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