We are a diverse community and many events around the world affect GIS families. We would therefore like to offer our sympathies to our GIS students and parents affected by the war in Sudan. Several families have relatives in Sudan and students have approached me to initiate a donation drive. My colleague and Government Relations Executive, Ms Tasnim, has contacted the relevant UAE authorities and we hope to have the approvals soon. We shall of course let you know. 

Our community came together in a wonderful way last Saturday, for the Spring Carnival. This event was a huge success. From the student and parent stalls, to the food, the games, quizzes, items to purchase and even a ‘tug of war’ competition, it was such an entertaining afternoon. My huge thanks to our GISPA team, in particular Ms Thera, Ms Karina, Ms Suad and Ms Wessam, Mr Nic from our school leadership team and also our Operations Team. 

It was a pleasure to present Jeeya M (Grade 11) with the prestigious Sheikha Fatima Award on Thursday. This award is presented to one girl in each GEMS school, to reflect their dedication to service, student life, academics and values. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima has worked tirelessly across four decades to advance the rights and achievements of women and has herself received the highest accolades on the world stage. Well done to Jeeya for being such a positive example to all students. 

When teachers ask students to show  their work or projects, I know it will be very special. On Thursday, I was delighted that Muath and Anannya (both G6) showed me their math work on angles. Anannya explained the importance of angles through the medium of a human face and Muath focused on angles in calligraphy, particularly in Arabic script. What a mature and in-depth discussion ensued. Well done to these two students for such creative work!

There was further creativity on display on Friday, at the Theory of Knowledge Exhibition. Our Grade 11 students presented their arguments on knowledge, culture and beliefs succinctly and clearly. This course is a key part of the IB and allows students to consider broader questions around learning and life. Cadence P spoke to me about objects, such as glasses, what they symbolize in different cultures and why, and how this differs from pure scientific knowledge. Aarnav P also spoke with passion about how the same objects in different cultures can result in differing forms of creativity. I am sure you will agree that the IB and specifically aspects such as the ToK, sets this curriculum way beyond others and ensures that our students are not only attractive to universities and businesses, but learners for life.

Finally, I am pleased to pass on two pieces of good news. Firstly, our teacher turnover for next year is still remarkably low, at less than 12%, the lowest ever at GIS. It is pleasing to know that so many of our current teaching staff are remaining with us next year. Secondly, I have been working with STS on our bus offerings and costs and will have some positive outcomes to share with you very soon – parents asked me to look at costs and I have. Of course, the greater the  number of students who travel by bus, the lesser the impact on the environment. I shall provide more details as soon as possible. I shall also give an update on roads, when I have the clarity from RTA and Emaar. 

Kind regards and have a good weekend.

This week we had a busy week of fixtures starting off with the U12 boys taking on our close neighbors WEK on Monday. Our boys were unlucky to be playing so early in the week as it meant that they didn’t have much of an opportunity to train prior to this fixture. However, the boys put on a great show with some brilliant performances. The game was tight throughout with WEK pulling away slightly at the end of the 4th quarter. Well done to Jinu who was selected as Jaguar MVP.

On Tuesday our U12 girls travelled to Brighton College for their first fixture of the season. The girls played brilliantly well and came out on top with a 17-14 victory. Well done to Lynn A, who was selected as MVP for this fixture.

Wednesday was a big day for the school as our U14 boys played in the school’s first ever Division 1 fixture against Dubai English Speaking College. From the offset it was clear that this team deserved to be there and put on an incredible performance for everyone in what was a packed hall. The boys worked tirelessly throughout and were unlucky to have 2 of their key players foul out at the end of the 4th quarter, allowing them to equalize with seconds remaining. Unfortunately, with two pivotal players unavailable for overtime DESC emerged victorious, but the boys can hold their heads high after what was a brilliant performance. 

On Thursday we had 2 fixtures with the U14 girls basketball squad travelling to DIA Emirates Hills and the U15 Cricket Squad travelling to Kent College. The day did not start off great for our U14 girls as this fixture was originally listed on a different date and was missed off the schedule. The girls managed to get a squad together last minute, but came up against a strong DIA side. They put on a great performance and will be better prepared for their next fixture in 2 weeks’ time. Well done to Tia S, who was the Jaguars player of the match.

The U15 boys travelled to Kent College for their 2nd fixture of the season. The boys batted first and put up 147 runs over 10 overs, which led them to a 69 run victory and keeps them unbeaten for the season. Well done to Parth, who was player of the match with 33 runs and 4 stump outs.

Results:

U12 Boys Basketball: GIS 19-30 WEK

U12 Girls Basketball: GIS 17-14 Brighton College

U14 Boys Basketball: GIS 35- 42 DESC

U14 Girls Basketball: DIAEH 46 - 24 GIS

U15 Boys Cricket: Kent College GIS