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AL MANAHIL PRIVATE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER October/November, 2016

Issue No. 3

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” ― Alvin Toffler

Accolades It is always a delight and a moment of pride when our students excel in all aspects. And this moment has arrived for us at Al Manahil Private School. The Boys Junior football team took part in a tournament hosted by Al Madar School, Al Ain, in which 20 schools participated and they secured the 6th position. Most importantly they were recognized for being the most disciplined school and the coach, Mr Islam was recognized as the best coach of the tournament. Our school was featured in Al Watan and Al Fajr Newspapers. The senior girls participated in the Volley Ball and Basket Ball tournaments hosted by Al Dafra Private School. While the Basket Ball team put up a good fight and made it up to the quarter finals, the Volley Ball team emerged winners of the tournament.

Events The months of October and November were packed with events that brought life to the school and also enabled students to be aware of various aspects which will definitely

motivate them to be contributing members in the days to come. Fire Drill: We conducted the first fire drill for the year on 16th October, 2016. The students were made aware of the process to be followed in case of any fire in the premises. It was a learning curve for the students. Parent Orientation Evening: An orientation for parents with focus on the curriculum, was held on 17th October, 2016. The school’s vision, mission and the vital aspects of the UK National Curriculum was shared with the parents. It was a time to interact with the parents briefly and for them to take a tour of the school with all the new changes which they were eagerly looking forward to. One of our students Mohammad Ali Al Rjoob, the winner of the Sheikh Hamdan Award, was recognized by the management during the event.

Investiture Ceremony: The Investiture Ceremony of the School Student Council for 2016-2017 was held on 23rd and 25th October, 2016, for girls and boys respectively. The Council took their oath of office in a very solemn occasion. They were vested with the badge of office. The students were made aware of the responsibilities of the Student Council and what to expect from them. The Student Council meets once a week and deliberates on various concerns and also provides suggestions based on these concerns shared by the students.

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Walkathon: Our students, teachers and a few parents participated in the sixth walkathon conducted by Al Ain Mall on Friday, 28th of October 2016 at 9:00 a.m. to support and create awareness among the public regarding breast cancer. Flag Day: Flag Day was celebrated on 3rd November, 2016. It was an opportunity to educate our students about UAE’s values and the importance of celebrating national unity. It was also a time for the students to reflect on national values and share the culture and heritage of this great nation with young ones. The students conducted a brief assembly and the message of unity, peace and happiness embedded in the school culture was highlighted. The students were also made aware of what the colours of the flag represent. Target Setting Evening: Our Target Setting Evening was held on 3rd and 6th November, 2016, for the Primary and Senior School, respectively. It was a time for parents to meet their child’s teacher who shared the targets set for their child. They were also made aware of the targets the students set for themselves. Innovation Week: As part of the UAE Innovation Week (20 – 24 November, 2016), which highlights the importance of developing and nurturing innovation skills, students were given opportunities to showcase their innovation skills. During the week the students came up with a variety of products and the same was exhibited in their classrooms and corridors. It was really wonderful to see the students completely involved in various activities and working collaboratively with their team mates. Culture and Heritage Exhibition: Our students were invited to MBK School, Al Ain, on 23rd November, 2016, to witness the an exhibition of the culture and heritage of UAE

Science Fair: A science fair was conducted under the auspices of Al Ain Mall as an extension of the Innovation Week. Our students exhibited a variety of science experiments and had a very excited audience. National Day: The 45th UAE National Day (Yawm al watani) which is celebrated on 2 December, was celebrated at Al Manahil on 29th November. It is the day that marks the UAE's Union Day between the six emirates which was followed by the joining of the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, in 1972. Both students and teachers ensured that they wore the traditional attire of UAE or clothes with the colours of the UAE Flag. The students presented a variety of programmes that brought out the rich culture and tradition of UAE, in the form of dances, skits and poem recitation. We were honoured with the presence of parents. After the programme, the students went class wise for a party which included a delicious spread of authentic Arabic dishes. It was fun-filled day when the students were made aware of the rich culture, tradition and the essence of the National Day. The Al Ain Social Police Department also visited the school and conducted a quiz competition for the students on UAE.

Martyrs’ Day: The Commemoration Day, which is on 30th November, 2016, is a day set aside specifically to remember and honour those who have given their lives for the UAE. It is a time that will remind the families of those who have been martyred that the UAE has not forgotten them or their sacrifice. The UAE national flag was lowered to half-mast at 8.00 a.m. At 11.00 a.m. the students were shown videos of soldiers and why Commemoration Day is celebrated in UAE. It was followed by a one minute's silence and supplication from 11.30 a.m. to 11.31 a.m. After the one minute’s silence, the UAE flag was raised again while the UAE national anthem was played.

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Reminders: Some of the students arrive at school as early as 6.15 a.m. Please note that the school gate will open only at 7.05 a.m. Please ensure that you drop your child only by this time to ensure that your child is not left unmonitored outside the school. Likewise please ensure that your child is picked up after school, not later than 2.30 p.m.

It has been noticed that some of the students bring mobiles to school. Please note that no electronic gadgets are permitted unless specified by the teacher. Parents will be contacted for the same. If your child loses or misplaces anything please check with the Reception or the Home Room Teacher. You are hereby requested to complete the payment of Term 1 Fees. Please ignore if already paid. Please note that results of your child will not be declared if the fees are not paid. You are also reminded to go through our school web site and ensure that you go through all the policies of the school. The Arabic version of the policies will be uploaded in due course. Assessments: The Assessments are conducted at the end of term and the results will be announced when we resume for Term 2. Winter Break: Winter break will begin from 18th December, 2016 to 7th January, 2017. Please note that school will resume after the winter break on 8th January, 2017. Parent Volunteers: If you are a parent who is keen to volunteer, please do fill in the form attached herewith and send it with your child. It will help us to get in touch with you when we require your assistance in areas of your

expertise. Contact the Reception if you require a hard copy of the Volunteer Form

Quiz Time: 1. Which city is called the “Pearl of the Gulf”? 2. What is the name of the range of mountains found on the UAE’s boarder with Oman? 3. What is the name given to a pair of gigantic islands built off shore of Dubai? 4. Which airline one of the most profitable in the world, has its base in Dubai? 5. What is the national bird of UAE?

Send in your answers to amps.alain@gmail.com on or before 15th December, 2016. The first person to send in all correct answers will be acknowledged in our next newsletter.

Traditional UAE Food Recipe: Hummus: 1 clove garlic; 1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, half the liquid reserved; 4 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil.

In a blender, chop the garlic. Pour garbanzo beans into blender, reserving about a tablespoon for garnish. Place lemon juice, tahini, chopped garlic and salt in blender. Blend until creamy and well mixed.

Transfer the mixture to a medium serving bowl. Sprinkle with pepper and pour olive oil over the top. Garnish with reserved garbanzo beans.

Wishing each one of you an enjoyable holiday, a very Happy Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year.

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We’d Love Your HeLp! If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to have your help. Please fill in the details and hand it over to the Home Room Facilitator of your child. Name of Student: ________________________ Grade: _________ Section: _________ Name of Parent: ________________________ Profession: ________________________ Interested in Volunteering: Yes No If yes, areas in which I can help: Reading Programme Chaperoning Field Trips Helping at School Events

Resource Person

I can also help in: ____________________________________________________________ In case of help required from school to conduct the activity, specify the kind of help required: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Days that work best for me: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Convenient timings: 8.00 – 11.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Specific Time: ______ Any other relevant information: ___________________________________________________ Contact No: ________________________ Email: ____________________________________ Signature of Volunteer Parent: ______________________________ Date: ____________

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Picture Gallery

Innovation Week

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Martyrs’ Day

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Volley Ball Champions

Football

Visit by Social Police

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Walkathon – Breast Cancer Awareness

Al Ain Mall – Science Fair

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Parent Orientation

Target Setting Evening

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MBK School Visit

Investiture Ceremony

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Flag Day

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National Day