Where the lions roar! Vol. 1, No.

7 May 2011

First-Ever Elementary School Production Aladdin Jr. Casts a Spell Over Nearly 500 Attendees

In the stage adapatation of the classic Disney film, nearly 60 students comprised the cast of actors, singers and dancers. (Left) Aladdin (Felix Franke) and Pricess Jasmine (Christina Dahdal) sing A Whole New World, while riding the magic carpet (Yousef Al Ankar). (Center) Guard (Zeyad Yang), Jafar (Kevin Pyo), Razoul (Mustapha Boukornia) and Guard (Raj Raghu). (Right) The Genie (Yousef Korayem), Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Sultan (Omar Akkad) and Iago the Parrot (Khaled Korayem). / Photos courtesy Mrs. Pittman-Jones.

by Rawdha Al Mansouri (Grade 11, Arts & Culture) Nearly 500 students, parents and staff were brought under the spell of the magic of Disney's famous animated film Aladdin at Aladdin Jr., the first-ever Elementary School performing arts production, held at Abu Dhabi University on April 14. Director Dr. Jones said the production was exceptional. A school with a long history of drama productions would have

been proud to have produced something this good, but for a first-ever production it was outstanding, he said. The students showed great enthusiasm and skills, in acting, singing and dancing. Out of a cast of nearly 60 students, the leads were fifth graders Felix Franke (Aladdin) and Christina Dahdal (Princess Jasmine), and fourth grader Yousef Korayem (Genie). Musical numbers included

"Arabian Nights," "One Jump Ahead," "Why Me?" and "A Whole New World." Staff who made this fabulous show happen were Ms. Al Jenaibi (Director), Mr. Lamar (Music Director), Ms. Crofts (Choreographer), Ms. Maika (Set Designer and Properties), Omar Khalil (Grade 11, Lightning Designer), Mr. Abdelsalam (Stage Manager), Ms. Sambola (Public Relations and Fundraising) and Mrs. Pittman-Jones

(Liaison Officer). Junior Latifa Al Khamairi said the event was very well-organized, which showed that the cast and crew worked hard on it. "I enjoyed singing along to the songs during the play," she said . The kids were very talented. Ms. Al Jenaibi agreed, saying: They all worked very hard at rehearsals and at home. There will be no more elementary productions this year, but Ms. Al Jenaibi said she will be

putting on another not-yet-determined musical next year I am extremely pleased it went so well and Im very proud of all the kids involved, said Ms. Al Jenaibi. I hope that next years production will be bigger and better with a lot more kids signing up.

MS Wins Citywide Oil Trading Challenge Yearbook on Sale June 5

by Oshba Al Murar (Grade 12, Cosmo Editor) Grade 8 students won a citywide oil trading simulation held at AISA in March. AISA was one of seven groups from different Abu Dhabi schools that participated in the three-week Carbon Trading Challenge that simulated oil trading. The educational program teaches students about math, enterprise and commodities strategies, according to organization's website. Grade 8 student Hazza al Boushelaibi, 13, debates with his team memGrade 8 teacher Ms. Meunier took 39 boys and 37 girls, bers during the challenge. / Photo courtesy The National. and split them into teams of raised AED 637,000 (USD like to work in oil after this four or five students . Each 173,000). because it would be such an group started with 100 barrels The students were defiexciting job. of oil and USD 5,000. Whoever nitely engaged and were yelling, Fadhel Al Marar, the manager earned the most money by the screaming, and thats real life, of the real-life ADNOC, had end of the two-hour challenge said Ms. Meunier. fun playing the game with the won for that day. They also realized how math, students . Each student choose a role science and humanities are Its really important for us to such as the accountant, the used by adults, she said. This learn how to trade oil, especially manager, the chair or the trader training was really good for our living in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is and analyze global market news curriculum, it showed real life our country and we know these and manage their budgets careevents into real life situations. things, he told The National. fully. By the end of the chalOne of the winning students, lenge, AISA's team, nicknamed Saeed Al Dhahiri, told The ADNOC after the oil company, National newspaper, I would

More Pictures, Clubs, Events and Sports

by Tanya Tarazi (Grade 11) The yearbook is almost here! After a year of anticipation, the yearbook is on the way, and will go on sale on June 5. Publications teacher Mr. Baron said, This is the best yearbook the school ever had. There are significant changes to this yearbook, such as a lot more and better content, more coverage on sports, clubs and events and due to thanks to the Publications students, the layout is much improved and many more social groups are featured. Promoting the yearbook has also been improved. There will be letters sent home to parents, banners posted around the school and be on the lookout for viral

videos made by the class.. The first yearbook distribution will be during the Capping Ceremony on June 5 for juniors and seniors, then it can be purchased from the uniform shop. According to Steffanie Sanders (Grade 11) Im excited to see this years yearbook, I know it will be a success. The prices of the yearbook are AED 250 for this year's yearbook, AED 75 for last year's yearbook and a special combination offer of AED 300 for both the 2010 and 2011 yearbooks. Its a unique limited edition that holds your high school memories, which you will treasure for years to come.

Publications Class Learns MS Students in Fast Lane Filmmaking at NYFA P2 with F1 in Schools P3

Bollywood Dance Club Brings the Beat P4

Hundreds Enjoy International Night P5

Fond Farewell for Longtime Athletic Director P6

Lights, Camera, Action! Publications Class Learns Filmmaking Basics at

by Sheikha Al Meraikhi (Grade 11) Nearly 20 students from Publications class learned about filmmaking on a recent field trip to the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi. Filmmaking veteran Norman Schwartz showed the 18 students and staff different cameras and that filming one scene in a movie takes a lot of time as actors have to reinact the same scene several times. Publications teacher Mr. Baron, Secondary School Principal Mr. Godley and Girls Assistant Principal Ms. Spegele also attended.

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Juniors Farida Nassar and Menat El Abd practiced a scene about an employee asking her boss for a raise, and later on juniors Amelia Fox and Aria Pavlic re-acted the same scene in a professional set. El Abd said, I never thought it takes this long to film a scene. The field trip was successful for students who are considering filmmaking or broadcast media in university, and for making building blocks for next years class. It was great that students could learn the basics from professionals today, said Mr. Baron. Were considering adding broadcast journalist to nex years curriculum.

(Top Left) Juniors Aria Pavlic (left) and Ameilia Fox act in a scene on a set, as NYFA-AD teacher Norman Schwartz directs. (Below) Publications students pose on national dress day. / Photos courtesy Mr. Baron.

School Enjoys Spirit Week MS Sees Ancient Artifacts at Saadiyat Is.

by Mona Al Amry (Grade 12) Students and teachers enjoyed the annual Spirit Week, the annual free themed dress week to s. from Sunday April 17 through Thursday April 21. Sunday was Pajama Day (dress for comfort) Monday was lion Spirit Day (wear your best lion gear). But many students and staff dressed as Athletic Director Mr. Synoground, who is leaving AISA to join the American British Academy (ABA) in Oman. There was also an assembly for Mr. Synoground to honorhow effort he has put in to AISA for the past 15 years (see Aria Pavlics Sports section article). Tuesday was Blast from the Past (dress as your favorite decade), with many students dressing as hippies from the 1960s, while many Emirati boys wore the traditional Kandoora. Wednesday was Wacky Dress Day or Dress Like a Teacher Day). Thursday was Celebrity or Character Day. Also on Thursday students who had the highest bid for a teacher dressed them up who signed up for the dress a teacher bid. by Fatma Al Khazraji (Grade 12) AISA teachers usually take their students on field trips to enlighten them more on whatever topic they are learning about. This year, the Grade 6 students went to Manarat al Saadiyat on May 9-10 to visit the Splendours of Mesopotamia exhibition, held under the support of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This trip took place during the Grade 6s early study of the ancient civilizations that inhabited this region. The exhibition displays the treasures of the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, which is modern Iraq and parts of Syria,

The Express Masthead

Our Mission: The Express produces an up-todate, fun, fresh, fierce newspaper that will be liked by many, cussed by some, read by all! Staff Advisers Mr. Baron, Mr. Kandil AISAs Voice Editor: Shaika Al Qassimi Mona Al Amry Fatma Al Khazraji Sheikha Al Meraikhi Arts & Culture Editor: Maitha Al Mansoori Hana Al Ameri Rawdha Al Mansouri Menat El Abd Cosmopolitan Editor: Oshba Al Murar Hanna Al Hassen Shamma Al Khouri Farah Al Suwaidi News! Editor: Rana Alsaadi Alyazia Al Hamed Farida Nassar Tanya Tarazi Sport: Editor: Jessica van der Walt Ameilia Fox Paula Fronda Aria Pavlic
Copyright 2011 AISA No portion of this newspaper or related online content may be reproduced for public or comercial purposes without prior written permission.

Help Animals!

according to the exhibition website. I saw many [things] such as jewelry, everyday tools and the designs on walls, said Maitha Al Khazraji. It was interesting. The exhibit has traveled from the National Museum in London, England and will be on display until June 27. die if there is little ice. Stop littering! When animals see garbage, they eat it but cannot digest the garbage and die. Recycling is also a way to help animals. Then people don't have to cut down more trees and animals that live in trees will still have a place to live. Cutting down fewer trees can decrease carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen.

"This was a fantastic opportunity for students to have their textbooks come alive, said Ms. Lawson, a Grade 6 Humanities teacher. Viewing ancient artifacts up close and to this high standard is a very special occasion." Help animals when they need are badly injured by calling the vet or shelters. When animals need help, you can feed and give water to it. When we help animals, many things can change. You will not only save animals, but also yourself and other people, so start helping and saving animals.

by Lyana Anthonijsz (Grade 5) Grade Five students are having an exhibition, and my group's topic is animal victims. Every day, animals die because of what people do to them, like cutting down trees, littering, not recycling and driving a lot of cars. We

Students Learn to Knit in New Arts and Crafts Club

should help animals if they are extinct, then plants and humans will die. If animals die, it can affect all the other living things in the food chain. Here are tips on how to help animals: Animals die because of gasoline, so try to drive less than before to stop global warming. Global warming can melt places where it is frozen, and animals

Seniors: AISA Will Always Be Home

by Mr. Godley It is hard to believe but Senior Exams are now upon us and on June 7 at Emirates Palace Hotel, our Graduates will be walking across the stage and receiving their AISA Diplomas. Over the past few weeks I have visited with a number of our graduates who have returned to AISA after having a successful first year of University studies. In all cases, I was proud to hear how well prepared they felt and how successful they have been. It is anecdotal, but it is great to hear that we are doing the fine job that we think we are in preparing students for lives outside of AISA. It is also great to see how many of our graduates come back each year to say hi and check in with us. Some visit campus personally and some

by Shaika Al Qassimi (Grade 11, AISAs Voice Editor) The new Arts and Craft Club, in which students learn how to knit simple things like scarfs and key rings, started in late April. It is called the "Arts and Crafts Club because between time to time they change the activities. The leaders for the girlsonly club are juniors Danielle Cobrand and Sonu Mathew, and this counts towards their IB Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) community service hours. After Cobrand and Mathew put up posters in late April, the club now has six members

including freshmen Meera Al Shamsi, Sahar Al Haddad and Hind Al Hameli, and juniors Yu Xin, Delia Smith and Joumana Asfour. But the only members who know how to knit are Cobrand and Smith. "It's hard to teach how to knit," said Cobrand. The club is supervised by two librarian Mrs. Morley, who provides space for the club to knit, and elementary school teacher Ms. Fairbarn. "This club is a nice way of relaxing after school, and it's for a good cause." said Yu Xin. Proceeds from their finished products -- on sale at the AISA Bazaar -- will go toward a charity.

keep in contact via email, but in all cases our graduates report missing AISA and the people who make up our community. To our current Seniors, you too will feel this wayin time. It may be hard for some of you to believe that you will miss being here as you are ready to head out on your own and fly. The good news is, we have done our jobs and are ready to let you go off and become who you are meant to be. This time of year always reminds me of a talk I had with my father as I considered heading out for University studies when he said, How can I miss you if you wont go away? Go out, do well and keep in touch with us. AISA will always be a home for all of our graduates andif you dont go, we wont miss you.

The Express May 2011

F1 in Schools: Middle School Students Build, Race and Market Cars

by Farah Al Suwaidi (Grade 12) Middle School students and staff revved up the fun by participating in the F1 in Schools challenge, which used Formula One racing to teach students about managing a business. During the nine-week F1 in Schools program, students used software to design, build and race a miniature Formula 1 car made from balsa wood and powered by a single compressed air cylinder. Students also worked together in small teams to develop business and marketing plans, which they presented to a panel of judges. Teams were then awarded points for each aspect of their project and winners get a trophy and a four year scholarship to university. Since awards are announced at the end of the school year, AISA will not know how its team placed for about another month. Grade 7 teacher Ms. Spies said, It was an excellent learning experience for the students. They experienced concepts such as keeping to a deadline, sending out letters to businesses, setting up a budget and working together to achieve goals and resolve problems. Her seventh grade student Megan Jackson also enjoyed experience. I liked it because it was exciting and not something you do every day. It was also beneficial for education since we learned a lot about the laws of aerodynamics. Two classes worked together in groups, overcoming silly fights and sponsorship and budgeting issues. They actually enjoyed themselves and learned a lot, said Ms. Spies. The teams who are motivated will possibly continue their project as an after-school activity and eventually work their way to becoming champions. We will definitely do it again next year.

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(Left) Grade 7 students Celine Ghosn, Solange Padilla, Brighid Hurtibise, Ivanna Castro, Melinda Knowling helped the school in a Formula One simulation. / Photo courtesy Ms. Spies.

by Shamma Al Khouri (Grade 11) More than 30 South African students and staffs enjoyed celebrating Freedom Day, is held on April 27. Since 1994, it has celebrated the first democratic election that brought an end to the racial segregation policies of Apartheid . Though the school did not mark the event since it occurred during spring break, and celebrations tended to be in Dubai rather than in Abu Dhabi, a handful of students and staff interviewed said they celebrated mostly by having barbecues with friends and relatives. Dorien Van Heerden (Grade 11) said "Usually we celebrate by having some delicious traditional dishes and either listening to our music or watching some South African movies, it's a family day." Senior Nelmari Holloway agreed. "Food, family and fun is how we spend the day. it's a time for celebration and it's no good if you do it alone."

South African Students, Staff Celebrate Freedom Day

IB Teacher Nominated for Citys Best Teacher in Abu Dhabi Week Contest
by Mr. Baron In a citywide best teacher contest, Abu Dhabi Week gave an honorable mention award to Ms. Farrell, the high school International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme coordinator and IB English teacher Ms. Farrell. Senior Naomi Nasrallah nominated Ms. Farrell, who is leaving after spending the past six years at AISA. "I have never met a more determined and strong-minded woman in my life," Nasrallah wrote. "[She] encourages her students to think outside the box, and pushes us to go further than we think possible. Her countless stories and great memory never cease to entertain us." Ms. Farrell, who has also taught classes in Grades 8-12, was grateful and surprised by the nomination. I thank Naomi and Abu Dhabi Week for allowing not only myself, but also other teachers throughout Abu Dhabi to be featured," she said. "[I]t makes leaving even harder Senior Naomi Nasrallah (left) nominaed Ms. Farrell, the schools IB coordinator and IB English because I feel teacher, for Abu Dhabis best teacher. / Photos like we have courtesy AISA. such wonderful students here at different cultures and backAISA." When asked how she has stu- grounds to the table." While Ms. Farrell is headed dents "think outside the box," back to the United States, she Ms. Farrell replied: plans on continuing in educa"We have such a fantastic tion. opportunity here at AISA by "I can't imagine my life withhaving really international out a classroom," she said. "I'm classrooms, and this allows positive it's where I a meant to for discussions that have to be be." "outside of the box" for all of us since we are all bringing our

Music teacher Ms. Van Rensburg and Cherene Leyland (Grade 10) said they held a braai, a barbecue of grilled meats. added Her sister Allesia Leyland (Grade 9) said, We all played South African music and had a big dinner. Some students like Rabia Abba Omar (Grade 9) were traveling, but still found ways to celebrate. We were in India, so my parents took us to a fancy restaurant and my sister and I played South African music on our iPods in the bus., Omar said. Next year there may be a celebration at school. Girls Assistant Principal Ms. Spegele said, I hope that next year the students and teachers from South Africa plan more to celebrate this day.

A sampling of the South African staff and students who celebrated Freedom Day: Music teacher Ms. Van Rensburg, senior Nelmari Holloway, junior Dorien Van Heerden, sophomore Cherene Leyland, freshmen Allesia Leyland and Rabia Omar. / Photos courtesy AISA.

by Hanna Al Hassen (Grade 12) Nearly 200 sophomores and juniors started their university application process by attending the Council of International Schools university fair in the gym on March 29. Sophomores and juniors, whose attendance was mandatory , viewed booths from 24 different universities from the U.S., Spain, France, Netherlands, England and the UAE . On April 18, students attended the Linden Boarding Schools Tour, with 10 schools from the United States, New York University was one of two dozen universities at a Canada and Jordan. Singapores recent fair. Above, former U.S. President Bill Clinton gave United World Colleges has 12 global the 2011 NYU commencement speech. / Photo courtesy Getty Images. campuses. These schools are gerad towards students who want to take a gap year or who Ms. Merrell, the high school counselor said,It's need a 13th or postgraduate year to help adjust an opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to to university or improve their grades. begin collecting information on colleges that they wish to attend.

Students Learn University and 13th Year Options at School Fairs

by Menat El Abd (Grade 11) Many students were excited by Latin pop star Shakiras wonderful and energetic concert with famous Egyptian singer Amr Diab on April 29 and their reviews were all great! Returning to UAE shores following her breath-taking 2008 New Years Eve performance at Emirates Palace, Shakira brought 'The Sun Comes Out World Tour' along with her distinctive pop/folk sound and incredible Middle Eastern Latininspired dance moves to Abu Dhabis Yas Island, according to Time Out Abu Dhabi. Diab revealed his latest songs while reminding fans of his hit songs: Nour El Ain and Aktar Wahed, which established his multi-platinum sound, .according to Time Out Abu Dhabi.

Pop Stars Shakira and Bollywood Dance Club Amr Diab Wow Brings the Beat at International Night Hip-Shaking Yas Is. Crowd by Hana Al Ameri (Grade 11) performance after Albuquerque job," he said.
Junior Lamees Al Makkawy, a fan of Diab, said, Overall it was an excellent performance. Although, some aspects of it disappointed me, such as the fact that Amr Diab only performed for 45 minutes before Shakira had her full two hours. Being an Egyptian, I was hoping to see him perform for a longer amount of time. Grade 8 student Yara Hisham also liked the concert, she also stated,saying, I liked how her voice sounded exactly like the CD but I didnt like how she said bye and she came back and sang two more songs when some people already left! During the encore, Shakira energized the crowd with hits Hips Don't Lie and the 2010 World Cup theme song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). -30After the Bollywood Dance Group performed at International Night, dancing for three-anda-half minutes to a mix of Bollywood songs "Dhatad Tadad" and "I Hate Love Stories," the standing-room-only crowd of more than 600 students and staff erupted in applause. It was a moment of relief for the six multinational students seniors Sharon Albuquerque, Christine Desroches, Grainne McClean, Coralie Wojciulewitsch, Malak Yacout Saleh, and junior Nimra Parveen since they had been practicing for two hours a week, every week since October. For all but one of them, this was their final high school founded the club in 2010 to represent her Indian heritage . The group, which earns hours for the IB CAS community service program, had previously played at last year's International Night and this year at a March 30 preview performance for more than 100 staff. "Performing for international Night was an amazing experience, said Parveen. I felt really nervous right before we had to go on stage but while we were dancing I felt excited and I think everyone really enjoyed our dance and got into it!" Staff members such as economics teacher Mr. Mirza enjoyed the dance. "It was well choreographed and they did a great

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The Express May 2011

Albuquerque said she and the group members have enjoyed being part of the club. "It was a lot of fun, preparing, practicing, and performing, she said.We have all become closer friends and it's truly an enjoyable experience. As group leader, I'm really proud of the group and how well we've done the last two years.. " Music teacher Ms. Van Rensburg helped with the choreography. "The girls were a very good group and great fun to work with, she said. Their dance was very entertaining and they put a lot of effort in the costumes and props." -30-

Shakira and Amr Diab performed their hits for thousands. / Photos courtesy Arab News.

Intl Night Performers

Photos courtesy Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12)

Ms. Laughrans IB-2 Spanish class performs La Bamba. (Left to Right): Grainne McClean, Sharon Albuquerque, Nour Chehabeddine, Sana Samhouri and Malak Yakout Saleth.

Bollywood dance group DesiPaarDesi: Junior Akshaay Hendrick and freshmen Pragya Gupta and Varun Patni.

Middle School students sing and dance to Shakiras 2010 South Africa World Cup theme song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). Mathilde Bienseant (Grade 7) on vocals, Reza-Ali Fassa (Grade 6) on drums, and dancers Haidy Badreldin (Grade 8), Ewa Sepiolo (Grade 7), Yara Hashem (Grade 8) and Lovisa Fjallskog (Grade 7).

by Maitha Al Mansoori (Grade 11, Arts & Culture Editor) Since her childhood ofcruising through malls and fashion boutiques and being dressed in glamorous clothing by her mother, junior Leila Allaf has aspired to become a famous fashion designer. I want to have my own line, and have stores in cities around the world, she said. Allaf, who plans on going to a top fashion design university such as Miami International University of Design or Parsons Paris School of Art and Design, wants to design her own line of elegant and modern clothing for Muslim women. I want to give the woman a little bit of everything and very high fashion which I would like to call it glamorous! she said. Before this year, Allaf, an American of Syrian ethnicity, was with her family iin Miami, Florida, where she used to draw different items such as wildlife, lamps, wine bottles and birds. When she arrived in Abu Dhabi this year, she began tak-

Future Fashion Designers Leila Allaf Model and Make Clothes at

ing fashion designing courses at the Abu Dhabi Art Institute. Now she is learning fashion figure and anatomy, the basic drawing, contouring and sewing and pattern making where she gets to identify different fashion

(Left to Right): Seniors Grainne McClean and Coralie Wojciulewitsch, junior Nimra Parveen, and seniors Sharon Albuquerque, Christine Desroches and Malak Yacout. / Photo courtesy Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12)

she prefers to design clothes. I would rather design because I have such a creative mind and want to the show the world my designs. Allaf also interested in interior design and online design for fashion blogs .

fabrics and sewing them together to make patterns. Allaf is also inspired by how celebrities dress. Junior and aspiring fashion designer Leila Allaf I'm always up (right) wears the traditional clothes of Morocco (with Juniors Rana Alsaadi (left; also Express News! to date with ceeditor) at the International Night Fashion Show. / lebrities clothPhoto courtesy Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12). ing and where they get them from, she said. Allaf also saed she is obsessed Her friends think she has the with shopping and helps her potential to reach her dreams. friends in picking outfits. Judy Mallah (Grade 11) said: Though Allaf modeled several Leilas an amazing fashion outfits at the recent International designer and she will be famous Night Fashion Show at AISA, and successful in the future.

The Express May 2011

More Than 500 Attendees Toured the World Through Song, Dance, Fashion and Food

Sold-Out Fourth Annual International Night Smashing Success

by Rana Alsaadi (Grade 11, News! Editor) More than 500 students and staff enjoyed the sold out fourth annual International Night on April 20, an event that showcased the school's diversity with more than 30 cultures represented in performances, a fashion show, and food stalls while raising more than AED 15,000 for an African village. Attendees said this was the biggest and best International Night yet. Ms. Van Rensburg said, The performers did an awesome job, the fashion is a great event and just seeing all the effort students and parents put into the booths made me proud to be a part of it, said music teacher Ms. Van Rensburg. While science teacher Mrs. Fairbarn,was the event's main organizer, final arrangements were made by music teacher Ms. Van Rensburg, English teacher Ms. Martin, and science teacher Ms.

(Left to Right): Middle School students Fahad, Rashed and Suhail perform the traditional Emirati dance, the juniors dance club Paranoize performed global dances and the Syrian booth with Judy Mallah, Leila Allaf, Rana Alsaadi and Dania Mallah offered tabooleh and shawarma. / Left and right photos courtesy Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12), center photo courtesy Mr. Baron.

by Farida Nassar (Grade 11) Inspired by famous mens fashion line Armani, Indian junior Meenshwer Madhu plans on being a fashion designer. He already has a strong start, after designing the flowing, cream-colored

and Meenshwer Madhu Intl Night Fashion Show

Moloney. The student leaders were seniors Sharifa Al-Hinai, Hind Al Zaabi, and Aleya Lari. Attendees paid AED 30 to attend, and about AED 16,000-nearly double the fundraising goal of AED 9,000 will be donated to the Red Crescent charity to build two wells at a village without water in the African country of Chad. In preparation for the night, girls advisories dressed up paper dolls in students' national clothes, while boys advisories created a canvas symbolizing diversity. The paper dolls were posted along the stage for the event. Performances The night started with the singing of the national anthem and traditional dances. Middle School students represented Africa by dancing to Shakira's World Cup hit Waka, Waka (This Time for Africa) followed by Melinda Knowling (Grade 7)

playing a classical piano piece. Freshmen represented India with a fast and fun Bollywood dance, followed by junior Steffanie Sanders, in a red-whiteand-blue outfit, singing The Star Spangled Banner. Seniors represented Latin America by dancing to the classic Rock and Roll hit La Bamba, followed by middle school girls reciting a beautiful Arabic poem about Palestine . Then there was a brief European tour, as French student Mathilde Bienseant (Grade 7) represented her country by singing a Celine Dion and science teacher Ms. Moloney performed Irish music on her tin whistle. Diana Sholi (Grade 6) read a poem about Palestine in English, then the senior Bollywood dance club (profiled in the Arts & Culture section) danced to upbeat songs. To represent students' own cultural identities, senior Farrah Abu Hijleh sang True Colors,

lated to his sketches. The project was so successful that the teacher signed him up for his first fashion show at only 16 years of age, for which he designed two garments. Although Armani is Madhus favorite designer, he said he is not often inspired by designers

and said his Indian ethnicity has not influenced his designs. Most of his designs are for women and rarely for (Left) At the International Night Fashion Show, men; he prefers designjunior Meenshwer Madhu poses with fellow juniors ing drapes, the way that Marcela Azucar (left) and Express News! reporter loosely hung cloth falls, Tanya Tarazi. / Photo courtesy Ibrahim Al Hashidi especially on dresses.. (Grade 12). (Right) Madhu and Tarazi afterwards. For university, Madhu plans on studying marketdress symbolizing World Peace, worn ing and fashion design. by junior (and Express reporter) His parents plan on sending him to Tanya Tarazi wore at the recent Inter- the Italian fashion capital of Milan, national Night Fashion Show. he wants to go to Bangkok, Thailand. Madhu's passion for fashionstarted Bangkok is also a fashion capital in Grade 8, when his math teacher and it has high exposure and a lot of was amazed by his sketchbook and fashion shows, he said. asked him to do a math project re-

by Alyazia Al Hamed (Grade 11) Juniors from the Environmental Science class won third place in the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency (EAD), and participated in the Emirates Environmental Group.. At the Emirates Environmental Group's 11th annual environmental public speaking competitionin Dubai's Knowledge Village , the school finished in the top third out of 18 schools in the Emirates on April 21. Students presented on themes surrounding the topic, GCC countries: 25 years from now, or Development without destruction: Is it possible? Reem Lari represented Mrs. Fairbarn's class, which also includes Leila Allaf, Rana Alsaadi (also the section editor), Kairine Maharajh and Steffanie Sanders and Tanya Tarazi (section reporter). The competition involved 37 schools, from all around the Emirates, which were divided into two groups depending on the question they presented. AISA, along with eighteen other schools, had to write about the idea of Development without Destruction. Together, the class created a Power Point presentation, a video and a model of an ideal new environmentally-friendly

Environmental Science Students Win Public Speaking Awards

followed by the final act: the show stopping junior dance club Paranoize, which performed Arab belly dancing, a Chinese fan dance, an African dance and break dancing. Fashion Show The Fashion Show followed, with pairs of students walking down the runway wearing traditional clothing of countries such as Peru, Syria and Pakistan. Juniors Leila Allaf and Meeneshwer Madhu, also profiled in this issue, were the highlights. At the end, Madhu, who designed junior Tanya Tarazi's flowing white dress symbolizing world peace, bowed to the crowd. International Food Booths Afterwards attendees chowed down on world foods . Seniors Maryam Al Mannaie and Ashwag Al Neaimis Emirati booth served harees, a traditional dish, and lgaimat, a sweet ball pastry eaten with Arabic coffee. At the Syrian booth, which this reporter

staffed, traditional food included tabooleh and shawarma. Students ate apple pie at Brad Bixlers American booth, seafood stew at Nicole Gurgels Brazilian booth, melktart (dessert) at the South African booth, frites at Coralie Wojciulewitschs Belgium booth, and mandu (dumplings) at the South Korean booth. At the Nepal booth, juniors Dorien Van Heerden and Claudia Oswald raised awareness and AED 200 for the Nagajuna Boarding School for orphans, at which they volunteered during the World Challenge trip in November (see The Express, Feb. 2011). Senior Serene Harb said, It never fails to show the vast diversity between the cultures that our school is made up of. Next year's International Night will be even better and hopefully new countries will join! -30-

city.. Lari gave a speech.in which she talked about the effects of cities, pollution and water consumption, energy conservation , the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and ways to help maintain a sustained environment. I think we did very well. said Drama and English teacher (Left to Right): Environmental Science juniors Mr. Gallichan, who accompanied Rana Alsaadi, Reem Lari and Leila Allaf. Who knows, maybe I'll end the girls. up becoming a part of the Juniors Rana Alsaadi and media. Reem Lari won third place I was very excited to hear at the Abu Dhabi Environthat we had won not only one mental Agency's 10th annual environmental competition on award but two! said Environmental Science teacher April 17-18 . Ms. Fairbarn. Having them Alsaadi surveyed more than 90 people about improv- be my students was an added bonus, as I saw all of the hard ing the environment, while work the girls put into their Lari wrote a speech about projects. how people are becomUnder the patronage of ing disconnected from the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed natural environment. Science Al Nahyan, students and teachers Mr. Deschamps and Mrs. Livingston accompanied staff were recognized at an exhibition ceremony at Abu students. Dhabi's Corniche on April Winning third place 25. Students met education is such an honor and this officials along with Sheikhs experience opened a lot of Hazza and Yas. new doors for me, said Lari.

by Aria Pavlic (Grade 11, Sport) AISAs athletic director, Mr. Synoground, after being at AISA for more than a decade, is leaving to work in Oman at ABBA,he officially announced at the annual sports awards assembly on April 18. After having been here for 14 of the past 16 years, including the past 11 as Athletic Director, Synoground will be leaving AISA on a slam dunk. The school won the ISAC JV Champions and Overall Sports Champions Awardsfor 2010-2011. Out of the 16 ISAC teams, AISA won the most points (points given for wins), and the school has won this award three out of the past four years. This year, several teams won ISAC championships: Girls Varsity Basketball (three straight seasons), Boys Varsity and JV Soccer and the Boys and Girls Varsity and JV Badminton. In honor of Synoground, the Athlete of the Year award has been renamed the Tim "Syndy" Synoground Award. This year's winners are seniors Karim Abu Eicha and Nelmari Holloway. AISAs top athletes by grade are freshmen Zeid Sharif and Dara Al Kayyali, sophomores Zaid Salamahand Claire Taylor, juniors Sam Jovanovic and Danielle Cobrand and seniors Abdul Quddos Al Aghbari and Lilya Boukornia. Win-

Students and Staff Wish Athletic Director Fond Farewell After Nearly 15 Years at School
ners by sport can be found on the AISA website (aisa.sch.ae/page.cfm?p=444). Cobrand, who was the captain and MVP of the varsity soccer team, and also played varsity volleyball, said: This is my first time winning this award, there are many good athletes in our school and Im honoured to be among one of them. Al Aghbari, who was the school's sports representative and varsity volleyball captain, said: Im going to miss playing soccer here at AISA however still I plan to play in university. Overall athletes of the year were seniors Karim Abu Eicha (also varsity track and field MVP) and Nelmari Holloway , and received the first annual Tim "Syndy" Synoground Award. They will have their names engraved on the award which will be featured in the rotunda. Both said they will miss the athletic director. Holloway has played alongside Synoground since Grade 5, and this year played varsity volleyball and basketball. Abu Eicha played sports for the first time this year, and participated in volleyball, soccer and track and field. He agreed that Synoground will be missed. I know I'm going to miss him so much, because I've known him since I was a kid, he said. I'll never forget him for his hard work and for who he is. I hope wherever he goes, he deserves it. Staff will also miss Synoground. At

The Express May 2011

the annual coach's dinner on May 12, PE teacher Mr. Holloway said Synoground inspired him to become a coach and teacher. Most of us don't see most of what he's doing, Holloway said. He gets to school at 7 am and doesn't leave until 4 or 5 p,m. most days. He's at the school on the weekends and during breaks, arranging schedules, filling out paperwork and painting lines on the football field. Synoground ended the assembly saying, "Give a big hand to your coaches, without them we'd have nothing. In the past six years, we've won the ISAC tournament in every sport. Next year I'm expecting it to be the same. I've had a great time at AISA. When you see all these banners (in the gym), remember that you've been on these teams. But don't think this will be the end -- we'll be back next year when you play ABAOman."

Top to Bottom: Mr. Synoground (second from right) receives a commemorative plaque from the Admin (dressed as the athletic director) Ms. Spegele, Mr. Morley and Mr. Godley, and poses with the girls and boys winners by grade. / Photos courtesy Ibrahim Al Hashidi (Grade 12).

Girls Varsity and JV Teams Win ISAC Titles Boys Varsity and JV Badminton
School of Kuwait (37), Al Nahda School for Girls (27) and UASDubai (20) and UAS-Kuwait (20). I loved my team and they loved to play so they made my job easier, said Coach Ms. McLeod. Nicole Gurgel (Grade 12) said, Everybody had a potential of winning and we all worked hard to do our best. The Varsity MVP, Mariam Al Hammadi (Grade 11), said of the win: "I was very proud of myself and my friends." For the JV team, Coach Mr. Berzinssaid he was very proud of the final score of 49, narrowly beating Al Nahda (40), but far ahead of the three other schools that scored in the 20s. "The players who have been playing for a long time improved their serves and strategy," he said. The newer players did a great job of learning how to play the game." The team had only five girls, theMVP was Sheren Abou-Ouf (Grade 10). Jude Al Hajeri (Grade 8) was proud of winning, saying The most exciting thing was getting by Paula Fronda (Grade 12) to play doubles with the other JV The Boy's Varsity and JV girls and meeting new girls and badminton teams won the ISAC title after going undefeated in the boys from the other schools.

Teams Win ISAC Titles

by Ameilia Fox (Grade 11) The Girls Varsity and JV badminton teams won first place in the ISAC tournaments held at Al Nahda School on April 16. The Varsity team of eight players set a final score of 54, easily outpacing the Al Batin Bilingual

tournament. Though the tournament, hosted by the Al Nahda School of Abu Dhabi, had different badminton rules than AISA was used to, they still ended successfully. Coaches Mr. Crowe and Mr. McKenzie were proud of the boys, as were the players. It was an amazing season, hopefully next year we'll have a better one for next year! said varsity player Fares Salamah (Grade 11).

Softball Players Build Skills in First Full Season

by Jessica van der Walt (Grade 11, Sport Editor) The softball team finished its first full season with big improvements in skills, and next year hope to be even better and beat rival the American Community School after a close loss.

One of their biggest achievements was nearly beating rival the American Community School, but after a close game AISA lost by a score of 12-7. The Most Valuable Player this year was starting pitcher Emilia Repo (Grade 10), Though she had never (Far Left) Co-coach Mr. Hornblower warms up players. (Left) This years MVP was pitcher Emilia Repo (Grade 10), who is warming up before a game. (Below) Pitcher Dahnia Asfour (Grade 9) in the last game against UAS-Dubai on played softball before, she April 18. / Left photos courtesy Emilia Repo, team photo Mr. Baron. improved greatly throughout the season. pared to the region's American School, significantly improved Though the team lost all of its I'm very proud of our team and international schools that their game and skills, games for the second straight as a whole and of the progress have many students from North Seventy percent of the startseason, few of AISA's players we've been making, Repo said. America. ers can hit to the outfield now have played before or even come I think it is a good place to Co-coach Mr. (with Mr. Milland their basic throwing and from countries where baseball er) said the team of more than catching skills improved [signifi- continue from for next year. or softball is a major sport, com15 girls, mainly from the Middle cantly], he said.