June 2011

Vol. 1, No. 8

“Where the lions roar!”

Hundreds Attend Prom and Bazaar P2

7 Sophs Accepted to NYU AD Summer Program P3

Students Celebrate Spanish, Latino Culture at Fiesta P4

MS ‘Muzes’ Performance Night Big Hit P5

How can you avoid finals fatigue? P6

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by Alyazia Al Hamed (Grade 11, News!) High school students enjoyed learning about traditional Emirati culture on a desert safari trip on May 4. The trip was suggested by the nearly 40 students who paid AED 150 each to attend, and was run by Al Badeyah Eyes Tourism, which specializes in promoting Emirati culture, according to their website . The trip started in the afternoon with camel and horse rides, followed by dune bashing in SUVs. "Dune bashing was a crazy experience, not what I had expected," said PE teacher Mr. Hornblower, who chaperoned the trip with girls assistant principal Ms. Spegele and English teacher Ms. Morkin. Fourteen of the students were Emirati

boys, including Hamdan Al Nahyan, who brought a tea set and served traditional tea with milk, called “chai haleeb” in Arabic. Many students and teachers saw the UAE in a new prospective. “It was a great experi-ence. I'd do it again!," said Ms. Spegele “Hopefully next year, students will have the opportunity to go through this experience. “ Many ex-pats and Emirati girls had their hands painted in intricate henna designs. “It was the first time I've ever done something like that, and I loved it." said Salam Oubeid (Grade 9). Dinner was served around a campfire, and students returned at 9 p.m. “It was a good experience and a great way to hang and have fun with friends," said Elena Jovanovic (Grade 9) "It was awesome!"-30-

by Oshba Al Murar (Grade 12, Cosmo) The 88 former seniors are full of mixed emotions after graduating at Emirates Palace on June 7, held un-der His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Khaled. Feeling thrilled, nervous and sad, graduates are ready to embark on their own separate paths. “I [couldn’t] wait to graduate, but it’ll be weird not being with every-one next year,” said Ruba Al Homsi, who’s study ing at the American University of Sharjah. Graduation started with a proces-sional of teachers to “Pomp and Circumstance,” then former senior Ibrahim Al Hashidi recited a passage from the Holy Que’an. School director Dr. Jones gave the welcoming address, emphasizing that people in the UAE thrive. Mr. Walid Abushakra, superin-tendent and chairman of the board, addressed the audience, saying: “Your parents spent sleepless nights to put you in this outstanding school and top univerisites. Make the school and parents proud, and lead your community into prosperity.” Seniors then performed the class song “Standing Strong,” created by Ms. Van Rensburg’s music class.

Secondary School Principal Mr. Godley then recognized the valedic-torians for the IB and diploma pro-grams, respectively, Marija Popovic and Sharifah Al Hinai; and salutatori-ans Nour Chehabbedine and Shaima Al Marzooqi. Al Hinai said that you can achieve any goal that you set for yourself. “You never know when life will smile at you with a free Ferrari,” she said, referencing Mr. Mangan’s re-cent prize. “Learn another language, read and travel.” Popovic said students will cherish these memories, from “the trouble-makers to those who made you nervous before an exam.” She emphasized the educational journey of high school. “We have reached the top of the hill, you look down and see you and your journey expand. But you look up and see a road with ambitions.” Then H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan awarded the diplomas to the graduates, and Mr. Godley presented the Class of 2011 to the audience. In the days before graduation, seniors were under pressure and counted down their remaining time at the school. But after collecting graduation

cards, attend-ing the Cap-ping Ceremony and now offi-cially graduat-ing, they are ready to take this first step in their exciting new journey. “It isn’t an end, but a step into the future,” said Hend Al Sanadi, who will be attending the Petroleum Institute. Like the students, staff also have mixed emotions, but are proud that the seniors are graduating. “I think that this class is full of a lot of people who I’m going to miss,” said Mr. Godley. Dr. Jones also thanked community affairs coordinator Ms. Shanti, sec-retary Ms. Van Hoogstraten, Arabic staff member Mr. Odat for mentoring Ibrahim Al Hashidi, the Admin for serving as guides, and the support staff for organizing and cleaning up the auditorium.

Students Experience Emirati Culture on Desert Safari

Graduation Day! Seniors React with Mixed Emotions at Emirates Palace Ceremony

Clockwise from Top Left: Mr. Abushakra, superin-tendent and chairman of the board, addresses the graduating class. Graduates throw their caps in the air. Graduate Ibrahim Al Hashidi reads a passage from the Holy Qur’an. Valedictorians Marija Popovic (left) and Shaifah Al Hinai.

Clockwise from top left: Dahnia Asfour (Grade 9) has her hand painted with henna. Freshmen Salam Oubeid (left) and Elena Jovanovic ride a camel. Boys and girls enjoy a traditional dinner. / Photos courtesy Ms. Spegele.

A I S A ’ s V O i C E2 The ExpressJune 2011

by Fatma Al Khazraji (Grade 12) Seniors celebrated graduation with the American tradition of prom -- not spon-sored by school -- held at Shangri La's ballroom on the evening of June 3. Prom committee members and seniors, Alyaziah Al Blooshi and Maira Nabawy, worked hard to satisfy the more than 50 guests who paid AED 400 for tickets. "It was a really hard responsibility, but Al Hamdu-Lilah we managed to pull it off and it will hopefully be an amazing night", said Al Blooshi, praising God in Arabic. Besides spending time with friends, seniors danced to DJ Bliss, one of the top DJs in the Middle East. Seniors who are attended were very excited. "I really wanted to spend quality time with my loved ones before moving to the United States, because I might not see them again," said Farrah Abu Hijleh. "The seniors have worked really hard to fund prom,” said Secretary Ms. Van Hoogstraten, "It's an event that they will always cherish."

by Mona Al Amry (Grade 12) Middle School students enjoyed using online social media to discuss novels dur-ing the Literacy Blog online discussion group project this spring. Every grade from Grades 6 through 8 read a different novel, and when students finished, they discussed it on the school's website. University students from New York University's Abu Dhabi campus also participated alongside the students by commenting on the books, and utilizing and developing the literacy blog, according to middle school teacher Mr. McGrady. “The goal of this whole blog was to get the students more excited about reading novels and expand the com-munication between them by discussing their novels and sharing their ideas,” he said. In many ways it ac-complished this goal.”

by Shaika Al Qassimi (Grade 11, AISA’s Voice Editor) About a dozen students are excited about next year's community service trip to Bali, Indonesia to help build home for the poor, scheduled for mid-February 2012. About 10-20 students are paying AED 10,000 each to build houses on the trip, co-sponsored by World Challenge (which also ran the Nepal trip in No-vember 2010) and Habitat for Human-

ity. Two years ago, students went on a Habit for Humanity trip to Tajikistan. Humanities teacher Ms. Fleming is organizing the trip. "This is a great op-portunity for students to get involved in an international organization," she said. She choose Bali because itis safe .

Left: Habitat for Humanity volunteers mix concrete in a Bali earlier this year. / Photo courtesy Aramco Expats.

The Express MastheadOur Mission:

The Express produces an up-to-date, fun, fresh, fierce newspaper that will be liked by many, cussed by some, read by all!

Staff AdvisersMr. Baron, Mr. Kandil

AISA’s VoiceEditor: Shaika Al Qassimi

Mona Al AmryFatma Al Khazraji

Sheikha Al MeraikhiArts & Culture

Editor: Maitha Al MansooriHana Al Ameri

Rawdha Al MansouriMenat El Abd

CosmoEditor: Shamma Al Khouri

Hanna Al HassenOshba Al MurarFarah Al Suwaidi

News!Editor: Rana AlsaadiAlyazia Al Hamed

Farida NassarTanya Tarazi

Sports Lions:Editor: Jessica van der Walt

Ameilia FoxPaula FrondaAria Pavlic

Copyright © 2011 AISANo portion of this newspaper or related online content may be reproduced for public or comercial purposes without prior written permission.

by Mr. GodleySecondary School Principal Reflecting on this year, I feel very satisfied because we have all worked so very hard to make this year a success. Thank you to all of the teachers who have dedicated themselves to helping students to make improve-ments this year. You dedication and commitment to our students is commendable.

Thank you to all of the students who have dedicated themselves to learning and growth this year. I hope that you have had a mean-ingful school year. Finally, a special thank you to our AISA support staff who make our school such a special place. AISA would not be what it is without you. I wish everyone a relaxing sum-mer in which we “re-create and relax.”

Making Memories and Dancing All Night at Prom

How to Succeed in Business…at the AISA Bazaar

Middle School Literacy Blog Hosts Novel Discussions

Students Eager to Lend a Helping

Hand for Habitat for Humanity Trip

by Mr. Baron Science teacher Mr. Man-gan won a Ferrari at the Al Jazira football champion-ship celebration on June 5 -- but is still returning to teach next year. Mr. Mangan, who is from Cameroon, kept his nerves to win a penalty shootout, and won a luxurious Ferrari Italia 458 valued at AED 1 million — the biggest ever give-away in the history of UAE football, according to Gulf News. “I have been a fan of Al Jazira ever since I came to Abu Dhabi nearly three years ago,” he told Gulf News. “It felt great and I called my family back home.” Mangan and his opponent kicked the ball farthest and then in the shootout were level 2-2 before Mangan coolly converted while his

opponent hit the right post, according to Gulf News. Mangan sold the Fer-rari for an undisclosed amount, and later bought croissants and coffee for the entire school staff. “For sure, it will change my life,” he told the Express in an exclusive interview. “However I will still be the same man people knew before that night.” Mangan also said he will be returning as a teacher next year. “I like what I am doing,” he told the Express. “I would also like to thank all of you students and staff that cheered and supported me till that victory!” Staff agreed that the victory could not have hap-pened to a better person.

One in a Million:Science Teacher Wins Ferrari at Al Jazira Celebration, Returns to AISA Next Year

Above: Mr. Mangan celebrates the goal. / Photo courtesy Al Jazira Club. Below: Mr. Mangan poses in the Fer-rari. / Photo courtesy Gulf News.

by Mr. Berzins Putting on a seatbelt may save your life in a traffic accident, ac-cording to the Abu Dhabi Health Authority. Abu Dhabi has one of the high-est rates of road deaths in the

world, especially due to drivers not being safe. Barely 10 percent of Emirati nationals wearing seatbelts, and less than half of ex-pats wearing them. For more details: www.roadsafety.ae/index_en.html.

Buckle Up to Save Your Life

More than 100 customers raised more than AED 1,000 while supporting student-run businesses at the first AISA Bazaar on the evening of March 18. Dozens of students had fun while learn-ing important business skills as they ran more than 15 booths in the boys playground. Booths included games -- personzalized embroidery and dirham flipping, with exciting prizes like Blackber-ries -- and traditional booths such as clothing

and trinkets. Sophomore Emirati boys and junior Emirati girls, nicknamed the “Locoz,” orga-nized the event, along with soph-omore Rashed Al-Romaithi and senior Abdulla

Al-Romaithi. While the student-businessmen and businesswomen made thousands of dirhams on their own, more than AED 1,200 was raised from ticket sales. Of that amount, AED 1,000 is going to a charity, and AED 200 is going to junior Dorien van Heerden’s Nepal charity project. The “Locoz” are looking forward to organizing next year’s Bazaar, aiming for a greater success.

Four Publications Students Earn Magazine Internships

Thanks for a Great Year, Best of Luck Over Summer!

Four students in the Publications class -- including three section editors -- have earned summer internships at Turret Media, which publishes popular magazines Abu

Dhabi Week and Gulf Interiors. The students are graduate Farah Al Suwaidi, and rising seniors Maitha Al Mansoori, Rana Alsaadi and Aria Pavlic.

N E W S ! 3The ExpressJune 2011

by Rana Alsaadi(Grade 11, News! Editor) Help raise AED 10,000 for the school’s support staff at the boutique and used book sale, ending on June 16. At the AISA Boutique, school staff and parents can purchase donated items such as clothing, handbags, belts, shoes, jewelry, scarves, toys, electronics, sports equipment, and home décor (lamps, table cloths, and picture frames). At the used book sale, all books are sold for AED 5 each. “The support staff is part of the AISA staff and it is impor-tant to appreciate the work they

do,” said Librarian Mrs. Morley. Grade 1 teacher Ms. Burrows, organized the boutique over the past two months with the primary school parents group. Last year’s boutique raised nearly AED 4,000 for the clean-ing staff. But the proceeds from this year’s boutique and used book sale will be divided among the entire support staff. “It is important to thank them for their hard work in support-ing us by providing them with a yearend gift,” said Ms. Burrows. Two staff members who are donating goods are Science teacher Ms. Fairbarn and high school guidance counselor Ms.

Merrell. Ms. Fairbarn donated books for the used book sale, and clothes and small household items for the boutique; Ms. Mer-rell donated clothes. “It is important to give money to the support staff,”said Ms. Fairbarn. “I think they are un-derpaid.”

Note: The Boutique opens on June 14 for most of the school day for faculty in the PYP room. On June 15 -16, the Boutique will be open to parents and fac-ulty. The used book sale started on June 12 and ends on June 16.

by Farida Nassar (Grade 11) Seven sophomores are excited about being a select few Abu Dhabi residents attending a summer pro-gram run by New York University-Abu Dhabi (NYU-AD) that will help prepare them for university. The accepted students are Abdulla Al Mutawa, Darwish Al

Marar, Mariam Al Jaberi, Mohamed Al Shaibani, Noor Al Muhairbi, Sara Al Mahmoud, Abdulla Al Harmoudi. Through the university’s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program, the seven accepted students will take specially designed

courses, splitting five weeks be-tween the NYU campuses in Flor-ence, Italy and Abu Dhabi. The students will take classes on English language enrichment, study skills and SAT preparation, and also meet leaders and visit cultural sites.

According to Mr. Morley, boys assistant principal, students were chosen based on their GPA and CV, an essay and interview. Many things made Sara Al Mah-moud want to join this program. “I sure wanted a head start for my future, why not take it now?” she said. “Being a girl in an Arab family doesn't give me a certain freedom in my life. There are limits to where I can go, and limits to what I can do.” However she said she was upset when her parents told her before-hand that she would not be allowed to study abroad. “This program is an opportunity to change their minds,” said Al Mahmoud.

by Tanya Tarazi (Grade 11) Students and staff are looking forward to improvements in facil-ities and courses, paid for by the owners without tuition increases, for the next school year. Board members Sheikh Ne-hayan bin Hamdan Al Nehayan, Mr. Abdullah Al Hashli and Mr. Walid Abushakra are paying for the improvements, which are be-ing coordinated by administrators including director Dr. Jones, Mr. Morley, boys’ assistant principal,

and Ms. Spegele, girls’ as-sistant principal are coordinating the im-provements. The

school is changing how English is taught in both Elementary and Secondary Schools and adding an Elementary School counselor. For upperclassmen electives, there will be a new IT course on photography and video produc-tion. For classroom facilities, there will be more Smartboards, a stronger wireless connection throughout the school and new computers in high school.

“These things will provide bet-ter the service to students,” said Dr. Jones. The opening of the two pools may mean after-school swim-ming classes, a swim team and including swimming as a sport in P.E. In the playgrounds, there will be better and safer equipment and more shading, administrators said. “All of the changes being put into place will improve quality and education,” said Dr. Jones. Junior Steffanie Sanders is also looking forward to the improve-ments. “I can’t wait to see the results of all of the changes being made for next year, especially the pool!”

NYU Abu Dhabi’s temporary downtown campus. / Photo courtesy Gulf News. Background courtesy 123rf.com.

Seven Sophomores Accepted into Prestigious NYU AD Program

Only a Few Days Left to Attend AISA Boutique and Used Book Sale! Fundraising Goal of AED 10,000 for Support Staff

School to Revise English Curriculum, Improve IT Next Year

Support staff supporters. Left: Grade 1 teacher Ms. Burrows is organizing the AISA Boutique. Photo courtesy AISA. Right: Library staff Mrs. Shafey, Mrs. Morley and Mrs. Boulton are organizing the Used Book Sale. / Photo courtesy Mr. Baron.

by Ms. Khaleel Grade 4 students Yousif Korayem (left) and Tailynn De Plesses (right) represented the school at the HAAD School Nurses and Eat Right and get Active campaign ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel on June 7. “We were the only school that the students were the speakers in front of Mr. Zaid Al-Saksak (Health Authority-HAAD Director) and Mr.

Mohammad Salem Al-Dhaheri (Di-rector in ADEC) using their Power-Point presentation which made the Directors so happy of our school,” said Ms. Khaleel, the school nurse. “Great thanks to our wonderful students, their parents who support-ed them and stayed with me till the end of the ceremony, and teachers who helped them as well. Special thanks to Dr. Jones for always supporting our school clinic in all events which make us so proud of having him our director.”

Students Rep School at Nurses Ceremony

by Ms. Townsend Two Grade 6 students served as shark research assistants for the Gulf Elasmo Project at Dubai’s Deira market in early June. The students, Jade Bienseant (left on the top picture)and Reema Shahin, helped math/science teacher Ms. Townsend to gather shark data for the project, which helps to measure shark species in

the Arabian Gulf. Using dead sharks, the students took shark measurements and gill samples for DNA, and identified shark genders and species. The students said they liked measuring and touching the variety of sharks and watching the shark’s fins being cut from the body to be used for shark fin soup in Hong Kong.

MS Students Study Sharks in Dubai

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by Farah Al Suwaidi (Grade 12) Senior enjoyed the casual pre-graduation Capping Ceremony -- and yearbook release event -- on June 5. At the ceremony, seniors said goodbye to the school, and juniors stepped up to take their place. The capping ceremony was introduced last year by Secondary School Principal Mr. Godley. “When we go to graduation it’s not consid-ered our event,” said Mr. Godley. “Howev-er capping ceremony is our event it’s more intimate and not as formal.” This year new features included a reflec-tion video and students singing. Yearsbooks were also released on this day, and proved to be popular sellers. This year’s yearbook was designed by students in the Publications class, and includes all varisty and JV sports, more clubs, events and trips, and more pictures of more people, according to Publications teacher Mr. Baron. This year's yearbook is AED 250, remain-ing copies of last year's are AED 75. But there is also a special combo price: both for AED 300. “It’s a great idea that students designed it,” said graduate Ruba Al Homsi. “It be-comes more personal because they under-stand what everyone wants.” Buy your yearbook at the uniform shop. Treasure your memories forever!

by Hanna Al Hassen (Grade 12) Grade 5 students staged their environmental exhibition in the old gym in early May. Over a three-day period from May 3-5, students presented poster boards and interactive media on environmental topics such as caring for animals, recy-cling and water conservation; and health topics such as the dangers of smoking shisha and bullying, and child rights.

“Its a combination of their PYP skills and celebration of finishing PYP,” said Grade 5 teacher Ms. Apted. On May 3, parens attended an open house, on May 4 school staff attended and on May 5 teachers assessmed the projects. Grade 5 student Hamza Al-Selme said, “It was fun to do and fun to present to others.”

by Shamma Al Khouri (Grade 11, Cosmo Editor) IB-1 Spanish students presented La Noche Latina-Espanol – their first-ever end-of-term “fiesta,” in a variety show featuring songs, skits and cooking demonstrations – in the old gym on May 26. Based on Latin American variety shows like “Siempre Domingo (Always Sunday)” and “Sabado Gigante (Giant Saturday),” students sang a handful of popular songs from

Latin America, did a quiz show about culture from Spanish-speaking countries such as Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Spain, and performed a skit poking fun at Spanish class. Spanish teacher Ms. Laughran said, “It makes learn-ing different languages fun!” In the final segment, a cook-ing demonstration, Joumana Asfour and Delia Smith made the Mexican dish pico de gallo (salsa) with nachos, while Mohamed Shaker and Shamil

Saeed made the Spanish vegetable soup gazpacho. The audience, mostly IB-2 students and a handful of guests such as the Venezuelan deputy ambas-sador, voted Asfour and Smith as the winners. Smith, who is American but of part Mexican ethnicity, said, “The feeling of actually winning after making a homey meal for everyone was so over-whelming.” Asfour added: “It was also really awesome seeing every-

one love our freshly made pico de gallo.” Guests enjoyed the food and the night. “I liked it, it's practical that they learn how to speak Span-ish while enjoying it,” said Robert Noriega, the deputy ambassador from Venezuela to the UAE. “They learned the culture through music, food and clothes, so if they go to Latin America or Spain they'll know it.” Ms. Laughran added “It was

fantastic, the students had a real treat of Spanish language.” Ms. Laughran said she is planning to continue the Span-ish night next year, with the theme “Madrinas.” Madrinas will be an extension of the after-school Spanish club “Hola…Que tal? (Hello, what's up?)”, linking the school's na-tive Spanish speakers with the IB students.

Grade 5 teacher Mr. Berzins (far left) listens as students present a panel on the benefits of recycling. / Photo courtesy Mr. Baron.

The Express

June 2011

Student Celebrate Spanish, Latino Culture at First-Ever Fiesta

Left: IB-1 Spanish students presented a variety of skits. Top row (left to right): Delia Smith, Joumana Asfour, Venezuelan ambassador to the UAE Robert Noriega, Sonu Mattew, Ms. Laughran, Mohamed Shaker, Shamil Saeed, Akshaay Hendricks. Bottom row (left to right): Norell Tagle, Quosain Memon, Danielle Cobrand, Claudia Oswald and Omar Khalil. Right: Ms. Laughran with the cooking contestants -- “Green Tomatoes” Saeed and Shaker, and the winning “Red Tomatoes” Smith and Asfour. / Photo courtesy Mr. Baron.

Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Heart!

Grade 5 Students Present Environmental Exhibition

Second Annual Capping Ceremony Sensational Success;

Yearbooks Hot Seller After Release

Watch a sneak peek of the yearbook on YouTube:

bit.ly/aisa2011

A r t s & C u l t u r e 5The ExpressJune 2011

by Hana Al Ameri (Grade 11) Secondary School students enjoyed fitness training on the first-ever PE class field trip to Zayed Sports City's Haddins Fit-ness on May 1. Once the Grade 9 and 10 boys, and Grade 7 girls, arrived at the fitness center, a fitness profes-sional ran them through an 80-minute circuit of fitness train-ing including stationary bikes, boxing, pushups and sit ups. later. "We planned this trip as an ex-tracurricular activity for the class to go outside the gym to show them something different," said

PE teacher Mr. Hornblower, who organized the trip with fellow PE teacher Mr. Crowe. Though Grade 9 student Ahmad Al Khumairi said he was tired from the workout, he did like-learning how to exercise with the equipment the instructor showed them. “I think the [students] really en-joyed it, and since then about 20 of the Grade 9 boys have signed up for five more sessions through the school during PE time on Thursday," said Mr Hornblower.

by Menat El Abd (Grade 11) Students enjoyed the Snoop Dogg and Amr Diab concert at Yas Island on May 6. Since becoming popular in the 1990s, Snoop Dogg, the Ameri-can gangsta rapper made his first trip to Abu Dhabi, and he did not disappoint the packed crowd. Snoop Dogg has won several awards, including an American Music Award for Favorite Rap Artist, a MOBO Best Video gong and most recently an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video for his collaboration with Katy Perry on their monster hit ‘California Gurls,’” wrote “Time Out Abu Dhabi.” He sang his new and old songs, including his famous one, “Drop it like its Hot.” ‘The fans paid for Snoop Dogg

and they gonna get Snoop Dogg,” Snoop Dogg told “Time Out Abu Dhabi.” “I wouldn’t want to disap-point tha people that paid to see me, ya dig?’” After Egyptian pop star Amr Diab opened, Snoop Dogg entered the stage wearing a kandoora, and later on an Al Wahda football jersey. Dozens of students who went to the concert, including Kairine Maharajh (Grade 11). “The crowd was really enthu-siastic when they saw Snoop Dogg’s outfits,” she said. “But it was hot, the dancers weren’t that good, also there were a lot of fights which made it not very safe.” Senior Nicole Gurgel agreed. “Amazing concert, but it was seri-ously hot,” she said.

by Maitha Al Mansoori(Grade 11, Arts & Culture Editor) Bringing their singing for a good cause, 10 Secondary School singers sang to a group of special-needs students from the Al Noor Special Needs Center, sponsored bythe Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in early May. Practicing on May 3 and perform-ing on May 4 at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce building, AISA students expressed their feelings through the music to the special needs students, who have conditions such as hearing loss, Down’s syndrome and Autism.

This field trip was chaperoned by music teacher Ms. Van Rensburg and Elementary School teacher-aid Ms. Saman. Students sang songs like “This Little Light of Mine” with a handful of students, Ms. Van Rensburg said, “Through music we can share experiences with children who don't necessarily understand when we talk to them or our body language.” AISA previously collaborated with Al Noor Center at the begin-ning of the year, when some AISA students volunteered at a ballet event.

One of the singers, Reem Lari (Grade 11) said, “It was such a memorable experience and I still feel like my heart is with all the kids. I was amazed after watching their performances, they overcame all their disabilities.” Ms. Van Rensburg said she is looking forward to planning a simi-lar event next year. “The event was a humbling and uplifting expe-rience,” she said. “They (Al Noor Center) were very well prepared, enthusiastic and very welcoming towards us.”

Left: Students from the Al Noor Center for Special Needs give a round of applause to AISA’s singers. Right: AISA junior Reem Lari poses with a student from the Al Noor Center. / Photos courtesy Ms. Van Rensburg.

School Singers Support Students from Al Noor Center for Special Needs

Seconday School students got a workout inside the Haddins Fitness center at Zayed Sports City. / Photo courtesy Zayed Sports City.

Students Workout at 1st PE Field Trip to Zayed Sports City

Snoop Dogg and Amr Diab ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’

at Yas Island

American rapper Snoop Dogg entered the stage wearing a

kandoor to the surprise and delight of the crowd. / Photo courtesy Arab News.

by Rawdha Al Mansouri (Grade 11) A packed crowd of more than 100 people attended the first-ever Middle School drama production in the Music Room on May 18. This was the second year for the Middle School drama program, and 120 students, teachers and staff saw more than 20 performing arts students from Grades 6 to 8, under the nickname “Musez,” perform the play "Beauty is a Beast” by D.M. Bocaz-Larson and performances from the Middle School Music Makers. The first act was the play, a romantic comedy spoof of “Cinderella,” whose message is that it is more important to be beautiful in the inside than the outside. The second act included eight musical performances such as beat boxing (Ali Sharif and Saif Al Romaithi), singing (Kayoon Kim), and solos on the piano (Yara Aghabi, Maya Yang and Noursul-tan Mussinov), trumpet (Kende Tar) and violin (Camille Duchateau). Mr. Gallichan, high school drama teach-er, and Ms. Townsend, middle school sci-ence teacher, directed the play, with high school humanities teacher Mr. Baron as assistant director, and Ms. Van Rensburg directed the musical performances. In the play the self-centered Princess Beauty (Melinda Knowling) wants to win the Queen of the Ball. But the Fairy Prin-cess (Brighid Hurtubise) makes her ugly, and has Beauty's sweet sister Princess Honor (Mathilde Bienseant, with Arjun Kamra as Prince Andres ) win. Beauty falls in love with a commoner named Nick (Dean Carstens), and they all dance the macarena to celebrate. Besides Knowling and Hurtubise, sev-eral students participated in the play and the choir: Ellise Roth, Yun Jeong Jeon and Gabby Norkus. Mr. Gallichan and Ms. Van Rensburg congratulated students on their hard work. "Students did very well, great promise for the future," said Mr. Gallichan.

Crisis for the princess. Princess Beauty (center; Melinda Knowling) confides in commoner Nick (left; Dean Carstens). On the right, the Princess’ Fairy Godmother (Brighid Hurtubise) looks on. / Photo by Mr. Baron.

More Than 100 Attend First-Ever ‘Muzes’

MS Performing Arts Night

More than 30 Middle School students -- now dubbed the “Muzes” -- were involved in the play and musical performances. / Photo courtesy Mr. Baron.

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6by Jessica van der Walt (Grade 11, Sports Lions Edior) and Ameilia Fox (Grade 11)

Feeling stressed during finals? Two solutions: Keep your body healthy with good nutrition and get regular exercise.

Nutrition: ‘Balance is Key’ Due to the weather changes, stress and the few hours of sleep you are probably get-ting, your immune is system is likely weak– increasing the chances that you will get sick. PE Teacher Ms. McLeod recommends staying healthy by eating a healthy and bal-anced diet. “Though you can treat your-self from time to time, balance is the key.” she said. “If you want to succeed and think productively you have to eat breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day.” McLeod explained that without breakfast your body “stays asleep” and you are not as productive as you should be.

Give your body what it needs, such as protein and carbohydrates. Avoid coffee and energy drinks, since they will give you a sugar high. When it is out of your system, your blood sugar will drop and you will have minimum energy, according to About.com’s Stress Management guide. “It is important to stay hy-drated, so drink lots of water,” added McLeod. If you keep these things in mind you will definitely feel the difference and have abetter chance of succeeding.

Working Out Keeps You Fit A regular exercise routine can help you lose stress and give you the perfect beach body. But you better start soon, becauseresults will take more than just a few weeks, accord-ing to fitness website Life-Tips.com. To lose weight, you should walk or run for at least 30 minutes most days, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking around

the neighborhoodor watching exercise DVDs. In the summer, many people travel around the world but want to stay fit. PE teacher Ms. McLeod recommends a variety of workout routines. “During the summer, I like to run, do 'hot' yoga (in a room of 40° Celsius), and go the gym to lift weights and take [bicycle] spinning classes," she said . Senior Abdul Quddos Al Aghbari, who was one of the school's athletes of the year, works out five times a week for 90 minutes/day in the hopes of to becoming a professional football player. “What encouraged me was that I was overweight at some point in life (see his Grade 6 picture to the right). My dream is to be a professional footballer and in order to do that but I had to be in my top fitness,” he said. After eight months of run-ning and jogging, and no longer eating junk food, he now has a balanced diet and is in top shape.

by Aria Pavlic (Grade 11) Barcelona has been crowned the best football club in the world after de-feating Manchester United 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League Finals at London’s Wembley Stadium on May 28th. Even the schools' Man-chester United fans said Barcelona was the better team of the night. “Barcelona is a good team no doubt about that, but how unfortunate that the ‘sup-porters’ are sore winners,” said junior Kairine Maha-rajh, a Manchester United fan who also plays on the varsity soccer team. “I say ‘supporters’ cause

half of them are only glory hunters.” The first goal of the night was shot by Pedro of Barce-lona at the near post. Man-chester struck back within 10 minutes with Wayne Rooney curving the ball into the back of the net. In the second half, Lionel Messi slammed a low shot past the goalkeeper from 60 feet. “Messi is one the great players of this game and to bring him down its going to take the whole team to do it,” said Heidi Pavlic (Grade 8), a Barcelona Fan and goalie for the JV soccer team (and this reporter's sister).

Ahead 2-1, Barcelona scored again with David Villa curving the ball into the top corner. The game ended with a dazzling defeat for Manchester, and a Tro-phy for Barcelona. Nick Overkamp (Grade 11), a neutral fan who plays on the varsity soccer team, said: “The teams played well however Barcelona was definitely better; they plainly have more skills and passion for the sport. “However, it’s too sad [longtime Dutch star and Manchester United goalie Edwin] Van Der Sar lost his last game, he played really well.”

by Paula Fronda (Grade 12) Who will take up Athletic Direc-tor Mr. Synoground’s hectic and hassling job next year? Yes high school PE teacher Mr. Hornblower, will be the successor, since Mr. Synoground is moving to the American British Academy-Oman after 11 years as the school's Athletic Director (and 14 years here altogether). Mr. Synoground praised Mr. Hornblower, saying, “I'm glad to leave AISA behind knowing that it’ll be in good hands. AISA has been a huge part of my life and will always be. I’m happy knowing I’ve left a place where I have made a huge impact and left something behind.”

Already Mr. Hornblower is plan-ning next year’s sports program. He said the P.E. curriculum will include physical fitness, and how the body works with certain exer-cises and techniques. “I’m trying to build up the curriculum for the better of the students, and it’s good to know I can make an impact with just one class,” he said. Mr. Hornblower added that he wants to continue building the sports program. “I'll be planning and organizing more for those who are ‘sports crazy’!”The

ExpressJune 2011

Feeling Stressed During Finals? Nutrition and Exercise May Help!

Mr. Hornblower to Succeed Mr. Synoground

as Athletic DirectorExpanded PE Curriculum to Include

Fitness, Potentially Swimming

Mr. Hornblower (left) to succeed longtime Athletic Director Mr. Synoground. / Photos courtesy AISA.

Students Agree Barcelona Better Team in UEFA Victory Over Man U.

Barcelona celebrates its 3-1 victory over rival Manchester United during hte UEFA Finals on May 28.

Above: Left: Abdul Quddos Al Aghbari was overweight in his Grade 6 class photo. Righ: But thanks to a rigorous workout routine he now has washboard abs, as Al Aghbari (left) poses with AISA graduate Faris Al Zaabi.Below: The food pyramid serves as a useful guide for healthy eating.