The WellSpring Private School

Dear Parents,

If it feels like things are busy around here, you are probably right! We’ve had some wonderful opportunities for our students to play football against other schools, both at the EISSA tournament in Sharjah last week and the football festival we’re hosting involving several local schools. These are invaluable and fun opportunities for our students.

We’ve also had MAP testing this week, Ms. Lauren Richards (director of LifePlus Learning Support Services) is on campus for a couple of weeks, field days coming up for EC and Elementary, the astronauts postponed their visit to next week, and many more things to look forward to.
Read about the plans for People of Determination week and other great opportunities for learning to be expanded beyond the classroom – for both our students and families.

WellSpring is a thriving community, and we’re glad you’re such a valuable part of it.

Enjoy the week’s highlights using the link at the end of the newsletter.

EC/Elementary Field Days

We’re looking forward to the EC|G1|G2 Field Day tomorrow, February 9th and the G3-5 Field Day next Friday, February 16th.

Important notice from the Registrar

Emirates IDs

If you have not done so already, please make sure to send your child’s Emirates ID to school to hand to their teacher, or Ms. Samah for Secondary students. These are needed to update our students’ profiles on the MOE system, and will be returned promptly.

Winter MAP testing

Our KG2 to grade 10 students have taken MAP tests every day this week. This is the second of three rounds of MAP Growth assessments for the year. MAP tests are an important way for teachers to know what our students are ready to learn, and are important tools for students to be able to track their own growth. Test results are available to students who get to compare their previous and current results. For EC/Elementary, these scores do not affect grades, but for Secondary these scores count for 10%. Please refer to last week’s Secondary newsletter for how these scores count towards final grades.

Football Festival

Our first Football Festival kicked off yesterday with the U10 and U12 boys’ teams. The aim of the event is for our local RAK schools to connect, and for the children to have opportunity to play sport in a competitive but fun environment. Come and support our U14 players today, Thursday 8th and next Thursday 15th (U16 & U18) from 2:40pm until about 5:30pm.
Parents are welcome to attend, please park at Gate 14.
Come get a coffee from a coffee vendor and support our school!

Astronauts' visit

We are so excited to be hosting UAE Astronauts H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri next week Thursday! See the flyer for more details.

Admissions season for 2024-25

Admissions season has begun! We’d like to give our current families the priority in registering their other children and friends and/or relatives who may be interested to join WellSpring. You can find the application form here.

EC Open House - Friday 16th

Next Friday we will be hosting an Open House for our Early Childhood phase. Local nurseries have been invited to attend. You are welcome to invite friends and family with EC age children know about this opportunity to check out WellSpring and all we have to offer.
Please confirm your attendance using this link.

People of Determination week

The school will celebrate People of Determination Week from February 19th to 23rd. Below are some school-wide events that we would love you to join:

Coffee Morning - February 19
On Monday, February 19 we will hold a coffee morning called “Sip and Share: Raising children with special needs.” During the coffee morning, we will interview three to four parents of students with special needs in front of an audience. Our goal is to promote understanding and to normalize conversations about special education.
Time: 8:30 - 10:30am

Festival - February 21
“Determined. Strong. Proud.”
All are invited to an afternoon to celebrate people of Determination. We will have some great food vendors, entertainment (and a bouncy castle!), a petting zoo, sports clubs with organized games, face painting and line dancing!
Time: 4 - 6pm

College Fair

We are very excited to be hosting a College Fair on Thursday, February 22nd in the WellSpring auditorium. The Fair is open to all high schoolers and their parents. Students will attend the Fair from 2:30pm, and parents are welcome from 3:10pm. Park at Gate 14 and make your way to the auditorium.

We will have at over 20 universities and colleges represented, including teams from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Ajman University (AU), American University of RAK (AURAK), American University of Sharjah (AUS), Pacific Link College, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, and a few consultancy groups.

The different colleges and universities will explain their requirements and be available to answer any questions like course offerings, fee structures etc. This is aimed at all high schoolers, but specifically for our 11th and 12th grade families who are needing to make important decisions for their students’ next steps.

Don’t miss this great opportunity!

Child Safety workshop

Ever wondered how to approach the topic of puberty with your child?

Embark on the exciting and transformative adventure of guiding your child through puberty with confidence and care! Together, let's navigate the journey of our children’s growth with knowledge, empathy, and a whole lot of love.

SAVE THE DATE: February 29th, 2024
Time: 4 – 6pm
Location: WellSpring

More details to follow.

Looking ahead:

Last day of school

The last day of the 2023-24 school year will be Wednesday, June 26. Final exam week for Secondary will be from June 20 – 21 and June 24 – 26. Please note that exams may not be taken earlier than this. Please refer to Canvas and the calendar for all exam related information.

First day of new school year

The first day of school after the summer vacation, for the new 2024-25 school year, will be Monday, August 26. More details to follow.

Have a look at the highlights of the week here.

Enjoy your weekend!

WellSpring Administration

WellSpring Weekly