General Information

Absence and Sickness:

Please contact the office to advise the school if your child is unable to attend due to sickness or any other reason.

A pupil returning after absence should bring a note explaining the reason for absence. Please advise the
Head Teacher in writing if it is necessary for you to remove your child during the day or for family holidays.

Assemblies:

There is a whole School Assembly every Sunday and one additional Assembly for each Key Stage during the week. Weekly singing assemblies are also held, and each class has an opportunity to present their own assembly to parents in the course of the year.

Behaviour and Discipline:

Good behaviour and discipline are essential to successful teaching and learning. At Maadi British
International School, politeness and respect for others and property are promoted. Any discipline
is administered within a positive, affirming context where pupils are praised and encouraged.

The pupils in the school chose the names of the School Houses from Ancient Egyptian history.
Pupils are encouraged to work as a team in Giza, Memphis or Sakkara. House points are awarded
for progress, achievement and to reinforce positive character traits such as helpfulness and responsibility.
Pupils are allocated to houses on a basis of maintaining balanced numbers in each class therefore siblings may not be in the same house.

The European Council of International Schools (ECIS) Award is presented at the end of the year to a pupil who has promoted cross-cultural understanding in the course of the year.

Discipline is firm, fair and consistent. School rules are kept to a minimum and are based on respect, common sense and safety. Close liaison is maintained with parents particularly when any reprimand is necessary. A copy of the Behaviour and Discipline Policy is available from the Headteacher's P.A.

Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors is elected from the active membership of the Maadi Egyptian British Cultural Society, application forms included who are all members of the parent body. The duties and functions of the Board of Directors are defined in the Article of Government. Copies are available to parents  enrolled at the school.

Charging Policy:

The Board of Governors have agreed on a policy reflecting the needs of the Education Reform Act
in the UK. Broadly it states :

• No extra charges will be made for normal activities which take place wholly or mainly during school time.
   

• Activities which take place wholly or mainly out of school time may be charged for, unless they are
  required by the National Curriculum.
   

• The school can invite voluntary contributions to support activities whether they take place in or out of school hours.
   

• Activities can be arranged by third parties when charges can be made.
   

• Charges can be made for materials where there is an end product and if a parent has indicated he/she wishes the pupil to have ownership of the article.
   

• Charges may be made for breakage, damage or loss of equipment provided by the School.
   

• Parents pay for any specialist assessments or extra tuition requested by the School.
   

Communication:

Parents are welcome to make an appointment to see class teachers, subject co-ordinators or the
Headteacher at any time during the school year. If you are unable to contact a member of staff,   please telephone the school secretary and make an appointment. As a general guideline, we would ask that you undertake the following procedure when raising questions or seeking strategies to resolve problems.

1. Seek the advice of, or discuss the matter with the teacher if it relates to classroom matters.
    

2. Consult the Headteacher if the issue relates to school policy or if a matter has not been resolved satisfactorily with the class teacher.
    

3. A letter may be submitted to the Board of Directors if any issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction. A subcommittee of the Board will give serious consideration to the problem and will submit a written reply to parents.

Emergencies at School:

Pupils who become unwell in school may need to go home, and in an emergency it is important that we can telephone you. If we cannot reach parents at home we will contact you at work. Pupils will remain in the health unit with the school nurse until they are collected by parents or a designated adult.

Please ensure that any changes to your contact numbers and addresses are notified as soon as possible   to the school office.

Extra Curricular Activities:

The School offers a variety of extra curricular activities aiming to enhance individual interests,
hobbies and talents.

Clubs vary from term to term and have included (according to expertise/staffing available).

Occasionally a small fee is charged to cover costs. Clubs start at 14:45 and finish at 16:00 unless  specified by the course coordinator.

Health and Hygiene:

The school nurse administers all medicines and deals with any accidents in the school. Pupils are
continually encouraged to observe rules of hygiene and cleanliness e.g. washing hands before meal/snack times.

Any changes to the health records which were completed during admittance procedures, must be
given to the school nurse.

If pupils required medicine during school hours, please send any medication with a note stating
dosage/times to the school nurse.

Homework:

It is school policy to give homework daily to every class to reinforce class work and encourage
initiative, good study habits and responsibility. Parents are asked to sign each pupil’s Homework Diary on a daily basis. Our aims in setting homework are :

• To develop a pupil’s ability to work independently, to be self motivated and well organised.
   

• To develop skills of researching.
   

• To extend work done in class.
   

• To stimulate a habit and enjoyment of reading.
   

• To develop and establish the habit of regular work routine.
  
  A detailed outline of School policy is available from the office.
   

Lost Property:

Personal items brought to school are the responsibility of pupils. Toys and electronic games are not  permitted.

Any lost items found in school are passed to the school office. If the item is labeled it will be       returned to the child. Unidentifiable property is placed in the “Lost Property Cupboard”, contact     reception for access to the cupboard. At the end of each term the PTA will recycle all unclaimed items.

Multi Cultural Policy:

The School promotes the following principles as part of its multi-cultural policy:

The primary objective of the School is to educate, develop and prepare all our pupils whatever     their culture, colour or origin.

Each pupil and teacher will endeavour to further this objective by personally contributing towards
a happy and caring environment and by showing respect for, and appreciation of, each others    racial and cultural background.

Discrimination on the basis of colour, culture or origin is unacceptable in the school. The School is
committed to emphasising the common elements and values of our multiple culture rather than
highlighting conflicting areas, although the uniqueness and differences are recognised.

Newsletters:

The "MBIS Page" is produced each half term and sent home with pupils.

Parents Evenings:

Formal parent / teacher meetings are organised throughout the year.

The first, an Open Evening at the beginning of the School year, provides an opportunity for parents to discuss general school or departmental policies (homework, discipline, absence etc.) and  the  general curriculum goals for the term.

Curriculum information meeting are organized throughout the year.

Pastoral Care:

The School aims to provide a caring environment, with concern and responsibility for the pupils  shared by all members of staff. Pastoral care is achieved by this caring attitude and close liaison  between parents, class teachers, subject specialists, and the Headteacher.

PTA:

An active PTA Committee exists to enhance community activities for the School. All parents are    welcome to join the PTA.

School Day:
School operates from Sunday to Thursday.
Pre-Foundation & Foundation 1:

8:00 – 8:30       Drop off in Early Years playground

8:30 – 9:30       Class time

9:30 – 9:45       Snack

9:45 – 10:10      Play time

10:10 – 11:10    Class time

11:10 – 11:30    Play time

11:30 – 11:45    Snack

11:45 – 12:45   Class time

12:45 – 12:55   Story/plenary/tidy up

1:00                Collection from playground

These are outline time allocations the Early Years Centre operate a flexible day in order to meet   the needs of pupils.

Key Stages 1 & 2 :

Drop off from 08:00

08:15 Bell rings Pupils line up in the designated area.

08:15 – 08:20 Registration period.

08:20 – 10:00 Classes (Snacks are eaten before or after break)

10:00 – 10:15 Break time

10:15 – 12:15 Classes

12:15 – 12:30 Lunch

12:30 – 12:45 Break time

13:00 – 14:30 Classes.

During the first half of the autumn term, the Reception Class goes home at 13:00 to enable pupils to adapt to the longer school hours.

Pupils go home at 13:00 on the last day of each school term.

Collection from School:

Please collect children promptly at 14:30. If a child is to be collected by someone else or will not  be travelling on the bus please ensure the class teacher is informed in advance, in writing.

Sex Education:

Sex education forms part of the curriculum for personal and social education, presented within   the science curriculum. It is presented in the context of family life, of loving relationships and of    respect for one another.

Snack and Lunch:

Pupils need to bring their own snacks and drinks for two meal breaks during the day. These should contain a well balanced diet. Chewing gum and fizzy drinks are not permitted in school.

NB: Pupils need extra drinks during the hot months.
 

MBIS Swimming Timetable from 23rd Sep. 2007

NB ‘The school takes priority in the use of the pool and these times may change without notice if required for school use’

Transport:

The school has no transport of its own but has an agreement with a local company. Details of      service and application forms are available in the school office.

Uniform:
Daily school uniform is compulsory for all pupils. Twice weekly pupils participate in PE or swimming,      requiring a change of clothing/PE kit.
Winter Uniform

Boys

• Navy blue trousers or shorts

•  Plain white shirt

• Grey, white, or navy blue socks

•  Navy blue or black leather shoes

• School sweatshirt.

Girls:

• Navy blue skirt (or trousers in winter)

• Plain white shirt (no blouses, round neck, lace or appliques)

•  White socks

• Navy blue or black leather shoes/sandals (with covered toes)

• School sweatshirt.

Summer Uniform

Boys

• Navy blue trousers or shorts

• Plain white shirt – short sleeved

• Grey, white, or navy blue socks

• Navy blue or black leather shoes/sandals (with covered toes)

Girls

• Short sleeved narrow striped blue and white cotton dress with a collar

• White socks

•  Navy blue or black leather shoes/sandals (with covered toes)

Or for Key Stage 2

• Navy blue short

• Narrow striped blue and white shirt

• White socks

• Navy blue or black leather shoes/sandals (with covered toes)
  
  PE Kit:
  Blue shorts, white MBIS school tee shirt and sports shoes.
  
  Girls' PE Kit for Swimming:
  One-piece swimming costume, bathing cap, towel and goggles, if desired.
  
  Boys' PE Kit for Swimming:
  Swimming trunks, no shorts, towel and goggles, if desired.
  Parents are required to purchase MBIS composite school bags, which are available through  the school office.
  
  School uniform may be purchased locally from “On Safari” 20, Sherifa Dina St. Maadi.
  Second hand uniforms may be available for purchase from the school office.
  
  PLEASE LABEL/NAME ALL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT BROUGHT TO SCHOOL
  Children with long hair should tie back their hair or use a plain hair band.
  Necklaces, bracelets or dangling earrings must not be worn - plain studs only. These  should be removed during games and P.E. for safety reasons.