Yearbook 2022-2023

Message from the Principal

‘I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.’

Eric Roth

As I approach the end of my time here in Dubai, I reflect on what has been a fantastic experience. Being a part of setting up our first and second international schools in the NLCS family has been a privilege and I am very proud of what has been achieved. I only depart for what is another adventure and I am very pleased that I will remain in touch with you all as a Principal of another one of our schools.

One of my favourite weekly events is showing the school off to prospective parents. I feel immensely proud of the staff and students at the school and am always excited for people to meet them all. When I am asked what I like most about the school, or what I will miss the most, the answer is always the students; they embody the NLCS ethos and demonstrate all the values that we have as a community.

‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’

To have students who understand what giving back is all about is the most important aspect of educating our children. Saying hello in the corridor, greeting people in the morning or saying farewell in the afternoon are all important aspects of our daily interactions as human beings. I hope that of all our students would seek out the student sitting on their own and ask if they want some company.

I always ask staff if they know the names of the cleaners and the security guards, and if they greet them every day in the same way they would their friend. Our community should be founded on these principles and values, as these are what make it strong.

So, as I leave NLCS Dubai, my plea to you all is take a chance, work hard and give your best, live a life you are proud of, give back and enjoy the amazing opportunities you are given in our wonderful school. But most importantly of all, when you have time, remember to read a book and do some exercise.

James Monaghan Principal NLCS Dubai

Message from the Head of Junior School

‘Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success’

It is at this time of the school year that the process of reflection comes to the fore. However, its real strength lies in constant reflection – to see what has been achieved, what worked well and how further success can be assured.

As I look back and ‘reflect’ upon my first year as Head of Junior School at NLCS Dubai, my overwhelming feeling is one of pride. I am incredibly proud of all of our students, of every member of staff who work tirelessly to support and nurture each child and of you, as parents, for being the supportive community you are.

NLCS Dubai has exceeded my expectations in so many ways since we arrived, as a family, last July. The sense of community and desire to be the very best we can all be stands out on a daily basis. As I reflect upon the year which this yearbook showcases so vividly, I am reminded of all the wonderful activities, learning opportunities and fun we have all shared these past 12 months.

My overriding desire is for us, as a school, to develop kind, caring and relentlessly curious students. As T.H. White once said in the story about King Arthur, ‘The Once and Future King’, “Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”

So, as we celebrate the past year, it is imperative to develop that relentless curiosity. It makes for an active mind where the asking of questions and the search for answers is fostered. It makes the mind observant of new ideas where you expect, anticipate and recognise new opportunities to learn.

As I think you can see from the wonderful array of stories, activities and achievements during this past year, that curiosity is constantly nurtured here at NLCS Dubai Junior School – to take the students on a journey where inquisitiveness, discovery and learning are at the heart of all that we do, in and out of the classroom.

I hope you enjoy sharing in the successes of our 2022-23 yearbook. Have a restful and fun-filled break and I look forward to seeing you all again at the start of the new school year.

Simon James Head of Junior School NLCS Dubai

Message from the Head of First School

This year, as part of Founder’s Day, our theme for the NLCS family of schools was “Reflection,” a word that may not immediately be one that our First School students understand or identify with, but is in fact something that is central to their day to day experiences in school.

Our students, over the whole year, have once again demonstrated their eagerness to learn with the help of dedicated and passionate staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every single one of the students has the opportunity to reach their full potential. A key way of achieving this is through regular reflection – the staff reflecting on how a lesson is progressing and adjusting where needed, the students reflecting on their completed pieces of work and responding to feedback, students reflecting on their key learning towards the end of each Unit of Inquiry and sharing this with our parents as part of their exhibitions. Every year, the standard of work and activities shared as part of our exhibitions continues to grow, and I look forward to seeing quite how the students (and staff!) will share their enthusiasm for the Units of Inquiry next year.

The year, we launched our First School Council, with representatives from Pre-KG all the way through to Grade 1 and they have asked their fellow students to reflect on how they would like to improve aspects of School. We have had some very actionable suggestions, along with some ambitious ideas of waterslides in the swimming pool and every surface covered with a Lego wall – you can certainly tell the passions of our students!

New passions have been fostered through our ever-expanding enrichment activities that take place in the last period of the day. I know that the students genuinely delight in being able to “try themselves out” and our external providers regularly comment on how focused and committed the students are in their sessions. We have a very talented staff body, and for them to able to share their interests with the students across the Grades, rather than their own class, really helps to further nurture relationships. My passion is for drawing, and asking the students what they would like to draw each week, or the themes they would like to cover, has certainly made me develop my own skills too!

This has been my first year of experiencing Sports Day with parents able to attend, since I, like many here at NLCS, joined our school during the pandemic. What an event this was! Even our rain impacted Pre-KG event, couldn’t dampen the wonderful encouragement that our students had from the parent body, and the competition was certainly strong to see which House would succeed overall. What stood out the most though, was the supportive ethos amongst the students, and how they really did cheer for and support each other.

Reflecting on the year that has passed, has made me very much look forward to seeing what the coming school year will bring - I know for sure it will be another one filled with many success for all.

Rebecca Fernandes Head of First School NLCS Dubai

Message from the Head of Early Years

Miss Nathalie Allen, Head of Early Years

“Miss Allen, where are your class?”

Is a question, you often ask, Little faces full of surprise, To hear an office is where I reside, More confusion as to my pride“Isn’t that lonely, aren’t you sad?” No, not at all-I am glad...

As Head of Early Years, I am still a part Of your journey- the very start, I get to see you walking in, And stop to see you begin to grin, I pause to hear your vivid tales, Full of triumphs, wins and even fails, I watch you swing, jump, and run, Laughing outside- having so much fun.

Down the corridors, I walk on by, I hear you answer, I hear you try, Counting, adding, taking away, Explaining why you used that way. I see your shaky pencil grip, Marks, scribbles, holding the tip, Sounds, CVCs, and names, Learning becomes a well-known game.

Owlets engage in calm class talks, Hatchlings impress with sensible walks, Eaglets invite me in to play, Cygnets always having something to say, Peacocks amaze me with their art, Starlings apply their logic- from the start, Hoopoes will help you dance away, Flamingoes play music to help you sway, While Sparrows love to sit and drawOnly one unicorn? Please, Miss Allen- more!

You have no idea how often I peek, The pride I have when I hear you speak, I get to see all of you grow, Develop as individuals, so much to show, Unleashing your potentialThe extent of which, I already know.

NLCS Dubai

Nathalie Allen

Head of Early Years

Hatchlings Pre KG

Teacher: Mrs. Gengatharan

My dear happy, hilarious, hopping, Hatchlings,

It is with great pride and joy that I write this message for your yearbook. You have all brought so much joy and excitement to our classroom this year. Your curious minds, boundless energy, and kind hearts have made every day a new adventure.

As Hatchlings class, you have hatched into the world of learning, and have taken your first steps on a journey of discovery. This year has been filled with many firsts, from your first day of school at NLCS to your first school trip to Woo Hoo, to your first time performing on stage for our Winter production. You have all worked so hard and learned so much already, from learning to read, write and counting to understanding the importance of sharing. You have made new friends, learned how to work together, explored the world around you and have had many laughs along the way.

As your teacher, I have truly enjoyed watching you grow and learn. It has been so rewarding to see the look of wonder on your face as you discover something new or the pride in your eyes as you master a new skill. You have all touched my heart in a very special way, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of your lives.

As you move on to the next phase of your learning journey, I want to remind you to keep learning, keep playing, and keep making new friends. The world is a big place, and there are so many exciting things for you to discover. Remember to be kind to others always, and to never give up on your dreams. With heartfelt wishes.

Owlets Pre KG

Dear Owlets, It has been a pleasure to be your teacher this year. I have loved watching you grow and develop and seeing your personalities come out in the classroom. Watching you all become more independent, strong-willed, and confident children is my biggest privilege. I have a lot to be grateful for this year, for the times you have made me laugh, with your stories, games and ideas. For the times you have made me feel immense pride when you have finally understood a concept you have worked so hard on. For the times you have shone, walking through assembly at Founder’s Day or singing so beautifully in your Winter Concert. I will miss getting to spend my day learning with you, but I know whichever teacher you get next will see how special you are. Lots of Love,

Miss Morgan

Owlet’s Song

(tune of London Bridge is Falling Down)

The owlets are growing up, Growing up, growing up The owlets are growing up, Everybody.

Teach them how to play all day, Play all day, play all day, Teach them how to play all day, Miss Morgan.

Teach them how to read and write, Read and write, read and write, Teach them how to read and write, Miss Margie.

Teach them how to count to 10, Count to 10, count to 10, Teach them how to count to 10, Miss Rowena

Teach them how to run and jump, Run and jump, run and jump, Teach them how to run and jump, Mrs Garett.

Teach them how to sing a song, Sing a song, sing a song, Teach them how to sing a song, Ms Peoples.

Teach them how to speak Arabic, Speak Arabic, speak Arabic, Teach them how to speak Arabic, Ms Ribal .

Send them off to KG1, KG1, KG1, Send them off to KG1, Miss Allen

MUSEUM

Teacher: Nathalie Allen

The students begin their NLCS journey by inquiring into play and how it can help them learn more about themselves, their environment and their peers. Not only does this enable them to understand the importance of shared expectations and classroom routines, but it sparks their intellectual curiosity ahead of meaningful play-based exploration. As such, there was no better place for the Pre-KG students first school trip than ‘Woohoo Children’s Museum’.

The students were immersed in zones designed to challenge different skills and logic-based understanding, such as navigating through a maze, climbing nets, digging for artefacts and moving objects within water play. It was a fun-filled day for all, completed with some afternoon naps on the bus back to school.

Cygnets Pre KG

Teacher: Ms. Ali

What a pleasure it has been teaching the Cygnet class of 2023. You have all filled my heart with joy and it has been wonderful watching you all grow into amazing little learners. You are such a kind, caring and happy children who make me smile every day. You have grown into a little team, making heaps of progress along the way. I hope you will all continue to shine as you move into KG1.

Amazing Aisha

You fill the room with love and energy, For you I will keep the fondest memories.

Adorable Alina

You’re mature, bright and very kind, You’re a problem solver with your wonderful mind.

Super Sofia

A creative soul with a keen eye for art, Your drawings are always so clever and smart.

Marvelous Mitch

With a personality that is both kind and fun, During sports day I was proud to see how fast you could run.

Kind Kalindi

Each day you always have a story to tell, Or you have made something fun to share with your class as well.

Smiley Salman

With a love for insects, animals and plants, A music lover who also loves to dance.

Nicest Nora

With a beautiful smile that can light up the room, How it has brought me so much joy to watch Nora bloom.

Awesome Aria

With a kind and caring nature that shines through her play, She has a love for her best friends that will never go away.

Excellent Evie

A caring soul who is both a character and role model, Even if sometimes she leaves school without her water bottle.

Magical Murtaza

Always organising the games, especially football, A born leader, when in need, he is the one we can call.

Active Ary

He enters the class with a smile and a story to tell, My Maths superstar who always tries his best to do well.

Nicest Nihal

He has grown so much, he will make the best big brother. With a great big smile, bringing joy to one another.

Zestful Zichuan

Always keen to ask questions about the world around her.

Able to fill us with wonderful information about her country, China.

Amazing Ahaan

Getting more independent, with confidence he has grown.

Now able to ‘give it a go’ and try something unknown.

Lovely Len

Entering the classroom with a smile, a kind and playful boy.

Creating the funniest role-plays, to watch him is a joy.

Glorious George

Learning new words and phrases day by day. Making new friends in the classroom who he loves to play.

Marvelous Marcus

You are a ball of energy, chatty and incredibly funny. When you share a story, it makes the classroom bright and sunny.

Delightful Danial

With a wonderful imagination, watching him play is a treat

A kind and caring friend who is ever so sweet.

Nicest Nader

Saying not only goodbye but ‘I love you’ each day With a wonderful imagination which he uses well in play.

Magnificent Maya

With a wonderful energy so bright and active, The chattiest child, in all situations she is adaptive.

Eaglets Pre KG

Dear Eaglets,

What an incredible year we have had, with amazing experiences and memories that we will never forget. From our trips to Woohoo, Aya and Butterfly Garden, to the Winter Fare and the Winter Concert. We started the year with a class full of excited three-year-olds who were eager to learn and explore the world around them. We have spent the year learning everything from numbers, shapes and phonic sounds. We have also explored a variety of concepts such as play, sound, colour and communities. We have built strong friendships with each other and have developed skills of sharing and turn taking. I am so proud of the progress you have made this year and look forward to the new adventures that await you in KG1!

Lots of Love,

Miss Treece

Oh, the Pre-KG Eaglets! What an amazing sight, Your chattering minds are so full of delight Little ones giggling and having such fun A precious morning of learning has begun.

In these classrooms of learning and exploring The teachers are patiently guiding, molding This eager bunch of minds so young and bright Filled with possibilities and imagination so plentiful and light.

These learning opportunities give them the wings to soar And face the world outside the closed doors Their days of creative play and educational fun Have helped shape who they will become.

The days in Pre-KG are moments they won't forget The little Eaglets have dreams they will see yet From the classroom of Pre-KG the teachers will guide As the little Eaglets head off to the world outside.

The moments in this time have been precious A magical start to the wonderful journey of success The Pre-KG Eaglets have bright futures to see As they join their new KG1 class with glee!

Peacocks KG1

Teacher: Mrs. Johnson

Precious moments of teaching the Peacocks’ class have been memorable from the start, Learning about all their individual passions and their creativity in art, Enjoying and achieving through their holistic play, Having adventures and being inspirational every day.

Enjoying the outdoors making magic with potions, Mixing mud pies with ingredients they have chosen, Bear hunt adventures through the forest they twirled, Riding on a magic carpet they have travelled the world.

Artistic expression in their exhibition, Sharing their wonderfully creative vision, Making musical instruments to match movements to feelings, Artwork from the Jam Jar trip showing that they are reaching floors not ceilings.

Celebrating their athletic skills in our sports day event, Being risk takers in the swimming festival showing such talent, Play leaders were so proud giving out awards, Many extra-curricular activities have also been explored.

Opportunities for sharing knowledge about living things, Learning about what responsibility brings, Caring for plants and watching them grow, Feeding animals in the Posh Paws show.

Completing amazing activities on National Day, Painting feathers, racing camels and making flags for a special display, Sharing our cultures and beliefs in Who We Are, Writing biographies to celebrate each shining star. Kindness is contagious in the Peacock’s class, Every special moment has not surpassed, Every day friends show that they care, Which has also been noticed by Harry the class bear.

Kindness is contagious in the Peacock’s class, Every special moment has not surpassed, Every day friends show that they care, Which has also been noticed by Harry the class bear.

Students have flourished throughout their time in Kindergarten One, We wish them every success in Kindergarten Two as their learning journey continues on.

Sparrows KG1

Teacher: Ms. Parsons

Well my little Sparrows… What an amazing year it has been, you have all grown so much. You have not only impressed me with your resilience and determination but also your kind hearts and caring nature. You have given Ms Louella and I memories to last a lifetime.

Rakan: You have such a big love of learning. I love the big smile on your face when your overcome a challenge.

Adam: You have an amazing little mind full of knowledge and wonder! I love how curious you are about the world around us and the amazing questions you ask to find out more!

Hao Bin: You are such a risk- taker and the way you will always try new things! You amazed me with you resilience when joining our class.

Maryam: The sparkly accessories that you love to wear to school. Your sense of humor always and infectious laugh put a smile on everyone’s face!

Ethan: Your amazing ability to solve a Maths problem faster than a calculator always amazes me!

Tiba: You have such a big kind, heart! You care about your friends so much and always make sure that everyone is okay.

Aliya: You have become such a beautiful, mature young girl! I love how much of a kind and considerate friend you are.

Saif: I love your broad and vivid imagination, the way your think of such wonderful games and get all your friends involved!

Myrah: You have the most beautiful smile and caring nature. You have such a passion and energy that inspires everyone around you!

Zoe: You are kind and caring to everybody! Not a day has gone by where you were not helping somebody in class with their learning.

Tiana: Your happy and bubbly little character. I love listening to your funny jokes and stories that always put a smile on my face!

Anna: I love seeing your beautiful smile every morning and how thoughtful you are. I love your passion for everything creative!

Siella: You have an amazing little mind full of knowledge and wonder and your love of reading and stories!

Elena: Your love for Maths and how much determination you show when tackling challenges.

Simara: You have the most beautiful smile and caring nature. You have grown into such a confident young girl.

Sofia: I love your passion and enthusiasm for learning, I especially love how much you care for animals and want to help them!

Malik: How much your confidence has grown this year and your amazing facts and knowledge about the world around us.

thejamjar Trip to

Teacher: Nathalie Allen

For the first trip of KG1, the students embarked on the yellow buses to AlSerkal Avenue to further immerse themselves in a world of colour and emotion. With their Unit of Inquiry focusing on how ‘People use a range of mediums to express their feelings’, producing a piece of art within a professional studio was a fantastic experience for the students. They wowed the staff with their expansive vocabulary, suggesting emotions such as frustration, disappointment and excitement.

The students were able to draw on their understanding of which colours represent various emotions, such as yellow for happiness and red for anger or passion and apply before becoming engaged with the challenge of shades such as fuchsia. Throughout the process, it was clear how much they enjoyed learning about brushstrokes and different techniques as they worked to carefully construct their self-portraits. Each student left the studio with pride bursting from each of their faces!

Flamingoes KG1

Teacher: Miss Adetayo

For all the times we shared together. I am grateful. Laughter and joy became our daily medicine. I am thankful. Although there were times of doubt and fear, we fought through. I am encouraged. Mummies and daddies were always there to support and encourage. I am Inspired. Imagine if Ms. Victoria wasn’t there every morning with her smile and kind words, Yikes! I am humbled. Nothing was too tough that we couldn’t overcome. I am overjoyed.

Getting up every morning for the past one year has been worth it. I am motivated. Only great people start something and finish it. We did. I am honoured. Every day has been a blessing. I am fulfilled.

So, what happens now?

Well, the journey continues and never stops. You have reached your destination for now and it is time for you to hop off this bus and run for the next one. Remember! When things get a little tricky in your next journey, STOP, BREATHE and TRY AGAIN.

Something magical happens when you don’t give up! You work harder, and you become stronger! So, just like you did this year, work harder and laugh harder in Kindergarten Two and I am certain your journey will be successful.

Thank you all for such an incredible year and I wish you the best.

Hoopoes KG1

Teacher: Ms. Baptiste

My darling Hoopoes what a year it’s been, Me, you and your parents, has felt like one big family. And now it is time for you to go, It has been so special to watch you grow. Your year in Hoopoe class will be hard to beat, But when you go to KG2 you are in for a treat! Familiar faces and some new friends to greet, Lovely new teachers you will soon meet. Moving on is a time to be happy, not to be sad, It’s a celebration of the fun we have all have had.

One thing I hope I’ve taught you, To last your whole life through, Is that you are amazing, just from being you.

Hoopoe Class Song – In the tune of Wheels on the bus. Hoopoe class are moving to Moving to, moving to Hoopoe class are moving to KG2.

Show your teachers you’re a superstar, Superstar, Superstar

Show your teachers you’re a superstar, In KG2.

Try your best and be proud of who you are, Be proud of who you are, be proud of who you are. Try your best and be proud of who you are, All year long.

Starlings KG1

Teacher: Ms. McAllister

Noah is a shining star, he loves to accept a challenge and will go so far

Camilo makes us all laugh out loud, his work this year has made me proud

Ariana’s confidence has grown, and she has lots to say; she works hard and always sweetens up our day

Advika loves to create masterpieces in art, her and the colouring pens are never far apart

Mimi’s ideas inspire us all, I can’t wait to buy her designs in a mall

Fukai loves to further inquire, his appetite to learn will always inspire

Osha treats everyone with kindness and care, her willingness to help is amazing and rare

Mariam Is a friend we want on speed-dial, she is eager to complete any task and always with a smile

Molly loves reading, writing or learning to spell, she loves learning facts and the chance to retell

Vanshh enjoys laughing and having fun, however, he is also quick to get his work done

Azlan’s smile always lights up our day, he has made great progress and has lot’s to say

Nikki loves to read and write, her enthusiasm is such a delight

Celine is eager to draw and create, her sweet smile is something we all appreciate

Zoia is a super sweet friend; her selflessness and kindness know no end

Sophia is super sweet, the hardest worker you will meet

Frank is a very hard-working boy, his kindness to everyone spreads lots of joy

Alaia loves to act and sing, happiness and glee, she continues to bring

All our Starlings are individually great, and together, they make a class that I really rate

We have made friends and memories to last a long time, our class trips have been a special one of mine

Thank you for being so much fun, your kindness and joy are like rays from the sun

I will miss you very much, that I do not need to tell, but for now, I want to wish you well

I am so proud I was your teacher and got to watch you grow, We worked so hard, achieved so much, how fast this year did go

One thing I tried to teach you to last your whole life through Is that you are unbelievably amazing, just because, you are you!

and Living Things

Our living things visitors

The students were so excited by their inquiry into ‘Living things’! We had budding marine biologists, paleontologists and zoologists emerging from the fold as they began sharing their favourite animals. The students were able to transfer their understanding of the characteristics of living and non-living things to their own personal experience with siblings, pets and plants.

It was clear how excited they the students were to educate their peers when siblings or pet came to visit their class. This was culminated in a visit from ‘Posh Paws’, where the students exhibited their understanding of caring for animals as they gently patted everything from mice and chicks to poodles and snakes!

Whales KG 2

Teacher: Mrs. Gray

Wonderful

Helpful Artistic

Loving

Energetic

Sensible Cleaver

Legendary Attentive

Super stars

Smart

These words encompass what has been felt within the Whales class and what has been demonstrated throughout this academic year. The Whales have established a love for learning that has shone through all the work that they have done. Becoming excellent communicators has been key to their success. This has developed throughout the year and the students have progressed with these skills, becoming collaborative learners – learning best when they work together. From house competitions, trips, school visits, celebrations, sports day to assemblies the year has been full of surprises, fun, learning and friendships.

A poem for the Whales

In Whales Class we all belong A happy place where we sing our song Learning new things every day and making memories along the way.

We paint and draw, we count and read Our imaginations are all we need To explore the world around us so vast With our friends in the Whales Class.

Our teachers are patient, kind and wise Guiding us through each surprise Encouraging us to be our best And helping us to pass every test.

We play and laugh and have some fun Learning together, one by one Growing taller and wiser each day, In Whales Class we love to stay.

So here’s to the class we adore Our Whales Class, we love you more Than words could ever say We’ll cherish you forever and a day.

Thank you Whales 2023

DOLPHINS KG

Dear Dolphins 2022/23,

In the deep blue sea, they swim with grace, Dolphin class, a beauty to embrace. Sleek and swift, they glide through the waves, With playful jumps and daring dives they always behave.

As we come to the end of another school year, it is with great pleasure that I reflect on the time we have shared together in KG2. This year has been one of growth, learning and fun!

We started the year with excitement, meeting new friends and teachers, and adjusting to a new routine. We learned new skills in reading, writing, maths and explored new subjects such as science, history and developed our skills in art.

Throughout the year, we participated in many exciting events and activities, from sports day and school trips to Founders’ Day assembly and talent performances. We also took part in Dubai 30/30 sports morning, fundraising bake sales, showing our compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Most importantly, we developed a strong sense of community and belonging, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating our successes together. We have made memories that will last a lifetime, and I am grateful for the moments we have shared.

As we look forward to the next chapter in our journey, I am confident that we will take with us the lessons we learned and the values we have embraced. I wish you all the best of luck in Grade 1!

With warm regards,

Mrs Pathak

TRIPS

The KG2 students have been extremely lucky to visit a variety of different locations across Dubai for their school trips throughout the academic year. Their first trip included Little Explorers. Little Explorers gave the students the opportunity to visit its five features zones that are dedicated to different educational themes such as science, technology, arts and culture. The students had a lot of fun exploring and discovering new things.

The student’s next adventure was to Dubai Safari. It features three main sections: Safari Village, Arabian Village and Asian Village. The students were able to see a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants and much more. The safari journey was a highlight, where the students received a guided tour whilst on the bus. The guides were a wealth of information and ensured that the students received all the information that they needed. The students were curious throughout out time at the park and asked many questions and read all the information that was available to them.

In the cooler months we visited XPark Jr. It features a range of activities that allow the students to get a full outdoors experience of den building, camp fire building. The park provided a safe and challenging environment for children to play and develop their physical and cognitive skills.

Our final trip of 2023 and in KG2 was the Mirzam Chocolate Factory in Al Quoz. The students were able to find out where chocolate originates from, learn about the history of chocolate and see how it is made. The students were able to they made their own chocolate creations and designed the packaging for the bars. We were even treated to the factories homemade hot chocolate and brownies! The trip was a firm favourite giving the students an interactive and educational experience.

Stingrays KG 2

Teacher: Ms Worthington

Excellent Eric, always energetic and fun, Courageous Khalid, is speedy when he goes for a run. Sharp Shoji, looked smart in our class play Lively Leticia, danced the whole way.

Super Tsukie likes to read a ton Nice Nyla, is kind to everyone.

Neat Nelson, completes work that is perfectly presented Kind Kian, knows lots about what is invented.

Caring Caroline, is thoughtful and warm, Sporty Siqi, likes to run, jump and swim faster than them all.

Ambitious Aira works so hard day to day, Speedy Sabjeet, is always so fun, watch him play.

Lovely Lilly always smiling and happy, Hilarious Hussam, is a cheeky chappy.

Articulate Arin, Likes magic and will show you a spell, Delightful Danya can remember things so well.

Reliable Rehman is a wonderful reader, Knowledgeable Kian will guide, what a fantastic leader.

Loveable Layla has improved her math

Ladylike Lucia, always makes good choices, follow her path.

We are the Stingrays all individuals but one, What a year, I’ll miss you all, go have fun!

Teacher: Mrs Wren

Dear my Superstar Sharks, I am so proud I was your teacher. I watched you learn and grow. We worked so hard and had such fun. You have demonstrated so many incredible skills that have impressed me across the year.

Firstly, your dedication to your house teams has been wonderful to see. You have worked hard every single week to gain stars and encourage each other to be role models in the classroom. Your team spirit attitude also shone through during our KG2 sports day where you worked hard together in your house teams to gain points at each sporting event. You communicated well with each other and showed risk taking qualities when trying out each event.

Secondly, you impressed me with your excitement for reading across the year from our class novel ‘Fing’ by David Walliams to our weekly library sessions where you showed your thirst for discovering new books and loved being read to by Mrs Mendoza. Not forgetting your excitement to share your favourite books you brought into school on World Book Day.

Additionally, you demonstrated your creative side when making your own dioramas by adding excellent details. For example, you created your animals using clay and used your knowledge of living things to clearly communicate why your animal lived in the habitat you chose for it.

Lastly, I will cherish the memories we made on all the adventures we had in KG2 but a special highlight was our trip to Dubai Safari park. You loved learning lots of exciting facts about different animals on our safari experience and most of all enjoyed feeding the giraffes. We even made fact files in English linked to all the information we gathered from our school trip.

As we say goodbye to KG2, your new chapter in Grade One is just about to begin. This is your year to sparkle. Remember you are all capable of amazing things.

Kind wishes, Mrs

Wren and Mrs Cecilia

Teacher: Miss Reid

The Turtles class have had an amazing year and I am so pleased with how you all have developed, progressed, and matured. We have had some wonderful trips over the course of the year, and it has been wonderful to see the children learning in a variety of environments in and outside of school. We have seen some amazing learning journeys this year and you should all be very proud with your achievements.

Terrifically talented in every way,

Understanding, empathetic and they love to play.

Real friends made that will last forever,

Thoughtful thinkers and loving dancing together.

Lively and lovely every single day,

Excelling and developing in lots of different ways,

Striving to be the best that they can be! Miss Reid and Ms Rose will miss you, that is guaranteed!

I will miss our dancing sessions, especially dancing to the Friday song to celebrate the end of the week! I have thoroughly enjoyed playing hairdressers at lunchtimes with the girls and receiving lots of beautiful and creative pictures to fill up my wall. I have loved our creative Language lessons and innovating fantastic stories of our own over the course of the year, but I will definitely miss the looks on your faces when the aliens came to school, and the Giant made a mess in our playground!

The Turtles class this year have been absolutely fantastic, and I cannot believe how fast this year has gone! I will miss you all so much. You have never failed to brighten up my day and I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and getting to know you all as individuals. It has been an honour and a privilege to teach you this year and I wish you all the best of luck for Grade One.

Sports Day The KG2

The KG2 Sports Day was an exciting event that brought together all the KG2 Students for a day of fun and physical activity. The event was held in February when the weather was cool, a perfect time to showcase their progress throughout the year.

The morning began with an opening ceremony, where the students marched onto the field in their sea of green, blue, red and yellow. The energy was high as the students cheered each other on and prepared for the mornings activities.

Throughout the day, students participated in various physical activities games, including races, obstacle courses and standing long jump. The students were divided into their house teams and displayed excellent teamwork, coordination and sportsmanship as they competed against each other.

Parents and teachers were present at the event, encouraging and supporting the students as they participated in the activities. The atmosphere was lively and filled with excitement as everyone enjoyed the morning. Many cheers were had from the students as they watched their mums and dads race in the parent’s 100 meter dash!

In addition to the physical activities the students were treated to ice lollies from London Diary provided by the Parents Guild. These were a very welcome pleasure to cool us down. Overall, the KG2 Sports Day was a fun-filled event that promoted physical activity, teamwork, and healthy habits among our KG2 students. The students had a great time and were proud of their accomplishments, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.

Camels

Grade 1

Teacher: Mr. Roberts

As we come to the end of this school year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful journey we have shared together. It has been an absolute pleasure to be your teacher and to watch you grow and learn throughout the year.

I am so proud of each and every one of you for the hard work and dedication you have put into your learning. You have shown great determination, enthusiasm, and curiosity, and it has been inspiring to watch you discover new things and make progress in your academic and personal growth.

What has made this year truly special, however, has been the bond that we have formed as a class. It has been a joy to see you support and encourage one another, to learn and grow as a team, and to become a community that values each other.

I want to thank you all for making this year so memorable. Your unique personalities, perspectives, and talents have contributed to our class in so many ways. I have enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you and I will cherish the memories we have made together.

As you move on to the next grade level, I want you to remember that you are all capable of achieving great things. Always believe in yourselves, be kind to one another, and never stop learning and growing. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and I hope that you will always look back on this year with fondness and pride.

Thank you for making this year so special, and I will miss you all!

bobcats

Grade 1

Last Door The on

the left

Teacher: Mrs. James

The last door on the left is the place to be. Room 106, go take a look and see. There are Bobcats a plenty working inside Anyone who enters feel so alive.

There’s Rajvika, Abhi, Aiza and Azmir Vikrant and Chloe, I hear you cheer! Leyton and Alex a dynamic pair At the front sits Daniil with his fabulous fair hair.

Inara, Pasha, Noura and Sienna, Isabella, Liam, Dina and Gaurika

The list goes on until twenty we make Andy, Emmanuel, Siya is all it takes.

And there you have it, The Bobcats are complete With Ms Rameezza and Mrs James Making learning a treat.

Grade 1 Trip to

Teacher: Mr. Roberts, Grade 1 Lead

Our visit to the StuDIYo Lab was a real highlight of the year in Grade 1. It was a day filled with creativity, innovation, and environmental consciousness, as we embarked on a mission to create recycled self-portraits out of e-waste.

The day started with a warm welcome from the StuDIYo Lab team, who explained the importance of recycling and repurposing electronic waste to reduce our environmental impact. The students were amazed to learn about the harmful effects of e-waste on our planet and how it can be transformed into beautiful works of art.

Excitedly, the students dived into the creative process. Armed with a variety of discarded electronic parts like old keyboards, computer mice, and circuit boards, the students’ imaginations ran wild. It was a unique experience and the students carefully selected and combined different e-waste pieces to create their very own self-portraits. They learned about colour, texture, and composition, and how to repurpose materials in an ecofriendly way.

Moreover, the students learned that creativity and environmental consciousness go hand-in-hand, and we can make a positive impact on our planet through our actions. Our recycled self-portraits were a testament to this important lesson.

Leopards

Grade 1

Teacher: Ms Hammond

L is for laughter, we laugh every day, from stories we tell or funny things we say. With laughter comes smiles and in the Leopards class we see those smiling faces, having that positive attitude will ensure you go to amazing places.

E is for everyone, we are a team, because together we will help each other achieve their dream. A dream, a goal or even those small wins, we have achieved so much in just a year and our future only just begins.

O is for the opportunities and at NLCS we have many, you’ll become artists and scientists and sporting stars by the time you’re twenty. We’ve had trips, events and many celebrations, which you put 100% into, which deserves congratulations.

P is for perfect, which is hard to be. We have learnt lessons and our knowledge has grown as tall as a tree. The learner profiles help us to reflect and develop, so we can be the best versions of ourselves when we grow up.

A is for amazing, the word Miss Hammond uses all the time, to describe your work, your kindness and your charm. For you all are amazing, in your own individual ways, the days are spent giving you all lots of praise.

R is for radiant, the Grade One Leopards shine as bright as the sun, what a year we have had, we’ve had so much fun. Every lesson you enjoy, you say all subjects are the best, we use so much energy, I’m not surprised you go home to rest!

D is for destination, which is what you have all got to. The end of Grade one, now it is time for me to thank you, for being so wonderful, for that I am so proud, “We are the amazing Leopards” – go shout it out loud!

Meerkats

Grade 1

Teacher: Mrs. Isley

My Marvellous Meerkats:

Magnificent in every way! Your infectious smiles and sense of humour sets the tone for a fun day of learning.

Endless energy that carries your thoughts and ideas from the planning stages right through to fruition.

Effortlessly communicating care beyond words, allowing others to feel valued and respected.

Resilient learners that are fired up by your determination to succeed.

Knowledgeable with your scholarly ways, aware of the interesting world around you whilst eagerly sharing your enlightened views.

Attentively you listen to the thoughts and ideas of your peers and teachers and execute instructions with care.

Tenacious with a powerful force that keeps you striving to find out more and better equip yourselves for your future.

Sensible to know the difference between right and wrong and accepting that mishaps are a part of learning effectively in addition to shaping the kind of people we are and who we will become.

My Marvellous Meerkats, you have continuously impressed myself and Ms Dyball with your commitment and desire to do your best. You have made us laugh and smile every day of the past academic year. It is going to be tremendously difficult to let you go, but I shall cherish the memories of my first NLCS Dubai class. We are both extremely proud of you all, it has been an honour and a privilege to have been your teachers. Thank you! Keep shining as you take your brilliance on to Grade 2 and beyond.

desert hares Grade

1

Teacher: Miss Taylor

What a fantastic year we have had together, Unfortunately, it cannot go on forever. Desert Hares are fantastic, adorable creatures, I feel lucky to have been your teacher.

You’ve worked hard in English, Maths and UOI, Your determination has helped you reach for the sky. We’ve enjoyed many different exciting stories, At Sports Day you succeeded in all your glory!

At Adventure HQ, we took risks and climbed high, We enjoyed being creative at Studio DIY. A wonderful trip to Oli Oli, Left us feeling knowledgeable and jolly!

House Music Competitions and World Book Day, We really have been busy, you might say. But now it is time to go to Grade 2, So many things to learn and do!

Desert Hares, you’ve made me smile And although we will now part for a while, Our Grade One memories always remain, Even when you’re old and grey!

Thank you Desert Hares for a fantastic year.

Grade 1 Trip to

This year, during our first school trip the students embarked on an exhilarating journey filled with adrenalinepumping rides, challenging obstacle courses, and unforgettable experiences. Our expedition began with great anticipation as we arrived at the entrance of Adventure Park. Eager to begin, we wasted no time in exploring the various zones of the park.

Adventure Park put our physical prowess to the test with its formidable obstacle courses. We scaled, swung, and crawled our way through the park, navigating ropes, nets, and platforms. It required unwavering strength, agility, and teamwork as we cheered each other on and triumphantly conquered the challenges. We also tested our mettle with "Ninja Warrior" challenges, tackling intricate obstacles inspired by the popular TV show. These epic experiences pushed us beyond our comfort zones, allowing us to express our risk-taking abilities.

Our trip to Adventure Park was an epic adventure filled with thrilling rides, challenging obstacle courses, and unforgettable experiences. We pushed ourselves beyond our limits, tested our courage, and bonded over shared adrenaline rushes. We returned to school with a renewed sense of confidence and a deeper appreciation for the power of adventure, ready for what the rest of the year had to offer.

SANDCATS

Grade 1

Teacher: Ms. Redmond

With boundless enthusiasm and curious minds, The Grade One Sand Cats were one of a kind. Seven-year-olds full of energy and wonder, Ready to learn and grow, as they ponder.

At first, they were hesitant and shy, A bit apprehensive but they got by. But as the year went on, they grew resilient, Their confidence shining and they were brilliant.

Their laughter filled the classroom air, As they learned to read, write and share. They discovered the world beyond their doors, And on school trips, they further explored.

They learned to count and add and subtract. And their knowledge grew, no longer abstract. They made new friends and learned to play, Together they’d grow, day by day.

The Sand Cats learned to respect each other, And they grew kinder and gentler, with no fuss or bother. Their imaginations soared to new heights, As they created new worlds, both big and bright.

Now the year draws to a close, Each Sand Cat has blossomed, like a rose. They have evolved and they have grown, Their future is bright as their effort has shown.

Message from the Deputy Head of Junior School

I often get asked what I want for our students, and without hesitation I say, I want them to be good people. I want our students to be active members of the global community who are motivated and able to make meaningful contributions in the world, understand the responsibilities associated with being internationally minded and appreciate the benefits of working with others for a shared purpose.

But how can you change the world?

This is a very big question; changing the world is a hard job!

Sometimes it is easy to believe that one person cannot achieve this. However, the idea that “I am only one, but I am one; I cannot do everything, but I can do something” really resonates with me.

I am also a firm believer that if you want to create a world rooted in kindness, honour, truth, and justice, you begin with children. We may ‘only be’ Junior School students, but as Greta Thunberg famously said, "you are never too small to make a difference."

This year, we have been inspired by true stories of change makers across the globe and considered how we can take individual and collective action.

Grade 1 advocated for Mastercook to change their packaging from plastic to compostable materials after reading ‘One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia’ which tells the inspiring story of five women who creatively dealt with their village’s plastic trash problem. Despite limited resources and ridicule, Isatou and her friends persevered for more than a decade, eventually realising economic empowerment through their recycled plastic purse project.

Grade 4 were inspired to create sustainable energy solutions for the United Nations Climate Conference 2022, after reading the story ‘The Boy who Harnessed the Wind’ about William Kamkwamba, a young man in central Malawi who improvises a windmill out of bicycle and other scrap yard parts to produce electricity for his family's home.

Just like Istaou or William, our students are the future agents of change.

So ask yourself, ‘What difference I am going to make?’

UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.

-The Lorax

Thank you for another brilliant year at NLCS Dubai. I look forward to welcoming you back in August and making a difference with big hearts and one small action at a time.

Michaela Carney

Deputy Head of Junior School NLCS Dubai

Message from the Head of Lower School

Dear Students…

An unenviable task, Lies before me once again, To reflect on this year Needs not one page but ten!

Such has been the magnitude Of achievement and success, The scale of which is rather impossible to address!

So despite shying away From much that could be said, I’ve chosen, this year, A difference focus instead.

I’d like to regale with tales from each grade, Of incredible adventures, Where risk takers were made.

For each grade a different Emirate would await, Resilience and determination, The challenge would be great.

First it was the turn of our intrepid Grade 3, Conquering their kayaks in the shadows of the Mangrove tree.

Rock climbing, archery, No student would refrain, Showing strength and bravery on The shores of Um Al Quwain.

Next it was the turn of Our fearless Grade five, Who showed us they had What it took to survive!

Sir Bani Yas Island

Was to be their destination, A voyage of discovery and Splendid isolation.

Wild camping in solitude, Deserted beaches by the sea, Where the sound of crashing Waves was their only company.

Giraffes and Cheetahs so many Stories to be told, A safari over salt domes, Five hundred million years old.

Then followed Grade 2 The bravest of them all? An adventure in the school, Camping in the Sports hall!

The fledglings of the Lower school

Showed us all they could cope, As they mastered Aventura, Taking on the zipline and rope.

Last but not least, It was the turn of Grade 4, Deserts and mountains, So much to explore!

Hiking, shelter-building, There was no ‘I can’t’ only ‘I can’, Whilst perfecting their snorkeling In the Gulf of Oman.

A residential and a play In the same half-term? They excelled in both, Their courage held firm.

Alas, I could go on, But the page is running out! Was this the highlight of my year?

Surely there is no doubt. Well in short, No. Above all that was achieved, One moment did, All others supersede.

When the mask was removed. A moment of glory. The curtain unveiled. After all, every face tells a story.

The corridors abound with joy and expression, At last, smiles visible, Free from suppression.

For all that we achieved, And the success that we can boast. Happiness and joy Is what matters to us most.

Thank you for a wonderful year.

Steven Helliwell Head of Lower School NLCS Dubai

Tortoises

Teacher: Mrs. Collins

At the beginning of the year the class was shy, They came with targets to reach for the sky, First thing’s first they immersed ourselves in art, Our exhibition got us off to a brilliant start! Whilst exploring art we visited Jam Jar, The trip was creative and we they were all super stars, Black Box theatre in the dark and light shows galore, The Tortoise class were ready to learn more. Next term arrived and we explored settlements and place, Perimeter and shape work meant we looked at edges, vertices and face. It was time for the Winter party time, There was glitter and dancing until the 3.20 chime. 2023 brought new learning and fun, Especially sports day with a fast-paced run. Ice lollies were popular as well as the house points, Mrs Collins trying high jump nearly broke all her joints!

Structures and buildings were spotted on the bus, We arrived back at school with more knowledge and no fuss, The double decker bus meant we had a good view, Mr Parry disappeared looking for the SBAG that flew. Now to the highlight of the year, We all had a wonderful cheer, The sleepover that filled the Tortoise class with joy, With Mr James in charge of the boys, We first visited Aventura and climbed the ropes, There was no reason to mope. Back at school we had lots of fun and games, “In bed by 9!” Mrs Collins claimed, The bonfire sparks and burned in the night, Then it was time to turn off the lights. What a wonderful year it has been, Good luck in the future and remember to always be a team!

Hedgehogs

Grade 2

Dear my darling Hedgehogs,

Wow, what a fantastic year we have had together. I would like to thank you and your family for making my first year here in Dubai and at North London Collegiate School one to remember. You have embraced every challenge thrown your way this year and I feel so honoured to be able to say I was your teacher. As we are a class who likes to sing, dance and show off our musical talents I have written you all a little song to say goodbye.

(Sung to the tune ‘Someone Like You’ By Adele)

I heard that you’re moving to Grade 3

That you found a new teacher and you’re going to thrive

I heard that your dreams came true

But don’t forget the things that you learnt in Grade 2

Old friends, don’t be so shy

Ain’t like you to hold back or hide from the light

I’ll try not to turn up, uninvited

But I know you’ll be okay, I know you’ll smash it

I hope you’ll see my face

And that you’ll be reminded that Hedgehogs,

It’s been amazing

Well done Hedgehogs

I wish nothing but the best for you, Ooo

Do me proud, I beg

Remember what I said

You are awesome and kind and your new teacher will be a great friend.

I look forward to watching you grow throughout your time at NLCS and I will always just be down the corridor from you.

You are smart, you are kind, and you are important.

From, Miss Radmore

Sleepover

Grade 2

Teacher: Mrs Collins

This year, we have reintroduced the popular Grade 2 sleepover! The grade 2 children began the day at Aventura park in Mushrif. It was vital to show good listening and the children did not disappoint. They undertook the training needed to wear the harness correctly and to enter the rope maze. This training allowed the children to reach the high heights of the ziplines and ropes. Whilst climbing the ropes, Mr Parry snuck off to take pictures from high above on the black ropes- the hardest of all the obstacles. Of course the other teachers were left to monitor the children while he “monkeyed” about. After an energy refuel of pizza and chips, the children set off on their next adventure. They completed different games to develop their communication skills, such as get across the burning quick sand!

After being involved in a range of different team buildings games, they returned to school to begin their Mountain Quest experience. The children were overjoyed to find the flat tents in the PAC and sports hall and they were surprisingly quick assembling the tent- we definitely have some budding campers in the grade. Mountain quest then taught the children a variety of survival skills and they had a blast. Picnic in budge square then led to the crescendo of the day. The campfire! They roasted their marshmellows and danced by the fire, even the teachers had some good dance moves. After the fun of the campfire, there was a lot of tired Grade 2s and bedtime passed by with easeall we could hear from the PAC was the dulcet tones of Mr Parry’s snoring. It was such a wonderful experience and hopefully the children have memories they will cherish.

AGAMAS

Grade 2

Teacher: Mr. Parry

Gone is the year, passed away, Ready for Grade three, hip-hip hooray! Agamas, Agamas, you are so cool, Don’t forget, you’ll always rule. End of an era, some may say,

Tomorrow is always a brighter day. Wonderful Agamas it has been a pleasure, One and all, you are a treasure.

Always remember the fun we had, Gaining experiences, one may add. Amazing students of NLCS, Many wishes of happiness and success. Always remember to be proud and stand tall, Students I’ll miss you, good luck to you all!

It has truly been a pleasure teaching you in Grade two. All the best in your future endeavours, Mr. Parry.

Desert Ants Grade

2

Teacher: Miss Rutter

Dear my determined Desert Ants,

How lucky am I to have had such a wonderful class in my first year at NLCS Dubai! You have brought cheekiness and laughter to our classroom every single day, along with your determination to learn and be challenged. Every one of you has blossomed in your own unique way since the first day of stepping into Grade 2 and I couldn’t be prouder to have been your teacher. I especially want to say thank you to…

Prem – For always being so polite to everyone around you. You are such a kind and caring boy and this is such a wonderful attribute to have.

Rajveer – For being a super inquirer. You are always so eager to learn and find out more.

I am sure you are going to thrive as you move through lower school.

Brian – For your big friendly smile! You never fail to make me laugh with your cheeky nature and stories that you like to tell.

Mazen – For your cheekiness and great sense of humour. You always manage to put a smile on my face and the others around you.

Shrey – For your determination to be challenged. Your maths skills have truly wowed me this year and I am excited to hear how you flourish even more in this area.

Valeh – For your kind and caring nature. You are always looking out for your friends and I know your friendship is valued so much by others.

Alessia – For your principled behaviour. I can always look to you as a great model for others in the class. Your creativity has amazed me too!

Shaurya – For your exceptional scientific knowledge and persistence in your work. You never fail to give up on things, even when you may find them challenging.

Sua – For your exceptional manners. I will miss being greeted by you very morning as you walk into the class! You really do have a heart of gold.

Isabel - For your laughter that fills most of our lessons! You truly brighten up everyone’s day in our classroom, including mine!

Antalya – For your strong will power and fun nature. You always make me laugh and have shown yourself to be a very principled learner.

Armin – For your kind and caring nature. You are a very popular member of our class and I know everyone feels lucky to call you their friend.

Hongcheng – For your funny nature that always makes me smile. You have great determination, and I am excited to hear how you grow even further in lower school.

Ismail – For your super perseverance that you’ve shown since joining our class. You try your best and never give up.

Jihan – For your caring and principled behaviour. You’re such kind person and this is a quality that I believe is so important, never change.

Ivanna – For always telling me stories, no matter the time of day! I will miss hearing about your goldfish and the fun you get up to at the weekends. You are also a very kind and caring friend.

Khaled – For your excellent sense of humour and bubbly personality. You have lots of jokes to tell and always make myself and your friends smile.

Kian – For your exceptional maths knowledge and never being afraid to challenge me. I may have been your teacher but I have also learnt so much from you!

Lea - For your helpful and friendly nature. You are always there to help me tidy and I know you care very deeply about your friendships; a great quality to have.

Lingrui – For your cheeky smile and quiet nature. You are a fantastic role model to everyone in the classroom and the excellent presentation of your work always amazes me.

Lyla – For wowing me with your determination to succeed in all the different sporting races that you take part in. Your determination should be admired, and I have been so proud to hear of your amazing talents.

Now you have completed your first year in lower school and you are about to embark on your new adventure into Grade 3. Just remember; keep shining, keep being determined but most importantly, keep being YOU

Best wishes, Miss

Rutter xxx

Geckos

Grade 2

Teacher: Mrs. Murphy

Dear Gorgeous Geckos,

I can’t believe that our year together has come to an end. Thank you very much to you and your families for making my second year at North London Collegiate School Dubai such an enjoyable one. It has been my absolute pleasure to get to know you all.

I am extremely proud that each and every one of you has worked so hard and have made such good progress in your learning. You have all shown a great deal of kindness and courtesy towards each other, and we have all laughed a lot!

You really are an outstanding and very special class. I will always remember…

Yui’s effort in all lessons and her friendly personality.

Haya’s hard work and fantastic attitude towards her learning.

Dara’s friendly personality and enjoyment of learning.

Alanoud’s outstanding communication skills and sense of humour.

Amelia’s reliability and sensible attitude in lessons.

Stanley’s kindness and wonderful approach to learning.

Lahcene’s enthusiasm in lessons and his sense of fun.

Noah’s inquiry skills and his sense of humour.

Aryeveer’s motivation in lessons and principled attitude.

Alicia’s dedication to being knowledgeable and the beautiful presentation of her work.

Isabelle’s leadership skills and increased confidence.

Madalina’s inquiry skills and principled attitude.

Ayaan’s drive to take risks and for always trying his best.

Yusuf’s love of challenge and his enthusiasm to increase his knowledge further.

Humaira’s caring personality and her effort in all lessons.

Advik’s growth of confidence, in a large group and his enjoyment of challenge.

Zavi’s support of other students that need help and his passion for Football.

Kventin’s courtesy and his enthusiasm in the classroom.

Jack’s mature attitude towards being our Student Councillor and hard work in all lessons. What an amazing collection of special memories!

It has also been wonderful to see your independence grow. You have developed your self-management skills and you are now equipped and ready for your next adventure in Grade Three. I will miss you all.

Best wishes,

Mrs Murphy

Salamanders

Grade 2

Teacher: Mrs. Durkan

The Grade 2 Salamanders have been an absolute pleasure to spend each new day with, this year. One of the best pieces of news from this year was the day we were told that we no longer had to wear face masks. To be able to see the students smile every day made such a difference. Along with this the good news that the parent readers were able to come into school meant that the children were very excited each week to hear whose mum or dad would listen to them read this week!

This year, our trip to Aventura and sleepover in school was a definite highlight. To see the students take initiative, build their independence (and their tents) and develop problem-solving and social skills, definitely had a positive affect on their self-esteem and I am sure will be a treasured memory for many years to come.

They should be proud of their collective achievements, whether performing in assembly, representing their houses in competitions or taking part in sports events. It has been a year of curricular and extra-curricular success, with everyone having the opportunity to share their talents, to shine and be recognised for their achievements. The Salamanders have made life-long friends and learned from each other in so many ways. Their unwavering team spirit, their willingness to take a risk and challenge themselves and their passion and enjoyment of learning are the qualities that we have been able to celebrate in school.

This has been an amazing year. The students have worked incredibly hard, always with smiles and laughter prevailing. I have seen them blossom and flourish as individuals and wish them all the best as they continue their learning journey in Grade 3.

Bus Trip Grade 2

The amazing bus trip, a journey to remember

It was a cold winter’s morning in Dubai. The Grade 2 children wrapped themselves in their school jumpers and hats and descended down the stairs for their structures adventure. There was amazement in the eyes of the children as they saw the size of the colossal double decker buses. As they climbed to the great heights of the top deck, they were already searching for structures in the local area.

The bus revved its engine and the great mission to find the most spectacular buildings began. There was the clicks of cameras taking pictures and the discussions about triangles drifted around the bus. The children spotted the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers; but they were still not satisfied. As they arrived at the Dubai Frame, they decided to take a short break to investigate the building in more detail. This soon led to disaster…

As the children were discussing the shape and importance of the Dubai Frame, they noticed someone was missing! All of a sudden there was panic as Mr Parry was nowhere to be seen! What felt like a life time of looking, finally he limped back to the group with a story to tell. He had spotted the Space Bat Angel Dragon and had gotten a little too close for comfort!

This was far too much adventure for Mrs Collins who suggested that we should all explore old Dubai before visiting the Dubai Mall.

The question still remains, which was the most spectacular structure in the world?

swans

Grade 3

Teacher: Ms. Morgan

Grade 3 Swans Class

The Swans class, How this year has flown past, Before you go, I would like you to know, I think you are very special and I am sad to see you go.

Oscar always enters the classroom with a smile, Oscy holds the quickest time for running a mile, Tommy went to DASSA and won gold, Honey showed us her tennis trophy and a story she told.

Xiaochuan is happiest when he has a maths problem to solve, Maxwell and Kabir enjoy working together with much resolve, Mira and Luca’s comic book keeps us turning the page, Miya showed off her incredible piano skills on stage.

Gleb joined us this year, always so full of cheer, Anita proudly shares her work, which we are happy to hear, Artin always has an interesting fact to share, Tonya so talented at art, we’re all aware,

Viraj represented Yibir in the Spelling Bee, Veer our Roman Numerals expert, always saying, ‘Pick me’, Elaina completes her English work with glee.

Angela so thoughtful and kind, Harin is caring and keeps others in mind, Shuyu always shows the 3 C’s, Care, courtesy and consideration, This year the Swans class have brought much elation.

It is now time to say goodbye but before we go, There is one thing you should know, It has been a true pleasure watching you grow.

Thank you for making this the most wonderful year, Before you step out of the Swans classroom door, I would like to wish you all the very best for Grade 4

Sandpipers

Grade 3

Teacher: Miss Lee

What a year the Sandpipers’ class have had in Grade Three, watching each and every member develop their skills, their personalities and truly be… …that thoughtful best friend, that positive influence and that sensible role model through and through, So here’s to the memories I will always hold of each and every one of you… From Ishaan and Aurelius our accomplished and enthusiastic Digital Leadership team, To Mahi our natural team leader, managing, encouraging and keeping your groups keen.

Well done to Anastasia and Rayaan, sporting heroes in the making: showing us all how to swim, To Kyaan, our very own Mr. Inclusive, filling our friendship buckets full to the brim. Next to Amina who continues to impress us with her natural musical flair, And then to our sunshining Hamda and Devishi with your ability to spread kindness, consideration, cuddles, and care.

To Seb our undoubted creative writing king, brimming with ideas and keeping us gripped, Next, Yacine, maturely forming comparisons, making connections and cleverly able to contradict. We welcomed back our lovely Manal acting as Student Councillor with her perfectly articulated speech. Then we have Mahnoor and Devika representing a friendship so beautiful and one we can all aim to reach, Joshua, a singer, an actor, a scientist - yet always able to wisely reflect,

To Aaron our impressive Vortex thrower and Savannah, you should see how far she leapt! Raphaelle, our newest class member; inclusive, hard-working, kind and the most fantastic dancer, Izzy, working hard on her mathematical skills and building on her science knowledge, so that she often knows the answer.

Kiran the world’s most efficient and reliable class librarian, always buried within a book, To our lovely Ruby, the perfect partner to support you in your learning, helping if and when you get stuck. Definitely demonstrating that growth mindset is Danyal with his incredible abilities to create art, Goodness me, what a class full of champions and what wonderful people you have become right back from the start!

Sandpipers, a huge thank you from me – I have loved being your teacher this year, Well done for all your achievements, our memories, the fun times – let’s give ourselves a cheer!

With lots of love Miss Lee x

owls

Grade 3

Teacher: Ms. Collins

O – Over the year, you have become a fantastically supportive team to one another!

U - Umm Al Quwain will remain a firm favourite with you all for some time to come! Whether it was on the climbing wall, in the kayak or staying away from home, you all challenged yourself to try something new and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

T - Time flies when you are having fun and we had lots of fun playing in the rain!

S - Sport’s Day let you all earn a mountain of house points.

T – Travelling to ‘Ellis Island, New York’ and facing those formidable immigration officers will never be forgotten!

A - Adventura Park gave you all the chance to stretch your limits and explore the human body by making working models.

N - National Day was celebrated in style with fairground games, delicious food and woodwork crafts!

D – Displaying your learning at our Body Systems exhibition gave you all a sense of pride and achievement. You all worked so hard on your projects!

I - International Day picnic was a special event with friends, exploring our differing cultures.

N – Never Give Up! We have worked hard to develop our Growth Mindset and inner voices this year.

G - Green Planet was a trip that really opened our eyes to the wonderful ecosystems of the world and prompted lots of discussions about a class pet!

O – Oranges helped us to visualise the Earth’s crust when we explored how the world works. Food is always a winner!

W - World Book Day gave you the chance to celebrate and share your love of reading and favourite stories.

L – Learning to work with others during out group collage art project, we achieved so much! I was so proud of you when you were able to share this skill with the KG1 Flamingos class when we created our joint reflection piece in celebration of Founder’s Day.

S – Superhero Day was a fabulous day of comics and drama, inspired by The Astounding Broccoli Boy book!

Author Visit

Grade 3 from Kathy Urban

Grade 3 were invited to meet Kathy Urban, a famous children’s author who wrote a book called Hop Lola Hop, which was illustrated by Siska Kala. The book was based on her own daughter and a toy bunny called Lola. At first, Kathy thought writing would be quite straight forward, but she soon realised that it was a long process that took nine months for her to complete.

While Kathy was writing, Siskin was also having trouble; the bunny she first drew looked too realistic. Kathy wanted the reader to think it was a toy bunny, so she drew clothing on Lola. Once the story and illustrations were complete, Kathy then had to find an editor and after that her story was published it. She showed us the different drafts of her book which were very interesting to look at.

It was a very informative visit and we enjoyed hearing about the process of writing your own book, from the first idea to it being printed and sold in shops. Kathy’s visit inspired us to write our own stories, that one day may also be published.

By Cathrine Xu

Herons Grade 3

Teacher: Mr. Bowden

What a year we’ve had in Grade 3, We’ve accomplished so much it is clear to see, The laughter we shared, the joy we expressed, These moments together were some of our best. New friendships have been formed and created, Here is a look back at all that has been celebrated.

The Chinese New Year, a time to rejoice, Our assembly was lively, with one unified voice, We danced and we smiled, our pride on display, Our first big performance, parents were blown away. The dragons were the star the of the show, They danced around both high and low.

In our learning we grew and grew, There were many experiences that were new. Ellis Island role play was little scary, The teachers were extremely wary, They were pretending to be the guards at the port, It was trickier to get in than we all thought!

The residential was an adventure for all, Our first overnight trip away from school. We pushed ourselves to be courageous, The size of the climbing wall was outrageous! We helped each other in times of need, Each challenge was harder than it seemed.

As a class we are curious and sometimes have doubts But working together we can always figure it out, Collaboration is key to our success, It is a skill we have developed in our time at NLCS.

So many memories have been made together, Experiences and friendships that will last forever. Our class motto is mistakes are proof of learning, Always remember to keep your passion burning.

Parakeets

Grade 3

Teacher: Ms. Morgan

Our Parakeets class, Colourful and kind, Reaching for the sky, With inspiring minds, A class full of experts, Always willing to share, Wisdom and knowledge, About topics common or rare.

Rodina’s talent for spreading smiles, a beacon of positivity, Amara’s creative writing style, our human dictionary, Aarnuv for Greek, Norse or Egyptian Gods, and all that’s mythical, Hevanika’s effort to always improve, Her violin playing is magical.

Nawaal’s passion for sport, our Aquathon athlete, She embraces a challenge and loves to compete, Miaohan is an artist and origami Queen, She’s taught us these skills, always calm and serene, Aly’s public speaking pleases every crowd, Talal is our gentleman who makes us proud, Hesham’s empathy, the most trusted friend, Adyant’s kindness lasts to the end, Henri and his vast memory, In all things geography and history, Sofiya’s artistic and unique vision, Always sets her on a creative mission, Alisha, our role model, leading kindness and care, With compassion and fairness, always willing to share.

Maariya loves to write stories, poems and scripts, She’s our class cat expert with all the top tips! Deacon’s love of drama, the star of our play, Full of energy and confidence any time, any day. Ivaan’s constructive feedback is always helpful, honest and true, He is our thinker whose opinion we value, For Amyra’s weekly Writing Stamina, Each Parakeet is a lively character, Sergei is our superstar footballer, Yusuf is our optimistic collaborator.

Passionate learners, Masters of creativity, Fun and inquisitive, A warrior philosophy.

A joy to teach, A pleasure to know, An honour and privilege, To watch our Parakeets grow.

Our Parakeets class, Colourful and kind, Reaching for the sky, With inspiring minds.

Ellis Island Drama Experience

Alisha Melwani - Grade 3

As part of our inquiry into the transdisciplinary theme, ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’, Grade 3 experienced a day in the life of a migrant attempting to begin a new life in America from 1892 to 1924. For many, this meant facing immigration officers at Ellis Island in New York in the hope of being approved to enter the country. For this, we prepared a set of documents, a boarding pass and a passport for our new identity to ‘board the ship’. When we reached Ellis Island we had to partake in a medical test and interview while being scrutinized by hawk-eyed immigration officers (our teachers).

The teachers were definitely convincing in their role as officers! Nervousness and excitement stirred up inside me as I took the final test to proceed to an approval or detained stamp. We were asked about our age, how we would support ourselves, our education (if we had any) and what we could contribute to the country. It was such a challenge because they were extremely suspicious of all immigrants, as some were lying to receive a chance at a new life!

This drama activity reflected the hard times many people face both past and present and reminded us the different obstacles life can throw at you. It taught us to face those hardships and keep going no matter what.

By Alisha Melwani

Founder's Day Grade 4 Play

By Arya-Leah Melwani

I would like to tell you about one of my main highlights of the year - the Grade 4 Founder’s Day Play. Founder’s Day at NLCS is a monumental occasion in which the whole school community comes together to celebrate the strong women founding Headmistresses of NLCS London. Everyone is part of it!

Back to the Grade 4 Play! At the very beginning of the process, students need to decide whether they would like a big or small role. If you’re not sure, you can always consult your teacher. Once you receive the script, you need to memorise your lines and know your class’s scene inside and out. Showing teamwork at this stage is paramount as is the ability to project your voice clearly and with expression – this becomes a daily practice. It helps to be able to visualise your audience and focus on making your performance as authentic as possible.

Personally, I asked myself everyday - how would I perform? As an Arabian Tahr, I always listen to instructions carefully and I still think this was a significant factor in why our scene was so good. We re-enacted the historical University of London scene in which Sophie Bryant, the second Headmistress at NLCS, was one of the first women to receive a Bachelor of Science degree certificate. I was proud of my role as a Narrator and as I stood there on the stage, I couldn’t help but notice how impressed and in awe the audience looked throughout our performance. We were all so thrilled to hear the rapturous applause from the parents once we had finished.

I was very proud of my accomplishments that day. I was delighted to see my self-confidence grow and happy that I had remained open-minded and fearless throughout. A real risktaker! On top of all this, I made lots of new friends across the grade. I can’t wait for the next performance.

Arabian Gazelles

Grade 4

Teacher: Ms. Roberts

My dearest Arabian Gazelles,

As another incredibly busy academic year draws to an end, I am filled with a sense of both pride and sadness to be composing these words. From the very first day you walked into the Arabian Gazelles’ classroom in September, where we began with fundamental concepts across the curriculum, to exploring the multifaceted corners of critical thinking, creativity and problem solving, we have journeyed together, strived with fervor and achieved feats beyond our wildest imagination. It has been a truly humbling experience to witness the growth, perseverance and progress that you have made, both individually and collectively.

Along with the 3Cs, you have exhibited academic courage, collaboration, curiosity and determination. Your enthusiasm for learning has burned brightly like the glowing embers of a roaring fire, casting a radiance that has touched and illuminated all members of the NLCS community you have interacted with.

Your inquiring minds have soaked up knowledge like a parched earth in a rainstorm, blossoming into prismatic gardens of ideas and innovation. You have grown into independent thinkers, responsible Global citizens and confident leaders who possess the confidence to surmount any challenge that the future might have in store.

As you prepare to embark on a new phase of this academic odyssey, I encourage you to carry with you the cherished memories that we have forged together, such as the Residential to Shawka, the Grade 4 Founder’s Dap play and the Booknic, along with the many invaluable lessons you have learned throughout the year.

Do not be afraid to be daring and bold, to form and defend your opinions, and to step outside your comfort zones, for that is where discovery thrives and where character is built. Use your formidable skills to create change, spread joy and make the world a better place.

In closing, I would like to extend my profound gratitude to you, and to your supportive families who have placed their trust in me to guide and nurture you. It has been my utmost privilege to be your teacher this year and to watch you bloom into the remarkable individuals that you are today. I have no doubt that you will continue to soar to great heights in Grade 5.

My final message to you, my Arabian Gazelles, is to always remember the words of BB King, “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”

Arabian Red Foxes

Grade 4

Teacher: Ms. Betteridge

Wow! What an amazing year. This was my first year at NLCS Dubai and it has certainly been one to remember. You have given me the best year imaginable and memories to last a lifetime and for that I am truly thankful.

There is so much to write about; it has been hard to choose what to say. So here goes…

As I reflect on our year together, I am filled with gratitude and pride. You have all grown so much since the beginning of the school year, and it has been an honor to watch you learn and develop as individuals.

The thing that resonates with me the most is all of your passion, dedication and resilience that you all put into your learning – it is inspirational. Every single day has been enjoyable and for me, I have also grown as a person, whilst teaching you and especially when we have had our classroom dialogues and thinking sessions where we discuss feelings, aspirations and our inspirational quotes for the day. Our mood meter has allowed me to know and understand all of you and we have grown together as a team. You have all become a community of adventurous readers and I hope this lasts a lifetime.

You have all shone in your own ways. Sienna, Cara, Remi for your outstanding confidence; Alexandra, Anna, Maaheen for your determination and principled nature; and Diana, Anastasia, Jacob and Jules for your positive energy and kindness. Amar and Kabir for your impeccable manners and conversation. Humza, Aryan and Aesan, thank you for your thirst for challenge, especially with those morning starters. Keshav, Harry and Raina how you have grown this year, highlighted in your stage performances. Amaya, Amelia and Andrew, your maths brains have challenged mine!

There is a myriad of qualities I could mention – you are all very special, inspirational individuals with determination and drive and I want to say a big thank you for making my year so special.

The Curiosity Lab

My experience of the ‘Properties and their materials’ workshop

Grade 4

By Anais Payen

Curiosity Lab has easily driven my passion and strong love for science forward and I hope that they will come back with another compelling experiment that will blow our minds...again!

Firstly, to make sure we were all safe, we were told to put on some black, rubber gloves and safety goggles that were placed on our trays. There were also 2 beakers, a mini spoon, and a stick to stir and a funnel to sieve. Next to our trays, on our tables, were 2 plastic bowls - one filled with chalk and one filled with glucose. After that, we had to pour chalk into a beaker and glucose into the other. Then, we had to put a little water in each one and stir the solutions. During this, Eugene, the workshop leader, clearly explained the reason why the chalk was more a white colour, whereas the glucose was more clear which was because chalk is insoluble (it doesn't dissolve in water). Next, we had to pour the glucose into the chalk, which apparently, was mistake, (I soon realised this was part of the show).

In order to reverse what we'd done, we were handed a piece of paper to put in our funnel that we were going to put in the empty beaker, and then pour the mixed solution into the funnel which then drained into the beaker back as a clear liquid. Finally we added the solution into a plastic bottle that had green food – dye in and we shook it. Slowly but surely, the color of the water changed from green to brown, to red to orange and then finally yellow. Once at yellow, we gave the bottle a little shake which changed the color to red and then a big shake which changed the color to green. This worked because shaking allows oxygen to permeate the solution and reverse the colors once again. This magical experiment we did was called the 'Traffic Light Experiment.'

Oryx Grade 4

Teacher: Mr. Mounsey

You won’t see this until year’s end. There will have been a few more months of achievements between my writing this and you reading it (time has to be given for publication!). I don’t know exactly what will come in those months, who may join us or who may leave, but I do know that you will embrace each new circumstance with the same excitement and positivity you’ve shown so far and continue to treat each other with the caring, respectful manner I have come to expect and appreciate from you all.

It makes me proud to write about how you have grown and matured this year. It seems like only yesterday that I welcomed you into Grade4 (and some of you into Grade 3!) Whether you were a returning student or new in September or joined us throughout the year, each of you has become a valued member of our class. You have repeatedly demonstrated the 3C’s of NLCS; Care, Courtesy and Consideration. You have shown care to your peers when they have been new, when they have been nervous and when they have been sad. You have shown courtesy in the way you move around the school, hold doors for others and listen to your peers. You have shown consideration when reflecting on your learning, responding to discussions and when making decisions. I hope that you are each proud of the progress you have made and the person you are becoming.

I hope you will all remember the effort you have made and how it has helped you grow this year. You’ve worked hard in lessons, you have supported your House and you have represented the school, on trips, residentials, on stage and in sports. As you move up to Grade 5 you may find that the challenge increases. Just remember that this year you have all developed your growth mindset and shown that we learn from our mistakes. When things get challenging you have repeatedly shown that you can succeed. Take this with you next year and each one after.

Thank you for a fantastic year.

Arabian Wolves

Grade 4

Teacher: Mr. Gibbons

I am incredibly proud of the wonderful year we have had in Grade 4 Arabian Wolves. It is hard to believe how much the Arabian Wolves class has grown and accomplished in just one year. From mastering new math concepts, delving into fascinating science experiments and letting your imaginations create stories and tales within your writing, captivating an audience with your language skills. You have shown a true passion for learning and a willingness to take on any challenge. Together, you have all enjoyed the learning taking place in class and embraced struggle as you recognised this as developing, growing and improving. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you have new experiences on the Grade 4 residential trip, many of you faced and conquered some of your fears.

In addition to this, your incredible performances in our Grade 4 Founder's Day play will live long in the memory of the NLCS community and you should all be extremely proud of yourselves. However, it is not just your academic achievements that make The Wolves so special. Your kindness, respect, and empathy towards one another have created a supportive and inclusive learning environment that we will always cherish. As you move on to new challenges, never forget the lessons you have learned and the friendships you have made in Grade 4. Together we formed a wolf pack, we stuck by, supported and encouraged each other to do better, to be better, to learn better. I have enjoyed watching you develop new friendships as well as strengthen old ones.

You should all be proud of all that you have accomplished and I cannot wait to see where your futures take you.

Grade 4’s Residential Trip to

Wadi Shawka

By Amar Grade 4

The morning of our residential, most children were quietly nervous, as it was, for many of us, our first residential trip away from our families. Anxious about the epic hike that we were told was ahead under the blazing desert sun (not quite, but you know what I mean); and some, who were not so comfortable with the thought of living in a tent with none of the usual luxuries they were used to in the comfort of their mansions and no helpers to clean up after them. Rumours were swirling round that we would have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the desert. Clearly, this wasn’t the case and actually, the trip was a roaring success, where we made some of our best memories that we will surely hold tightly for the rest of our lives.

Some of the highlights from our trip included arriving at the camp and being asked to put up our very own tents. Fortunately, we didn’t have to stay in them, cheering when we were assigned our tent groups and darting straight to them with our friends. Another hilarious highpoint was during our 5km hike through the vast Wadi where some of my peers stepped into rancid camel droppings. I guess they were too busy taking in incredible flora and fauna and the numerous animals we saw along the journey.

Evenings around the camp, staying up late in our tents and sharing breakfast times all together were so much fun! Gleeful faces each morning and the excitement around sharing stories of what experience we had all just had filled the camp with constant laughter.

But the snorkelling trip around Snoppy Island for me, was the only thing I feared the entire three days. Not because I was scared to jump off the boat, as I have done it many times before; nor because I’m scared of swimming, because I’m an avid swimmer; but because I have recently developed a fear of black prickly Sea Urchins. Regrettably, my fear rubbed off onto some of my friends, right when I started to freak out – it wasn’t pretty. As a result, some proceeded to sit out the jump with me. Oops! Most people think I eventually jumped in and faced my fear (I didn’t - don’t tell!)

What an unbelievable excursion we’ve had that will leave a special memory in the young hearts of every single child and teacher. This has been a huge privilege to the NLCS Dubai students and we are ever thankful to the staff for making this residential so pleasurable.

Arabian Tahrs

Grade 4

Dear Arabian Tahrs,

It has been my pleasure this year to watch you all blossom into the sincere, considerate and energetic students that you are today. Your enthusiasm and motivation have gone a long way in helping me to help you fulfil your own goals and aspirations.

I still remember with affection one of our first conversations at the beginning of Grade 4 all about the character traits of Arabian Tahrs and their ability to jump huge distances. You have certainly lived up to your namesake, leaping to impressive heights and showing resilience at every step of the way.

It is hard to choose a single highlight from all the wonderful things we have done together this year. From our Grade 4 Residential to our Founder’s Day Play, Class Assembly and our daily lessons, you have worked extremely hard to be the best version of yourselves possible. Your determination to develop the key learner profile attributes has shone through. You have become excellent communicators, using your voice in our units of inquiry to suggest ideas for positive change in the world. As caring individuals, you have learnt the importance of justice and equality and shown your open-minded spirit in response to some of the more challenging issues faced in our class novels. You can be proud of the way in which you have combined new ideas and information in different learning contexts to become ever more knowledgeable and creative as you progressed through the year.

I am extremely happy and grateful that I have had the opportunity to get to know each and every one of you and your individual personalities. I will miss the Arabian Tahrs of 2022 - 2023 but look forward to seeing you leap to new heights as you move to Grade 5 next year.

I wish you all the very best.

Mrs Leybourne

Arabian Horses

Grade 4

Teacher: Mr Beasant

As the school year comes to a close, it is a pleasure to reflect on the great accomplishments and growth from each and every one of you. It has been wonderful getting to know each of you and having the opportunity to help you progress and push you to be the best you can be. You have all worked extremely hard and should be very proud.

Throughout the year, you have shown a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for learning. At each stage you have demonstrated the key learner profile attributes that we as a school hold so close to us. You have taken on challenging academic and extracurricular activities with enthusiasm and a determination to succeed. You have also shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity, adapting to unexpected challenges and emerging stronger as a result.

The sense of community and support amongst you all has been magnificent to see. Whether it was organising a Maths club, coming together to support a friend during a difficult time, or simply offering a kind word, gesture or even apology, you have consistently shown that you understand and cherish our rules of Care, Courtesy and Consideration.

As you move on to the next chapter of your journey at NLCS Dubai, I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things. You have shown that you have the skills, drive, and compassion to make a positive impact in the world, and I look forward to seeing the incredible contributions you will make in the future.

To the Arabian Horses class of 2022/2023: I am immensely proud of all that you have accomplished, and I wish you all the best as you embark on your next challenge. May you continue to inspire and achieve, and may your passion for learning and self-belief never fade.

All the best, Mr Beasant

The Grade 4

Booknic

In the morning, as the parents walked in, they were excited to read and have a joyful Booknic with their children. As they strolled through NLCS, they admired the quotes of the future visions of NLCS. After a while, they walked through the creative doors of UAE art.

A Booknic is when your parents come to the school and read a book and enjoy a shared snack. As the Booknic started we all sat down on our colorful mats and took out our enjoyable books and started sharing our snacks. We began reading out words from our books that were filled with suspense, mystery and all that everyone enjoys. As time passed, we started to eat all different types of food.

The parents were provided with comprehension questions and asked a few for example.

Who do you most want to read this book? Did this book remind you of any authors? What surprised you most about the book?

These are now the thoughts of some of our grade four students. Taymoor says” It was fun because I got to read with my parents and answer some questions.”

By Zaidan Syed Sultan and Eshaan Omar Hassan Grade 4 Arabian Wolves

Eagles

Grade 5

Teacher: Miss Schools

I have had the most magnificent year with Eagles 2022 – 2023. They have been enjoyable to teach, and I have observed them grow into independent, expressive, mature, courageous, inquisitive individuals. Their inner motivation, principled behaviour, and willingness to challenge themselves shined across the school. They are all true NLCS Dubai students, who have found a transformed love of learning through the IB Curriculum and pastoral support that we provide here at our school.

Eagles Class studied six units of inquiry named, ‘Leadership,’ ‘Ancient Civilizations,’ ‘Science and Technology’ ‘Express Yourself,’ ‘Equality’ and ‘Changes.’ This year, and many of them would agree that they enjoyed making their dioramas based on ancient civilizations for their mini-exhibition and working collaboratively for their PYP Exhibition. I was thrilled to be part of the PYP Exhibition again this year. I observed the 8-week process evolve where each student started their exhibition with a passion in a subject to the end, where they delivered a visual display and presentation about one of the UN Sustainable Living Goals.

Grade 5 loved the enrichment and trips this year. We visited the Etihad Museum where they found and reported on the Founding Fathers, going to the Dubai Frame with the Arabic department and visiting another Dubai school to experience their PYP exhibitions. Here, the Eagles were inspired to take their ideas and adapt it to improve their visual presentations. However, they would agree with me that their favourite trip was the Residential in Sir Bani Yas Island, west of Abu Dhabi. All students really enjoyed camping in tents, taking part in mangrove planting, snorkeling, jeep safari, land and sea survival but also eating the delicious food from the Anantara hotel. I have many fond moments of the year, but my best memory was the desert disco at the Residential trip and the G5 Graduation where we were able to look back on our incredible year together.

Thank you, students, for laughing at my jokes and bringing joy to my final year at NLCS Dubai. I wish many of you the best for Grade 6 at NLCS or good luck for your new adventures in new schools across the world!

Cormorants

Grade 5

What a fantastic year it has been! Arriving in Dubai in August, I was eagerly awaiting meeting you all and when I did, I was blown away. I met a class of enthusiastic, hard-working and caring children who have made me laugh every day. Over the year, I have watched you embody the IB Learner Profile Attributes and become children who truly represent the values of NLCS Dubai.

During the year, you have showcased your skills and knowledge through a variety of units. You demonstrated your leadership qualities and understanding of what a good leader is in our first unit. Your efforts and commitment to your mini-exhibition paid off in our next unit looking at various ancient civilisations; it was amazing to see what you all produced and the detail in which you talked about your work. In our next units on ‘How the World Works’ and ‘How We Express Ourselves’, you continued to produce high quality work, collaborating and organising yourselves well to create some amazing final pieces. Your PYP Exhibition was the highlight of the year; I felt so proud seeing you all take ownership of your learning and present passionately about an issue that you felt strongly about. I was also impressed with the range of action you took to help raise awareness of these issues.

We have also enjoyed a range of trips and a residential this year. Visiting the Etihad Museum, watching Macbeth and learning more about technology at the Musuem of the Future. However, the residential to Sir Bani Yas Island was undoubtedly the best trip of the year. I enjoyed watching you form new friendships and apply yourselves to a range of activities such as sea survival and mangrove planting. It was an amazing experience and one I hope you will all cherish for many years to come. Now the year has drawn to a close, I want to say thank you. Thank you for making my first year at NLCS Dubai so special; I couldn’t have asked for a better class to start my time here. I wish you all the best for next year and beyond; I know you all have the qualities needed to be successful. Remember to say ‘hello’ if you see me next year – I would love to know how you are getting on!

Best wishes, Mr

Collier

Grade 5’s Residential Trip to

Sir Bani Yas Island

In February, Grade 5 travelled to the desert island of Sir Bani Yas for their residential trip. Sir Bani Yas is the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi and was once the former private island of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Thanks to decades of conservation and environmental work, the island is now home to many free-roaming animals as well as a host of different types of plants and trees.

During the trip, students enjoyed acquiring water and land survival skills; they used seaweed to create ‘SOS’ messages on the beach and worked collaboratively to construct shelters to protect themselves from the elements during a storm. They had fun raft building; using containers and rope to build a structure which could float and carry themselves to safety. They braved freezing water conditions to go snorkeling; spotting hamour, bream, grouper and even some little turtles along the way.

Students were incredibly fortunate and humbled to contribute to the island’s sustainability programme. They helped to plant mangrove trees in water, whilst learning about their impact on the local environment. They were enthralled as they visited and explored archaeological sites with renowned archaeologist Dr. Mark Beech, who explained to them what life may have been like on the island in the past. They were also amazed by the incredible wildlife such as antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes and gazelle whilst enjoying a desert safari trip around the island.

Exhausted by the endless activities, students enjoyed sharing their reflections by the campfire before camping on the beach under an incredible starry night sky. A wonderful time was had by all, even on the long bus journey back to school!

Harry Baker performance

review by Grade 5 students

Have you ever wondered how German, falafel, and poetry link together?

On February 2nd, Grades 4 and 5 had an incredible experience of seeing the famous poetry star- Harry Baker. Who is Harry Baker? What were our first impressions of his performance? Read our review to find out.

Harry Baker was born in Ealing 1992; Harry Baker grew up as part of a Christian community in West Londan. Baker switched from studying medicine to having a passion for poetry and loved mathematics and German which he studied at Bristol university. His first ever poetry collection was called ‘The Sunshine Kid’ and he liked to make poems out of prime numbers.

Another piece of Harry Baker’s work is a ‘Bumble bee” poem. This poem was really engaging and unique to the audience. Before the poem started, he asked us (the audience) to tell him words that rhymed with ‘bumble.’ Grades 4 and 5 students replied: ‘grumble, tumble, rumble’ and many more. When this wonderful poet was reading his amazing piece of poetry, all the students were listening to Harry Baker so carefully! (It was the quietest 5 minutes of our lives). After the ‘Bumblebee’ poem, some children were asking Harry Baker very interesting questions. One girl from grade 5 asked about his favorite place he has visited.

Grade 4 and 5 really enjoyed Harry Baker’s visit to NLCS Dubai. We especially enjoyed when he interacted with the audience asking us to say German words like “Falafelloffel” which means falafel spoon. He said this because he ran a marathon dressed up as a falafel spoon. He even recited a poem in German and made the German speakers laugh. His humorous ways enchanted the audience. He recited a poem called paper people which won the award of best poem in the world. It was made to be a tongue twister so have a go:

I like people.

I'd like some paper people.

They'd be purple paper people.

Maybe pop-up purple paper people.

Proper pop-up purple paper people.

How do you prop up proper pop-up purple paper people, I hear you cry?

Well I, I'd probably prop up proper pop-up purple paper people with a proper prop up purple people paper clip

But I'd pre-prepare appropriate adhesives as alternatives

A cheeky pack of blu-tack just in case the paper slipped.

Ospreys

Grade 5

Teacher: Ms. Cumming

Dear Ospreys,

As we reach the end of your Grade 5 journey, I would like to thank you for making my first year at NLCS Dubai so enjoyable and rewarding. It has been such a pleasure to teach you all and watch you grow into independent and confident students. All of you have learned to manage your time, take ownership of your learning and work collaboratively.

There are so many highlights of our year together. Like the time we all danced a little too enthusiastically to Rick Astley at our end of term party; your confidence at presenting your learning and dioramas at the mini exhibition; your passion for debating and your resilience at expressing yourselves through art. I will always remember planting mangrove trees together on Sir Baniyas Island, the look of awe on your faces as the giraffes walked past our jeep and how can I forget your screams as you entered the freezing water?

Throughout the year, you have shown a readiness to learn and relished all the challenges given and your enthusiasm for learning has never dwindled. You have become effective communicators and shown tolerance when collaborating with each other and towards the interactive whiteboard (which has a mind of its own!). Our quote on our class wall says, ‘Mistakes are proof that you are trying!’’ and you have all shown a willingness to embrace your mistakes, using them as an opportunity to learn and improve.

I am so proud of all that you have accomplished this year, and I am excited to see where your future learning journey takes you. Remember to keep taking risks, trying new things, and never giving up on your goals.

And to end with a quote from my favourite book - The boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy “Always remember you matter, you're important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.”

Falcons

Grade 5

Teacher: Mr. Mullan

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Grade 5 Falcons in my second year at NLCS Dubai. Following last year, my expectations were incredibly high, and I can safely say the Falcons have surpassed them. It truly was a wonderful experience working with and getting to know all of the students in Grade 5 as we embarked on our learning journey together throughout the academic year.

Over the course of the year, we learned many new things in terms of English skills, mathematical concepts, and scientific knowledge. But most importantly we learned about each other and even more about ourselves. We learned that some confidence, self-belief, and motivation can go a long way in terms of our academic success. We learned that resilience, determination, and a willingness to challenge ourselves can help us to achieve what we thought was impossible. Yes, we had some difficulties along the way, but we also had plenty of smiles and laughter, ensuring that our classroom was a happy place to learn.

During our units of inquiry, we learned about ancient civilizations and ethical dilemmas in science and technology; we explored the concept of leadership and about the changes we experience as we grow older. In English, we learned about Shakespeare’s Macbeth and some serious issues such as climate change. In Maths, we learned about algebra, polygons and how to calculate angles. In Science, we learned about the heart and the important role it plays in the human body. As well as all of this, in preparing for our PYP Exhibition, we learned that teamwork, collaboration, independence and responsibility are all key factors when we want to learn something new.

I will cherish many special moments from Sports Days, Residential Trips, House Captain Elections, Assemblies and Exhibitions. The G5 Falcons will always be a group I will hold dear to my heart when I look back on my teaching career. I sincerely wish all students the very best as they carry on their academic careers in Senior School. Best of luck Falcons!

Kestrels

Grade 5

Teacher: Miss Brisbane

Dear Kestrels,

As we come to the end of another school year, I feel a great sense of pride in the accomplishments of this wonderful class. It has been an absolute privilege to guide you through your academic journey, and I am filled with joy as I look back on all the memories we have created together.

This has truly been a year of growth and learning for each and every one of you. From the first day of school to the last, I have watched as you have overcome challenges, discovered new passions, and worked tirelessly to achieve your goals. I am honoured to have been a part of your journey.

One of the things I have appreciated most about the Kestrels is the way you have supported each other. From lending a helping hand during class projects, offering words of encouragement during difficult times, taking on team challenges during our residential trip and collaborating so successfully in preparation for your exhibitions. It is this compassion, motivation and open mindedness that has made this class truly exceptional.

As we prepare to say goodbye and move on to new adventures, I am confident that you will all go on to accomplish great things. You have demonstrated a dedication to learning and a thirst for knowledge that will serve you well as you continue your journeys at NLCS Dubai and beyond.

To my wonderful students, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for a fantastic year. You have brought joy and laughter to the classroom and I am proud to have been your teacher. I wish you all the best as you continue your academic and personal journeys, and I know that you will achieve great success in all that you do.

Well done, Kestrels!

Miss Brisbane

Junior School

Ms Peoples

It is with great pride that we finish our school year on another high note having achieved many musical accomplishments this year. Our Music Department has gone from strength to strength each year and that is because of you, the students. Record numbers of students have performed in various capacities showcasing the multitude of talent we possess at NLCS Dubai.

One of our most significant achievements this year was the launch of our Beginner Band programme for grades 4 and 5 in September. Places were in huge demand with priority placed on grade 5 students. It has been wonderful to see so many students expressing an interest in playing an instrument and participating in the school band. The band has been a huge success, with many students now proficiently playing their chosen instrument and performing in front of their peers and families.

We have also seen a great deal of progress in our choir. Record numbers have attended; 65 students enjoyed Wednesday lunchtime rehearsals and performed at both the Winter and Summer Concerts. Students have been working hard to improve their skills and build their confidence and we have seen a marked improvement in their performances. We are particularly proud of our Winter Concert, where we had over 100 Junior School students perform. In an era where grade level exams are dominating solo instrument focus, it is imperative that students experience both the art of performance and working as part of an ensemble. This is the first year Junior School Music provided two independent concerts in the school year, Winter Concert and our Summer Soiree. This is testament to the growth of our department and performers in the Junior School.

Junior Orchestra have spent their year focusing on working as an ensemble, building confidence, developing teamwork and collaboration skills, and deepening their appreciation for music. We are very proud of their hard work and determination which was conveyed in their Summer Soiree performance.

Music Morning Series has highlighted the talent of our students offering them the chance to perform in front of a live and supporting audience in the form of their peers and parents. House Music Finalists performed to an extremely high standard, attending rehearsals and finals oozing both class and professionalism.

“Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.” Robert Schumann advising his young musicians. Those of you who have attended a Music Morning Series Concert will know I end every concert with the same short speech, encouraging students to rehearse regularly and work on their performance skills. Junior School is oozing with performers from Pre-Kg all the way to Grade 5. We have placed a huge emphasis on being performance ready this year and what this means to our students. This summer, continue to rehearse, work on the art of mastery and play to an audience; music needs to be live and performed.

Competition 2023

Teacher: Mr. Kannin

Pursuant to the words of The Prophet (ﷺ): "The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: 'Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite."

The Islamic Studies Department conducted the Quran competition on April 12th, 2023, for the fourth consecutive year.

Forty-two participants out of the sixty, from grades 1 through 11, qualified to the final round of the competition.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs' well-known prime preacher Dr. Adnan Al-Khateeb lead the competition's judging committee. We have made sure that arbitration in this competition was offered by a neutral third party to deliver the best results for our pupils.

There were two primary competition categories: The mainstream competition in the allocated Surahs according to the grade curriculum, and the elite competition in Juzu Amma, Juzu Tabark, and both.

Our students’ excitement to participate in the holy Quran competition and their eagerness to get the results were astounding, the Islamic department teachers extend their sincere congratulations to all the contenders and especially to our twelve winners who showed their wonderful competitive spirit and deserved our deepest appreciation.

Finally, the Islamic Department would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the parents who contributed to the competition prizes and helped make it a huge success.

Message from the Vice Principal Pastoral Care

What an incredible year we have had here at NLCS Dubai. The past 10 months have flown by in the blink of an eye, but together as a community we have achieved so much in that seemingly short space of time. As we reach the end of our 6th academic year, it is important we take time to reflect on the accomplishments, successes, and magical journeys we have all been privileged to be a part of.

The theme of “reflection” formed the framework for this year’s Founder’s Day. It was a wonderful

opportunity to look back on all we have achieved, as well as taking a moment to ponder. With over 1300 students, our growing family came together to process with daffodils and appreciate our rich history and tradition as an NLCS school. Readings, musical performances and the official hand over of the Big 4, all contributed to the wonderful day.

With Covid-19 restrictions being lifted in October and students no longer mandated to wear masks, it was an absolute joy to be greeted by students’ beaming smiles and to see their full faces for the first time in over two years. The lifting of restrictions also allowed the re-introduction of our international trips. Grade 8 enjoyed an impactful historical trip looking at battlefields in Belgium and France, whilst our Grade 9 and Grade 11 students spent valuable time in Nepal involved in community service work. Such experiences authentically take learning beyond the classrooms and build lifelong memories for everyone involved.

Being able to have parents back on campus has been key in reconnecting us in our partnership to guide and support students. House Dinners, coffee mornings and our annual Iftar have been wonderful opportunities to re-establish these important relationships. The fantastic events organised by the Parents’ Guild, such as the Winter Soiree and the Winter Fair have further embedded and enriched our connections as a community.

UAE National Day Celebrations and our annual International Picnic allowed us to celebrate the heritage of the beautiful country we all call home and the rich cultural diversity with our NLCS community. Food, presentations, song, and dance all contributed to increasing everyone’s knowledge and understanding of their friends’ homelands. This is such an incredibly important and valuable aspect of our international school, and fits beautifully within the ethos of the IB.

The House system and our regular House competitions continue to be the heartbeat of our school. The feeling of belonging and being part of something bigger than oneself are the foundations for this key element of Senior School. Students supporting, mentoring, and encouraging one another, echos our ethos of care, courtesy and consideration in all that we do. House Chess, Public Speaking, Debating, Sports Day and Photography are just a few examples where students can try themselves out and contribute to their House family. One of the highlights of the year is always the House Song, where the entire House come together to rehearse, perfect and eventually perform. The fun and joy they take in creating this event was clearly evident on stage!

The end of the school year is always bittersweet, as we reflect on successes and achievements, but also say goodbye to students and staff moving onto pastures new. I wish all our Grade 12 students the very best wishes as they begin new chapters around the world. My sincere best wishes also go to my friends and colleagues Mr. and Mrs. Monaghan. They have been absolutely key in establishing our beautiful school, and together embody all that it is to be an NLCS community. As we begin to look forwards to the new academic year, the legacy they leave behind will continue to contribute to our story.

Emma Dawson Vice Principal Pastoral Care NLCS Dubai

Message from the Vice Principal Curriculum

“Patience and persistence have a magical effect before which difficulties and obstacles vanish.”

John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, an ambitious Massachusetts Senator appointed sixth President of the United States of America in 1825, would likely have been an excellent IB learner. He embodied many of the characteristics of the IB learner profile, whether that be the balance and open-mindedness he showed in appointing a harmonious cabinet, made up of members from all geographical and political factions upon his appointment, or his risk-taking approach to pushing through an ambitious domestic agenda that included building America’s first passenger railroad and pushing congress to build the first national astronomical observatory. Adams’ approach to the challenges that faced him at every turn in the office of President was to push ahead, believe in his own knowledge and ability, and to persevere. As I reflect upon the past academic year, these are the qualities our own IB learners have embodied in pursuing their own endeavours and in building their own projects for the future. I have been astounded by our Music and Drama students’ ability to reflect upon their own performance, show the perseverance required to rehearse their parts independently, ensuring that every individual contributes at the level they are able to, and subsequently raising their performance level on stage to hugely impressive levels. The performances of Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, Education, Education, Education and our Winter Concert have set a new standard for live performance at NLCS Dubai that our students can look up to and aim to surpass in future years.

Whilst the performances our students have put on this year have raised the bar for future productions, I have been equally impressed when sitting, observing ad hoc discussions taking place in lessons. The passion for learning and developing genuine understanding of the ideas being studied is at the heart of what makes NLCS Dubai students stand out from their peers, and nowhere is this more evident than in a heated classroom debate between students who care deeply about defending their perspective and challenging those who would disagree with them. There is great joy to be had in watching a teacher quietly step back from such a discussion and allow intellectual duels to take place between students, something that can only happen in an environment where students are mutually respectful, open-minded and principled. As I reflect upon another exceptional year it is the combination of these characteristics which make working with our students an absolute pleasure every day.

Richard Snape

Vice Principal Curriculum NLCS Dubai

Message from the Vice Principal Director of Studies

In 1866 the blue plaque scheme was established in London to celebrate its notable residents, linking “the people of the past with the buildings of the present”. For those in search of a piece of NLCS history I would suggest a journey to Sandall Road in Kentish town where one such plaque is affixed to Camden School for Girls commemorating Frances Mary Buss as a pioneer of education. Her successor Sophie Bryant, the first English woman to be awarded a doctorate degree in science, was also considered an educational pioneer and a key figure in the development of NLCS. Indeed, ever since its inception NLCS students and teachers have felt great pride in the pioneering spirit of our great institution.

Reflecting on the growth of NLCS Dubai and the successes of this academic year gives me great pride. This is a pride that goes beyond our superb examination results, sporting triumphs or achievements in the creative arts, but a pride that at NLCS Dubai we continue to embody the pioneering spirit which was the very cornerstone of the foundation of NLCS. It is hard to describe the sheer breadth of activities we have enjoyed from House competitions to concerts and productions, or from our local and international service to our charitable contributions. It is in these activities, in our scholarly ethos, and in all that we achieve, that we continue to celebrate the values of our Founder and all those who have been a part of the NLCS family.

A reflection on our pioneering spirit would not be complete without a few words about our outgoing Principal Mr Monaghan, who leaves us to set up a new NLCS school. Having been a key part of the establishment of both NLCS Jeju and NLCS Dubai, we say goodbye to a Principal who has undoubtedly earned his blue plaque in the evolving history of our great family of schools, and whose pioneering spirit, good humour and belief in the talents of our students has been key in making NLCS Dubai the wonderful school we all enjoy today.

Marco Zambonini

Vice Principal Director of Studies

NLCS Dubai

HAFEET HOUSE

Georgia Ward Assistant Principal- Head of Hafeet

As this year draws to a close I have been reflecting on how lucky I am to work with such an incredible group of students in Hafeet. Another year passes for the Hafeet family and the motto of ‘Our Strength is in Our Pack’ rings true as always. I am truly humbled by the level of dedication and commitment shown by every member of the House and am excited about a future with a strong and passionate student leadership team. Our newly appointed House Captain, Hannah Khan will be joined by Abdulwahab Saggaf as Sports Captain for Hafeet.

I know that they will flourish in these leadership positions in the coming year and act as role models to all younger Hafeetians.

I have also been reflecting on past House Competitions. House Music is always a highlight of the academic year and we had such a fun time as a House coordinating rappers, soloists, musicians, dancers and performers to show off our musical talents. I was incredibly proud of everyone for trying their best and stepping out of their comfort zone to sing and dance in front of the entire school. The rehearsals brought us together and I was proud of the sixth form Hafteetians for leading the choreography and guiding the House.

We had a fantastic start with House Chess in Term 2, where we demonstrated true intellect and tactical skill in grabbing our first win for such a prestigious competition. Both girls and boys won in their grade groupings and brought home our first trophy to the delight of the entire House. I am sure that we will continue to thrive in House Chess as it is now such a popular pastime for many of our Hafeet members!

We have also experienced an array of spectacular sporting achievements this year with a fantastic display of athleticism during Sports Day and grade group wins in Netball. We have worked together to have a successful and productive year in which many Hafeetians have tried a new hobby or sport in support of their House. We have some incredible athletes within Hafeet, all of whom helped to secure a healthy third place in the Sports Day competition. We gained wins in sprints, long distance and field events and I could not have been more proud to see the support of the Hafeet crowd for their fellow peers. I am sure that with growth and the head start that we had this year, we will continue to achieve greatness in Sports Days to come.

We have also had great success in House Art with some beautiful entries with the theme of Reflection. These pieces illustrated the artistic talent we have within Hafeet. Also, a big thank you to the House Spelling Bee participants who were brave enough to take part on stage in front of the entire Senior School to battle against the other Houses to spell a complex and myriad range of terms.

As we end the year we have to say farewell to some members of Hafeet, who I send my best wishes to for their future endeavors. I hope that they always carry a little bit of yellow in their hearts as they move onto their next chapters in life and do not forget the spirit of collegiality and collectivism that they had as part of the Hafeet family. For all of our returning staff and students, have a fabulous and well deserved break over the summer and I look forward to seeing you all again in the new academic year.

Cecilia - House Captain Hafeet 2023/24

As the House Captain of Hafeet House at NLCS Dubai, one of the best moments I experienced was seeing everyone come together on Sports Day. It was our first time not coming last in the school's history, and it was truly an unforgettable moment. Witnessing the hard work and dedication of our house members pay off was incredibly rewarding, and it demonstrated the true strength and unity of our house. To me, Hafeet represents a community of individuals who are passionate, motivated, and committed to achieving their goals. We work together to support one another and push each other to be our best selves.

Being a part of Hafeet House means being a part of a family, and it is a privilege to be able to lead and represent this community. Through my role as House Captain, I learned valuable leadership skills such as communication, organization, and delegation. I learned that leadership is not about being in charge but rather about serving and empowering others to achieve their full potential. Additionally, I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and I realized that achieving success is not a one-person job but a collective effort. To younger students, I would advise them to get involved and be active members of their House community. Participate in House events and activities, and always strive to give your best effort.

Remember that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. Lastly, always be supportive and encouraging of your fellow House members, and never forget the power of unity and teamwork.

When I was invited to submit an entry for this year’s yearbook responding to the questions of ‘Why I wanted to be the House Captain?’, and ‘What I thought it meant to be one’, I was reminded of the time when I submitted my letter of application. I reflected at that time, the big questions of what the role required, what I would bring to it and what it means to be an NLCS House Captain.

The House system provides me with a sense of belonging and excitement; how our shared passion, tenacity and eagerness always shine through, and this is why I am honoured and excited to lead Hafeet House through the next academic term.

Being part of the NLCS Dubai family since inception, I have had a unique opportunity to watch our house flourish and grow year on year. I saw as those in grades above me take on the position of House Captain and lead from the front, creating strategies with fellow members of the leadership team, and creating a community that fosters inclusion, creativity, and positivity. The House System provides students with a sense of purpose as we learn to collaborate and support each other, which is also why I wanted to take on the position and give back to the community that has given so much to me.

As House Captain, I hope to bring fresh, new ideas to the role and elevate collaboration to new heights. With new additions being made to the leadership team as the House expands, I look forward to building on our past initiatives and creating a strong team of leaders that demonstrates through action what it means to be Hafeet!

With the strength of the Hafeet ‘Pack’, I hope to author a bright new chapter in Hafeet’s history and create a lasting legacy through my final year at NLCS Dubai!

Hannah Khan - House Captain Hafeet 2023/24

Chris May Assistant Principal, Head

JAIS HOUSE

of Jais House

Six years of Jais! Time has certainly flown by! Every year is filled with new experiences, highs and lows, successes and ‘less than successfuls’ but most of all growth and development of our not so little family within a family.

When I look back to the opening of the school, I remember fondly being told that I was the blue house called Jais and that I would be able to develop the House alongside my founding members in that first term. The long-term legacy that was at the forefront of our minds in choosing the mascot, the motto and the ethos is alive and well 6 years later within Jais House.

Each year I am impressed with how students from all grades step up and try themselves out, no more so than when it comes to House Music. Leading and rehearsing 120 students is a challenge I look forward to each year and it was wonderful to win again back in term one. My sporting highlight that stands out was this year’s House football in which students threw themselves into, what for some was an unfamiliar sport but the team spirit and loyalty to the house shone through.

Away from House competitions, it is the warm welcome Jais has given to its many new members this year that once again stands out. As students from around the world and from within Dubai join our family, I know that I can always rely on the house to make them feel welcomed and valued.

As we move forward to the seventh year of operation, my leadership team and I are focused on active participation across all grades within the House to ensure that not only are we fielding the best teams in sports and academic competitions but also encouraging every single member of the House to not only try themselves out but more importantly contribute to a truly team effort.

As is tradition I would like to thank the outgoing Jais leadership team of 2022/2023 who worked incredibly hard to rebuild our house after the dark years of covid restrictions. Thank you to Josie (House Captain), Avdesh (Deputy House Captain), Maxima (Assistant House Captain), Ethan (Sports Captain), and Tomas (Assistant Sports Captain) for their hard work and commitment. In term three we welcomed Ethan (House Captain), Francesco (Vice House Captain), Allegra (Assistant House Captain), Leonardo (Sports Captain), Tala (Vice Sports Captain) and Amelia (Assistant Sports Captain).

As year six ends and year seven begins I am so proud to be the Head of a family that encourages each other to take risks and give things a go, a family that is held together by a common goal and a family that is only strong because of the persons within it.

Jais forever!

Mr Chris May (OG HOH)

Josefina - House Captain Jais 2022/23

As Jais house captain, I had the privilege of witnessing some of the best moments for our house throughout the years. The most gratifying experience was seeing our members putting in their best efforts and working together for the big house competitions, bringing out the best in everyone. I was proud to see everyone pulling their weight, regardless of their interests or skills and seeing some new faces to take on new responsibilities and growing in confidence as they exceled.

My role as house captain taught me to appreciate the little things such as a smile in the corridor, a good morning from a house member or even someone who hasn’t participated before, step up for a competition they may not be completely comfortable with. I also learned the importance of building strong relationships between different grades and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.

To younger students, my advice is simple: take the opportunity to try yourself out. House competitions are the best way to figure out what you enjoy and don’t enjoy outside the classroom in a safe and supportive environment without judgement from your peers in a relatively unserious environment. So embrace the opportunities that come your way, and even if you don’t know how to play chess, or kick a ball or hate running, enjoy the experience and participate because at least you will know whether this could be a your passion or not.

Ethan Lee - House Captain Jais 2023/24

My decision to apply for this role was motivated by a strong desire to lead and serve my schoolmates. The position of house captain is a significant responsibility that requires dedication, hard work and leadership skills.

As the house captain, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on my house and the wider school community. I am in a unique position to inspire and motivate students to achieve their best, foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration and encourage positive behaviours and attitudes.

One of the things that I intend to do is to organise and participate in house events that promote healthy competition. This will encourage my peers to showcase their talents and skills. As the house captain, I will work with my head of house and other members of staff to support students academically and socially as well as being a role model for my peers. Lastly, I will encourage students to uphold the school's values and to demonstrate a positive attitude towards their studies, extracurricular activities and relationships with others.

I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve my house and the wider school community. I look forward to building lasting friendships with my fellow students and staff members, and gaining an experience that I will value throughout my life.

JAVI HOUSE

Lee Garrett Assistant Principal, Head of Javi House

Three words to describe this year: consistent, committed and supportive. This year has been hugely successful in many ways and largely thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Javi Student Leadership Team. They have led, managed, organised and rallied in every House Competition with much success to celebrate. This year, my intention was to ensure that people had accessed opportunities to flourish and action the school ethos ‘try yourself out’. It was amazing to witness Javians develop their character through exposing themselves in the public domain by vying to outwit their opponents. And compete they did! From House Music, to Sports day to House Debate, it was such a great feeling to stand back and watch the leadership, the camaraderie, and the House spirit in action. Thank you to all those involved and well done.

My highlight is always House Public Speaking and House Debate. To sit and listen to young students articulate their thoughts, attacking opinions and defensive arguments is always a spectacle I look forward to and regardless of the outcome of the results, I will always admire people who demonstrate courage and commitment on stage. The time and effort to prepare such well detailed scripts is always a consuming task and the rewards are certainly worth it.

As I reflect on this year, I am reminded how regularly proud I felt with the way Javi students embraced the motto ‘everything is possible.’ This year, there has been a constant stream of Javians playing music live in assembly, present a Student Led Assembly, a Nicholson Lecture, or collaborate as part of a School Committee. Additionally, students were performing in Desert Dance and Whole School Drama Productions, the list is endless yet inspiring and uplifting. Long may that continue.

For those leaving the Javi family, I wish you all the very best of luck in your new adventures and as we end another fulfilling year, I would like to wish the Grade 12 students all the very best as they start a new and exciting chapter in their life. We look forward to hearing about the incredible journeys that they will pursue, impacting the lives of many I’m sure.

Sohaan - House Captain Javi 2022/23

What were your best moments of being HC?

I would say that House Football and Sports Day were my best moments. In House Football, Javi was able to come out on top, and it was also the first trophy that I won as a house captain. I enjoyed the house spirit during Sports Day and how everyone motivated one another to do their best.

What did you learn from the role?

"Being a house captain has taught me valuable leadership skills, such as organization, communication, and teamwork. It has also shown me the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and making difficult decisions that may not please everyone. Effective communication was key to my role as a house captain, both in communicating with other members of the leadership team and in ensuring that all members of the house were involved in participating in house events.

Any advice to younger students?

Make sure to participate in house competitions and try yourself out in events where you may not necessarily feel comfortable. It allows you to discover hidden talents and passions that you may enjoy. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you can challenge yourself to grow and learn new skills. Who knows, you may find a new passion that you never knew you had.

Ramzi - House Captain Javi 2023/24

Becoming Javi’s house captain had always been a goal of mine, all the way back to the school’s founding year when I joined. Being a part of the house brought me many experiences and memories I still enjoy thinking about to this day, and the people I met, along with the friendships I formed, made it difficult for me not to want to fully immerse myself in everything Javi had to offer. So, naturally, with a role like this, I’d want to maintain the same spirit and environment of the house which I had enjoyed in prior years for the rest of the lower grades. I know how important doing this would be as I had experienced it myself, and being in that incredible environment motivated me to do so much with the house over the past few years. Having made friendships with many people over many grades, I know how beneficial having a positive, united house can be for all the students I have come to know during my time at this school. Being able to use this role to give the rest of the house everything they have given me, and hopefully, more, would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the time I have spent here at NLCS, and I look forward to the year ahead working with many other ambitious students to do just that.

YIBIR HOUSE

Ben Tomasik Acting Head of Yibir

It has been a wonderful experience leading Yibir House in Mrs. Dunn's absence since February and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and working with the fabulous and talented Yibir students. It has also certainly been a busy few months with lots of house competitions and the unveiling of the Yibir Leadership team for 2022/23. In terms of house competitions, at the time of writing Yibir sit top of the leader board and I sincerely hope this is still the case at the time this yearbook is published. The fantastic performance of Yibir students at Sports Day back in February was certainly one of the biggest victories, but those achieved in House Public Speaking, House Photography, House Rounders and House Basketball are also testimony to the diverse range of talents within the House. With several competitions still to come in the final term, I know all students will be doing all that they can to ensure Mrs. Dunn has the overall house competitions trophy on her desk when she returns for the academic year 2023/24.

Although all students have played a part in these achievements, much credit lies with the Yibir student leadership team who have worked tirelessly to motivate and organise teams for these competitions. Emelia Herrera has passed on her role as House Captain to Salayla Elmasry and Eva Joudrey, who has flourished in her role as Sports Captain, will be Vice House Captain next year. Denis Hristov will become Assistant House Captain. Ashok Mittal, Arjun Mittal and Zahra Manji will make up the Sports Leadership team in September and certainly have some big shoes to fill. However, I know they are highly motivated and more than capable of doing this. I was inundated with application for the leadership roles described above, and it was one of the hardest tasks of my career to whittle down to the students mentioned above. I know those students who were not successful were disappointed, I also know they will continue to work hard to build on the successes of this year such is their dedication to Yibir as a whole. I will also endeavour to give as many students as possible the opportunity to gain leadership experience in time for next year's applications.

I'd like to sign off by thanking all of the Yibir students and form teachers for all of the hard work and contributions this year.

Wishing you all a pleasant Summer Break.

Emilia - House Captain Yibir 2022/23

What were your best moments of being HC?

I think my best moment as house captain was probably being with the whole house as they announced the winners of sports day. It was so encouraging and motivating to see everybody so excited and proud to be a part of the House. Another moment that I remember fondly is working all together on House music after school, during our lunch breaks, and form times. It was so nice to see everyone be involved and so committed to wanting to make our performance the best it could be. Although there were some moments that were hard, I hope that people remember the enjoyable times and being together as a community.

What did you learn from the role?

Ive really learned a lot being Yibir house captain this year such as developing my leadership skills, communication, and a vast variety of other soft skills which are immensely useful for other aspects of my future. But most importantly, I think more than the skills that I've gained from this role, I think the most valuable thing I gained from my role as House Captain has defiantly been the friendships that have come as a product of my leadership role. Whether it be from grade 6s to grade 11s, I've met so many people and become close with so many which I think would have never been possible if I had not been in my position.

Any advice to younger students?

My main advice to younger students in general would probably be to be more out there, participate and get involved. Being in a House has created so many memorable moments for me and it would have never been possible if I shied away from participating at all. Time really passes fast as you get older, even if it doesn't feel like it now. So make as many memories as you can and make as many friends as you can within your house. I think its so refreshing and new to interact with people outside of your grade because even if they are younger than you, there is always something you can learn from them. But most importantly, it is so important that you have people supporting you and that's why I think being in Yibir is amazing because it can really give you that.

Salayla - House Captain Yibir 2023/24

Having been at NLCS since 2017, Yibir has always provided me with a sort of a familial feeling, with previous House Captains acting as older siblings. In the spirit of carrying on this legacy, I decided to apply for the role as Yibir House Captain- to continue to nurture such a feeling. Throughout my journey in the school, I could always rely on Yibir to encourage me and push me out of my comfort zone, with the comfort and knowledge that I would always have a school family to support me.

Experiencing this for 6 years made me realise the importance of having such a strong system during one’s school life; I have made friends in every year, have had mentors, have been a mentor, and experienced countless house events. With Yibir’s supportive environment comes our unanimous desire of winning, but also our reflective ability to bounce back from losses. As House Captain, I am most looking forward for our participation in House Events, particularly Sports Day, House Music, and House Drama.

Though never really a musician, I have grown a strong affinity towards House Music as this event encapsulates the ethos of Yibir; supporting everyone in the house, a communal sense of happiness, and a desire to win. As Yibir House Captains have done before me, I aspire to continue Yibir’s successful legacy of winning, as well as continuing to foster the familial environment created by our members and sparked by our leaders.

Message from the Assistant Principal, Head of Sixth Form

As a Geographer, I’m often looking to see changes in nature. Most often, we see changes recorded over the time period of a year. For example, climatic signals for change are shown clearly through annual cycles such as through dendrochronology (tree rings), ice core records or as varves (lake sediments). Only through compounding the annual variations can we truly see meaningful change in nature. Change is very much afoot in the Sixth Form at NLCS Dubai and much easier to see here than in nature. We have a vastly different Sixth Form Staff team this year, and the Sixth Form has increased in size by over 50%. As we complete our first full academic year over 4.5 days/week, with more students and new staff, we’re very much presented with both opportunity and challenge – an exciting prospect for an academically-ambitious school that grows annually.

We continue to be an outstanding Sixth Form and last year, the IBDP results reflected our belief in our systems, students, and staff. The average point score of 38.1 ensured that not only was the school positioned top within the UAE but also as the top school within the Middle East and North Africa. But the 38.1 score only tells part of the story – students are more than numbers; education is more than grades. This year, the G12 students have attained places at the top Higher Education institutions globally and crucially we have ensured that these are the best fit for our students. Students have attained places at Boston College, Stanford, John Hopkins, University of Toronto, Durham University, NYU Abu Dhabi North Eastern and Warwick to name a few. The IBDP continues to provide the optimum platform for University admissions and we thoroughly endorse its academic framework, rhetoric and the potential it brings for our students.

The Sixth Form model behaviour and expectations for the whole student community, and the Big 4 of Alya, Asa, Layla and Ilyes have made real change in the school. G6 – G10 Students are now led in a gratitude session every Thursday registration by Sixth Form students and Chairs of Societies are making a real difference to further improve the academic ethos of this cohort of students. Whilst still students, they should recognise their ability to have made change in such a short period of time. Looking towards the next academic year again, the Sixth Form Common Room is expanding and effectively doubling in size as we continue to provide the infrastructure necessary for the enquirers and thinking of the future: those who can make real change in the world.

Olly Russell Assistant Principal Head of Sixth Form

NLCS Dubai

2023 - 2024

Avdesh Salecha

NLCS Dubai’s student body share an inherent enthusiasm towards every endeavor they engage in. This trait, in every member of our community, is what inspired me to apply for this position. It was exciting - the thought of having the opportunity to create avenues for students to ignite this spark of curiosity and explore their passions.

Along with this, leadership has always been a passion of mine. The chance of serving the community, that for the last 5 years has endlessly provided me with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive as an individual was a true honor and privilege. This is why I felt a deep sense of gratitude and excitement when I found out I was appointed the role.

As Global Awareness Ambassador, I am passionate about creating a sense of global community within our school; one that is cohesive, encouraging, and dynamic. I look forward to working with the Global Awareness Committee to celebrate the unique traditions, customs, and beliefs of different cultures, and to build bridges of understanding to foster a more inclusive community. I hope to empower the student body to explore and appreciate the diversity around us. Whether that is through organizing cultural events, facilitating discussions, or promoting global initiatives; I am thrilled about the endless opportunities that lie ahead.

This role also provides me with the privilege to collaborate with the Eco-Committee and Charity Committee to address increasingly relevant topics in society. I aim to promote sustainable practices that reduce our community’s ecological footprint and initiate programs that encourage students to get involved in the community to address some of our modern society’s greatest challenges.

As I look towards the future, I am certain that alongside Alexis, Naba, and Omar, we will strive to make positive impact to the NLCS community and beyond. I am, both, honoured and excited to be part of this passionate team and to serve my peers through this opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication.

Omar Sayed

After 3 hours of staring at my unfinished speech, unsure of how to make it so that it truly represented who I am as a person and as a leader, I had begun to question why I was even applying for the role. It was then that my brother walked into my room. He didn’t do or say much, he simply strolled into the room, threw my pens on the ground, and walked right back out, as any great brother would. It wasn’t the best interaction, but it reminded me of why it was so important for me to be a part of the Big 4, and it is because I must ensure that the younger students, whom I have gotten to know so well over my last 5 years at NLCS, are provided with the finest learning environment that I could imagine for them as well as paving the way for following year’s Big 6, the next leaders of the school.

Getting the role of Big 4 was quite a surreal experience. When I was sat down and told that they wanted me to be a part of the Big 4, I was nervous, excited, but also relieved. It felt nice knowing that all the hard work I had put in was recognized, especially because I knew that all my classmates deserved the role of Big 4, meaning that the competition was fierce but inspiring.

However, I am now very excited for what’s to come. As Societies Ambassador there are many changes I plan to bring with the goal of making it easier to start, join and participate within different societies and overall improving the way that they are run in the school. I believe societies can and will have a positive lasting impact on all students who open themselves to joining them.

I very much look forward to working with the other Big 4 members to develop a more enjoyable, challenging, and united school community.

Alexis Schwarz

NLCS is a place brimming with opportunity. One of the school’s sayings: “floors not ceilings”, encompasses exactly what it sets out to do; provide the students with a firm foundation and the ability to soar in the real world. Although these opportunities may often seem like daunting challenges, they make us, the students, more versatile and provide us with the ability to overcome any obstacles in the future. The positions of Big 4 are a prime example of this.

When the application process for the new Big 4 began, it would be an understatement to say I was nervous. Nervousness was the main emotion but I was also excited. I felt this way because I believed this was my chance to give back to the school what it had given to me; the confidence to jump at opportunities. As soon as I received the confirmation that I had gotten the position, I was truly ecstatic and I remain so. Receiving the position means that I have the platform to create positive changes around the school with the help of Avdesh, Naba and Omar. It seems like one of those daunting challenges right now, one that we will step up and take action for, but I know that the new Big 4 will continue to make an impact on this school.

As Enrichment Ambassador I aim to create new opportunities for younger students. I hope to be able to cultivate these by allowing students to take on smaller leadership positions during several annual events such as international day and sports day. Additionally, I would like to create a platform for student-led clubs to promote themselves to increase membership. Finally, I would like to introduce an annual senior formal in order to celebrate our time at this incredible school.

I look forward to working with the other three Big 4’s as I know we will be a strong team, who are able to incite positive change and have impact.

One of my first experiences in Grade 6 was actually getting lost in the school building. Five years later, this school is seldom just corridors and stairways. NLCS Dubai is rooms of memories and windows of opportunity. Now, I can remember each hallway like the back of my hand, as each part of the school represents the growth during my time here. Applying to the role of the Big 4 was an opportunity for me to give back to a place which has not only given me confidence, but an irreplaceable sense of belonging.

The speeches we delivered to each other during the process of application made me realise how talented and diverse each student is; each person has something unique to offer. Regardless of title, I am proud to be part of a student body which embodies the school ethos: care, courtesy and consideration. After I found out I would be a part of the Big 4, I felt privileged to represent these values.

My role will focus on the Wellbeing aspects of the school, working closely with students and teachers. As a person who believes that everyone should have their voice heard, I hope to promote a school environment where problems are solved and can be discussed openly. I look forward to making the Sadiq group a place which we can benefit from more. As well as this, creating more opportunities where students can design their own learning and studying spaces, and more student-led activities and awareness of health and wellbeing.

I feel that forming relationships with multiple students will be the best part of this experience. This is the beginning of a lifelong story, in which my gratitude may be a part of our community, and our collaboration a part of humanity.

Naba

2022 - 2023

NLCS Dubai’s student body share an inherent enthusiasm towards every endeavor they engage in. This trait, “How did you make it to be part of the Big 4?”

I vividly remember that day, where we were leading a Grade 5 Transition to Senior School activity where a student asked me that question. The question, straightforward in its nature, yet complex in its answer, prompting me to think and evaluate on my process.

Being part of the pioneering NLCS Family, I remember seeing the very first Big 4. So passionate and confident in their nature. I did not think I had it in me – at the time. Little did I know a shift, an improvement, in my character resulting from the NLCS environment, the NLCS approach that enabled me the confidence to lead in various disciplines. From being Yibir’s Publicity Officer in Grade 7 to leading the Geography Society in Grade 10. Every experience was a learning experience that enabled me the development of my soft skills of communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Alya

The intertwining of passion with a combination of the development of my skills attributable to NLCS enabled me to confidently present myself in the Big 4. It was an experience like no other, leading in collaboration with ambitious, like-minded people who pushed me to my limits. Understanding the unique nature of our thoughts and ideas, I learnt the value and power of collaborative decision-making for success. This is seen in our Thoughtful Thursdays program that promotes wellbeing within the Senior School community.

It was an honor to be part of the Big 4; I am, and will forever be grateful for NLCS for allowing me with such experiences that have shaped my character. A reminder to the new Big 4 that this experience is a learning experience that will see a mental challenge at times where perseverance is key to its success. I am certain that the new Big 4 will lead and reach even greater heights.

Ilyes

Hopefully this doesn’t come as a surprise, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Big 4. Many lasting memories were made, my personal favourite being Layla’s notorious “Big 1” joke at the beginning of her notices (the reception to this joke was allegedly as dry as the humour). I have learnt a tremendous amount about myself, both strengths and weaknesses. I would certainly say that one of my most valuable lessons was learning the importance of working as a team. I consistently found that collaborating with the other Big 4 members was was gratifying in itself. Layla, Alya, and Asa are trustworthy, insightful, and inspiring people. Good thing they happened to be nice as well! I am grateful for being able to turn to them for advice and feedback. I was fortunate to be placed in this position, but feel ever more lucky at the team that was appointed alongside me.

That being said, a huge congratulations to the new Big 4 on their appointments. If I could give one piece of advice, do make sure to take advantage of the fact that there are four of you. Not only do you have the opportunity to become much closer, but it is through collaboration that I found you have the greatest impact. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be bold and creative in your respective roles. Have the confidence to initiate and drive initiatives.

You four definitely have big shoes to fill, so do remember to lead with conviction, passion, and consideration at all times. Best of luck!

“In addition to NLCS’ care, courtesy, and consideration, I promise you three new Cs. Change. Cooperation. Commitment.” These were my words in my applicant Big 4 speech in March of 2021.

Although I would love to start with our accomplishments as a Big 4 team, I will actually start with one of my least favorite moments being Big 4. This is when the other Big 4 members all happened to be ill on Monday morning assembly, and I had to sit on a lonely chair, awkwardly, on a desolate assembly stage. I arguably had to be Big 1. However, my message for the next Big 4 is that although you may have to complete certain tasks and commitments by yourself, your character really cannot be Big 1 material. Right from the start, I learnt the importance of cooperation and communication, not only with students and teachers, but also with the other members of the Big 4.

After having applied and been fortunate to receive this position, both Ilyes and I realized that we had applied for the same role, Enrichment Ambassador. At the time, I was extremely set on this role, believing that it was the only way I would be able to make real change. Hence, Ilyes and I discussed, never quarrelled. We disagreed, never argued. It ended up that I agreed to take Societies Ambassador, which I ended up loving.

Through societies, I organized society weekly meetings and ran a societies invigilation, going to student leaders’ meetings, thereby providing feedback to them and helping them reach their goals consistently. All of which I could not have been able to achieve this without support from my other Big 4 members.

I hope that at the end of my term as Big 4 that my fellow school leaders and I can say that we have worked to the best of my ability to implement the 6Cs. My hope for the next Big 4, other school leaders and students, is, time flies, so maybe you can add a few more Cs to the list?

Asa

As I reflect upon my experience being a member of the Big 4 over the past year, I have to say that it was not entirely what I expected.

I was expecting the responsibilities that came with being a role model for the rest of the school and the ability I had to make a change. One of the reasons our school is so special is the empowerment and license we receive as students to lead and make an impact on the school community. As a member of the Big 4, you truly do have the ability to make a positive change and have your ideas heard. However, this is not something exclusive to the Big 4. Everyone within our school community has this ability. During my time at NLCS, I have seen so many incredible contributions from so many different people, regardless of whether they had a leadership role or not. So, I encourage everyone to try themselves out and see what unique impact you can bring.

Layla

What I was not expecting, and what I will remember the most, is the camaraderie that Alya, Ilyes, Layla, and I developed and the afternoons spent chuckling at Mr Monaghan’s jokes. Big 4 meetings are not a frigid and sombre affair but full of humour, smiles, and (occasionally if we were lucky) KitKats. I will fondly remember Mr Monaghan making fun of my Harry Potter themed planner (while insisting that I am in Hufflepuff not Gryffindor), Mrs Dawson’s passion for baking cakes, and Mr Russell’s love for mountaineering.

I will also always be grateful for the learning and experiences that came with this role. Of which, perhaps the most important lesson is that KitKat is a dish best served chilled.

LITERARY SOCIETY

Literary Society has seen a huge growth in student exploration and appreciation of literature both past and present this academic year. Using pathways which lead to texts beyond our current curriculum as a stimulus, students from across all grades have fostered their passion for literature beyond the classroom through leading their own thematic sessions formed through organic discussion and debate. We have already seen fantastic examples of this with sessions focusing on the exploration of children's literature and mental health and the presentation of romance in young adult fiction.

I have had the chance to immerse myself in a wide range of unfamiliar concepts during seventh grade in English classes. Spanning from in-depth text analysis to guidance on how to improve and edit drafts, through the course of our English classes, we have had diverting discussions that help us consider the distinctive perspective students have, with everyone contributing their say on the matter. Students have the privilege to use humour and openly express our ideas throughout classes, with individuality being exceptionally advocated. The topics we learn grasp our thrill and avidity, teaching us a broad spectrum of new vocabulary, techniques, language, and more. These are the underlying principles to why our English lessons are so enthralling.

Ismail, Grade 9

During term two, the ninth grade studied the long-time classic play An Inspector Calls, looking into how various dramatic and literary techniques were applied to manipulate the audience’s reaction to all the play’s characters while simultaneously diving deep into the class system that influenced all aspects 20th-century society in the U.K. This provided valuable insight into what life was like during a period in time dominated by rules, both unspoken and specified, that seem strange and alien to us only 100 years later.

Victoria Burger 7z

Emirates Literature Festival

By Yasmina Faqih, 6X

On Monday the 6th of February 2023, the whole of Grade Six attended the Emirates Literature Festival. We went on the coach, and soon arrived to the Literature Festival held in Festival City. We walked through an outdoor pathway where there were a variety of books being sold and stands selling food. We walked through a magnificent red carpet, to reach the large shelter where there were hundreds of chairs soon to be filled with many students coming from different schools from around the UAE. Everyone’s hearts were racing with excitement, and I along with many of the other students were wondering what was going to happen next. Why were we all gathered here today?

We were all pleasantly surprised to see Onjali Q Rauf enter the room. Onjali Q Rauf is a famous and inspiring author who has written many enchanting and captivating stories, such as The Boy At the Back of the Class, Hope on the Horizon, The Night Bus Hero, and many other amazing books, some of which I have personally read before and found incredibly interesting, so my cheeks flushed with excitement when she arrived. Onjali Q Rauf had a very inspiring and interactive presentation, about the backstory behind her amazing stories and why she focused on the theme of refugees in many of her books. She told us about her experiences with Syrian refugees and what her stories are based on. She told us about how these problems are serious, and are still taking place now, and why this means so much to her.

We all left the shelter feeling inspired and recharged with new information, and what was behind our favourite stories. We all felt thrilled to have met such an incredible author. She had motivated me and so many other students to read and write more, and taught us about how serious war actually is, by giving us examples about what she has witnessed herself. After the talk, we returned to school and went back for our afternoon lessons. Overall, this was a phenomenal experience.

By Rameen Ali, Grade 10

This year's Emirates Literature Festival provided a unique opportunity for the Literary Society to host renowned British poet and performer, Harry Baker at NLCS Dubai. He is known for his unique combination of mathematics and poetry. He gained popularity after he won the 2012 Poetry Slam World Cup with his poem "Paper People." Baker has performed at several international events and festivals, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Glastonbury Festival.

It was a rare opportunity for our students to witness a live performance from such an accomplished artist. During his visit, Baker performed some of his best poems to the grade 5 students, incorporating math concepts and puns that left the students in awe. The students had a wonderful chance to immerse themselves in art and poetry and develop a greater appreciation of its diverse forms.

What made Harry Baker's performance so special was not just his talent, but his ability to connect with the students. He was able to captivate them with his words, his energy, and his humour. The students were engaged and entertained throughout the performance, and they left feeling inspired and motivated to explore their creativity. Additionally, Baker also shared his experiences and insights with the students.

He talked about his journey as a poet and performer and discussed the ways in which poetry and math intersect. It was an eye-opening experience for the students, who were able to gain a deeper insight into the creative process and the possibilities that exist within it. Overall, Harry Baker's visit to our school was a truly memorable and enriching experience.

Thomas Jacobs, Head of Mathematics

The mathematics corridor has been bustling with activity and excitement this year, and it is time to reflect on our accomplishments. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all students for their hard work and progress in class, with special recognition for our grade 10 and 12 students who completed the MYP and DP examinations. I would also like to express my gratitude to the mathematics teachers for their dedication and support, which has enabled our students to thrive in the subject.

This year, all senior students had the opportunity to participate in the UKMT Mathematics Challenges. I am proud to say that all students who participated received a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award, and a special shoutout goes to Ali Karim in grade 10 for qualifying for the Maclaurin follow-on round – an incredible achievement.

Under the guidance of Leo, Bingyan, and Junhao, the mathematics society accomplished many firsts this year. They published the inaugural edition of the 'Infinity maths journal', which showcased student articles on a range of topics, including Klein bottles, the mathematics of lying, and the Riemann Hypothesis. Additionally, the society invited Dr. Karol Sikora, the CEO of Neacemka, to speak about the real-life applications of mathematics in engineering. It was an inspiring session that demonstrated the practical value of mathematical knowledge.

The Nicholson lectures were a highlight of the year, with two excellent contributions from the mathematics department. Miss. Morgan gave an informative talk on maths anxiety, exploring how this condition can manifest itself and offering useful techniques to mitigate its impact on performance. I also gave a brief history of the number zero, which is not only a story about a number but also about humanity's struggle to accept new and controversial ideas.

While the classroom is where the magic happens on a daily basis, maths week was an event where students and teachers came together to showcase something extraordinary. The theme for the week was 'Applications of mathematics,' and during the opening assembly, I discussed 'knot theory,' an area of mathematics that had no application when it was discovered 200 years ago but is now a principal theory used to cure some forms of cancer. The student-led assembly by the mathematics society continued this theme by highlighting modernday applications of mathematics, such as probability in the stock market and using quadratic equations in sports.

To support our students, we introduced the use of Myimaths, an online platform that allows students to review lessons and practice their skills with immediate feedback. The usage of this excellent resource has been impressive, with over 1,000 tasks completed per week on average by our students!

Thank you to all students and teachers for making this a fantastic year in Mathematics!

+ - x ÷

By Helin Wang

It has been an amazing year full of learning and growth, and we are excited to look back at all the achievements of our society.

At the beginning of the year, we organized MYP help sessions to provide support to our members who were taking the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. We believe that these sessions have been immensely helpful in aiding our members to excel in their studies.

We also organized various interactive activities throughout the year, such as Math Jeopardy and puzzles, which helped to enhance our members' problem-solving skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie among the members.

Furthermore, we spent time preparing for the UKMT competition. Our members were provided with comprehensive training, and they were able to put their knowledge into practice during the competition. We are proud to announce that we had some members who were able to achieve exceptional results.

Additionally, we were honored to have invited Dr. Karol Sikora from the University of Wollongong to present about mathematics in the field of engineering.

Lastly, we hosted a critical thinking training session that aimed to develop the analytical and logical reasoning skills of our members. This training proved to be beneficial, as it not only enhanced our members' math abilities but also their critical thinking abilities in all areas of life.

Overall, it has been a successful and memorable year, and we thank all the members who made it possible. We look forward to continuing our work in promoting mathematical knowledge and excellence.

Science SOCIETY

Jennifer Murphy, Head of Science

The NLCS students have made a great contribution to the Science society this year, with a rang interesting talks, help sessions and experimental projects.

Removing moisture from the Aspirin to give us solid crystals

One of our highlights this term includes our 3-week project of the production of aspirin. In addition to this, the Science Society has hosted several interesting and interactive discussions. One of the most thoughtprovoking was 'the effects of opioids on the brain'. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about this important topic and engage in interactive discussions.

The society has also published a magazine article titled 'the science behind'. The article covers a wide range of scientific topics, including the history of scientists as well as contemporary issues such as drug and steroid use.

Overall, the Science Society has had a successful year, and we are proud of all its members for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing more of their contributions in next term.

MEDICAL SOCIETY

Medical society, is for me, and I am sure for lots of other people, one of the best societies at NLCS Dubai. Throughout this year, medical society has conducted more than 6 differnt dissections, including, the heart, the eye and even the kidney. I have had the opportunity to deliver these dissection sessions allowing me to develop my own knowledge and passion for the subejct.

It has also supported student led lectures on a multitude of topics linked to medicine. I myself delivered a lecture on the nerves that coordinate the human body. Writing this paragraph led me to a fact that most of us may forget, we are one of the only schools in the whole word that gives their students the ability to embrace so many opportunities. A word to describe Medical society : “opportunity”.

In Medical Society, you will feel included, no matter your grade in the school or how good you are at scientific subjects. You will be bombarded with exiting and intriguing knowledge. There, you may find a hidden passion for science or medicine. You will feel cared about. You will build connections between the subjects of Chemistry and Biology and understand how deeply each of them are linked to each other.

Arthur Bremaud

Jayne Vickers, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

What would happen if we all spoke the same language? Would life be easier? Which language would everyone speak? These questions formed the focus for MFL subject week at the start of the academic year. The Languages Society held a heated debate on the central idea of a world with only one language, and the student-led assembly focused on exactly what would be lost if everyone did speak the same language. Luckily we have a wonderful range of languages on offer and a huge variety of mother tongue languages within our community, so the definitive answer from the student body was that a great deal would be lost if different languages ceased to exist. Alongside the assemblies, there were two wonderful lectures during MFL week. Dr. Csaba Szabo, from Nottingham University, spoke to Grade 10, 11 and 12 about language acquisition and what makes language learning interesting and useful. Mme. Choursoulidi gave an incredibly moving Nicholson lecture about British Sign Language and her passion for Sign Language in general. Lunchtime activities also took place in all four languages. The week began with German language celebrations, which included singing, dancing, quizzes and pretzels. Next came Spanish Day, with a Papel Picado (paper cutting) workshop, Zumba Dancing and singing. Wednesday was the turn of the French Department who shared a range of activities including quizzes, songs and meditation. The final day saw the Mandarin team set up in the Atrium with guest musicians playing traditional Chinese music as well as a whole range of games and activities such as Chinese Chess. It was an incredible week, students and teachers embraced everything on offer with enthusiasm and gusto.

Throughout this academic year, student leadership has flourished in the Modern Foreign Languages Department. At the end of the Winter Term, we thanked Emilia and Shirley for their successful leadership of the Languages Society. Soon after, Aarav and Hana were appointed as the new Co-Chairs. They made an impressive start and the Society ran a series of lunch time sessions, the most popular ones being on Esperanto, Minionese and the Korean language. Aarav spent time setting up a new programme for Senior School students to support Junior School students during MFL lessons. The selected Senior School students have been wonderful help for their MFL teachers and great role models for the younger students. Hana and Aarav have also held online meetings with Languages Society Chairs from other NLCS schools. With several new initiatives in place, we look forward to seeing the Society grow even stronger next year. Well done to all those involved in leading and participating in the Society this academic year.

Outside of the classroom, students have engaged in a plethora of MFL ECAs across Junior School and Senior School. Highlights have been ‘Spanish film studies’, ‘French reading club’, ‘Chinese novels’ and the student-led ‘German culture and media club’. We have also had some language-focused day trips. In November, the Grade 12 French students were delighted to have the opportunity to share a ‘déjeuner francophone’ together with their teachers as part of a cultural discovery prior to their mock examinations at La Cantine du Faubourg. It was a brilliant opportunity to taste some French delicacies and play some games, all in French of course! Meanwhile, to celebrate Chinese New Year, and to allow students to embrace Chinese culture, Mandarin students from Grades 10 to 12 visited a Chinese restaurant. Students applied their language skills and were immersed in the special atmosphere associated with Chinese New Year. At the end of the trip, students wrote their New Year wishes and hung them on a blossom peach tree to wish everyone a prosperous Chinese Year New. In addition to the restaurant trip, Mandarin students have also been involved in a pen pal activity. Twelve students in Grade 8 and Grade 9 participated in exchanging letters with students at Bromsgrove International School in Thailand. This initiative has provided a fantastic opportunity for students to practise formal letter writing in Mandarin. The German Department Bakery trip takes place in May and I am sure German students will enjoy this special opportunity to use their language skills in a professional environment and try their hand at baking a Brioche Bretzel! Another special addition to MFL extra-curricular activities this year was participating in a Dubai Inter-school Public Speaking competition in French and Spanish. Whilst we did not win any prizes sadly, the students involved made outstanding contributions and were fantastic representatives for NLCS. Asma gave a heart-felt speech in French about her passion, swimming. Teona spoke Spanish with an incredible fluency and accuracy describing where she has lived. Sannat gave an interesting and passionate performance in French about vegetarianism and Aarav amused the audience with a recitation in Spanish about his holidays and an encounter with a rather large bird! Well done to all the students involved for stepping forward to speak publically in a foreign language.

As another busy and exciting year reaches its end on the MFL corridor, it is time to reflect on everything that we have achieved. Well done to our Grade 10 and 12 students and teachers for successfully navigating their way through to the final exams! In the meantime, Grades 1-9 and Grade 11 made wonderful progress on their respective phases and programmes, studying a wide variety of topics and contexts.

Thank you to all the students and teachers for a special and memorable year in MFL! Gracias, Merci, Xiè Xiè, Danke.

Arabic

Rasha El Said, Head of Arabic

Arabic is much more than just a language; it encompasses a rich cultural heritage, history, and a promising future. As such, the Arabic Department in our school is dedicated to promoting the Arabic language and culture to our students through various engaging and interactive activities.

One of the highlights of the year was the Arabic Week, where students were invited to experience the vibrant Arabic culture through food, art, and games. During the event, students enjoyed the delicious flavors of different Arabic dishes during lunchtime, which provided a great opportunity for students to learn about the various cuisines of the Arab World. Additionally, students participated in coffee art, where they learned how to create beautiful designs using coffee. Arabic games were also a part of the week's activities, where students enjoyed playing traditional Arabic games.

Another popular activity was the lunchtime movie screening of an Arabic film, where students enjoyed popcorn while immersing themselves in the cinematic experience. This event provided a relaxing break for students during their busy school day and allowed them to learn more about Arabic cinema.

Furthermore, grade 9 students had the opportunity to interview an Arabic author, which proved to be an enlightening experience for the students. They gained valuable insights into the creative process and the role of literature in the Arab culture. This activity also allowed students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their appreciation for Arabic literature.

Finally, the annual Arabic magazine was a great success, with the theme of "Women." This magazine highlighted the accomplishments of Arab women around the world. Students from different grades wrote all articles in both languages Arabic and English covering the same theme. The aim of the magazine was to show how women were a big part of developing our world. This project not only promoted the Arabic language but also empowered students to recognize and appreciate the achievements of women throughout history.

In conclusion, the Arabic Department in our school has made great strides in promoting Arabic culture and language. The Department's commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment has been reflected in the success of these activities, which have been well received by the students. Through events such as the Arabic Week, lunchtime activities, and the annual Arabic magazine, students have been able to gain a greater appreciation for the Arabic language and its role in shaping the world. The Department's efforts to enhance the Arabic language learning experience are commendable, and we are continuously planning more exciting and up to date activities that enriches the Arabic culture across our school.

Geography

Charlotte Spurway, Head of Geography

The Geography Department were delighted to venture back out into the field this academic year and embark in various physical and human investigations around the Dubai landscape. Grade 8 compared the similarities and differences in Bur Dubai and Downtown, to investigate the socio-economic and environmental urban inequalities that exist between different locations within one city. Following this, Grade 7 successfully undertook coastal fieldwork at three beach locations to evaluate the success of hard and soft coastal engineering management techniques, from measuring the effectiveness of wooden groynes at Kite beach, rock armour at Ness Ness beach and sea walls and beach nourishment at La Mer beach. In January Grade 6 ventured off to JBR and Marina Walk to investigate the impact and appropriateness of tourism along the transect. And finally, Grade 9 and 11 Geographers visited Wadi Showka to look at how channel characteristics changed along the long profile from upstream to downstream.

Geography Subject Week kicked off Term 3 with an introduction from Ms Spurway challenging our geographical perspectives of the African continent while she described her Mount Kilimanjaro experience. The Geography Society have delivered many exciting sessions throughout the year, from treasure hunts, lectures and inviting outside guest speakers. The GeogSoc Team delivered an inspirational and thoughtprovoking assembly debating if all countries on the planet will ever reach HIC status. They considered if it is possible for global poverty to be eradicated, for the growing middle class to flourish and increase the carrying capacity of already limited resources and pressures from growing industrialising economies.

Message from the IB DP Coordinator

Dear Diploma Programme students,

Every student’s journey through the Diploma Programme is marked by both ups and downs, and as in life, it takes determination, dedication, and discipline to achieve success. The journey to the light at the end of the tunnel cannot be achieved without an element hardship.

Whilst COVID-19, masks and social distancing may now feel like a remnant of the past you should not forget the unfavourable circumstances you have already overcome. You started your journey in the Diploma Programme amongst strict social distancing, hybrid and online learning, quarantine, being identified as close contacts, missing lessons and enrichment opportunities, and often personal absence and illness. You even started this academic year still not being able to smile, mask-less, at your peers and teachers. It is in this context with grit, tenacity and fortitude you have completed IAs, IOs, EEs, CAS experiences, TOK exhibitions and essays. Perhaps most importantly, it was in this context that you supported and celebrated each other’s success and demonstrated you are principled, open-minded, and above all, caring individuals.

You have certainly learned that success does not often come easily and without adversity. In the words of Maya Angelou: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.” In other words, those who avoid failure avoid success, and certainly avoid the personal and academic growth as a result.

Very few of us can reflect on the past two years and not identify a mistake we made, a challenge we faced that initially felt insurmountable, a time where we felt small and overwhelmed, perhaps even a time we felt like wanted to give up. However, what comes from these experiences is not only the realization that these failures were merely only temporary setbacks, but also the knowledge that they can be overcome. We are more reflective, more resilient, more balanced and more determined as a result of them. Often a failure and hardship can leave us with a renewed sense of vigour and the confidence to be risk takers in striving for our goals.

I congratulate you on your achievements, both personal and academic and wish you success in the rest of your educational journey – wherever it may take you. I sincerely hope that along with incredible academic attainment and world-class results in your Diploma, you take with you the skills, attributes and dispositions that an IB education provides you with.

Senior School MUSIC

George Agius, Director of Music

It has been a busy but vibrant year in the Music department. There has been a host of new musical opportunities made available to both the students and staff which has led to record numbers of participants trying themselves out in various musical experiences.

Our peripatetic music programme has seen hundreds of our students in lessons for a host of different instrumental offerings as well as voice. We have students learning instruments from all 4 families of the orchestra as well as piano, guitar, drums and voice and it has helped create more regular whole school music performances with a soloist performing at the end of each Monday mornings’ assembly. It has also led to record numbers of participation in our ensemble programme.

The number of extra curricular activities offered within senior school music has grown. There is now a Senior Orchestra for the most experienced instrumentalists with an Intermediate Ensemble allowing those with less experience to develop those all-important ensemble skills. Meanwhile, there are two choirs; the NLCS choir for grades 6 and 7 as well as the Community Choir for students in grades 8 and above as well as teachers.

Meanwhile, there are several different chamber groups including the Flute Choir, Senior String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble and the School of Rock.

What has been fantastic this year is the buy-in from the talented teachers across the school who have thrown themselves in to either leading or performing with these ensembles.

All these groups performed with aplomb in the first large scale event, the Senior Festive Recital. Stand out performances included the Intermediate Ensembles’ rendition of ‘We Three Kings’, ‘Deck the Halls’ from the NLCS Choir, a stirring performance of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by the Community Choir before the concert was drawn to a fitting close by the Senior Orchestra with ‘The Christmas Song’. Wonderful festive treats, music and lighting before the performance and during the interval put the audience and all involved in a suitably joyful mood.

Term 2 was also a busy term. Music week took place at the start of March and began with Mr Agius leading an assembly on being inspired by music all around us. There were several activities and pop-up performances that took place throughout the week including a stirring performance from the Community choir filling the atrium one morning, a piano masterclass led by Ms Magdalena, an African drumming workshop led by Ms Kelly and Live Lounge, a lunch time gig in Budge square.

At the end of the term came Founder’s Day with some excellent performances taking place throughout the ceremony. Zihan Liu played ‘Cello Suite no.1 in G major’ by Bach beautifully before the Senior Orchestra performed the majestic ‘Chariots of Fire’. For the first time, the whole school procession was accompanied completely by live musicians with ensembles such as the Senior strings and the Flute Choir performing as well as a selection of talented soloists.

Message from the MYP coordinator

MYP

What the does for the students of NLCS Dubai

The MYP is designed to provide a holistic education that focuses on the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of students. The goal is to help students become well-rounded individuals who can thrive in all areas of life.

Students develop critical thinking skills by being encouraged to analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide range of sources in all subject areas. This equips students with the skills to excel in higher education and future careers.

The MYP promotes international-mindedness by encouraging students to appreciate and understand different culture, languages and perspectives. Students become global citizens who can communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

The MYP leads on perfectly from the Primary Years Programme and our Grade 6 students join us with the attributes and skills needed to be successful in the senior school. The MYP then provides a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue the IB Diploma Programme within the Sixth Form. The MYP Programme is designed to prepare students for the rigor and challenges of the DP, which is recognized by top universities around the world.

Grade 10 – A force to be reckoned with

As our Grade 10 students end their journey through the MYP, they have a lot to be proud of. A year where they have all conducted a Personal Project, produced ePortfolios in Arts and Design, completed two sets of mock eAssessments, developed critical thinking skills through undertaking an interdisciplinary unit and gave back to the community through worthwhile service as action. These truly are the pioneers of the future and I wish them all luck with their next educational journey.

MYP Projects

The MYP encourages students to develop their passions through its focus on student led projects such as the Community Project in Grade 8 and the Personal Projects in Grade 10. These projects allow students to really develop skills such as research, thinking, self-management and social and communication skills.

Jennifer Durston

MYP coordinator

NLCS Dubai

Edoardo Colella

Through this personal project, my aim was to gain an understanding of the most efficient ways to guide athletes of all ages and help introduce them to the basics of basketball. More specifically, my goal was to comprehend how to organize, structure, and facilitate various exercises to engage an audience of basketball players and help them develop their abilities.

The product that I have produced is a YouTube channel, which features multiple videos analyzing the 5 main aspects of basketball: shooting, dribbling, passing, defending, and finishing. The aim of the product is for people of all ages and skill levels to be able to learn various drills they can perform and use to develop their individual skill level, and to gain a deeper passion for the sport.

Alyazya Lootah

My goal was to be able to write a children’s book, investigating further and learning about the diversity of different types of children’s books. I concluded that I wanted to learn how to incorporate a moral lesson, this is because there would be a purpose for why the children should read the book, they would also be able to learn good values and perhaps apply it to their everyday life.

I intended to create a children’s book which would portray my understanding of ballet as well as the expectations within ballet classes. Additionally, I aimed to reach out to my chosen target audience to convey a moral lesson about kindness throughout the content of the book.

Safa Yesilhark

My learning goal for this project is to address the problem that the SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) illness holds in today's society for the patients that are diagnosed. I want to understand the detrimental impact this disease has on their lives and what I can do to help raise awareness and help out in any way I can.

My intended product was to create a charity/fundraising box that allows donations for the children that are affected with this disease in the city which I live in. The aim of this charity box was for it to be distributed around schools in the area and to raise awareness for this rare disease.

At the front of the charity box is also a flyer that explains the details of the illness and how it affects families inside of the region.

Charity Committee

Aarav Laungani

‘Much is expected from those to whom much is given’, one of our school mottos perfectly encapsulates what the Charity Committee stands for and what we have achieved this academic year. This past year has been filled with a variety of successful fundraising events including ‘Pinktober’, ‘Walk For Diabetes’ and ‘Festive Jumper Day’. Through these 3 events, we have been able to raise over 35,000AED for charities which include Red Crescent and the Al Jalila Foundation.

Our most successful events was ‘Pinktober’, which included a pink-themed bake sale, pink portraits and ‘Pink Day’ where everyone wore pink along with pink ribbons which were made and provided by the Charity Committee. On ‘Pink Day,’ the committee gave an assembly which included an interview with an experienced oncologist who further enlightened us about aspects of breast cancer and the research being done. Through this week-long event, we didn’t only raise money for breast cancer research, we were also able to spread awareness about the issue which affects people all over the world.

Another one of our events was the ‘2023 Book Drive’ which saw a large assortment of books being donated to Little Flower English School. It was incredibly heartwarming to see how many books were donated by our school community. The boxes were overflowing, and the children of Little Flower English School were thrilled to receive the books. In the coming terms, we are planning to have members of the committee go to the school and read to the children as part of the initiative. To say they are excited is an understatement.

Next year, we plan to continue and grow the size and number of our fundraising events. We also plan to start implementing more community service opportunities where we will directly interact with local communities to give students a deeper insight into what issues affect communities and broaden the scope of the committee. The aim would be to provide students with great experiential and service-learning opportunities outside the classroom.

The committee has significantly grown in size which speaks volumes to the values and character of our student body. In every single meeting, students are filled to the brim with ideas, passion, and causes they want to help. It is truly inspiring to see everybody come together unanimously to make the community a better place. One thing that sets NLCS Dubai apart is not only the fact that the students understand and acknowledge the responsibility they have to help those in need, but they also have the drive and determination to make it happen. We the Charity Committee strive to do as much good for the community as possible, and it is safe to say that all the charitable work this year would not have been achieved without the kindness and generosity of our NLCS Dubai community. We want to express to you our immense gratitude and cannot wait to do even more next year. Floors, not ceilings!

By Nicola Woodroffe

Sailing team

Both Junior and Senior students sailed weekly to achieve their RYA qualifications and learn racing rules in RS Fevas across the first two terms. At the end of the Spring term, NLCS selected three sailing teams to race in the first Dubai Interschools Sailing Schools Regatta, which took place on the weekend of 11th and 12th March. The regatta was hosted by Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and provided two busy days of racing as schools competed in RS Ventures keelboats. NLCS mixed gender and grade teams collaborated to compete in crews “Buss” “Byrant” and “McCabe” against many other schools including Dubai College and Nord Anglia.

All students showed great progression over the course of the weekend. Boat captains, Noah Mansour, Marie Rouanet and Luca Viel coordinated their crew well both on and off the water. In term 3, the sailing focus moved away from qualifications and racing to consolidation and enjoyment with more beginners joining the weekly session.

For NLCS Senior Aquathon, this has been busy this year, often training multiple times a week and often involved in community racing at weekends. At a cluster meet in term 2 against Hartland and English College, U13 and U15 students competed over typical distances of a 150 metre swim and a 1.5 kilometre run. NLCS won the U13 Girls with a bronze medal and the U13 Boys were awarded both the gold and silver medals. The U15 Girls swept up the gold, silver and bronze with the U15 Boys taking Gold.

NLCS won the overall event and continued to train to compete against 20-25 other DASSA schools at Hamdan finals in term 3. It was the first time NLCS had competed in senior Aquathon DASSA finals and with students entered Division 1, the performance league provided stretch and challenge for all our keen athletes. Congratulations to Juliette Price who was awarded 3rd position in the U15 Girls. An excellent season.

Senior Aquathon SKIING

The Interschool Snowsports Championship provides Dubai’s very own school students with an opportunity to experience the thrill of competitive Snowsports. Five skiers from NLCS became the 3rd fastest School in Dubai in the Giant Slalom displine when they competed at the interschools ski competition held at Ski Dubai on 25th February. A further competition on the take place on the 28th May to conclude the academic year.

Reading Buddies

Hannah Khan

The Reading Buddies ECA has certainly been a highlight of my school year.

Being an avid reader and choosing to take English Literate as one of my Higher Level IB Diploma subjects, I was excited to find out who my buddy would be, and have the opportunity to help guide the younger students. Once paired, we were quick to introduce ourselves and start looking for a new book to tackle together. On understanding that she enjoyed the thrill of a murder mystery themed novel, we went straight towards the Agatha Christie selection within the library, as I fondly remember enjoying this series when I was younger.

This ECA provides a fantastic opportunity to really build a rapport, provide encouragement, guidance, and support to help an individual student with their confidence in reading aloud and broadening their vocabulary, with English often being a second language for them. It was lovely to witness my buddy’s growth in confidence and enjoyment as their reading skills improved month on month.

Beyond academic benefits, this ECA is an excellent vehicle for fostering a deep sense of community across the school as students in senior grades help guide those junior grades, building meaningful relationships. I for one really enjoyed spending time with younger students, we often laughed together whilst discussing characters and events in the novel and immersing ourselves in the story line making every twist and turn a moment of literary excitement. I can whole heartedly say that the Reading Buddies ECA has been a mutually enriching experience.

HISTORY

Helena Wilson, Head of History

From a department of two to now five teaching staff, the history department has thrived. Ms. Wilson, Mrs. Haas, Mr. Tomasik, Mrs., Dhesi and Mr. Kennedy are the dream team. Our exciting corridor is decorated to encourage the students to love coming to their History lesson. The History section in the senior school library is bulging with new books; I encourage you to go and check these out. The curriculum is ever changing and evolving as we love investigating and developing new units. This year Grade 6 have looked into the Silk Roads and the links to the Islamic Golden Age. The development of empires and globalisation was examined by Grade 7. The Grade 8 students focusing on the wars of the 20th century and women’s suffrage. The MYP classes Grade 9 and 10 have prepared for their eAssessment and hope to beat the record score of 6.4 by the class of 2022.

In History week, Ms. Wilson and the History Society focused on Hidden Histories and shared this in their assemblies and published a magazine on this. The annual fashion show was a success with some excellent costumes. There was an excellent debate between Grade 11 and 12 historians who thrashed it out in a debate. As always in December we had out History Seasonal jumpers on display with a new addition of the His-Tree!

Psychology Caroline Haas, Head of Psychology

This year in Psychology we have had some amazing presentations from students including Teonna about the Intellectual impact of the family on the individual, Saleh on autism and Alexis testing out our psychology society members as eye witnesses using their memory for facial recognition.

We were joined by Heloisa Campos, a psychologist working in the clinical setting for 10 years, specialising in diagnose assessment, and a variety of mental health disorders such as anxiety depression, trauma, eating disorders. We also welcomed Gregory Fantham from Heriot Watt University. He delivered a fantastic societies presentation on the psychology of magic.

The Psychology society have also put together and published the third edition of our magazine ‘Insight.’

I am lucky that I have had a hugely dedicated team over the last year who continue to initiate ideas and lead the way for others to research their passions in psychology. The full team are Alexis Schwarz as Lead Chair, Isabel Haas, Saleh Aloimar and Hana (Yujin) Seu as Vice Chairs. A huge thank you from Mrs Haas.

final words

Ilyes Zeraiki

Chaeyeon Son

Mariana Carvalho

Layla Mehanna

Sohaan Shamanna

Tommaso Maga

Arsh Chilwan

Xiyuan Yin

…

Chunjiang Lin

Saeed Lootah

Yasmina Youssef

Emilia Herrera

Cecilia Haykal

Tanisha Mehrotra

Josefina Ramirez

Junyao Huang

Shreeya Khaund

Luisa Goncalves

Kais Ali

Alya Lootah

Lucas Arvanitis

Tanya Manek

Graduation

Nepal

Day 1, Filippa Schwarz

The plan for the first day of Nepal was to drive all the way from Kathmandu to the camping site with a little 3 hour stop to go white water rafting. We were all slightly apprehensive of the 7 hour drive that was awaiting us, but we packed our bags, had breakfast, and got onto the bus. After about 2 hours and 45 minutes, we all started getting a bit restless on the bus but nevertheless we persevered all the way to lunch (with a few stops to stretch our legs in between). Then finally after another extremely long 15 minutes we arrived at the white water rafting site. Getting into the place involved driving our bus down such a steep road, so steep that it took us a good minute driving down a 5 meter slope. Once we had had our lunch, we were given wetsuits - putting these on were an experience to itselfand then headed down with our paddles, helmets, and life jackets to the river where we got spread into groups. White water rafting and working together as a team in order to not topple over was not exactly our forte, but we managed quite well, except Hannah and Omar who both fell out of the boats in still water.

As we were in teams on the rafts, of course there was the race to be the fastest boat out of all. I can say that it was my team that won, but then again, I am a bit biased. Towards the end of the rafting, the rapids had ended, and we were all allowed to jump into the water. There we were, about 25 kids and a couple teachers, in the water, freezing so much that our lips were blue and letting the current of the river take us to the end point of the excursion. Once we got out of the river, which was slightly difficult given the slippery sand, we got changed and had a small snack before getting back onto the bus and heading to the camp site. After another 3 hours, we arrived at the campsite, were given our bags, and settled in before having dinner.

Day 2, Ramzi Tabanji

After having rested well in the hotel, we all filled up considerably well from the breakfast buffet in preparation for a demanding day ahead. Following a 3-hour bus ride, which included lots of shopping and bathroom breaks, we arrived at the site of our first event of the trip, which was the highly anticipated white-water rafting. We took some time to rest, wake our legs from long periods of sitting, and grab a very well-cooked lunch before struggling our way into uncomfortably tight wetsuits and helmets. Dressing for the occasion had gotten everybody excited for the day ahead, and after being briefed on the safety procedures and rules of rafting, we all scurried into 4 teams, eager to paddle down the river. The ride started off loud and energetic, however after a pathetically short 15 minutes of paddling, everyone had already exerted most of their energy. Each team would have to work in unison to make sure they could orient their rafts properly without any crashes or people falling off, even though Omar and Hannah clearly didn’t get the memo.

After close to 3 hours of arduous rafting, all 4 teams ditched their boats to jump into the water, only to realize what a mistake we had made when we were all shivering intensely 5 minutes later. The journey ended with a crowd of smiling faces ready to rinse and change into dry clothes, before sitting down for another 3 hours on the bus ride back to the hotel. The day, while fun, exacted a heavy toll, leaving everybody eager to have a camp-made dinner. This yearning for food was very quickly replaced by disgust after seeing the crowds of bugs diving into our soup, making it difficult to eat. However, we still managed to fill up on whatever we could, leading us into an early night’s sleep, prepared to wake up the next day wellrested for our first day of work.

Day 3, Hannah Khan

Now firmly ensconced in verdant Chitwan National Park, our core service objective and raison d'être for being in Nepal, was the main agenda of the day.

We were here to help build a ‘biogas chamber’ for a rural family to use as their sustainable energy supply, and day three marked the beginning of this incredible endeavour!

Woken by a morning chorus of insects and animals energised by a warming sun, we enjoyed our first ‘al fresco’ breakfast at the campsite, fuelling ourselves for a day of digging, carting, and carrying.

We enjoyed a swift 5km cycle ride into town to the site of the biogas chamber in front of a family home where we were warmly welcomed by the locals as they invited us onto their farm. Following a project briefing on how we would spend the next few days building the chamber, we were motivated to quickly get to work.

Under the guidance of a skilled mason, community members and the Mountain Quests team, four of us started digging out the base of the chamber, a 8 feet diameter hole, around 6 feet deep. The rest of us formed an assembly line to move bricks, stones and building materials to the other side of the farm. Everyone was on an emotional high, whilst we knew that the day would be physically challenging, it would also be a lifelong memory to savour. We gladly rolled up our sleeves and put our best-efforts forward, working efficiently throughout the day culminating in an elated feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Enjoying the cycle back to the campsite, we rested for a while then got ready for the evening programme, a rare and valuable opportunity to immerse ourselves in local rural Nepali culture. We visited the homes of our local hosts and sat down to a traditional meal with them. We learned about the cooking methods and ingredients in Nepalese cuisine, and even got to try our hand at cooking with mixed results! A truly unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, cultural exchange, community building and service, creating memories to be cherished forever.

By now, the sun had set, and the daytime animals had passed the baton to a lively night chorus. A dark sky free of urban light pollution had now enveloped us. We wished good night to our hosts and made our way back to the campsite with excited anticipation of what Day 4 would bring!

Day 4, Alexis Schwarz

Today was our second day of working at the Biogas Chamber. We got up quite early, everyone was excited to see what today would entail. We ate quite a full breakfast because we knew we would have to fuel up on energy for the long day that would await us. We got up on our bikes and drove the 20minutes to the bio gas chamber, by now we had gotten familiar with the route, with our campsite and with the Biogas chamber site. We got to enjoy the scenery from our bikes instead of cautiously looking down at the ground to evade large rocks. Once we arrived at the site, we saw that the Mason had already smoothed out the 6 feet deep hole, once it was flat we felt a sense of accomplishment that we did all that in one day. But we knew how much work we still had left. So, we got to working. Today was mainly about making cement and creating that cemented base layer for the chamber. During one of our breaks, we went to look at a rice plantation farm and we were able to walk through one of the fields, being very careful not to fall off the path. Once we had finished our work, we biked all the way back to our campsite for a much deserved lunch. We were all very determined to eat our lunches as quickly as possible because we would be heading to the safari afterwards. This was one of the activities we had been looking forward to the most. We hopped on our safari buses and headed to the Chitwan National Park. The safari took around 4 hours in which we learned that they had 128 tigers out of the 355 living in Nepal and that the two main elephants Durbe and Ronaldo had killed a total of 60 people. We were determined to see rhinos, elephants, and hopefully tigers. In my group, we spent about the first three hours stopping and looking at wild chickens, which was very interesting, we had stopped counting after 55.

In the last hour, we struck the goldmine. Mr. Russell spotted the first rhino which stood at about a five metre distance from our truck. It was absolutely incredible as it made its way over the road behind our truck and then disappeared into the forest again. The second rhino was spotted soon thereafter, hiding in the tall Elephant Grass. About ten minutes later we encountered a sloth bear. We had been so shocked because we had not at all expected a bear to turn up in Nepal, but there it was an adult sloth bear. Apparently, it had had an existential crisis (as our tour guide said) because he did not once notice us in the ten minutes we were watching him. We drove back home, extremely proud of us beating every other group in terms of which animals we had seen. Although the others had seen monkeys, we had won with the bear, no question. So, we had reached the end of the day and drove all the way back home to the campsite. We were all so elated yet exhausted at the long day behind us.

Day 5, Ibrahim Sharaf

Day 5 was the last day we spent on working on the biogas chamber, all that was left for us to do was to help the masons build the concrete dome. As a team we worked tirelessly to shovel up gravel and sand, transport them and mix them to create the concrete. Although we faced a few obstacles such as efficiently transporting the buckets, we overcame this by collaborating to create a work chain to pass the buckets down in an orderly manner. After returning to the campsite from the biogas chamber we prepared ourselves for a relaxing canoe ride along the river of Chitwan national park. On our journey we had encountered many animals living in the national park such as the crocodiles lying in the bottom of the river as well as the elephants stomping around the park.

We then arrived at the Chitwan elephant breeding center where we learnt a lot more about the types of elephants living in the national park and saw many other animals. Following on we were greeted back to the campsite with a surprise, as it was our final night in Chitwan the entire village had come to perform a traditional dance for us. After watching the perplexing dance we spent the rest of our night singing and dancing to traditional Nepalese songs and having a great final night in Chitwan.

Day 6, Ethan Lee

On day 6 of the Nepal trip it was time to leave Chitwan and go back to Kathmandu. In the morning, we woke up late and had some breakfast. We packed our belongings and cleaned up out tent. It was important that we left the place as clean as when we first arrived. We put our bags in the middle of the camp and when it was time to leave we boarded the bus and drove back o Kathmandu. Although the ride back was very long, the scenery was splendid and we were able stop a few times to have breaks. When we arrived back to Kathmandu, we checked in and put our things down in the hotel and left for dinner. After dinner in the restaurant, we had a party and played music and danced. We then went back to the hotel and retired for the day.

Day 7, Joseph Mansour

On our last day in Nepal we woke up at around 7:30. We all ate breakfast and rounded up our bags in the lobby of the hotel. After all bags were accounted for, we boarded the bus which made its way towards one of the largest Buddhist worship sites in Nepal, the Budda Stuppa. Kunal (our guide) gave us a run down of the site and the rules of the market surrounding it. Once the explanation was done we entered a shop which on the second floor had a studio where there was a painting school. Most people ended up buying a painting, We then had about 2 hours to go around the market and buy souvenirs. Once our time was up we headed up to a rooftop terrace which had a view of the Stuppa for lunch. Once we were done eating we made our way back to the bus and drove to the airport. The airport and flight were uneventful however everyone was happy to see their family once we landed in Dubai.

Flanders

Sophia Both, Grade 8

This year in history, grade 8 have been studying the causes and effects of WWI and their impact on the rest of the world, especially with the suffrage movement and voting acts of the 1900s. When the news had spread that we, the grade 8s, were to have a history trip to Belgium and France in March, we were ecstatic. We haven’t been able to travel or go on trips since February 2020 right before the lockdowns and the social distancing. In early December, the news got around fast, and everyone was lunging for the opportunity to travel as a student abroad. By the beginning of January, the list was set and a total of 30 students were scheduled to fly to Belgium on the 22nd of March.

The trip was planned and led by Mr. Tomasik with help from Mr. Garrett and Madam Bailly. The purpose of the trip was to show students what it was really like to be fighting in a world war and the problems it caused to local towns and landscapes. Not only this but also show the sites and memorials for each and every soldier who lost their lives fighting for their country.

On the 22nd of March, we reached Brussels airport at 12:45 local time. We went through immigration and grabbed our bags. The coach transfer was 2 hours long to reach the Ypres Lodge where we were staying. We arrived early so we managed to squeeze in a small walk around the city to view the local towns. The trip to Belgium wouldn’t have been a good one without chocolate, so we stopped by a chocolate shop and everyone ran to get chocolate. That night we all got settled into our rooms and unpacked, ready to sleep after a long and tiring day full of bus rides, passports, and planes.

The next day, we woke up and ate a filling breakfast of bread, tea, and croissants. We started the day early with a stop at the Essex Farm cemetery at 9:15. The cemetery was very special as it had an enormous age gap between the eldest and youngest soldiers buried there.

The youngest soldier, Rifleman Valentine Joe Strudwick, was only 15 when he died in battle making him one of the youngest British casualties of the great war. This made us reflect as that could have been us in that situation. Imagining ourselves in war during those gruesome times was terrifying. Imagine the blood you would see, the screams you would hear, the guns you would carry. A child should never have to go through that, we thought.

We then visited the In Flanders Fields Museum where we learned a lot about the effect the war had on the small city of Ypres, the propaganda many countries used to get young soldiers to enlist in the war, and different new technologies soldiers used. The next stop was our first trench where we got to experience the life of soldiers in the trenches of WW1. The trenches of Sanctuary Wood Hill 62 were incredibly muddy and dirty lined with corrugated iron. This allowed us to fully experience the muddy trench of the time. A pro-tip for those who might eventually go on a trip and visit trenches, as a team we highly suggest bringing waterproof and comfortable shoes as someone (myself), told herself she would be fine bringing 10-year-old boots that her mom used to wear, however, when she entered the trenches the sole of her shoes started to rip off and she could feel the mud in her shoes. She was later on forced to tie a hair band around the soles of her shoes to keep them in place until they reached the lodge again at 9:00 pm.

The next stops included the Passchendaele museum, the Tyne Cot cemetery, and the Langemark cemetery. In the Passchendaele museum, we saw the ins and outs of the trenches. The Langemark cemetery was especially interesting as we compared it to all the different cemeteries we saw during the trip and we noted that this one was much more gloomy and uncomfortable. We took into account the architecture and design layout of trees that made this cemetery particular. The trees were positioned in a way where there was hardly any light. Moreover, the headstones were all black and flat making them much gloomier. This was all done as it wanted you to reflect rather than rejoice in the lives of those who fought. To end the day, we visited the Menin gate for the Last Post ceremony which lasted for 30 minutes.

On day 3 of the trip, we checked out of the accommodation and hopped onto the coach, and drove to Croonaert Wood. This was another trench system that thankfully didn’t have as much mud. Here, we discussed the jobs of each line of trenches and what soldiers would do when they weren’t serving on the front line. Then we visited the beautiful Vimy memorial. This memorial was especially important for Noah Mansour, a Canadian student who also attended the trip. This is because it has the names of all the Canadian troops who died in the great war and represents the hundreds of other soldiers who are missing or unidentified. After this, we visited another Canadian memorial; Newfoundland Park. This is where we experience the incredibly strong rain of Europe halfway through our tour. After all of this, we stopped by a gorgeous coffee shop where the chickens running loose were the main attraction. We checked into our new accommodation in France and called it a day.

On the last full day of the trip, we visited the Ste. Emillie Valley cemetery where Heloise James another student on the trip, had her great-grandfather buried. Here she was able to lay a wreath of poppies and pay her respects. After this, we visited the famous Thiepval Memorial. We learned that the memorial was important as it held the names of 72,000 South African and British soldiers who died in the battle of the Somme before March 20th, 1918 without any known grave. It was also important because one of our teachers, Mr. Garrett, had the name of one of his relatives on this memorial.

The 26th of March marked the last day in France. We were meant to visit Paris, however, because of unexpected inconveniences we weren’t able to do so. This meant that we could go to the Palace of Versailles where we saw amazing paintings and beautiful gardens.

We arrive home back in Dubai on the 27th of March at 6:30 AM. This concluded our unforgettable history trip. This trip truly was a wonderful experience that benefitted us not only academically but also allowed us to improve our open-mindedness and understand that everyone had suffered the same and this conflict should never ever occur again. I believe I speak for everyone on the trip when I say I highly recommend going even if it is not with our school. This experience has really opened my eyes and has allowed me to see things that I would have never been able to see if it weren’t for this trip. We would like to thank Mr. Garrett, Madam Bailly, and especially Mr. Tomasik for making this opportunity available to us.

Founder's Day

What does Founder’s Day mean to you?

Founder’s day is a very special day, partly because I’ve worked in two North London Collegiate Schools, and I’ve also had Mrs Monaghan working with me but also my two daughters who were in Jeju with us. Founder’s day to me always brings back lots of memories, fond memories, but it’s also a really important day for the school community in terms of getting together.

Why do you like Founder’s Day?

I like the ceremony and the tradition. I think that the format of remembering the different headmistresses and talking to the school community is good. I like doing my speech as well, although it takes quite a lot of time to prepare, and I like the singing as well, singing the school songs. But again, it’s a nice community event, where you can bring everyone together.

What was your favorite Founder’s Day in NLCS?

Well, that’s a tricky question. I suppose we had Covid, so there were some different formats, online Founder's Day one year. I think this year probably, the school’s got bigger.

The first Founder's Day was very special, but I think, we had 250 students and now we’ve got 1350 students and I think that kind of atmosphere of having everybody in the PAC, it all ran really well so yeah probably this year.

Interview with Mr Monaghan by Zaria, Grade 9

How do Founder’s Days differ between schools?

I think the format is very similar because we try to make sure that it’s very similar. When I was in Jeju, I know we set it up in a very similar way that was very much based on what happens in London. I’m sure there are some subtle, little differences here and there, but I think essentially the format of the celebration itself, the songs we sing, the remembering of the headmistresses, the procession with the daffodils, every school does those things.

How did you go about writing your speech?

Well, I must confess, Mrs. Monaghan helps me because she’s very good at writing speeches, but I think it’s definitely a team effort, the writing. We often go through what we think we’re going to put in, and then we add little examples and sometimes I go off-piste a little bit when I’m delivering the speech. It’s fun though, I like writing speeches, it’s nice connecting a kind of idea or theme to the family of schools and what it means.

How does it feel to have had your last Founder’s Day in NLCS Dubai?

I’d be sad to leave NLCS Dubai, of course, but I think the exciting thing is I’ll be setting up another NLCS and we’ll be having more Founder’s Days in another part of the world! It was definitely a poignant moment during the last one here, but I’m very excited about the next Founder’s Day somewhere else.

Duke of Edinburgh

SILVER AWARD

Eva Joudrey, Grade 10

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is one that is internationally recognised. Leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and cooperation are some of the many skills you develop and acquire upon accomplishing this award. As its name suggests, it was established by the late Duke of Edinburgh as a way to challenge adolescents and young adults aged 14-24 to attain standards of achievement and explore interests and develop outside of the classroom.

This year has seen our first cohort of silver award students. The Duke of Edinburgh Award composes of 4 main elements. Service, skill, physical recreation, and an adventurous journey. The difference between the bronze and silver awards is the time required for each skill is longer. To achieve the silver award, one must complete 26 hours of skill, the act of service and physical recreation by entering ‘logs’ that describe each session where the activity took place.

Whilst the adventurous journey consists of three days and two nights of walking with a goal in mind, such as the documentation of flora and fauna. Once the qualifying journey has been completed, groups must create a PowerPoint presenting their success in achieving their goal. Once this is signed off by the outside providers and the logs are completed and assessed by the Duke of Edinburgh examiners, a student may receive their silver award. This process should take at least 6 months to complete.

As this year comes to a close, students have met all the necessities and are simply catching up on their logs to ensure that they have met the 26-hour requirement. Being a part of the silver cohort myself has been an incredible experience. In order to successfully complete the silver award, one must have a drive and a will to participate that goes beyond extrinsic motivation. And I believe that all those who participated this year truly embody this quality. And have accepted the late Duke of Edinburgh’s challenge and encapsulated the standards first introduced through the creation of this award.

Winter Fair

International Day Picnic

Interviews

Ahad Ali, Grade 6

Where are you from?

I am from Pakistan. I really enjoy our traditional and cultural dances and the rich history of my country. I like our dishes such as Biryani, Nihari and Karahi. The presentation I will be delivering today, will be about the dance, currency, culture, and food. I love everything about my country.

Leo, Shirley and Bingyan Cui, 6th form

We are from China and every year we have multiple festivals and have a myriad of celebrations which embrace our cultures and have fun. Some foods that we all enjoy are Hot Pots, Dumplings, Noodles. We really love the vibrant cultures and communities which feels very welcoming.

Sri Gupta, Grade 7

The country I am from is India and I really love it because it has such a vibrant culture. The foods we eat for example are Rice with Daal, and for snacks we’ll have Samosas and one desert I enjoy is Gulab Jamun. We have festivals like Diwali and Holi which is the festival of colours.

Rainna Nwodo, Grade 6

I am from Nigeria, which is full of creativity and art. There are many different languages and religions. It’s a very diverse place filled with different people. We usually wear very vivid coloured clothes such as red, blue, orange, and green. The traditional foods which I enjoy are Jollof rice, which is rice and stew cook together which turns red and orange. We also have something called Puff-puffs on which you can drizzle honey, powdered sugar, or chocolate sauce. I love that everyone is very nice, and everyone says hello even if you don’t know them. It’s just very welcoming.

I am from Germany and one of the biggest cultural events is Oktoberfest where people get together and celebrate. We also celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. The Schnitzel is a very popular food in Germany, which everyone knows. I just love the nature and being in Germany, and the weather is also nice.

I am from Pakistan. Today, I'm wearing a Gharara which is kind of like pants, but they’re super frilly at the bottom and has a long shirt. My favorite thing about Pakistani culture is the food and the weddings. I also really like the passion and pride we have for our country. My favorite food would have to be Nihari, it’s a classic. The presentation I delivered about my culture included language, history, geography and information about weddings because I thought it would be super interesting to share.

Celine Recker, Grade 10

Fatima Tariq, Grade 9

Ziquan Tang, Grade 9

What culture are you representing?

I am representing China today and I’m wearing traditional Chinese clothes which is called Hanfu. Personally, I love Chinese food, because it just fits for me and pretty much every other Chinese person and there is a big variety. One of my favourite foods must be roast duck, Beijing duck, it’s so good!

Shreya Khetarpal, Grade 9

I am from India and I’m wearing a Kurta, which is blue and has slits down the side of it. It has embroidery and detailing all over the clothing. My favourite thing about Indian culture must be the festivals and the food. Mah rajma is one of my favourite dishes which are beans in rajma sauce. I will be presenting things about India’s culture, festivals, language, food and location.

Rina Kang, Grade 6

I am representing South Korea and wearing traditional clothing in a simplified version. It’s called a Hanbok. My favourite thing is South Korea’s history and how the economy has developed over time. I will be discussing the history of Korea throughout the 20th century in my presentation today. I think my favourite food is Bulgogi.

Leah Moussa, Grade 7

I am from Lebanon and my favourite thing is the nature and the cuisine. Today, I’ll be talking about the different traditions, cultural dances, and cuisines in Lebanon.

LIBRARY SENIOR

This school year has seen many changes in the Senior Library. Mrs Mendoza took over the day-to-day running of the library at the start of the year making the space available at break and lunchtimes for students to study, read and relax. She used her creativity to initiate a number of activities that engaged the school community in and around the library, a highlight being her World Cup Display & Quiz which included a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy.

In January 2023 the Senior Library welcomed Ms Kay who took over as the Head Teacher Librarian. This is her return to Dubai, having left 6 years ago to further her library experience in Portugal, China & the United Kingdom. As part of her role, Ms Kay has been teaching Grade 6 and 7 students a variety of library and research skills which they will need as they continue through MYP and into DP. These include the Dewey Decimal System, Lateral Reading, Evaluating Sources, Academic Integrity and Referencing & Citation.

The library has continued to be home to a number of ECAs. Reading Buddies involves older students being paired with younger students who need a little more practice with their reading. It’s great to students role modelling and encouraging their peers to develop their skills. The Oasis magazine group meet weekly upstairs in the Innovation Space working with focus and determination to produce and informative and entertaining magazine. Other groups that meet in the library are the new Carnegie Book Awards Shadowing Group, who read & discuss the shortlisted books for this year’s awards in Writing and Illustration and cast their votes for who they think should win this year.

We are grateful to the many volunteers, whether for CAS, Duke of Edinburgh Award or SA, for all their help with covering, labelling, shelving and generally helping keep their library tidy and welcoming for all community members. We’d also like to thank everyone for their book suggestions which will be added to our collection in the new year.

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr Seuss

LIBRARY BUSS

The Buss Library has had a fabulous year. We started the academic year in the best way: taking delivery of approximately 900 new books that were selected using student wish-lists, teacher suggestions and a significant amount of research. Our aim is to ensure the collection continues to grow and provide a wide range of options for all readers in Grades 2-5, introducing students to the magical world of literary adventures and supporting research for the Units of Inquiry.

Weekly library sessions now include a read-alouds and students have enjoyed The Grunts in Trouble, Fizzlebert Stump, The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth and Wolf Brother. Additional opening times have been popular, with Early Bird sessions for students who like to sit and read or exchange their books before school. Lunchtime sessions have also been welcomed enthusiastically, providing a calm and relaxing environment where students can curl up and read or spend more time exploring the shelves.

The Read, Write, Relax ECAs have been very popular, and students have enjoyed discovering books that they would perhaps not usually choose. A new library-based ECA will focus on developing future Library Leaders, introducing Library Skills and other book-related activities.

Our Library Leaders have taken a keen interest in the administration of the library this year. They have really enjoyed learning how to issue, return and track books using the library management system and have diligently carried out those tasks during their class library sessions. They have also assisted with shelving returned books, keeping the library tidy and running smoothly. Their enthusiasm is lovely to witness, and their help is greatly appreciated. This year the Library Leaders have been:

Cedric Van Asch

Leah Al Khafaji

Hassan Rajabali

Kiaah Bhatia

Sam El-Sharif

We look forward to the coming academic year which will see the arrival of more new books, resources and a change of décor!

LIBRARY FIRST SCHOOL

The First School Library collection has continued to grow with a new collection of board-books and picture books for our very youngest children. The library has a generous collection of Easy Reads for children learning to read as well as non-fiction books for information to help with homework and general interests. We also have, of course, books related to the Units of Inquiry which help both teachers and students in general, complementing their learning in the classroom. Perhaps of particular interest is our large collection of books related to .

This collection is full of picture books, quick reads and non-fiction which all the students enjoy exploring. We are particularly pleased with the growing collection reflecting the United Arab Emirates and its culture, values and traditions.

Since February in the First School library, we have been introducing students from Pre-KG to G1 to how the library works and how to be respectful and kind in the library and especially when looking after books. When classes come to the FS library students are encouraged to choose books they would like to read. Then the librarian reads a story, often related to their current class focus.

We are looking forward to transforming the library into an ‘Enchanted Reading Garden’ to inspire and engage our youngest readers, in the very near future.

A YEAR OF “FIRSTS” AND “RETURNS”

By: Nicola Woodroffe, Director of ECAs

Trips embellished the Grade 9 cultural heritage knowledge on the new drop-down days, Whilst Basement 46 Drama is established and delivered some wonderful student scripted plays, At the Interschool Ski Championships, we are awarded the 3rd fastest giant slalom school in the UAE, With Bronze and Silver firmly taken hold, we look forward to our first gold awardees, Competing in the first Inter-Schools sailing regatta we progressed and had fun in the sun, We hosted a Senior Aquathon NLCS, hoping to qualify for the finals at Hamdan and we won! The return of the NLCS MUN conference saw students from different grades flock, Whilst debating teams went against under schools under the clock, Lunch time of societies and music ECAs, So many of you signed up, we can safely say they will be here to stay, The excitement of the return of Desert Dance and House Swimming gala caused somewhat of a splash.

Invited to a MFL Language Competition at the last minute at JESS, we took part in a dash! Service opportunities in Nepal provided memories up in Katmandu, Whilst team building and zip lines at Aventura were welcomed by Grade 2 With environmental activities on Sir Banias Island and in Showker during the first ever Bryant week, The Grade 3’s had fun at UAQ marine park with strong memories to keep, A trip to the World War 11 battlefields for Grade 8 built up subject passion no doubt.

How many opportunities were you involved with? How did you try yourself out?

This year, alongside our traditional and popular ECAs, we welcomed new a wide range of new ECAs to the programme across the school including Zoology, glass painting, scrabble, and Portuguese, lifesaving and community choir. In the Junior School, new lunch time music ECAs such as Lower School Choir and Junior Orchestra captured the hearts of many students alongside the ever-increasing menu of academic societies. It is true to say that every available slot, before school, lunch and after school activities the school was buzzing with students making the most of multiple opportunities to learn outside the classroom and contribute to school life in different ways.

So many of the activities demonstrated how well our wonderful students collaborate between grades, including during the NLCS MUN conference, Debating, the Oasis Magazine and Orchestra. The Lower School enjoyed a plethora of exciting day trips including visits to the Dubai Safari Park, the Museum of the Future, Green Planet, Butterfly Garden, Aventura, Jam Jar, Rain Room Woohoo, Adventure HQ, Sharjah Planetarium, Oli Oli, Alya light and the Al Ain Bio Farm to provide inspiration and connection to units of inquiry.

The Senior School enjoyed taking part events in the community including the Literature Festival, Dubai Schools Super Science league, MFL Languages Competition, and Singapore online MUN. Offsite, the geography field trips assessed urban inequalities and coastal Management and provided students from different grades the opportunity to collect and analyse data. Grade 11 and Grade 12 students visited the New York University in Abu Dhabi to help shape views on educational paths post NLCS.

The biggest highlight of the year for many of our students was the opportunity to make new memories and new friends, learning and leaving our mark on some usual places along the way. During the Lower School Bryant week, the Grade 5 left their legacy by planting mangroves on Sir Banias Island, Grade 4 identified fish in the Indian ocean for the government register, Grade 3 learnt how to purify water and kayak. The Grade 8 students paid homage to those who lost their lives in World War 11 by visiting the battlefields. The biggest impact left by NLCS students this year was through the service trip to Nepal. Students from Grade 9 and above immersed themselves fully with hearts and minds as they built a biogas chamber for local villagers in the South of Nepal, which will for the next forty years, help protect the natural environment, by providing clean energy production and protect wild elephants, rhinos and tigers. What a year!

“Much is expected from whom most is given”

SporTs Day

By: Ceylin Emlek

The Sports Day took place on February 2nd of 2023. This year, the event spanned the entire day and featured both track and field events. It required all senior school members to participate and work together, once more proving the importance of teamwork and team spirit. We are grateful to the parents who volunteered and provided each child with a popsicle during the morning events.

The event was well-organised and managed, although it was a bit nerve-wracking with everyone's attention focused on how well you did in the activities. Despite the pressure, the day was highly enjoyable for me, and I believe everyone else had a wonderful time as well.

The highlight of the day came when the results were announced (at the end of the Sports Day.) The Jais team came in last, Hafeet finished in third place, and Javi claimed second. The win went to Yibir! The effort put in by the Yibir team really did pay off, and the team did truly deserve it.

Overall, the Sports Day was a memorable day filled with an immense amount of enthusiasm, teamwork, and friendly competition. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work, and a special thanks to the people involved for making the event a success.

SporTs Day 2023

UAE 51st National Day

Aaira Mehta

At NLCS Dubai, we are encouraged to participate in experiences beyond our everyday lessons and through the Grade 6 and 7 production, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations our cast and crew have been able to demonstrate the importance of performing arts in our school environment. Directed by Mr. Clench, students from Grades 6 and 7 spent about 4 months putting this extraordinary play together.

Lunchtime rehearsals began quickly and efficiently. The entire cast was committed and dedicated, and all the actors continued to work step by step to construct a piece of theatre with everyone collaborating ideas and working towards creating a playful and colorful performance. Everyone played their part on and off the stage, to make this production a memorable experience for those involved and those that watched.

During this process, we began to recognize the spectrum of aspects it took to put together a performance and so we needed many of us to take up different parts of the piece. Many, if not all, of us may have had some acting experience in the past, however, few so professionally. For many of us, we weren’t accustomed to playing multiple different roles, engaging in multiple aspects of the piece and changing character so quickly.

Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations portrayed the theme of ‘mental health’ in a comedic way, the play was able to become a part of all of us, whether in the cast, crew or audience itself. So, to have finally achieved this from an empty black box room to a lit-up PAC feels extremely rewarding for all of us. We have made friends and memories forever.

As a cast, crew and entire company we would like to extend our grattitude to Mr. Clench, without who’s unconditional effort and lasting enthusiasm, this play would not have been the piece of theatre we were able to put forward across the two nights. Along with many thanks to the entire team of technicians, stage management, backstage crew who were immensely supported by Mr. Sonny.

This experience has allowed us all to try ourselves out, and “own the show” as Mr Clench would say. Overall, this experience has shaped a lot of us as individuals and actors who were able to value the process and enjoy the final moment as team.

Try yourselves out next year and get involved. Be a part of an ensemble, a team and be involved in an upcoming NLCS production.

HOUSE COMPETITIONs

House Competitions 2022/2023 remained at the heart of our school this year. From quizzes, to netball, to chess, there really was something for everyone to try themselves out at and represent their house. Jais took the lead early in the year with a win at the House Quiz. Javi demonstrated their spelling skills with a huge win in the House Spelling Bee. Yibir impressed with their sporting ability and won House Basketball and Sports Day. Hafeet were strategic in their win in House Chess. Well done to every student who represented their House and continued the House spirit and collegiality this year. What will next year bring?

PE DEPARTMENT

Students at NLCS benefit from a wealth of extra-curricular sports activities. These occur both on site and offsite and enrich the lives of our students, whether they choose to play sport for recreation and enjoyment or if they want to play in a more competitive setting.

PRIDE

PASSION PERFORMANCE

We encourage our students to represent their school with pride and to explore their sporting passions, while always encouraging them to work on and improve their performance. All of our sports teams play in the DASSA league which includes over 60 schools from around Dubai and affords our students the opportunities to compete in swimming, aquathlon, football, netball, basketball, athletics and many other sports.

Enjoy the PE section of this years NLCS Dubai yearbook and we look forward to moving forwards with even more sport next year.

A fine finish to put the U19 boys football team 1-0 up against RIS

Community Triathlon

DASSA Aqua U15 boys

First Aquathlon Event of the year. Hosted by NLCS and won by NLCS

G5 Boys Aquathlon - Swim, Run and shirts backwards!

Junior School Swim Squad. Winners are Grinners...... 'B' Team Gala Champions

Junior School Swim Squad. Winners are Grinners...... 'B' Team Gala Champions

Junior School Hamdan Aquathlon Team

had some outstanding performances, with many athletes qualifying for the finals in their event.

Our Junior Athletics team

Our U15 Cricket team in action in the DASSA league

Senior Aquathon Team who competed in the DASSA Aquathon series

Senior swimming squad were overall winners of their competitive DASSA division in Term 1

The NLCS Dubai U19 Basketball Team

The NLCS Dubai U19 Basketball Team Ski

The NLCS Under 13 Cricket team in action against Sharjah English School

The DASSA athletics showed the amazing talent of NLCS athletes on the track

The NLCS Under 13 cross country squad

The U9 Netball team worked hard to develop their skills, fantastic efforts!

The U11 team demonstrated impressive awareness of the game and how best to play the opponent.

The podium finishers for the DASSA boys Aquathlon - U13

The U11 Rounders team have improved so much this termfielding was definately our strength!

The U13 Girls football squad played in the DASSA league and cup competitions

The U14 boys Basketball team made a winning start to their DASSA league games

The U16 Boys football team at the BSAK 7's Tournament

The U19 Boys football team played 6 matches in the DASSA league

The U14 boys football team played in the DASSA league and at the BSAK International Tournament

The U16 Boys football team were involved in two penalty shoot outs in the DASSA Cup before a narrow defeat in the quarter finals

The Under 16 Girls Football team who played friendly, league and cup matches

Triathlon at NLCS

U9 Football beating Aqulia School in their opening fixture of the season

U9 Netball - The girls caught the Netball ‘bug’ and worked so hard to improve their skills!

U9 Cricket were all smiles after their first cricket fixture against Sharjah English School

U9 Girls Football Team after their first tournament of the season

U9 Rounders team showed fantastic effort. Their knowledge improved with each match played!

U11

What a group of hard-working passionate girls! They improved so much with each training session.

U11 Boys Football beating RGS 3-2 in the league.

U11 Girls Football beating Gems First Point in their opening game of the season.

Netball-

U11 Cricket team winning their first game of the season

U11 Netball - What exciting netballing futures you behold!

U12 Netball – Enjoyed a full day at the DASSA Development Tournament and successfully made it to the quarter finals.

U13 Netball – It takes resilience, determination, and strong teamwork to improve in netball.

U12 Netball – Happy faces achieving second place in their DASSA netball division – league games.

U13 Netball – Learning each week about tactics and strategies of netball this season.

U13 Girls football team in action against DIS

U16 Boys Basketball Squad - The DASSA Division 3 Champions

U13 Rounders - A smashing start to the season away at Sharjah English School, playing two matches & winning both.

U14 Girls – Winning games comfortably in their U14 DASSA League Division, overall league winners.

U16 Begin their winning ways in their quest to win the DASSA Division 3 Championships

U19 Rounders - The girls really enjoyed their passion for the game playing away and home fixtures.