ABU DHABI

INNOVATE
INITIATE
LEARN
LEAD
SOLVE

PRIMARY
SCHOOL

NEW
PARENTS
INFORMATION
GUIDE
AL MUSHRIF
PRIMARY SCHOOL
ALMUSHRIF.SCH.AE

CONTENTS
1. WELCOME LETTER
2. VISION AND AIMS
3. KEY STAFF
4. CURRICULUM INFORMATION
5. ABSENCE AND LATE POLICY

AND PROCEDURES
6. ASSESSMENT AND MARKING POLICY
7. BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS
8. INCLUSION
9. COMMUNICATIONS
10. FAMILY INFORMATION MEETINGS
11. HELPING HANDS
12. LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
13. ECAS/ CLUBS
14. SCHOOL NURSE
15. HOUSE SYSTEM
16. FACILITIES
17. TIMINGS
18. UNIFORM FORMS FOR

BOYS AND GIRLS

WELCOME
LETTER
Welcome from the Principal
Dear family,
We are delighted that you have chosen Al Mushrif school for your childrens
education, and we look forward to working with you to ensure your children
thrive; academically, socially and physically.
Relationships are key to our work here at Al Mushrif with all our school
community. To facilitate excellent communication all teaching staff are in
the Mushrif courtyard at 7.40am each day giving you the opportunity to
catch them to pass on a message, or to make an appointment for a longer
conversation. They will also be in the courtyard at the end of every day.
Outstanding progress of children and their learning is central to all that
we do. Your childrens teachers will work tirelessly to ensure your children
learn what they need to in order to make the necessary leaps in their
learning. We will support you with our regular family workshops that will
occur both during the day, and repeated in the evening for working families.
When families are involved in their childrens school life our work is more
effective, rest assured there will be many opportunities throughout the year
for you to be involved in your childrens learning.
Having fun is also very important to us at Al Mushrif school. We work
thoughtfully and creatively to ensure that your childs learning is engaging
and meaningful. We will bring their learning to life through themed days,
school visits and by welcoming expert visitors into school. A comprehensive
and detailed programme of extra-curricular activities enriches our school
curriculum, giving students the opportunity to experience a range of activities
and excel in different fields.
We expect all involved in our school community - staff, families and children
to aspire to be the best they can be, and support them in achieving this. Our
school values of courtesy, consideration, co-operation and common sense
are central in our behaviour for learning policy which informs all that we do.
As a busy community school we welcome the support of families to enrich
the school experiences of our children. We have very well-established and
effective Friends of Al Mushrif (FOAM) who meet regularly to organise and
support events in the school, provide a supportive link between families and
school, to create a social network for new and existing families and to raise
funds for school projects and charities. Please look out for the dates of
the next FOAM meeting in the calendar, or email the FOAM secretary on
FOAM@almushrifprimary.sch.ae for more information.
We are never complacent, always striving to improve in all that we do. As
key members of our community your views are important to us. Regular
Principals drop-ins will give me the opportunity to consult with families
regarding new school initiatives and improvements, and involve you in the
future development of Al Mushrif school.
We look forward to welcoming you to the school,
Kind regards,
Mrs. Emma Shanahan
Principal

VISION AND
AIMS

Al Mushrif School is a busy and welcoming community of learners who relentlessly strive to be the best they can be.
We facilitate learning that is relevant, meaningful and fun enabling children to make progress that they can be proud of.
Through our actions and teaching we encourage children to be respectful and courteous, consider the feelings of others and feel
empowered and confident to make a positive difference to all our communities- now, and in the future.

Be kind and think of others.

Do your best and feel proud.

Work together and love learning.
Smile!

KEY
STAFF
Your childs class teacher will be the first point of contact in all matters relating to your child. To facilitate excellent communication,
not only are teachers available in the playground before and after school, but we will pass on teachers work email addresses at the
beginning of the year.

Foundation Stage Phase Coordinator

Mrs. Sarah Keaveny

Ks1 Coordinator

Miss Joanne Meads

Lower Ks2 Coordinator

Miss Nicole Piper

Upper Ks2 Cordinator

Miss Emma Owen

Assistant Principal with responsibility for

Foundation Stage and Ks1

Miss Natalie Morris

Assistant Principal with responsibility for Ks2

Mr. Matt Booth

Deputy Principal

Mrs. Kelly Mansbridge

Principal

Mrs. Emma Shanahan

CURRICULUM
INFORMATION
What will my child be learning?

In our school we teach the English National Curriculum, with a special focus on teaching children to be fluent and competent in
their use of the English language. Unlike curriculums from other countries, there is not a reliance on children working though
workbooks and text books rather we focus on teaching children specific skills, and then giving them opportunities to use these in
their independent work. Teachers contextualise learning through interesting and captivating themes to ensure learning is interesting,
creative and fun. Each half term we send families a guide to what the children will be learning over the year. PE, swimming, French
(for year three upwards) and music are all taught by specialist teachers, as are the local curriculum subjects Arabic, Social Studies
and Islamic Studies. All pupils, regardless of their heritage, learn Arabic in school. Through our curriculum we ensure that children
learn implicitly and explicitly about the values, culture and heritage of the UAE.

ABSENCE AND
LATE POLICY AND
PROCEDURES
What if my child is ill?
We place a strong emphasis on good attendance as we know that children who attend school regularly make better progress than those
who have a lot of time off. If your child is unwell, without a fever, but well enough to come to school please send them in. If they get worse
during the day our school nurse will look after them until you can be contacted. If your child is not well enough to come to school, please call
the school on 02-813 2200 or email reception@almushrif.sch.ae, and your childs teacher before 8am. This is so we know that every one of
our children is properly accounted for and safe. If we do not hear from you we may call you. If we need to do this your childs absence will be
recorded as un-authorised. If a child has over 25 days of un-authorised absence the Abu Dhabi Education Authority have the right to insist
that the child repeats the whole academic year. Please be aware that if a child is well enough to be in school, our expectation is that they are
well enough to take part in all activities, except in cases for example where a broken bone will naturally prevent them from going swimming!

What if we are running late?

We all occasionally have days where we are running late. If you are late (After the National Anthem at 7.56am), please call the school and
bring your child in as soon as possible. The first part of the day is usually when we teach reading so it is paramount that the children are
there. Late arrivals must report to reception to be signed in. Improving attendance and punctuality is a school priority as it impacts on a
childs learning. We ask families to collect their children promptly at the end of the day.

ASSESSMENT
AND MARKING
POLICY
At Al Mushrif we pride ourselves on personalising childrens learning so we teach them what they need to learn in order to make good
progress. We constantly assess what children know and understand in order to help us plan for future learning through questioning
them, working with them in small groups, and assessing their written work. We feed this back to children in both written and verbal
feedback which celebrates their achievements and gives them clear direction as to how to further improve their work. We send home
a formal report twice a year, and have family conferencing sessions three times a year to give you the opportunity to meet formally
with your childs teacher about their attainment and progress. On the last Thursday of every month families are welcome to come to
school at 7.30am to see their childs work. In addition teaching staff are available before and after school most days, and by email to
answer any queries you may have.

BEHAVIOUR
EXPECTATIONS
All our policies at Al Mushrif are guided by our 4 Cs co-operation, consideration, courtesy and common sense. We expect all our school
community to keep our 4 Cs. Children are rewarded in a variety of ways, through gold cards, house points and special tea parties, additional
sporting activities, as well as verbal and written praise. We have a fair and consistent approach to support children who at times may have
some difficulties in this area. We work with families to ensure any incidents where children do not meet our expectations are dealt with in
a fair, measured and consistent way.

INCLUSION
We recognise that all children learn differently, that is why we take great pride in offering children support and guidance according to each
and every individual. Our Inclusion department caters for all children whether it is to give them that little extra support, a boost in confidence
or to help children excel even further. The Inclusion department work alongside classroom teachers, parents and professionals so ensure
every child receives the support they need.

COMMUNICATIONS

We are a very busy school because we offer a wide range of opportunities for our children. We know that families are busy too so we
communicate what is going on in a variety of ways, in both English and Arabic. We have an online parent portal enabling families to access
key information about their child at any time.
Our weekly school newsletter sent via the portal
Half-termly homework menus
Weekly year group homework
Family dates sent via the portal
Calendar on the portal with important family dates.
SMS alerts and emails as needed
In addition, all our teaching staff are available in the playground at the beginning and end of each day if you have any quick queries.

FAMILY
INFORMATION
MEETINGS
At the beginning of the school year each Key Stage leads a family information meeting detailing aspects of your childs curriculum over the
coming year, and explaining how families can support at home. These are continued throughout the year with a variety of themes such as
supporting reading, science and mathematics. These meetings are repeated in the evening to support working families.

HELPING
HANDS

We are always keen to welcome families into school, your support and time is much appreciated. Activities you may support with include
artwork, individual reading, group comprehension activities, school visits or even ICT. If you could offer a regular time each week to come
and support in school or if you would like to support on a less regular basis, or even attend a school trip, we would be delighted to have
your help. As part of our duty of care all adults in school must have received some training and advice regarding child protection and
safeguarding. If you would like to help in school, you will be invited to a training session early in the school year. Following the training you
are free to arrange times to come and support in school directly with your class teacher.

LUNCH
ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have our own canteen so we ask families to provide a healthy packed lunch, and mid-morning snack. Ideally this should be in a
sturdy, named lunch box. We ask that all items provided are healthy and conducive to encouraging children to be calm and focused in the
classroom. As part of our duty of care to teach the children about healthy lifestyles, please do not include the following items in your childs
packed lunch. We ask for your support in this matter.
Crisps / chips
Chocolate
Sweets
Fizzy drinks
Cake / Donuts
Fries, cold chicken nuggets / burgers
Nuts (as we have children with nut allergies)

ECAS/CLUBS

We offer a range of clubs and extra-curricular activities to enhance our curriculum provision for children in year 2 and over. There is a range
of sporting, creative, academic and cultural activities on offer. You will be notified of the online booking procedure at the beginning of each
term. Your support in collecting your child promptly after ECAs is appreciated.

SCHOOL
NURSE

We have a fully qualified school nurse on site during school

hours. Our school doctor, Dr Bushra, visits our school
regularly to give talks to families on childhood illnesses, as
well as offering individual consultations as needed.

UNIFORM
What should children wear?

We expect all our children to wear full school uniform at all times. Please ensure the uniform is
clearly labelled with your child's full name.
BOYS
School Uniform

Currently we enjoy sharing the outstanding facilities at

Al Bateen Secondary School, which include a large sports
hall, a swimming pool, astro-turf, specialist classrooms, ICT
to support 21st century learning and a well-stocked library.

TIMINGS
Children can arrive at school from 7.20am. Please do not
bring children in to school before this time as there is no
supervision. The school day will begin with registration at
7.45am
Foundation Stage 1 and 2 end their day at 2pm, once their
staggered start at the beginning of the school year is over.
Year 1 to Year 6 finish their day at 2.20pm.
Families who have children in FS2 and in older classes can
collect the child from FS just before 2.20pm to avoid waiting
in the playground. School staff will supervise children
during this transition period in the classroom. The rest of
the school will end at 2.20pm.

School Uniform

Black shoes - not trainers

please.

Al Mushrif hat (very important

- children will have to sit in the
shade if they do not have a hat).

Al Mushrif hat (very important

- children will have to sit in the
shade if they do not have a hat).

Al Mushrif bag (not for FS1- no

bag needed)

Al Mushrif bag (not for FS1no bag needed).

P.E.

Swimming

PE bag containing Al Mushrif

PE t-shirt and shorts or
jogging bottoms, and nonmarking trainers.
Swimming shorts, poncho or
a big towel, goggles, hair cap
and flip-flops.

P.E.

Swimming

Water bottle

Water bottle

Lunch box

Lunch box

House kit (no hurry

we will let you know
their house when they
start)

Each child should have a shirt

with his house colour.

Al Mushrif school shirt.

(long/short-sleeved available)
Al Mushrif school skorts or Al
Mushrif dress, white socks and
black shoes - not trainers
please.

Al Mushrif school shorts or

trousers.

HOUSE
SYSTEM
Upon entry your child will be assigned a house - these are
named Ahmar, Akhdar, Azraq, Asfar - and reflect our school
values. At various times throughout the year, sports days
and inter-house competition days, your child will be able to
represent their house. In addition your child will be awarded
house points for great efforts and progress in their work and
attitude to learning.

Al Mushrif school shirt.

(long/short-sleeved available)

GIRLS

House kit (no hurry

we will let you know
their house when they
start)

PE bag containing Al Mushrif

PE t-shirt and shorts or
jogging bottoms, and nonmarking trainers.
One piece swimming costume,
poncho or a big towel, goggles,
hair cap and flip-flops.

Each child should have a shirt

with her house colour.

CONTACT US

ABU DHABI
1
AL BATEEN SECONDARY SCHOOL
TEL: +971 2 813 2000
FAX: +971 2 813 2033
www.albateen.sch.ae

2
AL MUSHRIF PRIMARY SCHOOL
TEL: +971 2 813 2200
FAX: +971 2 813 2233
www.almushrif.sch.ae

3
AL MUNA PRIMARY SCHOOL
TEL: +971 2 501 4777
FAX: +971 2 631 9490
www.almunaprimary.sch.ae

4
THE PEARL PRIMARY SCHOOL
TEL: +971 2 641 8887
FAX: +971 2 642 4046
www.pearlprimary.sch.ae

5
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
TEL: +971 2 501 4888
FAX: +971 2 556 3961
www.alyasmina.sch.ae

ALDARACADEMIES.COM

AL AIN
6
AL AIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
TEL: +971 3 715 1000
FAX: +971 3 715 1010
www.alaininternational.sch.ae