Question 1

SCHOOL'S MESSAGE

Accepted Answer

Our school has established a solid foundation of academic excellence as well as a warm, inclusive environment in which all of our students feel valued and welcome.

Our school is accredited by Alberta Education of Canada.

The Alberta curriculum is focused on student-centered inquiry learning, which teaches our students to be independent, critical thinkers and possess skills to adapt and excel in different situations and environments. An Alberta high school diploma is internationally recognized and enables students to competitively apply to universities and jobs all over the world. The school strives to provide instructional programs that motivate our students to become life-long learners and to improve our students’ self-esteem and confidence as they become ethical citizens and leaders in a global society. In addition to our outstanding academic program, our students enjoy a wealth of extra-curricular activities, clubs and opportunities to demonstrate excellence.

As a testament to one of the cornerstones of our Vision Statement — to respect diversity — CIS students represent about 80 different nationalities, including Canadian (30%), Emirati (14%) and American (8%).

Enrollment is open to English-speaking students who are likely to be successful in the challenging Inquiry-based Canadian curriculum. Our students are encouraged to work hard and play hard. They are supported through the rigorous Alberta curriculum by caring teachers who seek to make success stories of each student. On the other hand, they are also urged to contribute to CIS’s flourishing community through participation in sports, clubs, school improvement initiatives and community service opportunities.

A CIS student is one who is respectful and demands respect in return. A CIS student is one who embraces challenges. A CIS student is one who is learning to be a self-directed thinker and who is preparing himself or herself to be a leader in tomorrow’s technological, international, fast-paced world. A CIS student knows that upon graduation he or she will be ready to take on the world.

Question 2

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Accepted Answer

Dr. Shawn O’NeillPrincipalCanadian International School Abu Dhabi

Welcome to the Canadian International School Abu Dhabi (CIS)!

As the new Principal of CIS, I am privileged to lead a community that truly embodies our school motto – “Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow.” Every day, our dedicated faculty and motivated students work together to transform this vision into reality, creating an environment where each student is empowered to excel.

At CIS, we offer a stimulating and dynamic educational experience where students are inspired to embrace challenges, appreciate diversity, and pursue excellence. Our KG – Grade 12 curriculum, rooted in the globally respected Alberta framework, is enriched with Advanced Placement options at the secondary level and seamlessly integrated with the local Abu Dhabi Education and Knowledge (ADEK) standards.

This exceptional blend ensures our students emerge as some of the most well-rounded and academically accomplished individuals in the region.

Our commitment to holistic education extends beyond the classroom. With over 30 athletic teams, the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award, and the National Honors Society, we provide countless opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, school spirit, and a strong sense of community. Our graduates are not only prepared to transition effortlessly into top universities worldwide but are also equipped to become influential leaders in their chosen fields.

What sets CIS apart is the unwavering support from our parents, staff, and community partners.

Together, we create a nurturing, family-oriented environment that is both secure and supportive, ensuring every student feels valued and inspired to achieve their full potential. Our dedication to fostering student success is reflected in our core values. At CIS, students are:

– Challenged to push boundaries and think critically.
– Respected for their individuality and unique contributions.
– Encouraged to explore their passions.
– Academic, Athletic, and Artistic in their pursuits.
– Thinkers who are curious, innovative, and forward-looking.
– Empowered to lead with confidence and integrity.

As we move forward, we are excited to introduce new initiatives that will further enhance our students’ educational experiences.

These include the integration of cutting-edge technology, the expansion of global partnerships, and the implementation of innovative teaching strategies that will equip our students to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing world.

I warmly invite you to visit CIS Abu Dhabi and experience firsthand the exceptional learning environment we offer. Together, let’s continue to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.

Question 3

ADMINISTRATION LEAD TEAM

Accepted Answer

Dr. Shawn O’NeillPrincipalsoneill@cisabudhabi.com

Jan EdwardsHead of Elementary Schooljedwards@cisabudhabi.com

Graeme WorthHead of Middle Schoolgworth@cisabudhabi.com

Colin HayduHead of Secondary Schoolchaydu@cisabudhabi.com

Question 4

POLICIES, FORMS, & RESOURCES

Accepted Answer

SCHOOL RESOURCES:Parent-Student HandbookCIS POLICIES:CIS Student Behaviour PolicyCIS Uniform Handbook PolicyCIS Teacher Growth, Supervision & Evaluation PolicyCIS Teaching Learning Assessment PolicyCIS Technology PolicyCIS Inclusive Education PolicyCIS Academic Integrity PolicyCIS Parent Complaints and Communication PolicyCIS Child Protection and Safeguarding PolicyCIS Anti-Bullying and Healthy Relationships PolicyCIS Student Admissions PolicyCIS Cultural Consideration Policy

CIS FORMS :Extended Leave Absence FormCIS Parent ID Badge Application FormMedia Non-Permission FormADDITIONAL RESOURCES :Alberta CurriculumAlberta Accredited International SchoolsAlberta Education ActADEK Private SchoolsPolicy Limiting School Bags WeightPolicy Limiting School Bags Weight_Arabic

Question 5

OUR PARENTS

Accepted Answer

The Canadian International School believes that parents are an important and integral part of a child’s education. At CIS, the Parent Council is a volunteer group dedicated to providing opportunities for parents and teachers to work together for the benefit of all CIS students. This committee is known as Parent Council. The Parent Council meet regularly to coordinate various special events and exchange ideas throughout the year. Any interested parents are welcome to become a part of the committee. Meetings are held weekly on Monday mornings in the cafeteria directly after student drop off, and all are welcome!

Listed below are a few of the events that the Parent Council plan, organize, and run throughout the year. In addition to these events, the committee also organizes a monthly Pizza Day and various bake sales which help fund our yearly activities.

Fall Festival : At Fall Festival the children dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy many exciting activities! This is an evening event and provides a great opportunity for the families in our community to meet each other and start establishing those all-important friendships.International Day : CIS International Day is a celebration of the diversity of nationalities at our school. The day includes a Parade of Nations, student performances and booths decorated by our parent body full of food, arts and crafts and entertainment. This day is not to be missed. Families of the same nationalities are encouraged to band together to create booths representing their country. We have over 80 nationalities here at CIS so International Day is an important day.

CIS International Day is one of the marque events in our calendar. More information will be available closer to the time but take a look at our Instagram Page for photos of our previous events. If you would like to represent your home country by volunteering please complete the online form. Please complete one per family.

Staff Appreciation Lunch : The Parent Council organize a buffet style lunch for all the staff of our school to say thank you to them for all their hard work throughout the year.

Parent Council Volunteer Form

Question 6

LIBRARY

Accepted Answer

At CIS we have two libraries to ensure we meet the needs of our students; The Elementary library caters for our KG through Grade 6 students and the High School Library from Grade 7 through 12. Both libraries house an extensive collection of books and resources which students are encouraged to utilize throughout the school year.

Our librarians have arranged a way for the students to request library books safely. Students can log in to follett destiny and request books from our online platform. The librarians will ensure the books are left in their respective classrooms or library bags. We have created an easy guide for anyone who is unsure how follett destiny works for both ebooks and library books. If you have any other questions feel free to email our librarians. Primary school also created a fun self-checkout system for loaning books to our younger students, which they absolutely love. Happy reading everyone!