WIN Times January 2022

January 2022, Issue 12 Jebel Ali

Win times CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, CREATING A LEGACY Official magazine of the Winchester school, jebel ali

Towards the next 50!

Vision Our vision is to nurture a transformative learning community where all stakeholders feel loved, respected and encouraged to become globally responsible and achieve their potential and beyond.

Mission Create and facilitate a culture of growth mindset, investing in all stakeholders to embrace learning by being resilient, innovative problem solvers and effective communicators.

Empower unique, empathetic and self-directed members for a rapidly changing world and instill in them critical thinking skills and a global perspective.

Foster a positive and stimulating environment with a holistic approach to nurture individuals academic, social and emotional wellbeing by embedding respect for core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, care and compassion.

Every child matters, Every voice matters!

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS EDITION From the Principal’s Desk

6

Editor’s Note

8

Meet the Team

9

WIN Speaks

14

Celebrations Galore

18

Dubai Fitness Challenge

21

Flourishing Moments with Mr. Omar

24

Ms. Veronika’s Corner

28

Celebrating the Glorious Hues of UAE

31

Expossibilities

33

Katie’s Little Black Hole

37

UAE – Excellence is Thy Name

41

For the Love of Food

45

Learn Arabic with Nadia

48

Sports Central

51

From Sands to Stars

54

Art for All

57

The Animal Connection

59

The Green Guide

64

Wellbeing Week

67

Winchester Summer Reading Challenge 2021

71

Philosophies of a Righteous Mind

73

On My Bookshelf

76

Talking Politics

80

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Winchester is a Willing Inclusive and Innovative school that Nurtures Curious and Creative learners in an Honest, Helpful, Happy, Humble and Enterprising, Enriching environment with Sincere Students and Staff who are Talented, Trustworthy, Energetic, Effective and Enthusiastic to Encourage all learners to

Recognize, Rise and Realize their potential and achieve their aspirations

Composed by Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya

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From The principal’s desk Dear WIN Family, I would like to request you to join me to extend the warmest wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2022 to all our students, staff, and families!!

New Year is the time to set new goals, make new resolutions, and work hard to achieve them… Make this upcoming year a new beginning for all your aspirations and dreams.

May you strive with more energy and zeal, with grit and passion, with focus and diligence.

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At the same time, let’s take some time to be thankful and express our gratitude for all that we are blessed with. To start with, thank the leaders of this country who have provided us with care, kindness, health, and wellbeing in most difficult times.

UAE is one of the safest, happiest, and most progressive countries, and we all have so much to learn from…

To dream big and set our eyes on the GOAL, and stay focused and achieve them with highest standards. The world is in awe of how the UAE achieves all its dreams, most aspirational with such high standards.

We can all learn and strive to not only have BIG dreams

and aspirations, but also and create records and celebrate when we achieve them.

I am most thankful to each one of you, my most wonderful and talented students, my most passionate and dedicated teachers, and our lovely, committed parents. Together, we always achieve more!!

I wish you all a blessed year ahead!

Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya Principal and CEO The Winchester School Jebel Ali

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From the Editor’s Desk Dear WIN Family, As we say goodbye to 2021, a pivotal year as UAE turns fifty, let us set our sights on the next fifty and welcome a brand-new year on a note of positivity, gratitude, and jubilation.

UAE is basking in its jubilee year celebrations and now looks ahead to the future with unwavering ambition and resolve – something that once again reminds us that nothing is impossible if one's grit and perseverance remain steadfast. And at the same time, this milestone celebration has deepened the sense of gratitude towards this nation for leaving no stone unturned and for safeguarding the happiness and wellbeing of all citizens and residents. In this issue of WIN Times, we have very consciously brought together articles which celebrate this beautiful nation we all call home – UAE world records, cuisine, sports, animals, environmental initiatives, space exploration, UAE's journey from sands to the stars, art, poetry, Expo attractions, and a lot more.

When it comes to celebrations, it will not be wrong to say that every day is a celebration at Winchester with the impressive array of achievements and laurels secured by the students and teachers in a myriad of competitions and activities. With great pride, we document four of those impactful events – the UAE National Day celebrations, the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30 initiative, WIN Wellbeing Week, and Winchester Summer Reading Challenge 2021.

You will also find our regular columns – from a succinct description of the family vs friends dilemma, to decoding Marxism, to delving into the fascinating world of Lemony Snicket – the diverse nature of our offerings is something we strive for to upkeep our promise of providing you, our valuable readers, with a thought-provoking reading experience.

I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to every contributor who has made this issue so special.

Thank you Team WIN Times for being the superstars that you are! Thank you Mr. Gaber, Ms. Veronika, Mr. Omar, and Ms. Jayanti for your wonderful contributions. And a BIG thank you to our wonderful Principal Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya for being our inspiration and guiding force.

And thank you dear readers for your continued readership and love!

We look forward to receiving your invaluable feedback as well as contributions on wintimes2019@gmail.com.

Happiness and best wishes always! Have an absolutely fabulous 2022!

Warm regards, Mishal Faraz, Year 10B Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Graphic Designer

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Meet the Team Editorial Team

Mir Faraz, Year 7 Founder, Managing Editor Columnist

Aarav Pradhan, Year 12 Senior Editor Columnist

Victoria Nedyalkova, Year 7 Co-Editor Columnist

Staff Columnists

Ms. Veronika Lambova, Primary Librarian

Mr. Omar Saber Secondary Islamic teacher

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Meet the Team Student Columnists

Nadia Gaber Sayah Year 4

Gareth Andrade Year 8

Felan Thakkar Year 5

Jaimee Felysse A. Reyes Year 6

Martin Georgiev Year 10

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Meet the Team Student Columnists

Min Thuta Year 10

Sakshi Shivakumar Year 11

Aabid Year 11

Toshith Bhaumik Year 11

Katie Ramanayaka Year 13

Sophia Pogorelova Year 13

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OFFICIAL SCHOOL MAGAZINE! Nothing makes us happier than celebrating the Winchester family members. Students, parents, and staff members are invited to send their creative pieces to wintimes2019@gmail.com. Stories, poems, artwork, comic strips, recipes, tips for healthy living, book and movie reviews, puzzles, quizzes, initiatives, and column pitches are all welcome. The topics and themes you choose are absolutely your discretion because we believe that creativity is boundless.

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WELCOME 2022!

WIN Speaks This edition’s WIN Speaks section is extra special, because we have the Senior Leadership Team members coming together to wish the Winchester family an absolutely wonderful new year!

Dear WIN family, wishing all a year of blessing health, prosperity and fruitful opportunities. As always, tremendous efforts from our team will ensure in seamless progress for all sections of Winchester and allow our students to reach their highest potential. Happy New Year 2022!!!!!

Ms. Harpreet Kaur Vice Principal

A happy new year to everyone! It has been another year of both challenges and triumphs; the world has gone through exceptional circumstances, but we joined hands together and succeeded in this challenge, which showed the most valuable and most precious thing we all have, which is our cooperation and integration. We have overcome many difficulties together, and in the new year, we will always overcome all challenges with insightful vision, good planning, and cooperation between us, administration, SLT, staff, students, and parents. We are optimistic about the new year, armed with faith, determination, and hope for a better tomorrow. We wish everyone good luck.

Mr. Gaber Sayah Head of Arabic and Islamic Education

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Dear WIN family, wishing all a year of blessing health, prosperity and fruitful opportunities. As always, tremendous efforts from our team will ensure in seamless progress for all sections of Winchester and allow our students to reach their highest potential. Happy New Year 2022!!!!!

Ms. Preeti Manoj Head of Secondary

"Every moment is a fresh beginning." – T. S. Eliot Wishing all the members of our WIN family a very happy, blessed and prosperous new year, 2022! I wish and pray this year brings along new hopes, new beginnings and ceaseless opportunities for all. Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a successful year ahead.

Ms. Jaya Paliwal Head of Primary

A new year is like starting a new chapter in your lives, this is your chance to write an incredible story for yourselves. As you pursue your hopes and dreams, may this year bring each of you much success and may your journey be wonderful. My wish for each one of you is to embrace the new year with an open heart and go forward with faith, hope and courage. Happy new year!

Ms. Kathryn Darashah Head of Inclusion

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Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. Last year has been a year of challenges and changes, but it has also been a year of unique outcomes and moments of gratefulness. We have pushed beyond our boundaries, and redefined our inner strength. So, let’s continue to use that strength to build on our mental and physical wellbeing and face the new year with grit and passion. I look forward to working together to overcome obstacles with positivity and resilience; and accomplish new goals.

Cheers to good health, hope, and prosperity in 2022!

Ms. Debbiejo Miranda Head of Wellbeing

Wishing you all a great new year with happiness, peace, good health and prosperity. May this year bring you new goals, new achievements and new inspirations to your life. Have a fantastic new year!!!

Ms. Anna Francis Cherukara Head of Innovation & Curriculum Enrichment As we enter this new year, we have much to be thankful for. The past year has been challenging for millions around the world, yet we have been blessed in many ways. As a school, we have been able to ensure that all our students have had a continuity in their education. We have been able to provide a safe and secure environment for each one of them. The new year brings with it challenges but we know that we can overcome any challenge with the right mindset and determination.

Wishing every student and staff a blessed New Year!

Ms. Elizabeth Jacob Head of Professional Development

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Dear WIN Family, wishing that the new year brings new hopes, new opportunities and the resilience to accomplish your goals for future. Let the New Year be the time for you to set higher goals, make bold resolutions and work in a resolute manner to achieve them. Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing in your strengths and capabilities. In the words of William Shakespeare, “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” May 2022 be a year full of high energies and greater focus for you to make your dreams a reality.

Ms. Rachna Shukla Teaching and Learning Coach, Secondary

As you turn a new leaf in your Book of Life with the advent of the New Year, here is wishing you the addition of meaningful chapters. Wishing everyone a promising, fulfilling and a very Happy New Year 2022!!! Stay safe and healthy.

Ms. Dipika Sheoran Teaching and Learning Coach, Primary

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Celebrations Galore!

Mr. Gaber Sayah, Head of Arabic and Islamic Education

Mr. Gaber Sayah is the Head of Arabic and Islamic Education. Mr. Gaber believes that children of Winchester are wonderful and special; they are the lifeblood of the school.

They are charismatic, charming young people with an appetite for learning and a thirst for knowledge. Mr. Gaber always goes above and beyond to ensure the most enriching experience for students. In this exclusive article, Mr. Gaber shares the wonderful festivities held at Winchester to celebrate the UAE Golden Jubilee.

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UAE National Day Celebrations at Winchester 2 December is a gold-lettered day in the UAE calendar, because on this day, we celebrate UAE's formal nationalization and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971.

The celebration of the United Arab Emirates National Day this year was exceptionally special because it marked the Golden Jubilee of the Union – five decades of success and achievements, and the celebration also coincided with Dubai’s hosting of Expo 2020.

Fifty years have passed since the union in which our country achieved all these successes in all fields of education, economics, infrastructure and space with the Hope Probe reaching Mars, and accordingly, all of us at Winchester would like to deliver a vote of thanks to the benevolent Rulers of the UAE, its wise leadership, and its generous people.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Winchester was decorated in the colours of the United Arab Emirates. Not only that, our students presented a range of wonderful performances that showed their amazing talents.

The celebration included many national anthems, poems, songs and theatrical performances about the union. All of this was in harmony with Arabic music, and our children also presented a range of writings and pictures of some of the achievements that were made on the land of the Emirates, such as the high towers, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and the Hope probe. Our students competed to show their talents in drawing, singing, and reciting some Arabic poems and some ideas that showed sustainability in our country during this great event.

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FS2 students showcased their love for the UAE with a complete a carousel of activities. They also got the opportunity to see a real falcon and learn about the national bird of the UAE. Year 3 had a well-planned parental engagement activity which saw parents from different nationalities and their children expressing their gratitude for living in this glorious nation.

Students of Year 4 engrossed in creating cultural passport of different countries.

Year 5 created “The Winchester Cultural Expo”, a simulation of Expo and attracted visitors in their pavilion. A lot of research was done and information was meaningfully shared.

As diversity is the real strength of the Winchester school, Year 6 students explored various cultures and heritage to strengthen their bonds.

Winchester Cultural Expo – WCE- an initiative led by Year 6 students and practically executed

by Year 3 students who amazingly explored and researched about tourism, innovation, and sustainable initiatives in their assigned countries.

Students from Years 3 to 6 showcased their amazing talents through a talent show.

There was also an amazing performance on the UAE National Day celebration led by Emirati Girls of Key Stage 3.

There was Live Streaming of School Choir, Band and Street Play and Arabic Dance and the students of KS4 enjoyed the beautiful cultural programme which was live streamed from the Auditorium.

Students form all stages prepared digital posters to celebrate the 50th year of union and prosperity.

There was also a School broadcasting program (WIN radio) which had so many amazing national songs.

Students dressed in their traditional costumes and shared information about their countries.

Students created scratch animations and Minecraft projects on different districts and pavilions of Expo 2020. They also created videos to advertise Expo 2020.

We wish continued success and progress to all citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates. Let's welcome the next fifty years, armed with determination and hope for a better tomorrow.

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Fitness Affirmations Ms. Jayanti Devi, PE Teacher

My name is Jayanti Devi and I have been working at The Winchester School, Jebel Ali since 2012 as a Physical Education teacher, Gymnastics and Table Tennis coach. I have been into sports since my childhood and played 4 nationals in Gymnastics and 1 national in Boxing. I was awarded with Best Boxer of state championship in 2004 and I’ve also won medals in Yoga and Athletics championships.

As the Dubai Fitness Challenge Champion of Winchester, it is an honour and a delight to share all the activities organized to complement the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge 2021 – an initiative introduced by the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

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Wherever you are and wherever you go, fitness is within reach

The Winchester School participated in Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30 with great enthusiasm and passion. We had a very cheerful opening in the presence of our School Principal, Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya, and the entire Senior Leadership Team on 31st October 2021 at the school football field, where almost 100 students participated and had a Zumba session, which was followed by a talk on health and fitness.

We organized a Zumba & Aerobics session for Year 1 to Year 6 on different days and ensured that every child participated in these sessions. Furthermore, we had an exclusive Zumba and fitness session for SEND students, as well as special dance and Zumba sessions for our very young ones from FS1 and FS2.

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Highlight of Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30 @ WIN: Visit by Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KH DA The highlight of the DFC 30X30 month was a visit by the KHDA Director General – Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, who graced this event with fervor and enthusiasm that was unparalleled. He participated in all the activities happening in the school as a part of Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30 and competed with students in some of the activities like planks, lunges and pushups.

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Flourishing Moments with Mr. Omar

By Mr. Omar Saber, Secondary Islamic Studies Teacher Assalamualaikum, My name is Omar Saber, and I am an Islamic studies teacher at Winchester. I have a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies from Al-Azhar University, Cairo. I am passionate about imbibing Islamic knowledge and teaching it to others. My goal is to inspire students to be better Muslims and to play a beneficial and effective role in creating a positive change in themselves and in society. I always seek inspiration from the saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” May Allah guide us to be one of those people.

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The Key to Ultimate Happiness Happiness is most commonly defined as the continued feeling or state of delight, contentment, enjoyment, satisfaction, and generosity.

From an Islamic perspective, happiness is not merely a temporary state of joy and delight; rather it’s a lifelong process aiming primarily at bringing eternal happiness, peace of mind, tranquility of heart, contentment in this world, and everlasting bliss in the Hereafter.

Many people attempt to follow complex paths in order to achieve happiness. Happiness can be achieved by sincere worship, doing righteous good deeds, and by performing acts of kindness or giving charity, bringing smile to the face of a child. These things have the potential to make our hearts truly happy.

I believe that one of the primary keys to happiness is contentment as it is a marker of happiness, richness, self-sufficiency, and tranquility. Contentment is one of the acts of worship of the heart.

Ibn Taymiyyah said about contentment, “Contentment is the greatest door that one enters to Allah, it is the source of tranquility for the worshiper and paradise on earth. Whoever does not enter it will not enter the Paradise in the Hereafter.”

The secret to achieving contentment is putting our trust in our creator, who disposes all of our affairs.

We should believe that the All-Merciful God plans that which is best for us.

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How to Achieve Happiness

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Striking a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of life If we overlook the spiritual aspect of life, it will result in the illness of the soul, which is a common spiritual disease. The faith that He has approved for mankind. This spiritual disease, if left untreated, will result in disastrous consequences. True happiness is ultimately aimed to bless the individual a blissful life in the Hereafter. This is the noble cause that drives a Muslim to strive to become better. Allah says –

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Faith and righteous deeds Allah says –

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Avoiding comparisons The feeling of insufficiency and incapacity is the major source of discontent and unhappiness. People generally tend to look at people above them and desire to be like them. Nevertheless, Islam advises us to look at those below us and feel content at what Allah has provided us. Allah says –

“ 4 Living with patience and gratitude

One of the major source of attaining the happiness and tranquillity in this life is living between patience and gratitude. Hence, the primary concern for a content believer remains to holding onto Allah and developing a close attachment with Him. He remains grateful and thankful to Allah for the magnificent bounties he was blessed with including his wealth, health, status, intellectual abilities and life. He is aware that his very existence and his unending sustenance are only dependent on Allah. All the praises, therefore, are due to Him alone.

The Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said, "How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything, and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him".

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Emirati Literature Poetry has long been the most popular form of expression in the Middle east.

Early poetic styles were influenced by the works of the 8th century scholar, Khalil bin Ahmed.

He was the one who is credited with creating the first Arabic dictionary. He put the language on paper and introduced harakat, the diacritic vowel marks in the Arabic language. These traditional poetry styles still exist today.

Nabati Poetry Nabati poetry in the UAE is celebrated as a means of relaying both prose and songs. The most prominent Nabati practitioners of modern times are Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, also known as Fatat Al Arab.

At present, Nabati poetry is once again experiencing a resurgence of popularity with poets bringing it back to mainstream Arabic Literature.

Taking pride in its rich Arabic heritage, the UAE has always endorsed the different elements of its culture. To promote Nabati poets and their works, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage hosts a biannual reality show called Poet of the Million on Abu Dhabi TV.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai is very passionate about Nabati poetry, and has published poems in his works, “Flashes of Verse”, and “40 Poems from the Desert”.

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Celebrating the Glorious Hues of the UAE As a tribute to the beautiful spirit of the union of the UAE, we proudly present some fantastic art pieces created by our supremely talented Jaimee Felysse A. Reyes.

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Hi, my name is Mir Faraz, and I’m in Year 7. As a proud resident of the UAE, I cannot hold my excitement now that Expo has finally opened its doors to all. It’s like seeing a dream come true before our own eyes. Expo 2020 is one of the first major world gatherings since the advent of Covid-19.

It symbolizes hope, resilience, the power of determination, optimism, and above all, Expo symbolizes unrestrained possibilities for the residents of the UAE as well as people all over the globe. We are indeed fortunate to experience something as spectacular and path-breaking as Expo 2020, with its promise of connecting minds and creating the future. This column is dedicated to the unparalleled spirit of this nation which has made this achievement possible. In every issue, I’ll try to capture some of the Expossibilities of the Greatest Show on the Earth.

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Experience of a Lifetime Just a few reasons why you must visit Expo 2020 It was on 1st October, 2021 when Expo 2020 opened its doors to the world. And within the span of 3 months, the “greatest show on Earth” has had more than 8 million visits!

To add to this astounding figure, more than 30 million virtual visits have been logged by people from all over the globe. With another 3 months of brilliance to unfold, here is why Expo 2020 is an event everyone must visit.

Be a part of history Expos are unrivalled among international events in their size, scale, duration and visitor numbers. It is after considerable efforts that countries win the bid to host this mega-event, hence, to live in a country which is home to the latest edition of Expo is a truly a privilege and an opportunity of a lifetime – one that we must embrace and make the most of. Being at Expo really does evoke a sense of being a global citizen revelling in the wonders of a historical event.

An unrivalled learning opportunity It is indeed difficult to quote a grander platform than Expo when it comes to the learning environment that it extends to the visitors.

World Expos have explicitly been organized around a theme that attempts to improve humankind’s knowledge, takes into account human and social aspirations and highlights scientific, technological, economic and social progress. Think of Expo as a massive, global school where the best minds have converged to showcase the most innovative inventions which will spur many pathbreaking solutions for humanity.

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Nations in a microcosm Visit Expo 2020 and you will get the first-ofits-kind opportunity to visit 192 countries at a single site! It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the world’s cultures, governments, economies, issues, and travel opportunities.

And while you go around the pavilions, don’t forget to get your exclusive Expo 2020 passport stamped with the custom stamp of each pavilion. This will undoubtedly be a souvenir to cherish for a lifetime.

An architectural wonderland As you step into Expo 2020, you would feel as if you have magically been teleported to a futuristic city. Without any exaggeration, the entire site really does look like something you would find in a Sci-Fi movie. Each country’s pavilion has a unique spin portraying their national pride as well as their sheer expertise and ingenuity. Each structure is a modern day masterpiece – some would even make you question the laws of physics! Overall, a visual delight which absolutely cannot be missed.

Sustainability at its core Sustainability is one of the three subthemes of Expo 2020 through which it aims to underscore the importance of respecting and living in balance with the world we inhabit to ensure a sustainable future for all.

With an entire pavilion dedicated to Sustainability, the visitors will get a unique insight into the challenges that the planet is facing as well as the pathbreaking solutions being explored at different levels.

Furthermore, each pavilion has curated a number of innovative experiences reconnecting visitors to nature.

Combining technology and science, Expo 2020 hopes to encourage visitors to acknowledge the importance of respecting and protecting our planet.

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A window to the future It goes without saying that Expos offer a look “around the corner” at what’s to come: video and mobile phones, monorails, satellite communication, new methods of recycling, virtual reality shows and holograms, innovations in architecture, all have been staples of Expos. In fact, expos are famous for unveiling creations, big and small, previously unseen by the world but which have gone on to become a part of everyday life – the Ferris wheel, ice cream cone, X ray machine, Eiffel Tower, telephone, lawn mower, air conditioner, the zipper, mobiles phones, just to name a few, were first unveiled at previous Expo events.

A culinary delight With 200+ eateries with award-winning chefs and brand-new dining concepts, Expo 2020 is truly a culinary extravaganza. Taste dishes from every corner of the world - Street food, haute cuisine, family friendly meals, sustainable dining and so much more.

Mesmerizing Entertainment All the world’s a stage, with up to 60 events a day at Expo 2020!

Every day is a unique experience daily parades, late-night laser shows, special effects, fireworks, vocal and dance performances by artists from all over the world – the list is endless. Literally, there’s a surprise at every corner and the world under one roof waiting for you to discover it!

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Katie’s Little Black Hole

By Katie Ramanayaka, Year 13

Hello Everyone! I am Katie Ramanayaka, a self-proclaimed philosopher, theorist, one of the best luminaries you will ever know, and I would like to welcome you to my little black hole. In brief, I would call myself a science fanatic -Science has fed and continues to feed my curiosity- it is not a subject that could ever stop. As our understanding of life and the universe deepens, we realize that there is even more that we don't understand. That unlimited potential is simply astonishing. In this column, I will be pulling you out of this world and will be showing you the many fascinating parts of the universe that you may not have known existed!

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Emirates Mars Mission We, humans, are curious creatures. We always yearn to learn more about the world and the universe. Yet could never be satisfied with what we know. Curiosity is ingrained in us- allowing us to learn as babies and survive as adults. The sense of craving to know and understand what goes on in our universe has, undoubtedly, been the driving power behind our development as people and success as a species.

Within the last century, we have seen exploration like no other. We've introduced the use of genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into our daily lives. Space Exploration and research have evolved just as rapidly as every other sector, if not even faster.

Nations remain competing contenders in the race to discover what lays beyond what the eye meets. What are the far unseen mysteries the universe holds and, what more do we have to learn about our cosmos? Many unanswered questions were slowly being answered as space research advanced in the latter half of the 20th century. We witnessed the propulsion of rockets into space, moon landings, the launching of satellites, and the release of a space station. We have learned a lot in the last century, but we still have many more questions to answer.

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Impressive strides in the space arena The UAE has also commenced its journey in space research, joining the international space mission.

In the short span of a decade, the UAE has undergone immense unparalleled innovation in the space division. UAE's very own space agencies: The United Arab Emirates Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, have been very active since its formation in 2014 and launched uncountable programs- feeding to the limitless accomplishments of the UAE.

Eyes set on the Red Planet One of the latest missions started by the Space Agency is the Emirates Mars Mission. The inauguration of the Mission took place on the 19th of July 2020 which, was also when the agency launched the Hope Orbiter Space Probe.

The Hope Orbiter Space Probe is the first mission to Mars launched by the UAE. Though it has been over 60 years since the first Mars exploration program, we still only have a limited amount of information about the Red Planet. The Hope Space Probe aims to study the weather conditions and the weather dynamics in the Martian atmosphere.

The probe makes use of various instruments that can measure different relevant information- a digital camera, an infrared spectrometer, and an ultraviolet spectrometer. A digital camera is used to capture high-resolution coloured images, an infrared spectrometer is used to examine the temperature profile and an ultraviolet spectrometer is used to study the upper atmosphere of the planet.

After the Hope Probe was launched, it arrived on Mars on the 9th of February 2021 and fired its thrusters, where it self-launched itself into Mars's orbit. It is now spinning around the planet's equator preparing for a transition to an acceptable Science Orbit for its primary science operations. The space agency acquires multitudinous objectives that they believe the Hope Probe will be able to execute with the devices that were installed into the orbiter. All the instruments fixed into the probe will give us key information on the gas composition and the atmosphere of the Martian planet. With the information that the probe gathers, astronomists believe that different evaluations of the Martian atmosphere can be made. It'll be able to explain how the weather changes the escape of Hydrogen and Oxygen by correlating the lower atmosphere conditions with the upper atmosphere- which is the principal purpose of the probe. This knowledge will give astronomers the complete picture of the red planet and the layers of the planet.

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Relevance of space exploration It could be difficult to understand why such a large project was conducted to understand something that may seem quite insignificant, but this knowledge could give us the answers for questions we've had for a long time. From the information gathered by the probe we might just be getting closer to knowing if expansion of human civilization is truly possible to other planets. It may answer questions like – with the atmospheric conditions on Mars, what resources would be required to create a city for humans to be able to live in? Is Mars habitable to us humans or will the human civilization theory on the Red Planet remain fictitious? It may even give us a peak on the presence of extraterrestrial life on other planets.

According to a paper published in the journal "Nature Astronomy", Sara Seager, a Canadian American Astronomer and planetary scientist, had noticed in laboratory investigations that microbes can survive and thrive in atmospheres that are dominated by high levels of hydrogen, which is an environment greatly opposed to the Earth's nitrogen and oxygen rich atmosphere. But that is exactly where we might be going wrong in the search for extra-terrestrial life.

Astronomers had narrowed down planets and environments rich in the sources that are required by humans and other organisms living on Earth when there could be other conditions that other forms of life could be accustomed to. This has also led many different questioning planetary scientists to believe that we may already have encountered alien organism, but we may just have failed to recognize them as actual life. Understanding the loss of major components like Hydrogen and oxygen may lead us closer to answering whether alien life truly exists? And if we've been ignoring something that's been right under our noses.

But again, we have got a long way to go to answer these stupefying questions- it may take just about decades, centuries, and even millenniums but as innovation in space research grows, so does our development.

“1000 years back, the flight of a rocket seemed like a miracle, so it shouldn't be hard to believe that in another 1000 years that humans would've colonized other planets in our solar system and could have discovered alien life. For all we know, in 1000 years we could be allied with another dominant specie in our universe. But the larger the advancements, the bigger the progress.”

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UAE Excellence is Thy Name!

Prabud Vithanage Primary Head of UAE Culture and Values

The UAE is truly a land of wonder and excellence. This nation which had barely 10,000 inhabitants is now home to an estimated population of 9.89 million people from 198 countries! The sand dunes which covered expanses of the past have now made way for impressive structures and massive projects. In the mere span of 50 years since its unification, UAE has become an exemplar for the world.

The UAE always strives for perfection and achieving the highest goals. Did you know that the UAE holds the distinction of being the world record holder in multiple aspects? In this article, I’ll take you through some of the hundreds of the world records that UAE holds.

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1. Tallest building in the world Standing at 830m tall from the bottom to the top, Burj Khalifa is truly a global wonder. Its construction began in 2004 with the goal of building a tower higher than Taipei 101. The building was inaugurated in January 2010.

2. Farthest leaning building in the world Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi stands at 160m tall and is built to lean 18 degrees to the west making it the farthest manmade leaning building

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3. Fastest rollercoaster in the world Ferrari’s only theme park in the world is situated at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The Ferrari World is home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world with the speed of 240 km per hour!

4. Most skyscrapers in the world Dubai has more buildings over 300m tall than anywhere else in the world. As of 2019, 21 buildings in Dubai stand at this lofty height, surpassing even megacities Shanghai and Hong Kong.

5. Largest book in the world Measuring in at 5m x 8.06m, weighing 1500kg and containing 429 pages, the project to highlight the lifetime achievements of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the positive influences of Islam was unveiled in Dubai on February 27, 2012

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6. Twistiest tower in the world Dubai Marina is home to Cayan Tower. Each floor of the building sits at 1.2-degree rotation to the next, resulting in the 307.3 m structure twisting a whopping 90 degrees from its base.

7. Largest lantern in the world It is located in Souq Al Jubail, Sharjah. 13.09 m tall and 5 m wide, the lantern is made of wood and copper.

8. Biggest sword in the world This astonishing sword measuring 14.93m is placed at the Al Saif roundabout, Fujairah.

9. Largest picture frame in the world Situated in the Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame forms a bridge between the old and new cities of Dubai. With a height of 150m, it the largest picture frame on earth!

10. And finally, I would like to quote my very own world record for the UAE –

the most influential, inspirational, and motivational country in the world!

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Hi, my name is Felan Thakkar, and I’m in Year 5. In this column, I’ll be sharing some delicious and scrumptious recipes.

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Traditional Emirati Foods UAE is the land of harmonious existence of rich traditions, strong cultural values and modernity. For this 50th National Day Special of WIN Times, we’ll be looking at some traditional Emirati dishes. Staples of Emirati cuisine include meat, fish, and rice, with lamb and mutton being the more favoured meats, tea and coffee are the preferred beverages, with spices like cardamom, saffron, and mint added to give it a distinctive flavour. The most popular Emirati dish, and common Arabic food, is the classic shawarma.

For appetizers, Emiratis enjoy Shish Taouk, a traditional marinated chicken shish kebab of Ottoman cuisine that later became a part of Middle Eastern cuisine. It is widely eaten in the Middle East and Caucasus.

For main course, they enjoy a classic dish called Hummus

and Kaboos. Hummus is a smooth dip made of ground chickpeas served with a flat bread called Kaboos, which is made of wheat flour.

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Furthermore, they also have a dish called Baba

Ghanoush, which is similar to hummus, but uses vegetables like eggplant, as well as different spices.

And lastly for dessert, they have Luqaimat. Luqaimat is a kind of sweet dumpling that is famous in the Emirati culture and is usually enjoyed during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Another popular dessert is Baklava. It is made of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey.

Why don’t you try out some of these delectable dishes for yourself?

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Learn Arabic with Nadia Hello! My name is Nadia Gaber Sayah, I'm in Year 4, and I'm back for the third consecutive year as a WIN Times columnist! In this column, I will continue to teach the WIN Times readers Arabic phrases. So let me take you on a journey to learn more about this beautiful language.

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‫أنا أعزف الموسيقى‬

‫أنا أحب الرقص‬

Ana Aazefu Al moseqa

Ana Ohebu Arraqs

I play music

I like dancing

‫الرياضة تنشط العقل‬

‫الرياضة تجعلني سعيدًا‬

Arryadah Tonashetu Alaaql

Arryadah Tajaaluni Saedan

Sport activates the mind

Sport makes me happy

‫عيد سعيد‬ Eid saeed Happy Eid

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‫حظ سعيد‬ Hath saeed Good luck

‫ أنا سعيد‬، ‫نعم‬

‫ أنا سعيدة‬، ‫نعم‬

Naam, ana saeed

Naam, ana saeedah

Yes, I’m happy (m)

Yes, I’m happy (f)

‫أشعر بالراحة‬

‫أشعر بالسعادة‬

Ashuru berahati

Ashuru bessaadati

I feel relaxed

I feel happy

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The Ever-Evolving Sports Industry in the UAE Playing host to mega events from a variety of sports, varying from the Cricket T20 world cup, Rugby 7s Championship, DP Golf Tour, Dubai Open, F1 Grand Prix and many more, the UAE has had a significant involvement, development and boost in the sports industry that has propelled several youngsters to take up sports and develop it as a skill.

Some of the most traditional sports in the UAE range from falconry, archery and one of the sports that set the tone for boom of sports development in UAE, beginning in 1992, which is Horse Racing. The modern world however has seen Dubai adapt to the upcoming versions of many different popular sporting events, crating top notch facilities and giving the youth opportunities to learn, watch and showcase their talents to uptake such sports. The UAE has definitely been one of the world’s most progressive countries to develop and keep growing their sports industry.

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The impact horse racing has had in In 2021, the 25th edition UAE is massive. Horses are of the Dubai World Cup considered huge possessions, horse racing event was business wise and as a passion. held at Meydan Horse riding is one of the UAE's Racecourse. This popular most popular sports, and the event, with the prize number of world-class racing money of $12 million, was facilities and riding clubs across watched by millions of the country is testament to that.

Horse Racing began in the Emirate viewers. of Dubai in October 1981, when the dusty Camel Track hosted the first Thoroughbred race meeting. Three races were run - a sprint, a mile and a mile and a half, organized by the office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Approximately 10 years later, in early 1992 the Dubai Racing Club was established under the chairmanship of Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, a UAE Air Force commander. Since then, several world-class international jockey tournaments have been held in the emirates.

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Journey from the Sands to the Stars Judi Ali Secondary Student Head of UAE Culture and Values

The UAE is a nation which has carved its own path of success – in the mere span of 50 years, this young, ambitious nation has seen growth and development which is unprecedented in world history. In this exclusive article, Judi Ali, the Secondary Student Head of UAE Culture and Values, traces the impressive trajectory of laurels and achievements by the country we are lucky to call our home.

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A nation with a rich history The United Arab Emirates is a nation steeped in history. In fact, its history dates to the early Ubaid period and part of the Neolithic Age, when Muhammed Al Idrisi mapped the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the tenth century. He was later joined by the state jeweler of Venice, Gasparro Balby in 1580 when he documented the pristine and intricate pearling industry of the United Arab Emirates.

Since then, the UAE has truly covered a journey from the sands to the stars - indeed even the sky is not the limit for the United Arab Emirates and its pursuit of progress.

Evidence of the rich history is clearly visible through its local people and the faultlessly preserved artifacts as well as their adherence to their pristine cultures and values passing them from one generation to the other. The United Arab Emirates is a nation that has preserved and lived by their untarnished Arab and Islamic culture and values that are passed down from their ancestors.

A nation which stood up to challenges The United Arab Emirates was faced by countless impediments that restricted their trade and livelihood starting with the unanticipated catastrophe of the Japanese finding advanced ways to reincarnate the intricate pearls rather than plummeting and searching the deep seas for them. This complication contributed to the unfortunate economic crisis for the people of the United Arab Emirates. They faced this challenge with strong determination. Their perseverance was rewarded with the discovery of oil.

On the 2nd of December 1971 the great unification of the Emirates heralded an era of unstoppable growth and development which gradually transformed the expansive dunes to a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers, highways and a thriving, multicultural society.

As the United Arab Emirates continues to prosper and its dreams manifest into a reality, we’re surrounded by a sense of continual progress that motivates the people of the United Arab Emirates towards something bigger, better, and bolder and this is highlighted through their continuous quest for development and growth. The United Arab Emirates has become a trailblazer for innovation and finding the consummate balance between developing modernized infrastructure and preserved culture and history.

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AN EXEMPLAR FOR OTHER NATIONS If the United Arab Emirates isn't an example of a victorious and indomitable nation, what is? The determination of its people is clearly evidenced by the fact that they have accomplished enterprises in 50 years that some nations couldn’t in thousands years. It is a nation of opportunities and endless possibilities. The triumph that this nation has demonstrated is beyond belief - it’s a nation that raised from the deep burrows of sands and showcased their potential in a span of mere of 50 years. Indeed, the United Arab Emirates is a country with a success story which is an exemplar for other nations. The Emirati people have built a strong and independent nation comprised of the 7 emirates in a successful journey that was curated 50 years ago by the founding father HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. While the UAE may be young for its years, the country and its people have accomplished so much in this short time span, turning the UAE into a model for progress on a global scale.

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My name is Martin Georgiev and I have been a student at The Winchester School for the past seven years. Currently I am in 10C. This column aims to enable students to experiment and try new ideas, thus giving their creativity a chance to bloom and to encourage the process and the experience of thinking and enhancing one’s personality.

The need to explore art activities is important as it ensures better emotional development. Nobody can argue that art can help students relax after their long hours of studying hard. This year we will focus on art & mindfulness.

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Art in the UAE

Our beloved UAE has turned 50 this year! A cosmopolitan country that never fails to impress us with its astounding beauty, energy, and cultural diversity!

Moreover, this wonderful place is emerging as an epicenter for multiple art forms, beautiful poetry, the hues of its canvas, the passion of its people, and the tunes its own culture as history gracefully unfolds. Heritage and culture are both part of what UAE is made of and known for. Emiratis try their best to preserve these while staying open to the ever-evolving art world.

Calligraphy is a traditional art, transforming Arabic words into works of art.

Today, artists explore what the modern UAE means to them.

Instead of recalling something related to the spoken word, calligraphy is a visible expression of the highest art of all, the art of the spiritual world.

Calligraphy has arguably become the link between the languages of the Muslims with the religion of Islam. The Qur'an has played an important role in the development and evolution of the Arabic language, and by extension, calligraphy in the Arabic alphabet.

In the Middle East and East Asia, calligraphy by long and exacting tradition is considered a major art, equal to sculpture or painting. Arabic Calligraphy is a wonderful way to produce a customized gift for birthdays, friends, siblings or anyone you like. In addition, it makes great home décor.

For writing, the Arabic calligrapher employs a reed pen (qalam) with the working point cut on an angle. This feature produces a thick downstroke and a thin upstroke with an infinity of gradation in between.

The line traced by a skilled calligrapher is a true marvel of fluidity and sensitive inflection, communicating the very action of the master’s hand.

Scan this QR code for a simple calligraphy lesson!

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Hello everyone! My name is Victoria Nedyalkova. I’m in Year 7J, and this is my second year as a very proud columnist for WIN Times. I love writing, baking, playing the piano, and playing with my dog, Teddy. With the start of a new school year, comes new beginnings, and new exciting experiences. I am glad to introduce my new column in WIN Times. As an enthusiastic animal lover with a passion for animals, I chose the topic of discovering different aspects of all the living things around us, other than humans. So, if you love animals just like me, stick around and I can assure you that you will enjoy the content of this column as much as I enjoy writing it!

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UAE’s Wildlife Culture, Lifestyle, Heritage, and Today’s Responsibility The UAE celebrated its 50th National Day, marking the country’s Golden Jubilee. We revelled in the celebration of 50 years of the national heritage, union, and progress – an absolutely remarkable journey from the past to the present.

It must be mentioned that animals have been at the centre of life in the UAE and have played key roles to the country’s traditions and culture. Let’s delve more into UAE’s animal connection and learn about animals which are synonymous with the life and culture of the nation.

Camel is the animal that most of us associate with the Middle East. These “Ships of the desert” can go without drinking water for a long time and can survive extremely high temperatures which make them perfectly able to inhabit the climate in the UAE. In the past, camels were believed to be Gods gifts to the Bedouin, as camels often made life in the desert possible, being source of food, a mode of transportation, providing wool for fabric, a form of entertainment, and a type of currency and a status symbol. All this made Bedouin’s life in the difficult dessert environment easier, and the camel became a symbol of Emirati culture.

Being a loyal travel companion and mode of transportation for Bedouins traversing the dessert in the past, nowadays they are less important for

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transportation in the face of modern cars and trucks. However, camels’ nourishing milk is still considered a health elixir, camels’ wool is still used in various arts and crafts as an expression of local creativity and today the camel is still highly seen as a symbol of UAE’s cultural heritage.

Contrary to the popular perception, the camel is not the national animal of UAE. Read on to know about the animal which holds this distinction.

The Arabian oryx is the national animal of the UAE. In Arabic, it’s called Al Maha. It is amongst the largest desert mammal of the Arab region and plays an important part in the Bedouin culture.

Famous for its beauty and stamina, the oryx is an inspiration for many poets and has a special place in the Arabian history and is considered the most magnificent creature that symbolizes wisdom and strength. This species is a desert antelope that is adapted to the harsh desert environment.

Its bright white coat reflects back the heat of the sun, which helps them to maintain its body temperatures during daytime. They can also adapt to the cooler temperatures at night by releasing the excess body heat collected during hot days.

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Being a national animal of the UAE, the Arabian Oryx is an important species to protect. Years ago, this animal was widely spread in the Arabian Peninsula but became endangered in the wild because of hunting for meat and horns. By 1965, only 500 Arabian oryxes were left in the wild, and as per sources, the last wild oryx was killed in 1972.

Earlier, in 1968, late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan took a note for the declining population of this species and launched a successful conservation program. The last numbers of Arabian oryx were captured by a captive breeding program that was started in Al Ain Zoo. Thanks to this and similar captive breeding programs, the UAE is now home to the largest population of Arabian Oryx in the world.

For many years, these fascinating animals were considered extinct in the wild. In 2011 because of the huge preservation efforts, they were brought back into the wild and relisted as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Red List of Threatened Species.

Images of falcons are everywhere in the UAE – the national emblem of UAE is represented by a falcon with a UAE flag at the heart of it; this majestic bird appears in almost all denominations of UAE currency; we can see images of falcons decorating the faces of buildings; on government documents too.

Falcons are recognized for their hunting abilities, speed, and intelligence. This great bird is the UAE’s national bird and considered a powerful symbol of the national’s strength and heritage.

The importance of this majestic bird dates back to Bedouin time, when they first used these birds to hunt small pray native to the dessert and to train them to deliver it while it was still alive. The early desert Bedouins survived on a reduced diet of dates, milk, and bread so they used these remarkable birds of prey to generate more various and efficient meals for their families.

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Today, falconry is a very popular sport in the UAE. It is practiced by ordinary citizens and from the members of the royal families too. Falcons can go to amazing speeds and are among the fastest birds of prey in the world. The fastest falcon species is the Peregrine falcon, which can reach speed of 390 kilometers per hour, making them the quickest creatures on Earth.

UAE is taking great care of its falcons. In 1999, Abu Dhabi opened a special hospital dedicated to these birds. The Abu Dhabi Falcon hospital has individual airconditioned rooms for over 200 birds and helps over 12 000 falcons per year.

It is interesting to know that falcons are the animals in the UAE that are legally allowed to travel on planes as passengers rather than as cargo. Though, they are only allowed to travel in business and first class and are required to have their own passports.

Along with these three emblematic animals, the UAE has many notable animals as: Arabian Tahr, the Sand Gazelle and Mountain Gazelle, Arabian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Red Fox, Caracal, Arabian Wildcat, Arabian Leopard, Sea Snake, Green Sea Turtle, Plovers, Comorant, Flamingoes and many more.

Despite the harsh desert conditions, the UAE manages to support around 70 species of terrestrial and marine mammals, the same number of reptiles and around 430 varieties of bird species.

Protecting natural heritage and conserving biodiversity (conservation and development of wildlife) is one of the priorities in the UAE. By banning sea dumping, implementing environmental protection policies, making efforts towards sustainability UAE continue to work in saving the land and sea diversity, which is an essential part of the country’s heritage.

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Hi, I’m Gareth Andrade, a 12-year-old student in Year 8, and I’m an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. As the Environment Coordinator for Year 8, I am passionate about conserving the planet and saving animals from consuming waste, thus I frequently volunteer towards beach clean-ups. I am a conscious eco-warrior at home, at school and for the community. I am also the founder of the “Balloons Blow, Don’t Let Them Go” campaign in Dubai, which was initiated in November 2018. Since then, I have collected thousands of pledges for my campaign.

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UAE’s Commitment to Sustainability As we enter 2022 with new hopes and goals, let’s have a look at some of the UAE’s commitments and efforts towards sustainability.

UAE’s Pledge, COP26, Glasgow, UK, November 2021 The UAE has publicly pledged to have net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The UAE’s investments in domestic renewable energy – including many of the world’s largest solar projects – over the last 15 years have yielded the world’s lowest solar costs. The UAE’s investments internationally have also contributed to renewable energy’s dramatic cost reductions over the last decade, reshaping global energy markets.

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held in the UAE in 2023. It evolved from COP1 in 1995 in Berlin, Germany.

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“Climate impacts are already being acutely felt, but our experience gives us optimism that we can meet global climate goals while creating social and economic opportunities – with contributions coming from all corners of the globe.”

- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Terra

The Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 is a spectacular sight to behold, and a marvellous tribute to the UAE’s commitment to sustainability. It’s a must visit, and I highly recommend that you check it out!

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WIN Wellbeing Week Engage, Relate, Shine Mishal Faraz, Secondary Student Head of Wellbeing

At The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, we passionately believe that wellbeing is truly the focal point of everything we do, and it affects every facet of our lives – our health, relationships, goals, academic performance, ethos and values, the list is endless. Wellbeing lies at the core of our ethos and the holistic wellbeing of every WIN family member is always a priority. Wellbeing is irrevocably entwined within the curriculum, and we have an impressively diverse plethora of activities and initiatives which are aimed to highlight and boost the different aspects of wellbeing - physical, mental, emotional, educational, psychological, social, digital, and so on.

To intensify the spotlight on wellbeing and encourage all members of the WIN Family to take some moments to especially take ownership of their wellbeing, Winchester has a designated Wellbeing Week. WIN Wellbeing Week for the Academic Year 2021-2022 was observed from the 31st of October-3rd November 2021. The week endeavours to celebrate what we do every single day of the year - ensuring the wellbeing of all WIN family members. A multitude of activities were planned through the week which were well received by the members of the WIN Family. The activities provided a great avenue to connect with each other and reflect on everything that replenishes hearts and souls and refreshes the minds - true to the motto of the WIN Wellbeing Team Engage, Relate, Shine.

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Circle of Wellbeing The FS1 classrooms were resplendent with laughter and happiness as the tiny tots indulged in various fun activities which helped them understand what wellbeing actually is, and how they can take care of our wellbeing through simple steps like exercising, eating well, and forging positive relationships.

Wellbeing Bands Students across the school enjoyed making wellbeing bands as a token of gratitude towards special people in their lives – friends, teachers, family members, support staff, and just anybody who gives them a reason to smile just by being there for them. These bands offered a great avenue to the students to express themselves, reduce stress, improve focus, as well as encourage mindfulness.

The Wintastic Photo Booth The Wintastic Photo Booth was a source of pure joy and excitement for all the WIN family members.

This week-long attraction turned out to be quite popular, and students as well as staff members thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with the colourful, eccentric props.

There was laughter in the air and the photo booth was successful in doing exactly what it intended to at its inception - enhance the sense of camaraderie, happiness, and wellbeing at WIN.

Fitness Sessions At Winchester, physical wellbeing is of utmost importance and is intricately entwined in the weekly schedule of all students. The Wellbeing Week was an opportunity to challenge ourselves even further, especially with Wellbeing Week coinciding with the commencement of the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge. A plethora of physical activities were planned throughout the week, ranging from cardio sessions to Zumba fun, rejuvenating yoga, and a lot more.

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Healthy Eating Eating healthy is an intrinsic factor in overall wellbeing. The human body is, after all, the most sophisticated machine one could ever think of, hence it is imperative that the fuel that this machine receives is of uncompromised quality. There were various engrossing hands-on activities planned in classrooms which helped students understand the importance of healthy eating, and how a balanced intake of food groups contributes to health and wellbeing. Students made scrumptious delights like healthy sandwiches and fruit kebabs. This not only helped them understand the nutritional value of food items, but also helped them relax by preparing their own food.

Origami by the SEND Department Origami is one avenue that provides both mental and physical stimulus. Students from the SEND Department made some interesting origami art during Wellbeing Week, exhibiting their commendable creativity.

Wellbeing in French Students in their French classes came up with eye-catching posters which brilliantly depicted the many aspects of wellbeing and what everyone can do to enhance it.

WIN Gratitude Wheel There is so much to be grateful for. If we take a moment to reflect, we will realize that there is always something to be grateful for - people, inanimate objects, places, food - all give joys, big and small, which contribute the rich tapestry of our lives. The gratitude wheel encouraged students across various grades to look within with mindfulness and count all the immeasurable blessings in their lives.

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Meditation Monday Meditation and mindfulness have multi-faceted benefits which include better focus and concentration, improved self-awareness, and lower levels of stress and anxiety. Mindfulness affects many aspects of our wellbeing, including improving our mood, and increasing positive emotions like empathy, kindness, and gratitude. Young students attended meditation and mindfulness sessions which they went on to describe as relaxing and peaceful.

Let Loose Let Loose is an initiative especially for the teachers - a special time which is just for them, away from the deadlines, lesson plans, and the umpteenth concerns they have on their minds all the time. This is their time to relax and let loose! The idea is to use the time to bond with colleagues, detach themselves from the pace of work, and cater to their emotional and social wellbeing. All departments planned and lead their own sessions, which ranged from yoga to potluck to dancing to board games, to just a chat and bonding session - anything as long as it helped them rejuvenate.

Thank you cards for support staff Primary and Secondary students made Thank You cards for the support staff expressing their gratitude to the selfless heroes who ensure that our school is always safe, secure and beautiful for everyone. These cards were given out during a gratitude morning organized especially for them during Wellbeing Week.

Gratitude morning for support staff The grand finale of WIN Wellbeing Week was the "Gratitude Morning" organized by the SLT and student leaders especially for the support staff members of our school. It was a beautiful morning where we got the opportunity to celebrate the awesome ladies and gentlemen who are always there for us.

To see more photos and videos of WIN Wellbeing Week, please visit our Wellbeing page on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/win_wellbeing_fulcrum/

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Winchester Summer Reading Challenge 2021 Read and Shine!

Mishal Faraz, Year 10, and Mir Faraz, Year 7

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Reading has always been promoted passionately at The Winchester School, Jebel Ali. The multidimensional benefits of reading can be encapsulated by the fact that reading holds a pivotal position in the UAE national agenda.

We are proudly a reading school, and we strongly believe that reading is intricately linked to wellbeing. The Winchester Summer Reading Challenge (WSRC) is one of the multifaceted initiatives at Winchester to celebrate the joy of the written word while bringing outstanding readers from all over the country together.

WSRC 2021 was launched in June 2021. Students from all over the UAE were invited to participate in the competition. The competition required the participants to read books as per their reading preferences during the given period of time and maintain a reading log. Participants also had to write reviews for each book so that they could hone their writing and critical thinking skills as well. The response received this time has been absolutely overwhelming and establishes WSRC 2021 as one of the most prominent reading-based competitions among UAE schools.

Have a look at the impact of WSRC 2021!

Meet some of our readers on the official Instagram page of WSRC 2021! https://www.instagra m.com/wsrc_2021/

Click on this link to watch the prize ceremony of WSRC 2021! https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=KJDW1wbB tao

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By Aarav Pradhan, Year 12

Greetings! My name is Aarav Pradhan and I am a Senior Editor and Columnist for the WIN Times magazine! I am the Secondary Head Boy for this academic year. My interests include speaking and debating, which is often felt through my focus on argumentative and introspective questions in my articles. As the year begins, I look forward to strengthening the bonds we established as distanced learning students in the previous year. Writing is a superpower that can convey more meaning than any action or emotion ever could. I am excited to lead a new column discussing moralities and the boundaries of our ethics.

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Family or Friends?

The Quintessential Dilemma

When phrased in such a manner, the title “Family or Friends” may be a very easy decision – family, right?

Well, what if you were given the option of going to an amazing yacht party that your best friend is hosting with the coolest, most expensive events or a significantly more boring and plainer but really important family event?

Now this phrase might make the yacht party more appealing. It’s simply how we think, humans are obviously attracted to things that they perceive as more joyful. Wanting to go to a friend’s party isn’t anything to be ashamed of, it's normal, but the decision you make does have an impact on the relationship you share between yourself and your family or friends.

If you pick your family, your best friend is going to spend the rest of your final year at school avoiding you; if you choose friends, your family may forgive you, but you don’t know whether they have fully accepted your apology. Right now, we still might be very tempted by that boat party.

Let’s look at these decisions and their effects in the long run.

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SCENARIO 1: You attended the family event After a fairly eventful night, you find out the amazing news in your family!

You’re glad you got to share such a meaningful experience with your loved ones. The boring gossiping of aunts and uncles didn’t even matter, your family was with you. The next school day begins, and you walk up to your best friend bursting with excitement to tell them about the big news in your family. They turn around and walk away. That was odd, but you carry on with your day, just a little puzzled at what happened. You meet them during recess and try making conversation, but they still walk away. Finally, you confront them about it, “It was your decision to miss the party, I guess you just don’t care at all” they say. You stand there in awe.

You just lost a best friend.

SCENARIO 2: You attended your best friend’s party The party was everything you wanted it to be! The food, the music, the vibrance and absurdity of how lavish the party was. You have an amazing memory you share with your friend now. It's now 2 am and you quietly enter the house, your parents and sister sitting there a little let down by you. “You said you’d be back by the start of the event, you really missed out on an important announcement”. You apologise and talk about how the party you went to was a once in a lifetime experience and your friends forced you to stay, “I tried to leave! But they forced me to stay and then I just forgot”. Your sister looks disappointed, and so does the rest of your family. You apologise once more; they accept your apology. But do they really?

You chose your friends over your family.

This dilemma is clearly one that has its fair share of consequences and regardless of which decision you make, you will have to face the brunt of it. But why would we make such decisions? What influences our ideas of family and unity? Find out on the next edition of Philosophies of a Righteous Mind.

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By Jaimee Felysse A. Reyes, Year 6

Hello there. I am Jaimee Felysse Reyes, a 10-year-old student from Year 6C. I am currently the Head of Pastoral Care in The Winchester School Jebel Ali’s Student Government. I am a responsible, diligent and confident person who has a positive attitude towards learning. I love researching, watching tutorials and making my own videos. I am an art enthusiast, but I also have a keen passion for reading. I read lots of books, both fiction and non-fiction, with various genres like classics, myths, fantasies, sci-fi, humour, mystery, adventure, biographies/autobiographies, reference books, atlases, arts and crafts, and encyclopaedias. I have been reading since I was 4. Growing up, I would collect books rather than toys and would frequent museums and libraries. There is something about reading that transports me to another world. As Roald Dahl said, “If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.” I am delighted to share with you my analysis, views and recommendations on the books that I have read.

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A children's book series filled with suspense and exciting events, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” is about three orphaned children, the Baudelaires: Violet, the inventor, her bibliophile brother Klaus, and their sister, Sunny, known for her incisive fore-teeth.

Daniel Handler is an American writer and musician. He is best known for his children's series "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and "All the Wrong Questions", published under the pseudonym Lemony Snicket.

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Origins of the Books Daniel Handler was born in 1970 in San Francisco, California, the son of an accountant and a college dean.

As a young reader, he hated books that were awfully joyful. Instead, he would rather prefer stories with darker plots and twists.

The idea of writing “A Series of Unfortunate Events” came to his mind when he tried to think of book plots he would have likely read as a young child.

The overall plot for the series was inspired by the thought of all the terrible things that could happen to orphans.

The story became popular and was a bestseller. It was so famous that there was even a movie and video game adaptation and later on became a well-known Netflix series.

“A library is like an island in the middle of a vast sea of ignorance – particularly if the library is very tall and the surrounding area has been flooded.”

- Lemony Snicket

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A Short Summary The series consists of thirteen books which tells about the unfortunate events that had happened to the three Baudelaire orphans. First set on a sandy beach where Violet Baudelaire was having a great time testing out her newest invention, along with her brother and sister who helped her out in conducting the experiment. Little did they know that the fun would soon end when a dark figure arises from the shadows and deliver the sad news of their parent’s death. Then came, Count Olaf who attempts to steal their inherited fortune with the help of his equally mean associates.

The series continue with the three children trying to survive their miserable lives in the hands of the book’s main protagonist.

My Observations I have read the books and seen the episodes on Netflix. I have thought of writing a review about this book series because it was well loved by lots of people, adults and children alike.

I am a fan of Hander’s style of writing. I like how he related his set of books from real life events. He himself is the narrator and a character in the story. I must admit, it is a bit scary and contains lots of unfortunate events, as the title suggests; but as a whole, it is very mysterious and interesting. There were very few illustrations so the reader could concentrate on what they are reading.

I love the peculiar way the author would start each book: a warning for the readers to find another more pleasant and happy book. I know it is odd but on the contrary, it stirs the readers’ curiosity. He also begins with a quote for his lost love, Beatrice, which makes it heart-warming.

Although these books were filled with the author’s macabre attitude, they were very fun to read, and readers can highly relate it to their everyday lives.

Therefore, I give this book series five big stars for its excellent plot and spinetingling twists and turns.

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TALKING POLITICS

By Sophia Pogorelova, Year 13 Hello! My name is Sophia and I’m a year 13 student here at Winchester. My hobbies include reading classical literature and having an absolutely unhealthy obsession with collecting vinyl records. I aspire to get into the world of international relations and political science as I'm interested in understanding the frameworks of theological thinking. Now, what is my ultimate goal? I aim to make it onto the Forbes List.

WIN TIMES promises to foster the growth, the diversity, the connection and the mana of our students, building a new community for our incredible writers and illustrators. The opportunities you will receive as either a member of the WIN TIMES team, or as a reader, will allow you to gain and develop confidence, independence and creativity. I am looking forward to reading the upcoming articles from our talented writers and encourage you all to allow your mind to wander as you take up these innovative ideas as challenges that will help you blossom in ways you have yet to imagine.

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Political Philosophy A Brief Insight into the Marxist Sphere What comes to mind when you see the word Marxism? Essentially three things. The terms revolution, socialism, and communism are all used interchangeably. So, what's the difference between socialism and communism?

Before delving into this matter, let's get a deeper insight on its history. Engels was a businessman who spent much of his time amplifying and disseminating Marx's views. Despite the fact that he authored himself, he did so on Marxist topics. Some of Marx's most renowned publications, such as the Communist Manifesto, were co-authored with Engels. It is probably Marx's most frequently read work today.

THE TWO MARXES It's crucial to note two things about Marx. Is it possible that there are two Marxes in the room, at least in certain ways?

There's the younger German Marx, who was a sceptic of utopian beliefs of the day and attempted to turn them on their heads. He resided in Germany and spent a lot of time in Europe trying to start revolutions. When the 1830 upheavals swept over the continent, Marx saw it as the beginning of the end. When the monarchies were restored in 1831 and 1832, he was terribly disappointed and soon in 1848, another revolution swept Europe, wherein Marx felt hopeful that capitalism would soon be over. Of course, monarchs had been re-established throughout Europe by 1851. Marx was greatly chastened after it. He was also pursued, and he was forced to flee Europe where he then spent the majority of his later years in London and began working on his critique of capitalism in a much more sober and long-term manner. And we’re going to refer to him as the English Marx. Marx, who spent many years reassessing traditional political economics in the basement of the British Museum. .

By that time, he had realized that socialist and communist revolutions were not on the horizon and that if he was to comprehend the potential of a communist revolution, he would need to interact with the processes of capitalism in a far more serious way. And so, the other thing to say about him, well, just to emphasize, is that, even though he coined the phrase scientific socialism to distinguish himself from other 19th-century idealists like Feuerbach and others… His early ideas were utopian in nature.

However, as time went on, he became increasingly disillusioned and more linked to the true political currents of the day, hoping that they would be pushed in a progressive path.

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DECODING MARXISM When we consider Marxism and Marx's theories, we should begin at the end. We should begin with the concept of communism. According to Marx, capitalism finally fell and was replaced by socialism, which served as a form of interim state on the route to communism. And, as we can see from his definition of communism in the Communist Manifesto, it is a world in which each person's free development is a precondition for the free growth of all.

The condition for the free growth of each is the free development of all. But the core premise is that if your freedom is contingent on my lack of freedom, we do not live in a free society. That is why the primary organizing concept of Marxism is the concept of exploitation. We don't have a free society if your freedom is reliant on or dependent on exploiting others. As a result, communism is a vision of a society in which exploitation has been eliminated and we are all free.

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The Hope Probe Madiha Javed, Year 5 The only vision in his eye, To make the UAE touch the sky.

With the spark that lights the whole world with joy, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, Took the Arab world to the stars.

It took many years of hard work And then it took off on 9th February,

Blast off! Zoom! The Hope Probe was on the way to Mars.

The world was waiting to see the making of history, And then, with the blink of an eye, The Hope probe was in the sky.

Making history and bringing honour.

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The Light of the Flag Kashaf Shahzad, Year 6 Red, white, black, green, Colours of the UAE. Indeed, it is beautiful like the sea And has a light to it, you must agree.

The Rulers look proudly as the country grows And with every step, there is hope Within the borders of this country The flag shines for all to see

Up above with the shining stars And as you drive by in your car Mesmerized will you be By the flag of the UAE

Let the light of the flag lead the way As in the wind, it proudly sways Red, white, black, green, The beautiful colours of the UAE.

Hidden in this wordsearch are just a few of the things we wish for you in the new year. We hope you find them all!