If a child lives with criticism
He learns to condemn
If a child lives with hostility
He learns to fight
If a child lives with ridicule
He learns to be shy
If a child lives with shame
He learns to feel guilty
If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be patient
If a child lives with encouragement
He learns confidence
If a child lives with praise
He learns to appreciate
If a child lives with fairness
He learns justice
If a child lives with security
He learns to have faith
If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns to find love in the world
By: Dorothy Law Nolte

Founded in 1977, Al Bayan Bilingual School is a non-profit Arabic-English university preparatory educational institution, which fosters an environment for students to develop the intellectual qualities, ethical values, and positive attitudes required for effective participation and leadership in the overall development of Kuwait and the rapidly changing world.

Welcome to Al-Bayan Bilingual School Kindergarten! The kindergarten faculty would like to warmly welcome you and your child. Being four and five years old is a wonderful time in your child’s life. This is the time when children are curious about the world around them and are asking questions. Children are developing cognitively and physically every day and this varies from child to child. As educators in the kindergarten, we strive to provide your child with the best opportunities to learn. The KG faculty is aware of the children’s needs, and provides plenty of stimulating activities to encourage and help them achieve their potentials. We hope that with your support and cooperation, we can make this year a successful one for your child.

The Al-Bayan Kindergarten program provides educational learning experiences in two languages, Arabic and English. Both programs use themes, pre-reading skills and pre-writing skills. The KG1 and KG2 curricula will vary to the instructional level of children taught. Other areas in the KG curriculum include developing fine motor skills, teaching of science, math, Islamic Studies, art, physical education, and music. The Kindergarten program develops practical life skills and provides children with the necessary foundation for the future years. The Kindergarten department includes 6 KG1 and 6 KG2 classes. KG1 and KG2 classes are located in the lower and upper levels of Fawzia Building. Arabic and English classrooms consist of one teacher and a teacher assistant. Students are placed in mixed ability grouping.

School commences at 7:30 A.M. and ends at 12:40 P.M. We expect all parents to be prompt in bringing and collecting children. Parents should not send their children before 7:15 A.M. because there will not be any teacher supervision before that time. The school will not be responsible for any child left alone before 7:15 A.M. Children are to put their lunch boxes in their advisory classes and then go outside to the playground. No child remains inside the building unless the weather is bad (rainy, dusty, cold, humid and very hot).

The KG classes start the day by introducing the skills or concepts and giving instructions to activities for the day. It is very important that a child attends classes on time. Kindergarten is a continuous experience with each day’s learning built on the day before. Failure to be on time may affect the child’s performance in class.



School ends at 12:40. Make sure you are prompt in collecting your child. Some children become worried or upset if parents or drivers do not come on time. Parents, maids and drivers will be asked to sign a "Sign Out" sheet for the release of children at the end of the day. This will continue until teachers become familiar with the person collecting the child. It is very important that parents be consistent in sending the same person to collect the child after school. If your child is to go with a different driver, aunt, or some other person who normally does not collect the child, please inform the PreSchool Deputy Principal or send a note with the child. No child will be released unless a notice has been sent or a call has been made to the school. In declared emergencies, a child will be released to the parents, nannies or drivers only if the release form is signed by the person collecting the child and a phone number is written beside their names.

The Kindergarten department has various activities that parents are invited to attend. In September, KG1 and KG2 have “Back to School Night” for parents to visit and see their child’s classroom, meet the teacher and learn about the KG program.

"Sports Day" is scheduled for KG1 and KG2 at different times in the school year. Children participate in various fun-filled physical activities. The KG1 faculty and students present a Music concert for KG1 parents. KG2 ends the year with the KG2 Promotion Ceremony, marking the end of the PreSchool years for our kindergartners. The Kindergarten department will notify parents by a letter of the events that occur during the school year.

Please, try to visit the school to support your child during these activities. Children are thrilled to see their parents in school, admiring their work and watching them perform on stage.

Bus service is available from a private bus company. All arrangements must be made with the Accounts Department.

Bus children are placed in the bus at 12:35 P.M. If parents wish to collect their child on any day instead of letting them ride the bus home, the school must be notified. If no phone call is made or a note is sent, your child will be placed on the bus.

All bus children must behave on the bus. It is very important that your children listen and obey the adults or supervisors. Unruly behaviour on the bus will not be permitted. A warning will be sent to parents. If your child rides the bus, we encourage you to discuss the importance of proper behaviour on the bus.

The policy for illness is that if a child has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or a contagious disease such as measles, chicken pox, sore throat, he or she must remain at home. For routine health problems there is a school nurse available. If your child becomes ill or has an accident at school, your child will be sent to the nurse. The nurse will determine the seriousness of the illness and call parents if a student is to be sent home. It is important that the school has the proper home and work number. Also an emergency number is needed in case the nurse is not able to reach you at home or work.


If your child has a special health problem, such as allergies, asthma, etc. the school nurse should be notified. She will then inform the child’s advisor.


Medication: It is preferred that all medicine be given at home before a child comes to school. The nurse will administer any medication sent to the school. Teachers are not responsible for giving medicine to your child. Any medicine brought to school must have a note from the parent or doctor stating the name of the student; name of the medicine, dosage and the time the medicine is to be given to the child.

Parents are responsible for notifying the school when a child is absent for more than two days. A note should be sent with the child upon his/her return to school. Teachers will phone parents after 3 days of absence to inquire about the child.

The kindergarten children should be dressed in the official Al Bayan (pants, sweaters, shirts, shorts, skirts with the BBS logo).
* These are sold on the school premises.

Tennis or rubber soled shoes with Velcro fastening are strongly recommended. Children should be encouraged to learn to dress themselves at home. Parents should encourage their children to be independent.
* Each article of clothing should have the student’s name on it.

KG1 and KG2 teachers request an extra change of clothing for your child in case of an accident. Clothing should be properly marked with the child’s name.

Children should wear no jewellery or watches to school. The teachers or school will not be responsible for any lost items.

Each grade level has a set of classroom, playground and restroom rules that each child must follow and obey. Constant reinforcement of rules helps to maintain a pleasant and stimulating learning environment for your child. The rules are listed below:

1. Classroom Rules
• Be a good listener. (When someone is speaking, children should be listening)
• Raise your hand to get permission to speak
• Wait for your turn to speak and don’t shout out answers
• Ask permission to go the restroom or drink water
• Respect teachers, students and school property
• No hitting, biting, spitting or pushing in the classroom, playground or in line
• No bad language or name calling
• No running inside the classroom or school buildings
• No stealing or destroying school property
• No drinks of water or restroom allowed during group language time or Circle Time
• Share toys, colors or erasers
• Play friendly and take turns
• Be polite
• Greet teachers and students when entering and leaving school.
• No toys should be brought from home
• No valuable jewellery is to be worn by children in school
2. Lineup Rules
• No pushing or talking in line
• Children should face forward and keep their arms at their side
• Children enter and exit the building or classroom in an orderly manner
3. Seat Work Rules
• Children should work quietly
• When playing at a table, children should use a soft voice. No shouting
• Share toys, pencils, erasers and colors
• Child must sit properly on a chair
• Children should not leave the activity that they are assigned without permission
• Children need to push the chairs under the table when they get up
• Children tidy up when they complete their work or finish playing with the toys
4. Rest Room Rules
• No playing or loud talking in the restroom
• No running in the restroom
• Flush toilets
• Wash hands before lunch and after using toilets
• No playing with the water or spray hose
• Throw paper towel in the waste basket
5. Lunch Rules
• Wash hands before eating
• Talking is permitted, provided the following guidelines are met: No loud talking and no talking with a mouth full of food
• No playing with the food
• Child tidies up their place
6. Outside Rules
• Children line up in the designated areas when the bells rings
• Children tidy up the sand toys before lining up
• No hitting, throwing sand or rocks or fighting allowed
• Use playground equipment properly
• Use sand toys properly
• No toys are to be brought from home
• Children must not pick the plants
• Children need to ask permission to drink water or go to the restroom
• Children are not allowed to play with the gates or go outside the gates unless accompanied by a teacher or guardian
• Lines are to be quiet and orderly before entering the building
• No playing with the sand while in line
• No hiding in the playhouse when the bell rings
• When walking to the Elementary building, children should be quiet and in an orderly manner

If you wish to discuss your child's progress with the teachers, please call the School Secretary at 5315125 Ext. 500, who will be glad to set up an appointment.

A parent conference form must be filled during the meeting. Please ensure that your feelings/comments are recorded properly before signing. If you are concerned about any matter, please see the teacher first, but if you need further advice, the Deputy Principal or Principal will be happy to assist.

The annual parent conference date is in November following the first grading period. The conference days are held in the evening and the following day. Meeting times are not scheduled. When you arrive at school, parents sign up for a meeting to discuss the students' progress. The meetings are only ten minutes. If you need more time, you will need to schedule a parent conference for another day. More information regarding "Parent Conference Day" will be sent home.

The PreSchool Counselor is available to advise both parents and faculty on academic or social problems. The School Counselor works with the teacher and gives advice and recommendations when a child has been referred to her. The administration, teacher and counselor work together for the benefit of the children. A direct appointment can be made with the counselor at 5315125 Ext 521.

Report cards are an indication of your child's progress through the school year. Parents must remember that each child develops at different times and should be encouraging and supportive towards their child. Report cards are distributed to parents in November, March and June.

Newsletters are given the first week of each month. They are to inform you about what your child is learning in school during a particular month. The newsletters contain the topic and skills or concepts that will be taught during that month. Parents are encouraged to read the newsletter and use it to reinforce the skills taught at school. It is important that parents and KG staff work together to help make this year a successful one for your child. The newsletter will be an important paper that needs to be placed in a safe place for reference.

Field Experiences are an essential part of the educational program. They provide children with hands-on experiences and they help to reinforce topics taught in kindergarten classes. Field trips are scheduled throughout the school year. Permission slips are sent in advance to inform parents about the trips. The permission slip must be signed and returned to the child’s advisory the following day. If a permission slip is not returned or signed, your child will not be allowed to go on the field trip. If your child is sick, please keep him/her at home. It is difficult to give your child the extra attention needed when he/she does not feel well on these field trips.

Birthdays are celebrated ONLY during lunch time. You may bring a cake before 8:45 A.M. You also need to supply the teacher with plates, forks, and napkins. Parents may bring a camera and give to your child's teacher who will be glad to take a photo for you. Two days of advance notice is required.No goody bags or presents should be distributed to the student.

Children have many needs. There are many things that you as a parent can do to help make school a wonderful experience for your child. Listed below are some helpful suggestions:

1. Set rules and routines at home.
2. Be consistent in disciplining you child.
3. Establish a bedtime and morning routine with the child and adhere to it.
4. Ensure that your child arrives to school and is collected from school on time.
5. Set aside a time for your child to discuss the school day on a daily basis.
6. Spend quality time with your child by reinforcing skills, communicating or playing with him/her.
7. Encourage your children to do things for themselves (dressing, carrying own lunchbox, feeding themselves, etc.).
8. Encourage your children to go to the bathroom and be able to clean themselves without the help of maids. This is very important.
9. Be aware of what your child brings to lunch everyday. A sandwich, juice and fruit or vegetables should be packed daily. Make sure a straw is packed with the juice.
10. Show an interest in school. Become involved in your child's education and progress. Make appointments with the teachers to discuss your child's progress or concerns.
11. Read all the newsletters or notices sent from school.
12. Encourage your child to follow directions and to pay attention.
13. Read to your child and have plenty of books at home for your child to see.
14. Praise and encourage your child's accomplishments.

On certain occasions students will not be required to wear their school uniform, but may come in free dress. These days will be announced.

The purpose of this handbook is to assist you. If you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our doors are always open! Your support is greatly valued and we look forward to meeting you.