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*Integrated Management System — Doc. No.: IMSP 0029 — 54 pages — Issue 1, Rev. 1, Date: 01/12/2020*
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Al Najah Private School (ANPS). We are a community of about 2400 students and over 150 faculty members. We have produced the Family Handbook to help you have a successful and rewarding time with us. We will be sharing this document with you on your school registered emails and parents are considered liable to the information within.
While policy and procedures sometimes appear daunting to read, we believe that the guidelines offer the best framework to meet the needs of the students, the parents, the faculty and the school, and to have a successful school year.
We have an 'open door' policy to discuss matters, to support and assist individuals. We hope that the spirit of the school will create a happy and harmonious effective learning environment.
In conclusion, we can only be a successful school if we work together and support each other. With this in mind, we welcome you at ANPS and wish you a successful and rewarding school year.
Welcome to ANPS.
At Al Najah Private School (ANPS), we understand the importance of aligning our educational practices with the cultural considerations established by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The following policy reflects the dedication of ANPS to creating an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment.
ANPS actively promotes cultural understanding and appreciation within our diverse school community. Our workshops and programs serve as platforms for fostering dialogue, encouraging respect, and celebrating our school's vibrant tapestry of cultures.
We will establish a dedicated committee to ensure that ANPS educational resources align seamlessly with UAE values, customs, traditions, and ADEK cultural considerations. This committee will curate, review, and update the resources used in ANPS processes.
To maintain transparency and accountability, ANPS will make the minutes of our committee meetings available. This allows relevant stakeholders to participate in the selection and review process of resources.
ANPS maintains a dress code policy for students and teachers that respects the norms and values that contribute to the rich identity of the UAE.
To uphold compliance with ADEK considerations, ANPS will maintain an updated list of educational resources that align with the UAE's cultural sensitivities and values.
The covered topics will seamlessly align with the UAE's internal and external political affairs, guided by the approved social studies curriculum.
ANPS pledges not to display any written, audio, or visual content associated with ideas, beliefs, or movements that are politically, socially, or religiously extreme and are contrary to the UAE's culture, values, customs, traditions, and national identity.
Thorough reviews will be conducted on content related to sex education, reproduction, and human evolution to ensure alignment with the UAE's cultural norms.
ANPS adopts an objective approach when teaching topics related to revolutions, wars, or potential conflicts, allowing students to explore these subjects from a perspective that encourages critical analysis.
When designing examinations, we prioritize students' comfort and respect by avoiding topics that may cause discomfort or offense on cultural grounds.
Our lesson plans aim to create connections between students' learning experiences and the rich heritage and traditions of the UAE.
ANPS is committed to maintaining an environment that promotes positive habits while actively discouraging behaviours such as drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking, and similar activities.
As per the laws in the UAE, discussing all LGBTQ and gender orientations is forbidden. All school communities should refrain from discussing these topics.
Staff are required to report all cultural violations to the Heads of their respective departments. The violations will be investigated and the following procedures will be taken depending on the offence:
At ANPS, we stand firmly against promoting political extremism in our educational practices. Instead, we strive to provide our students with a rounded and inclusive worldview.
At ANPS, we are fully committed to maintaining a culturally aware educational environment in line with the cultural considerations established by ADEK. This Staff Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and responsibilities that all ANPS staff members have in upholding these considerations.
ANPS was founded in 1987 as a private international school from K-12 with the aim of providing the most comprehensive British Curriculum as a college preparatory education to students of all nationalities. A unique bilingual program in English and Arabic, along with one of the most comprehensive Math and Science programs, enables graduates to pursue higher education worldwide. The school is located in Mussafah, a suburb of Abu Dhabi.
ANPS facilities include 91 classrooms; Physics, Chemistry and Biology labs; a library supported this year with an e-library; three playground areas; two covered areas; two Astroturf football fields; two basketball courts; a canteen; two computer/language labs; a school clinic and administration offices.
ANPS is a multinational private co-educational institution licensed by the U.A.E. Ministry of Education. An English system of education is adapted to suit the cultural requirements of the U.A.E. Ministry of Education. The main language for communication and instruction is English, with a great Arabic program for the 1st and 2nd speakers of the language.
We recognize the importance of environmental sustainability. We expect teachers to model environmental responsibility and help students develop an awareness of environmental issues. We also communicate electronically with parents to avoid exchange of paper trails.
The school provides excellence at all levels, providing a student-centred, diverse international education in a stimulating, safe, progressive and supportive educational environment that embraces the development of the whole student. We prepare students for an evolving and changing world where they achieve their best.
Responsibility, Respect, Tolerance, Integrity, Care, Honesty, Empathy, Resilience.
Parents' first point of contact for any academic concern should be the teachers. All ANPS teachers are accessible through their email addresses.
Parents can email the heads of schools if they need more assistance in solving an unresolved academic issue. The head of the school will not take any meeting if it is not discussed with the teacher first. Parents need to email the head of school and book the appointment.
Parents are welcome to request a meeting to discuss matters related to their children, after confirming they have contacted the teacher, supervisor, head of school, or concerned admin staff first. Meetings are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The purpose of the discussion needs to be indicated in the subject line.
There will be three official meetings with the parent Council to discuss matters the parent community is concerned about. The parent Councils at ANPS liaise between the school and parent communities.
The school will hold three parent conference days, published on the school calendar. All meetings will be conducted over Zoom.
Security is on location at the school 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We welcome students on the premises at 7:15 a.m. and bid them goodbye at 2:45 p.m. every day and at 11:45 a.m. on Friday.
Email is the main form of communication in the school. Teachers cannot be reached by phone; communicate through the Google Classroom platform or their emails during working hours, allowing 24 hours for teachers to respond.
Report cards are posted on the school management system iSAMS. Parents have access to a parent portal for everything related to their children. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their emails are correct on iSAMS (email admission@anps.co to correct).
Unless instructed otherwise in written form, all ANPS students can be featured on school media platforms; receiving this guide in your emails serves as parental consent. To opt out, email admission, the head of school, and the activities coordinator.
Al Najah Private School, PO Box 284, Mohammed Bin Zayed City - 9, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Telephone: +97125530935. Email: info@alnajahschol.com. Website: https://anps.co/ is the central hub for all school news and procedures.
The school has a significant role to play in developing the attitudes and behaviour of students. We seek to foster compassionate and tolerant attitudes, and to promote honesty, integrity and responsibility. We expect conduct from students based on high ethical standards.
Student Rights — All students have the right to:
Student Responsibilities — Responsibilities to Self, to Others, and to Property, including: engaging as an active learner; contributing to a positive school community; taking responsibility for their own actions; being punctual and prepared; dressing appropriately; demonstrating self-respect; respecting the rights of others regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, or ability; using appropriate language and gestures; keeping personal and common areas clean; and showing care for school and personal property.
Purpose: to promote safety, organization, and well-being while ensuring bags are manageable, practical, and fit for purpose.
Students must wear the following uniform at all times, including school trips and events: ANPS School ID, ANPS shirt, ANPS comfort trousers, ANPS jacket, white socks, all-black leather shoes with a sole grip.
Regarding appearance: no jewellery, no facial jewellery, no long nails or nail polish, no makeup, no hair gels, no beards for boys, no long unkept hair for boys, clean and hygienic appearance, white or dark blue head scarves (Hijab) and headbands. Every article of clothing should be plainly marked. Repeated uniform violations result in warning letters that may impact registration. Extra PE clothes are worn only during the PE lesson. No student is allowed into class or bus if not in their ANPS school uniform.
Information about extra-curricular activities is posted on the school website (anps.co) and on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google Classroom).
The school website and media hubs are monitored by an internal Social Media Coordinator and an external media expert company. ANPS welcomes constructive comments. Social media is protected by Law in the UAE; the ANPS legal department will act against content posted for the purpose of destruction (also applicable to WhatsApp group communication).
ANPS teachers communicate syllabus guides on Google Classroom at the beginning of the year. They post weekly planners and homework diaries, and feedback/comments to parents. Parents may request a conference with a teacher via email; meetings are online via Zoom. The school hosts an introductory meeting between parents and teachers. Reports are prepared three times a year at the end of each term. Announcements are posted on Google Classroom and through iSAMS emails.
Students are evaluated through continuous assessments. ANPS benchmarks its internal assessment process through a set of International assessments (GL). Term reports are issued 3 times a year on iParent (the parent portal for iSAMS).
The school is a centre for Cambridge and offers: IGCSE, 'AS' Level, 'A' Level, and IB (International Baccalaureate).
Students are assessed continuously through Verbal Feedback (VF), Peer Feedback (PF), Formative Feedback (FF), and Self-Correction (SC). Students are assigned one focus-marking task per week for English and Maths, and every two weeks for Science. Work is marked with a sticker (red, yellow, or green). Students receive written feedback and targets. Terminology is taken directly from the National Curriculum.
Students are assessed continuously through Verbal Feedback (VF), with PF, FF, and SC used in applicable grades. A Focus Marking Slip records Strength, Improvement, and Next Steps. Focus marking is specific and based on a key skill; feedback is grounded in the IGCSE syllabus (grades 9-10) and IB Language ab initio (grades 11-12 IB). The slip must be dated and signed by the teacher.
Al Najah Private School believes that assessment is an integral tool that drives learning and teaching. Students should be central in the assessment process.
How assessment is used at ANPS:
The purposes of assessment are: to be formative, diagnostic, reportable to parents, evaluative, and to inform children to develop their learning.
If too unwell to attend, a re-sit is scheduled the following week. A sick certificate must be provided. Re-sit assessments are not allowed for final exams.
Students must uphold the highest standards of integrity:
Consequences may include: a zero or failing grade on the affected work; notification of parents; and disciplinary action as outlined in the code of conduct.
Parents receive a written report at the end of each term. Parent/teacher meetings take place twice per year. If a member of staff has concerns over a child, they will contact the parents.
The school day starts at 07:45 a.m. and finishes at 2:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and starts at 07:45 a.m. and finishes at 11:30 a.m. on Fridays.
Parents may drop children at school from 7:15 a.m. onwards (not before). All students are expected to be in school at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving on buses are dropped off at the school gate; KG students are escorted to the school doors by the bus helper.
The school follows the same dismissal routine as the previous year, with different access points. Students must be picked up between 2:50 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. Parents cannot call teachers on their phone numbers and should message the teacher only when on school premises. Parents must be punctual.
Purpose: to ensure all early dismissals are managed in a manner that prioritizes safety and security while minimizing disruption.
Procedures: Parents must email the school supervisor at least 24 hours in advance (except emergencies), including the student's name, grade, reason, date/time, and the name of the person picking up. Approval is granted only for medical or embassy appointments with documentation. Pick-up requires the authorized person's name at the main gate and a valid ID. Emergency early dismissal: contact the school office as soon as possible. Documentation of all early dismissals is maintained. No early dismissals after 2:00 PM are allowed. *(Full standalone policy: https://anps.co/early-dismissal/)*
It is school policy to shift to Distance Learning on fog days to avoid interruption to learning. Working parents should put mitigation plans in place; teachers will not commute on such days.
When students arrive after the morning register is taken, they are marked late on iSAMS. For absences, parents must notify the teacher and supervisor before 8:00 a.m. The school supervisor follows up on attendance.
Purpose: Good attendance is the foundation for academic achievement. ANPS actively promotes and encourages 100% attendance and punctuality.
Attendance Procedures:
Actions for non-attendance:
Extension of holiday time is not encouraged. Prolonged absence requests must be made in writing to the Head of School. When absent for two consecutive days or more, parents provide a letter or doctor's note. For exclusion from PE due to illness, a medical certificate indicating the time period is required.
In case of unexcused absence, the student receives a zero on their assessment. With a clearly provided excuse, the student takes a retest.
ANPS follows MOE attendance regulations. Unexcused attendance exceeding 10% of school days must be communicated with ADEK and could result in no-promotion.
Students are promoted if they meet the curricular standards and learning expectations of their grade level.
Students are promoted except when they do not meet promotion requirements (passing being 60% or above):
All alternatives are explored to avoid retention. The school implements support measures and reports to parents regularly. Any retention decision is taken by the Academic Review committee (grade level coordinator, Head of School, Deputy Director, and Director), considering input from teachers, the social worker, the SEN coordinator, and parents. Factors include social/developmental impact, school reports over two or more years, ADEK input, and special educational needs assessment.
ANPS believes in the right for every child to receive equal opportunity. Students needing special education care are met with parents to provide reports (treated confidentially). Parents provide a school-approved shadow teacher, monitored by the Learning Support Department. Students on an IEP who meet objectives progress to the next grade and are not retained or failed. ADEK approval is needed for any SEN student to be retained.
The school follows Ministerial rule number 883 for private schools. To graduate from grade 12, students must:
The first condition for withdrawal is settlement of any financial duties. Once the account is settled, the admission office informs parents to fill and sign the school withdrawal form. The school follows ADEK policy for any money refund based on the weeks attended. The admissions office prepares leaving documents, including report cards.
Homework is assigned based on grade level and posted on Google Classroom. Teachers of the same class coordinate to distribute homework evenly. Homework must be completed by the due date. Students with a valid health or family reason need a signed note from parents. Estimated total time per night:
Parents are encouraged to use home time for reading rather than heavy studying, and to allow time for play.
Abuse refers to physical abuse, corporal punishment, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and also includes bullying, exploitation, and neglect.
The policy includes appendices listing possible signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, and a step-by-step process to report a suspected case (Recognize the signs → Report to the Director → Complete the Child Protection document → Ensure confidentiality → Cooperate with the Ministry of Interior Child Protection Center).
ANPS is fully digital; most processes are automated. Parent guests must register at security using the UAE ID card. ANPS has a strict policy that all employees be treated with respect; camera recordings of unacceptable behaviour will be shared with authorities.
Safety and security are high priorities. The school is in close contact with local authorities and police, and the campus is monitored by security cameras.
The nurse contacts parents to pick up their child or arrange a doctor's visit if a student develops an acute illness. Parents should not send a child to school if they appear to be developing an illness.
A registered and licensed nurse is on duty during school hours to provide first aid and emergency care. Parents will be notified in case of an accident or emergency; updated emergency contact information is imperative. The school clinic is not a substitute for a personal/family doctor.
Medication brought from home without a written prescription will not be administered. A parent must deliver prescription medication directly to the school nurse. Students take medication only under the supervision of the school nurse. For chronic conditions (allergies, diabetes), a prescribed medication consent form must be completed annually by both the doctor and the parents.
Students with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, who are vomiting, or are deemed clinically unwell will be sent home. Parents must collect their child within one hour.
In an emergency, the school notifies parents. Parents must authorize emergency medical treatment before students are transferred to the nearest hospital or medical centre.
Scheduled SEHA vaccination programs are in place for students in Grades 1, 8, and 11. Consent forms are distributed to these grades.
The school measures height, weight, and conducts vision tests for all students annually.
Head lice spread through direct head-to-head contact. If a child is found to have head lice, the school nurse contacts the parent and the child must be lice-free before returning to class.
An injured student must be taken by an adult to the school nurse. A blow to the head or neck must be taken seriously and assessed/treated immediately. All students should have active insurance cards; parents are liable for medical treatment if insurance lapses without informing the school.
In an emergency during non-school hours, families are contacted by telephone or email. Keep email notifications on alert.
During extreme weather (rain, sandstorms), parents should trust that the school is safe and follow communicated procedures rather than showing up in numbers. Students are trained on exit procedures regularly.
Educational visits require careful planning (venue, lead-in time, learning objectives, adult/student ratio, specific needs). ANPS seeks parental approval through the parent portal on iSAMS; no child goes out of school without formal approval.
Transportation arrangements: students seated with fastened seat belts and remaining seated when moving; no distracting the driver; staff distributed throughout the vehicle; no food/drink other than water (no canned drinks or glass bottles).
Trips outside the country require special MOE approval obtained 3 months prior to the trip date.
*(See full transportation policy: https://anps.co/anps-transportation-policy/)*
ANPS owns its own buses and provides a bus service. Parents organize and pay through the Accounts office by filling the bus registration form. Bus fees are not refundable. All buses meet UAE safety requirements; buses are regularly maintained by a 3rd party and inspected by DOT. ANPS buses use Salamah tablets enforced by the DOT. Students and parents using the bus sign the Code of Conduct for the School Bus form. Only students who pay for the service may use the buses, and only the bus assigned to them. It is forbidden for any parent to step on a school bus. Buses are equipped with cameras.
Aims: Buses comply with ADEK and DOT School Bus Policy. All buses are equipped with seat/lap belts, CCTV, and GPS. The school offers a door-to-door service to greater Abu Dhabi city and surrounding area.
Practice and Procedure: Places are allocated first-come, first-served upon receipt of a completed School Bus Registration form. Seats are not secured until the form and full payment are returned. There is no pro-rata payment or reimbursement. Payment must be received by the Finance Department by August 10.
Cancellation and Refund: There are no refunds for bus transportation once the term starts.
Bus Supervisor Duties: maintain discipline; ensure pupils remain seated with seat belts fastened; ensure each student exits at their assigned stop; ensure no student remains on the bus after the route is completed.
Bus Safety Rules (1-18): Students are under the authority of the bus driver/conductor; be on time; remain seated while moving; no improper language; do not destroy property; talk in a normal voice; go directly to their seat; keep feet on the floor; do not threaten or strike others; no fighting, loud, indecent or disruptive behaviour or bullying; keep hands, arms and heads inside; do not throw or spit items; no eating on the bus; treat parents and students with courtesy; no adults other than school staff may accompany students; no alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, or harmful devices (a student found in possession is permanently denied bus access with no refund); drivers must never be distracted.
Parent Obligations (1-5): Ensure the designated person is available to receive the student (no student under 11 released without the designated person); provide and update contact information; pick up students if returned to school; pay for any damage caused by their children; educate children on bus safety. The school may ban students from the bus for repeated safety violations or after 3 notices of misconduct in one academic year.
Bus Timings: Buses leave the school grounds at 2:45 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and 11:45 a.m. on Fridays. Buses will not be held after dispersal time for a late student.
Parents should provide healthy lunches and snacks. Students may bring food from home or use the canteen. Students with allergies or on restricted diets must bring food from home and should not share food. Canteen use is allowed only during scheduled times. No outside food delivery is allowed.
Students may not bring unnecessary valuables (e.g., toys). For special occasions organised by the activity department (e.g., crazy hat day), students may bring requested items after direct school communication.
Non-Al Najah children are not allowed to attend classes, as this disrupts learning and continuity.
The Lost and Found area is located in the playground near the ART room. Unnamed articles are given to charity after being unclaimed at the end of each term.
The aim of the parent council is to communicate the school vision and mission to the larger parent community. There are 4 parent Councils (KG, primary, middle school, senior school), each holding 3 official meetings throughout the year with the SLT.
Teachers may not reveal marks without the permission of school senior leaders, nor discuss exam materials or grade books for their own children studying at the school.
Teachers are not allowed to give special lessons or receive gifts from any student or parent.
ANPS is a non-smoking environment. Any staff member caught smoking on the premises or on school transport may be discharged without notice. All school transport is a non-smoking area.
The library facilitates inquiry and learning. The school invested in an e-library so students have access to reading material in school or at home. The library is available to all students from KG2 to grade 12.
All school policies are added to the school website.
Al Najah Private School, PO Box 284, Mohammed Bin Zayed City - 9, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Telephone: +97125530935. Email: info@alnajahschol.com. Website: https://anps.co/.
| Position | |
|---|---|
| Director | ahd@anps.co |
| Vice-Principal | yomen.ghaleb@anps.co |
| Financial manager | finance@anps.co |
| Examination officer | examinationofficer@anps.co |
| Head of Kindergarten | hod.kg@anps.co |
| Head of Primary | ailbe.power@anps.co |
| Head of Senior | mohieddin.alfeel@anps.co |
| Events & Activities Coordinator | leena.mousa@anps.co |
| Registration | admission@anps.co |
| Bus Registration | transport@anps.co / operations@anps.co |
| eSIS and ADEK coordinator | tamara.kurdi@anps.co |
| Human Resources | hr@anps.co |
| Bookstore and uniform | rola@anps.co |
| Head of Learning Support Department | yomen.ghaleb@anps.co |
| Social worker | reem.mahmoud@anps.co |
| Clinic | clinic@anps.co |
| Sr. No | Name of Supervisor | Email Id | Mobile Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdallah Fouad (Grades 9-12) | abdalla.fouad@anps.co | 0544471508 |
| 2 | Altaf Mohamad (Grades 1-2) | altaf.mohamad@anps.co | 0544009231 |
| 3 | Maged Wali (KG 1 & KG 2) | maged.mohamed@anps.co | 0544009215 |
| 4 | Mohamed Shoum (Grades 6-8) | mohamed.shoum@anps.co | 0544009268 |
| 5 | Zeina Wehbi (Grades 3-5) | zeina.wehbi@anps.co | 0544471512 |
| 6 | Rowena Joy Albay (Grades 2-4) | joy.te@anps.co | 0544009196 |
ANPS thanks parents as partners in improvement. By receiving this guide to their registered email address, parents are asked to consent to reading and acknowledging its content; a form will be sent for acknowledgement.