final exams, mock exams play a pivotal role in helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to excel. These exams are essential for Year 11 and Year 13 students as they simulate the structure and rigour of the final examinations, allowing students to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune their preparation strategies.
We have carefully planned the mock exam schedules to ensure they do not clash with other important activities, such as university application deadlines, AISA GISS travel, and other school commitments. This allows students to participate fully while maintaining a balanced approach to their academic and extracurricular responsibilities.
Here are the dates for the mock exams:
- Year 13: From 10th February to 21st February 2025
- Year 11: From 20th February to 27th February 2025
We urge students to prepare diligently and encourage them to approach these exams as an opportunity to strengthen their understanding and time management skills. Therefore we urge our Parents to kindly ensure that students maintain a healthy balance during this long break.
Thank you once again for being such wonderful partners in this journey. Your support means so much to us, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the ARIS family. I look forward to seeing everyone back in January, ready to take on the second semester with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
May this holiday season bring you joy, laughter, and precious time with loved ones. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.