The Express “Where the lions roar!
”
Record-Setting
77 Student Nationalities
By Fatma Al Khazraji (Grade 12)
Since AISA opened in 1995, the stu-
dent body has become more diverse each
year, according to school officials. This
year the school has a record-setting 77
nationalities, making AISA one of the
few Abu Dhabi schools with the mix of
Arab and international students, school
staff said.
Director Dr. Gareth Jones said,
“Having a rich diversity of students
brings a lot of different life, opinion, cul-
tures and allows each person to learn
more about the other and develop toler-
ance.”
Many Emirati students, like Mohamed
Al Sawaleh (Grade 10), said they are
proud to have the mixture of cultures,
while international students like Armand
Gurgu (Grade 10) from Romani also ap-
preciate the diversity. “It‟s a fun and new
experience once you get used to the new
lifestyle and diverse society,” he said.
AISA welcomes new students by as-
signing buddy groups, and the school
celebrates International Night with a
fashion show and country booths made
by students.
Inside:
Where in the world?
Did you know AISA students hail
from each continent?
Page 2
New Staff Profiles
AISA welcomes nearly 40 new
staff — read all about ‗em!
Pages 3-4
Arabic Department
Page 5
University Life
Which university is the ―Big Man
on Campus‖ at AISA?
How does an AISA alum like uni-
versity life at Abu Dhabi U?
Pages 5-6
Middle School compete for best-
decorated door — who won?
Pages 5
Volleyball Recaps
Which teams could earn a title?
Page 6
Vol. 1, No. 2
30-Hour Famine Raises Dh 30,000 for Pakistan Relief
By Farida Nassar (Grade 11)
Pakistani student Quosain Memon (Grade 11) stood
on stage in front of the nearly 100 starving students who had
fasted for 30 hours straight, to raise awareness and money
for Pakistan after this summer's devastating floods.
“If I could just help one child no matter how long it
takes, I'll do it,” Memon said in a speech. The floods have
personally affected him – refugees have moved to the region
where he used to live.
School staff said the Famine held on October 21 was
likely the first charity fast-sleepover held in the UAE, and is
one of several projects coordinated by humanities teachers
Ms. Fleming and Mr. Mirza. The Famine was a secular ver-
sion of similar programs held in North America and the Brit-
ish Commonwealth. Students raised more than Dh 30,000 –
triple their goal – and 100 bags of donated food and clothes.
Proceeds are donated to Khushaal Pakistan, an or-
ganization that works on housing and distributing clothing,
shelter and food, according to spokesman Samad Khurram.
The World Bank estimates damage at nearly Dh 40 billion,
Pakistani Teacher Leads Relief Efforts for Homeland
By Rana Alsaadi (Grade 11)
Every Friday for the past
two months, dozens of students
help humanities teacher Mr.
Faraz Mirza carries heavy bags of
donated clothes and canned food
to his car, to be sent to Pakistan
in the wake of devastating floods
that have affected more than 20
million Pakistanis.
Mr. Mirza, 32, who grew
up in England but whose father is
Pakistani, is leading AISA's ef-
forts.
Already Mr. Mirza has Mr. Mirza greets students
collected more than 100 bags of at the 30-Hour Famine.
goods, and the school has raised Photo by Ibrahim Al
more than Dh 40,000. “I am over- Hashidi (Grade 12)
whelmed by the response,” he
said.
Donated clothing and food are sent to Red Crescent,
which distributes aid and builds tents and homes in Paki-
stan, Mr. Mirza said. Money is wired to bank accounts of
charities Khushaal Pakistan and the Imran Khan Founda-
tion. Imran Khan provides seeds to farmers, builds villages,
and food and shelter, according to their website.
Khushaal Pakistan delivers aid packages, tents,
clothing, and sets up soup kitchens, Spokesman Samad
Khurram wrote in an e-mail. The organization conducts
relief work in the hard-hit Balochistan region, rebuilds
houses in the Pushtoon Garhi region near the capital of Is-
lamabad, and supports schools in flood-hit areas, Khurram
wrote.
See FAMINE on Page 6
November 2010
Above: Nearly 100 students attended the Famine.
Photo by Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12)
Right: Quosain Memon at the opening ceremony.
Photo by Ms. Fleming
while news reports say more than 20 mil-
lion people have been affected.
Memon led the core of six Grade
11 students, including Janeeta Abbasi,
Joumana Asfour, Nick Overkamp, Mo-
hamed Shaker and Kebur Asefa, in plan-
ning the Famine in less than one month.
Shaker said, “Our goal is to make people
aware of this disaster and instill in them a spirit of actively,
not passively, helping others in their daily lives.” Students
participated in a variety of sporting and entertainment events.
Many students' parents helped in fundraising. Geor-
gian student Tsotne Papavadze (Grade 10), the top boys'
fundraiser with Dh 3,400, said, “I‟ve been to countries with
problems and I know it‟s bad. [Pakistanis] could be freezing
and going through problems.”
Performing Arts Night Showcases
High School Students
By Aria Pavlic (Grade 11)
Mark your calendars for Nov. 10 at 7 pm:
“War and Pieces” – an evening of performing arts by
the high school students split between Drama, solo
performances and Choir!
The first half will be the comedic play “The
Hysterical History of the Trojan War,” a funny and
modernized version of the Ancient Greek war between
Troy and Sparta.
Two students in the play are Khalil Cheikha
(Grade 12) and Kairine Maharajh (Grade 11), who are
both beginners in acting. He plays Zeus, while she
plays his wife “Hera Michelle Obama.” Maharajh said,
“I love to act, I feel it is way for me to express my-
self.”
Mr. David Gallichan, the Drama instructor, is a
veteran of the theatre who directed a series of one-act
plays at AISA last spring. He said he hopes to make
the performing arts a major part of life at AISA, hav-
ing productions in all levels of the school.
Art Teacher Ms. Anna Pegg is leading set de-
sign, with a miniature Trojan Pony and the impressive
walls of Troy.
Mr. Chris Lamar, high school choir teacher, is
preparing three songs related to war, and Ms. Van
Rensburg is working with the students who are per-
forming a range of solo pieces and the play's Greek
chorus: Homer and the Homerettes.
Ms. Van Rensburg, who also teaches the mid-
dle school choir, is planning an evening dedicated to
performing arts in the middle school later in the year.
“War and Pieces.”
Wednesday, November 10th:
3:15 pm (Teachers), 7 pm (Parents)
Jordanian Cultural Club
Park at AISA, Club between French School/UNB
Page 2
AISA Globally

AISA students represent a record-setting 77 different nationalities this year.

Global Diversity: One Student From Every Continent Express reporters tracked down one student from each continent, plus the UAE.

Evan Carstens (South Africa) is the Nour Chehabeddine (Lebanon) is

president of the Student Council. Car- the Student Council President who
stens, 18, is from Cape Town, and has was born in Dubai, grew up in the
been at AISA for 10 years. “I love it UAE and Lebanon, then came to Abu
[here], Abu Dhabi is my home,” he Dhabi five years ago. “I have a hard
said. He mainly speaks English and Af- time deciding which country to call
rikaans, and celebrates the South Afri- home,” she said. Though she eats Lebanese food
can Day barbecue. He also participates in Varsity and celebrates Muslim holidays, she said, “It is def-
Volleyball, Choir, Drama and Model UN. The sen- initely hard to incorporate my culture into my daily
ior is undecided on universities, but would major in life.” The 18-year-old senior may apply to univer-
psychology. –Jessica van der Walt sities in Canada or Lebanon. –Paula Fronda

Naomi Nasrallah (Australia) is ethni-

Josiah Veloso (Philippines) was born
Kairine Maharajh (Trinidad and cally Lebanese but was born and raised
and raised in Abu Dhabi, but his fami-
Tobago) is a 16-year-old junior from in Sydney, Australia. This is the sen-
ly is from Manila. “I consider both the
Maracas Valley on Trinidad, part of ior's fourth year in Abu Dhabi, and
UAE and Philippines my home,” he
the small Caribbean island group of though she misses home, she said she is
said. Though Veloso, 17, visits the
Trinidad and Tobago. She came to not part of either the Australian or Leb-
Philippines every summer he does not
Abu Dhabi three years ago and was anese communities in Abu Dhabi. “If I
speak Tagalog, and his mother owns
“shocked” at the conservative dress never came here I would have never experienced a
the Filipino restaurant Oriental Korner [sic] here.
code; she also misses Creole food, beaches and different culture and met these amazing people,”
The senior is part of Model UN, and wants to go to
Carnival. She celebrates her country's Independ- she said. Nasrallah, 18, is considering universities
a university in Boston. He watches films and play
ence Day with the small community of Trinidadi- in Lebanon, London or Dubai. –Menat El Abd
online games.–Hanna Al Hassen
ans in the UAE. Her hobbies include football, bad-
minton and dancing. –Tanya Tarazi Khalid Al-Alawi (UAE) is a 16-year-
Pierre Achhab (France) was born and
Marcella Quadra Azucar (El Salva- old senior from Abu Dhabi. At school,
raised in Marseille, and is ethnically
dor) is from San Salvador, and has a he is part of AISA Fest, football, mu-
French, Lebanese, Greek, Syrian and
younger brother and sister who attend sic and National Day. “I always cele-
Spanish. He prefers a multicultural com-
AISA. She visited El Salvador this brate my traditions, I participate in Na-
munity to Abu Dhabi's isolated French
summer, but does not miss the food tional Day, then with my family and
community. Achhab, 17, is almost trilin-
because she can cook it here. She likes close friends.” He is applying to the
gual with French, English and Arabic. “I
to play sports, especially basketball, American University of Sharjah for
do speak Arabic, but it is not fantastique!” The sen-
and goes scuba diving in her free time. engineering or business, and is fluent in Arabic and
ior is part of Model UN and Choir, and plans on
She mainly speaks English and Spanish. English. His hobbies are racing and jet skiing, and
studying international relations in Europe. He plays
–Hana Al Ameri travel to Qatar on short breaks.
tennis and drums, and swims. –Hanna Al Hassen
–Sheikha Al Meraikhi

Our Mission: The Express Students from 77 Different Nationalities Student Nationalities by Region
produces an up-to-date, fun, Photo by Ayesha Al Braiki (Grade 12) Chart courtesy of Mr. Gareth Jones, AISA Director
fresh, fierce newspaper that
will be liked by many, cussed
by some, read by all!

The Express is written and

produced by the Publications
Course, Grades 11-12.

Staff Editors:
Mr. Stephen Baron
Mr. Bassem Kandil
Staff Reporters: How Does Diversity Make a Difference in School?
Hana Al Ameri
AISA Business Address: Copyright © 2010 AISA.
Alyazia Al Hamed All rights reserved. By Rob Godley, Secondary School Principal
Hanna Al Hassen 29th Street on Airport Road Here at AISA we are proud of our „Global Mindedness‟
Fatma Al Khazraji P.O. Box 5992 No portion of this news- and the international experience that the members of our com-
Shamma Al Khouri Abu Dhabi, UAE paper or related online munity encounter every day. In fact, this year our students are
Maitha Al Mansouri content may be repro-
duced for public or com-
of 77 different nationalities – the most we have ever had. There
Rawdha Al Mansoori AISA Contact Information:
Sheikha Al Meraikhi mercial purposes without are few if any schools around the world that can match that di-
Phone: 02-4444-333
Oshba Al Murar Fax: 02-4444-005 prior written permission versity!
Shaika Al Qassimi E-mail: sbaron@aisa.sch.ae
from the Express and/or As an American School with an international essence,
AISA. we offer the best educational and cultural experiences for stu-
Rana Alsaadi
Farah Al Suwaidi dents who are learning to be significant members of the shrink-
Menat El Abd Corrections: ing, global community of the future.
Ameilia Fox In the October 2010 issue, the article “AISA Supports A growing trend in American public education for
Paula Fronda Pakistan in Wake of Floods,” Mr. Mirza‟s donations schools is to try to emulate the experiences and skill sets that
Mona Nasser schools like ours develop in our students. Parents often say this
went to the UAE Red Crescent, not Red Cross. Also in
Farida Nassar is one of their reasons for choosing AISA. While AISA is proud
Aria Pavlic the October issue, several of the staff reporters names
were spelled incorrectly. They are correct here. of its academic rigor and welcoming student body, our interna-
Tanya Tarazi
Jessica van der Walt The Express regrets the errors. tional community makes the difference.

School News
New Staff Profiles
Gina Anderson teaches Grade 3. She came from Arizona to
Abu Dhabi to join a colleague who is teaching in the city.
Before teaching, she was student at Arizona University. She
said she really likes Abu Dhabi and the houses.
-Menat El Abd
Mitchell Armstrong teaches Grade 5 and coaches the JV
girls volleyball team. He moved from Canada to the UAE
two years ago to teach at a public school. His hobbies are
playing and watching sports. “So far I love AISA!” he said.
–Hanna Al Hassen
Stephen Baron teaches Publications for Grades 11-12 and
Grade 9 Social Studies. The former journalist is looking for-
ward to publishing the student newspaper, yearbook and
parents newsletter, and is an advisor for Drama and Model
UN. “I like the diverse community at AISA,” he said. Mr.
Baron is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. -Mona Nasser
Matthew Berzins teaches Grade 3 and will be coaching
Badminton in the spring. Before AISA, the native of Arizo-
na taught in China and Vietnam. So far he likes Abu Dhabi:
“I think that it is a fascinating city with lots of stuff to do
and places to explore.” -Aria Pavlic
Ivory Brooks teaches Grade 8 English and Humanities, and
came to AISA to gain international work experience. “I en-
joy the diversity of AISA's students and staff,” he said.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, he enjoys sports – es-
pecially basketball. -Maitha Al Mansouri
Riyadh Davids, the facilities manager, is from Cape Town,
South Africa. Mr. Davids, 44, has worked in Cape Town,
Jeddah, Namibia and Abu Dhabi, spending part of his last
three years working for a real estate firm in Abu Dhabi. He
likes photography and likes meeting people of different cul-
tures. Note: He has left the school. -Rawdha Al Mansoori
Farhana Gelu is the new Elementary School secretary.
She moved to the UAE two years ago due to her husband's
job. “We are still discovering Abu Dhabi,” she said. Be-
fore AISA she volunteered at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
for six months. -Mona Nasser
Andre Hansard teaches Grade 9 Social Studies and Grade
10 World History (IB and regular). He is from Altoona,
Pennsylvania and recently taught in Washington D.C. “I
wanted a new experience and to learn about other cultures
first hand,” he said on the move. His hobbies are playing
basketball and American football. -Fatma Al Khazraji
Leané Holloway is a secretary whose husband James Hol-
loway teaches at AISA. "The staff are friendly and the
school has a nice environment," she said. She likes shop-
ping and the friendly people in Abu Dhabi. In her spare
time she plays the flute. She is from South Africa.
–Shaika Al Qassimi
Marie Huchinson, a Grade 2 teacher, was born in Eng-
land but grew up in Trinidad. She came to Abu Dhabi for
the diversity, she said. Previously she taught Kindergarten
and Grades 2 and 3. “I love teaching kids, I like the Smart-
boards and the teachers here, she said.” She also reads
nonfiction stories. -Shaika Al Qassimi
Ferdi Kaya teaches Grade 9 Physics and IT, and Grade 12
IB physics. He is from Turkey, and last taught at the Tar-
sus American College in south-central Turkey. He said he
came to gain international teaching experience and for fun.
“AISA is better than I thought,” he said. -Hana Al Ameri
Page 3
Jan Kelly teaches Grade 6 Humanities and English. She
came from Vancouver, Canada to Abu Dhabi because she
wanted to discover the Middle East. On the move, she
said: “It‟s really easy to settle in here, and I‟m really en-
joying my first two weeks here,” she said. -Hana Al Ameri
Lisa Levi teaches Grades 9, 10 and 12 English. Originally
from New Jersey, she recently lived in Texas and Virgin-
ia. “I wanted a change and a new job so I decided to come
to Abu Dhabi,” she said. She enjoys reading, traveling and
scuba diving. -Jessica van der Walt
Aida Loughran teaches IB and Grades 11 and 12 Span-
ish. Originally from Panama, Spain, she has taught Span-
ish for 15 years in England, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and
the U.S. “I enjoy teaching at AISA and I think the IB is a
great opportunity for students who want to study in the
UK or the US,” she said. -Farida Nassar
Donna Maika teaches Grade 4, and said the biggest
change from Ontario, Canada is the weather. This is her
first full year teaching, last year she was a substitute teach-
er in Canada. “I chose AISA for the beautiful weather,
ability to speak English and the multicultural experience,”
she said. She is a proud Twilight fan. -Farah Al Suwaidi
Tyler McKenzie teaches Grades 11 and 12 Economics
and Grade 12 IB. The hockey fan is from Ottawa, Canada
and has been teaching for the past 10 years. Before AISA,
he taught in Ottawa and South Korea. “AISA is a wonder-
ful place to work at, it is a multicultural school,” he said.
-Shaika Al Qassimi
Carly McLeod is the new middle and high school physi-
cal education teacher. She said she chose Abu Dhabi be-
cause she thinks the weather is nicer here than in Canada,
where she taught Grade 10 Careers. “I like it here and I
love the students,” she said. -Mona Nasser
Peter McManus is the Elementary School physical edu-
cation teacher. From Manchester, England, he lived in
Abu Dhabi from 1995-2008, when he taught at Al-Nahda
School and American Community School. After returning
to England, he missed the climate, diversity and people.
“If I‟d come back overseas, it will only be Abu Dhabi,” he
said. -Sheikha Al Meraikhi
Shaun McTigue, a Learning Support teacher, was a sub-
stitute teacher at AISA last year. He did not have a prob-
lem moving to Abu Dhabi and AISA, because he taught in
a gender-segregated school in the U.S., he said. The Chi-
cago, Illinois native is expecting to be a father in four
months! -Oshba Al Murar
Carsley Merrell was born in Indonesia, and taught art for
17 years in Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Switzerland and the
U.S. She moved from San Diego, California to serve as
AISA‟s High School counselor. “I have a genuine love for
students and a gift for listening,” she said.
-Hanna Al Hassen
Ahmed Momen teaches Islamic Studies to Grades 7-12.
He is from Irbid, Jordan, where he taught for the past eight
years. He likes AISA, and said, “I get to know more cul-
tures and meet more open-minded students.” He added
that Abu Dhabi is full of life and energy. -Menat El Abd
Kefaya Omar did not reply to questions by press time.
Page 4
School News
New Staff Profiles
Bethany Rasmussen teaches Grade 8 English and Humani-
ties. The native of the Pacific Northwest wanted a warmer
climate and big city, she said. This is the first time she and
her husband have lived away from home. She also advises
the Middle School Girls Student Council and coaches Under
-14 Girls Soccer. -Farah Al Suwaidi
Jesse Rasmussen teaches Grade 5. Though he was born in
the U.S., he spent his childhood in Ethiopia, moved to Ken-
ya for high school, then returned to the U.S. for university.
He coaches the Under-14 boys football team, and said:
“AISA is a wonderful school, the students are really respect-
ful,” he said. -Oshba Al Murar
Graham Murray teaches Grade 6 math and science. He
moved from New Zealand to Abu Dhabi due to his wife's
job. He started teaching in the 1970‟s in New Zealand and
said: “I still love introducing science and math to anyone
who comes my way!” -Farida Nassar
Nicole Robinson teaches Kindergarten, and has been teach-
ing for the last four years. Though she is from Jackson, Mis-
sissippi, she recently lived in New York City and Muscat,
Oman. So far, she is enjoying teaching here. “I like it so far
it‟s a fun, creative environment,” she said. -Aria Pavlic
Jamie Roth, the British-born Elementary School principal,
worked in European and Hong Kong schools. On moving to
Abu Dhabi, he said, “My wife and I had always wanted to
experience the Middle East, and for our daughters to experi-
ence a new cultural environment.” He held a pilot‟s license
and recently flew an RAF training jet. -Maitha Al Mansouri
Ala'a Salaimeh helps students with learning differences;
AISA is apparently the only Abu Dhabi school that offers it.
She is from Irbid-Amman, Jordan, though she was born in
Abu Dhabi. "Abu Dhabi is like my second home," she said.
She came to AISA because she wanted to help students, and
also studies architecture at Abu Dhabi University.
-Shaika Al Qassimi
Karim Abdel Salam teaches Grade 4. Before teaching, he
worked in the finance industry. The half-Canadian and half-
Egyptian said he likes it at AISA. “I‟m getting used to it but I
really like it.” -Menat El Abd
Eman Saleh teaches Grades 1 and 2. Last year the Jordanian
joined her husband in Abu Dhabi, and and she worked for the
Emirates National School. “From the minute I arrived at Abu
Dhabi, I felt safe in it,” she said. Mrs. Saleh plays basketball
in her free time. -Rawdha Al Mansoori
Senior Photos
Sabrina Sambola teaches Grade 3 and coaches volleyball.
The New Orleans, Louisiana native has also taught in Spain
and Texas. “The enquiry based model of learning is one of the
most impressive things I likes about AISA,” she said. She also
plays basketball. -Jessica van der Walt
Ryan Schaben teaches Grade 4 and said he has been
“everywhere” including New York, Turkey and Germany. He
said he came to Abu Dhabi for adventure. “There is so much to
experience [here],” he said. On teaching, he said, “Each grade
is cool in its own way.” -Maitha Al Mansouri
Hassan Shurrab, an Arabic teacher for Grades 6, 10 and 11,
is from Gaza, Palestine. Shurrab has been teaching for 25
years, most recently at Abu Dhabi's Al Jazali modern govern-
ment school. “I prefer this school because it‟s the best,” he
said. His last visited Palestine three years ago. -Hana Al Ameri
Zainab Soliman teaches Pre-Kindergarten and Grades 1-5
Social Studies. She is from Jordan, but has been in the UAE
since 1996. Previously she worked for the Emirates National
School, and chose AISA because it is a diverse international
school, she said. She goes to the gym every day and walks on
the corniche. -Mona Nasser
Joanne Street is the High School secretary who moved here
from England. The former driving instructor enjoys her new
job. “I like working at AISA, the people are very friendly
here,” she said. Cheer for her in the upcoming Abu Dhabi half
marathon! -Tanya Tarazi
Drew Thomas teaches Grade 9 Social Studies, Grade 10
World History and Grade 12 Psychology. He is from Detroit,
Michigan and previously taught in South Korea, though he had
been to “exciting” Abu Dhabi before. “AISA is a wonderful
facility and students are a pleasure to work with,” he said.
-Sheikha Al Meraikhi
Jana Van Rensburg is from Cape Town, South Africa. She is
the first and only music teacher for the middle and high
school. She said it is a challenge, but is impressed by the stu-
dents and school. "Everybody should come and sing in the
choir!" she said. -Rawdha Al Mansoori
Rabab Zahidi, AISA‟s receptionist, was born in London,
England and grew up in Karachi, Pakistan before moving to
Abu Dhabi when she was a child. After graduating from AISA
in 2003, she studied to be a dentist for four years in Karachi
before returning. “The school is my second home,” she said.
-Maitha Al Mansouri
Lisa Zinger teaches Grade 4, and decided to take a job at
AISA after a friend who currently works in Abu Dhabi told
her about it. She likes to travel, and in her free time she plays
softball and snowboards. -Rawdha Al Mansoori
Far Left: Seniors pose in the
schoolyard. /
Photo by Mr. Baron
Left: Seniors Nicole Gurgel
(left) and Evan Carstens in the
aftermath of pie throwing. /
Photo by Ms. Downs
 ‫خ‬ٛ‫قغى انهغخ انعشث‬ Page 5

!‫م‬ًٛ‫ٕو ج‬ٚ ٍ‫بنّ ي‬ٚ

ّ‫ انيذيكيى عيهيٗ أ ي قي‬ٙ‫ٍ عًعخ اإلَغبٌ ٔفي‬ٕٚ‫ رك‬ٙ‫شح ف‬ٛ‫خ كج‬ًْٛ‫نأليبَخ أ‬ ‫ٕعف " عُذيب ٔنذ‬ٚ " ‫ش‬ٛ‫ انصغ‬ٙ ‫ٕو ٔالدح أ‬ٚ َّ‫إ‬
ٌٕ‫كي‬ٚ ٍٛ‫ ع قخ انُبط ثعضٓى ثجعض فبألي‬ٙ‫ش أَٓب رؤصش ف‬ٛ‫ د‬،ّ‫ز‬ٛ‫ٔؽخص‬ ،‫شاً ثفبسغ انصجش‬ٛ‫ف ٔ كُذ أَزظشِ كض‬ٛ‫ انص‬ٙ‫ف‬
‫يقيجيم‬ٚ ‫يى‬ٛ‫ ٔرٔ قيهيت عيهي‬ٙ‫ش د‬ًٛ‫ش يٍ أقشاَّ ألَّ رٔ ض‬ٚ‫يذ ّم ادزشاو ٔرقذ‬ ‫ش‬ٛ‫ انصغ‬ٙ ‫ أ‬ٙ‫أر‬ٛ‫ يزٗ ع‬:‫ٕو‬ٚ ‫ كم‬ٙ‫كُذ أعبل أي‬
‫يخ‬ٚ‫يٍ أعيشاسْيى ٔٔداييعيٓيى انيًيبد‬ٛ‫ع ثيكيم صيقيخ ٔييٕدح ييٕدعي‬ًٛ‫ّ انج‬ٛ‫عه‬ ٙ‫جز‬ٛ‫ب دج‬ٚ ‫ غذًا‬:‫؟ فزشد ضبدكخ‬ٙ‫بأي‬ٚ
.ّ‫ إ صّ ٔأيبَز‬ٙ‫ّ ثكم صقخ ٔثذٌٔ أدَٗ ؽك ف‬ٚ‫خ نذ‬ٛ‫ٔانُفغ‬
. ”‫ٕعف‬ٚ “ ٙ ‫ أ‬ٙ‫شًا ٔنذد أي‬ٛ ‫ٔأ‬
ٔ‫يخ أ‬ٚ‫ يعبي رك يع انُبط عٕاء انًبد‬ٙ‫ٓبً ف‬ٚ‫أيب انغؼ فٕٓ أٌ ال ركٌٕ َض‬
‫ أيش يب ٔرعًذد انيغيؼ ٔاإلعيبءح‬ٙ‫ فًض إٌ طهت يُك انُصخ ف‬،‫خ‬ُٕٚ‫انًع‬ ٙ‫ ف‬َُٙ‫ّ كأ‬ٛ‫ عه‬ُٙٛ‫ٍ ٔقعذ ع‬ٛ‫ د‬ٙ‫نى أصذق َفغ‬
‫يشح‬ٛ‫يّ يصيبييت كيضي‬ٛ‫ش سثًب ريزيشريت عيهي‬ٛ‫عزجش ْزا غؼ يعُٕ٘ ٔجشح كج‬ٛ‫ف‬ ‫خ سايعخ‬ٛ‫ألً كأَّ دي‬ًٛ‫شاًجذاً ٔ ج‬ٛ‫ كبٌ صغ‬،‫دهى‬
‫ انيًيعيبيي د‬ٙ‫ضب فبنغؼ في‬ٚ‫ انًبل أ‬ٙ‫شح نطبنت انُصخ ٔكزنك انذبل ف‬ٛ‫ٔكج‬ . ‫انجًبل‬
ٙ‫ؤد٘ إنٗ انيخيشاة ٔانيذييبس ٔاإلفي ط كيًيب ديذس في‬ٚ ‫خ‬ٚ‫خ ٔانًبد‬ٚ‫انزجبس‬
‫ انيغيؼ‬ٙ‫يشح في‬ٛ‫جخ انزيشاكيًيبد انيكيضي‬ٛ‫ش أَٓب كبَذ َز‬ٛ‫خ د‬ٚ‫األصيخ االقزصبد‬ ٙ‫كُذ أجهظ ثقشثّ ٔأرْت يع انًًشضبد ف‬
. ‫ٔعذو األيبَخ‬ ّ‫ ٔ أسقجّ عُذ َٕي‬،ّ‫انًغزؾفٗ ٔقذ اعزذًبي‬
ً ‫ت دبنّ فيعيبجي‬ٛ‫ذٔيهّ ط‬ٚ ٍ‫ذٔو نّ كضشح يبنّ ٔن‬ٚ ٍ‫إٌ اإلَغبٌ انغؾبػ ن‬ .ّ‫ عُذ ثكبي‬ٙ‫زًضق قهج‬ٚٔ،
ِ‫يش‬ٛ‫قزص يُّ عجذبَّ ٔرعبنٗ ثغجت األرٖ ٔاألنى انز٘ عججّ نغي‬ٛ‫أو آج ً ع‬ !ٙ‫بر‬ٛ‫ د‬ٙ‫ٕو ف‬ٚ ‫دقًب إَّ أجًم‬
.‫ دبنٓى‬ٙ‫ يبنٓى أٔ ف‬ٙ‫عٕاء ف‬
ّ‫ يعبي ر‬ٙ‫ٍ ف‬ٛ‫ش أي‬ٛ‫ انًذسعخ فئٌ اؽزٓش طبنت يب ثأَّ غ‬ٙ‫ٔكزنك األيش ف‬
‫هجأ دايًيب نيهيغيؼ فغيٕش ريُيزيؾيش‬ٚٔ ّ‫ ايزذبَبر‬ٙ‫ٍ ف‬ٛ‫ش أي‬ٛ‫يع صي يّ ٔغ‬
‫جذ‬ٚ ٍ‫ع ٔن‬ًٛ‫زذبؽبِ انج‬ٚ ‫ٍ ٔعٕش‬ٛ‫ٍ انط ة ٔ انًذسع‬ٛ‫ئخ ث‬ٛ‫عًعزّ انغ‬
‫يش‬ٛ‫بَٓى فبنفشد انيغي‬ٚ‫ُفش يُّ انط ة ثب ز ش أجُبعٓى ٔأد‬ٛ‫صبدقّ ٔع‬ٚ ٍ‫ي‬
.ٌ‫ أ٘ يجزًع كب‬ٙ‫ش يشغٕة ثّ ف‬ٛ‫ش يذجٕة ٔغ‬ٛ‫ٍ ْٕ فشد غ‬ٛ‫أي‬

.‫يذًذ انصٕانخ انصف انعبؽش‬ ‫ انصف انغبثع‬ٙ‫بء انضعبث‬ٛ‫عه‬

AU-Sharjah Tops October University Visits Middle School Advisories Decorate Doors, Win Points
By Farah Al Suwaidi (Grade 12)
Stingray Shocker Falcons Fly High
Dozens of global universities are visiting AISA this year By Shamma Al Khouri (Grade 11) By Alyazia Al Hamed (Grade 11)
as part of the school's University Programme, aimed at The Middle School Girls advisory
educating Grade 11 and 12 students about their second- The Middle School Boy's Advisory
Stingrays of Room 225 narrowly beat the Room 212 won Best Door Decorations prize
ary education options. Wolves for Best Decorated Door for October, and three advisory points for their door
“It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about lesser earning two advisory points. Students in the “Falcons,” in a competition held in October.
known colleges and universities other then the well Grade 6 class used colored paper, tissue pa- Their decoration included pictures of
known 'Harvard and Yale type schools,” said Ms. Cars- per, newspaper, staples and tape for the un- falcons, writing “Falcons” across the door,
ley Merrell, high school counselor. derwater-themed deco- and even a stuffed fal-
ration. con, brought in by
During October, the most attended university was the Students said Hazza Al Boushlaibi
American University of Sharjah, close to Abu Dhabi and they enjoyed the work. (Grade 8).
Mrs. Merrell said it had an “American approach with Tilina Zaben (Grade 6) Their Advisor
many opportunities.” said, “It was fun, we Ms. Tousin said the
all worked together, boys went wild when
Shaima Al Marzooqi (Grade 12) attended their visit, and we came up with one
said she plans on applying there. “They explained every- they knew they had
idea as a group, after beaten their competi-
thing in detail and gave useful information on dorm re- working together and
lated inquiries,” she said. tors the Wolves and
gathering and we Turtles.
The least visited was the Florida Institute of Technolo- pasted one stingray The Stingrays of Room Zayed Al Tun-
gy, but Mrs. Merrell said that was because many stu- and placed it on the 225 won the Girls award. aiji (Grade 6), boasted:
dents were taking tests at the same time. Ms. Merrell door.” Photo by Mr. Baron
“The Falcons rule but The Falcons of Rom 212
Advisor Ms. won the Boys award.
said she hopes for large attendance – especially for the others drool!"
big fairs – and for students to find universities that suits Schwartz said the girls were able to express Photo by Mr. Baron

their interests. their creativity and work together.

Upcoming university visits:

November 3: Linden Boarding school Tours – USA, UK
and Canada [9-10am]
November 3: St. Edwards University [11am- 12pm] Senior Hanna Al Hassen, a senior and Express
November 7: Bucknell, Lafayette Universities [12-1pm] reporter, baked delicious cupcakes for sen-
November 8: Univ. of Kentucky- Roger Williams Uni- Sweets
iors. /Photo by Ayesha Al Braiki (Grade 12)
versity [9:30-10:30am]
 Page 6
Sports

Note: The volleyball teams are playing in tournaments, and the results came after the Express went to print.

Boys JV Volleyball Hopes for Championship, Varsity for Semi-finals Up and Down Seasons for Varsity and JV Girls Volleyball

By Jessica van der Walt (Grade 11) By Ameilia Fox (Grade 11)
The Boys Volleyball JV team has had Volleyball starts off the Fall
a successful season as many students ex- sports season, and the JV team has been
pected, while the Varsity team has had a outpacing the Varsity team.
challenging season. For the Varsity team, Coaches
The Varsity team has only one return- Ms. Sabrina Nurse and Ms. Sabrina Sam-
ing player, so Coaches Mr. James Holloway bola said that returning players – about
and Mr. Shaun McTigue have focused on the half the team – have brought stability.
basic skills of serving and passing. Above: Boys JV Team: But they admitted, “This is definitely a
“The team has improved a lot and has Farouk Abdul-Karim, Youssef rebuilding year.” The Varsity team's Above: Girls JV Team:
Jude Al Hajeri, Dara Al Kayyali, Dahnia
a lot of potential,” said Mr. Holloway. His Chehab, Ali Cheikha, Khalid sole win was against the Universal Asfour, Jamie Jackson, Nadia Jeiroudi,
two goals for this season are to play in the Hashim, Tsotne Papavadze, Zaid American School of Dubai, and the Yara Masoud, Carlotta Saenger,
ISAC Semifinals and to teach the new and Salamah, Zeid Sharif, Nenad team has consistently struggled against Christeena Twal, Xenia Williams
Stefanovski, Deigo Velasquez,
younger players. Ahmed Yacout the powerhouse American Community / Photos courtesy Mr. Synoground
Varsity team captains are Evan Car- School.
stens (Grade 12) , the team‟s utility who plays all positions, and Karim Abu Ms. Nurse said that although all of the players have improved, Nour
Eicha (Grade 12), who plays the middle position. Chehabeddine (Grade 12) has improved the most. “Nour has much more
Carstens said his strong leadership skills and hard serves have con- control over her passes and has greatly improved in her placement of her
tributed to the team‟s success. “[But] the season was too short,” he said. “I serves,” Ms. Sambola said. Ms. Sambola also praised Express reporter Jes-
would have liked to have had more games.” sica van der Walt (Grade 12) for her hustle and ball control.
The JV team has also been developing their skills, said Coach Mr. The JV team has been performing “pretty well” according to their
Ryan Hornblower. His goal is to the championship, and JV player Zaid Sal- coach, Ms. Carly McLeod. “I like to think the players are better this year
amah (Grade 10), who has been playing volleyball for three years as a pow- because I‟m new this year,” she joked. “They‟re working on calling and
er hitter, agreed. controlling the ball.”
“We have a big chance to win the tournaments this year,” Salamah The American Community School has been their biggest competi-
said. “Teamwork is really im- tion, according to Co-Captain
portant and that we all need to be- Jamie Jackson (Grade 10).
“They can actually rally and
Left: Boys Varsity Team:
Karim Abu Eicha, Quosain Ali
they are a challenge,” she said.
Memon, Kebure Assefa, Evan Car-
stens, Ammaar Davids, Samuel Jo- Left: Girls Varsity Team:
vanovic, Josh Saenger, Fares Salamah, Sarah Al Zaabi, Lilya Boukornia,
Kevin van Hoogstraten, Ralph Young, Nour Chehabbedine, Danielle Co-
Yousif Yousif brand, Ameilia Fox, Paula Fronda,
Nicole Gurgel, Nelmari Holloway,
Photos courtesy Mr. Synoground Claire Taylor, Jessica van der Walt

FAMINE... Hind Al Ameri: From AISA to Abu Dhabi University

Cont. from Page 1
Mr. Mirza provided internal e
-mails from Khushaal Pakistan that
show each family packet of food-
stuffs costs 1,8000 Indian rupees (Dh
150), one tent costs 4,150 rupees (Dh
344), and a bar of washing and cloth-
ing soap cost a combined 44 rupees
(Dh 4).
Mr. Mirza's efforts began at
the beginning of the school year in
September. Working with IB teacher
Ms. Leanne Fleming's IB 1 students,
they organized the school-wide event
the 30-Hour Famine. At the charity-
sleepover on October 21, nearly 100
students fasted for 30 hours and fund-
raised more than Dh 30,000 – triple
their goal.
But Mr. Mirza wants fundraising to
continue. One possible event is a
charity dinner before Eid Al-Adha in
November. In December, he is sched-
uled to visit to Pakistan to speak with
the representatives of Khushaal Paki-
stan and meet up with his family.
“I want to show the people of
Pakistan that people do care regard-
less of the extremely poor [global]
response,” Mr. Mirza said.
“Everything we are doing
helps raise awareness and inspires
other schools and countries to do the
same.”
Above: Mr. Mirza encourages student
athletes at the Famine.
Photo by Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12)
Left: Students and staff enjoy breakfast
after 30 hours of fasting.
Photo by Ms. Fleming
By Oshba Al Murar (Grade 12)
AISA alum Hind Al Ameri ('08), now a junior at Abu Dhabi Uni-
versity, appreciates how the school administration helped her with the uni-
versity search when she was a high school senior.
“We had guest speakers from different universities and school trips
to explore different campuses,” she said.
Al Ameri, a 19-year-old from Abu Dhabi, originally wanted to ma-
jor in marketing, and wanted to stay close to her family. She applied to
four universities: American University of Sharjah, American University of
Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology and Abu Dhabi University.
When Al Ameri visited the Abu Dhabi University campus, she
said it was the right choice because of the multicultural environment. Ms.
Carsley Merrell, high school counselor, said she did not know much about
Abu Dhabi University. The university was founded in 2003, and has more
than 4,000 students from all over the world.
For Al Ameri the biggest challenge was transitioning from high
school – especially making new friends and finding a routine. “Entering
university was like going to kindergarten again,” she said. “I even had my
mother take me on my first day."
Now Al Ameri, who works for the Abu Dhabi municipality, is a
landscape architecture major who said she wants to eventually own a con-
sulting firm.
“Think of your high school diploma as a ticket to change the
world,” she said when asked what advice she would give seniors. “Be
aware of the options you have in life, and don't rush to choose. Don't rush
to finish university, if you don't like the major you entered with, change.
[L]isten to your heart and follow your instinct […]. Individuality is your
key to success, to rise, to be unique.”