School Principal letter

Welcome to Narmer American College and to the new academic year 2021-2022!

I take this opportunity to welcome you all to the academic year 2021-2022 with the reopening of our school campus for a face to face learning model. Covid19 has shaped and conditioned the world into a new reality and had its substantial impact on education. NAC is ready to accommodate our students back prioritizing the safety of students and staff and warranting the usual academic excellence.

NAC is not banishing students for a pandemic; we are opened with hospitality while creating a perception of stability and security of all those who are on campus. The 2021-2022 face to face learning plan, is based on the best current available information and the most accurate predictions of the future. The plan is flexible and is subject to change as we assess it and as the Covid-19 status changes.

NAC is marked with quality of education, Narmer American College is an International Baccalaureate World School, Diploma Programme (IBDP) and is currently a candidate school for the MYP. We are accredited by the Middle States Association Accreditation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. In addition, NAC is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NAC CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED/ Cognia. We are authorized by Cambridge Assessment International Education; Pearson Edexcel; and approved by the Ministry of Education of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

All the above accrediting and authorization bodies guarantee excellence of education offered to our students. NAC works towards rigor and relevance of curriculum as well as a variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

The education of our students is our main goal as we habituate students to become iconic characters and take leadership roles in their community. We aim at equipping our students with the necessary success tools that will enable them to hold unique roles and be distinguished individuals.

The community at NAC is a versatile body where students and staff come from all different nationalities, different ethnic groups, and backgrounds. Such a variety entails a commitment on NAC towards serving all the different needs of the individual students as well as constructing a school environment that is welcoming, enriching, and fostering the growth of all students.

NAC staff is dedicated to our school primary mission on educating and developing the whole student; mind, body and spirit. Our staff members are lifelong learners themselves as they seek professional development to deliberately offer 21st-century teaching and learning in NAC.

NAC parents are valued stakeholders. Parents are advised and encouraged to take an active role in their kids’ education. At NAC, parents are welcomed to share, cooperate, and participate as active members of the community. Transparency and trust are the standards that guard our relationship with NAC parents and will, at all times, be the source of all the success we achieve.

Belonging to NAC community is simply a source of pride. It is a community of care, respect and success where faculty, staff, parents, and most importantly students feel important, loved and welcomed.

NACian and proud!
Heba Khalifa, MA
School Principal

Letter from the Elementary Principal Grades 1-5 American & Years 4-6 British

Welcome Back!

It is with pride and pleasure that I welcome back our returning students, as well as the newcomers. I would like to extend my gratitude to our heroes of last year; students, parents, teachers, staff, employees, and our NAC leadership team working under the worst of conditions, yet raising the bar for all schools in Egypt.

The new academic year, 2020-2021 is going to be another challenge to face and a very special one in the history of Narmer American College. With making sure to continue our mission and stick to our vision, yet putting the safety of all on campus first during this pandemic, NAC has been striving to ensure safety for all!

A lot of measures have been put in place to ensure safety of all; regular fumigation of campus, following a “less-touch” routine, forcing a “wear face-mask” policy, considering capacity of classes, sanitizing books, isolating suspicious cases, and regular check on body temp during the day.

NAC also promises to deliver the best education and all skills required for all grade levels. In doing so, blended/hybrid learning has been put in place. NAC doubled the internet speed to be able to live-broadcast all sessions for the whole school for those who opted to take extra measures and stay at home. The school has also considered the class size versus the class capacity. A 70% of the class will only be in attendance.
For grades 1-3, the school opened an extra class to cater for that need.
For grades 4-5, and years 4-6, the school worked on a rotational schedule where students will physically attend in bubbles for 4 days a week, and online once a week, thus ensuring physical attendance of 80% of the instructional time.

Please attend to the following:

– School gates open at 7:45 a.m. not before for students.
– Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 1:20 p.m. (each stage has a special arrangement for dismissal start time)
– Access to school for entrance and dismissal is through a designated gate (TBA)
– Students will stay in one room as a group and no breaks outside the classroom are allowed
– Changing from online to on-campus choices and vice versa should be done via emails to the office
– For online students only, you will receive a schedule to come pick up your books from school.

We totally understand your many concerns and are trying very hard to cater to our students’ needs, putting safety of your children and our faculty and staff first. We encourage parents of high-risk students to communicate with us to be able to come up with different plans.

Contact info:
American Elementary Department Office
rashaessam@nacegypt.com

British Primary Department Office
monazaki@nacegypt.com

Wishing you all a fruitful year!

Hala Alfred
halaalfred@nacegypt.com

Letter from the Early Childhood / Elementary Years 1-3 British Principal

Dear Parents /Carers

We would like to welcome you to the 2021 Academic Year at Narmer American College and we truly look forward to getting to know you all.

We are delighted that we can have our children and Teachers back in school again where we strive to provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for everyone.

At Narmer American College we provide an enriched curriculum that sets standards for learning, development and care of your child. We strongly believe in providing the children with exciting, creative and meaningful learning experiences, which build their enthusiasm for learning and help them to grow and develop positively in a number of ways. We challenge our children to aim for personal excellence in all areas and where each child can achieve their full potential and become life long learners.

The needs of the children are paramount in the life and decision making within a school and therefore the partnership between home and school is vital. I am keen on building a school community which thrives on mutual respect and values positive relationships. We will always allocate time to listen to your concerns or thoughts about the school.

You can be assured that as Associate Principal, I am dedicated to create the best education for your child/children whilst they are members of the Narmer American College school family.

Thank you for your continued support and I wish you all the best for a happy and safe year ahead.

Yours faithfully

Lisa Anyon

Letter from the High School American Principal

I would initially like to extend my gratitude and express my pride to and at our NAC students, parents, employees, and the leadership team working under the most unusual of circumstances.

As we continue to educate our students and carry on with our usual mission and philosophy, I need to reassure everyone that NAC is taking all the necessary measures to guarantee that all people on campus remain safe and sound against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measures taken include fumigating the premise regularly, isolating suspicious cases in designated quarantine areas, forcing a “wear face mask” policy and advising students and parents to keep their children or themselves at home in case any sign of illness is manifest.

The whole school is operating with students on rotation schedule so that some may stay home to attend to online classes while others are on campus receiving physical instruction. This attempt to minimize the number of students on campus is designed to decrease any chance of infection.

Grades 9 and 10

Important notes:

Please follow up with your emails and the students’ system to know your son’s/daughter’s schedule of on-site and on-line classes. Do not send the students if they are scheduled for online attendance on a certain day

• School gates open at 7:45 a.m. not before for students.
• Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 1:20 p.m. (each stage has a special arrangement for dismissal start time)
• Access to school for High School through gate 3 entrance and departure.
• No access will be given to lockers.
• No access will be given to the Cafeteria. (Cafeteria is not operating)
• Students will remain stationed in one room with one group the entire day.
• Attendance will be taken on the second period of every day.
• Books will be fumigated and distributed starting the second day of school.
• Newly admitted students will be requested to immediately set up their accounts on the system with the ID numbers they received. Instructions will be sent through the email in records with the setup steps.
• All sessions will be recorded and accessible to students on the school system under “storage” for only ten days.
• We encourage our parents to frequently visit our webpage and follow our social media for up to date and accurate information. We do not need to create any confusion among parents or students by disseminating false rumors.
• Students promoted to the following year with one or two Fs will have to pass these subjects through self- study. They will sit for semester I and semester II exams in these subjects.
• Student Council elections and meetings will all be held online.
• Second Language classes will be held online and after school hours.

Grades 11 and 12

Important notes:

• Grade 11 and 12 will follow a unique schedule of classes. All elective courses will be attended to on-line. Only the core subjects will be attended on campus.
• School will begin for grade 11 and 12 students on September 21, 2020.
• Please follow up with your emails and the students’ system to know your son’s/daughter’s schedule of on-site and on-line classes. Do not send the students if they are scheduled for online attendance on a certain day
• School gates open at 7:45 a.m. not before for students.
• Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 1:20 p.m. (each stage has a special arrangement for dismissal start time)
• Access to school for High School through gate 3 entrance and departure.
• No access will be given to lockers.
• No access will be given to the Cafeteria. (Cafeteria is not operating)
• Students will remain stationed in one room with one group the entire day.
• Attendance will be taken on the second period of every day.
• Books will be fumigated and distributed starting the second day of school.
• Newly admitted students will be requested to immediately set up their accounts on the system with the ID numbers they received. Instructions will be sent through the email in records with the set up steps.
• All sessions will be recorded and accessible to students on the school system under “storage” for only ten days.
• Student Council and Senior Committee elections and meetings will all be held online.
• Second Language classes will be held online and after school hours.
• We encourage our parents to frequently visit our webpage and follow our social media for up to date and accurate information. We do not need to create any confusion among parents or students by disseminating false rumors.

Everyone must understand there is no way for us to please all as we make these decisions. Our priority is to keep everyone safe while not making life more difficult for our parents.

We completely understand your diverse concerns about health and safety, distance learning, the importance of face-to-face instruction, parents needing to work, the economy, and all of the other unexpected consequences of not being in school or being in school in a traditional method.

Rest assured our goal will always be to have students safely in our buildings as frequently as possible to ensure the health and well-being of all. In addition, always take note that we have medically compromised students. Parents of students with a higher risk of severe illness can contact the school administration, if needed, before the start of the year, so we can find together alternative plans.

Contact Information for the High School Office:
Fatma Salama: fatmasalama@nacegypt.com
Enas Abdel Halim: enashalim@nacegypt.com
Howayda ElEnany: howaydaelenany@nacegypt.com

Registrar:
Azza Badr ElDin: azza@nacegypt.com
Heba Shoukry: Hebashoukry@nacegypt.com
IT Office: ahmed.ali@nacegypt.com

We are all trying to navigate our way through these unprecedented times, however, I would like to reassure you that we remain as committed as ever to supporting your children through the coming weeks and months.

High School Principal
Howayda ElEnany

Letter from the Middle School American and British Principal

I want to officially welcome all of you to the 2020-2021 school year. We are looking forward to the new school year even though many aspects of the school will be different.
In the midst of this pandemic, we have been facing many challenges that we have never experienced before. Going back to school this year is certainly one of the toughest challenges we have to face as educators and parents. However, please rest assured that the NAC leadership team has developed a thorough and comprehensive plan that will guarantee the safety of our students and support all their educational needs. NAC teachers and staff members have been trained to follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and educate them about the health and safety measures that all students need to follow during the school day. We are counting on your cooperation to reinforce these measures at home. We expect all students to wear their masks on the buses, and while they are on the school campus. Students must observe social distancing and good hygiene measures. Please don’t send your child to school if he/she is exhibiting any flu-like symptoms.
• School gates open at 7:45 a.m. not before for students.
• Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 1:20 p.m. (each stage has a special arrangement for dismissal start time)
On arrival and departure students are required to use gate 3. Students will not be rotating, but will be stationed in one classroom all day. All subjects will be taught in the classroom except for ICT which will be taught in the computer labs. Foreign language classes will be taught online after school. The cafeteria will not be available.

Although our school day is shorter, the Middle School team has been working diligently all summer and has put forth a plan that ensures that all curriculum goals and standards for each grade level will be covered and technology is integrated effectively in the teaching process. During the lockdown period, our students were exposed to a different learning process that relied solely on technology, which enhanced their learning skills. The Middle School plan was modified to fully utilize technology and various digital tools to continue enhancing the educational process. Accordingly, we require all students to bring their laptops or tablets to school. Students will not be allowed to use their cell phones as an alternative to the above-mentioned devices.

Contact Information for the Middle School American & British:
Noha Bahgat Admin Assistant for the American Division: nohahatem@nacegypt.com
Wafaa Sokary Admin Assistant for the British Division: wafaasokary@nacegypt.com
Hala Ahmed: hala@nacegypt.com

Finally, while unknown challenges could always arise during this uncertain time, please rest assured that the entire Middle School team is dedicated to work tirelessly to continue providing our students with the required emotional and academic support. We look forward to seeing our students on the first day of school.

Hala Ahmed
Middle School Principal
American and British Divisions

Letter from the Early Childhood Principal Letter

I am familiar to many of you being the Associate Principal of the British Primary section Years 1-3 and I am delighted to inform you that this year, I will be the Early Childhood Principal alongside my responsibility for Years 1-3.

2020 has challenged staff and school children to find a new normal for learning and disrupted life as we know it. What I have learned the most through this process is how much I appreciate the expertise that our teachers bring to Narmer American College and the way in which our pupils adjusted and continued to achieve and learn through the distant learning platform created by our school.

I am incredibly delighted that we can have our children and teachers back in school again as you are aware from the Orientation session that you attended, some things will be different at least for the first term.

All of our children are precious and I assure you that we will do our utmost to keep them safe and happy when they return to school. The emotional wellbeing of the pupils is very important and we understand that the past few months has been traumatic for many. The teachers are receiving psychosocial COVID-19 training to be equipped with the necessary skills to help your children adjust to coming to school. Moreover, all the members of Narmer American College Staff will receive Health and Safety Training.

I am looking forward to meeting the pupils in the Early Childhood department and happy that I will have the opportunity to lead them during the Early Years Foundation stage. Positive experiences in their early years can benefit children in developing social skills and their ability to learn, we have this quality program in place at Narmer American College. The wellbeing, learning and development of your children during these early years is where the foundation is laid for their future Education.

As the Associate Principal, I will always make time to talk with parents, so please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any issues or ask questions.

Finally I would like to thank every member of staff for their hard work and commitment to the Health and Safety procedures. As a result of this detailed action plan and measures put in place, the children will be back on campus and this will give them the best possible start to a “new” normal 2020 school year.

Wishing you all the best for a happy and safe year ahead.

Lisa Anyon
Early Childhood Principal

Letter from the IGCSE Principal

I want to officially welcome all of you to the 2020-2021 school year. We are looking forward to the new school year even though many aspects of school will be different.

In the midst of this pandemic, we have been facing many challenges that we have never experienced before. Going back to school this year is certainly one of the toughest challenges that we have to face as educators and parents. However, please rest assured that the NAC leadership team has developed a thorough and comprehensive plan that will guarantee the safety of our students and support all their educational needs. NAC teachers and staff members have been trained to follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and to educate them about the health and safety measures that all students need to follow during the school day. We are counting on your cooperation to reinforce these measures at home. We expect all students to wear their masks on the buses, and while they are on the school campus. Students must observe social distancing and good hygiene measures. Please don’t send your child to school if he/she is exhibiting any flu-like symptoms.

• School gates open at 7:45 a.m. not before for students.
• Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 1:20 p.m. (each stage has a special arrangement for dismissal start time)
Students are expected to go directly to their classrooms. During arrival and dismissal times, students are required to use gate 3. The school cafeteria will not be available.

Our teachers are highly experienced and we expect our students to take classwork seriously and to be in attendance on regular basis. Teachers will administer three exams through the year, in addition to, ongoing assessment in the form of quizzes and tests. It is mandatory that students take all assessments assigned by their teachers. We are counting on your support in this respect and we encourage you to check your child’s gradebook on the school system and communicate regularly with his/her teachers. The school portal is an important tool for communication between you and the school. Messages containing important information and deadlines for payment will be sent to you and your child through the school portal.

We have worked hard to set a schedule that ensures that the curriculum goals and standards for each grade level will be covered. Based on this schedule, Year 9 students will be dismissed daily at 01h35 PM and will be off from school every Thursday. As for Year 10, students will be dismissed at 3h00 PM on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. While on Wednesdays and Thursdays, they will be dismissed at 12:00. For Years 11 and 12, each student will follow his/her own schedule. Foreign language classes and some of the core subject classes will be offered online after school.

Finally, while unknown challenges could always arise during this uncertain time, please rest assured that the NAC team is dedicated to work tirelessly to continue providing our students with the required emotional and academic support. We look forward to seeing our students on the first day of school.

Contact Information for the IGCSE:
Sherine Galal: sherinegalal@nacegypt.com
Hala Ahmed: hala@nacegypt.com

Hala Ahmed
Secondary School Principal
British Division