Where the lions roar! Vol. 1, No.

Graduation Day!

June 2011

Seniors React with Mixed Emotions at Emirates Palace Ceremony

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 under His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Khaled. Feeling thrilled, nervous and sad, graduates are ready to embark on their own separate paths. I [couldnt] wait to graduate, but itll be weird not being with everyone next year, said Ruba Al Homsi, whos study ing at the American University of Sharjah. Graduation started with a processional of teachers to Pomp and Circumstance, then former senior Ibrahim Al Hashidi recited a passage from the Holy Quean. School director Dr. Jones gave the welcoming address, emphasizing that people in the UAE thrive. Mr. Walid Abushakra, superintendent 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 Rensburgs music class.

Secondary School Principal Mr. Godley then recognized the valedictorians for the IB and diploma programs, respectively, Marija Popovic and Sharifah Al Hinai; and salutatorians 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. Mangans recent prize. Learn another language, read and travel. Popovic said students will cherish these memories, from the troublemakers 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, attending the Capping Ceremony and now officially graduating, they are ready to take this first step in their exciting new journey. It isnt 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 Im going to miss, said Mr. Godley. Dr. Jones also thanked community affairs coordinator Ms. Shanti, secretary 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.
Clockwise from Top Left: Mr. Abushakra, superintendent 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 Quran. 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.

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

Students Experience Emirati Culture on Desert Safari

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 experience. 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-

Hundreds Attend Prom and Bazaar P2

7 Sophs Accepted to NYU Students Celebrate Spanish, How can you avoid finals MS Muzes Performance AD Summer Program P3 Latino Culture at Fiesta P4 fatigue? P6 Night Big Hit P5

A I S A s
Science Teacher Wins Ferrari at Al Jazira Celebration, Returns to AISA Next Year

One in a Million:

V O i C E
How to Succeed in Business at the AISA Bazaar
and trinkets. Sophomore Emirati boys and junior Emirati girls, nicknamed the Locoz, organized the event, along with sophomore Rashed Al-Romaithi and senior Abdulla Al-Romaithi. While the studentbusinessmen 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 Heerdens Nepal charity project. The Locoz are looking forward to organizing next years Bazaar, aiming for a greater success.

The Express June 2011

by Mr. Baron Science teacher Mr. Mangan won a Ferrari at the Al Jazira football championship 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 Ferrari 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 Above: Mr. Mangan celebrates the victory could not have hap- goal. / Photo courtesy Al Jazira Club. Below: Mr. Mangan poses in the Ferpened to a better person.
rari. / Photo courtesy Gulf News.

Making Memories and Dancing All Night at Prom

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 learning 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 Blackberries -- and traditional booths such as clothing

by Fatma Al Khazraji (Grade 12) Seniors celebrated graduation with the American tradition of prom -- not sponsored 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."

Students Eager to Lend a Helping Hand for Habitat for Humanity Trip
The Express Masthead
Our 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 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 Cosmo Editor: Shamma Al Khouri Hanna Al Hassen Oshba Al Murar Farah Al Suwaidi News! Editor: Rana Alsaadi Alyazia Al Hamed Farida Nassar Tanya Tarazi Sports Lions: 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.

by Shaika Al Qassimi (Grade 11, AISAs 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 midFebruary 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 November 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 opportunity 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.

Middle School Literacy Blog Hosts Novel Discussions

by Mona Al Amry (Grade 12) Middle School students enjoyed using online social media to discuss novels during 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 communication between them by discussing their novels and sharing their ideas, he said. In many ways it accomplished this goal.

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

Buckle Up to Save Your Life

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.

Four Publications Students Earn Magazine Internships

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.

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

by Mr. Godley Secondary 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 improvements 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 meaningful 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 summer in which we re-create and relax.

The Express June 2011

Seven Sophomores Accepted into Prestigious NYU AD Program

Marar, Mariam Al Jaberi, Mohamed Al Shaibani, Noor Al Muhairbi, Sara Al Mahmoud, Abdulla Al Harmoudi. Through the universitys Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program, the seven accepted students will take specially designed courses, splitting five weeks between the NYU campuses in Florence, 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.

MS Students Study Sharks in Dubai

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

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 Mahmoud 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 beforehand that she would not be allowed to study abroad. This program is an opportunity to change their minds, said Al Mahmoud.

NYU Abu Dhabis temporary downtown campus. / Photo courtesy Gulf News. Background courtesy 123rf.com.

by Ms. Townsend Two Grade 6 students served as shark research assistants for the Gulf Elasmo Project at Dubais 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 sharks fins being cut from the body to be used for shark fin soup in Hong Kong.

Only a Few Days Left to Attend AISA Boutique and Used Book Sale!
Fundraising Goal of AED 10,000 for Support Staff
Merrell. Ms. Fairbarn donated books for the used book sale, and clothes and small household items for the boutique; Ms. Merrell donated clothes. It is important to give money to the support staff,said Ms. Fairbarn. I think they are underpaid. 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 faculty. The used book sale started on June 12 and ends on June 16. by Rana Alsaadi (Grade 11, News! Editor) Help raise AED 10,000 for the schools 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 dcor (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 important 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 years boutique raised nearly AED 4,000 for the cleaning staff. But the proceeds from this years boutique and used book sale will be divided among the entire support staff. It is important to thank them for their hard work in supporting 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.

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.

School to Revise English Curriculum, Improve IT Next Year

and Ms. Spegele, girls assistant principal are coordinating the improvements. 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 production. 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 better the service to students, said Dr. Jones. The opening of the two pools may mean after-school swimming 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 improvements. I cant wait to see the results of all of the changes being made for next year, especially the pool!

Students Rep School at Nurses Ceremony

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 (Director in ADEC) using their PowerPoint 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 supported 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.

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

Student Celebrate Spanish, Latino Culture at First-Ever Fiesta

C O S M O
The Express June 2011
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.

by Shamma Al Khouri (Grade 11, Cosmo Editor) IB-1 Spanish students presented La Noche LatinaEspanol their first-ever endof-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 Spanishspeaking countries such as Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Spain, and performed a skit poking fun at Spanish class. Spanish teacher Ms. Laughran said, It makes learning different languages fun! In the final segment, a cooking 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 ambassador, 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 overwhelming. 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 Spanish 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 Spanish night next year, with the theme Madrinas. Madrinas will be an extension of the after-school Spanish club HolaQue tal? (Hello, what's up?), linking the school's native Spanish speakers with the IB students.

Second Annual Capping Ceremony Sensational Success; Yearbooks Hot Seller After Release
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 its not considered our event, said Mr. Godley. However capping ceremony is our event its more intimate and not as formal. This year new features included a reflection video and students singing. Yearsbooks were also released on this day, and proved to be popular sellers. This years 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, remaining copies of last year's are AED 75. But there is also a special combo price: both for AED 300. Its a great idea that students designed it, said graduate Ruba Al Homsi. It becomes more personal because they understand what everyone wants. Buy your yearbook at the uniform shop. Treasure your memories forever!

Watch a sneak peek of the yearbook on YouTube: bit.ly/aisa2011

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, recycling and water conservation; and health topics such as the dangers of smoking shisha and bullying, and child rights.

Grade 5 Students Present Environmental Exhibition

Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Heart!

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 AlSelme said, It was fun to do and fun to present to others.

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

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

A r t s & C u l t u r e
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 performing 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, Downs 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 beginning of the year, when some AISA students volunteered at a ballet event.

School Singers Support Students from Al Noor Center for Special Needs

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 Fitness on May 1. Once the Grade 9 and 10 boys, and Grade 7 girls, arrived at the fitness center, a fitness professional ran them through an 80-minute circuit of fitness training including stationary bikes, boxing, pushups and sit ups. later. "We planned this trip as an extracurricular 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 likelearning how to exercise with the equipment the instructor showed them. I think the [students] really enjoyed 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.

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 similar event next year. The event was a humbling and uplifting experience, she said. They (Al Noor Center) were very well prepared, enthusiastic and very welcoming towards us.

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

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

More Than 100 Attend First-Ever Muzes MS Performing Arts Night

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

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 Noursultan Mussinov), trumpet (Kende Tar) and violin (Camille Duchateau). Mr. Gallichan, high school drama teacher, and Ms. Townsend, middle school science 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 Princess (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, several 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.

Snoop Dogg and Amr Diab Drop It Like Its 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 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 American 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 wouldnt want to disappoint 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 enthusiastic when they saw Snoop Doggs outfits, she said. But it was hot, the dancers werent that good, also there were a lot of fights which made it not very safe. Senior Nicole Gurgel agreed. Amazing concert, but it was seriously hot, she said.

Feeling Stressed During Finals? Nutrition and Exercise May Help!

by 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 getting, 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 balanced diet. Though you can treat yourself 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.coms Stress Management guide. It is important to stay hydrated, 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, according to fitness website LifeTips.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

S P O R T S

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 Above: Left: Abdul Quddos Al Aghbari was overweight in his Grade 6 class the school's athletes of the photo. Righ: But thanks to a rigorous workout routine he now has washboard abs, year, works out five times a as Al Aghbari (left) poses with AISA graduate Faris Al Zaabi. week for 90 minutes/day in Below: The food pyramid serves as a useful guide for healthy eating. 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 running and jogging, and no longer eating junk food, he now has a balanced diet and is in top shape.

Mr. Hornblower to Succeed Students Agree Barcelona Better Mr. Synoground Team in UEFA Victory Over Man U. as Athletic Director
Expanded PE Curriculum to Include Fitness, Potentially Swimming

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

N S

The Express June 2011

by Aria Pavlic (Grade 11) Barcelona has been crowned the best football club in the world after defeating Manchester United 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League Finals at Londons Wembley Stadium on May 28th. Even the schools' Manchester 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 supporters are sore winners, said junior Kairine Maharajh, 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 Barcelona at the near post. Manchester 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 Trophy 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, its too sad [longtime Dutch star and Manchester United goalie Edwin] Van Der Sar lost his last game, he played really well.

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

by Paula Fronda (Grade 12) Who will take up Athletic Director Mr. Synogrounds 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 AcademyOman 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 itll be in good hands. AISA has been a huge part of my life and will always be. Im happy knowing Ive left a place where I have made a huge impact and left something behind.

Already Mr. Hornblower is planning next years sports program. He said the P.E. curriculum will include physical fitness, and how the body works with certain exercises and techniques. Im trying to build up the curriculum for the better of the students, and its 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!