Beylikdüzü Osb/Esenyurt/İstanbul

Levant School Parent's Guide

Explore essential information about our school’s academic, discipline, communication, transportation, and cafeteria services to ensure a smooth and successful experience for students and parents alike.

“The Executive Director of Levant International Schools (Mr. Khaled Shaaban), guided by the vision of our school to prepare a generation that is educated, inquisitive, and actively engaged in keeping pace with modernity and progress, has worked diligently to create a nurturing and innovative family-like environment. Through this environment, our students gain the knowledge, skills, and values they need for their academic and personal lives.

We have ensured the presence of highly qualified educational and administrative staff whose primary focus is to support, guide, and elevate students both intellectually and behaviorally. This is achieved by continuously training our team in the latest creative teaching methodologies, while providing the necessary tools and modern resources to deliver information effectively, refine skills, and foster the talents of our students.”

Mr. Khaled Shaaban

“Dear parents, As an academic department, we take great pleasure in helping your children develop cognitive, language, physical and social skills. Our multi-cultural environment provides a friendly educational environment which is conducive to your children’s social and cultural development. In order to help your children improve on all levels, we will always devote so much time and effort to them. The department will be committed to tracking your child’s educational development as well as assisting them to identify their career goals. By working together, we are building a bright future for your child. Regards.”

Mr. Adel Al-Qadi

“We welcome our little ones with bouquets of roses and jasmine, embracing them with love and care. Our hands are extended to yours as we join forces to plant the seeds of noble and virtuous values, contributing to the development of upright individuals who will play their role in building their future society.

We warmly welcome our little buds and fragrant blossoms, spreading their aroma throughout our beloved Levant School, where knowledge shines in their minds, transforming them into suns that illuminate the world with science, literature, and wisdom.

We welcome you as conscious minds and blessed hands sharing in the task of shaping our children’s characters. We pay attention to the finest details, adhere to the highest standards, and adopt the most advanced educational and nurturing methods, with all hope that the sun of Levant will shine brightly in the minds of our precious little ones.”

Mrs. Huda Hallak

“Believing in the importance of extracurricular activities and their positive impact on students’ academic achievement, our school places significant and special attention on extracurricular activities, both artistic and educational, to develop our students’ skills and support their creativity in various fields.”

Ms. Lana Al-Zein

Levant International School

A distinguished educational institution that complies with the requirements of private schools set by the Turkish Ministry of Education. The school is officially licensed by both the Turkish and Lebanese Ministries of Education.

  1. Provide an engaging, enriching, and supportive educational environment that encourages increased academic and intellectual achievement for students.
  2. Develop learners’ abilities and equip them with practical and educational skills through modern methods and innovative approaches, preparing them to shape their futures in local and global institutions with competitiveness and creativity.
  3. Utilize resources, capabilities, and technologies to enhance the outcomes of the teaching and learning process.
  4. Activate the role of classroom and extracurricular activities, projects, and scientific research.
  5. Support gifted students, nurture their talents, and foster creativity across various fields.
  6. Cultivate values and attitudes within learners to build well-rounded personalities.
  7. Ensure positive and cooperative communication with parents and the local community

Building an aware and qualified generation equipped with the skills and abilities for learning and positive interaction within a safe and stimulating environment, through high-quality education that fosters creativity and excellence.

Striving for leadership and excellence in delivering high-quality education to prepare a knowledgeable, research-oriented, and aware generation that keeps pace with modernity and development, we rely on teaching advanced curricula enriched with educational, scientific, and social concepts and activities.

We teach the Lebanese curriculum, known as one of the strongest Arabic curricula, for its bilingual approach across all grade levels, from kindergarten to high school.

Our educational methodology is based on the following principles:

  • Humanities and Literary Subjects from the Lebanese curriculum, such as:

    • Islamic Education and Arabic Language, taught in Arabic.
  • Scientific Subjects taught in English using the American curriculum, including:

    • English, Math, and Science in the elementary and middle school grades (from Grades 1 to 6).
    • Advanced scientific subjects such as Math, Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Technology in higher middle and secondary grades (Grades 8 to 11) following the Lebanese curriculum.
    • English is taught in these grades using international curricula.
  • Turkish Language is taught across all grade levels using leading Turkish language series.

  • Qur’an, Noorani Qaida, and Islamic values are taught through a distinguished teaching methodology.

Additionally, we include technology, mental arithmetic, robotics, arts, and physical education to ensure a holistic and well-rounded education.

The school schedule for the 2022-2023 academic year commenced on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.

  • Daily Hours:
    Classes run daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

  • Number of Periods:
    Each day consists of 7 periods, with each period lasting 40–45 minutes, depending on the grade level.

  • Breaks:
    There are 3 breaks per day, each lasting 15–25 minutes, depending on the grade level.

  • Friday Prayer:
    Friday prayers are performed within the school premises during the last break on Fridays.

  • Separation During Activities:
    Grade levels are entirely separated during breaks and activities.
    Additionally, middle and upper school boys and girls are separated during breaks.


Attendance Policy:

  • Students may not leave during official hours unless accompanied by a guardian and for essential reasons.
  • If a student is absent, parents are required to inform the administrative supervision and justify the absence.
  • Unjustified absences negatively affect the student’s academic progress and may lead to dismissal if the student misses 20 days.
  • Missing exams or tests has a negative impact on the student’s results.
  • The school uniform is a distinctive feature that reflects discipline in educational institutions. Therefore, all students are required to adhere to and comply with it.


    School Uniform Details:
    The school provides uniforms for all students, which include:

    • 2 summer T-shirts
    • 2 winter T-shirts
    • 1 padded winter jacket
    • 1 sportswear set

    Students must wear loose-fitting navy blue or black trousers. Other colors or styles are not permitted.


    General Appearance:
    Students are expected to attend school with:

    • A neat and clean uniform
    • Well-groomed hair
    • A tidy and respectable appearance, which leaves a positive impression for both the school and the student.

    Prohibited Items and Practices:
    Students are advised to avoid:

    • Accessories such as rings, earrings, necklaces, nail polish, makeup, hand drawings, etc.
    • Long hair for male students unless styled neatly.
    • Wearing tight clothing, including trousers or T-shirts.

    Important Note:
    Students who fail to comply with the uniform policy will not be allowed to attend school.
    Repeated violations will result in contacting the guardian, and the student may be sent home or denied access to the school bus

The rewards system is based on accumulating the highest number of points and positive notes during school activities. These are recorded on the student’s page, and parents are notified about the points earned.

Points are awarded by all teachers and administrators for both academic and behavioral excellence.
Each student is initially awarded 50 points to encourage adherence to discipline.

Reward Levels:

  1. Bronze Certificate and Appreciation Gift:
    When a student reaches 150 points, they are awarded a bronze certificate and an appreciation gift from the administration.

  2. Gold Certificate and Name on Honor Board:
    Upon reaching 200 points, the student receives a gold certificate, an appreciation gift from the administration, and their name is displayed on the Honor Board.

  3. School Trophy and Appreciation Gift at the Year-End Ceremony:
    When a student accumulates 300 points, they are awarded the School Trophy and an appreciation gift at the closing ceremony.

  4. Top Student of the School:
    The top-performing student is awarded a scholarship (70% discount on tuition fees).


Criteria for Earning Points:

  • Academic excellence in all forms and subjects.
  • Academic improvement, even if slight.
  • General adherence to attendance and the school uniform.
  • Good manners, kindness, and respectful behavior.
  • Participation in any educational activity such as preparing educational boards, presentations, or implementing educational projects.

The discipline system serves as a negative reinforcement to prevent infractions or their recurrence, guiding the student to correct their mistakes or behaviors, rather than monitoring or disrupting their movements.

  • Pre-discipline Phase: This includes warnings, guidance, and understanding, with some infractions being overlooked.

  • Educational Discipline: The discipline should be educational and never affect the student’s dignity or physical well-being.

  • Exclusion for Young Students: The discipline system does not apply to children up to grade 3.


Discipline System Based on Negative Notes:

The discipline system is based on the number of negative notes recorded for the student. Students are penalized for behavioral infractions and academic shortcomings, both inside the school and in its surroundings. These notes are recorded on the student’s page, and parents are involved in correcting the behavior.

  • Academic Notes: These are handled by sending messages to parents and deducting positive points for academic underperformance.

  • Behavioral Notes: When the student accumulates three written behavioral notes, they are given a warning. If the misbehavior continues, the parents are called to sign a commitment to discipline and receive the recorded warning. If the behavior persists, the student may be suspended for three days, and the parents must sign a final commitment. If the behavior repeats, the school may ask the parents to transfer the student to another school.


Important Notes:

  • Disruptive Behavior: In case of disruptive behavior, lack of interest in lessons, or hindering class movement, the teacher should first warn and contain the student and resolve the issue using known methods. The goal is to avoid creating aversion to the subject and not to act in a punitive manner.

  • Removal from Class: If the student needs to be removed from class, it should be for 5 minutes, after which the student is returned to class. The teacher will then record the incident in the student’s record and inform the parents through the administrative office.


Steps in the Discipline System:

  1. Verbal Warning: After receiving two verbal warnings for the same issue.

  2. Written Warning: After three negative notes are recorded in the student’s record, a written warning is issued, and the parent must sign a commitment to maintain discipline.

  3. Registered Warning: If two new negative notes are added, the parent is called to sign a commitment to ensure the student complies with school rules. The student may also be excluded from breaks or general activities.

  4. Temporary or Permanent Suspension: If a serious violation occurs, the student may be suspended for three days, and parents will be informed of the reasons. If the misconduct continues, the student may be permanently expelled from the school.

Refund Policy: No refund of tuition fees will be given in case of suspension or expulsion.


Exceptions:

The school administration reserves the right to shorten the stages of discipline for serious infractions such as:

  • Disrespectful behavior toward teachers.
  • Deliberate damage to school property.
  • Smoking on or off school grounds.
  • Fighting that causes harm to fellow students, or other severe cases.

We kindly ask our students to adhere to the following rules:

  1. Punctuality: Students must adhere to school hours and class schedules, and be on time for lessons.

  2. School Uniform: Students are required to wear the school uniform at all times, as it is a symbol of order and discipline within the educational institution.

  3. No Accessories: Avoid wearing any jewelry such as rings, earrings, neckbands, nail polish, or makeup, as these do not align with the school environment.

  4. No Unrelated Items: Students should not bring items unrelated to the educational process, such as magazines, pictures, flash drives, or accessories.

  5. Mobile Phones: Mobile phones are not allowed during school hours. If used, the phone will be confiscated and returned only to the parent with a commitment to not use it again.

  6. Classroom Behavior: Students should not cause disruptions inside or outside the classroom or hinder the lesson in any way.

  7. No Fighting: Students should avoid fighting with classmates or others. Any disputes should be resolved through the school administration only.

  8. Appropriate Behavior: Students must refrain from behavior that is unbecoming of a student in a school environment.

  9. Leaving the Classroom: Students are not allowed to leave the classroom during lesson transitions unless prior permission is granted.

  10. During Breaks: Students must not remain in classrooms during breaks unless they have written permission from the administration.

  11. Eating and Drinking: Students are required to eat and drink only in designated areas such as the canteen or playground. Eating inside classrooms or other areas is not allowed.

  12. Health and Safety: Students must fully adhere to health and safety guidelines, including wearing masks, using sanitizers, and maintaining social distancing.

  13. Personal Belongings: Students are responsible for their own belongings, and the administration is not responsible for lost items. Students should keep their belongings secure in their lockers.

  14. Cleanliness: Students should help maintain cleanliness and order in all areas of the school, including the canteen, playgrounds, and classrooms. Littering or damaging school property is prohibited.

  15. Playing Areas: Students are allowed to play only in designated areas. Playing in hallways, classrooms, or the canteen is prohibited for safety reasons.

  16. Respectful Conduct: Students should always behave respectfully toward their peers, teachers, and school staff.

  17. Suggestions: We welcome suggestions from students, which will be considered by the administration and teachers.


School Life System:

Our school is committed to fostering an atmosphere of cooperation, respect, appreciation, and virtue among our students and teachers. We emphasize the development of moral, intellectual, emotional, and national values, and work diligently to build and nurture the students’ character.

  • Birthday Celebrations: Birthday parties are not permitted in the school, except in the Kindergarten section, and only with prior approval from the administration.
  • Leaving the Classroom: Students are strictly prohibited from leaving the classroom or skipping lessons.
  • Mobile Phones: Mobile phones are not allowed on school premises and should be handed over to the school’s educational supervision team.
  • Supervision: Educational and administrative supervision is responsible for monitoring the student’s behavior and academic performance in collaboration with the parents and the teaching staff.
  • True Education: The student has the right to receive education in the school using methods and approaches that help enhance their cognitive and intellectual growth. This includes attending classes, participating in classroom projects, assignments, and activities that help broaden their knowledge.

  • Proper Guidance: The student is entitled to receive correct educational guidance that builds relationships, corrects mistakes, and contributes to their overall development.

  • Monitoring Academic and Behavioral Progress: The student has the right to have their academic and behavioral progress monitored. Weaknesses or delays should be identified, and solutions should be implemented to help improve performance. This may include attending remedial classes or special lessons that the school offers to support their development.

  • Developing Abilities and Talents: The student has the right to enhance their skills and talents through participation in supporting activities such as competitions, festivals, and events.

  • Safety of the School Building: The student has the right to learn in a healthy and safe environment, free from hazards, equipped with all necessary safety and security measures.

We strive to prepare our little ones academically, socially, and emotionally for a smooth transition into primary education. We aim to equip them with the necessary skills and abilities through the distribution of school books, study materials, and a daily follow-up notebook at the start of the academic year.

Therefore, we kindly ask parents to:

  1. Send extra clothes for the child (both inner and outerwear) along with rubber shoes that will remain in the school.
  2. Ensure the child’s backpack is of a reasonable size and not too large to burden the student.
  3. Send packaged, healthy meals that do not require reheating.
  4. Inform the kindergarten supervisor about any special needs the child may have, particularly regarding health issues, psychological concerns, or any necessary medication before entering kindergarten.
  5. A healthy snack will be provided daily to the children as part of their nutritional program.

Educational and recreational activities offer numerous benefits, including:

  • They inspire excitement, joy, and happiness in the hearts of learners.
  • They provide a lively experience alongside theoretical learning.
  • They invigorate both the spirit and the mind.
  • They renew the determination to continue learning and increase motivation.
  • They enhance a sense of belonging and social responsibility.

We aim to offer a variety of purposeful and supportive activities for our students, and we will inform you about any activity in which you would like your children to participat.

Event Date
Start of the Academic Year – First Term 14/09/2022
First Term Midterm Exam 01/11/2022
Parent-Teacher Meeting – First Term 26/11/2022
First Term Final Exam 11/01/2023
Start of Second Term 06/02/2023
Second Term Midterm Exam 04/04/2023
Parent-Teacher Meeting – Second Term 29/04/2023
Second Term Final Exam 06/06/2023
Event Date
Turkish Republic Day 29/10/2022
First Term Break 14-18/11/2022
Midterm Break – Second Term
23/01-03/02/2023
Third Term Break + Eid al-Fitr Holiday 17-24/04/2023
Turkish Youth Day

19/05/2023

 

Financial Calendar:

Payment Requirement Date/Details
60% of Tuition Fee
By the end of the first semester
Full Payment for Second Semester
By the end of April
Uniform and Textbooks Payment
At the beginning of September
Monthly Installments
As per the agreement with the finance office

Effective communication between the school and the student’s family is essential for the success of the educational process with your beloved children. To fulfill this mission and achieve the desired results, we kindly ask you to do the following:

  • Inform the administration of any psychological or health issues your child may be facing and provide reports and recommendations if there are any concerns.
  • Follow up on your child’s performance and check on them at school by attending the scheduled meetings.
  • Attend activities, programs, and educational meetings organized by the school.
  • Notify the educational and administrative departments of any problems with the student and work together to resolve them.

Communication Methods:

  • Regularly check your child’s page in the school’s automated system.
  • Communicate by phone with the educational supervision or administrative department, with contact numbers provided at the start of the year.
  • Communicate through the school’s email or website page.
  • Communicate via WhatsApp for the aforementioned departments

Transportation: The school administration places great emphasis on the safety and comfort of transporting students via buses, ensuring quality service with safety, security, and comfort. We have partnered with a leading company in this field. Please note the following:

  • Buses are organized, and students are assigned according to their home locations at the beginning of September.
  • Communication should be made exclusively with the transportation supervisor, who is responsible for organizing, managing, and directing the buses.
  • A group will be set up to communicate with the bus supervisor to facilitate the work and determine departure and arrival times.
  • It is possible to track the movement of buses and check for delays or arrivals via the school’s special bus application.
  • Fees are set by the Istanbul Municipality based on the kilometers traveled, and the fare will be agreed upon with the company’s responsible officer.
  • Enrollment in the school bus service is optional and is available for students who require it.
  • Students must adhere to the designated times for school departure and stand at the designated pick-up spots.
  • Parents are responsible for ensuring their child gets to school if they miss the bus, as there is a specific time allocated for each student.
  • Transportation fees must be paid in advance at the beginning of each month to the transportation supervisor.
  • The transportation company reserves the right to suspend transportation services if payments are not made.
  • Full fees must be paid even if there is a public holiday or a break in school due to weather conditions.
  • Students must adhere to the bus rules: changing seats, moving around inside the bus while it’s in motion, or eating food on the bus is prohibited.
  • Changing buses or altering drop-off locations is not allowed unless formally requested by the administrative supervision, who will then notify the transportation supervisor of the change.
  • Students will arrive on the first day with their parents and will be returned home at the end of the school day by the school buses.
  • Bus schedules may fluctuate during the first week due to the adjustment of routes based on student locations.
  • In case of any inappropriate behavior from the bus driver or supervisor, please inform the transportation supervisor or the school administration to resolve the issue.

Cafeteria: We ensure the health and safety of our dear students by providing healthy, light meals and a variety of snacks, along with hot and cold beverages during break times. All of this is carefully monitored and supervised by the administration on a daily basis.