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!