THURSDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
GENERAL
PRIMARY
SCHOOL NEWS
SECONDARY
SCHOOL NEWS
PE NEWS
Issue 188
COMPETITIVE
SPORTS NEWS
FIRST WEEK
3 0 A u g u s t - 3 Se p t e m b e r
Dear Parents,
A very warm welcome to new and returning DIA families! I trust that you have had an
enjoyable and restful summer break and are excited for the beginning of the new school year. I
anticipate an exciting year as we collectively foster a culture of learning. I feel extremely
fortunate to be working with such an exceptional group of students, parents and staff
members.
We are delighted with our Diploma Class of 2015 who did us proud with their fantastic results;
details of these are included in the first issue of Dialogue. Special mention must be made here
of our Valedictorian, Tara Ahluwalia, who achieved the perfect score of 45/45 points, followed closely by Danielle
Wirz with 44/45 points; 13 of our students scored 40 points or above!
This year DIA will undergo the 5 year evaluation and re-accreditation by IB, CIS and NEASC; this will be a year-long
process of self-evaluation culminating with the team visit in April 2016.
A new initiative has been launched this year by the KHDA, the Parent/School Contract, which will be rolled out across
all schools in Dubai; details of this will be made available shortly.
We have a special Birthday this year; 10th September is our 10th birthday! In just one decade Dubai International
Academy has become one of the leading international schools in the region thanks to the support of our parents, the
hard work and dedication of our staff and students. The year will be marked by a series of celebrations through the
coming months.
I am pleased to announce that Manuella Watfa has been appointed Dean of Students in the Primary School, in
Secondary School Jennifer Hager has taken over the role of Diploma Coordinator. Both are excited at the prospect of
fresh challenges and opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of our school.
Over the summer our facilities team has been busy with refurbishments on our campus: Energy Conservation
Measures, a fully equipped science lab in Primary, enhancement of the tennis, and table tennis areas as well as
replanting and leveling of the football pitch. New flooring has been laid in some parts of the school and all buildings
have been painted.
We welcome all our new teachers who come to us with a wealth of experience from international schools across the
world.
93% of students this year are returning students; we thank you the parents for your trust and confidence in the
school. We wish all our new students every success at DIA.
We recognize that in order to be successful in school, our children need support from both the home and school. As
partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to
carry out our responsibilities.
The school day begins promptly at 7:40 and ends at 2:40. This year KG classes will finish at 1.30. Diploma students
have an extended school day until 3.40 and Year 10 and Year 11 will finish lessons at 3.40 on Monday. After school
activities commence on 15 September, and specifics will be provided, so that students can sign up.
We truly believe that communication is the key to a successful educational experience. Together, we will continue to
improve the quality of our school community and provide the best for our children. Throughout the school year
should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to book an appointment to see me or either of the school
heads. As a learning community we are always interested in gaining your ideas on how we can improve, these may
be sent to [email protected]
We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest
potential.
Pratibha Rao
Principal
APPOINTMENT OF IB INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
DIPLOMA PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
Jennifer Hager has recently been appointed as DIA’s IB International Baccalaureate (IB)
Diploma Programme Coordinator and is responsible for the organization and administration of
the IB Diploma Programme. In addition, her responsibilities include; liaising with the Senior
Leadership Team, developing and administering the budget and working directly with the
Academic Deputy Head, HoDs, and all IB teachers for the long-term improvement of the
Diploma Programme within the school. Beyond the direct implementation of the programme other duties involve
marketing, advising students and the parents and communication with organisations outside the school. Further
responsibilities require ensuring that all internal exams are properly and efficiently scheduled, roomed and staffed
along with informing teachers of professional development opportunities and making necessary arrangements and
implementing requirements from the IB as per training of staff new to the programme. In addition, she is teaching IB
DP HL/SL Biology.
Jennifer has formerly been Head of the Science department and Student Development Coordinator. This is her 6th
year at DIA.
APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS
Hello to all!
My name is Manuela Watfa and I am the Dean of Students in Primary School. Although new to
this position I am not new to DIA. I joined DIA in 2005 as an ESL teacher, and in the last four
years I have also been overseeing the Learning Support department.
I strongly believe that pastoral care is a fundamental component of student development that
extends beyond academics. I also believe that holistic success can only happen when parents and teachers are also
involved as an integral part of the students’ social and emotional development.
I thank you all in advance for your confidence and trust and look forward to your visits!
FACILITIES ENHANCEMENTS AT DIA OVER THE SUMMER

Energy Conservation
- Implementation of measures to ensure energy savings equivalent to 800 Tons of CO2 emission per year
- Specific action areas includes:
 Installing a chiller plant manager
 Installing wet wall system for the chillers to improve operations efficiency
 Installing Aircosaver in the DX AC units to improve operations efficiency
 Scheduling of FAHU/FCU/AHU through control system
 Scheduling swimming pool heat pump through control system
- This measure is expected to bring down energy consumption by 25% per annum
FACILITIES ENHANCEMENTS AT DIA OVER THE SUMMER

Extended the Wi-Fi cover by adding 16 more access points and expanded the network by adding the 3 IDF
in the secondary school new section

All Network Switches have been upgraded with the gigabyte network for providing the students and staff
with faster network connectivity

16 CCTV Cameras in Primary has been replaced with latest technology cameras and DVR

8 more CCTV cameras has been added on the priority locations

A Windows 10, Office 2013 and Office 365 cloud implementation is on the pilot run.

After the successful run of BYOD in Secondary and pilot run in Primary, BYOD has been extended to
Year 4 to Year 6

New equipment added:
- 16 Projectors and replaced 8 projectors in classrooms
- Replaced two mobile laptop trolley with 30 laptops
- 41 more Apple TVs is being installed in the Primary & secondary
- Two more video cameras
- Two additional printer/copiers
- IPad’s program has been enhanced by adding additional 77 Ipads
- Many additional software and online subscriptions added/upgraded
- Enhanced the old printer server with new Hyper-v host printer server for the effecting printer
management
- Provided an IPad cabinet which supports storage, charging and syncing in Primary as a pilot run
Football pitch extensively re-planted and leveled
New more powerful heat cool pumps for the pool
Learning garden steps seating for SS students
Exterior signage refurbished
FACILITIES ENHANCEMENTS AT DIA OVER THE SUMMER
Tennis Court refurbishment
New flooring in the Secondary School Table Tennis area
Science Lab in Primary School
Swimming pool deck tiles and shades
New carpets in Multimedia Room, Secondary School and Primary School Music Rooms
Fresh coat of paint for the entire interiors
TEACHER INDUCTION
20 August - 27 August 2015
All DIA Staff
DIA Staff Induction - SS
DIA Staff Induction - PS
PADIA INFORMATION COFFEE MORNING
SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER AT 8:00AM
VENUE - PS40
ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME
STAFF ENJOY AN ICE CREAM TREAT TO CELEBRATE THE START OF THE YEAR
ACADEMIC YEAR 2015 - 2016
SEPTEMBER 2015
Sunday, 6 September
Monday, 7 September
Tuesday, 8 September
Wednesday, 9 September
Wednesday, 9 September
CAS Trip Parent Evening 6.00pm-7.00pm
Parent Info Sessions YR6 2.45 / YR1 3.30
Parent Info Sessions KG2 12.00 YR5 2.45 / YR2 3.30
Parent Info Sessions KG1 12.00 YR4 2.45 / YR3 3.30
DP 1 Parent/Student Orientation
Thursday, 10 September
DIA PASA Expo 12.30
Thursday, 10 September
Sunday, 13 September
Sunday, 13 September
DIA 10th Birthday
Paid ASAs Start
PADIA Coffee Morning, 8:00am, Venue - PS40
Sunday, 13 - Thursday, 17 September
Tuesday, 15 September
Standardised Testing
ASAs 1 Start
Yr 11 Personal Project Info Session, 6:30pm-7:15pm,
Presentation Hall
Yr 9 Community Project Info Session, 5:30pm-6:15pm,
Presentation Hall
PYP Information for new parents@ 6.30pm
CAS Trip - Himalayas
International Day of Peace
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (TBC)
PADIA Coordinator’s Coffee Morning
SENCO Conference at DIA
Tuesday, 15 September
Tuesday, 15 September
Wednesday, 16 September
Thursday, 17 - Saturday, 26 September
Monday, 21 September
Tuesday, 22 - Friday, 25 September
Sunday, 27 September
Wednesday, 30 September
OCTOBER 2015
Monday, 5 October
Wednesday, 7 October
Thursday, 8 October
Thursday, 8 October
Sunday, 11 October
Wednesday, 14 October
Monday, 19 October
Tuesday, 20 October
Tuesday, 20 - Thursday, 22 October
Wednesday, 21 October
World Teachers Day
LA/Math/Science Information Session @ 6:30pm
Year 8 Lang B Quiz
DIA Open House - KG1 &2 only form 3pm to 4.30pm
TBC - PD Day (no school for PS & SS students)
Hijri New Year (TBC)
Parent Focus groups KG1 & KG2 @ 11.30
Parent Focus groups YR1 & 2 @ 1.30pm
Year 7 Trip
TBC - SS PD only half day
Wednesday, 21 October
Parent Focus groups YR3 & 4 @ 1.30pm
Thursday, 22 - Saturday, 24 October
MUN - Training Workshop
Thursday, 22 October
Parent Focus groups YR 5 & 6 @ 1.30pm
Thursday, 29 October
Swimming Gala
Thursday, 29 October
Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Day
Friday, 30 October
Wild Wadi Family Day
Saturday, 31 October
Halloween
Please Note: The above dates are subject to change.
For calendar updates please refer the school website - http://www.diadubai.com/learning/academic-calendar/2015-2016/
ACADEMIC YEAR 2015 - 2016
NOVEMBER 2015
Wednesday, 4 November
Tuesday, 10 - Thursday, 12 November
Wednesday, 11 November
Thursday, 12 November
Sunday, 15 - Thursday, 19 November
Saturday, 21 - Sunday, 22 November
DIA - Open Day only Secondary timing 6pm-7.30pm
Year 6 Camp All
Diwali / Armistice (Poppy Day)
TBC - SS PTC - No School for SS students only
Anti Bullying Week
Silver DOE Training
Sunday, 22 - Thursday, 26 November
DP 2 Lang B Mock Orals
Tuesday, 24 - Thursday, 26 November
Wednesday, 25 November
Thursday, 26 November
Standardised Testing ACER IBT
How we in the PS report at DIA at 6:30pm
PADIA Winter Souk
DECEMBER 2015
Tuesday, 1 December
Tuesday, 1 - Saturday, 5 December
Wednesday, 2 - Thursday 3 December
Sunday, 6 - Thursday, 10 December
Monday, 7 December
Wednesday, 9 - Monday, 14 December
Thursday, 10 December
Monday, 14 - Tuesday, 15 December
Monday, 14 - Thursday, 17 December
Tuesday, 15 December
Wednesday, 16 December
Friday, 18 December - Saturday, 2 January
Wednesday, 23 December
UAE Assembly
Cricket Tourney
UAE National Day Holidays
MYP Yr 10 - 11 Exams
DIA - Open Day only Primary -Yr 1 -Yr 6 (Timing: 3pm4.30pm)
CGSMUN - Athens
PS Winter Concert
PS Santa’s Grotto
Bronze DOE Trip
PS Open Science Fair
PS Parent Teacher Conference - No School for PS students
Winter Break
Prophet's Birthday
JANUARY 2016
Friday, 18 December - Saturday, 2 January
Sunday, 3 January
Winter Break
Students and staff return after Winter Break
Please Note: The above dates are subject to change.
For calendar updates please refer the school website - http://www.diadubai.com/learning/academic-calendar/2015-2016/
TEACHING VACANCY AT DIA
PRIMARY SCHOOL PE
We are currently looking for a qualified PE teacher available on a part-time basis
(initially 2 days per week) to join our growing Primary PE Department.
Applicants must have a teaching qualification and experience of teaching in a
school or coaching environment. If any DIA parents are qualified and interested, or you know of
someone who is, please email CVs to [email protected]
GENERAL
PRIMARY
SCHOOL NEWS
SECONDARY
SCHOOL NEWS
PE NEWS
COMPETITIVE
SPORTS NEWS
PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
2MQ BACK TO SCHOOL IN FULL FORCE!
SECONDARY
SCHOOL
NEWSand excited students entered the doors of 2MQ. Our first day back
Here we go….back again!
Another batch
of eager
PRIMARY
GENERAL
SCHOOL NEWS
was filled with nerves, excitement, cursorily and wonder. Settling into a new class can make anyone feel anxious but
we settled in with ease and confidence! We played games, built things, solved crossword puzzles, colored pictures,
played on the computer, read and made new friends. Here’s to a great year ahead!!
GENERAL
PRIMARY
SCHOOL NEWS
SECONDARY
SCHOOL NEWS
COMPETITIVE
SPORTS NEWS
PE NEWS
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
MESSAGE FROM THE IB DP COORDINATOR
Welcome back to our returning students and a friendly reception to those joining DIA for the first time. We had an
amazing 2014-2015 academic year with unprecedented results from our competing sports teams, a huge turnout for
the regional DIAMUN Conference and numerous awards won by our World Scholar’s Cup Team who qualified as one
of the world’s top 200 teams and are now headed to Yale for the Tournament of Champions.
The Class of 2015 proved to be outstanding with 13 students attaining between 40 and 44 points with Tara
Ahluwalia, our class Valedictorian, reaching the IB maximum point level of 45/45.
IB DP Results
May 2015
May 2014
May 2013
May 2012
May 2011
Total number of Diploma and Courses
candidates registered in the session
137
115
103
105
63
Number of Diploma candidates registered
in the session
119
91
89
87
36
Number of registered candidates who
passed the Diploma at DIA
116
88
85
78
33
% of registered candidates who passed the
Diploma at DIA
98%
97%
95%
90%
92%
% of registered candidates who passed the
Diploma world-wide
80.29%
76%
78.54%
78.48%
77.99%
Average points obtained by candidates at
DIA
33
33
32
31
34
29.8
29.8
29.81
29.77
29.66
45/45
44/45
45/45
43/45
44/45
Average points obtained by candidates
world-wide
Highest total score obtained by a candidate
who passed the Diploma at DIA
We have an exciting year ahead of us with our IBDP Core Team refreshed after a lovely summer break and full of
energy, passion and commitment to our students’ success. This year Mrs. Cargopoulos will be leading the Extended
Essays and TOK with Mr. Declan Alvaro guiding our Creativity, Activity and Service constituents. Mrs. Rachana Sippy
heads our Career Counseling team and will be working closely with each student along with Mrs. Cargopoulos who
has taken on the role of Higher Education Advisor.
To assist DP1 students and parents with the transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the
IBDP Core Team will be hosting a seminar on September 9th, from 6:00 to 8:00p.m in the Exam Hall. The focus of this
gathering will be to outline the requirements for CAS, TOK and the EE while giving a general overview of the
programme.
We look forward to seeing you there and please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any
questions.
Kind regards,
Jennifer Hager
IBDP Coordinator
IB DP RESULTS - CLASS OF 2015 TOP SCORES
CONGRATULATIONS! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
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Aman Pu 2011–
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Va
2012
43
Top Score
Aman
Valedicto Puri
rian 20
2012
Top Score
43
Tara Ahluwalia
45/45
Danielle Wirz
44/45
Mahrukh Zaidi
41/45
Alexandra Sint Nicolaas
40/45
Leonie Leclerc
42/45
Carlota Ortega
42/45
Arman Bhagat
41/45
Niyati Jain
40/45
Margaux Delalex
40/45
Sana Duggal
40/45
Siddarth Raj
42/45
Vishnu Manoj
40/45
Mallika Raghunathan
40/45
Dear Parents and Students,
We are honoured to be able to introduce ourselves as the Head Students
of 2015-2016. The Head Boy: Felix Kempf is 19, from Germany, and has
been at DIA for only one year. The Head Girl: Kirsten Erasmus is 18, from
South Africa, and has been at DIA for four years. The Deputy Head Girl:
Ananya Jain is 17, from India, and has been at DIA for seven years. The
Deputy Head Boy: Faris Omair is 16, from Saudi Arabia, and has been at
DIA for six years.
We were chosen from the Prefect Body, a group of 30 seniors selected to
be the senior-most form of student leadership at DIA. The Prefects serve
as a link between the staff and students, addressing any issues within the
student body and taking ideas for reform to management. As the Head
Students, we serve to facilitate the roles of the prefects as well as
represent the school at formal occasions, both internally and externally.
However, despite all of our additional responsibilities, the Head Students’
as well as the Prefects’ main purpose is to serve the student body and to
nurture a sense of community within the school. Especially during this
exciting period of the year for the new students, we would like to
encourage said students to approach any of us with any issues they may
have settling in at our collective second home.
Kirsten
Head Girl
Faris
Deputy Head Boy
Felix
Head Boy
Ananya
Deputy Head Girl
We wish all of the students and parents a productive and fruitful academic year ahead.
Sincerely,
The Head Students of 2015-2016
DUKE OF EDINBURGH - ETHIOPIA SUMMER TRIP 2015
Visiting the fourth poorest country in the world, Ethiopia, while being blessed enough to live in the seventh richest
country in the world, United Arab Emirates, the students of Dubai International Academy and Raffles World Academy
were shocked with what this trip had in store for us. It is safe to say, every individual on this two-week journey, has
taken away a lesson that can never be unlearned: ‘Not to take anything for granted.’ Whatever possessions I have,
materialistic or not, I’ve learned not only to appreciate, but also to be thankful for.
When we arrived in Addis Ababa, the first thing I witnessed was an unforgettable, malnutritioned child, barefoot,
sipping from a dirty puddle. We first world countries only see imagery like such online, - and we’ve learned not to
take everything seriously on the Internet. To see the actual situation right before my eyes, I guess I’d call myself a
changed man. I can no longer complain about the air being hot, or a place being crowded. I can no longer complain
that the education system doesn’t do me justice, or that my family doesn’t do enough for me. I can no longer
complain – because the reality is, I don’t have anything to
complain about. And you would think, after seeing the
worst possible thing I’d ever thought I’d have to see, it
would end then and there – but it didn’t.
Next I saw two homeless parents, trying to entertain their
crying child with a piece of plastic; and we privileged
students often complain when we don’t get the next
iPhone upgrade. Goes to show how much parents are
willing to do for you; we need to thank our parents more
often. We forget to spend time of the day with them. We
forget to hug them. These simple actions are actions that
could put a smile on our parent’s faces for the rest of the
day.
What I most enjoyed about working with World
Challenge was the fact that each day a new student was
a leader. We got the opportunity to discover what kind
of a leader we could be. Not only that, but it also gave
the opportunity for us to find out what it really is like to
be the bigger person, and that it is not always easy to be
in that position, thus making us reflect on respecting the
leaders more. Furthermore, at the end of the day it was
possible for the entire team to reflect on the leader and
talk about both, the positive and the negative aspects of
the day, thus creating an environment where everyone
was welcome to speak up and to express their opinions.
This not only created a friendlier environment between
the students, but also created an environment where
everyone expressed their feelings and were comfortable in sharing with the team, the aspects that they weren’t
comfortable with.
Chief Operations Officer,
Felipe Souza 13F
SUMMER AT OXFORD
As we progress through school, the thought of leaving for university may pop up in our heads. For some of us, when
we think of this, we feel fear, for others, we feel the excitement of being free, and having control over our own
actions.
This year I got to experience the freedom and fear that comes with being at
a university. I attended a summer course for maths and human biology at St
Peters college in Oxford, United Kingdom.
I was a bit nervous the day before I arrived at the university. After the check
in and the orientation. I made my way to my room, anxious to meet my
room-mate. He was one of the best room-mates I’ve ever had. We are both
fond of solving rubric cubes.
After saying goodbye to our parents, we had students only orientation
before we began class the next day. We were given a brief tour of Oxford
city and it was amazing to know that the inspiration for creating sets of the
Harry Potter films came from Oxford. The Christ Church tower staircase and
landing used in two Harry Potter films; the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. The Tudor style
architecture of the grand Dining Hall in Christ Church College was the inspiration for the set design of Hogwarts
Dining Hall. The Divinity School at Bodleian library in Oxford was used as the Hogwarts infirmary where both Harry
and Ron were treated at different times.
J.R.R Tolkien was also a student at Oxford and it took 17 years to complete The Lord of the Rings and the original
manuscript of the books can be seen in the Bodleian library.
The summer course was not easy though, there were actual
classes with homework, projects, tests etc. My subjects were
mathematics and human biology, both of which were amazing
and my chosen evening activity was public speaking and debate.
The teachers are highly trained, and they have immense
knowledge about the subjects as they were teaching at various
Oxford universities. Our biology teacher was a medical
researcher in the field of Cervical cancer. We had various
events, such as parties, talent shows and debates on weekends.
I participated in the talent show, and debate, and had lots of fun
at the parties. There were also guest speakers that were truly a
pleasure to listen to. We had the honour of listening to amazing
professor talk about the psychology of dance, which was truly enlightening.
We had homework club every night in the common room where we would sit and finish our work as most of our
work was graded. One important lesson that I learnt is sharing of
knowledge and information, with students in my class. We were keen
to help each other and share our methods of learning.
The only difficult parts were getting up in the morning and doing our
own laundry.
We also had planned a Quidditch Competition but it was cancelled due
to weather conditions.
Time flies when you are enjoying yourself. At Oxford, I had the perfect
balance of study, leisure, and cultural activities. Finally, we had our
Graduation, one last party and it was time to say good bye. In such a
short time I made some amazing lifelong friends and learnt so much in
a wonderful educational environment.
This experience will be the best memory of my life.
Arun Pancholia
Year 10
WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP
At the beginning of the summer holiday, our team of Lia Schreiber, Carl Vintner and Ozzie Moule, attended the 2015
World Scholar’s Cup Global Round at Kuala Lumpur. We were accompanied by 3 other junior teams and 3 senior
teams. During the week, we all participated in signature WSC events, which are team debate, collaborative writing,
Scholar’s Challenge (individual quiz) and the Scholar’s Bowl, (a team quiz). In addition, we also thoroughly enjoyed
the non academic aspects, such as, the Scholar’s Ball, Scholar's Scavenger Hunt and trips out to the city of Kuala
Lumpur.
The awards ceremony took place on the final day of the week. And, this was where our hard work truly paid off. Our
team was honoured when we were called up on stage to receive our medals for each being placed inside the top 100
individual debaters, out of the pool of 1500 students. We were also filled with joy, as we were called up to collect our
gold medals for an overall team debate placement of 8th out of the 500 teams attending. We waited anxiously
through the rest of the ceremony hoping that anybody from DIA would obtain any additional medals. Nothing came
until we got to the Individual writing awards where Shreyas Raman got an award for his top 100 placement. Later we
got to the Da-Vinci award where Braeden Bihag received a 15th place for his good overall average across all aspects.
Our team’s efforts and hard work really came to fruition when just recently, we received confirmation that we
qualified for the next round, which is being hosted at Yale University. We are the first team in DIA history to advance
to this stage, and we’re all deeply humbled and thankful for the opportunity presented to us. The tournament is
being held in November, where the top 100 teams from last round shall compete to become the ultimate scholars.
We are very excited for this opportunity and will study diligently to present and represent the best ourselves and DIA
has to offer.
To conclude, we would like to extend our thanks and utmost gratitude to all those who saw us through this event,
and helped us through this crazy journey. Thanks to Mr. David Platt, who organized the entire trip, and guided us
through. Thanks to all the adult supervisors who came with us to Kuala Lumpur itself, Mrs. Sarah Mohammed, Mr.
Obdulio Fonseca and Mrs. Katharine Moule. It was truly a wonderful experience, and we massively look forward to
future World Scholar’s Cup events.
Carl Vinter, Year 10
WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP
The World Scholars’ Cup global round in Kuala Lumpur was full of amazing experiences for me; travelling to a new
city with my friends, sightseeing, meeting new people and competing in fun challenges.
Due to the late flight the night before I was tired at the start of the first day of WSC but after some breakfast we
began with the traditional scavenger hunt. Students were chosen randomly from different schools from all over the
world and put into teams named after a country. We were given risky and sometimes embarrassing dares to do
outside the centre and the large Suriah Mall to get points for our teams; I decided to film everything and leave things
like ‘Give a motivational speech to a tree’ to a more extrovert member of our team.
By the second day everyone was ready for the competition to start and we all headed off to one of the host schools
where the World Scholar’s Cup was taking place.
The first part is the Challenge; multiple choice questions answered individually on paper designed to test our
knowledge of the topics. It got my brain working and ready for the second part, the Written Essay, which is best
described as an individually written debate. Personally, it’s the part I find most difficult and I need to keep working at
it but I have got better since I started taking part in this competition.
Debating is my favourite; the topics change every year and round and this year’s debate topics were very diverse:
- Robots would make better police men
- The Best government governs the least
- Batman should win a Nobel peace prize
I enjoy building a case and find that even though it seems difficult when you have to debate from a view that is not
your own, when I get into it the challenge is fun and it’s not so difficult. I get on with my team mates and it’s a really
good feeling when you win alongside them. We all have different styles of debating and they seem to be quite
complementary. The topics were challenging but we managed to work as a team and won two of our debates.
After the day of concentrated work was over we got back to the hotel to prepare for the last challenge, the Scholars
Bowl. Multiple choice questions are put to the teams on a large screen in the hall. You can confer with your team
mates and when you have agreed on a particular answer you click on the letter on the buzzer which records the
answer. Then the answer is announced. It’s lots of fun working as a team and the questions are imaginative and
interesting.
There is a lot going on in WSC but we managed to find some time to visit the Petronas Towers. Even having living in
Dubai for five and a half years, their 452metre height is impressive and I got a surge of adrenaline when walking over
the bridge that links the two towers. The view from the top is incredible. You can see a large part of the city; hotels
with pools, villas, high rises and parks. I love all the greenery there is in the modern city of Kuala Lumpur.
On the final day we all sat down for the awards ceremony. Each member of my team picked up a medal for individual
and team debate and Carl was awarded a medal for the best scholar in our school.
Recently my team was contacted by the WSC staff to congratulate and inform us that we had qualified for the final
round in Yale this November – I can’t wait.
Lia Schreiber, Year 10
WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP
After cracking the World Scholar’s Cup at our home turf… DIA, our team was titled ‘1st at team debate’ and ‘5th
overall team’ amongst several other accolades. But we all knew the journey was still to continue. On the dawn of
June 21st 2015, seven of the sharpest teams - a much larger group than ever before - triumphantly journeyed onto
the Global Rounds, to not just represent, but make DIA proud. And without a doubt, we did that very well.
With the caring guidance of our teachers and parents, the rather smooth flow of events and our lifted spirits, we
briskly departed the hot climes of Dubai and -within hours- reached the monsoons of ‘Pwaala Lumpur’, the place we
were to call ‘home’ for the next 6 days.
Getting acquainted with our friends from school was as easy as ‘A,B,C’ and extremely fun. But the moment we
stepped into the grand KLCC Hall, we were in awe while staring at the vast competition of over 3000 students from
40 countries across the globe! We realized that we were no longer in a small pond, we had hit a giant ocean. Putting
on our ‘game’ faces, we embraced the 4 events that lay ahead of us;
1) Team Debate, where we defended our stances on intriguing topics eg. would women make better revolutionaries
than men?
2) Collaborative Writing, where we individually put our creative literature minds to the test, while writing a
persuasive essay
3) Scholar’s Challenge, where we independently excavated our research, to answer test-like questions
4) Scholar’s Bowl, where we collaborated our knowledge to answer point-gaining questions in a ‘game show’ format
But the competition was just one smidgen of the entire fruitful experience. I strengthened my relationship with
friends and met several people from all across the world; from a young man who could play chess blindfolded, to
several harmonious musicians. From the young and inspiring Daniel Berdichevsky, an alumni of Harvard and
Stanford, to the positive and energizing Burch Wang, a famous entertainer/actor/composer who hosted the craziest
and largest party in WSC history!
Similarly, witnessing many other things, including; the busy Surya Mall of KLCC, the authentic Malaysian food, the
amazing view from the Petronas Towers, the numerous games of pool and foosball, celebrating a peer’s birthday and
getting my phone swiped and returned, made this the best experience of my life!
All in all, this journey was a range of emotions; happiness, sadness, fear, inspiration and finally…pride, as we all
walked home with shimmering medals, to remind us of our efforts and the long way we travelled to achieve them.
Shreyas Raman, Year 10
GENERAL
PRIMARY
SCHOOL NEWS
SECONDARY
SCHOOL NEWS
PE NEWS
COMPETITIVE
SPORTS NEWS
SECONDARY PE NEWS
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Physical Education department of Dubai International Academy.
We are very excited about the upcoming academic year. Your child will have one of
our four teachers this year; Mrs. Beata McCaffrey, Miss Fiona Turnbull, Mr. Mihail
Kouzev and Mr. Ciarán McBreen.
Our main goal is to encourage each and every child to participate and enjoy the
benefits of physical activity and sports. We hope to accomplish this goal by
providing a safe environment where each pupil is able to be successful in all
activities.
Please read the following departmental expectations carefully. We thank you for your support and understanding of
these expectations:
1. Uniforms:
Students are expected to bring the correct PE uniform to all the classes (PE t-shirt/house shirt, PE shorts and
trainers). School team kit is not accepted.
Swimming
Boys -Swimming shorts (not board shorts), (Goggles, flip flops and swim caps)
Girls - One piece swimsuit (Goggles, flip flops and swim caps)


Field Based Sports
 PE Kit and football boots or trainers
Indoor Sports
 PE Kit with indoor non marking shoes/trainers
2. Safety:
 No hoop earrings or any other jewelry are to worn in PE lessons. Stud earrings are acceptable. Jewelry
worn for religious reasons will need to be removed for the duration of the lesson for safety reasons – if
this is not possible a letter from a parent/guardian is required.
 Girls – girls will only be excused due to having their period during the Swimming unit. Students are
required to bring a hand-written note from their parents/guardians to excuse them in this instance.
During all other units, students will not be excused due to having their period. While this can be a
sensitive issue, it is important that students learn to participate in life as normal whilst their body
undergoes its natural functions and changes each month.
 Shoes – trainers must be worn during PE lessons. Street shoes/Toms are not acceptable as they do not
provide adequate support for the student’s feet and body.
 Water bottles - please bring your water bottle each lesson
3. Notes:
 Notes from parents excusing their child are accepted for up to 3 days. The nature of the illness and
student limitations should be stated on the note. Please include a phone number where the parent or
guardian could be reached if questions arise. Students will still be expected to dress even with a parent
note. Your student’s activity will be adjusted to suit their illness. For illnesses which require being
excused for longer than 3 days with limited/no physical activity, or for frequently occurring illnesses, a
doctor’s excuse is required for school records. The student is responsible for giving notes of this nature
to their Physical Education teacher.
4. Detentions:
Students will receive a detention if he/she fails to bring their complete PE kit for three times in one Semester:


Three non-kit will result in one PE department detention (break or lunch time)
Six non-kit will result in an after school detention with the head of the department and communication
with the parent.
 Please note that if a student continues to demonstrate poor kit organisation it is up to the individual
teacher to sanction detentions accordingly. In addition, an immediate detention will be given if a student
fails to be in his/her kit on a mufti day.
Thank you for your support in advance and we look forward to an exciting and successful
sports year at Dubai International Academy. Yours in Sport, PE TEAM
GENERAL
PRIMARY
SCHOOL NEWS
SECONDARY
SCHOOL NEWS
PE NEWS
COMPETITIVE
SPORTS NEWS
COMPETITIVE SPORTS NEWS
Dear Dubai International Academy Community,
It is time!
Every year at Dubai International Academy we discover new horizons, climb higher peaks and
make new friends while enjoying the journey together.
On behalf of the DIA Sports Department, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all students who are curious and
keen to join our sports programmes in the Academic year 2015-2016:
Become an athlete and experience a wide array of sports teams and events!
We are here to help you succeed and enjoy life. The coaches are mentors and they are here for you. Our goal is to
help develop the students’ talent and give each and every person the opportunity for success. Once you have
graduated, we hope you will remain involved in sports and carry on the passion and the pleasure from an active and
healthy lifestyle!
In addition, I would like to invite each and every one of our students to support our athletes throughout the seasons
of sports. We will be delighted to see you out there cheering on our teams. Join the Wolves Supporter’s Club today DIA all the way!
Dear Parents,
Sport is an excellent way to grow as an individual, meet other like-minded students, and build self-esteem while
performing sport in a structured, safe and supervised environment. As your children become involved in the sports
programme at DIA, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments in their life.
Success does not occur overnight. It is an ongoing process. Commitment is a very important part of the student’s
development in sports and of an individual’s accomplishments in life. Being part of the team means much more than
just arriving on the day of the event or game. The department strives to have it’s athletes reach their full potential in
all areas of the sports experience academically, socially, and thorough the competitions. Athletes are held to the
sports Code of Conduct and also to academic requirements. The sports department encourages and assists student
athletes in maintaining academic eligibility so they can continue to participate in sports.
At DIA volunteerism is essential to the success of the programme and the development of school spirit. Parent
involvement, whether being a supportive fan or volunteering is welcomed to help create the community you wish to
be a part of!
Year 2015-2016:
Last season we celebrated several outstanding sporting achievements in football, cricket, swimming track and field
and basketball. While we have had many successes in the past I am confident we will achieve even better results in
all of our programmes this Academic Year. I would like to take this opportunity to give you some information about
the upcoming sports tryouts and programmes. Please take some time to thoughtfully consider your participation in
sports for the 2015-2016 year and complete the sign-ups that will be displayed on the Sports Department notice
board.
SEASON 1 TRYOUTS:
Swimming
Where: Swimming Pool
When: 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th September, 2015
Age groups: All
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Training commences on: 13th September, 2015
Cricket
Where: Cricket nets
When: V (U18) 6th September; U14 7th September and JV (U16) 9th September, 2015
Time: 2:45pm-3:45pm
Training commences on: 13th September, 2015
Volleyball
Where: SS PE hall
When:
6th September at 2:45pm - U14 Boys
6th September at 3:45pm - JV (U16) Boys and V (U16) Boys
7th September at 3:45pm - V (U18) Girls & V (U18) Boys
8th September at 2:45pm - U14 Girls & JV (U16) Boys
8th September at 3:45pm - JV (U16) Girls & V (U18) Boys
9th September at 2:45pm - JV (U16) Boys & JV (U16) Girls
9th September at 3:45pm - V (18) Girls
10th September at 2:45pm - U14 Boys & U14 Girls
10th September at 3:45pm – JV (U16) & V (U18) Girls
Training commences on: 13th of September, 2015
Netball
Where: Outside Tennis Courts
When:
7th September 2:45pm – JV (U16) & V (U18) Girls
9th September at 2:45pm – U14 Girls
9th September at 3:45pm – JV (U16) & V (U18) Girls
Sports information & Schedules
Detailed list of events and fixtures will be displayed on our school webpage www.diadubai.com/sports/ and the DIA
Sport Portal www.diadubaisport.com
Looking forward to a lot of well-deserved medals, the excitement of the races and the uniting spirit of the team!
GO WOLVES!
Yours in Sport,
Mihail G. Kouzev
Director of Sport & Activities
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY; Tel: (+971) (0) 4 368 4111 ext. 208