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RIS FRIDAY MESSENGER
24 May 2024
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What a fantastic show Key Stage 1 students put on yesterday! Moana was a hit overall, and everyone who participated deserves a huge round of applause. The soloists showed some great acting and singing talent, and everyone else on stage showed commitment and dedication. Both shows yesterday were well attended, so thank you to the parents, siblings, and, of course, staff who came to support. A huge appreciation goes to Ms. Daphne Altea, the EYFS and KS1 music teacher who directed the show, and to all of the KS1 teachers who supported the production.
Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to learn about the F1 in Schools project. This is a world-wide project and competition that sees secondary students create their own mock Formula 1 team and build a small race car. After several school and national rounds, the world championship takes place in Singapore. Although it is supported by Mr. Looby, our Secondary Design Technology teacher, the project transcends disciplinary boundaries as students have to embed elements from business, marketing, sciences, computing, and many other soft skills, such as collaboration, public speaking, and time management. I hope you enjoy the interview in this week's weekly video updates.
The month of May is traditionally busy with different examinations, from A-levels to GCSE to GL assessments. The staff here have been doing a remarkable job scheduling and facilitating these exams. Well done to all of the students too for managing this very intense period.
Have a nice weekend, everyone.
Sincerely,
Jan Stipek
Principal
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Focus on Counselling
Studying in the Netherlands: is it as Gouda as you think?
Clogs, tulips, windmills, bikes and cumin gouda… what’s not to like about the Netherlands?
The Netherlands have gained in popularity for higher education in the past few years: the number of international students has jumped by approximately 28% between 2019 and 2023.
This surge is not explained by unusual flavours of cheese and uncomfortable footwear but rather by a couple of key factors.
Since Brexit, students from the European Union willing to study in the UK are no longer eligible for home fees (unless they are ordinarily residents of the UK) and are subject to international fees. This is a significant change because, in effect, it triples the tuition fees for those students.
As a result, EU students keen to study in English have shifted their interest to the Netherlands. It has the same lame weather as the UK, but the tuition fees make it an irresistible proposition: 2500 Euros in Leiden versus 25 000 Euros in Leeds… 10 times cheaper!
At this point, it’s fair to think “on your bike!”, give up the idea of studying in the UK and head to the Netherlands. Easy.
Except that it is anything but. The surge in popularity means that many courses are Numerus Fixus (NF). Students can only apply to 2 NF courses i.e. Psychology in one year and 3 in their lifetime. Courses are NF when the number of applicants is greater than the number of spaces available thus making the competition fierce.
For those applying to NF programmes, it is important to think strategically (don’t aim for the top two Dutch Unis) and to have a good plan B.
Accommodation is in short supply in the Netherlands. It is tempting to think “meh, it cannot be that bad”. But yes, it is that bad. Once the application is sent, there is no time to mill around, house/room/studio hunting must start straight away. Some blame the influx of international students for clogging access to accommodation, others blame poor government planning but, in any case, the problem is not going to go away anytime soon. In 2018, it was so bad that the University of Groningen erected army tents on their campus to house homeless students.
Note, however, that University Colleges are the only ones that guarantee accommodation for their students (sometimes just in Year 1, sometimes for the duration of the course). But they offer a “Liberal Arts and Sciences” curriculum which is demanding and not suited to all students.
The Netherlands offer a wide range of English-taught courses and at a low cost. However, it is also important to consider carefully and to prepare for the challenges posed by study in the Netherlands.
As always, should you have any queries or if you would like to discuss your options with me, please do not hesitate to email me:
Elise Rickford at e-rickford@forteseducation.com
Thank you for your ongoing support.
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Focus on Sports
PE for the week!
U12 Girls Basketball Team Shines in Dominant Win Over JESS School
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, the U12 Girls Basketball team clinched an impressive 38-4 victory against JESS School. The game showcased the girls' relentless drive and their significant development as a cohesive unit. Raina earned the title of Players' Player, with her exceptional movement and ability to control the game's pace. Her strategic play was pivotal in maintaining the team's momentum. Meanwhile, Aira was recognized as the Coaches' Player for her aggressive approach towards the basket and emerging as the top scorer. A massive congratulations to the team for this outstanding performance. Stay focused, and let's push towards the finish line!
YEAR 5 WIN (RIS 18-2 Dove Green)
The Year 5 and 6 girls started their basketball season off yesterday with a bang! Our opponents were Dove Green, and upon arriving at the school, it was a delight to see some of the girls' parents had also made the trip. The Year 5s took to the court first, and within 10 seconds, points were on the board with the first of many baskets scored by Noor Al Khalid. There were some beautifully skilled moments with Tala Alksheleh. Livi Falconer got some beautiful turnovers of possession and was able to drive at speed to the basket. By half-time, we were sitting on a 12-0 lead. Dove Green managed to claw a basket back, but it was all too late. Final Score: 18-2.
YEAR 6 WIN (RIS 26-2 Dove Green)
After waiting patiently to take to the court and doing an excellent job as spectators, the Year 6 team was ready to shine. There were some excellent drives from Uyves! She may be the shortest player on the court, but her ball control and intelligence on when and where to attack was a pleasure to watch. Siena, as always, did an amazing job on basket mop-up. If a RIS shot hit the rim, her hands were the first to it, ensuring the points kept racking up. Maya came on as a super sub and did a fantastic job of driving through Dove Green's defense. There was some beautiful ball control by Drashi, Elizaveta, and Reanna, who have made excellent progress in developing their basketball skills over the year. Tia and Stefaniy offered themselves in some great positions to attack the basket, and as a result of a great team performance, the game ended 26-2 to RIS.
U10 and U11 Boys Basketball - First Game of the Season
The U10 boys put up a fight, but unfortunately, the score didn't reflect their overall performance. Horizon School ended up taking the win 17-8. We look forward to the next game.
U11 - First Game Victory - Won 14-8
A strong performance from the U11 boys in their first game. Yug has been awarded Coaches' Player of the Game due to his defensive performance. German was awarded Players' Player for his attacking prowess and the number of baskets he scored.
Week beginning 27th - 31st May Upcoming Dates:
- Monday 27th May - U9 Girls Basketball: Gems Wellington International - Home
- Monday 27th May - Year 7 Basketball: Sunmarke School - Away
- Tuesday 28th May - U8 & U9 Boys Basketball: Horizon International School - Home
- Tuesday 28th May - U12 Girls Basketball: Royal Grammar School (RGS) - Away
- Wednesday 29th May - Year 8 Boys Basketball: Fairgreen International School - Away
- Wednesday 29th May - U10 & U11 Girls Basketball: South View - Home
- Thursday 30th May - Year 9 Boys Basketball: Emirates International School Meadows - Away
- Thursday 30th May - Year 5 & 6 Boys Basketball: Emirates International School Jumeirah - Away
- Thursday 30th May - U14 Girls Basketball: Sunmarke - Home
- Thursday 30th May - U13 Girls Basketball: Emirates International School (EIS) - Away
Good luck to all our teams in their upcoming games!
U10 Girls Basketball Team
|  | U11 Girls Basketball Team | Stay active and keep up the great work! | |
Focus on Performing Arts
Moana's Magical Journey:
A Key Stage 1 Musical Adventure
This week we were delighted by the artistic talents of the Little Limelights and Year 1 as they performed their KS1 musical under the masterful direction of Ms. Daphne Altea. The Little Limelights are an after-school ECA who started working on their acting, dancing, and singing skills in September before auditioning for a part in the musical. If your child is currently in year 1, please look out for more information next term about signing up for Little Limelights if they would like to be involved in next year’s production!
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Oliver! the Musical
With three weeks to go, the cast of Oliver! the Musical has been rehearsing their lines, dances, and songs, while the DT and Art departments have been busy building and making the set and props for the show. It’s going to be amazing!
Have you gotten your tickets yet? The two shows are on June 13th and 14th at 6 p.m. in MPH1.
Show 1: Thursday, June 13th, 6 p.m. (approximate end time: 8.30 p.m.) Intermission (20 min.)
Show 2: Friday, June 14th, 6 p.m. (approximate end time: 8.30 p.m.) Intermission (20 min.)
Please note that there is no dress rehearsal for siblings during the school day, but they are welcome to attend the evening shows. Tickets for the evening shows can be purchased at a cost of AED25 per ticket, weekdays, during morning drop-off and afternoon collection times. Please pay with exact cash for the tickets at the Gate D entry with Ms. Mary Anne or at the school reception with Ms. Rosemarie.
So, buy your Oliver! tickets before they sell out.
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Peripatetic Music Lessons
If your child would like to learn a musical instrument at Regent International School, we have visiting teachers from Inspire Music who provide 1-on-1 lessons during the school day. Lessons are available on piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, voice, guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, trumpet, trombone, and French horn. If you would like to find out more or to register your interest, please complete the following form:
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OTHER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
FRIS End-of-Year Ice Cream Treat
Wednesday, 29th May 2024
We cannot wait for the FRIS End of Year Ice Cream Treat on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
All Regent students will be given one 'House of Pops' ice cream during school hours by our amazing FRIS team.
Until the ice cream pop supply lasts, three flavour options will be offered to students for their one health and wellness ice cream pop year-ender treat from FRIS: mighty mango, super strawberry, or orange blossom.
House of Pops started back and came to life in 2018, offering pops made to delight your tastebuds and satisfy your ice cream cravings, all while being kind to your body. They are 100% natural plant-based pops made from actual fruit, rich in fibre, and solely made from clean-label ingredients you can find at home! Just like you, FRIS, and Regent, House of Pops loves the environment, and their packaging is entirely plastic-free!
Important reminder: Please kindly inform your child's class teacher or form tutor if you do not want your child to get House of Pops ice cream during the FRIS end-of-year treat by no later than 1 PM on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
The entire FRIS team would like to thank you all for your help and support during their events throughout this academic year 2023-2024, and they are looking forward to the exciting list of FRIS-led events for the entire school community in the upcoming academic year 2024-2025.
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Important Library Announcement
Last Day of Returning Library Books for Academic Year 2023-2024
In preparation for the end of this academic year (2023-2024), the last date for returning books for all students is:
Friday, 21st June 2024
Kindly note that any lost or damaged books will need to be replaced or the school charges paid.
Year 10 and 12: Textbooks ONLY
Students will keep their textbooks for the next academic year. However, they are required to visit the library in their own time and renew these loans by Friday, June 21, 2024. Please note that Year 10 and Year 12 students will need their school-issued ID cards to renew books.
Students leaving us at the end of this academic year are requested to return their books on time to avoid any inconvenience, such as delays in the leaving process, or official documents requested.
Additionally, the school will only be able to issue students' end-of-year reports once all books have been returned.
We have a wonderful collection of library books, so please ensure that all books are returned on or before Friday, June 21, 2024, so that our students may continue to enjoy these valuable resources in the next year.
Thank you for your help in this matter as well as your continued support of our school library.
Kind regards,
Library Team
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We wish you a wonderful and safe weekend! | | | | |
