Vol. 2, No. 2 November 2011

“The Express here -- your one and only legit source for exciting, diverse and bold news about AISA’s multicultural community.” Support Staff Suffocating in Slum Shacks, Few Can Afford to Fly Home in Summer

Up to five men share this room, with little privacy or circulation.. Soon they are scheduled to move off-campus. Support Staff Cautiously Optimistic About Scheduled While the support staff receive health insurance and housing, in cramped quarters like this, many cannot fly home to see their families Move to Off-Campus Housing in November during the summer vacation.

Student Council Considers Donating First in the year-long series “Reforms,” which exposes inequality and promotes social change. Proceeds to Make Up for Owners’ Oversights By Kairine Maharajh The Admin have been push- By Rana Alsaadi At least 10 men share the main there,” said the worker. (Grade 12) ing the owners for improving (Grade 12) bathroom/showers and kitchen (a Even with improved housing, AISA’s Voice Co-Editor their conditions. What’s Up?! Editor handful of pots), located in the some workers – unlike teachers – While it is excellent news “I have spoken to the board Inside the small wooden struc- structure located by the boys side do not receive annual bonuses or that most of the school’s hard- about additional benefits but ture near the TimGym, four sin- gate. plane tickets home to see their working 28 support staff are we are still talking,” said Dr. gle beds (all made) are impossi- One of the workers, who was families. expected to move from their Jones, school director. bly crammed next to one another granted anonymity for fear of Most of the workers are from cramped campus quarters into Emirati seniors have taken up in the nine square meters. being fired, said: Egypt, India and Nepal, making off-campus housing later this the cause. Last year, a handful Four bureaus provide the only “The living conditions are very long-distance travel expensive. month (see article opposite), of seniors made a late push to privacy, and t-shirts and jeans are poor and not comfortable. We (See Kairine Maharajh's article, more should be done to im- raise awareness and money for hung on the wall. The two win- also have low salaries.” opposite.) prove their lives with increased them, donating about AED dows cannot open, and the Emirati seniors have benefits. 2,000. room reeks of body odor. “The living conditions are taken up the cause to Since the school opened in According to Dr. Jones, this This is the home of the improve support staff 1995, the support staff, - main- sum of money, along with school's bus drivers -- one of very poor and not comforta- benefits. ly bus drivers, security guards money raised from library five of cramped structures ble. We also have low sala- Last year, donations and maintenance department- book sales and a raffle drawn that the school's 28 support from seniors, the book have been living on the at the end of the 2010-2011 staff (mainly security ries.” -One worker sale and raffle let each school’s campus. school year, were all donated guards, bus drivers and staff member earn an They live in five buildings to the support staff. maintenance workers) have been However, after years of living extra AED 250. tucked away on campus, with However, each member of living in, some since the school in cramped quarters on campus This year, Student Council said up to five people living in each support staff received only opened in 1995. are expected to move to new off- it is considering donating a por- room. about AED 250. The other handful of structures, campus housing later this month, tion of the proceeds from events The rooms are suffocatingly To put that donation in con- which have two to two rooms, according to the Admin. to the support staff. small, filled with the stench of text, flight search engine Kay- are located throughout campus: “We are looking for housing Mr. Jones said he is hoping to stale food and ak shows behind the boys gate, near the old off campus and that will be an provide additional benefits to all body odor. that the canteen and by the entrance of improvement,” said Dr. Jones, of the support staff: Later this cheapest the soccer field. school director. “I have spoken to the board month, most of “I visit my family round-trip Student-reporters also discov- Though details about the new about additional benefits but we the support staff every summer, but fare in sum- ered one staff member living in housing are yet to be revealed, are still talking.” are scheduled to mer from the temporary construction shel- workers were enthusiastic. move to off- the salary is very low Abu Dhabi ter by the new gym. “I am very happy to move campus hous- and expenses are to Thiruvan- ing, according very high.” anthapuram, to the Admin. in Kerala, They already -One worker India would New Swim Team Sets Records in First-Ever Meets receive housing cost about and health in- AED 1,200 – surance. meaning last By Zayed Al-Nahyan October 22, the boys JV team "I'm trying to give it all I've got However, although the sup- year's donation would cover (Grade 12) four swimmers finished a narrow this year in swimming,” he said. port staff work equally as hard only one-fifth of their fare. We Are the Lions! Editor 0.3 milliseconds behind first Later at the ECC meet with as teachers, toiling during the Senior Sheikha Al Meraikhi, The new swim team had a suc- place. eight teams, many swimmers day to ensure the upkeep of the Student Council vice president, cessful first-ever meet, with the “[It] was a brilliant success!” continued to drop their times, school, only some receive said that they will try to raise JV boys placing a close second, the coaches wrote on the school according to Ms. Rumbolt. round-trip tickets home and money for housing , possibly while the swimmers set personal website. “This was the first multi-school annual bonuses. by donating part of the pro- bests at the ECC meet at the end “AISA swimmers continued to swim meet which ASIA has par- Most of the staff are from ceeds from events to go to- of October. cheer their fellow teammates on ticipated in and our swimmers Egypt, India and Nepal, mak- wards support staff. Now that the school finally has throughout the day, and the day swam hard!” Ms. Rumbolt said. ing long-distance travel expen- “The AISA support staff a swimming pool, the swim team wrapped up as a wonderful Throughout the fall, training sive. have done a lot for the school, I has been able to practice under achievement for all involved.” will continue on schedule until One support staff, who was believe we should make a con- the guidance of coaches Ms. Before the season, Nick Over- December 13. granted anonymity for fear of tribution,” said Al Meraikhi. Rumbolt, Ms. Kathryn Robinson camp (Grade 12), who competes She added: “We have a core being fired, said, “I visit my “They deserve that.” and Ms. Rear. in freestyle, breast stroke, butter- group of eager and energetic family every year, but the sala- At their first-ever meet at the fly and back stroke, had high swimmers who want to train hard ry is very low and expenses are American School in Dubai on hopes for the team. and swim fast!” very high.”

Do you text and drive? MS Football Tournament Janet and Metallica F1 in Schools Revs Up Fun Girls JV V’ball Faces ABA Rock Yas Island -Oman in ISAC Finals P. 2 P. 3 P. 4 P. 5 P. 6 2 AISA’s Voice Nov. 2011

Students Shocked at Dangers of Texting and Driving Does GTA Create Bad Drivers? By Ahmed Al-Ketbi (Grade 12) who use their phone face a AISA’s Voice Co-Editor fine of AED 1200 and have 12 By Hamdan Al-Nahyan ‘Grand Theft Auto,’ may cause Students were shocked to hear points added to their license. (Grade 12) you to speed and take some stu- about the dangers of texting If the points reach 24, the li- In the Middle East, studies pid chances on the road.,” he while driving at an assembly on cense will be confiscated . show that young drivers are said. “To be honest, it makes the road safety and driving advice in Al Mehairi said: “Just imag- more aggressive in the way, in driver look cool, speeding mid-October, following the tex- ine if we text people while which they drive, than their through traffic, tires screeching, ting-while-driving death of UAE they are driving and they get grandparents. Is this caused by you are passing everyone. I tend football star Theyab Awana. into an accident, it could be video games? Students are split. to do all of these on the road During the assembly on Oct. there last we can be held re- A study done by researchers at after I have spent a few hours 18, professional racing drivers sponsible.” A car crash in the Al Bateen neighbor- Dartmouth College in 2010 con- playing the game.” Mohamed Al Mutawa and Al Mutawa emphasized the hood in 2010. / Photo by Ahmed Al- cluded: “Young drivers who However, Ibrahim Al Bloushi, Saeed Al Mehairi gave advice importance of wearing seat Ketbi. play video games that include a freshman at Zayed University, on driving safety and how to belts. reckless driving, like 'Grand does not think that the video avoid getting in an accident. “It makes a difference if was unaware of the life threaten- Theft Auto' are aggressive in the game affects driving. They displayed statistics that you're in an accident so you ing consequences I'd face while way they drive. They tend to “Well it is only a game, but showed in Abu Dhabi, 38 road don't fly out of the car,” he said. driving and using my phone," he drive carelessly, get involve in it’s exciting. I can do all those deaths happen each month, and “When I get in to a race car, I said. tailgating, speed, cutting in and things that I would not dare do 89 percent of road accidents have to have my seat belt well- The school provided students out of traffic, crossing the dou- when I am driving, like driving involve males. tighted." with a pledge to drive safe, re- ble lines and even getting pulled close to another car, swerving in Drivers are eight times more Senior Khaled Al Hashmi was spect the regulations and laws of over by the cops.” and out,” he said. “But I value likely to be in an auto accident if one of the stunned students. “I the road to avoid getting into Still, students are split on if my life. That is a game, driving texting while driving. Drivers just got my driving license and I accidents. these results are accu- on the road is real.” rate. Sophomore Ahmed Al Ro- Mr. Morley, secondary school maithi, who has played car rac- assistant principal, when asked if Seniors Stressed with University Application ing video games such as 'Grand his driving habits change after Theft Auto' agrees with the playing car racing video games, study. said: “No way, I am too smart Deadlines Quickly Approaching “I am not 100 percent certain, for that.” -30- but I think that games such as By Lamees Al-Makkawy (Grade 12) Now is when seniors stop The Express Director: Dr. Jones saying that “senior year is Managing Editor: Mr. Baron Secondary School Principal: the easiest,” with universi- Mr. Godley AISA’s Voice (Editorial) ty application deadlines Assistant Principals: Ahmed Al-Ketbi (Co-Editor) quickly approaching, and Ms. Jones, Mr. Morley Lamees Al-Makkawy seniors facing the alphabet

Hamdan Al-Nahyan soup of standardized tests -- The Express is produced by students Kairine Maharajh (Co-Editor) the American SAT’s and in the Publications elective for Grade SAT II’s, and English lan- What’s Up?! (News) 11 and 12 students. Mariam Al-Hammadi guage tests, TOEFL and Rana Alsaadi (Editor) It is published eight times/year, with IELTS. Mahynoor Mohamed occasional additional content in print Fortunately for seniors and online. Mike Alzoebie, Joumana Tanya Tarazi Left: Joumana Asfour, who is applying to NYU, poses with Mr. Chalmers, college Asfour, and Jordan Mur- counselor. Right: Jordan Murray expects to return to Canada for university. The Scene (Arts and Culture) Read past issues online: ray, they worked hard dur- Greg Brown (Co-Editor) bit.ly/aisaexpress Steffanie Sanders (Co-Editor) ing the summer, making them larly used to take me to visit his expects to return home to Cana- already ahead in the game of hospital.” da and is applying regular deci- Teguh Zulian The Express by American Interna- tional School in Abu Dhabi is li- university applications . Asfour is excited for universi- sion as an undeclared major to Cosmopolitan (Beyond AISA) censed under a Creative Commons Alzoebie, who is applying to ty, and applied only early deci- University of Alberta and Uni- Khalifa Al-Fahim (Co-Editor) Attribution-NonCommercial- medical schools Weill Cornell sion to New York University in versity of Calgary. “I chose the- Salama Al-Khumaisi ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. University in Qatar, University Manhattan. “I love the locations se universities because they are Noor Al-Mehairbi Alia Youssef (Co-Editor) of the Pacific in California, and and cities the campuses are close to my family, and I think Gulf Medical University in based in, and it is a great school that’s important,” she said. We Are the Lions! (Sports) Ajman, UAE, is at the finish for what I want to major in,” she Mr. Chalmers, high school Sakhr Abdullah line. He has completed his SAT said. Asfour plans to major in counselor, said that students are Aisha AlHajeri (Co-Editor) twice, taken his SAT II’s and Anthropology, the study of peo- off to a good start. “Personal Khalid Al-Mansoori TOEFL and written his college ple and culture . She is waiting statements and Common Apps Zayed Al-Nahyan (Co-Editor) Marcela Cuadra Corrections: The Express essay. on her SAT results – “I hate all are done,” he said. “I am wait- Muhammad El-Amin regrets the copyediting errors “I worked really hard in the academic achievement tests,” ing for students to upload their in the new staff profiles in the summer, writing my personal she exclaimed -- and is nervous list of colleges onto Naviance.” Staff Photographer: Aisha AlHajeri October 2011 issue. statement, doing volunteer for December when she will For letters of recommendation, work, and organizing test dates find out if she is accepted. s Mr. Chalmers said teachers to complete the required tests Unlike the others, Murray is should have them done by mid- Letters to the Editor for universities” said Alzoebie. not stressed with applications. November. The Express welcomes letters to the editor. Send them to “My initial interest in medicine After browsing university op- Mr. Baron at [email protected]. For students, please include sparked from my dad, who regu- tions during the summer, she your full name and grade. For teachers, please include what sub- ject you teach. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. MS Performing Arts Students Win Photo Contest Students Becoming Global Citizens By Mr. Baron Two middle school performing By Mr. Godley, Secondary School Principal arts students won the inaugural It is hard to believe we are already 25% finished with our school Musez summer vacation photo year. In fact, I am sure I still have a suitcase in my bedroom that is contest. not completely unpacked from summer vacation. Grade 8 students Melinda While it is amazing how quickly time rolls along, it is also amazing Knowling and Solange Padilla – to consider how much has happened so far this year. Classes are run- members of the Musez middle ning very well, student engagement (as measured through data col- school performing arts club – lected by administrators) is at a high and college applications are all took photos wearing their official being completed and submitted. Musez t-shirts in the most exotic More notable than all of these things however is the commitment Mr. Gallichan, Padilla (left), Knowling. destinations. that our students are making to local and global efforts to make things Knowling took hers at the Ms. Townsend ran Musez, this better for others. It is becoming the ethos of what we do here and it Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, year it is run by Ms. Najarian and makes me very proud. South Korea, while Padilla took Ms. Gunal. It is clear to me that through the dedication of our teachers, students hers in Puerto Rico's El Yunque Knowling, who was the lead and AISA community, students will graduate from AISA and be very rainforest. Each of them won a actor in last year's Musez produc- well prepared for university studies. In addition to that, our students box of Ferrero Rocher chocolate. tion of “Beauty is a Beast,” is are graduating as contributing members to our global community. “I'm glad that the awards went excited for this year. Part of AISA’s mission is to produce students who possess strong to the keenest and most talented “It's very interactive and we global citizenship and integrity. Our students recognize that they need members,” said Mr. Gallichan at learn new things through team- to play a vital role in making our world a better place, and they are the award presentation. work and commitment,” she said. doing just that! Last year Mr. Gallichan and Nov. 2011 What’s Up?! 3 Student Ambassadors Build MS Footballers Frenzied for Championship in Dec. Community and School Spirit By Mahynoor Mohamed (Grade 12) By Tanya Tarazi (Grade 12) munity,” said Ms. Huner. “They Hundreds of middle school Nearly 30 high school stu- should have positive influence students are going football crazy dents are excited about being on wanting to make a differ- for the annual advisory football student ambassadors, a fun and ence, being outgoing and a good tournament, whose champion- interesting way to meet new leader.” ship game is scheduled for early students and build school com- Sophomore Rabia Abba Omar December. munity. is one of the new additions, and All seven Grades 6-8 boys This year, Ms. Huner, the mid- helped organize the Mix It Up advisories, named after animals dle school counselor, is leading Lunch held on October 20, of the Arabian Peninsula , are the second year of program, which brought different groups participating in the six-week which has 24 high school stu- of students together during round-robin tournament. Advi- dents (12 boys and 12 girls, lunch. sory teachers are working to- with at least one from each Ad- “I think that the middle gether to make it successful. Ahmed Al Dhabai (Grade 8), in the red and white shorts, dribbles the visory), to guide new students school will enjoy the [Mix It "The tournament is not about soccer ball during a recent football match. / Photo courtesy Mr. Baron. through school, make sure Up] Lunch and I hope it works winning or losing; it's about hav- freshmen are know high school out well in high school,” she ing fun with your advisory, and days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays joyed playing. I'm happy that we expectations and plan an event said before the event. participating in school activi- during lunch. can play soccer and compete that unites a wide variety sec- Senior Reem Lari, also new to ties," said Mr. McGrady, who Mr. McGrady has not kept the with other advisories." ondary school students. the club, is excited for the year. coordinates middle school advi- initial tournament scores, but Expect continued competition After potential ambassadors “I joined so I can help create a sory activities with counselor will be tabulating the scores dur- throughout the year, and for the applied or were nominated by better and bright environment at Ms. Huner. ing the playoffs . intensity to heat up for the cham- staff, Ms. Huner chose one stu- AISA,” she said. “It’s going to “This encourages students to So far, students are enjoying pionship game. dent from each advisory. be a fun year and it is an honor participate in sports and become the experience. Mohamed Alsaa- Mr. McGrady said next year “Ambassadors are student for me to be chosen as an am- more active.,” he said. “It is es- di (Grade 6) and a member of the tournament could be expand- leaders and mentors to our com- bassador.” sential for allowing bonding the Falcons said: ed: “There is a chance to do the between teammates." "My first game was a lot of same thing with dodgeball or The tournament runs on Mon- fun! It was exciting and I en- rounders.”

Middle School Students ‘Mix It Up’ During Lunch By Mariam Al-Hammadi Maryam Dobiea (Grade 6) . (Grade 12) “I laughed throughout the More than 100 middle game.” school students had fun At lunch, students went building school community to the canteen and moved and celebrating diversity at to different tables speaking the second annual Mix It with people they had not Up Lunch in late October. spoken to before. Ms. Huner, the middle “We shared home-maid school counselor, organized food with other students,” The 12 female Student Ambassadors pose in the TimGym. the Mix It Up Lunch on said Farah Hashem (Grade October 20. T 9) said about last year’s he international cam- event. paign, based in the U.S., “It was interesting and encourages students to trying new food was deli- question and cross social cious.” boundaries, she said. Overall, students enjoyed “We are aiming to contin- the experience. ue the growth of diversity Yara Hashim (Grade 9) in AISA,” said Ms. Huner. said of last year's Mix It Up During advisory, students Lunch,: went out to the soccer field “I made new friends and and played games that were my new friends became based on team work. friends with my old friends “It was really funny which made us one big jumping with my partner group.” with our feet stuck,” said

Muslims Mark Eid Holiday with Family and Friends

By Ishraq Boutaleb (Grade 7) ham, when Express Contributor he was One of the many Islamic instructed holidays is Eid al Adha. by Allah to This holiday is celebrated by kill his only Muslims all over the world. son. In Eid all children and But Allah grownups show their happiness was only by wearing new clothes special- testing him ly bought for Eid. to see if he Every Muslim wakes up with would lis- excitement, ready to go to the ten to his mosque for a special prayer instruc- called “Salat al -Eid.” tions; Later during this joyful day Prophet Muslims are expected to slaugh- Abraham Praying in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Tag Cloud ter a sheep, goat, or cow and obeyed The most common words out of the 1,248 in this then give the meat to the people him. in need (only for people who When he was just about to kill "Surely Abraham was an ex- issue (not including headlines or captions) could afford it). him Allah informed him that his ample, obedient to Allah, by At the very same special day, “sacrifice” has already been nature upright, and he was not family and friends visit and fulfilled and that he just wanted of the polytheists. He was grate- greet each other; exchange pre- to test him. ful for Our bounties. We chose sents and often give eidiyyah or The following ayah from the him and guided him unto a right money to the children to make Quran describes what prophet path. We gave him good in this them happy. Abraham: world, and in the next he will This holiday is celebrated in most surely be among the right- the memory of Prophet Abra- eous." (Qur'an 16:120-121) 4 The Scene Nov. 2011

30 Years in Music: Janet Jackson, Metallica Still Bring High-Energy Shows to Yas Island

all denim outfits and black any complications. “Metallica delivered very strong shirts. Metallica played songs from performance which will defi- Thanks to well-choreographed their album “Death Magnet- nitely leave an imprint on my background dancers and an ic” (2008), including: “The Day mind,” said junior Laith Ha- amazing lighting, she rocked That Never Comes” and mid. the crowd with her late 1980s- "Cyanide," as well as many of After Metallica, Britney early 1990s hits, including “In their other more well known spears better step it up if she Control”, “What Have You tracks such as “Enter Sandman”, wants to impress the Formula 1 Done for Me Lately” and “Fade to Black” and “Nothing crowd in November! “Feedback.” Else Matters.” “Janet is an excellent perform- er!” said senior Kairine Maha- rajh.“She really had the crowd going!” Janet Jackson played all of her hits. / Photo courtesy Gulf News. Two weeks later, heavy metal band Metallica rocked the By Greg Brown (Grade 12) music and dance numbers that crowd of more than 30,000 fans, The Scene Co-Editor were well-received by the audi- playing a mind blowing show, Students jammed to the two ence, as she took the audience with an outstanding light display Yas Island concerts: Janet Jack- through her mix of R&B, pop, and on stage attractions such as son in mid-October, and Metal- rock and dance hits. fire bellowing from the back of lica in late October. Halfway through her world the stage. Jackson celebrated her 30th tour, Jackson, 45, showed up on The veteran rockers, who have year in pop music with a concert stage at about 9:30 pm wearing been playing since 1981, knew October 13. a jeans, a black shirt and white their set-list down to a tee and Metallica rocked 30,000 fans, playing most older hits. She performed a wide array of jacket, while her dancers wore pulled off every song without / Photo courtesy Ahlan Live!

Students Star-Struck at ‘I bet you don’t want to be a yak either?’ Abu Dhabi Film Festival See HS Students Perform ‘Cinderella’ Spoof in Late Nov.

By Teguh Zulian (Grade 12) By Steffanie Sanders (Grade 12) Nearly 20 high school students The Scene Co-Editor – especially seniors – are look- Dozens of juniors and seniors ing forward to bringing some were starstruck by film stars magic to the school by acting in while gaining work experience the upcoming high school play, a at the fifth annual Abu Dhabi spoof of the Cinderella fairy tale, Film Festival in mid-October. to be performed in late Novem- The film festival, in its fifth ber. year, screened more than 200 High school Drama teacher films at the Marina Mall’s Vox Mr. Gallichan is directing Cinema, the National Theater “Cinderella and the Substitute and Fairmont Hotel – and each Fairy Godmother,” a comedic film needed several volunteers. twist on the original Cinderella Many students volunteered to fairy tale that includes characters gain IB community service from different fairy tales stories. hours. For junior Carol Abdul The play is scheduled for No- Samad, ledcelebrities, such as vember 23 at the Jordanian Club actress/model Lily Cole, to their near school on 29th Street. Addi- Actress and model Lilly Cole seats. (Cole starred in the com- tional staff involved include Mr. The Cinderella spoof the school is performing may not be the same happy ing-of-age drama “The Moth (left) at the premiere of the film Baron as assistant director,set ending as shown here, in Annie Liebovitz’ picture of actress Scarlett Jo- Diaries.”) Abdul Samad also “The Moth Diaries” at the Abu designers and Art teachers Ms. hansson as Cinderella. / Photo courtesy StyleFrizz.com collected audience ballots, orga- Dhabi Film Festival. / Photo Ramirez and Ms. Smith. nized paperwork and cleaned up courtesy The National. In the play, a young girl named enters as the Substitute Fairy senior Steffanie Sanders as the the theater. Cinderella (senior Tenya Tarazi) Godmother. Will Cinderella still Fairy Grandmother HQ boss and “It was nice since I got to volved in the community,” he is mistreated by her evil step- become a princess? junior Emilia Repo as their sec- meet a lot of great people,” she said. “It’s really awesome to be mother and two evil stepsisters. “The play will be a lightheart- retary Hortense; and seniors said . “Everyone was so friend- a part of such a big event.” Cinderella wants to go to the ed, more comical piece that eve- Aisha AlHajeri, Lamees Al ly, and they were all just so de- The Film Festival is year- royal ball and meet Prince ryone will walk away from with Makkawy, Menat El Abd and voted in their work.” round, so be on the lookout for Charmfull (senior Quosain fun memories,” said Mr. Gal- Farida Nassar as Cinderella's Senior Nick Overkamp helped more opportunities – to recog- Memon). But when she calls for lichan. evil family. set up the event and sold tickets nize a celebrity! her Fairy Godmother, all the Additional students involved Saeed very excited about the at the Fairmont Hotel. “I think regular Fairy Godmothers have are junior Laith Hamid as Mer- play, saying: “It’s a wonderful ADFF is a great way to get in- food poisoning. So scented can- win the Wolf; junior Diala opportunity to show off some dle saleswoman Lucretia Fossil- Ghneim as Queen Shania; senior acting skills and build more con- French Lang. Students Win Awards wart (junior Sallie Hildebrand) Shamil Saeed as King Vladimir; fidence.”

By Ms. Merazi passed this exam with success at Dhabi. enne Fernandez Cano and Ak- Congratulation to our students French Department the end of last year at a high Some other students of French shit Balsu at level A1 , Kathrin for their participation and suc- Every year French Department level B1. at Aisa were rewarded DELF Harb, Lilya Boukornia and Paris cess! at AISA is preparing Students of A ceremony was organized Diplomas at lower levels: Chey- Patras at level A2 . French for an external Diploma under the leader- called DELF. ship of the French The DELF is an official Diplo- Ambassador and ma delivered by the National some other mem- Education Board to certify the bers of the French foreign candidate’s competences Embassy. in French. This ceremony The DELF is composed with took place on the four independent Diplomas cor- 25th of September responding to four levels of the at the Prestigious European Framework of refer- Sorbonne French ence for Languages. University in Abu Our students of IB1 French in Dhabi to reward AISA, Dorothea van Heerden, Students of many Nahil Memon and Elena Botella, schools in Abu- Nov. 2011 Cosmopolitan 5

Uni. Visits Help Seniors on Majors F1 Racing Program Revs Up the Fun in MS and HS

By Noor Al-Mehairbi ber 26. (Grade 11) Senior Sultan Al Suwaidi Middle and high has been to most of the vis- school students are its. “I’m looking for a uni- revving up the fun as versity with a good campus, the F1 Schools pro- and exceptional facilities for gram launches its se- students in California,” he cond year as a new said. While he was im- after-school club. pressed by Florida Institute In the club, students Open house at Abu Dhabi University of Technology and Syracuse work together to build University, he is applying to Left: Last year’s Grade 7 students Ewa Sepiolo (left) and Savannah Sutherland test in 2009. / Photo courtesy Crealis. and race a miniature their cars. Right: Mr. Godley and Mr. Morley are set to race. / File photos. University of California Formula 1 car made of By Khalifa Al-Fahim schools to study Economics and balsa wood with a single com- Last year, the club was part of and innovative in the field of (Grade 12) Finance. pressed air cylinder. the middle school curriculum. engineering,” said Mr. Becker. Cosmopolitan Co-Editor Senior Khalid Al Mubarak Students then develop business This year, the F1 program is an While the start of the club is Seniors have been excited to visited only the universities he and marketing plans which they after-school activity. scheduled for November 14 learn about new universities at had an interest in like Suffolk present to a panel of judges. Ms. Spies and Ms. Ritchie (delayed due to staff training on during visits in October. University, St. Edwards Univer- The national racing finals are lead the middle school team, Yas Island ), students are excit- During October, Suffolk Uni- sity and Rollins College ., in June, and the winning team and high school science teacher ed for the year to come. versity and Syracuse University which helped decided on major- goes on to international finals in Mr. Becker leads the high “It gives you a glimpse of came on October 18, followed ing in international banking and Singapore. school club. how the real world works,” said by 20 universities on. the Lin- investment. The international winners “Students will now have more Senior Salama Al-Harmoodi. den Fall Tour on October 20. Though early decision appli- receive a four-year scholarship time to dedicate to the project “Hopefully I’ll get in with a role Three days later, Florida Insti- cation deadlines passed on No- , to study automotive engineering since they can even do it at as resources manager.” tute of Technology, Catholic vember 1 counselor Mr. at City of London University. home,” said Ms. Spies. Kevin van Hoogstraten said college St. Edwards University Chalmers said that seniors need “Our goal for this year is to Teachers said that students the club's challenges are getting in Austin, Texas University of to add their list of college appli- participate in the national cham- will learn a lot from the expe- businesses to sponsor the team Tampa and Rollins College in cation list to Naviance . “Thus pionships which are in March,” rience. “It looks like a fun activity Florida. Abu Dhabi Men’s Col- far only about 25 percent of the said Ms. Spies, middle school “The main outcome is to pro- that I can really benefit from,” lege finished the visits on Octo- class has done so,” he said. math/science teacher. duce students who are dedicated he said. Nine More New Staff Profiles

Ms. Abdelhalim is the new elementary school Celebrate the Diversity: Students from 70+ Countries Arabic teacher . Originally from Egypt, she has been teaching for four months in AISA. “I By Alia Youssef (Grade 11) school hosts love teaching, I've been teaching for eight Cosmopolitan Co-Editor numerous years,” she said. In her free time, she listens to Following last year’s record- cultural music and reads. –Sakhr Abdullah (Grade 12) setting 75 student nationalities events every based on passports, this year the year, such as school continues to be diverse the Interna- with 72 nationalities tional Night Ms. Jones, secondary school of fashion Ms. Ackerman, a KG-2 assistant to Ms. assistant principal, said she loves and food and Kinder, is from Cape Town, South Africa. In the diversity the school offers. UAE Nation- her first year of teaching. she used to be an “Students get to learn and al Day . accountant. “I started to work with children know about each other, which Junior Sara because I love kids,” she said. Her hobbies makes a better environment for Al are reading and watching movies. them,” she said. “Mixing with Mahmoud, -Salama Al-Khumaisi (Grade 11) different cultures breaks down who is Bah- Juniors Sarah Al Mahmoud (left) and Lisa Saman said stereotypes.” raini- they benefit from the school’s diversity. / Photo courtesy Out of the school's 1,209 stu- Emirati, has Mr. Al Sakka is the internal PRO, who pro- dents, the two most-represented been at Alia Youssef. cesses official school documents such as resi- countries are the UAE (381, 35 AISA since kindergarten. “I find it interesting how dif- dency visas. Originally from Syria, for the percent) and the United States “I’m blessed for being best ferent cultures can be similar and past six years he previously worked in the (203, 17 percent). friends with people from differ- different at the same time,” she private sector in Abu Dhabi. In his free time, The rest are from every conti- ent cultures,” she said. “It gives said. “I like finding out about he watches television and plays cards. nent, from Algerian Grade 2 me information about back- different cultures.” –Sakhr Abdullah (Grade 12) student Noor Boutaleb to Yeme- grounds I would have never Unlike schools such as the ni Grade 7 student Khaled Al- known about.” American Community School, Shaikh Ali. Junior Lisa Saman, who is which prioritize students with Ms. Cools, a Pre-K assistant to Ms. Ester- Passport nationalities do not from the Dutch-speaking part of U.S. passports over all other huizen, is from the Dutch-speaking region of even tell students' whole stories, northern Belgium, enjoys finding groups, AISA does not have re- Belgium. She is n her seventh year of educa- as many students have dual citi- similarities and differences be- strictions. tion in various roles, all at AISA. “I became zenships, have parents of differ- tween her own culture and other “AISA would be very different a teacher because I love working with kids,” ent ethnicities and/or were not ones. if we had restrictions over the she said. Ms. Cools said she does not have raised in the countries listed on She said some of her best nationalities we accepted,” said time for hobbies, since she’s working all day their passports. friends are from the United Ms. Jones. “We would simply at school then a being a mom after school To celebrate the diversity, the States, India and Lebanon. not be AISA.” (her daughter is junior Lisa Saman). –Salama Al Khumaisi (Grade 12) Ms. Ohanian, the receptionist in the rotunda, is originally from Armenia., where she worked as a customer support manager at an internet provider company. “I like working at school because of its friendly and the family like environment,” Ms. Cruzat is the high school counseling of- she said. She also likes Abu Dhabi, saying: “The UAE has lots of different fice / IB secretary. Originally from Sebo, Phil- nationalities while in Armenia they were mostly Armenians.” Her hobbies are ippines, she previously lived in Dubai where swimming, photography and reading. –Sakhr Abdullah (Grade 12) she worked as a secretary for Chef Osama on Dubai TV I learned how to cook [Arab dessert] omali,” she said. In her free time, she loves baking and scuba diving. Ms. Poole, who teaches Elementary Learning Support in the library, is from –Hamdan Al-Nahyan (Grade 12) North Carolina, United States. In her fifth year of teaching. she previously taught in Texas and and North Carolina. “I became a teacher because I love working with kids,” Poole said. Her hobbies are painting, drawing, and reading. -Salama Al-Khumaisi (Grade 11) Ms. Manuel, the middle school secretary, is originally from Manila, Philippines, and this is her first job. “I am just a simple person with a Ms. Van der Walt, the elementary school secretary, is from South Africa humble personality with a close relationship and was. previously a substitute teacher. “I became a teacher because I love with God,” she said. In her free time she enjoys working with children,” she said. When not cheering on her daughter Jessica cooking. –Salama Al Khumaisi (Grade 11) (Grade 12) at volleyball and basketball games, she enjoys reading, watching movies and playing outdoor sports. -Salama Al-Khumaisi (Grade 11) 6 We Are the Lions! Nov. 2011

Boys JV V’ball Nearly Beats ASD Girls JV V’ball Nearly Beats ABA-Oman in ISAC Finals

in ISAC Finals By Marcela Cuadra ath- By Khalid Al-Mansoori returning: in sophomores (Grade 12) letic (Grade 12) Ali Cheikha and Nenad The girls JV volleyball pro- The boys JV volleyball Stefanovski. team came in second at team is proud after coming The other seven of nine the ISAC tournament in in second place at the students are in Grade 8 or late October, losing a ISAC tournament in mid- 9. tough finals match to rival October, improving on “The team worked very American British Acade- last year’s third place fin- hard and were committed my-Oman (ABA-Oman). ish and losing a close fi- to coming in the top four The team improved over nals game. in ISAC which they ac- last year's third place The team finished the complished,” said Mr. ISAC finish. Carlotta Sanger (Grade 10)said, “I gram is Above: Megan Jackson (Grade 9, No. 8) gets ready for season the volleyball at a recent match. / File photos. with a like the team this year and run by for- 6 -2 “Watch out we’re coming I think that the people that mer long- rec- back and better! We’re aiming were on last year im- time AISA athletic direc- ter, but we were all a little proved a lot.” tor Mr. Synoground. excited cause many peo- ord, for first place.” -Mr. McTigue and During the tournament “It was so weird not ple were watching.” lost on- the JV volleyball team seeing him in the AISA Still, coach Ms. Sambo- ly one match in ISAC -- in McTigue. only lost two games -- gym, we were sad that he la supported the team. an intense finals game “They improved in posi- both against ABA (with left AISA,” said the JV “I am very proud of my against the American tioning, sets, reactions and scores of 25-6 and the team captain Jude girls,” she said . “I think School of Dubai with a serves.” worse was 25-9), whose AlHajeri (Grade 9). “But it’s an amazing opportuni- score of 3-0. The players where also if we lost ty how the teams get to AISA had to played the very happy in coming in to any travel to demonstrate their finals game shorthanded, 2nd second place., Their school we abilities.” after one player (whom strong finish is a good sign were hap- Many team members coach Mr. McTigue de- for next year. py to lose plan to try out again next clined to name) sprained Mr. McTigue said the to ABA.” year. his leg. team is working hard to Saenger “I don’t think we Still, Coach Mr. improve for next year. added: “In showed full potential this McTigue said he was “Watch out we’re com- the last year at ISAC,” said Heidi proud of the team, which ing back and better!” he game we Pavlic (Grade 9). “[But] I featured with only two of said. “We’re aiming for could've can't wait to try out next the nine returning players first place.” been bet- year!”

Boys Varsity Volleyball Places 3rd in ISAC, Girls Varsity 4th in ISAC

Only Losses to Finals Teams By Aisha AlHajeri from [seniors] Jessica (Grade 12) [van der Walt] and Dan- By Muhammad We Are the Lions! Co- ielle [Cobrand]’s strong El-Amin (Grade 12) Editor spikes to [junior] Sarah The boys varsity volley- Despite coming in [Al Zaabi] falling on the ball team overcame an up- fourth place at the ISAC floor to reach a ball.” tournament in Kuwait in Though the team won and-down season with a late October, the girls only one game on the strong third place at a very varsity volleyball team season, the team im- competitive ISAC tourna- improved as a team on proved, according to ment. the season. coach Ms. Sambola, At ISAC, the team won During the tourna- who noted close losses four of six games , both ment rom October 27 to to Al Raha School losses against teams that October 29, the team (October 3), the Univer- played in the finals, the played tough matches sal American School American International against the American (October 4) and Dubai School in Kuwait (AISK) International School in American Academy and the American School Kuwait (AISK), the (October 9). American Academy for “They are working in Kuwait (ASK). This was Girls in Kuwait (AAG), together as a team and a significant improvement the American Commu- doing a much better job over their season record of 3-5. players – junior Farouk Abdul Karim, and nity School in Amman on offense with good "I'm very happy with how the season end- seniors Michael Najjar, Saif Sleiman – are (ACS-Amman) and the passes, sets and oppor- ed after a disappointing ECC league,” said fitting into the sets nicely. American International tunities for hitting the coach Mr. Holloway. “The guys worked Two players are doing exceptionally well: School in Egypt (AISE). ball,” she said. very hard in a two year effort to get to the Fares Salamah’s average serves hit in is 93 “Our biggest rival was Players emphasized semifinals, it's just great to see the team re- percent and Jovanovic averages 88 percent AISK because we the tight-knit bond that ward themselves." of the balls hit over the net, with 23 hits/ played them twice, and they have formed . Al During the tournament, seniors Sam Jo- game. they were the team we Zaabi said: vanovic and Fares Salamah led the team Plus JV players had a chance to compete played in the semifi- “Whatever happens nals,” said Sarah Al out on the court, wheth- with many blocks and kills , while [grade] for spots on the varsity squad, including Mi- Zaabi (Grade 11). er it’s an injury or foul Saif Sleiman did not miss a single serve . to Owino (Grade 8), Jasper Saenger (Grade AISA won the first set play, we’re always sup- Earlier in the season, it seemed like inju- 9) and Rami Shoukih (Grade 10). 25-20, but lost the next portive of each other." ries would derail the team. But players like "I want to thank the players for their com- two set 25-17 and 15-8. Salamh cited “great coaching and good team mitment throughout the season, I really en- “Everyone on the spirit” for the turnaround. joyed it,” said Mr. Holloway. “I'm hoping to team has still managed The team, led by captains and seniors see some new faces next year." to do something impres- Kebure Asefa and Sam Jovanovic, improved sive,” said Williams, throughout the season. Four new varsity “and our skills ranged