l Whole School News

Whole School News

Flag Day & National Day Celebrations

By Mr Chris May

November and December are very special months within NLCS Dubai as we celebrate and commemorate the formation of the Union, UAE Flag Day and Commemoration day. This year, ag day was marked with our Emirati students from all grades observing the raising of the ag on the eld. Fatima in Grade 6 read the UAE oath beautifully and all proudly listened to the UAE National Anthem as the ag was raised high.

National Day at NLCS Dubai was celebrated on the 25th November this year with all students enjoying a range of activities and experiences relating to the country we all call home. From traditional music and dance to collaborative art works; we all got in the spirt of the occasion. This year we not only celebrate the history of the UAE but also the future as the nation celebrates its 50th birthday. Students in the Junior School dressed in traditional out ts of ag colours as is tradition but this year, as it’s the big 5-0 our senior school students came dressed for a party! We also managed to do a 50 on the eld this year, in a somewhat different way than usual. The day featured a police dog show, falcon display, local art work and some wonderful Emirati avours.

We would like to thank all the staff and parents who worked so hard and contributed towards our celebrations. Hopefully next year, we can invite all of our community into the school to celebrate with us.

CHARITY By Mrs Laura Dunn

This term was full of action from the Charity Committee, with a variety of activities taking place, from fundraising events to awareness campaigns. On 14th October, in recognition of PINKtober, the committee hosted Pink Day celebrations, a long-standing tradition of the NLCS Dubai community. Students and staff across the whole school were invited to wear pink clothes and ribbons to represent hope for the future and raise awareness of breast cancer.

This event raised a staggering 17.677.50AED for the Al Jalila Foundation. Thank you to all those who took part and donated.

On Remembrance Day, the Charity Committee distributed poppies and bracelets from The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, which were worn as a reminder of those have lost their lives in war. Next up was the Walk for Diabetes, this took place during lunchtime on 14th November. Students of all grades in the school were encouraged to walk on a planned route around the school eld. The route was decorated with infographics, posters, and fact sheets that informed students of the different types of diabetes, key statistics, and what we could do to help. It was wonderful to see students nishing their laps of the eld with a newfound awareness of diabetes. Students and staff were encouraged to donate independently.

The main event of this term was the 50 for 50th Project, a joint venture with the Emirati Committee, and the idea of giving back to the nation that we call home. All students were invited to raise 50AED by doing something meaningful for someone or their community. This could be a sponsored event or doing something for others within the home or beyond. All money raised will be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation. Finally, on the penultimate day of term, students and staff were invited to wear a festive jumper to bring in the Winter break in style. Voluntary donations were given in aid of the Al Jalila Foundation. Every donation will help to support the Charity Committee to reach their total fundraising goal of 50,000 AED this academic year, for the Al Jalila Foundation. The Charity Committee would like to thank the whole school community for their generous donations and look forward to organising future events.

The festive season has proven to be a joyous occasion with staff and students alike sharing their gratitude and appreciation for others as well as celebrating the term so far. We have had some key highlights with festive jumpers worn by all on the penultimate day and a rather hilarious rendition of ‘12 days of Christmas’ organised by the Sixth Form. I would like to extend my thanks to all families for the generous donations they provided for our support staff. It was wonderful to be able to give these out on the last day to thank them for all they do for us here in school.

- Ms Frances Powell

This year’s celebrations have certainly crept up on us in a most wonderful and exciting manner. Unquestionably, the sounds of Carols ringing out from the Music Department was something of a starting gun to the festivities. For the Winter Concert, there was ample opportunities to enjoy the secular Christmas Carols as a whole school, that left us with the warmth and gratitude for those around us. In addition, we continued our tradition of having our younger students singing around the Christmas Tree. Whilst there has been winter music ringing out of every corner of the school, we are so grateful that we have been able to return to the wonderful activities of communal music making, which is an essential part of our school’s ethos.

- Mr Howard Wong

We were delighted to host our fth annual winter book fair in school - while we had to opt for a virtual event last year. Our PAC entrance was decorated with a wide array of books, Students had allocated slots to visit the venue with their teachers for an opportunity to browse and select titles. We ensured that the English recommended reading lists were among the titles displayed. Our young pupils attended read aloud sessions delivered by Early Starters representative or our own Sixth Form students. To make this event a memorable one, some students created their own bookmark or colored an ornament. Those who thought of selecting a book for their loved ones, had the option of gift-wrapping on the spot.

- Mrs Hanadi Tayfour

Within the new KHDA COVID permissions, our ECA programme was relaunched and a sense of excitement was injected back into the NLCS Dubai community. We welcomed back our external providers for the rst time in 18 months. Students jumped at both the onsite and offsite opportunities with boundless energy and enthusiasm, clearly keen to make up for lost time. By week three, the programme was not only back but alive and buzzing, with over 300 students engaged daily. As soon as day trips were given the green light, planning commenced with excitement and certainty. We have had students across the school attending Kidzania, Dubai Frame and La Mer for a eld trip to name a few.

Next term, students can look forward to visiting Expo in the cooler weather. Grade 5 and Grade 4 will also visit Umm al Quwain Marine club - just before half-term for their adventure days. A Grade 9 and Grade 10 Geography Wadi trip will study fresh water source and students will also undergo their Duke of Edinburgh expedition weekends in the mountains to complete their Bronze Award. A busy term ahead with lots to look forward to!