Dear Students and Parents, As we head into our winter vacation, I would like to take the time to reflect upon the first few months of this year. It has been incredible how much we have been able to achieve in a few short months. Each week I have the pleasure of attending student performances on stage or on the field, in activity clubs etc. It is won-derful to see students involved in so many different activities. However, the difficulty is to maintain a balance between these activities and being able to be successful academically also. I would encourage all students to be involved in activities but also to ensure that they allocate sufficient time to be prepared for class and to complete and revise for all assessments. Always ensure that they have a balanced diet and have plenty of sleep each night. This vacation, take the time to relax but also to prepare for the upcoming exams in January. Some of the highlights this month have been the publication of the first UAS Newspaper; a project conceived and edited by Smita Sen. You can view the newspaper on the portal. Students contributed many articles and the end product is wonderful. Congratulations to Smita and her team of writers. We have also had two MUN trips this month, one to Jordan and one to Qatar. Both conferences were highly successful and our students were exemplary. I would like to thank Ms. Ghorbani and Ms. Pilato who prepared and chaperoned the stu-dents at their conferences.

This week we celebrate National Day. The Fine Arts Booster Club has planned a number of activities as part

of their BE Campaign. We can already see the beginning of the mural which will be created on the wall divid-

ing the secondary and elementary playgrounds. The PTO will have an exhibition of UAE artifacts on display in

the front lobby this week representing 40 years of unity. Also in the lobby you will have noticed the wonderful

student art work. This is the culmination of a combined project between the Arabic and Art teachers.

Notes from the PrincipalNotes from the PrincipalNotes from the PrincipalNotes from the Principal

On the weekend the Girls Scouts group lead by Ms. Ruth Lootah partici-

pated in the Whatever Floats Your Boat competition at Dubai Festival

City. Our students were the only ‘all-female’ team and were awarded an

Appreciation Award for following all the rules of the competition. Con-

gratulations girls!

November 29, 2011 Issue No. 3

Dates to remember:

• KHDA inspection —

Dec. 5 — 8, 2011

• Grade 7 Camp — Dec.

6 — 9, 2011

• JV Footbal—Dec. 8 —

10, 2011

• Turtles Basketball

game—Dec. 10, 2011

• Book discussion —The

Wink of Mona Lisa -

December 11, 2011

• Special Book Discus-

sion—Thirteen Rea-

sons Why — January

29, 30, 31 & February

1

• Emirates Airline Lit-

Fest. 2012—Story

Writing Competition—

Deadline for entries

Dec. 12, 2011

Inside this issue:

Notes from Principal 1

Counseling 4

IB 5

Fine Arts Booster Club 6

Library News 7

Featured Department 9

Student Council 10

Athletics 12

India Trip 11

CAS 10

Next week, most of our grade 7 students will be going on their camp. I know it will be lots of fun and be involved in many team-building and

leadership activities. We will also have the KHDA inspectors come to UAS. I leave you with some pictures of the seniors proudly wearing

their new ‘senior hoodies’.

Wagdi, Farida Bhatti, Lyba Sleem, Adham Shehadeh, Nadine Jung, MinSoo El Sawy, Seif Platteau, Dries Lee, Yoonjae (Christina) Pronk, Adriaan Bae, Jeonghun (Phil) Pourghorban, Ali Rose, Ethan Abdallah, Mouna Abou El Ghar, Cherifa Hannan, Saba Grade 8Grade 8Grade 8Grade 8 Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award: Surma, Jan Piotr (Janek) Lee, Ga Young Aleali, Alia Anoohi, Asma Naser, Rama Albanna, Nasser High Honors:High Honors:High Honors:High Honors: Zafar, Imaad Abdulaziz, Savannah Abdulaziz, Eric Ali, Shahd Alkhaja, Aadel Kim, Geo

Grade 7Grade 7Grade 7Grade 7 Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award: Marion, Jade Dandache, Hoda (Aya) Taha, Hana Numani, Asfia Khayat, Ahmad Hanna, Elianna Alhariri, Rama High Honors:High Honors:High Honors:High Honors: Alawadi, Safeeya Ahuja, Vaibhav Noorabadi, Barbod Campodonico, Sabrina Ferraz, Isabelly Chu Zhen Xuen, Kymberley Joan Wardah, Zeid Lee, Sang Soo Shaheen, Mohammed El Marj, Nathalie Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: Fakhruddin, Alefiya Bayyari, Laith Bodo, Bianka Zafar, Adeel Miyazaki, Sana Fakih, Ali Shinwari, Zarlasht Kim, Ji-Yeun Zaidi, Syed Sajid

Joarder, Fahad Abrar Dimoulas, Stephany Hanna, Christina Nuaman, Omar Hameer, Jinaan Kim, Su-Jung Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: El Sharawy, Sondos Welsh, Andrew Uy, Adrian Kristofer Al Braik, Waleed Mahir, Tajwar Hazim, Ramzi Gramstad, Simone Van Zyl, Alexander Govers, Sanne Choi, Yunjin Apostolopoulos, Stefanos Khatib, Sami Al-Otaibi, Abdullah Ahmed, Syed Mohammed Elassi, Karim Biryulya, Elena Hassen, Omar Ashraf, Ali Nimer, Ahmad Huang, Jiacheng Dahi, Ayla Koh, Ha Young (Erica) Arjomand, Abdulla Mohammadi, Matin

Our congratulations to the following students for making it to the Honor Roll this quarter:Our congratulations to the following students for making it to the Honor Roll this quarter:Our congratulations to the following students for making it to the Honor Roll this quarter:Our congratulations to the following students for making it to the Honor Roll this quarter:

Page 2

Issue No. 3

Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9 Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award: Alkhaja, Janan Seifelnasr Elsayed Abdelaal, Nour Lootah, Sara Mortensen, Nicolai Fattouh, Rawan Abdulhussain, Ahmed Rose, Nolan Farran, Nadia Shankar, Sneha High Honors:High Honors:High Honors:High Honors: Faran, Misha El Sawy, Malak Algergawi, Amal Wehbe, Karim Qanni, Yousef Hachem, Kareem Osman Hussain, Jude Joudeh, Sara El Baba, Hadi Dahhan, Layan El Hajj, Tamara Elnadi, Salma de Hoog Bouthoorn, Femke Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: Martins, Pedro Koinuma, Rei Bin Haider, Abdulla

Page 3

Issue No. 3

Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9 Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: Rahme, Maurice Hamza Abd El Motaleb, Karim Ibrahim, Lina Yoo, Jungwoong Jauhari, Husein Khayat, Allaa Khawar, Usman Babu, Shirleyn Kattukaran, Aliya Alawadi, Abdallah Alfahim, Faisal Abdalla, Mohammad Aldewaik, Khalid Kazi, Nafi Ahmed Saleh, Amero Gorski Grau, Karla Bae, Junhyung (Steven) Ahn, Joon Hyun Nasra, Anne-Marie Naga, Mariam Kojan, Layan Amanuel , Christy Samji, Wajiha Fatema Beam, Grant Grade 10Grade 10Grade 10Grade 10 Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award: Albanna, Yasmine Sarkawi, Gina Khan, Nabaa High Honors:High Honors:High Honors:High Honors: Abd El-Shafi Abd El Razek , Nouran Farazinia, Fatemeh El Sadek, Aya Sahni, Saibani Apostolopoulou, Dafni Alkishtaini, Aseel Al Mansoori, Marwan Anoohi, Amal Bou Saab, Samer Kim, Eun Jeong Lawrence, Bethany Joy Singh, Sahej Kurji, Sahir Muwahed, Joan Khayat, Jamal Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: Alrais, Ali Ismail, Karim Elnaggar, Nariman Sharif, Samar El Garawany, Malek Singh, Mehr Chawhan, Salaar Khadem Khorasani, Ghazaleh

Abdalla, Mohannad Tuazon, Shinih Hannah Nuaman, Abdulla Boston, Kirsten Bakir, Karim Sawaf, Omar Shaikhly, Ihsan Elcheikh-Hassan, Farah Kotecha, Suraj El Assi, Nabil Cardoso De Oliveira Da Cruz, Vitor (Vitor Cruz) Nasser, Abdus Sattar Otaki, Christopher Jamalian, Seyedeh Delaram Hasheminejad, Negar (Nina) Bostani, Alexandra Gomez, Tristan Alawadhi, Faisal Kim, Ji Min (Jimin) Grade 11Grade 11Grade 11Grade 11 Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award: Yu, Jihyun Sisak, Katherine Alsuwaidi, Ahmed Khatib, Yara Zituni, Danya Hwang, Yunji High Honors:High Honors:High Honors:High Honors: Abdel Rahman, Ashraf Baramki, Gabriel (Gabe) Pronk, Valentijn Hanna, Dima De Wijs, Calvin Jay Dorri, Maral Lacroix, Clara Alhariri, Sara Abdallah, Nadhem Ryder, Fleur Ahmed, Nida Glaser, Jennifer Lauer, Isaac Yoo, Kahee Elnadi, Ossama Welsh, Patrick Park, Jisu Van Zyl, Melissa Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: Younes, Selim Naser, Faheem El Shaarawy, Hussein Chahrour, Carla Al-Shama, Hassan Nasiri, Amin Diaz, Carlos Trujillo, Marina Rezaei, Sajjad

Koinuma, Yu Tannous, Marie Lynn Rappe, Julien Sorayanejad, Ebrahim Abou El Ghar, Adham Jozsa, Florian Barrigh Vargas, Leonel Sharif, Rashed Reissig, Jillian Abedrabo, Zeinah Durham-Moran, Jacob Salim, Issa El Abotigi, Yousef Abd El Aziz Abbas, Aliaa Grade 12Grade 12Grade 12Grade 12 Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award:Principal Award: Eltanbouli, Leena Sen, Smita Sehat Niaki, Paniz Evans, Arianna Salama, Ahmed High Honors:High Honors:High Honors:High Honors: Younes, Nora Dahhan, Mohamad Boutemine, Sawsan Kafity, Anthony Farsakh, Mohammed Khalifa, Rana Massoud, Yasmin Brown, Alyssa Glaser, Kyle Alabed, Asma Honors:Honors:Honors:Honors: Broekhoff, Bart El-Cheikh-Hassan, Iman Jaafar, Hassan Nached, Ali Rechenhofer, Jennifer Scott, Teri Abdel-Jaber, Ahmad Shaikhly, Omar Eid, Tracy Kamal, Sana Iqbal, Yaseen Hachem, Zahraa Sawaf, Sammy Alshiha, Mansoor Khalil, Trandel Koch, Sophia

Page 4

Issue No. 3

Mr. Kuestermann is looking for a number of BRAVE students from each grade level to form an ACTION GROUP that will work together to Stand Up Against Bullying. Change policy, raise awareness and take action.

I DARE YOU TO BE BRAVE

I DARE YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I DARE YOU TO SIGN UP WITH MR. KUESTERMANNI DARE YOU TO SIGN UP WITH MR. KUESTERMANNI DARE YOU TO SIGN UP WITH MR. KUESTERMANNI DARE YOU TO SIGN UP WITH MR. KUESTERMANN

BE BRAVE and STAND UP AGAINST

BULLYING

STAND UP

AGAINST

BULLYING

Counseling/College AdvisingCounseling/College AdvisingCounseling/College AdvisingCounseling/College Advising

HS counseling department would like to offer a few words of advice and words of praise. HS counseling department would like to offer a few words of advice and words of praise. HS counseling department would like to offer a few words of advice and words of praise. HS counseling department would like to offer a few words of advice and words of praise. ADVICE: ADVICE: ADVICE: ADVICE: Binder tuneBinder tuneBinder tuneBinder tune----up up up up –Quarter 2 has begun. Students should clear out their quarter one binders that they use every day to class, put their quarter 1 contents in a safe place and then start anew for quarter 2. Having a “conscious awareness”Having a “conscious awareness”Having a “conscious awareness”Having a “conscious awareness” – high school students are strongly encouraged to keep working hard during the last few weeks of this calendar year. When we return from December break, there will only be 4 weeks until semester one is over. February 1st is the start of quarter 3. Some suggested reading: http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Successful-High-School-Student PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE! The high school counselors are pleased with the progress made by students in the last quarter. Report card grades and comments have demonstrated a good level of commitment, hard work and dedication. LOOKING FOR Volunteers to BE Brave: LOOKING FOR Volunteers to BE Brave: LOOKING FOR Volunteers to BE Brave: LOOKING FOR Volunteers to BE Brave: Mr. Kuestermann is seeking volunteers who would like to stand up to bullying at UAS as part of the Be Brave Campaign. Please see the posters around school and in this newsletter. University/College Counseling: University/College Counseling: University/College Counseling: University/College Counseling: Senior students are very busy this time of year. To add to their list of important things to do, seniors are also completing university appli-cations to colleges and universities around the world. For those who have already submitted applications to US institutions, our fingers are crossed for positive news of acceptance letters for all class of 2012 graduates. Senior checklist reminder for college/university applications: o finalized your list of schools where you want to apply and have added these choices on Naviance Family Connection o started and finished applications online to each school o you are aware of your schools’ application requirements and deadlines and are planning accordingly o you have sent all necessary standardized test scores to your schools (if needed) o working on or have completed all admission essays or personal statements (after having someone you trust proofread your writing!) o you have asked and then thanked the teacher(s) who wrote a letter of recommendation for you

o you will keep Ms. Heibein updated with any news you receive from your schools (some schools may want further documents for student

visas, for IB predicted grades, etc.)

Page 5

Issue No. 3

The International Baccalaureate at UASThe International Baccalaureate at UASThe International Baccalaureate at UASThe International Baccalaureate at UAS

The Learner ProfileThe Learner ProfileThe Learner ProfileThe Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardi-anship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world (IBO, 2009).

CaringCaringCaringCaring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to ser-vice, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others

and to the environment.

RiskRiskRiskRisk----takerstakerstakerstakers

They approach unfamiliar situa-tions and uncertainty with cour-age and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to ex-plore new roles, ideas and strate-gies. They are brave and articu-late in defending their beliefs.

BalancedBalancedBalancedBalanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emo-tional balance to achieve person-al well-being for themselves and others.

RiskRiskRiskRisk----Taker Tiger, Niklas Olsson (11), balancing on two legs, debating whether wizards (a.k.a. Dr. Taker Tiger, Niklas Olsson (11), balancing on two legs, debating whether wizards (a.k.a. Dr. Taker Tiger, Niklas Olsson (11), balancing on two legs, debating whether wizards (a.k.a. Dr. Taker Tiger, Niklas Olsson (11), balancing on two legs, debating whether wizards (a.k.a. Dr. Brandt) are caring or simply proficient at creating smoke and mirrors. (Halloween 2011)Brandt) are caring or simply proficient at creating smoke and mirrors. (Halloween 2011)Brandt) are caring or simply proficient at creating smoke and mirrors. (Halloween 2011)Brandt) are caring or simply proficient at creating smoke and mirrors. (Halloween 2011)

AWAAWAAWAAWA---- American Women’s Association of Dubai American Women’s Association of Dubai American Women’s Association of Dubai American Women’s Association of Dubai www.awadubai.orgwww.awadubai.orgwww.awadubai.orgwww.awadubai.org

Has a scholarship contest for ALL students. Last year, 2 UAS graduating students received nominal cash priz-es as a result of participating. We encourage the class of 2012 students to participate. Applicant requirements: Must be a graduating senior attending a school in the UAE Must be college bound for the 2012-2013 academic year Mother must be a member of the AWA by December 30, 2011

Competition has 4 parts which applicants must complete (deadline – January 12, 2012):

Application form (with 1st semester transcripts) Essay writing Public speaking Interview session with 4 or 5 judges

Page 6

Issue No. 3

CULTURAL AWARENESS BOOK CLUBCULTURAL AWARENESS BOOK CLUBCULTURAL AWARENESS BOOK CLUBCULTURAL AWARENESS BOOK CLUB

In Honor of the United Arab Emirates National Day In Honor of the United Arab Emirates National Day In Honor of the United Arab Emirates National Day In Honor of the United Arab Emirates National Day

our book discussion will beour book discussion will beour book discussion will beour book discussion will be

Sunday December 11Sunday December 11Sunday December 11Sunday December 11thththth, 2011, 2011, 2011, 2011 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 –––– 8:30 pm in the Elementary Library8:30 pm in the Elementary Library8:30 pm in the Elementary Library8:30 pm in the Elementary Library

To discuss the book To discuss the book To discuss the book To discuss the book

The Wink of the Mona Lisa The Wink of the Mona Lisa The Wink of the Mona Lisa The Wink of the Mona Lisa Stories from the Gulf by Mohammad Al Murr Stories from the Gulf by Mohammad Al Murr Stories from the Gulf by Mohammad Al Murr Stories from the Gulf by Mohammad Al Murr

For Sale in the Secondary Library For Sale in the Secondary Library For Sale in the Secondary Library For Sale in the Secondary Library

for 36 DHSfor 36 DHSfor 36 DHSfor 36 DHS

A Special Book Club Discussion brought to you A Special Book Club Discussion brought to you A Special Book Club Discussion brought to you A Special Book Club Discussion brought to you

by UAS Secondary Counseling andby UAS Secondary Counseling andby UAS Secondary Counseling andby UAS Secondary Counseling and the Fine Arts Booster Club and the Fine Arts Booster Club and the Fine Arts Booster Club and the Fine Arts Booster Club and

the Be Campaign the Be Campaign the Be Campaign the Be Campaign

January 29, 30, 31 and February 1 January 29, 30, 31 and February 1 January 29, 30, 31 and February 1 January 29, 30, 31 and February 1 Lunchtime discussions in the libraryLunchtime discussions in the libraryLunchtime discussions in the libraryLunchtime discussions in the library

TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHYTH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHYTH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHYTH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY by Jay Asherby Jay Asherby Jay Asherby Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysteri-Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysteri-Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysteri-Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysteri-ous box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he ous box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he ous box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he ous box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah

BakerBakerBakerBaker--------his classmate and crushhis classmate and crushhis classmate and crushhis classmate and crush--------who committed suicide who committed suicide who committed suicide who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there

are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, de-the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, de-the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, de-the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, de-but author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrend-but author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrend-but author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrend-but author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrend-ing story of confusion and desperation that will deeply ing story of confusion and desperation that will deeply ing story of confusion and desperation that will deeply ing story of confusion and desperation that will deeply

affect teen readers.affect teen readers.affect teen readers.affect teen readers.

For Sale in the Secondary Library For Sale in the Secondary Library For Sale in the Secondary Library For Sale in the Secondary Library

for 43 DHfor 43 DHfor 43 DHfor 43 DHSSSS

Page 7

Issue No. 3

Secondary Library Secondary Library Secondary Library Secondary Library

Story Writing Competition

LitFest 2012 Story Writing Competition has begun!

Don’t miss out on your chance to “Open the Door” the title of this year’s short story

competition.

To enter the Story Writing Competition go to www.emirateslitfest.com for infor-

mation, rules and to submit your story.

Deadline for Entries is December 12th, 2011

Boeing Readers’ Cup Challenge The search is on for the 2012 Boeing Readers Cup Champions.

Register today in the secondary library with a team of four members!

Taaleem Poetry Award Competition Who am I, who are you? Explore the theme of Identity in the first Taaleem Poetry

Award. Deadline for Entries is December 12th, 2011

To enter the Taaleem Poetry Award go to www.emirateslitfest.com for information and

to submit your poem. Note: These are the English versions of the competitions. You may make an entry in Arabic.

Page 8

Issue No. 3

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012 Art Exhibition on the theme of IdentityArt Exhibition on the theme of IdentityArt Exhibition on the theme of IdentityArt Exhibition on the theme of Identity

Who am I? Who are you?Who am I? Who are you?Who am I? Who are you?Who am I? Who are you?

Thursday 8th March to Saturday 10th March 2012

Primary and Secondary students are invited to contribute works for exhibition at the Festival, then for further display at the

new premises Dar Al Adaab, Bastakiya.

* All students’ names will be entered in a draw; 3 names will be drawn out from each section (primary/secondary) and awarded free admission to an author talk during the Festival

* Up to 10 entries only for each section (primary/ secondary) per school to be submitted for the Exhibition *Entries are not limited to 2D interpretations

* Each exhibiting artist will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Festival Committee. *To be submitted with name of artist, title of work and medium/s used, on an official tag which will be provided

Fringe Art ExhibitionFringe Art ExhibitionFringe Art ExhibitionFringe Art Exhibition

We invite you to submit artwork inspired by our 2012 authors!

* Works will be exhibited at the Intercontinental Hotel DFC during the festival. * This is an opportunity for a variety of entries; individual, small or large group items.

* Entries are not limited to 2D interpretations * Entries should be submitted with name of artist/s, title of work and medium/s used, on official tag to be provided

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012

Calling all performers – singing, dancing, acting.... we need you for the Fringe! Last year saw performances such as Macbeth (rewritten, and attended by Margaret Atwood!), Bugsy Malone, a Glee club and a flash mob – the possibilities are as broad

as your students’ talents.

We also need small groups of musicians playing in the public areas to entertain visitors to the Festival. If you can come up with a suggestion, we will do our best to accommodate you.

So far, the following information about our venue is available:

Dates: Friday 9th March 2012 and Saturday 10th March 2012

Times: Between 10 am – 5.30 pm, with each session being 30 minutes long, plus 15 minutes for set up and 15 minutes afterwards

Location: Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City – in the Al Baraha 1 Room

Facilities: The room will be split into two areas, with a partition between – 1/3 for the Kidzone and 2/3 for the Fringe

events. I am currently investigating the possibility of a stage and sound system, and will be able to provide more details in due course

Page 9

Issue No. 3

Featured Department: Foreign LanguagesFeatured Department: Foreign LanguagesFeatured Department: Foreign LanguagesFeatured Department: Foreign Languages

Les petits monstresLes petits monstresLes petits monstresLes petits monstres Halloween in Grade 7 Beginner French by Mlle K. Mouriopoulos In Mlle Mouriopoulos’s grade 7 beginner French class, there was a spooky celebration at the end of the quarter. With the students all dressed up in their spookiest and quirkiest (note the Heinz ketchup bottle) Halloween costumes, they took on the role of Dr. Frankenstein and created their own petits montres (little monsters). The first quarter students started exploring and learning the French language through IdentityIdentityIdentityIdentity; learning how to describe themselves and others physical traits. By cutting out body parts from various magazines, in groups students created their own ghoulish characters and presented them to

the class. A traditional, but modern French Halloween song “C’est l’Hal-loween” (by Matt Maxwell) was sung with much enthusiasm and students shared their bonbons with one and another as well.

WHY IB SPANISH B?WHY IB SPANISH B?WHY IB SPANISH B?WHY IB SPANISH B? Spanish B is a wise choice of a second language due to the fact that it is the 3rd most spoken language in the world. The IB Spanish B Course doesn’t simply mean studying grammar and vocabulary, it means studying cultural aspects of a second language that are not always focused on. Furthermore, these topics are often of global importance with reference to recent events, making studying this course a lot less boring than just memorization of vocabulary and grammar. The class often involves discussions based on the topic studied, which enhances the day-to-day use of the Spanish lan-guage. The course starts out being very demanding, even shocking to some students, but becomes much easier as time goes on. Partici-pation is the best way to improve oral and compositional skills. While the class is challenging, it is very rewarding, fun and easily one of my favorite classes. Spanish B is still a demanding course with oral presentations, interactive orals, projects and many interesting and modern topics that are integrated in readings and writings. Spanish B is the choice for you! Ms. Miranda will miss you, but not as much as she misses us! Non-negotiable, mandatory ☺ JOLIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gr. 12 students

Janan Alkhaja, a grade 9 student in Ms. Shamey's Intermediate Spanish class, poses with her fantastic cultural awareness project that she did on Colombia. As part of her research, Janan investigated the traditions, customs, and cultural celebrations that are from this South American country. Janan did a great job designing the shape of the country on foam poster board in blue, red, and yellow--the colors of the Colombian flag. Bien hecho, Janan!

Page 10

Issue No. 3

Student CouncilStudent CouncilStudent CouncilStudent Council

The student Council was quite active since the last issue with, amongst other things a costume competition for Halloween and the pep rally to raise School Spirit! The Halloween dress down day saw a lot of very inventive costumes haunting the school and the jury had a really hard time selecting the winner for each grade, we even had to concede a tie for grades 7 and 11. Here are the lucky ones who won a Spinney’s pass:

As they say, a picture is worth many words, so here are some of the many good disguises seen around school:

The Pep rally was a lot of fun despite some technical problems and it was also the first appearance of our very own dance team, the

Scorpionettes, and of our new mascot, Scorpi. Their amazing show and the glow sticks mixed together to create a great atmosphere to

cheer for our teams and their coaches.

Grade 7Grade 7Grade 7Grade 7 Grade 8Grade 8Grade 8Grade 8 Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9 Grade 10Grade 10Grade 10Grade 10 Grade 11Grade 11Grade 11Grade 11 Grade 12Grade 12Grade 12Grade 12

Isabelly Ferraz Luis Rojas

Jiacheng Hung Alexander Naïm Tiffany Fucik Mustafa Najeeb

Niklas Olsson Gerrit Genis

Student of the MonthStudent of the MonthStudent of the MonthStudent of the Month

Jenny GlaserJenny GlaserJenny GlaserJenny Glaser, , , , grade 11:grade 11:grade 11:grade 11: What CAS activities are you currently involved in? 1) I am currently involved in 6 CAS activities (volleyball, designing team hoodies, helping with II, team Vietnam fundraising, helping coaching U14 volleyball, and reffing volleyball games) What do you find most challenging? 2) I find coaching the hardest part because it involves a lot of planning and organization, while trying to keep the players interesting. It also involves being motivating, understanding, and tolerant. Plus I have to get up for their morning practices :P What do you hope to gain from CAS? 3) I'm hoping to improve my time management, tolerance, and creative thinking with my activities, and

to try different things I haven’t tried before.

What has CAS done for you? 4) CAS has helped improve my time management, organization skills, and greatly improved my tolerance so far. Its also improved my leadership skills and confidence in different activities, as well as becoming a less self centered person.

Page 11

Issue No. 3

Experiential Education TripExperiential Education TripExperiential Education TripExperiential Education Trip

TEAM India 1 In June 2011, nine friends and I went on a World Challenge service and leadership trip to northern India to visit a school and go trek-king in the Himalayas. Before the trip, we all fundraised money to bring to the project. At the school, we painted classrooms, helped with some renovations, bought toys and stationary for the students. We had quite a bit of money left over and decided, since we were in a poor village, and many kids couldn’t afford the 25Dhs a month to go to school, that we would sponsor two children from different families’ education for the next 8 years. We had the most amazing time getting to know the local students who were so welcoming and excited to see us. The other aspect of the trip was a hike in the beautiful Himalayas. We went from an altitude of 2000 to 4500 meters in six days, which was tiring to say the least, but the feeling of accomplishment when we reached the peak was indescribable. Although there were many illnesses, friendships tested, and a culture to get used to in 16 days, this was a magnificent experience none of us will ever forget and something I would surely recommend to anyone looking for an adventure. Chloe Gallagher

TEAM India 2

If we could use one word to describe our trip to India it would be “Atchahe” (Awesome). That’s only one of the many things we learned on our incredible trip. This was not only a great experience to explore India’s diverse culture but an opportunity to develop as young adults by taking on leadership responsibilities as well as learning how to live independently. The greatest part of the trip was our visit to Evergreen Public School where we had the chance to interact with the children and help improve their learning environment. We provided them with new classroom materials and sports equipment and donated some money to improve their playgrounds. The greatest challenge we faced was the trek. Many people got sick and we arrived at the top with only a little more than half our team. But for those that did make it was an amazing feeling knowing you’d reached your goal. Overall, through the intense training and tiresome fundraising and what seemed like endless trek; once we were helping children and felt the pride of having climbed to the top, it was all worth it in the end. We would highly recommend going on a World Challenge trip, it’s definitely worth the money and experiences. Melissa van Zyl

Page 12

Issue No. 3

AthleticsAthleticsAthleticsAthletics

UAS U-14 girls v-ball team won their final 2 matches of the season in the ECC tourna-ment that was held at Mirdif Academy. Coaches Pereira and Heibein are very proud of the girls’ positive attitude, team spirit and their overall tremendous improvement in their volleyball skills. We would like to thank our supportive parents and UAS staff and students for cheering us on. Go Scorpions!

The UAS Swim Team competed at the ISAC tournament in Muscat, Oman this past Nov. 16th-19th. Despite a few setbacks due to injuries and illness we had a strong meet and achieved many personal goals and per-sonal best times. Among the medal winners were: Varsity Girls:Varsity Girls:Varsity Girls:Varsity Girls: Clara Lacroix: two bronze for 100m & 50m Breaststroke. JV Girls:JV Girls:JV Girls:JV Girls: Sarah Lootah: who qualified for the final in each event she swam, won bronze for the 50m Backstroke. Karla Gorski: Silver in the 50m Backstroke. U14 Girls:U14 Girls:U14 Girls:U14 Girls: Miriam Naga: Silver in the 50m Breaststroke. Many other team members qualified for the finals and re-ceived ribbons for their efforts. We are very proud of our team and happy with the enthusiasm and support they showed for each other throughout the entire weekend! Coach Briske & OviedoCoach Briske & OviedoCoach Briske & OviedoCoach Briske & Oviedo

Captain Clara Lacroix leading the team in a cheer before the ECC meet

Mia Khatib getting ready for her race- the youngest member of our team :)

Issue No. 3

National Day Celebration at UASNational Day Celebration at UASNational Day Celebration at UASNational Day Celebration at UAS