On Thursday my office door burst open for a wonderful group of our Tareeqi Program students, who arrived with festive gifts that they had made for me – what a privilege! I had just had a lunch meeting, so they were able to tuck into some treats too. My thanks to all these students for their kind gesture. 

I was privileged to accompany a group of students, invited by Mr Tompkins (GEMS for Life), to attend a very special panel presentation at the Museum of the Future. It is not every day that one is able to meet astronauts and the Administrator of NASA! In the words of Prany N (G10): “I had the chance to meet Senator Bill Nelson and Emirati astronauts Sultan Al Neyodi and Hazzaa Al Mansouri. Senator Nelson’s powerful explanation of the ‘Overview Effect’ made me shift my consciousness, based on the astronauts’ experience when observing Earth from orbit, which highlights the vulnerability and interdependence of our planet. I have completely changed the way I think about humanity’s place in the universe.”

Nizi Z (G11) created this amazing video of the event. Please take a look:

Two other visits provided students with extraordinary opportunities this week. Our Grade 2s headed to COP28. Ms Melissa, Grade 2 Leader, explained how the G2 children explored how technology is fighting climate issues. Ms Melissa added, “Highlights included a stunning life tree with see-through TV screens, VR headsets for ocean protection talks, a cool 3D printer making pots out of recycled materials and solar power designs coming soon to the UAE. The trip integrated our Unit Of Inquiry classroom learning with real-world solutions, inspiring our students to be environmental advocates.”

     Jaguars Corner