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