Recently, we have experienced some unusual rainy weather here in Muscat, which has brought a refreshing change to our routine. During this time, we would like to sincerely thank all parents for their wonderful participation and ongoing support with online learning. Your involvement has made a big difference in helping the children stay engaged and connected. It has also been a valuable opportunity for the adults to learn more about each child, gaining insight into their personalities, interests, and home environments. This strengthened connection between home and school has truly enriched the learning experience for everyone.
This week in phonics, the children have been focusing on reading, writing, and “making” CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words through a range of fun and engaging activities. They have been blending sounds to read simple words, segmenting sounds to support their writing, and using hands-on resources to build and explore different word combinations. It has been fantastic to see how much their confidence has grown over the week. Many of the children are now working with greater independence, and we have noticed clear improvements in their speed and accuracy when writing words. They are becoming more secure in recognising sounds and applying their phonics knowledge, which is a wonderful step forward in their early reading and writing development.
This week in maths, the children have been learning all about 3D shapes, exploring both their names and key properties in a fun and interactive way. They have been introduced to shapes such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, and cones, and have been encouraged to talk about what makes each one special, including the number of faces, edges, and whether they can roll or stack. The children particularly enjoyed building with 3D shapes, using them to create towers, structures, and imaginative models, which helped deepen their understanding through hands-on learning. We also played engaging games such as a “feely bag,” where the children used their sense of touch to guess the shape without looking, encouraging them to think carefully about each shape’s features. In addition, we went on a shape hunt around the classroom and outdoor environment, spotting real-life examples of 3D shapes and making meaningful connections to the world around them. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and growing confidence in recognising and describing 3D shapes.
When reading The Magic Crayon with the 4-year-olds, the children were excited and curious about the idea that a crayon could bring drawings to life. They talked about what they would draw if they had a magic crayon, with ideas ranging from animals and rainbows to toys and whole playgrounds. Some children asked questions like, “Can the crayon make real food?” and “What happens if you draw something scary?” which led to discussions about imagination and making safe, happy choices. Others wondered who the crayon belonged to and whether anyone else could use it. The group also discussed colors, noticing how different colors could create different feelings and objects. Overall, the children were engaged, sharing their own creative ideas and building on each other’s thoughts while exploring the story.
We would like to wish all of our families a very happy and restful Spring Break. We hope you enjoy this special time together, whether you are relaxing at home or spending time out and about. Thank you again for your continued support this term—it has been wonderful to see the children’s progress and enthusiasm for learning. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for more exciting learning in the new term!
Wednesday, 1st April - Last day of term 2
This is our last day and we finish our day from 11:30am (see general notices for details).
Thursday, 23rd April - Rescheduled date for Cultural Day/Fair
Please wear colours to represent your country, We will visit the fair during the day - but encourage parents to take their children at the end of day too. FS children can bring in 500bsa only and we will purchase a small cake for them.
In Term 3, the children will begin their swimming lessons, before the sessions start, on Sunday 19th they will take part in a dry-land meet and greet. For this session, your child will not need to bring their swimming kit, as it is a gentle introduction designed to help them settle into the new term, meet the instructors, and become familiar with the expectations for their upcoming swimming lessons. Actual swimming lessons will begin on Sunday 26th April.
Swim kit: please send your child in with a labelled bag containing the following labelled items-
Swimming costume (any color, as long as it fits properly)
Towel
Waterproof shoes
Goggles (optional)
Swim hat (required for children with long hair)
In Term 3, FS1 will have a PE lesson every Thursday. There is no PE kit necessary - just their usual uniform. However, please send them in wearing trainers every Thursday.
Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one to enjoy at home.
Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’
Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform.
We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries.
Thank you for your continued support at home - it makes a huge difference to the children’s confidence and progress in school. Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries.
Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.
We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Please speak to us if you have anything important to let us know.
Please click here for the FS1 Curriculum Newsletter for Term 2
If your child is unwell, leaving early or coming in late please complete the Absence Form and the class teacher will be informed.
We have created WhatsApp groups for parents to know about urgent messages or reminders. Email will continue to be the main form of communication. Please see our BSM WhatsApp Groups Document for all the links. Please read the code of conduct carefully before joining any BSM WhatsApp groups.