The Junction

Friday 5 May 2023

A Note From Ms Davies

Graduation Class of 2023 & Introducing The Azzam Prize at Jebel Ali School

This week we celebrated the very first graduating class of Jebel Ali School. This is an amazing milestone for our Year 13 graduates, with the students creating video and photo montages; sharing stories of their experiences at the school, including the highs and lows and their appreciation of each other. The event was a celebration of the individual contributions the students have made to school to enrich each other’s lives and their academic performance. The students designed the celebratory assembly and program and were excited to “dress in their best” for collecting their graduation certificates. The students expressed their gratitude for the experiences they have shared at Sixth Form and the support of staff, and we watched some heartfelt messages from former staff at the school, wishing our first graduating class the very best for their examinations and next steps into the real world of university and work.

The Year 13 students, like many of our Jebel Ali students, have a broad range of interests and academic achievements and have bonded over the years with their experiences of International Award (Duke of Edinburgh), International Day, learning how to cook and preparing restaurant quality meals, learning DIY, meeting academic deadlines, revising and completing university applications.

The Graduation Assembly also presented us with the first opportunity to present The Azzam Prize.

The Azzam Prize

In 2021, and as part of its 15th year celebrations operating schools, Taaleem launched the ‘Dr Ziad J. Azzam Prize for Outstanding Academic and Personal Achievement’. The ‘Azzam Prize’, as it is commonly known, is named after Taaleem’s co-founder and founding Chief Executive Officer. It is awarded to a single graduating student who, during the preceding four academic years at a Taaleem school, has not only demonstrated the highest academic achievement, but has also served the interests of his or her school community in a distinctive and tangible way. Each recipient of the Azzam Prize receives a commemorative medal, a certificate of award co-signed by Taaleem’s CEO and Dr Azzam, and a $2,500 grant.

Schools within the Taleem group nominate students for the Azzam prize and the final, successful student is chosen by a panel, including Dr Ziad Azzam. This year, from our first graduating class at Jebel Ali School, the nominations were: Pippa Beatton, Molly Murphy and Malak Shabaro. All three of these students have combined outstanding effort and academic achievement with a range of contributions to the life of the school. All three have held leadership positions in Sixth Form and have been excellent role models for their peers and younger students. The winner of the Azzam Prize was announced in our celebratory Graduating Assembly on Friday 5th May, and we are pleased to share with you that Molly Murphy was the first Jebel Ali School student to be awarded the Azzam Prize.

Dr Ziad Azzam Biography

Dr Ziad Azzam grew up in the UAE. Having completed his International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 1987, he joined the freshman class at MIT. Dr. Azzam has two Bachelor’s degrees, one in physics and the other in electrical engineering, as well as a Master’s degree in theoretical physics from MIT. He started his career as a teacher, and later became head of an international school based in Dubai. After a three-year stint as a consultant with McKinsey & Company, and inspired by his passion for education, in 2003 he founded Beacon Education (now Taaleem), a school management company that develops and manages international schools in the UAE. Dr. Azzam was the founding Chief Executive Officer of Taaleem from 2003 until 2013. He now serves on two committees of the Board of the company, and advises schools and colleges in the public sector. In June 2019, he completed a Doctorate in Education from the University of Bath, England.

Congratulations to all of our graduating class of 2023, you have been the pioneers, forging a path for future Jebel Ali students and setting an amazing example for those who follow in your amazing footsteps.

Ms Davies

Assistant Headteacher - Sixth Form

Update on Loki

Thank you to everyone that has sent messages of support for Loki. He has been recovering well this week at DKC in Motor City, where we have been visiting him every day. It has been lovely to hear all of your messages wishing him well.

The vets are very happy with his progress so far, but there is still a long way to go. Loki is in good spirits and particularly enjoys when he is allowed in the garden to watch the other animals.

Week in Review

Coding Club ECA

Key Stage 3 students who have signed up for the Coding Club ECA this term have been invited to compete against other Dubai schools in the 2023 - Make Code Competition.

This is an exciting opportunity for our students who will work in teams to create games using block coding based on the concepts of sustainability; keeping the city clean, recycling, local farming, and energy production.

Teams will make their games in MakeCode Arcade and they have already started to develop new skills using this software. The finalist games and the teams who created them will be invited on stage at GameExpo to talk about their creations during the live finals in June and there will be a cash prize equivalent/hardware for the top 3 student teams.

Good luck to all our JAS students taking part.

JAS Politics A Level students go to Parliament

We are pleased to share the exciting news that three Jebel Ali students will be going to the British Houses of Parliament for work experience this summer.

Organised by the Head of History and Politics, Mr. Timcke, Year 12 students Erin, Mia-Daisy, and Saniya, have all been accepted to spend part of their summer experiencing the inner workings of Parliament.

All three students will be working in the office of the former Education Minister: Sir Gavin Williamson MP. Sir Gavin, who recently conducted an online question and answer session with JAS students, has been gracious in his support to Jebel Ali and has provided a rare opportunity for the students to be able to spend working time in Parliament and around the British government.

This unique opportunity will allow the students to further develop their learning, give them fantastic exposure to the workings of parliament, and enable them to connect with some of the most powerful people within the United Kingdom.

We are sure that Erin, Mia-Daisy, and Saniya will make Jebel Ali proud by representing the school at the highest level.

JAS Inclusion

On Friday the 28th of April Anna Kaminki delivered a talk on ADHD in Children and Teens. She presented to over thirty of our Jebel Ali parents covering what is ADHD, the common myths, the main groups of symptoms (attention dysregulation, emotion dysregulation, hyperactivity/ impulsivity) and less obvious/ known ways in which ADHD presents. She also gave our parents some practical tips to try at home and school. The talk was very informative and gave us all a lot to think about. If you were unable to attend the talk you can find the recording here and on our JAS Youtube channel https://youtu.be/zp7CAitR3DY.

More information about Anna’s work and how she can support children and their families can be found here Living Here Now -Anna Kaminski

Peer Coach Graduation

Two terms of intensive training culminated in the graduation ceremony today where 14 Year 12 students were awarded their certificates and badges and are officially now Peer Coaches at Jebel Ali School. Having learned about basic counselling skills such as empathy, active listening, boundaries, empowering clients amongst other skills and practising these skills under intimidating circumstances in the form of role plays, these Peer Coaches are ready to promote the programme and put their skills into action.

Over the remaining weeks of Term 3, they will speak to students and staff in assemblies to explain the Peer Coaching programme and work with Year 7 students pastorally during Mentor time to deliver training on self-esteem and confidence. They will also be available to meet with students who are having a hard time and need someone to listen.

Pippa, Year 13, our fantastic outgoing Head Peer Coach handed over the reins to the very competent Inaaya, Year 12, who will continue to lead the programme "I am extremely thrilled to have been given such the opportunity to take on the mantle of Head Peer Coach. I will make this role my own and bring a lot of new creative ideas to the table. I hope to make a positive change in the JAS community. I would love to help the students come out of their shells and make sure they know we are here for them!"

Mrs. Chittenden is very excited to see how the programme is going from strength to strength and looks forward to the Peer Coaches making a difference in the school community. Watch out for more updates throughout the term.

JAS Sport

JAS Secondary Sport

Please see a reminder below of any key documents you need for any information regarding JAS Sport.

Welcome back to Term 3! It has been a very busy week with 6 basketball fixtures, 2 cricket matches, and 2 rounders matches all taking place. All of the games this week have been closely contested and very competitive. Congratulations to the U13 cricket team and U15 rounders team on their first wins of the season.

We look forward to seeing our first water polo matches in action next week.

Staff v Student Sport

Our Year 11 cohort are coming into their final weeks of PE. As a farewell they have been playing their old primary teachers and secondary teachers across a variety of sports. Congratulations to the staff who won a series of netball games this week. We look forward to the re-match in frisbee and basketball next week.

What’s On - WC 08 May

Living in the Online World

Helpful Hints

Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Islam teaches its followers many etiquettes of eating and living a healthy life. The Prophet made a point of developing remarkably clean and healthy eating habits among his followers. With its rich bazaars and political and caravans streaming in from desert oases, it would have been easy for a man of Muhammed’s stature to live a lavish life of immoderate eating and unhealthy habit. But that’s far from what happened.

The Prophet Muhammad shared many insights into the Qur’an on how to lead a natural and healthy life, and many of these health and fitness tips are the foundation of social customs in the Islamic religion. Here are the Top 10 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:

Eat in moderation

Prophet Muhammad stressed the practice of eating less to prevent sickness and diseases, which is supported by doctors today. The Islamic practice of eating in moderation suggests your stomach should be filled by ⅓ of food, ⅓ liquid, and ⅓ breath. Within the past 20 years, studies have shown that mindful eating can help you reduce overeating and binge eating, lose weight and reduce BMI, cope with eating problems, and reduce anxious thoughts about your body and food.

Eat slowly

It was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad was a strong advocate of eating slowly to help with the digestion process. It takes about 20 minutes for the body to tell our brain that we are full. Slow eating helps digest our food because efficiently chewed food aids the digestion process and doesn’t require too much energy from the stomach or intestine.

Participate in sports

In Islam, sports are important to gain a healthy body. Sports like archery, swimming, and horseback riding are especially encouraged. Islam encourages exercise and being in good physical shape. The Prophet said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to God than a weak believer, though in both is good.” The one who is physically stronger is better before God because they are more active and energetic in the performance of worship and taking care of the needs of others.

Sleep and Salat (prayer)

The Prophet also recommended adequate sleep. He never deprived himself of sleep nor overslept. He advised and practiced sleeping in the early part of the night and to waking up early in the morning. Science research shows that going to bed early can help maintain a healthy weight, stay more productive, and avoid serious health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases.

Salat is one of the five fundamental requirements that a Muslim is obligated to perform. According to a hadith (authentic narrations from the prophet), the Prophet has reported having said, “Verily there is a cure in salat”. There are some physical benefits in salat, such as increased movement in hand and shoulder muscles at the beginning of the salat, therefore increasing the blood flow towards the torso. The heart is one of the most important organs in our body because it supplies fresh blood to all body tissues. The movements during prayer are a good source of exercise in our hearts.

Share food

Prophet Muhammad told his followers about the benefits of sharing as opposed to over-indulging in the good things in life. He said, “He is not a believer who eats to his full but his neighbor goes without food.” Prophet Muhammad encouraged sharing food with neighbors, friends, and the poor. This principle of improving the public’s general health is thanks to the Prophet’s own life and ideas.

Foster a strong community

The Prophet brought value and significance to Muslims eating together. He said it is crucial to eat food with family, romantic relations, and children to build a better connection. People are usually relaxed when eating with company and it also builds social harmony and understanding. “Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company,” the Prophet said.

Fasting

Recent evidence has shown that the foods we eat and the times that we eat have impacted our health. The Prophet would fast not just during Ramadan, but Monday, Thursday, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month. Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular as it has numerous benefits to the body. Fasting helps with weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, speeds up metabolism, curbs hunger, improves eating patterns, enhances brain function, and boosts the immune system.

Dental hygiene

The Prophet would always brush his teeth before and after bed using a part of a fruitless yet fragrant branch called Arak. This small wooden branch is still used today as a toothbrush. Muhammad gave special attention to cleanliness and personal hygiene with respect to faith. Research shows that 70% of people with poor dental hygiene were at risk of heart disease according to the Scottish Health Survey.

Drink water slowly

The Prophet said to not drink water in one gulp like a camel, instead take small sips. Today, science shows that when a person drinks too much water in a short period of time they can imbalance blood electrolyte levels and experience dizziness. Drink water slowly so it will help your body absorb fluids and get the most out of them.

Mental health

The Prophet taught his followers to have a peaceful mind through acceptance of life changes. He warned them not to be engulfed with anxiety, depression, or anger. “A man said to the Prophet, ‘Give me advice.’ The Prophet said, ‘Do not get angry.’ The man asked repeatedly and the Prophet answered each time, ‘Do not get angry.’” Prophet Muhammad knew that if a person controlled his anger he or she would be able to control other aspects of life. That is why the Prophet mentioned in another hadith (authentic narrations from the prophet), “The powerful man is not the one who can wrestle, but the powerful man is the one who can control himself at the time of anger.” Anger opens the door to all bad qualities and staying away from it opens the door to all good qualities. Health studies have shown that anger can raise your chances of a stroke, puts your heart at greater risk, and weakens your immune system.

Hassan Elewa

Teacher of Islamic

Article of Interest

How Long Does It Take to Form a Habit?

How long does it take to form a habit? An average of 2 to 3 months, suggests research, but some habits may take more — or less— time than others.

Habits are those repetitive behaviours you do without much thought.

They might be little things that have no true impact on your day, like drumming your hands on the table before dinner, or they may be actions that impact your health and wellness, like regular exercise.

How long does it take to create a habit?

Habit formation can take an average of 59 to 70 days. According to a study carried out in 2021 by the British Psychology Society, it can take about 59 days until a new habit becomes automatic. Further stating that implementing routine-based and time-based cues help to increase the chances of habit formation.

For example, if you want to implement the habit of flossing on a more consistent basis, you may plan to floss every morning after brushing your teeth.

But the length of time it takes for a habit to be formed can vary from person to person, so you may not always see success in 2 months.

Research in the past has focused on creating lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes. Research suggests that implementing small changes daily that are time and location-based can encourage habitual behaviour change in about 10 weeks.

Habit formation largely depends on the habit itself and the individual. You may form habits quicker, for example, if you’re highly incentivised or motivated. Habits that aren’t enjoyable — even if they’re beneficial — may take longer to establish.

The introduction of rules, regulations, or restrictions may also force you to develop habits more quickly.

5 tips to Form a new Habit

To give yourself the best chance possible of meeting that 2 to 3 month average, these tips may make a difference.

1. Try to start small

It is recommended to build habit frequency slowly. If your goal is to read before bed every night, for example, you can start by reading before bed once a week.

2. Break down your goal into simple steps

You may be more likely to drop a behaviour the more difficult it feels. Make it easy for yourself for example, if your goal is to exercise more, start by committing to walking for 10 minutes a day.

3. Consider having a habit buddy

Work toward habits with a friend or family member. Not only will this provide a source of support, it will also help you to hold each other accountable.

4. Set aside time every day

Scheduling time for your new habit may help. Digital reminders and scheduling programs can offer a way for you to ensure there’s time in your day to honour your new habit. If you want to start meditating, decide that you will do it first thing in the morning for 10 minutes, in your bedroom before getting out of bed.

5. Remember to reward yourself

Habits are a part of learning, and learning in the brain is majorly driven by reward. When you successfully perform the new behaviour, rewarding yourself with something you enjoy can provide a system of positive reinforcement.

Aoife Riordan

Teacher of Science

Article adapted from https://psychcentral.com/health/need-to-form-a-new-habit

JAS PTA RollDXB Roller Disco

JAS PTA RollDXB Sign Up Sheet

Student Focus / Highlight

Last weekend, Shamsa competed in the Longines Showjumping Championships Finals and won the children's championship!

The Longines Showjumping Championship Finals is considered the most prestigious showjumping competition of the season. It is a highly competitive event. Winning this championship is a significant achievement and a testament to the rider's skills, dedication, and hard work.

The competition is known for its challenging courses and high-level of competition over 2 days and 3 rounds.

Shamsa had to go clear over 2 rounds to have been accepted into the jump off (which only a handful of children made). She then needed to take the most perilous short tight turns to be the fastest all while not dropping a pole. This makes it all the more impressive that Shamsa was able to come out on top. The JAS community is extremely proud of her for this accomplishment!

A couple of weeks ago she also won the Junior dressage championships 22'/23'. Congratulations to Shamsa on all of her achievements. #BetterIsAlwaysPossible

Sophia and Grace (8SKU) both came away with awards at the Hurricanes netball end of season awards ceremony this year.

Sophia was awarded Coaches Player of the Year for the whole of Year 8 netball and Grace was awarded Most Improved Player of the Year for her netball team, The Owlets. Congratulations to both girls for their commitment and outstanding achievements in netball, and for embodying the Jebel Ali School values of kindness, resilience and growth mindedness.

Student of the Month

Staff Profile

Maggie Jackson - Secondary Inclusion LSA

Mrs. Jackson was born in Texas but moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, in her late teens to spend time with her family and attend Canterbury University. She joined the JAS team in January 2022 and really enjoys being part of the Secondary Inclusion team. She is currently undertaking her PGCE with Nottingham University.

She has spent the majority of the last 11 years living in the UAE. Their family chose to make the UAE home, leaving Christchurch after the devastating earthquake in 2011. They stayed in Abu Dhabi for 10 years, briefly relocating to Australia, before coming back and settling in Dubai. Before coming to Jebel Ali, she worked at Brighton College Abu Dhabi and The Pearl Academy both in learning support roles. She loves the energy at JAS and thinks that the JAS magic is apparent every day when collaborating with students.

Maggie says of the JAS values:

“Kindness - it is so important and takes no effort yet directly impacts everyone in the community. It ensures everyone feels accepted and included for who they are."

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