High School Weekly Newsletter
P.O.Box 6446, Al Thanya Street, Umm Al Suqeim, Jumeirah, Dubai UAE
Tel: 04 348 9804 Fax: 04 348 2813 Web: www.eischools.ae
Dear Parents
Emirates International School - Jumeirah
Vol. 2, Issue 11
24 March 2016
This week, the school community was treated to
, the 80’s TV series and musical
Production, a high-spirited performance from all of the students involved. Suffice it to say, I owned
leg warmers during its TV run and, watching it this week in 2016, brought back memories. A huge
thank you to the Arts staff involved: Ms. Duff, Ms. McManus, Ms. Samuelian, Mr. Garden and Ms.
Mitchell-Wolf for their tireless efforts to bring this classic to the EIS-Jumeirah stage. Well done to
the stars of the show, our drama students.
Some of our Mathematics students had the privilege this week of applying mathematics in a
real-life context with a trip to the Burj Khalifa, where all kinds of measuring went on. This type of
learning is at the heart of a concept -based curriculum, such as the MYP.
It is, of course, the start of the Spring Break today, allowing students and staff some much-needed
time to re-charge batteries and effectively plan for success in Term 3. Next term bring e-assessments,
IB exams, choosing Personal Projects, Reflective Projects and Extended Essay topics, graduation and
final opportunities to showcase best learning skills to achieve academic goals at the end of the year.
Please note that in our very first week back, we will be hosting Options Evenings for all current Year
9 and 11 students entering Year 10 or 12 next year. The date for this is 13 April from 4-6 pm. This is
an important evening for parents and students, so that they can gain a clear understanding of the expectations and pathways available to them.
Wishing all families a very pleasant Spring Break. Happy Easter and Holi to those celebrating.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Amber Koetsier Singh - Head of Secondary
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Year 11 MYP eAssessment Schedule May 2016
Date
Morning session (9 a.m. start)
Afternoon session (12.45 p.m. start)
Monday, 9 May
No examination
Geography
Tuesday, 10 May
No examination
No examination
Wednesday, 11 May
No examination
History
Thursday, 12 May
No examination
Friday, 13 May
Monday, 16 May
English Language and Literature
(all students)
No examination
Standard Mathematics
Extended Mathematics
No examination
Tuesday, 17 May
Arabic Language and Literature*
No examination
Wednesday, 18 May
No examination
No examination
Thursday, 19 May
Integrated Sciences
(all students)
No examination
No examination
Friday, 20 May
No examination
Interdisciplinary learning
(all students)
Notes:
Study leave will start for Year 11 students at the end of the day on Wednesday, 4 May. We have limited
pre-exam study leave to Thursday, 5 May and Sunday, 8 May, as there are relatively few examinations and
they are spread out over the two-week examination period. All morning examinations will start at 9 a.m. All
afternoon examinations will start at 12.45 p.m. All eAssessments will take place in the High School or
Annex ICT rooms. Roomings will be confirmed for individual students after the Spring Break. Students
must arrive at their eAssessment venue 15 minutes before the start of each eAssessment. All examinations
are of two hours duration, except Arabic for which an extra 30 minutes is allocated*. No examination can be
re-scheduled to an alternative time or date. In case of absence on the day of an examination, please phone
Mr. Wellman immediately. Please note that even if medical evidence is provided, IB are unlikely to award
marks for missed examinations.
Code of Conduct:

Do not arrive late for your examination. If you arrive late, it will start without you and no extra time
will be provided.

You must be in school uniform for each of your examinations, including on Fridays.

You will not require any equipment other than a pen or pencil. Do not bring a pencil case or calculator.

Only the onscreen calculator tool may be used. Rough paper will be provided.

Hand in all electronic devices, including mobile phones, before the start of each examination. They
will be kept safely at the front of each examination room.

Exam regulations apply from the moment you enter the exam room until you leave it. You MUST
remain silent once you enter the exam room. If you have a question, raise your hand and the
invigilator will come to you.

Put up your hand if:
you have a problem and are in doubt about what to do.
you do not feel well.

Invigilators will not explain what a question or word means.

The invigilators are present to ensure the smooth running of each examination. They will be vigilant in
ensuring that the examination code is adhered to.

Do not do anything that will put your exam grades in jeopardy. Cheating is strictly forbidden. If you
are found to be cheating or trying to cheat, you will be disqualified.

Do not talk, turn around or communicate with other students in the exam room. Once you have
finished your examination, ensure that you remain silent and do not turn around.
Above all, try your best and good luck!
Mr. Steve Wellman - MYP Coordinator
Years 12 and 13
On Sunday, 20 March, Year 12 students had an assembly in which they received information about
becoming a Prefect. Students now have the opportunity to apply, and to take over from the current Year
13's after the Spring Break. Students need to apply via e-mail and answer the following questions:
PREFECT APPLICATION
Why are you interested in becoming a Prefect?
What skills do you have which will benefit others?
Please tell us about any additional information you think will support your application.
Please confirm you will offer your commitment for the whole year.
Are you prepared to offer your time outside of normal school hours when necessary?
Becoming a Prefect is a great responsibility and highly rewarding. Students have specific duties to assist
with the school day. They help and support younger students. A Prefect should be a well-balanced
student who contributes to school life in and out of school time.
Qualities Required of a Prefect
1. You must be cooperative, helpful well - mannered, trustworthy and responsible.
2. You must show respect to teachers, your peers and for the school environment.
3. You must display leadership qualities: Be willing to take on extra responsibility complete tasks without
Supervision, show initiative and follow instructions carefully, be able to encourage and motivate fellow
Students, and be positive and enthusiastic when underrating your duties.
4. Be able to encourage and motivate your peers.
5. You must be dressed appropriately on all occasions.
6 You must be punctual to your duties.
7. You must demonstrate that you can work independently and as part of a team.
8. You must be committed to your duties and take responsibility for your actions.
9. You must be a good ambassador for Emirates International School.
10. You must be cooperative and self-disciplined, on and off campus.
11. You must have and maintain an excellent attendance record.
12. You must maintain a good academic record.
Prefect applications are due to be e-mailed to Miss Knibb, Head of Year 12 and 13 or Mr. Burch, Dean of
Students by Thursday, 24 March. (Applications received after this date will not be considered.) The Head
Boy and Head Girl process will take place at a later stage.
During our assembly on Sunday, 20 March, we had guest speaker, Carmen from Lifeworks, present to the
students about "Third Culture Kids". Many students have lived in several different countries and cities
which means they are part of a wider community. She explained that, when students decide to go to
University in another country, they need the skills to adjust positively.
Ms. Lianne Knibb - Head of Years 12 and 13
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MFL - Italian
On Wednesday, 9 March, the Italian writer, Marco Missiroli, met the Year 13 ab initio and B Higher level
class to talk about his latest book, 'Il senso dell'elefante'. The encounter took place in the HS library,
where students, teacher and author exchanged ideas in a circular seating arrangement.
Mr. Missiroli is renowned for having won several important literature prizes in Italy, such as
Premio Campiello. He has an outgoing personality and intelligently involved the student in Q&A session
without dominating the talk. Subjects varied from hobbies, important life experiences, dreams, aspirations and self-confidence. Mr. Missiroli and his accompanying partner, a representative of the Emirates
Airlines Literature Festival, were impressed with the level of the language used by the students in the session. They also noted positively the students’ critical thinking skills and maturity.
This event was organised in collaboration with the Emirates Airlines Literature Festival.
Mrs. Silvia Natale Isbell - TOK Coordinator
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TEDxYouth@EISJ 2016
About the event:
Founded on 12 December 2011, TEDxYouth@EISJ is an event organised by the students of EIS-J
Dubai, devoted to providing a platform for “ideas worth spreading”, under the license of TED.
TED is a nonprofit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. TEDx was created in the spirit
ofTED's mission: ”ideas worth spreading.” The programme is designed to give communities,
organisations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at
the local level. The event basically asks people from different walks of life to share their stories and
inspire others. TEDx Youth Events, in particular, are designed for young people, and are often run
by youngpeople themselves, as is tradition here at EIS-J.
This year, we will be hosting another event in April 2016. The theme we will be discussing this year is a
TED- approved theme of the “The Blind Side,.” exploring the perspectives obstructed from sight
and how exposure to these views can shift our view of the world.
Krish Sajnani - Year 12
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After-School Activities
ASA's have now concluded for the term. Many thanks to all students and staff involved for their
enthusiasm and commitment.
The Term 3 programme will begin in Week 2 and continue for seven weeks. There will be a greater focus
on academic support, particularly for DP course revision and MYP e-assessments. Information will be
posted to the school website as well as on Managebac. Registration forms will be available online and at
school. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Katie McFarlane on [email protected].
Have a safe and enjoyable break!
Ms. Katie McFarlane - ASA Coordinator
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The Year 13 Final Visual Arts IB Exhibition
The Year 13 Art students put on an intriguing exhibition this year, enticing their audience by carefully
constructing mysterious nooks and crannies, which showcased their excellent work. It was delightful to see
them in high spirits, celebrating the culmination of two years of hard work, with their friends and families.
I am very proud to have taught these talented students and wish them all the best in their future.
Ms. Makawi - Visual Arts Teacher
Amnah Abdullah’s exhibition space - Year 13
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Assembly for Year 12: Third Culture Kids
Guest Speaker: Carmen Benton - Managing Director and Principle of Life Works
Focus of the talk:

Practical Tips

Understanding culture

Different perspectives of TCK

Grief cycle – Overcoming grief

Taking Care of Yourself
Who are Third Culture Kids?
TCKs are, quite literally, citizens of the world. They are hard to define and are made of an infinite amount
of experiences. In their ground-breaking book, Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among
Worlds, authors David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken write that a “TCK builds relationships to all of
the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated
into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.”
Characteristics of TCKs
There are different characteristics that impact the typical Third Culture Kid:

TCKs are four times as likely as non-TCKs to earn a bachelor's degree (81% vs 21%).

40% earn an advanced degree (as compared to 5% of the non-TCK population.).

45% of TCKs attended three universities before earning a degree.

44% earned undergraduate degree after the age of 22.

Educators, medicine, professional positions, and self-employment are the most common professions for
TCKs.

90% feel "out of sync" with their peers.

80% believe they can get along with anybody.

Teenage TCKs are more mature than non-TCKs, but, ironically, take longer to "grow up" in their 20s.

More welcoming of others into their community.

Lack a sense of "where home is," but are often nationalistic.

Some studies show a desire to "settle down;" others a "restlessness to move".
How to Support Your Third-Culture Kid

“The most important thing is to give a sense of stability and consistency, where children get a sense
of cultural roots, they turn to their parents to find out which social and cultural rules apply.” Family
and home should always be safe havens for a third-culture kid.

At the same time, it is important for your kid to become familiar with their host country and learn
the language. Children can communicate with the locals and may gain a better understanding of the
culture.

Parents need to offer their children a lot of support, especially in families that switch countries a lot.
Parents should help their kids stay in touch with old friends. That way, they will end up with a
network of friends all around the world.

Also, you should remember that for your kids, reverse culture shock is much stronger than for you.
After all, they grew up abroad. They don’t have the same memories or attachment to their home
culture as their parents.”
SOURCE:
https://www.internations.org/magazine/the-difficulty-of-life-as-a-third-culture-kid-15288/third-culture-kids-as-parents-2
http://tckid.com/what-is-a-tck.html
Dr. Rose Kamath - School Counsellor
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Year 7 Term 2
We have come to the end of another term, and it seems like the term has really flown by. This is certainly
a reflection on how busy the students have been and how much they have achieved this term. I would
firstly like to acknowledge those students who were chosen by their teachers for Student of the Month. In
January we had Paiva Shah, February was Divya Panicker and March was Ward Badwi. Congratulations to
these students for being recognised as outstanding IB students. It has also been encouraging to see
students reaching milestones with their IB Achievement Points, with students starting to receive Form
Tutor and Heads of Year awards. These awards are given to students who receive 20 and 40 IB points
throughout the year.
This term students completed the International Benchmark Testing, an initiative driven by the Dubai
Government as part of their 2021 national agenda. Many students received recognition for High
Distinctions and Distinctions in Science, English and Mathematics, with several students receiving more
than one award. Well done to all.
Other events this term included, what I consider the highlight of the year, the International Day
celebrations on Saturday, 13 February, Sports Day on 11 February and the House Sports
competition during a Sunday PSCHE time. It is always great to see so many students getting involved,
excelling at sporting events and generally having a good time. Several students have also been involved in
the school’s production, Fame the musical, being represented in both the chorus and main roles. We
certainly have a talented group of students in the fields of academia, sport and the arts.
Our Term 2 PSCHE activities have included some thought provoking assemblies, sessions led by the peer
mentors and sessions on cultural education, including developing a deeper understanding of Dubai’s 2021
National Agenda. The Year 10 peer mentors, chaired by Dana Bazzari and Jai Sandhu, have also been
actively involved in the support of the students this term through social development ideas and the
friendship cohesion team. The peer mentors speak highly of the Year 7 students and Year 7’s look up to
their elder peers for guidance and support.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind students and parents of our school’s late policy. After
three late occurrences (arriving to form time after 7.40), students receive an after-school detention. I
acknowledge it has been more congested with so much work going on in the primary school area,
however this seems to have become less of a problem in the last weeks. Term 3 will start fresh, with all
students starting from zero. Let’s see if we can have a big push to have all students in their form rooms by
7.30.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to an exciting Term 3.
Mr. Chris Garden - Head of Year 7
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Year 10
A very busy term for Year 10 with lots of fantastic events in school, that Year 10 have taken the lead in.
The largest group of EISAP students to successfully complete their expedition went through this term,
primarily made up of Year 10 students. Fantastic work by all. Please keep up this effort in the ORB, so
that we can have the highest number of students achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Silver award.
Year 10 representation in the MUN club has been significant this term, with a large part of the DIAMUN
delegations made up of Year 10 students. The students have worked incredibly hard to develop their debate and public speaking skills. I am looking forward to seeing some of our delegates take on senior roles
in future MUN events.
In the Talent Show there were numerous performers who desrve a mention for their fantastic, eclectic
performances: Sara, Matteo and George made a excellent musical trio, Hazim definitely has the dance
moves down, and who can forget the beautiful solos from Tracy and Swathi?
Very much looking forward to more success stories for Term 3.
Thanks,
Ms. Clare Boyes - Head of Year 10
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Year 11
Congratulations to Fasial Sowaidan, who won the most recent award for February Student of the Month.
His teachers nominated him due to his positive, hardworking and enthusiastic nature. He is always
smiling and is an inspiration to younger students in the school.
Year 11 have worked extremely hard this term on their Personal Projects and preparing for their
e-assessments. We have a very intense term coming up in Term 3, with the start of the e-assessments in
May. Please Year 11’s, make the most of the Spring Break and ensure they have in place an effective
study plan.
I would like to wish all Year 11’s and their families an enjoyable break.
Mrs. Hanna - Head of Year 11
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Term 2 has been a great building block for the school garden and our sustainability programme. We were
lucky enough to have a special visitor a few weeks back, the world-renowned teacher and gardener,
Mr. Stephen Ritz, who gave the Year 7, 8 and 9 a captivating assembly on his project – Green Bronx Machine. Following the assembly, Mr. Ritz gardened along side the Green Group and the Recycling Club. The
School Garden has grown in size, and now hosts a variety of herbs and plants.
I hope you have a great Spring Break and I'll hopefully see you in Term 3.
We have our first insect hotel made and designed by the students that will hopefully house insects that
will work together to pollinate our plants.
Mr. Chris Burch - Dean of Students
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Sports Plus+
By: Gavin Vasandani (Boys’ Sports Editor of The Torch)
Let the 2016 Inter-house commence!
Azam practicing various types of kicks during training practice before the game
During the weeks’ football, the coveted EISJ inter-house continues to delight our expectations.
The teams were assorted into a selection of groups, catering to a variety of skill levels as well as techniques. Group 1 comprised a rather worried Wadi, a bold and confident Barracuda and an eccentric Oasis team selection with a magnitude of abilities. While, the equally balanced Group 2 consisted of the
dominating Dunes, the pearlescent and precious Pearls as well as the galloping Horses, timid about its
remaining oppositions.
Group 1
The beginning roots of the tournament tree commenced with a game between Barracudas and Oasis,
with a final score of 3-1. This game was rather lacking a competitive aspect, yet was still a stunning display of sportsmanship, cooperation and perseverance. A particular aspect which continually heightened
Barracuda’s possession, buildup of play and the prominent correspondent towards a final score of 3- 1,
was the sublime defense comprising of CM Aaron Balla as well as Azim Akbar. The destructive duo, tore
past Gorrav’s Oasis and played vital passes towards a menacing attack. Splendid!
The next game featured the previous victors, Barracudas, against a side hoping to steamroll past the
competition, Wadi. Using a 4-4-2 formation to reinforce as well as stabilise the midfield, forward and
defense were Wadi’s textbook strategies. While, Barracuda’s approached the situation in an oddly
eccentric perspective, to stay in defense and hopefully clinch a narrow victory or, at the least, restrict a
loss. And so they did, with both sides penetrating the opposition as if daggers, pervasive through the
slightest deficiencies within sheets of armor. The battle ultimately ended with no victors, instead
structuring riveting final play between Oasis and Wadi.
And finally, as the decisive game of the set commenced to a long awaited battle with each group,
etching its way through as far goal difference, what else to say than everything matters. As Oasis
entered the unblemished woven grass, an isolated vegetation is now encompassed by an even greater
Wadi. The game commenced with an enticing battle between star men, Goraav Balani and
Sahil Kalwani. The odds were soon flipped as strategies were rendered useless, ith precious time
counting down to a seldom misery for one side and a sense of rejoyment for the other. The menace in
attack, Sahil Kalwani, continually tested the keeper, but surely enough--everything has its limit.
Five minutes in, Wadi were 1 up, with an exuberant display of audacity and skills chipping the
man-mountain, Ashraf Khairi. Even though, Wadi’s exemplar of a match embracing a competitive,
extreme and nail-biting aspect, the overwhelming goal difference seemed too much. Ultimately,
Barracudas were the final victors, Congratulations to a team regarded as the underdogs, instead now
recognised as a manifestation of what should be today’s football.
Group 2
Group 2’s game was an exemplar of league quality techniques and competitiveness. The titans, Pearls
and Horses, took to place for another exhilarating game, complete with its unique set of highlights and
moments of magic. For example, Charles Bas’ stunning technique of folly, daring to embarrass the
Horse’s defense, was an exemple of skill, technique, accuracy and surprisingly not, luck. Yet, Horse’s
achieved expectations and most definitely were a competitive side. With Bader Abuqurah on the wings
to dismantle an already weakened defense by stars, Eyan Yehya and Christopher Ayoub, Pearls unapologetically didn’t stand a chance. Ultimately, Horses galloped their way past Pearls with a tight 2-1, final
score.
The penultimate game between previous victors, Horse’s and Dune’s, was due to be an unsubdued
game, comprising a high amount of opportunities as well as possession over the game. The tiki-taka
technique inherited by Horses generally didn’t integrate with their player’s abilities, seeming as if it had
gone to waste. On the other hand, the star forward, Aditya “Adi” Ans, looked rather lost as the game
progressed, continually losing the ball to a woeful attack. “Sometimes Adi, you just gotta pass the ball”,
Spectator. Yet neither abilities had truly anticipated in the final remaining seconds. For instance, the
defying Horses sought through the match, continuing to trample over its forgotten opposition with 1 nil
lead. Yet, the achilles heal of the game was attempting to restrain a possessive Adi. With a couple of
roulettes, a Ronaldo chop… The scoreboard recited to 1-1 resurrection, game’s on… With the final play
of the game, a crowd united by their love of football soon faded to a subtle whisper of nervousness and
the constant creeking of nail biting, football at its finest. As Adi approached the goal past, a simply chip
would do it, however that’s not the sportsmanship concealed behind the competitiveness of Inter
House. Instead, a short pass the prominent Nicholas Narara saw contact between the ball and his afro. “Goal”, “Goal”, next game’s all in for the win.
Final
And here comes, arguably the game of the century, Barracudas vs. Dunes. As the crowd settles into a
cocktail of emotions, comprising of nervousness, excitement and wary, speculations return upon the
longevity of the Dunes team. With many of their star players, Adi and Nicholas, invasive of their techniques and abilities, a moral rejoice resurrected within the team atmosphere. While upon the opposing
side, Barracudas, adopted a run of the mill strategy to substitute the weaker links further enforcing
them by stacked layers of brass armour. “Phewwww!”, whistled the young studded Mr. Everett, with a
couple of passes a mere buildup, the wrath of the Titans were relentless. If you ever wished of a team
comprising of legends here it is, however rather in a juvenile formation. Surprisingly, the star of the
tournament “Adi Ans” played a low key role at CM, at least now we can finally see Adi passing the ball…
As the game continued we inspected a flourish of missed opportunities, until a splendid buildup of play
saw Nico Narara separate the two distinctive yet microscopically uniform sides. However the mere
domination didn't restrain the opposing side. With an alike attitude of vengeance, a replying goal was
in the coming and a beautiful chip by the maestro, Azim Akbar, reconciling the audience to a subtle
whisper of fear and intimidation. The last few minutes of the game comprised of unthinkable acts of
risk and control.
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Male - Football
Female - Football