GOODBYE MA’A AS-SALAAMA AUF WIEDERSEHEN AU REVOIR ADIOS VALETE
JAMES KIMBER So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye. It’s time for me to say “vale” Dubai. The last seven years have been a great adventure. I knew I would enjoy the unique opportunity to establish a Classics Department virtually from scratch, and Dubai seemed like an exciting city to live in, but I didn’t know how much I would value the outstanding community that we have here. More than anywhere else I have worked, people here care for and help each other, collaborate and pull in the same direction. I would like to thank Mike Lambert for
his expertise with A Level Latin, Greek, and university preparation, and to Sarah Lambert for assisting me with Classical Civilisation and Year 9 Latin. I am proud of what we have achieved together: we have a good number of students opting for Latin at all levels (7 students for Year 12 next year!), we have helped 9 students to secure university places to study Classics or related subjects, mostly at Oxford or Cambridge, and our examination results compare well to any UK school. What I will remember most though, is the fun we had along the way: the trips to Greece and Rome (students learning to cycle on the cobbles of the Via Appia; snow on Vesuvius; getting robbed in Naples...), staging a performance of Antigone, Greek Club, Classics Society, treasure hunts, and
the buzz of enthusiasm in my classroom, as well as the amazing concerts, plays, sports days, and so many other activities in the wider DC community. I have been blessed to have had two lovely forms to tutor, and it seems right that I am leaving at the same time as my original 7JK form: we have shared a special journey together. I thrive on change and it is time for me to seek new adventures. I will take some work as a tutor and I will establish a company producing education resources. I intend to split my time between Wiltshire, Italy and New Zealand, and I am excited at the prospect of hills, mountains, seasons and weather, and being with my family. I am certain that the Department is in good hands with my replacement, Matt Cooney. It is time for someone with fresh eyes and new ideas to move the Department on. Dubai College and the lovely people I have met over the last seven years will always hold a special place in my heart. I am honoured to have played a small part in the College’s success. Thank you.
James Kimber 2015-2022
SIMON BOWLER I was intending to work DC for one year only for the 2016-17 edition of this landmark school. Having worked with Ms Lee-Foster in the early noughties back in the UK, and having heard DC musicians perform at the previous two Young Musician Competitions (where I was in attendance with BSAK students) I took up Mr Lamberts’ invitation to come and work in the music department for a year. It was great to be back teaching in the classroom fulltime and all were so welcoming. Needless to say, I loved it here but, having already put plans on hold for a sailing adventure, it was time to go and live on a boat cruising the Med for a while.
and superb colleagues for longer than was ever the plan. Working with Ms Hill and the Middle School students has been particularly rewarding and an immense privilege. I’m really going to miss this part of my DC life next year. This time next year I hope to find myself in a french farm house raising
sheep and growing potatos! Thank you for some truly memorable times and I wish DC all continued success.
Simon Bowler 2016-17 & 2018-2022
The opportunity to return to DC a year later was unexpected, but it has been fantastic working with engaged students SHAMAL 2022
9
