The Junction

27 May 2022

A Note From Mr Green

‘The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.’

Robert F Kennedy

I’ve spoken a lot this week about ‘Great People’. I’m not extolling the virtues of people like the late, great Robert Kennedy; although the quote above is incredibly reminiscent of our core values. Instead, I’ve found myself numerous times speaking with, speaking to, and speaking about the great people that exist in our special community. I never take it for granted that I work in a special place. As a teacher, I feel privileged to be a part of a professionally stimulating, rewarding, and caring workplace. I work with passionate staff who are committed to innovation, who constantly seek to enhance their own learning, and who collaborate with a genuine investment in order to enhance the quality of education both within and beyond Jebel Ali School. There is a heart and a soul that goes into making JAS special. There is joy, inspiration, passion, and compassion.

It is not rocket science to believe that being surrounded by ‘Great People’ is important. By doing so we surround ourselves with people who lift us up, lend us knowledge, and help us learn from our mistakes. It makes us even better. It even has a name - ‘the law of attraction'. I remember once talking to someone about the amazing friends I have and how special they are to me when they pointed out something that stopped me in my tracks when they said ‘Isn’t that amazing… you think they are fabulous and they see you as their best friend too. That must mean they think your pretty amazing as well.’ I was astonished by this startlingly simple revelation and it always reminds me to be incredibly grateful for my friends and special people who I surround myself with. As parents we worry, don’t we, about whether our children are in with the ‘wrong crowd’, and our parents worried the same about us. That’s because those we spend the most time with have a huge influence on our moods, how we see the world, and the expectations we have of ourselves. As parents, we instinctively know this, and we want to use this power of proximity to have a positive effect on our children. Surrounding oneself with great people can affect every aspect of our lives and when we are surrounded by positivity, we’re more likely to adopt empowering beliefs and values and view life as happening for us instead of to us.

We need to take stock at times and remember that who we spend the most time with is who eventually we become. To attain new heights of success, we must surround ourselves with people who not only inspire but challenge. It might not always be easy. We might need to show resilience. But it’s worth it.

That’s why I love our school. The ‘Great People’. The children who every day delight, inspire, and reward with their happiness and hard work. The staff who work tirelessly to support, care for, motivate and empower our students to be the best that they can be. The PTA and parents who do so much for our community with their energy, creativity, and smiles (a huge thank you for the Quiz on Wednesday!). It's written, loud and clear, in our mission that we ‘Believe’ because we empower, we trust, we empower, and motivate ourselves. We are able to do this because of the great people here at JAS.

Oh and the person who told me I must be amazing too, I later married.

Have a lovely weekend and ‘Allez les Rouges’!

Last week, Year 7 spent their art lesson painting and finalising their beautiful insect clay relief tiles ready for display. This week we have started our exciting new topic of Pattern and Printmaking. Year 7CM thoroughly enjoyed their Pattern Scavenger Hunt around the school, collecting photos on their devices of both natural and man-made patterns, as inspiration for their lino printmaking. Here are some of the results!

Insect Clay Tiles

Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence

“Humans must merge with machines, or become irrelevant in the AI age.” – Elon Musk

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer program or a machine to think and learn and this means a machine which mimics human cognition. At least some of the things we associate with our minds, such as learning and problem solving can be done by computers, though not in the same way as we do. AI has acted as the main driver of emerging technologies like robotics and Internet of Things, and it will continue to act as a technological innovator for the foreseeable future.

In Computer Science, Year 9 students have been investigating how Artificial intelligence is impacting the future of virtually every industry and every human being. AI is changing the way we study, work and live and they have carried out some fascinating research about the impact it will have on humans in the future in terms of jobs, healthcare and education, to name a few.

International Student Identity Card

What is it?

The International Student Identity Card was created by students in 1953 and it is valid in 130 countries such as the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, UK and many more. It offers 150,000 discounts across multiple countries and makes going out a lot cheaper (800 of which are in the UAE). Anyone above the age of 12 and below 30 can apply for the card. The card is also endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

What are the benefits?

There are discounts for shopping, you can get 10% off everything at H&M and 15% off on Shein orders. There are also discounts for experiences such as at Novo cinemas and 25% off tickets at Yas Waterworld! The card also gives you discounts for ziplining at aventura and ordering pizza with 25% off at Dominoes. There are also offers for Emirates airlines and Booking.com that are available with the card.

The ISIC is also useful on holiday as it can be used in lots of famous museums and places across the world. In Paris you can use it at Disneyland and in New York you can use it to go up the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty at a cheaper price. There are many more benefits both in the UAE and also internationally.

How do I get one and at what price?

You can go onto the ISIC website at mystudentcard.org and fill out the online application form and upload the student’s photo, passport ID and proof of student status such as an enrollment letter. The price for a virtual card is 120 AED and for a plastic card it is 150 AED. You can choose to get either or both and it is valid for 12 months.

Is it worth it?

In my opinion yes it is. As a sixth form student, I should have invested in it sooner. Any student knows it is costly to go out with friends, especially in Dubai. I think all students should get it because it stops you from spending as much money as you would normally and it allows you to go out and have fun with friends. It helps save money on clothes and on delivery at many restaurants. I am personally really excited to use it when I go to Amsterdam this summer at the many museums there and I do think it will be worth the money for the amount it will save you.

Written by Pippa 12KC

Online Safety

Platinum Jubilee

In 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. As a British Curriculum school, we will be marking this occasion on Friday 3 June 2022, during the school day, with royalty-themed learning. It will be a non-uniform day and all students are encouraged to dress as royalty or to wear red, white and blue colours.

Helpful Hints

Six Qualities That Make a Great Team Player

What is a team player?

A team player is someone who actively contributes to their group in order to complete tasks, meet goals or manage projects. Team players actively listen to their peers, respect ideas and aim to improve the product or process at hand. Team players understand that their team’s success is their own success, and they share responsibility when their team experiences difficulties along the way.

Team player qualities and characteristics

There are many common soft skills that make individuals great team players. While soft skills are not as easily learned as technical skills, they can certainly be developed with time and practice.

Here are several qualities you can focus on to be a better team player:

1. You understand your role

As a team member, you understand your role within the team and work to achieve your duties to the best of your ability. Though you may offer help or solutions to other team members, you also respect the boundaries of your position.

2. You welcome collaboration

Working with a team means there will be varying opinions and ideas. Even if you think your idea is best, you should listen to all ideas before pushing yours. Search for compromises, and remain respectful if your work is criticised.

3. You hold yourself accountable

Take responsibility for your mistakes and look for solutions. Understand how your actions impact the entire group. In doing so, you will learn from your errors and command more respect from your team.

4. You are flexible

Flexibility in your role allows you to learn more and help your team. Look at every opportunity as a chance to learn.

5. You have a positive attitude

Maintaining a positive attitude even during stressful times helps the rest of your teamwork through that difficult time without getting upset. Your positive attitude will create a better atmosphere.

6. You commit to the team

You should be fully invested in the team. You will be a great team player if you can show others that you believe in the group, the process and the goals. This sort of positivity can radically increase morale and productivity.

How to be a better team player:

• Offer help. If you see a peer who seems overwhelmed or is struggling to keep up with tasks, ask if you can help. Team players support each other during difficult times. Remember to ask for help, as well.

• Actively listen. Active listening means hearing and thoughtfully responding to what your team member says. Ask questions about things you don’t understand.

• Communicate. Keep your team updated on your progress and what you need to be successful. Ensure that everyone is working toward the same goal and no one is repeating work.

• Respect others. Recognise that other team members are also trying to fulfill their roles, and consider how you can support them. Take the time to get to know your team. Everyone has a role to play that is no less critical than your own.

• Be a problem-solver. When you recognize a problem, take action to solve it. Brainstorm solutions to your problems and ask for feedback.

• Celebrate teammates' successes. If a member of your team succeeds, so do you. It means you are one step closer to completing a goal. Celebrate their success.

Collaboration is a crucial part of working successfully and learning how to be a positive force for your team is vital. When you aim to be a great team player, others will follow.

Reference

Rosie Channon

Head of Drama