Created in Canva
GEMS Wesgreen International School Staff Handbook AY 2026- 2027
ABOUT WESGREEN Wesgreen has undergone a remarkable transformation in a short time. Once viewed as a major challenge, recognised acrossGEMS as oneof the school is now the fastest-improving institutions, with a growing reputation for excellence. Across all key performance indicators—academic results, inspections, enrolment, audits, student satisfaction, curriculum, and reputation—the school has shown sustained improvement. It is now a dynamic, high-performing environment withstrong leadership and a clear vision for continuous progress. Some senior leaderswho contributed to this journey are moving on, leaving behind a strong legacy that sets the stage for the next phase of development. Wesgreen International School was founded in 1991 in UAE, and in the years since it has grown to become one of the most successful schools in the region. The School has been advancing excellence in education for more than two decades andhasbeenaccreditedbytheBSO[DFE number] 000/6259. COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS 162 performance improvements across two inspections An “Outstanding” school as rated by BSO, now recognized as “Good” with a continued focus on delivering outstading quality education Achieved HPL World Class and HMC accreditations Launched Outdoor Education and STEM programs Implemented impactful curriculum changes Over 80% of lessons rated Very Good or better Engagement in CAMSTARs research National and international recognition in sports, science, TEDx, and wellbeing Outstanding GCSE and A-Level results Top PISA and TIMSS outcomes in Sharjah BSO accreditation with multiple Outstanding areas 1
VISION MISSION Today -GEMS Wesgreen International School, Sharjah, is committed to empowering our students, promoting confidence, critical thinking, self-regulation, and personal growth. We inspire excellence in our students, so they develop the skills and qualities needed to achieve in today's world. Tomorrow - Combining strategic planning with intellectual playfulness, we aim to provide our students with all the tools needed to thrive and adapt, preparing them for a future of lifelong learning. Together- Inclusivity is at the heart of GEMS Wesgreen. Our school community is united to support and celebrate cultural diversity and recognises the importance of global citizenship. Vision, Mission & Values 2
3 Innovation and entrepreneurship Intellectual and Personal Growth GEMS VALUES Respect and integrity Humility and tolerance Determination and Character Dedication and Effort At GEMS Wesgreen International School, Sharjah we embrace and celebrate the cultural values and aspirations of the United Arab Emirates.
CEO/Principal James Mcdonald Janet Foley Vice Principal Deputy Head of Primary Charlotte McCombs Deputy Head of Secondary Boys Dara Devereux Revelino Fernandes Manager of School Operation Deputy Head of Primary Joseph Winn Executive Head of Secondary Andrew Spencer Eyitayo Abogunrin Secondary Girls Executive Head of Primary Jillian Reilly Fiona Daly VicePrincipalTeaching and Learning MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM 4 Deputy Head of
General Information about the UAE 5 Cultural Heritage The UAE’s culture is firmly rooted in the traditions of Islam. Traditional dress is still worn among many local citizens and many Arabic cultural activities and sports are still practiced. Visitors are expected to exercise discretion with regard to dress code. Be aware of what could be offensive to the local population. Even though the UAE is a very relaxed place to live, always respect your hosts and abide by local regulations. http://www.timeoutdubai.com/aroundtown/features/59033-welcome-to-dubai - Essential things you need to know about the history and culture of Sharjah and Dubai. Climate Sub-tropical, sunshine and blue skies most of the year. Infrequent rainfall can be expected during the winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5C/50F in January to a high of 48C/118F in July/August. Humidity remains high during the summer and together with high temperatures, can make conditions very uncomfortable, although air-conditioning in the school, car, and apartment, makes life bearable! Public Holidays Most of the UAE’s national holidays and festivals are based on the sighting of the moon rather than having fixed dates. You are entitled to all UAE Public holidays and exact dates will be confirmed to you nearer the time subject to approval by the relevant Education Authority. However please be aware this can be frustrating at times as often Public Holidays are only confirmed very near the time which can make it difficult to make plans!!! Here you can read more about the public holidays in UAE: UAE Public Holidays 2026 - PublicHolidays.ae Handling emergencies - The Official Portal of the UAE Government Newspapers Good daily newspapers in English are printed locally. The websites are worth a look to view up to date news: Gulf News – http://gulfnews.com/ Khaleej Times - http://www.khaleejtimes.com/ Expat Community The UAE’s success is based on the vision and commitment of its leadership along with the contribution and experience of over 200 nationalities. The streets, shopping malls and business areas are alive with numerous languages and cultures. Do keep in mind that you will probably meet many people with different values and opinions. http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/ site for expat women around the world The UAE lies at the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula bordered by the Persian Gulf to the north, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the Gulf of Oman to the east. The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras-al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on 2 December1971 when six emirates decided to join together to form a confederation. Ras-al-Khaimah becomes the 7th emirate to join the confederation in 1972. The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi. The official language is Arabic although English, Hindi, Urdu are widely spoken. Arabic and English are the official business languages. If you are greeted with ‘AS-SALAAM ALAIKOM’ (Peace be with you), it is polite to answer with “WA ALAKOM ASALAM’ (and Peace be with you). Refer to appendices for other words that will help. The official weekend is Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Sharjah. Government offices are open from 07h30 to 13h30 (Sunday to Thursday). The UAE currency is the Dirham (divided into 100 fils).The currency is pegged to the US dollar.
Hello English Thank you No Peace be upon you Congratulations Arabic Shokran La Marhaba Assalaamu- Alykom Mabrook English Excellent Yes Good bye And upon you be peace Fine Arabic Mumtaz Na Maa’ salama Wa alaykumu s-salam Bekhayr Don’t Eat or Drink in Public: Out of respect, refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public during daylight. Don’t Show Public Affection: Avoid public displays of affection as they are seen as disrespectful. Don’t Play Loud Music: Keep noise levels low to respect the spiritual atmosphere. Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees; wear loose-fitting clothes. Use pashminas for extra coverage. Use Ramadan Greetings: Say “Ramadan Kareem” during the month and “Eid Mubarak” at the end. Be Charitable: Donate food, clothes, or money. Giving to those in need is encouraged and appreciated. Be Considerate: Understand fasting affects mood and energy. Be patient and kind. Avoid Smoking in Public: Smoking is prohibited during daylight hours in public—use this as an opportunity to quit. Avoid Driving at Sundown: Roads get busy before Iftar; try not to drive at this time. Enjoy Local Culture: Visit Iftar tents, enjoy traditional food, and engage with local customs. Accept Iftar Invitations: Go if invited and bring a small gift like dates or sweets. DOs: DON’Ts: You probably won’t remember half of this information but don’t worry – just ask any staff member or expat for help/advice. We are all pleased to help you and believe it or not, you will start finding your way around and soon become familiar with landmarks, roads and shops. Here are a few words that will help in your entry into the UAE Recommended tips and etiquettes for Ramadan: Essential DOs and DONTs in the UAE 6
STAFF GUIDELINES Staff Guidelines Please follow the GEMS dress code at all times. Attendance & Punctuality Attendance at staff briefing is compulsory. Staff children MUST NOT attend the briefing. If you are ill or unable to come to school, you MUST inform your line manager and/or Head of School by phone between 6:15 - 6:30 am and send lesson plans and resources. Staff must sign in before 7:00 am using the attendance scanner at designated entry points. If leaving the premises, authorization from the Principal, Head of Primary/Secondary, or School Doctor is required. Sign out and back in at reception. Classroom & Student Management: All books and resources must comply with the UAE Code of Conduct. We maintain a strict ‘hands-off’ policy. Violations will result in disciplinary action. EYFS students must not leave the class without an escort. Lessons must be planned in advance in accordance with school policy and stored appropriately. Maintain detailed records of student progress on Phoenix/Go4Schools. Home learning must be assigned weekly, reviewed, and shared with parents via Go4Schools and the Weekly Newsletter. Students must not be sent out of lessons unless ill. In such cases, they must have the clinic pass. Toilet breaks should be managed with discretion. Corridor Passes must be used when students leave the classroom. Only one student per pass at a time. Prayer rooms are open at break time only and must be supervised. Behavioral expectations: Staff must uphold positive classroom behavior and follow the Behavior for Learning Policy. All behavioral incidents must be recorded and reported accordingly. Whole-class detentions are not allowed. Students should not be sent out of class unless there is a safety risk. If so, the entire class should be removed instead of an individual. Staff must inform the relevant staff member which may include: HOY, SLT, HOD for any concerns. Merits & Demerits (‘House Points, GEM of the Lesson’) should be awarded as per policy. Secondary - Achievement and Behaviour General Conduct: All members of the Wesgreen community must show mutual respect and be mindful of cultural differences. Classrooms must be tidy before and after lessons, with books stored properly. Staff must arrive at lessons on time, wait at the entrance, and greet students to ensure high behavior standards. Staff must be on duty punctually and wear a high-visibility jacket. While on duty, student health and safety is the main priority. Registration & School Routine: Form tutors/class teachers must complete morning registers at 07:30 am. Secondary teachers must register students in every lesson. All must stand for the National Anthem: FS1 - Year 3: Collected from classrooms. Year 4 - Year 6: Escorted to the MUGA for line-up. Parents/Guardians access the MUGA via the gate beside the Astro-Turf pitch and exit with their child. Health & Safety: No hot drinks should be carried around the building unless in a safety container. Use of deodorants/antiperspirants is recommended. 7
Induction Thepurposeof induction is to ensure the effective integration of staff into or across the organization for the benefit of both parties. Before joining and during your first few weeks with GEMS you should: Accepting Gifts From time-to-time, you may be offered a gift by a third party – who may be an existing client or perhaps a former client of GEMS. Ordinarily, there is no reason why such gifts may not be accepted. However, there is some risk that accepting a gift may place you in a conflicted position. Salary payments Probationary Period Allemployees enter the Company on probation. The probationary period will be for a minimum period of six months without exception. This period enables you to evaluate whether you have a good fit with the organization and also allows us to assess your performance. Salary Certificates and NOCs If you need a salary certificate/salary transfer letter or NOC, please file a request thru Phoenix Letters requested by: Monday or Tuesday will be ready for collection on Thursdays. Letters requested by: Wednesday or Thursday will be ready for collection the following Monday. Be given a clear outline of the job/role requirements. Receive an explanation of contractual terms and conditions. Be sent a copy of this Employee Handbook prior to joining. Have an orientation by your Line Manager - showing how your role fits into the team and fits with the organization’s strategy and goals. Attend an HR new hire induction covering information such as leave, payroll, probation periods, medical insurance and visas. Be given an awareness of other functions within the organization, and how your role fits within that. Attend meetings with relevant colleagues and departments. Be asked to provide feedback on your experience of joining GEMS and areas for improvement. If you need support with anything at all during your Induction period, please contact anyone in the HR team. Salaries are normally paid monthly on the last day of the month directly into your bank account. The salary covers the period from the first of the month to the month end. Salaries are confidential and should not be disclosed, along with any other incentives, to any other member of staff At the end of the probationary period, your Manager will meet with you to review your performance. Not only is performance and attendance during the probation period monitored, but it is also a time when you receive induction and become familiar with the practices and procedures of the Company. We expect staff to take responsibility to agree to KPI’S with their managers. If, at the end of this period performance has not been up to standard, the employee’s appointment may not be confirmed. During the probationary period GEMS or the employee may terminate the Agreement without notice and without severance benefits, unless otherwise mutually agreed. 8
EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE Smart business suit (eithe r trousers or skirt) or smart skirt and blouse (skirts, neither too tight nor too short – knee length as a minimum) Smart trousers (full length) and blouse (no leggings, jeggings, jeans or cords) Smart business-like dress (knee length minimum) Clean formal shoes of a sensible height (no sandals, flip flops or training shoes). Smart open shoes are acceptable. Sunglasses should not be worn on the head indoors nor hang out of a pocket Jackets are required for parents’ evenings, school events and VIP Visits PE staff should wear their Sports Uniform. Formal Dress is required for parents’ evenings and school events The UAE is a culturally rich and diverse nation. Respect and courtesy for local and overseas customs is intrinsic to the country’s inclusive spirit. As residents of the UAE that we should conduct ourselves courteously and dress in a manner that does not cause offence. It is also important that we present ourselves in a way that reflects the company’s high professional standards. All staff members (teaching and non-teaching) are required to dress smartly and to set a very high standard of personal appearance whilst at school/corporate office. Remember Skirts should be neither too tight nor too short – knee length as a minimum. Blouses should not be made of a see-through material, should not be too tight and should not be low cut. Sleeveless blouses are not acceptable. T-shirts should not be worn to school. No bare midriffs. National dress is acceptable as long as it complies with the above guidelines Identity lanyards must be worn at all times, as your ID also serves as your security access card and is required to enter the school premises. Smart forma l trousers or chinos (no jeans or cords) Smart formal shirt and tie (top button on the shirt done up) Clean formal shoes (no sandals, flip flops or training shoes) Jackets are required for parents’ evenings, school events and VIP visits Sunglasses should not be worn on the head indoors nor hang out of a pocket Clean shaven every day or a trimmed moustache or beard PE staff should wear their Sports Uniform. Formal attire is required for parents’ evenings and school events Female Staff Male Staff 9
ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY Reliability and punctuality are essential for maintaining smooth operations. Employees are expected to: 01 02 03 04 05 06 Adhere to designated working hours and report to work on time. (7:00am - 4:30am) Lateness affects the efficiency of the school, and consistent tardiness may lead to disciplinary actions All staff need to submit sick leave certificate for 2 days of leave and MOH attested certificate for sick leave 3 days and above If you anticipate arriving late or need to leave, kindly notify us before 6:45 am; failure to do so will result to a deduction in pay New employees are required to provide a sick leave certificate, even if it's just for one day, during the probation period Seek prior approval for planned absences, including vacation or personal days, in accordance with leave policies. 10
LEAVE POLICIES UNPAID LEAVE SICK LEAVE(S) STUDY LEAVE EMERGENCY LEAVE ▪ Employees may request up PILGRIMAGE LEAVE PARENTAL LEAVE MATERNITY LEAVE COMPASSIONATE LEAVE ▪ Paid compassionate leave for up to 6 working days for severe family illness or death (spouse, children, parents, or spouse's parents) is at the discretion of Principal. ▪ Written applications required; travel plans should await approval. ▪ Extensions to compassionate leave may entail unpaid leave, subject to consideration ▪ Principal may grant this at their discretion. ▪ Each application evaluated individually. ▪ All requests must be in written form and a in-person meeting with the principal has to be arranged. ▪ Do not arrange travel before approval. ▪ Absence results in loss of pay and could impact annual leave salary benefits and end-of-service Sick leave m ay be paidoutin the first six months of probation with a medical certificate. *No certificate required for sick leave up to 2 days after the initial 6 months. *Ministry-issued or attested certificate required for sick leave of 3 days or more than after the initial 6 months. Subsequent medical leave with pay requires completion of a leave application form and a medical certificate from an authorized doctor or clinic. Payment for medical leave: Full salary for the first 15 days. Half salary for the next 30 days. Any subsequent periods will be without salary Employees are eligible t o apply for up to 10 working days of paid study leave Any period of study leave must be applied for in advance (a minimum of 4 weeks) Approval by the HOD/Principal/CEO is required to 6 working days of emergency leave per year with pay. ▪ Approval for this leave is at the discretion of the Principal. ▪ Emergency leave is not guaranteed and should be requested when necessary Maternity leave entitlement: 60 calendar days with payment. 45 days at full pay. 15 days at half pay. Optional 45 days unpaid leave available with doctor's note ▪Each Muslim employee is eligible for special leave without pay up to a maximum period of thirty (30) calendar days ▪This leave will not be deducted from any other leave period due to the employee ▪ Approval is required from the Line Manager (SSC) or Principal/CEO (Schools) ▪Employee will be granted five (5) paid worki ng days. ▪ Must be the biological or legal parent of the child ▪ Leave requires prior approval from the Line Manager and Principal ▪ Leave must be taken within 3 months of the child's birth or legal adoption. 11
HANDLING PARENT COMPLAINTS EXCEEDING PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS DELIVERING A QUALITY SERVICE COURTESY, POLITENESS AND MUTUAL RESPECT IN ALL INTERACITIONS WITH STUDENTS Maintain a to p-quality school environment for all stakeholders at all times. Provide "hotel-quality hospitality" to parents and visitors. Dress professionally and set a good example for the community. Exhibit excellent telephone courtesy, as first impressions are crucial. Maintain professional posture and conduct. Regular risk and cleanliness assessments will be conducted. Concerns should be reported to the Manager of School Operations (MSO). Ensure cleanliness by setting an example, addressing litter, and keeping student locker surfaces pristine and focused on displaying learning. Avoid criticizing the school, its policies, or resources in front of students. Seek support from leadership for concerns, as students may relay information to parents or online groups. Listen carefully t o understand complaints or grievances before making decisions. Follow the approved complaints handling process established by the Corporate Office. Maintain professionalism, and seek support from team leaders or senior leadership (SLT/ELT) when needed. Addr ess parent needs and fulfill all commitments logged in the Pulse system. Respect and practice local customs. Inform parents proactively about student progress or issues, avoiding surprises at parents' evenings. Ensure all written communications (notes, memos, emails) maintain a respectfuland professional tone. Respond to parent/business communications within 24 working hrs without the expectation of immediate repliesor after-hours responses. Proactively check back with parents and students to resolve issues, address complaints, or follow up on suggestions. 12 The language used when addressing students should never be derogatory since teachers as adults and professionals are to set an example of how to behave and respond, even in challenging circumstances. This means avoiding shouting, and the use of any insult or name-calling e.g. idiot, fool, and terms such as shut up, stupid, rubbish etc., and taking care when writing comments on students’ work. Students are consumers whose parents pay us to educate their children; they have every right to expect politeness and the very best we can offer. If you are experiencing issues with a particular class or student, please seek support from a Head of Department, Head of Year, or any Senior Leader.
GEMS CLASSROOM TOUCH POINTS Teachers should Inside Classroom Outside Classroom DISTANCE/ONLINE LEARNING Our online learning platforms are the windows to our classrooms. Care should be taken to ensure the quality of provisionis of the highest standard and meets all established expectations. Teachers and students should: Ensuretheclassroom(s)is(are) clean, well maintained, litter free, engaging and SAFE Class/Student representative(s) should include any long-term concerns about the learning environment of their classroom on School Council agenda A laminated copyof the teacher’s timetable or room timetable should appear outside the classroom H igh quality displays and boards shou ld show samples of students’ work relating to current topics with learning intention Boards should be covered with fabric and a border Displays should be properly mounted and changed regularly – minimum once per term Displays should contain a balance of students’ work, and work that provides an opportunity for further learning e.g. facts relevant to the subject(s), critical thinking type questions or useful vocabulary Teacher’s notice board should contain class timetable, planning overviews, weekly plans, class list, list of bus students and students attending after school activities Besmartly dressed and ensure students are too – uniform checks at the start and end of lessons should be habitual Greet students warmly on arrival or at start of lesson Always be courteous to, and expect courtesy from, students Always show appropriate concern when students are absent, distressed or clearly in need of support Follow procedures when students are absent Always champion students who have achieved ‘out of classroom’ success e.g. obtained an award, won a competition - inform the Head of Year/ PRE (for potential social media posts) where appropriate and keep a record of these Always make clear (at the beginning, during or end of the lesson) what the students are to learn (learning outcome), and what they should know understand and be able to do, to successfully complete the learning intention (success criteria) – involve them in their own self- evaluation Keep Learning Intentions visible, engage students with them, and embed the LO in and throughout the lesson Make Knowledge Criteria clear, and ensure that they are understood – students should be able to articulate how they will know if they have been successful with their learning in that lesson Ensure praise is used wisely and only when deserved; research by Carole Dweck shows that praising effort is more beneficial than praising achievement Encourage students to give their opinions and listen to them. Students should be given the opportunity and the responsibility to listen to and/or read the work of other students and to appraise it (this is a key element of assessment for learning) Remember the school values in all aspects of their work – students should be WGP READY at all times Connect with your students so each of them feels valued 13
ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027 Description Start of the Academic Year for students Winter break for students Resumption of classes Spring break for students Resumption of Classes End of Academic Year for students From 01-Jul-2027 31-Aug-2026 14 -Dec-2026 4 -Jan-2027 05-Apr-2027 12-Apr-2027 To 31-Dec-2026 08-Apr-2027 1 week Duration 3 weeks Summary Term Dates You can access the WGP Academic Calendar here: https://www.wesgreeninternationalschool-sharjah.com/en/About-Us/Academic- Calendar Term dates are set by SPEA and are usually published well in advance. There is usually a three-week break in the winter, two weeks in the spring and a long summer holiday of at least 60 days. However, the school also closes for Islamic religious holidays and at any other time determined by the relevant authorities e.g. a period of mourning following the death of a significant person. In the case of extended statutory closure, teachers may be required to teach at additional times in order to ensure that students’ education does not suffer. Half term breaks are usual in terms 1 and 2, although not guaranteed. The normal working week is from Monday to Thursday (inclusive) covering the period 7:00 am to 4:30pm (subject to no team or staff meeting, and teaching professional responsibilities being fulfilled). Front of House and some other departments will have working hours beyond the regular times, to ensure coverage for parents, and to meet the general needs of the school. For health and safety reasons, and for accurate maintenance of a fire evacuation list, all staff should sign in and out each day using the school’s electronic register of staff (using finger biometrics) or school lanyard. NORMAL DAYS AND HOURS 14
COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENTS WGP constantly seeks to improve communication through working parties and individual suggestions. These feed into the Communication Policy as appropriate. All suggestions are welcome and should be given to a member of SLT or to the PRE. WITHIN THE SCHOOL Effectivecommunication is one of the most challenging tasks in any large organisation. It requires both appropriate information systems and willing, active listeners. In order to ensure that formal meetings are not encumbered with information giving, staff should all aim to use the following: Minutes of Formal Meetings – circulated to all members plus the relevant member of XLT. Weekly staff briefing - The Executive Assistant to the Principal will announce the staff briefing, providing the date and meeting link; attendance is mandatory for all staff Weekly newsletters to parents. Almost all letters and notices to parents are sent via the weekly newsletter. It is the responsibility of ALL colleagues to ensure that they are aware of the information pertinent to them, that has been conveyed to parents. Letters or notices sent to parents outside of the weekly newsletter will be forwarded to concerned staff separately. Email and Teams - All work-related matters must be communicated through Microsoft Teams and school email. 15
Effective communication between staff and parents is crucial to the wellbeing of the school. It is vital that all staff listen to messages from parents and a response, in some form, must always be given. All staff have a crucial role within this, especially if they are usually the first point of co ntact. GEMS schools pride themselves on a high standard of customer service and it is expected that all parents will be treated with respect at all times. We operate a system of monthly communication to parents via our Pulse system. You will be guided as to the expectations for this integral part of school communications and GEMS USP. It is expected that we give a prompt reply to any enquiry from parents. Where possible this should be the same day or at the very latest the next working day. If a full response will need time to formulate or investigate, a quick courtesy telephone call or email should be made to parents giving a date for a full response. The following represents the formal pattern of communication, but informal approaches may occur and cannot be ignored: 1. The school has a Parent Relations Executive (PRE) who is often the initial contact for parent concerns and questions. The PRE will email relevant staff for follow up or information. FOH colleagues are available to support staff with concerns when dealing with Arabic speaking parents. 2. A weekly Newsletter will be emailed to parents and shared with staff. The purpose of this is to communicate with parents on school organisational matters and to share the many good experiences and successes of WGP students. All school events must be added to the school calendar (via the Principal’s PA) so that the PRE and the FOH team are able to relay the correct dates and timings to parents. 3. The school operates a genuine ‘open door’ policy so that parents feel able to meet with staff or senior leaders by appointment. A communication log must be completed on SIMS or Pulse for all significant meetings which may require evidence that a discussion took place (for example behaviour, personal, social or academic concerns). 4. There are at least two formal Parents’ Evenings each year, when parents meet with teachers to discuss overall student progress. An appointment system will be operated. 5. Each class teacher will present a ‘Meet the Teacher Evening’ in September to explain daily routines and involve parents in the year’s activities. This is not for 1:1 discussions about individual students. 6. Parent Coffee Morning Events and Workshops are held regularly. They are an opportunity for parents to meet with the Principal and other members of staff as appropriate to discuss school related issues. These will be advertised in the weekly Newsletter. 7. Many letters are sent home to parents throughout the year for a variety of purposes. XLT must check all official letters to parents prior to sending home and a copy must always be given to Reception and the PRE, as they are usually the first point of contact for parents who may have a query. No letter may be sent home without sign-off from a member of XLT. Email approval should be retained. 8. The School has a professionally produced website (https://www.wesgreeninternationalschool-sharjah.com/) which is updated regularly. 9. The School provides a range of information booklets that are sent home to parents at appropriate times, such as Curriculum Information Booklets for each phase of the school. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS 16
A Partial or Full Lockdown is signaled by message through the P.A system; everyone should seek a safe place and lockdown their classrooms. Actions: ▪ Quickly check halls and get students into classrooms - even if they are not in your class. ▪ Secure your room and place students out of sight of intruder (eg: against the wall of the door).▪ At no account go looking for a child. Keep students quiet, sitting on the floor. ▪ Your door should only be opened when the agreed signal for end of lockdown is sounded. ▪ If a fire is discovered, staff should activate the nearest fire alarm. ▪ The alarm system is connected automatically to Dubai Civil Defense. ▪ As soon as the Fire Alarm sounds, evacuate. the school MUST shouldNobody remain in the buildings. ▪ Make sure you have read and understand thefire evacuation plan. Be aware of your evacuation route from any location you may be in with your class. You are responsible for the students in your care! ▪ Fire practice drills will be conducted on a regular basis, with a civil defense fire drill annually. ▪ All staff MUST make themselves familiar with the emergency procedures including emergency routes from any rooms they work in. ▪ Never ignore an alarm for any reason. ▪ The safety of the students overrides all other considerations. ▪ Keep the students calm and ensure that any movement is in silence at a controlled walking pace. ▪ In the younger school years, any movement for evacuation the teacher is at the front and, where possible another member of staff (TA/ LSA) follows behind the line. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES LOCK DOWN FIRE 17
James Mcdonald Janet Foley Fiona Daly Jillian Reily Andrew Spencer Dara Devereux Eyitayo Abogunrin Charlotte McCombs Joseph Peter Winn Revelino Fernandes Muhammad Fayyaz Mahwish Rashid Nesma Elserafy Jumana Makkar Dina Ainer Nasir Kothari Lana Abou Zoulof Rawan Seragaldin CEO/Principal Vice Principal VP / Executive Head of T&L Executive Head of Primary School Executive Head of Secondary School Head of Secondary- Boys Head of Secondary- Girls Deputy Head of Primary - EYFS Deputy Head of Primary Manager - School Operations In-charge of Staff Accommodation HR Manager School Compliance Officer School Doctor (Primary & EYFS) School Doctor (Secondary) Accounts Manager Parent Relations Executive (PRE) Marketing and Communication Officer j.mcdonald_wgp@gemsedu.com j.foley_wgp@gemsedu.com f.daly_wgp@gemsedu.com j.reilly_wgp@gemsedu.com a.spencer_wgp@gemsedu.com d.devereux_wgp@gemsedu.com e.abogunrin_wgp@gemsedu.com c.mccombs_wgp@gemsedu.com j.win_wgp@gemsedu.com r.fernandes_wgp@gemsedu.com m.fayyaz_wgp@gemsedu.com m.rashid_wgp@gemsedu.com n.elserafy_wgp@gemsedu.com j.pazhampillik_wgp@gemsedu.com d.ainer_wgp@gemsedu.com n.kothari_wgp@gemsedu.com l.abouzoulof_wgp@Gemsedu.com r.seragaldin1_wgp@gemsedu.com Key People CONTACT DETAILS GEMS Wesgreen International Private School Al Muweilah Commercial Sharjah, UAE Telephone No. 971-6-5062999 Website: https:/www.wesgreeninternationalschool-sharjah 18
A Partial or Full Lockdown is signaled by message through the P.A system; everyone should seek a safe place and lockdown their classrooms. Actions: ▪ Quickly check halls and get students into classrooms - even if they are not in your class. ▪ Secure your room and place students out of sight of intruder (eg: against the wall of the door).▪ At no account go looking for a child. Keep students quiet, sitting on the floor. ▪ Your door should only be opened when the agreed signal for end of lockdown is sounded. ▪ If a fire is discovered, staff should activate the nearest fire alarm. ▪ The alarm system is connected automatically to Dubai Civil Defense. ▪ As soon as the Fire Alarm sounds, evacuate. the school MUST shouldNobody remain in the buildings. ▪ Make sure you have read and understand thefire evacuation plan. Be aware of your evacuation route from any location you may be in with your class. You are responsible for the students in your care! ▪ Fire practice drills will be conducted on a regular basis, with a civil defense fire drill annually. ▪ All staff MUST make themselves familiar with the emergency procedures including emergency routes from any rooms they work in. ▪ Never ignore an alarm for any reason. ▪ The safety of the students overrides all other considerations. ▪ Keep the students calm and ensure that any movement is in silence at a controlled walking pace. ▪ In the younger school years, any movement for evacuation the teacher is at the front and, where possible another member of staff (TA/ LSA) follows behind the line. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES LOCK DOWN FIRE 17
Dara Devereux DeputyDesignated Safeguarding Lead (Boys School) Eyitayo Abogunrin Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Girls School) Jillian Reilly Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Primary) Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (EYFS) Roxanne Wolmarans Janet Foley Designated Safeguard Lead (DSL) Andrew Spencer Charlotte McCombs Muhammad Awais Eman Hamdan Child Safeguarding Team 20 SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS Child safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff; however, these are the designated members of staff to immediately contact should there be any concerns related to the safety and wellbeing of any student. Additionally, our trained team of student counsellors are always available should you wish to discuss any concerns you may have Please note the following when completing Guard Portal: Ensure accurate documentation of the event; all recorded information may be utilized in legal proceedings if necessary. Prioritize safeguarding as our foremost duty; promptly report any concerns without delay. Utilize the attachment section for minutes of meetings, statements, emails, etc. If addressing absence concerns, adhere to the absence escalation process thoroughly and attach supporting emails or documentation for validation
Staff Wellbeing 20 At Wesgreen, the wellbeing of our staff is a central priority. We recognize that when teachers and support teams feel valued, supported, and connected, our whole school community thrives. Our approach is grounded in compassion, respect, and the GEMS culture of excellence, ensuring every colleague feels seen, heard, and appreciated. We offer a range of wellbeing initiatives throughout the year designed to promote balance, boost morale, and strengthen relationships. These include whole-staff appreciation events, wellbeing days, social opportunities, reflective prompts, and regular wellbeing messages. Our Staff Wellbeing Committee, representing different phases and departments, ensures that staff voice informs our decisions and that support remains meaningful, timely, and inclusive. Staff are also recognized through our Leadership Gemstones framework. Each month highlights a specific leadership value — such as Moonstone for Reflection, Emerald for Compassion, Diamond for Integrity, Labradorite for Vision, and Citrine for Gratitude. These monthly themes are not only shared with students but extended to staff, who may be acknowledged for exemplifying these qualities in their daily practice. Whether it is demonstrating empathy, supporting colleagues, modelling resilience, or showing exceptional teamwork, staff contributions are celebrated across the year as part of our culture of recognition. Psychological safety remains a key focus. Our open-door approach, wellbeing check-ins, and clear internal pathways ensure staff know where to seek pastoral, emotional, or professional support. Leaders are committed to listening, responding, and promoting a culture where colleagues feel safe to share concerns and engage in reflective dialogue. Our routines and expectations aim to reduce unnecessary workload, maintain a calm and orderly environment, and ensure everyone can focus on what matters most: high-quality teaching and strong relationships. We strive to model the habits we want our students to learn — empathy, integrity, respect, resilience — while fostering a supportive atmosphere where staff feel empowered and encouraged to prioritize their wellbeing. Above all, Wesgreen is a community. We celebrate the contributions of every colleague and work collectively to sustain a workplace where people feel proud to belong and confident to grow. Staff wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, and together we remain committed to nurturing a positive, healthy, and high-performing environment for all.