The Raha Reporter - Term 2 2023/24

THE RAPTOR REPORTER

IMPORTANT DATES

15 April

Term 3 begins

15-18 June*

Eid Al Adha (TBC)

5 July

Last day of school

SPRING BREAK REMINDER

Admissions and administration offices will remain open over the break.

Office hours will be:

Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm

Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm

Please note we will be closed over the Eid Al Fitr public holiday (dates TBC).

International Day 2023-2024

One of our favourite days of the year! It was a beautiful celebration of our diverse community.

From the Office of the Acting Principal

FROM MS. CAROL

It has been both an honour and a privilege to step into the role of Acting Principal of our amazing school, especially amidst a backdrop of the fantastic events, enriching trips, and outstanding learning experiences that have happened during this busy term. The energy and enthusiasm that permeate the corridors of the school are a testament to the dedication and passion of our students, staff, and parents. In this temporary role, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the nurturing of our community and the continued growth of each student.

Amidst this transition in our journey, it is a useful practice to reflect on what makes us a truly unique IB World school. At Raha, we are proud of our status as an IB school as it holds profound significance. It signifies our commitment to providing a worldclass education that transcends boundaries and fosters global citizenship. Through the framework of the IB, we do our best to empower students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

When I watch our students engaging in Rocket Day, see their achievements in the World Scholar’s Cup, or enjoy a performance of Moana or A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I know we are successful in this mission. Our respect for the principles of the IB program underscores our goal of helping to develop well-rounded individuals who make meaningful contributions to society.

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Michael Bloy, our new Principal, as he embarks on this journey with us in Term 3. With his leadership, expertise, and fresh perspective, I am confident that together we will continue to uphold the values of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity that define Raha. Together, we can face the challenges and welcome the opportunities that lie ahead.

Warm regards,

Ms. Carol

We experienced amazing performances by Primary students in Moana! Moana

Students celebrated the joy of literacy and the power of storytelling that brings us all together during International ‘Read to Me’ Day!

STEAM WEEK

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

During mental health week in secondary school, students explored deep reset relaxation techniques, practicing various breathing exercises to relax our bodies, meditation opportunities and drawing/colouring. The GC Parent Team kindly organised a wellness breakfast for G12 students.

INTERNATIONAL DAY

We just loved seeing all our families come together to celebrate each other. Keep an eye on our social media.

International Day posts are coming soon!

WHAT A TERM! RAHA RAPTORS

RAHA RAPTORS

Sport plays a fundamental part in every student’s education and personal growth in some aspect. Our Raptors programme offers a variety of different sports that students can get involved in. Not only do we have our Raptors school teams but the ECP’s and external providers that are on campus help to enrich our curriculum and provide extensive opportunities for students.

Term 2 Sports have dominated most leagues in Abu Dhabi with over 350 Raha students competing in 6 sports (football, rugby, cricket, swimming, triathlon, basketball and volleyball) and several teams placing within the top 3 schools in the league rankings.

Numerous hours before/after school were given up to train for the ADISSA Leagues and Tournaments throughout the season and the athletes and coaches should be commended for their dedication and commitment to sport at Raha.

Several of our students were given the opportunity to play for the ADEK Sports Championships in triathlon, open water swimming, cycling, basketball and football. Our basketball teams placed 2nd overall, and our triathlon teams and girls football teams dominated. Special recognition to our U17 girls football team for winning 1st place in the tournament for the second year in a row!

Both of our Girls and Boys JrNBA teams have made it to the playoffs! We wish them the best of luck as they battle for a top place in the league for the second time in a row!

Looking forward to Term 3 basketball and end of year swim galas. Keep up the amazing dedication, determination and enthusiasm Raha athletes and coaches.

Don’t forget to check out our Term 2 Raptors Report (located in the Raha Reminders) and follow us on Instagram @raharaptors

PERFORMING ARTS

Term 2 has been a very busy in the Performing Arts Department!

We began with the Whole School Cross-Campus Dance Recital, which saw dancers of all ages and styles take to the floor in an amazing display of talent and skill. Then came our fantastic Grade 2-5 production of Moana Jr. With around 160 students taking to the stage, it was an incredible feat and the whole cast did a truly professional job of learning the lines, songs and dance moves.

Next we had the EY Cross-Campus Music Recital, which gave our absolute youngest musicians the opportunity to showcase their fabulous talents. After Half Term, we had the G9-12 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which was an incredible acting display, with interesting silhouette lighting and an Arabic ‘twist’.

The Term concluded with several of our more advanced musicians competing in the prestigious Abu Dhabi Young Musician competition, with many getting through to the second round and even the semi-finals, but with Geoffrey in Grade 5 not only wining the Intermediate Strings category, but also being declared overall Runner-Up of the Intermediate competition.

We cannot wait to see what term 3 is going to bring!

RAMADAN IFTAR

Thrilled to welcome the Raha GC families to join us for a heartwarming iftar this Ramadan! Together, we cherish the spirit of togetherness and gratitude as we broke bread and shared blessings.

ROCKET DAY IN EY

Ready ... set .... BLAST OFF!

This year’s Rocket Day was out of this world. From making space helmets to launching rockets at the picnic with parents, this day was a blast!

STEAM

Lighting up the sky, one burst of wonder at a time! PYP Scientists and Secondary stars collided to bring forth a spectacle of brilliance. They felt the

electrifying energy and saw how science and art blended during the lab visit, sparking an explosion of knowledge.

GRADE 6 SCIENCE FAIR

We were so impressed by the scientific curiosity, creativity, and presentation on display at the Grade 6 Science Fair! We can’t wait to see what these scientists in the making explore next.

100 DAYS OF SCHOOL

Celebrating 100 days of learning and laughter with our incredible EY students! From wise centenarians to 100 quirky items, their creativity knows no bounds. Here’s to countless more days of discovery and joy ahead!

G10 PERSONAL PROJECT EXHIBITION

We thoroughly enjoyed learning about a range of different areas of exploration when Grade 10 students showcased their personal projects. The MYP personal project is a student-centred and age-appropriate practical exploration through a cycle of inquiry, action and reflection, which allows

students to consolidate their learning throughout the programme. Well done G10 students on your perseverance and dedication!

PARENT WORKSHOPS

Parents joined school staff and visiting experts to learn more about the specifics of the IB curriculum and how they can support their children in school. Tonya Gilchrist, an international learning strategist who specializes in helping schools around the world amplify inquiry

and honor agency for deep learning delivered a fantastic workshop on ‘The WHY and WHAT of Writer’s Workshop and How to Support SelfRegulation and Agency at Home’. Keep an eye out for more opportunities over the next term.

GRADE 4 SOUK DAY

Grade 4 students put into practice all that they have learned about businesses. They hosted their annual Souk Day and we’re so proud of their hardwork !

FITNESS FRIDAY FUN!

Our Gardens Campus Community Fitness

Fridays have seen so many staff, students, and families join us on the MYP pitch counting the number of laps we can do together. What a great community effort!