KCC Family Handbook Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
School Welcome
Welcome to our exciting community. We are delighted that you have chosen to join us and look forward to many years working in partnership with you. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we are committed to the IB mission, “developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect” and vision “develop learners who embrace a holistic education that engages them intellectually to become creative problem solvers and socially to become empathetic global citizens.” We hope that you will see and feel this in everything we do. Our committed staff are aware of the privilege they have helping students to unlock their unique potential. By planning a range of opportunities for children to learn knowledge, develop skills, share their understanding and explore the world around them, our teachers enable students to explore interests whilst directing their own learning journeys. Each learning opportunity provides students with the chance to grow, develop and make connections. At KCC, our students are active members of our community who embrace their learning. Be it exploring the wonders of play in the EY, presenting research projects as part of the PYPx, taking part in our Service as Action international trips or choosing university destinations, each student will be encouraged and supported to broaden their horizons and exceed their expectations. Finally, we encourage you to join the KCC community by taking part events, sharing your skills and helping shape our school as we grow and develop. We look forward to getting to know you and your children during their journey at KCC as we work together to ensure our school community goes from strength to strength.
Who
We Are KCC as an IB World School We are a proud IB continuum school. This means we offer the IB programme starting with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for our 3 year olds in the Mini’s classes, moving into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grade 6 to 10, and ending with the Diploma Programme in Grade 11 and 12. The IB programmes not only prioritises academic excellence but also cultivate personal growth, stimulating students to think critically, explore interdisciplinary connections, and develop an inquisitive mindset. Embracing diversity, fostering curiosity, and nurturing a genuine passion for learning are fundamental values within an IB education.
The Taaleem Group Raha Khalifa City Campus is part of Taaleem, the United Arab Emirates’ second-largest school provider for early years, primary and secondary schools founded in 2004. Taaleem, which means “education’ in Arabic, is committed to inspiring students and helping them to identify and develop their passion and talents. Please click on the image for further information about Taaleem Group
The KCC
Promise Our Core Commitment To open doors.
Our Mission Our Mission is to cultivate Knowledge,
Courage
and
Connection
to
the
unlock
potential in all.
Our Vision Our Vision is a community of global
learners
expectations.
exceeding
Meet the
KCC Team Executive Leadership Team
Peter Taylor Principal
Robert Paler Vice Principal & Head of Secondary
Anne Watkins Head of Primary
Senior Leadership Team
Louise Azode Head of Early Years
Ala Al Sheikh Head of MOE Subjects
Michael Brady Deputy Head Primary
Francesca Ellsmoor Head of School Improvement
Monica Woodward Deputy Head Pastoral & Safeguarding (Secondary)
Barry Smyth Deputy Head Teaching & Learning + Curriculum (Secondary)
Raquel Pessoa Head of Inclusion
Extended Leadership Team
Debbie Sleeth Assistant Head Teacher Early Years
Greer Edwards Assistant Head Primary
Ben Gibson James Gilmour Assistant Head Teacher Assistant Head Teacher Data, Assessment & Digital Pastoral (Secondary) Learning
Rachel McInerney Assistant Head PYP Coordinator
Anjel Lublubjian Assistant Head Teacher MYP Coordinator
Luke Clarke Assistant Head DP Coordinator
Margarita Lozinova Assistant Head Teacher CP Coordinator
Safeguarding
at KCC
At times when you do not feel safe you can speak to someone you trust.
ONE OF YOUR TEACHERS
Peter Taylor Principal
Debbie Sleeth Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
A TRUSTED ADULT AT HOME
Monica Woodward Child Protection Coordinator (CPC)
Rachel Harlen Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Raquel Pessoa Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Louise Azode Deputy Child Protection Coordinator (DCPC)
Greer Edwards Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Ala Al Sheikh Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
A FAMILIAR FACE FROM SAFEGUARDING TEAM
Michael Brady Deputy Child Protection Coordinator (DCPC)
Ben Gibson Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Shah Amin Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Luke Clarke Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
James Gilmour Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Barry Smyth Deputy Child Protection Coordinator (DCPC)
Anjel Lublubjian Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Francesca Ellsmoor Assistant Child Protection Coordinator (ACPC)
Khalifa City Campus
At KCC, we believe in opening doors to knowledge, courage and connection. As a proud member of the Taaleem family, we offer an IB continuum education in a dynamic environment designed to nurture curiosity and creativity. Our team consists of highly skilled and talented staff hailing from diverse countries and educational backgrounds. United by our shared commitment to provide the best educational outcomes for our students, KCC brings together individuals who are passionate about their profession, and the students that they work alongside.
The Early Years
In our dynamic and nurturing Early Years learning begins through play, exploration and connection. Each class has a skilled and experienced homeroom teacher and learning assistant to support children to engage in hands-on, inquiry based learning experiences that build foundation skills and foster a love of learning. Through caring relationships and purposeful play, out youngest learners develop language, independence and confidence in a nurturing, joyful environment.
The Primary School
Learning in the Primary School is driven by students’ natural curiosity and big questions about the world. Through transdisciplinary themes, students explore real world concepts across subjects, developing critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills. Students are encouraged to take ownerships of their learning and reflect on their growth as learners, individuals and global citizens.
The Secondary School
The Secondary school journey is designed to inspire students to explore complex ideas, strengthen their sense of identity and prepare for success beyond the classroom. Through the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students develop creative problem-solving, interdisciplinary thinking and ethical decision-making skills, while taking increasing responsibility for their learning. As students progress into the Diploma Programme (DP) or the Career-related Programme (CP), they are challenged academically and supported emotionally, building the resilience, research skills and global awareness needed to thrive at top universities and in life beyond school. Central to the DP are the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which together nurture reflective, balanced and compassionate young people ready to shape a better world. Central to the CP are the Reflective Project, Personal and Professional Skills, Language and Culture and also Community Engagement.
SCHOOL MAP
EY2
Ground Floor
Gate 4
Primary
G1-G3: Ground Floor G4-G5: 1st Floor
Gate 5
Gat
Minis & EY1
Gate 2
Main Entrance Gate 1
Gate 7
te 6
Secondary 1st & 2nd Floor
School
Day
Start of the Day
Our gates open at 7:30 am. The National Anthem plays at 7:45 am each morning. This marks the start of the school day. Students will line up and face the flag in their rooms. Minis - G3 students enter the classrooms through the external doors G4 – G12 enter the building through the stairwells at the rear of the building EY bus children will be dropped at class by thier Bus Assistant We ask that the parents of EY students take their children to their class, say their goodbyes and leave straight after the National Anthem at 7.45 am. Our kind, experienced teachers and LAs will take it from there and will contact you, if needed, to update you on how your child has settled. We appreciate punctuality, which enhances the learning experience. When students arrive in the classrooms after 7.45am they are considered late and they must be marked into Toddle as late. Students arriving to school after 7.45am, when the gates are closed must collect a late slip to give to their teacher, before going to class. Late students from Primary and Secondary should enter through Gate 1 and collect a late slip from Front Desk before going to class. Late students from the Early Years should enter through Gate 2 and collect a late slip from EY Reception before being taken to class. All other gates will be closed.
Absences
You are required to advise us your child’s absence. This must be done before 7am on the morning of absence, or the night before if you know your child will not be in school. Please log in to the Toddle app and submit an excusal request. A doctor’s certificate will be needed for absences over 3 days. Please refer to the Attendance Policy on our website.
School
Day
End of the Day
Minis and EY 1 - School finishes at 1:00pm* EY 2 – School finishes at 3:00pm* Grade 1–12 – School finishes at 3:00pm*
*School closes at 4.30pm and children must be collected by this time *Students finish school at 12.00pm every Friday. If you need to collect your child early, please log into the Toddle app and submit an early dismissal excusal request. This must be done at least 30 minutes before collection. Please collect at the Front Desk through Gate 1 for Primary or Secondary students and Gate 2 for EY children. Early Years Dismissal Gate 2 is open at 1pm for Minis and EY1. Parents should collect students from the outside classroom doors. EY buses leave from Gate 2 at 12.45pm for students in Minis & EY1 and 3pm for students in EY2 . All bus students are escorted to their designated buses at this time. Parents are asked to notify their Homeroom Teacher via email if another adult is picking up their child. No EY students are allowed to be dismissed without an adult and are not allowed to be collected by an older sibling. After 15 minutes, any children not collected will be taken to the EY Front Desk. These procedures also apply at the end of ECPs. Primary Dismissal The gates open 15 minutes before the end of the day. Students must be collected from the classroom. Parents of Primary students are asked to notify their Homeroom Teacher via email if another adult is picking up their child. Students over 15 years may collect younger siblings. All bus students are escorted to their designated bus. Any children not collected by 3.15pm will be taken to the Front Desk. These procedures also apply at the end of ECPs. Secondary Dismissal Students in Grade 9 and above are able to leave Campus on their own. Students in Grade 6-8 may leave the classroom at the end of the day on their own but are not permitted to leave the school gates and must leave with an adult or older sibling. Once students have left they will not be readmitted unless they are attending an external ECP. Students, waiting for siblings, may wait in the Canteen until 4.30pm and then will be asked to leave the Campus or wait at the Front Desk if they are not permitted to leave on their own.
School
Calendar Term 1 Begins
31 August 2026
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday
25 August 2026
Mid-term Break
12-16 October 2026
Eid Al Etihad
2 -4 December 2026
Last Day of Term 1
11 December 2026
Winter Break
14 December 2026 - 31 December 2026
New Year’s Day
1 January 2027
Term 2 Begins
4 January 2027
Ramadan*
08 February - 08 March 2027
Eid Al Fitr*
9 March 2027
Last Day of Term 2
2 April 2027
Spring Break
5 April - 9 April 2027
Term 3 Begins
12 April 2027
Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha*
15 -18 May 2027
Islamic New Year
6 June 2027
Last Day of Term 3
2 July 2026
Life in the
Early Years Think of EY as the foundations of your child’s school journey. We take pride in being the facilitators of that journey and we are here to nurture and guide your child through this learning process as well as support you as parents every step of the way. In our EY classrooms, you won’t find mass-produced, identical pieces of work. You will see adults and children working collaboratively to solve problems and children being scaffolded by adults to reach the next step in their chosen learning experience. Each child is a unique learner and develops at varying rates; you may find one child writing independently in their play, yet another child learning to control a pencil. We are not driven solely by academics. We are here to encourage physical, personal, emotional, social and language development. We are here to build confidence, independence, creativity and imagination, so that children are ready to apply themselves academically when the time is right for them. The diversity and individuality of our children in EY is the reason we love our jobs and find this age group so special.
Our Learning and Teaching Leads
Kerry Minis klundall@ris.ae
Sabrina EY1 sriaz@ris.ae
Natasha EY2 ndowe@ris.ae
Life in
Primary In the Primary years learning is transdisciplinary. Skills taught and learned in one area can be transferred to other subjects or areas of the curriculum. Students learn by connecting prior and new knowledge in meaningful ways, so they may broaden their understandings about the world around them. We aim to bring together knowledge, skills and dispositions for students to feel empowered to take ownership of their learning. We encourage students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that being open-minded and considering the perspectives of other people, helps to bring about cultural understanding and respect. Students are encouraged to be curious, creative, collaborative, caring and considerate of others. Teachers provide opportunities for students to seek and address local opportunities and challenges, and to help students develop the necessary competencies to navigate this changing world.
Our Learning and Teaching Leads
Danel Grade 1 dschultz@ris.ae
Katie Grade 2 kgibson@ris.ae
Teresa Grade 4 tmacdonald@ris.ae
Lynn Grade 3 lkolesky@ris.ae
Emer Grade 5 efinnerty@ris.ae
Life in
Secondary Moving into the Middle Years Programme, our students will continue to develop their knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills that are the foundation of their primary education through an interdisciplinary programme In our MYP, students will learn in subject areas lead by specialist teachers. Students will move around the campus to enjoy their learning in our purpose-built areas to complement the requirements of each subject. Teaching teams work together to ensure that students receive the correct balance of challenge and support as they develop their approaches to learning to be confident, successful and purposeful learners. Students will be challenged in their learning to make real world connections between concepts studied in each subject area and key global contexts. As inquiring, principled and thoughtful communicators, students will be empowered with the knowledge and skills required to make informed choices about how they engage with the world as they find their place within it.
Our Grade Leads - Student Engagement
Cherisse Corbie Grade 6 ccorbie@ris.ae
David Barton Grade 7 dbarton@ris.ae
Madeleine Jansen van Vuuren Grade 10 mvanvuuren@ris.ae
Tariq Mahmoud Grade 8 tariqmahmood@ris.ae
Mohammed Saghir Grade 11 msaghir@ris.ae
Stephen Whitley
Grade 9 swhitley@ris.ae
Sarah Abdelghaffar Grade 12 sarah.m.ghaffar@gmail.com
School
Uniform The uniform is an important feature of our school to create pride, unity, and a sense of belonging to KCC. Every student is required to wear a school uniform. Minis, Early Years, Primary, MYP and DP each have a different uniform so please check the Uniform section on the School Website for further details. School uniform should be purchased from Magrudy’s at Al Forsan Mall or via their online store. If skirts are worn in the MYP these should be long in length, beneath the knee at a minimum. Shoes must have a closed back and a closed toe, not sandals. Earrings should be studs to prevent any injuries. Minimal make-up (mascara and clear lip gloss only) is only to be worn from Grade 10 upwards. Raha hoodies may be worn in colder months. Please note that hoodies that differ from the grey school hoodie will not be allowed to be worn in school. Hats can be worn outdoors according to student choice during breaks.
PE Uniform
PE kit and school hoodies can be purchased at Magrudy’s in Al Forsan Mall or via their online store. EY and Primary students wear the PE kit to school on their PE days. Secondary students should wear uniform to school and change into PE kit for their lessons. Sports shoes must be worn for PE.
Swimming at KCC
At KCC we believe that swimming is a life skill. We work closely with Arabian Swim Academy to provide our students with swimming lessons. We believe that if children are well enough to attend school, then they are well enough to take part in swimming. All children are expected to swim unless a letter from a doctor is provided, with the reason why and the length of time the child must not swim. EY students swim for one full term and swim twice each week. Primary students swim for half a term and swim twice each week. Students in Grade 5 are split by gender and swim once a week for one full term. Secondary students take part in swimming lessons connected to their PE units, these change according to the grade level but are always split by gender.
Swimming Clothes
On swimming days, EY students may arrive at school wearing their swim clothes underneath their uniform or with a rash vest and swimming shorts. They will need to bring their uniform to change into afterwards. In Grade 1 and above students should arrive in school uniform and bring their swimming kit to change into.
In addition to swimming clothes, students will need:
Be Prepared
for School
There is nothing more important than being prepared for school. The correct equipment will help your child to be independent within school and will also help them to stay safe around the school campus.
Bags
Your child needs a small back-pack which can hold their belongings for the day. It is recommended that bags do not exceed 5-10% of a child’s body weight. There are cubby holes outside each classroom to help children manage their belongings. Trolly bags should not be used, as these are heavier and bulkier for students. In the Secondary School we do not use lockers and have cubby holes instead. For more information, please refer to the School Bag Policy on our website.
Library Bag
If your child is in EY or Primary they will need a library bag for their weekly session at the library. This can be the Raha library bag, or any other lightweight bag big enough to fit a book inside. Students only need to bring this bag on their library day.
School Materials
Students will be provided with consumable materials such as workbooks and stationery. Secondary students will be provided with a stationery pack at the beginning of the term and it is their responsibility to be prepared for lessons, ready to learn each day.
Sun Safety
In EY and Primary we operate a policy of ‘No hat, no play’ during outdoor playtime to encourage students to be sun safe. Students without hats must stay in a shaded area throughout their playtime, which limits their active experiences. Please ensure your child brings their hat so they can access the full range of outdoor learning. In Secondary School students are encouraged to manage their own safety by playing in shaded areas, wearing shoes on the pitch and taking water breaks when they need them.
Be Prepared
for School Water Bottles
Every child needs a refillable, reusable water bottle everyday. There are water fountains both inside and outside. All children have access to water at all times. As we are trying to inspire students to respect the environment, and to limit waste, please do not send disposable water bottles to school.
Naming Belongings
Please name your child’s belongings with their name and class. We have a lost property where students may be able to find lost items. If items are not collected at the end of each term, these items are either donated or disposed of.
BYOD - Grade 2 and Above
Students are expected to bring their own device to school each day to support the learning in the classroom. Grades 2-5 require an iPad Keyboards are recommended in Grade 4 & 5 Grades 6-12 require a laptop, preferably MacBooks Parents have a responsibility to talk to their children about values and the standards that their children should follow regarding the use of the Internet. For more information, please refer to the BYOD & Acceptable Use Policy and Taaleem E-Safety Policy on our website.
Library
Our libraries provide a warm, welcoming environment in which students may read, study and work on school projects or hobbies. In the EY and Primary library, a library assistant is available to help students locate materials, support with their library skills and to recommend books. Students visit the Library during regularly scheduled classes. The library is also open during break times. In the Secondary our iHub is a central space for the growth ofdigital literacy skills, academic integrity and research methodology, along with reading for pleasure. Students can be referred to the iHub during lessons to access resources and help. The iHub is also open during break times.
Healthy Lunches
At KCC we know that snack and meal times are an important part of a child’s day and that there is an important connection between a healthy diet and a student’s ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards. We are therefore committed to ensuring that our students have access to a healthy, balanced, varied and nutritious snacks and meals.
Home Packed Lunches We ask students to bring to school both a snack and lunch. Students in primary and secondary also have access to the school canteen. Our external food provider Food nation offers well balanced snack and lunches. We encourage students to have foods which are: Nutritious and well-balanced (including low saturated fat, low processed sugar) Environmentally friendly (less plastic) The following items should not be packed in students lunches: Fizzy or sugary drinks or fruit flavored squash. Large servings of junk foods such as chocolate, crisps and sweets
Canteen Services Our school food programme As part of our commitment to provide healthy and appetising meals, we have partnered with Food Nation to serve our students from Grades 2 upwards. Learn more about the Food Nation School Food Programme here. Parents and visitors We also cater to parents and visitors at Raha. Food Nation manages a cafe specifically for parents and visitors located in the Cobra Cafe in the main admin building. Feel free to grab a coffee to go.
Please refer to the School Food Policy on our website.
Medical
And Allergies
All information and medications are stored by the school clinic and all teachers are informed of their students’ medical needs. Parents are required to inform teachers of any medical conditions their child may have. Staff take allergies very seriously. Children are taught the importance of this in class and are not allowed to share food. If you have a child with an allergy, you will need to disclose this information on your enrollment form. Please also follow up with the class teacher. We urge you to choose carefully when selecting food for your child’s lunch as some of our children’s allergies are life-threatening. We kindly ask parents not to send food in to share with the class. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet regarding allergies, please contact the school nurse at kccnurse@ris.ae.
We are a nut free school
Food items with nuts are not allowed to be brought to school. The following items are examples of food items that contain nuts:
Extra-Curricular Programmes
At KCC we offer a wide range of after-school activities designed to enrich our curriculum. These are our Extra Curricular Programme or ECP. These fall into two categories: Teacher-Led and External. The main difference between Teacher-Led and External ECPs is who runs and organises them. External ECPs are a paid service that is run by outside providers who use the school facilities.
Teacher-Led ECPs
Run and managed by the school Free of charge Take place in each of the 3 terms The timetable is sent out through Raha Reminders Please note that we do not offer a bus service after ECPs Minis & EY1 run from 1:00-1:45pm (Please note that these do not start until January). EY2 run from 2:00-2:45pm Primary and Secondary run from 3:00-4:00pm
Sign ups take place using the SchoolsBuddy App. At the start of the school year you will receive a SchoolsBuddy welcome letter with details for your child’s account. The 2026/27 dates for ECPs are as follows; Term 1: 21st September - 20th November (9 weeks) Term 2: 11th January - 1st April (6 weeks not including Ramadan) Term 3: 26th April – 18th June (8 weeks)
For any questions about Teacher Led ECPs please reach out to our ECP team on KCCecp@ris.ae.
External
Extra-Curricular Programmes We have strong relationships with external companies that use our facilities to run additional clubs after school and at the weekends. Infinite Sports is our main provider. They fun multiple clubs such a basketball, gymnastics, karate, ballet and languages.
External ECPs
Run and managed by approved external providers (Infinite, CFTennis and Arabian Swim Academy) These involve a charge These take place throughout the school year Sessions are available straight from school, in the evenings and at the weekends. The timetable is sent out through Raha Reminders.
After School Club
After School Club is a company that runs after school provision for our Early Years children with older siblings. Sessions run after school to allow a simpler pick up for EY children. Sessions run from 1-3pm, 1-2pm or 2-3pm. Priority is given to children who would like the service for the entire week.
External ECP Contacts
For any questions about External ECPs please reach out using the contact details below: After School Club: kccaftercare@gmail.com Arabian Swim Academy: bookings@arabianswimacademy.com CFTennis: info@cftennisacademy.com Infinite: paidecp@infinitesportsuae.com
Parents
As Partners
Parent/Guardian Badges
To keep our children safe, all parents and guardians entering the school premises will need to wear an ID badge. For parents and guardians these are on red lanyards and must be visible at all times. Parents and guardians listed on the student’s application form will receive an ID badge. This allows these adults to gain access to the campus and collect the students from school. If you need an additional ID badge for a Nanny or Driver these must be applied for. The link will be sent out before the start of the new school year and these will be available for collection form the Front Desk. During high traffic times such as drop off and pick up your ID badge will allow you to gain access to the campus. If you forget to bring this with you, you will be asked to sign in at Security. Parents and guardians entering the campus outside of drop off and pick up times will be asked to sign in at Security and will need to show evidence of the meeting or event that they are attending.
Parent Community
We strive for a happy community where all members feel safe and valued. We ask that all parents please; Treat all school employees with respect; security, nurses, admin Wear clothing that is respectful of the culture and country we live in Respect the ban on smoking/vaping on campus Do not take photos of other students on campus
WhatsApp Groups
As a school we do not take part in discussions or concerns raised in WhatsApp groups. Please respect each other and the school if using these groups. If parents have any concerns, please speak directly with teacher to resolve these.
Birthdays
Due to the high number of students and staff with allergies, and our commitment to healthy eating at KCC, we do not allow children to bring food to share for birthday celebrations. Since respect for others and their feelings is an important part of our school, we ask that invitations not be sent to school for distribution unless you are inviting ALL the children in the class. We also ask that party bags and food are not brought to school for birthday celebrations.
The KCC
Parent Team
Our parent team is an active and supportive part of our school community. We hope to welcome new parents to volunteer for different events run by the parent team. Details of these will come out in the new year.
Cultural
Consideration As a school we ask the members of our school community conduct themselves that are mindful of cultural consideration, including respecting the UAE’s cultural and social norms, values and traditions. When on school premises, at a school event, or in school uniform behaviours that are culturally inconsiderate such as drug use, alcohol use, and smoking are strictly prohibited.
Prayer Rooms
We encourage our Muslim students to perform their prayers during their lunch break. Our Prayer Room is located on the first floor, in the main building.
Curriculum Compliance
In the UAE, curriculum compliance ensures that education aligns with national standards, respects cultural values, and prepares students for local and global opportunities. It fosters a learning environment that promotes tolerance, respect, and understanding, helping students appreciate diverse cultures and become global citizens. By integrating best practices and innovation while honoring local heritage, curriculum compliance supports the UAE’s vision of equipping students for success in both local and global contexts. Read more detailed information by following this link: Parents’ Guide to Curriculum Compliance
Communication at KCC
Communication in any school can be quite overwhelming at times. We try to keep communication to a minimum. Please take the time to communicate all information to your Nanny or other person who may care for your child. We may email you occasionally with reminders or upcoming dates for events, but the main communication will be in the following ways: Raha Reminders - The official school communication. Sent out to our families every Friday through Toddle. Toddle App - Our platform for managing digital portfolios of student learning, teacher and parent communications, and our reporting tool. PYP Unit Overviews - These share and highlight the curriculum outcomes that are being covered. These are sent at the start of each unit. Please email your child’s teacher with any questions, messages or concerns. The teacher is always your first point of contact followed by the Learning and Teaching Lead for the Grade. Teachers will respond to your email within one working day, sooner if they can. Please note – teachers are busy with their students and seldom check emails during teaching times. If you email during the day, it is likely they will only read the message during the afternoon. Therefore, do not send urgent emails regarding ECP’s, buses or pick-up as this information may not be received in time. Instead speak to reception as below. For any urgent messages, please call Reception on 02 550 5271 or email to reach the Assistants to the Heads of EY, Primary and Secondary: EY : Siham Alaoui - Ext.208 or kcceyassistant@ris.ae Primary: Carolina Rodriguez - Ext.231 or kccprimaryassistant@ris.ae Secondary MYP & CP: Karo Danzinger T - Ext. 233 or kccmypassistant@ris.ae Secondary DP: Ayana Subramanian kccdpassistant@ris.ae
See below the staff member to contact when raising an issue or concern. The following order should be used: Teachers Learning and Teaching Leads Assistant Head Deputy Head Heads of School
School Fees and Finance
Term Fee Due Dates
Due dates for payment of term fees for 2025/2026 are as follows: Registration fee - due 5 days from date of invoice or 3 days prior to intended start date Term 1 fee - due 1 August 2025 Term 2 fee - due 1 December 2025 Term 3 fee - due 1 March 2025
Other Charges
Uniforms and PE kits are compulsory and must be purchased by Magrudy’s. Books are supplied by the school. Charges may apply for lost textbooks/library books. Bus transportation is optional and outsourced to an external provider. The charges of this service may vary from year to year. Currently bus fees are priced at AED 5,000 per student per annum. Field trips and excursion activities are optional and may involve charges from external providers. Extra-curricular activities (after school) are optional and offered directly by Raha as Extra Curricular Programmes (ECPs). These are free of charge, unless otherwise specified. External providers offer a range of sports and other activities at an additional cost in the late afternoon, in the evening and on weekends. Special Educational Needs Support: If additional support is required then parents will be contacted and the next steps will be outlined, discussed and additional charges may then apply in accordance with ADEK regulations IBDP Examinations are an additional cost incurred by parents of Grade 12 students. Invoices will be sent to parents towards the beginning of the school year.
School Fees
Terms and Conditions
School Fee Refund
In accordance with ADEK guidelines, Raha International School follows the below tuition fee refund policy and will retain school fees according to the following cases: Registration Fee (New Students) Payment Deadline: Within 5 calendar days of invoice to secure the seat. Refund Eligibility: Fully refundable only if written withdrawal notice is received at least 14 calendar days before the start of the academic year. Refund request must be submitted in writing to the Head of Admissions & Enrolment. After this deadline, the fee is non-refundable. Re-registration Fee (Current Students) Applied To: Adjusted against Term 1 tuition fee. Refund Eligibility: Abu Dhabi or Dubai transfers (non-Taaleem schools): Refund request must be submitted on or before 30 April. Outside UAE or other Emirates: Refund request must be submitted on or before 30 June. Proof of transfer may be requested. No refunds granted after these deadlines. Tuition Fee Refunds (All Students) If student attends: 1–3 weeks of a term School retains 1 month of fees. 3–6 weeks School retains 2 months of fees. More than 6 weeks Full term fee is retained.
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Important Notes Refunds are only processed after official written withdrawal is submitted to the Admissions Office. Students will continue to be invoiced until the Withdrawal Form is received. No encashment or transfer of registration fees between academic years. These cases apply even after a term has already commenced. Official holidays and absences from class are considered part of the week. The value of one month of tuition fees is calculated by dividing the total tuition fees for the school year by ten months. Transportation fees should be refunded in the same manner as tuition fees. For more information on school fee terms & conditions, please read through the School Fees Policy.
Transport
To and From KCC
Buses
We use an external provider for our bus transport. Our external provider is Bright Bus Transport (BBT) Services, part of the STS group. For new students, please find your unique registration information communicated in your welcome pack email. Changes for current students using the bus service should be communicated through the bus company directly. You can reach out to BBT at the dedicated contacts below: Phone: +971 (0)50 665 1536 Email: sde-risk@sts-group.com Please allow for some minor delays in the first few weeks, the school works closely with the bus company to minimise this. More information regarding bus routes and timings will come out in August.
Parking
In the mornings we encourage drop and go. Parents should use the following parking areas: Gate 1 for Primary and Secondary Gate 4 for EY2 Gate 2 for Minis and EY1 We strongly encourage parents to park across the road, on the street, if they are wanting to walk their children in as our parking gets very full. Parents should not drop younger children off in any places where they are expected to cross the road alone. When in the car park, please keep speed limit to a minimum and give priority to pedestrians, buses and bicycles.
Cycling or Scootering to School
If your child cycles or scooters to school, please ensure that they wear an appropriately fitted helmet and are very clear on bike safety rules. This involves walking their wheeled vehicle on footpaths around school and through the school gates. Bike racks are located at Gate 4 and Gate 6.
General Information
School Office Hours
Reception: Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 4.30pm Friday: 7.30am to 12:00pm
Admissions
Open Mondays to Thursdays, 7.30am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 7.30am - 12.30pm. The Admissions office remains open during the Summer during the following hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays, 8.00am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 8.00am - 12.00pm.
Accounts
Open Mondays to Thursdays, 7.30am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 7.30am - 12.00pm. The Accounts office remains open during the Summer during the following hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays, 8.00am - 4.00pm, and Fridays 8.00am - 12.00pm. Opening hours during Ramadan will be reduced and communicated accordingly.
Helpful Contacts Main Reception
+971 (0)2 550 5271 KCCfrontdesk@ris.ae
School Assistants
Siham Alaoui - Assistant to the Early Years, ext. 208 KCCeyassistant@ris.ae Carolina Rodriguez - Assistant to the Primary School, ext. 231 KCCprimaryassistant@ris.ae Karo Danzinger - Assistant to the Secondary School, ext. 233 KCCmypassistant@ris.ae Ayana Subramanian - Assistant to the DP Coordinator KCCdpassistant@ris.ae
School Clinic / Nurses
kccnurse@ris.ae ext. 207 (male) or 218 (female)
Accounts Department
Ann Peter - Accounts Assistant, ext. 221 KCCaccounts@ris.ae Rakhee Nair- Accounts Assistant, ext. 216 risinvoices@ris.ae Rinu Varghese - Finance Administrator KCCfinanceadmin@ris.ae
Admissions Department
Estée Caplen - Head of Admissions & Enrolment KCCadmissions@ris.ae Johanna Latham - Registrar, ext. 211 KCCregistrar@ris.ae Majd Mhanna - Admissions Administrator, ext. 212 KCCadmissionsadmin@ris.ae Chris Clarke - Admissions Administrator, ext. 213 KCCadmissionsadmin@ris.ae
Raha International School Khalifa City Campus P.O. Box 34150, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates