RELATIONSHIPS|EXCELLENCE|ASPIRATION
From the Office of the Principal
FROM MR. MIKE
DearRaptors,
As you flip through these pages now and in the years to come, I hope they spark memories that make you smile: the friendships that shaped you, the moments you felt proud, and the times you tried something new and grew fromit
Einsteinoncesaid,“Educationiswhatremainsafteronehasforgottenwhat one has learned in school.” At Raha, we know it’s not just about what you learn, but who you become along the way. It’s the relationships you build, the excellence you strive for, and the aspirations you chase that truly stay with you. This yearbook captures a piece of that journey, and I hope it alwaysremindsyouofthespecialpartyouplayintheRahastory.
Dowellandbehappy.
MrMike
On this special occasion, the Parent Team took a moment to remind all the ladies in our community just how special they are Theyrecognizedtheinvaluable contributions made through hard work,dedication,andadeepsense ofcommitmentbygivingflowersto all our superwomen on campus It was a beautiful gesture to honor the incredible women who inspire andsupportourschoolcommunity everyday.
From the Office of the Vice Principal
FROM MRS. CAROL
Forsure:
As I reflect on another remarkable year at Raha, I am filled with pride and gratitude for our vibrant community of learners, educators, and families This year has really shown our commitment to our mission, We Grow People From our fantastic Eid Al Etihad and Global Village celebrations to the innovations of STEAM Week and our amazing performing arts programme, each event showcased the talent and passion that define our school and exemplified our Core Principles – Relationships, Excellence, and Aspiration. These moments havenotonlyenrichedouracademicexperiencebutalsostrengthenedthebondsthatunite usasaschoolfamily
InthismythirdyearhereasVicePrincipal,Iaminspireddailybyourstudents'dedication,our parents’ commitment, and our staff's unwavering enthusiasm. Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" How true! Together, we continue to create a nurturing environment where every learner is empowered to thrive Here'stocelebratingourachievementsandlookingforwardtoanotherexcitingyearahead!
FirstWeek
We kicked off the year with big smiles and warm welcomes from cheerful greetings at the gate to sharingEmiraticoffeeanddates We loved seeing your smiles back on campus, meeting new families, and reconnecting with old friends With the help of our amazing parent ambassadors and a fun 360° camera experience, we made sure your transition into the new academic year started off as a success!
G10TOKExhibition
Provides an insightful look into how we learn what we learn, with students exploring topics they are truly passionateabout Fromtrendybarbers and music composers and the future of food security, the exhibition showcasesadiverserangeofinterests It's a thoughtful blend of creativity, critical thinking, and real-world issues Join us to discover how curiosity and exploration shape our understanding oftheworld
FromourearlydaysasanECPteamtosecuring4thplaceintheWorldFinals whataride Weproudlybuiltthe4th fastestcarintheworldandachievedanimpressive12thplaceoverall
Our brilliantly designed car and the talent behind it didn’t go unnoticed our Head Engineer was awarded a prestigious engineering scholarship by one of Formula 1’s top partners. If that’s not a testament to engineering excellence,wedon’tknowwhatis.
Let’s also celebrate our Green Energy Certificate from EWEC, recognising Gardens Campus for its unwavering commitmenttosustainability.Thismilestonereflectsthehardwork,innovation,andSTEAM-fuelledpassionofateam thatcontinuestoigniteinspirationacrossourcommunity.
EYShow
It’sallabouttheexcitementofsteppingontoabig stage for the first time! It's a great learning experience and a true sense of accomplishment From smiles and jumps to taking risks, this is what learning looks like in the early years It’s also a chance to tell mommy and daddy all the fun and learningwedoatschool!
100Days
May sound like a lot, but it’stheperfectmomentto pause and reflect on all we’ve learned so far It’s an opportunity to reassess our growth and celebrate our progress, whether it’s dressing up as an elder or counting 100 stickers on your tshirt. This milestone reminds us of how much we’ve achieved and how far we’ve come in our learningjourney.!
FROM MRS. EMILY
What a wonderful year it has been in Early YearsatRahaGardens!
Our EY1 learners began their journey into ‘big school’ with curiosity and joy, building friendships and discovering the world around them OurEY2studentshaveshownincredible growth and are now ready to take the next step into the PYP, carrying with them the confidence and skills they’ve developed Our learners truly lived the IB Learner Profile becoming inquirers, thinkers, and risk-takers At Raha, we believe in our mission: We Grow People This year has shown just how much our students have blossomed; academically, socially,andemotionally
A huge thank you to our Raha communityour children, parents and teachers for an amazing2024-2025academicyear!
It's safe to say many fond memories have beenmadeandfriendshipsformed As they move forward, we know one thing for sure;Thisisjustthebeginning...
EARLYYEARS1
EARLYYEARS2
LaunchingDreams
Rocket Day was a blast literally! Students launched their very own rockets, turning curiosity into action in themostexcitingway
Avibrantdisplayofplanets,stars,and astronauts set the scene, inspiring young minds to aim high. Families joined in the fun with hands-on STEAM activitiesandajoyfulpicnicontheMYP pitch
Adayfilledwithlearning,laughter,and lift-off!
STEAMWEEK
STEAMWeek
The classroom moved outdoors to the school gardens and piazza, where students explored Science, Technology, and Physics firsthand They tested gravitational forces, observed motion, and experimented with real-world applications of STEAM concepts. The week highlighted the importance of pushingboundaries,fosteringcuriosity,andconnectingtheory withthenaturalworldtoinspirefutureinnovation
During STEAM Week, the school garden became the perfect backdrop for explo conceptsinaction.Thishands-onexperie wayfortheScienceFairG3,wherestuden into understanding everyday pheno developing theories on why chocola determining the exact temperature at w students engaged with simple yet powerf that sparked their curiosity. These activitie our little scientists to think critically, ask experiment fueling their passion for d innovation
ScienceFair Grade6
Experiments to the next level, aligning with the school's commitment to solving real-world problems related to sustainability Students explored groundbreaking concepts, from creating electricity with potatoes to repurposing Tesla parts for eco-friendly solutions Their projects focused on finding innovative methods for sustainable energy, testing new ideas, and using science to drive change The fair highlighted how science, creativity, and a passion for the planetcancometogethertoshapeagreenerfuture.
STEAM&Innovation&Racing
The adrenaline wasn’t just for the race teams it sparked excitement among our younger students as well, inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Collaboration took the driver’s seat as students from both the PYP and MYP joined forces. Using upcycled materials to fuel their creative designs, they proved that teamwork and shared ideas can lead to extraordinaryoutcomes
It’s all about building on each other’s strengths and showing that great things happen when we put our heads andwheels together
FROM MR. MATT
Hiteam:
Fromtheenergyonthesportsfieldstothe creativity shining through in music and performances, it’s been a year packed withtalent,teamwork,andfun
Our curriculum has continued to challenge and inspire, with students diving deep into inquiry, developing their thinking skills, and making meaningful connectionsacrosssubjects.
Whether it was designing solutions to real-world problems, exploring different cultures, or sharing their learning with confidence, our students have, as always, impressedus.
Always remember: if you want your year tobethebestoneever:
Dreambig Bekind Beawesome!
FROM MRS. LAURA
Classof2025
As you reach the end of your journey at Raha Gardens, we hope this schoolremainsapartofwhoyouare notjustaplaceyouattended, but a place that helped shape your story. Wherever your next steps lead, may you carry with you the friendships, values, and memories thatmadetheseyearssomeaningful.
And what a journey it has been! In my short time I’ve been here at Raha,Ihaveseenwhatresilient,thoughtful,andcapableyoungpeople you are It has been a privilege to watch you learn, lead, and leave yourmarkonourschool.
As you step into the next chapter, know that you carry more than a diploma.Youcarrythevalues,friendships,andmemoriesthatwillstay with you long after you leave these halls Keep striving, stay grounded, andneverforgetyourpowertomakeadifference. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams Live the life you have imagined."–HenryDavidThoreau
Wishingyoueverysuccessandhappiness intheexcitingroadahead.
G12Breakfast
Let’sbehonest mockexamsaretough.Thepressure,thestudying,thelatenights...itcanallfeellikealot.But onemorning,somethingdifferentgreetedus:thesmellofwarmfood,thesmilesofparentsandteachers,and atablefullofdeliciousbreakfastsnacks.Itwasexactlywhatwedidn’tknowweneeded.
Thatsmallactofkindness servingupenergy-boostingtreatsandencouragement madeabigdifference It remindedusthatwe’renotinthisalone Sometimes,agoodmealandasupportivecommunityareallittakes toresetyourmindset Thankstoouramazingparentsandteachers,weheadedintothoseexamsfeelingjusta littlestronger,alittlecalmer,andalotmoremotivated Bringonthenextchallenge we’vegotthis!
GamingtheFuture
We turned the meeting room into a full-on gaming and tech hub! With industry experts coaching us, we explored way more than just playing games. We had real conversations about coding, software development, game design, digital storytelling, and even the future of augmentedreality.
It wasn’t just fun it was inspiring We got a behind-the-scenes look at how our favorite digital worlds are built and what it takes to create them Having professionals guide us madeitallthemoreexcitingandreal
It was a powerful reminder that learning doesn’t have to stay in textbooks When our interests meet real-world skills, anything is possible Who knows? Some of us may just be the next game designers or tech innovatorsinthemaking
Ourseniorteamsecuredoverallteam positions Great places on Science & Literature,ScholarBowl,andDebate.
Math Rollercoasters
How do you make angles and calculations exciting? By designing your own vision of an extreme rollercoaster, of course! Students explored the math behind rollercoaster design, creating thrilling rides that could be the next big attraction at a new theme park It’s a perfect example of how math can come to life in the most fun and creative ways!
Trips
Wherelearninggoesbeyondthe classroom, combining sustainability with experiences that foster independence and remind us all that we are explorers. Each journey is an integral part of the UOI (Units of Inquiry) from our IB curriculum, allowing students to connect real-worldexperienceswiththeir studies, while developing a deeper understanding of the world around them These trips not only enrich their knowledge but also inspire curiosity and a lovefordiscovery
Kalba&DOE
Overnight adventures, discovering the rocky mountains of UAE while developingsurvivalskills
Sustainability& Heritage
We had the incredible opportunity to take part in a sustainability-focused field trip where we helped restore mangroves and visited a local farm. This hands-on experience taught me how the UAE’s natural environment is deeply connected to its cultural heritage From learning traditional farming methods to using modern technology for environmental monitoring, we saw how innovation and tradition can work together to protect our future It was inspiring to see sustainability not just as a global goal, but as something rooted in the UAE’sidentityandwayoflife
ArtStudio
Frominspiringarttripstoimmersivelibraryvisits,we exploredthecity’smostavant-gardecreativedistrict whereculture,innovation,andimaginationcomealive
Daytripadventures,exploringthesustainable spotsinAbuDhabiCity. Learningabouthowto careforourplanetandmakeasocialimpact
Imagination InAction!
From pretending to be firefighters, marinebiologists,oracrobatsatthe circus, our little ones had an unforgettable time using their imaginationandnaturalcuriosityto exploretheworldaroundthem
Eachtripwasanexcitingadventure where they got to experience new roles,discoverdifferentcareers,and spark their creativity. These handson experiences helped them grow, learn, and most importantly have fun while discovering all the amazing possibilities the world has tooffer!
CareerDay
An inspiring event where parents from our community shared valuable insights into their career choices, from engineering to medicine and beyond. Held in the piazza, it was an open day for students to inquire, ask questions, and dive deep into what ittrulymeanstochoosea careerpath
This event encouraged students to explore different professions, broaden their horizons, and think about the many exciting possibilities for their futurejourneys
AlumniReunion
What a joy it was to meet our Alumni over coffee, sharing stories about university life, the best tips for finding a job, and catching up with former teachers. The conversations were filled with valuableadviceandlastingconnections.Thementoringaspectis essential to these relationships, showing that being part of the RahabGardensfamilydoesn’tendin G12 it'salifelongjourneyof support,growth,andconnection
Make-A-Wish Donations
Our Secondary students, showed incredible dedication and heart as they worked tirelessly on various activities to raise money fortheMake-a-WishFoundation.
EngagingParent Workshopsand CoffeeMornings
We’re excited to offer workshops that help parents support their children’s education. Topicslikescreentime,settinglimits,digital connection,andculturalunderstandingare all covered, giving families the tools and insights they need to grow together and understandtheworldbetter.
Our Coffee Mornings are a great chance to grab a cup of coffee, chat with teachers, leadership, and staff, and connect with otherparents.Theseinformalget-togethers help everyone stay on the same page and work together to support the growth and success of our students in a fun, relaxed way
Inspired by a formal TED Talk, students took part in their first symposium, where teachers from other grades delivered engaging talks on a variety of topics, from audience engagement and creatingpositivehabitstousingAIineducation,andbeyond Dressedintheir"smartsuits,"ties, and kanduras, students embraced the opportunity to learn in a professional setting This experiencenotonlypreparedthemfortheirupcomingGrade5Exhibition,butalsoencouraged the development of critical thinking, communication, and overall learning skills, helping them growasconfidentandcapablelearners,preparingthemforMYP.
PYPX Symposium
StudentArtEnrichmentProgram
MEFCCandRISGC
InagroundbreakingUAE-firstpartnership,studentscombined art-makingwithreal-worldentrepreneurship guidedbymentors likeRickSharif FromComicConinsightstopricingtheirwork,they learnedhowcurationshapesperceptionandhowtoengage audiences.Thehighlight?Somestudentssoldtheirveryfirstart piecestomembersoftheAlMaktoumFamily anunforgettable milestoneintheircreativejourney
ReadingDogs Program
Who knew reading could be so pawsitively fun? In the Reading Dogs sessions, students had the chance to practice their reading skills in a calm, cozy environment with some furry friends Each 30-minute session took place in quiet spots like classrooms or the library, where kids read aloud to a therapy dog With help from their teachers and the dog handler, they picked the perfect book for their level The sessions kicked off with a warm welcome to the dog, followed by reading, lively discussions about the stories, and safe, fun interactions with their new canine pals This heartwarming experience not only boosted students' confidence but also helped them discover the joy of reading,goodjobPerdiandDexter!
SportsDays&Sports
Extravaganza
All about learning the importance of the sports journey how to be part of a team, the value of discipline, and the need to stay active It highlighted that sports are not just about the game, but also about building relationships on the field, which complement the connections we make off the pitch The day was a celebration of camaraderie, friendship,andeffort,enhancingthespiritofteamworkandunityineverychallenge.
International Day at Gardens Campus was our best community event yet, with a record 58 countries represented The campus came alive with music, food, dance, and traditional costumes, creating a vibrant display of culture and unity. It was a true celebration of the global village we are, showcasing the diversity and spirit that make Gardens Campus such a unique and connectedcommunity
Artistic Aspiration
This has been one of the most prolific terms in terms of arts and productions, with over 300 students participating in creative and artistic ensembles. From Matilda to High School Musical, these performances were true examples of aspiration and talent Our professional theater,holdinghundredsof spectators, was buzzing with rehearsals and performances, showcasing a level of excellence rarely seen in Abu Dhabi. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of our students and the exceptionalqualityofourartisticstages
Our senior students' remarkable creativity and deep thinking, showcasing their journey of selfexpression and discovery. At Raha, we are privileged to have true artists who benefit from a 360degree vision, drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures within our school. This rich cultural exposure expandstheirsensitivityandartistic perspectives Our strong school culture, rooted in belonging, curiosity, and high expectations, continues to shape and inspire us, demonstrating the transformative powerofaneducationatRaha
ThecollaborationbetweenourOperations Team, local authorities, and the municipality is essential in maintaining our safety and safeguarding standards, ensuring a secure environment for everyone This partnership not only upholds our commitment to safety but also serves as a valuable example of servicetoourcommunity,highlightingthe powerofworkingtogether
WherePassion& AspirationMeetsPlay
TheRaptorsprogramisallaboutencouragingstudentstogrowasathletes,whetherthey’recompetingin oneofour18sportsorjustenjoyingtheexperience FromU9toU19,ourteamsrepresentRahaineventslike swimming,football,andbasketball,focusingonskilldevelopmentandteamwork It’snotjustaboutwinning it’saboutlearning,takingonchallenges,andhavingfunalongtheway Thisyear,weintroducednew uniforms,rampedupoursocialmediapresence,andaddedmoreECPoptionstogivestudentsevenmore opportunitiestogetinvolved Whatmakesitspecialistheinvolvementofourteachers,whovolunteertheir timeascoachesandmentors,creatingastrongsenseofcommunity Whetherit’sthroughcompetitionor casualsessionslikeFitFridays,there’saplaceforeveryonetogetactive,havefun,andfeelsupported
SECONDARYSWIMSQUAD
TRIATHLON
U9GIRLSFOOTBALL
U11GIRLSFOOTBALL
U13BOYSFOOTBALL
WATERPOLO
U13GIRLSVOLLEYBALL
U15GIRLSVOLLEYBALL
U19GIRLSVOLLEYBALL
U19GIRLSNETBALL
AHeartfeltShow ofGratitude
This year, our Parent Team went above and beyond by organizing a new initiative, The Giving Campaign, designed to highlight our school’s strong sense of community and generosity towards those who work tirelessly behind the scenes Sponsors generously donated boxes filled with 15 essentialandnon-perishableitems,whichweregiventoover100members ofourhousekeeping,maintenance,security,andbustransportationteams Ourstudentsplayedakeyroleinfillingandorganizingtheboxes,makingit a true community effort. This thoughtful initiative was a beautiful reminder ofthepowerofgratitudeandteamwork
Service Fridays
The gardens were transformed into a magical space, illuminated with soft lights, as we gathered with our community for a special Iftar The evening was filled with warmth, as families shared a meal, made meaningful connections, and embraced the traditions of Ramadan. The spirit of generosity and reflection filled the air, and the Bazaar added a vibrant touch to the celebration This heartfelt gathering created unforgettable memories, reminding us of the true essence of Ramadan community, kindness, and togetherness
The SRC is a vibrant team of students from Grade 6 to 12, dedicated to represent their peers and enhance school life They organize events, gather feedback and foster a strong sense of community through activities thatreflectstudentinterests TheSRCincludesanExecutiveCouncilofGrade11andGrade12students,wholead initiativesacrossallgrades,ensuringsmoothcollaborationandpromotinginclusivity Theireffortsnotonlyfund SRCprojects, butalsounitetheschoolscommunity
As students themselves, SRC design events and initiatives that truly resonate with their peers, enriching the schoolexperienceforeveryone
SouqDay
Our Grade 4 Students six-week entrepreneurial adventure like no other! They dove headfirst into the world of economics, learning how to balance profit with sustainability while developing new skills along the way Teams were formed, ideas sparked and creativity flowed as they builttheirveryownbusiness
The Grand Finale? A community showcase where they displayed their obstacle course challenges and delicious baked goods - all designed to sell and raise funds for a great cause
EverypennytheyearnedwasstraighttoThe Red Crescent proving that these young entrepreneurs have heart as their ambitions!Whatawaytocombinelearning, teamworkandgivingback.
MentalHealth&Wellbeing
This year, we took time to check in with ourselves and each other. From Autism and ADHD to anxiety, cyberbullying, and everythinginbetween,weexploredwhatmentalhealthreally means Through assemblies, awareness days, and honest conversations, we learned that it's okay not to be okay and that taking care of our mental health is just as important as anythingelse Whetherweweresharingstories,learningnew copingskills,orjustbeingthereforoneanother,thisyearwas all about growing, supporting, and feeling empowered to be ourselves
SpiritWeek
The last week before everyone headed home to study was filled with endless fun and creativity! We kicked off with PJs onMonday,followedbyTweeningTuesdaywherewefound our twins or dressed as our favorite teachers Watching Wednesday had us showing up as movie characters or memesformovienight,whileThrowbackThursdaybrought out the best of Y2K fashion We wrapped it all up with Festival Friday, celebrating summer vibes and, of course, toiletpaperchaosallovercampus!SpiritWeekwasablast
ColourRun
Oneofthemostanticipatedeventsoftheyear wear white, leave covered in colour! With clouds of colouredpowderflyinghigh,welearnedit’snotabout being first, but about the laughter, energy, and vibrantjourneysharedalongtheway
FitFridays
Starting Fridays with movement on the MYPpitchwasthehighlightoftheweek! From frisbee to volleyball, hopping to box jumps, it was 30 minutes of fun for all ages big thanks to the SRC and secondary students for running the show!
Young Authors
How do we inspire young authors at Raha? It starts with a deep-rooted commitment to reading. Across all year groups, reading is woven into the fabric of our curriculum We provide time, space, and encouragement for students to develop a love of literature, from picture books to poetry, fiction to non-fiction Through this consistent support and encouragement, we’re nurturing strong reading and writing habits, inspiring a new generation of budding young authors Someofthesevoiceshave risen above the classroom to reach a wider audience, with students earning accolades in the Oxford UniversityPressandVoices of the Future Generation competitions, as well as becoming independently published authors. Our students are truly making theirmark!
FROM THE PARENT TEAM
As we turn the final pages of another unforgettable yearonGardensCampus,theParentTeamwantsto send a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who supported their efforts and helped make this academicyearsospecial:Rahastaff,students,and the parent community including our volunteers, classparents,andgradeparents
An huge thank you to the other nine ladies on the Parent Team who volunteer their time to welcome new families, open the SHUS, keep the Lost Property organized and bring so many events and activities totheRahacommunity.
The Raha community is truly a special and unique one that goes beyond the IB curriculum. So much of what makes Raha special happens outside the classroom during events and activities that have beencapturedinthisbook
The Parent Team is happy to have been a part of creating this community through events like the Holiday Bazaar, Global Village, the Pinktober Charity Sale, Outdoor Movie Night, The Giving Campaign andsomanyothers
You have helped us build this amazingly positive and vibrant Raha spirit We truly are stronger together and we thank you for being such a vital partoftheRahacommunity!
VisibleArabicLearning
LearningArabicatRahaGardensCampusisfunandinteractive throughbookfairs,engagingmaterials,poems,andsongs.By learning through play, students connect with the culture, exchangeideas,andenrichtheirknowledgeinexcitingways!
SeniorLeadershipTeam
EarlyYears
EarlyYearsSpecialists
EarlyYears
PrimaryYears
PrimaryYears
PrimaryYears
PrimaryYears
SecondaryYears
SecondaryYears
SecondaryYears
Library
LanguageB(MFL)
SecondaryYears
This year, we invited our students to submit artwork that expresses “We Grow Together” From AI-generated images to digital designs and handmade creations, each piece symbolically captured the spirit of our communityandhowwethrive
WeGrow Together
Credits
Editor & Graphics: Monica Garcia Bringas
Alumni Intern: Isabelle Dababneh (Class 2022)
Contributors: Teejay Button
Lise Farquhar
Lisa Corbett
Constantina Ellinas
Waffa Marwan
Gladys Reyes
Naseem Khalifah
Claire Maureen
Aoife Abushaqra
Senan Kilbride
Ralphy
Katie Owens
Samantha Nespor
Benjamin Sapwell
Fatema Abdulrahman
Copy Editor: Estee Caplen
Distribution:Parent Team
Thank you!
risgc.ae
Khalifa City ‘A’, Al Raha Gardens, Abu Dhabi, UAE
+971 (0)2 556 1567 gcadmissionsadmin@ris.ae Raha International Schools © 2025. All rights reserved.
