THE RAPTOR REPORTER
Fall/Winter 2024
RELATIONSHIPS | EXCELLENCE | ASPIRATIONS
IMPORTANT DATES
6 January
Term 2 begins
22 February
International Day
10- 12 Feb*
Midterm Break
WINTER 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
WE GROW PEOPLE
Our job is to ensure all children thrive, every child matters.
Our job is to find brilliance in each child.We cherish, celebrate, and tell the stories of our children’s successes. Our children should aspire to be leaders in whichever field they play.
From the Office of the Principal
FROM MR. MIKE
Dear Parents,
I hope you are well.
As we near the end of a very busy and rewarding term at RIS, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve achieved together and share some thoughts on what’s coming next.
There have been some visible campus developments. The new PYP library and learning spaces are already sparking curiosity and collaboration, while the Early Years playground has already become a favourite spot for our EY children to play. We are currently looking at enhancing more of our shared spaces; in particular, providing our Diploma students with a more ‘professional’ learning environment. We are in the final stages of designs with these, and I am looking forward to sharing these with you soon in the new year.
Our shared learning journey has grown stronger this term as we focus on what makes us unique as a school and the purpose of our curriculum. Senior leaders have delivered regular parental IB sessions, beginning a long-term process of articulating our curriculum’s intent and helping you understand how your child is progressing. Professionally, our partnership with the Visible Learning team has sharpened our focus on improving teaching and learning, ensuring every student has the best chance to succeed. Additionally, the recent CIS visit praised the positive journey we’ve started and the approaches we are now taking.
Our children continue to shine in so many areas. From sports teams, Fit Fridays, and Colour Runs to our F1 in Schools team reaching the world championships, the Young Author Prize, hydroponics projects, Souq Day, and inspiring performances like When I Grow Up, our students consistently show what’s possible when they are empowered, supported, and encouraged to explore their passions.
From the Office of the Principal
This term, I have been able to experience and understand what community means here at Raha, and I need to thank all of the parents who have supported us in events like Pink Day, the Make-A-Wish fundraiser, Flag Day, Eid Al Etihad and our Holiday Bazaar. These are the events which help bind us and allow us to identify as a true community and are a crucial part of what makes Raha a family.
Looking ahead, we’ll continue focusing on personalised learning, enhancing our campus, and expanding sustainability projects. More sports events, arts showcases, and community celebrations are already being planned.
Thank you for your continued trust, partnership and support. Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday season and see you in the new year.
Mr. Mike
We explored how our rich cultural traditions can shape a more inclusive and tolerant society. Our students played a pivotal role in embracing these values, demonstrating the power of diversity in building unity.
SPIRIT OF THE UNION
From the Office of the Vice Principal
FROM MRS. CAROL
Dear Raha Community,
As usual, the term has flown by and I’m always amazed at how much happens at Raha! Reflecting on a fantastic start to our school year is wonderful, as I remember the events, people and spirit that make Raha so special.
My favourite aspects of Term 1 have undoubtedly been the events that bring everyone together. These include cheering on our youngest students at the Colour Run, watching the production of “When I Grow Up”, inviting parents to Stay & Share days, celebrating the UAE during Flag Day and National Day, supporting the hard work of our PYP students during Souk Day and F1 Race Day, cheering on Team Hermes from afar during their World Finals challenge, learning from our DP students at the ToK Exhibition, and proudly admiring our students’ talents in the arts through the piano and Secondary recitals, as well as the visual arts exhibition. As usual, our Parent Team has been hard at work organising the coffee mornings, monthly active events, Teacher Appreciation Day, the Pinktober Bake Sale, and the absolutely brilliant Holiday Bazaar. It should also be remembered that when I walk around corridors during lesson times it is equally exciting to witness outstanding teaching and learning, which is at the heart of what we are about as a school.
I wish everyone a restful holiday, and I am very much looking forward to Term 2 and its promise of even more opportunities to live Raha’s story, as we continue to grow our people.
Best wishes,
Ms. Carol
We’re thrilled to share the exciting renovations at our school, designed to create a more organic, wellbeing-focused environment. These updates transform learning spaces with natural light, cozy corners, and flexible areas that inspire discovery, creativity, and connection. The new design fosters a sense of ownership, making the school feel like a second home. We can’t wait for you to experience it!
WHERE PLAY MEETS DISCOVERY!
Our exciting new space designed to encourage learning through play, exploration, and creativity! In this natural, sensory-rich environment, children will have the freedom to engage with materials like wood, sand, pebbles, and even water, all while nurturing their problem-solving skills and fostering a love of discovery!
The word “Provision” is our way of describing the organic, hands-on approach to learning that allows our Early Years students to engage in meaningful play. It’s not just about fun—it’s about sparking curiosity and creativity, while giving children the opportunity to make their own
discoveries in the world around them. balancing on logs, or experimenting opportunity for self-expression and
This beautiful, outdoor oasis is designed world, offering endless possibilities abundance of natural materials at hours discovering, experimenting, sense of wonder and encouraging their learning journey.
them. Whether it’s building a sandcastle, experimenting with water play, every activity is an and growth.
designed to connect children with the natural possibilities for exploration and learning. With an at their fingertips, our students will spend experimenting, and creating. It’s all about fostering a encouraging children to be active participants in
SUSTAINABILTY
Let’s not forget the Green Energy Certificate from EWEC, recognizing the Gardens Campus for its commitment to sustainability. This achievement is a direct result of the hard work, creativity, and STEAMdriven passion of these future engineers, who continue to inspire and spark the drive in our entire community.
What an incredible journey it’s been for Team Hermes! At the F1 in Schools World Finals, our team secured the 4th fastest car in the world and placed an impressive 12th overall! But that’s not all—our amazing innovators also earned an Engineering Scholarship from one of the most renowned F1 partners! Talk about engineering excellence
F1 in Schools
ASPIRATION
Our Primary students recently dived into motorsport, designing racing cars, logos, and team proposals. The excitement peaked on Race Day, with a pit walk, recycled flags, and teamwork across grades. Mentored by Secondary F1 teams, it was a day of creativity, collaboration, and future racing inspiration!
STEAM & INNOVATION
After weeks of planning, designing, and racing through the fast lane of creativity, the F1 in Schools challenge has hit full speed in our very own makerspace! The rush for racing is now in full swing, and it’s being passed on to our most passionate students—future engineers and innovators in the making.
What’s even cooler? Collaboration is in the driver’s seat! Students from both primary and secondary have joined
forces, using upcycled materials to fuel their designs ideas. It’s all about working together, building on other’s strengths, and proving that great things happen when we put our heads (and wheels) together.
The energy at Gardens Campus is truly electrifying— watch out, world, these young minds are ready to into the future!
designs and on each happen electrifying— to race
RAPTORS NEW SKIN
Term one has been an exciting and successful start to the year for Raha International School’s sports program, reinforcing our commitment to the school’s core values of relationships, aspiration, and excellence.
A standout achievement this term was the U15 Boys’ Football team, who triumphed in the ADISSA competition, winning the championship title with an impressive display of skill and commitment; which included many early morning training sessions. In other notable ADISSA accomplishments, both our U9 Boys’ Touch Rugby and U15 Cricket squads finished as runnersup, showcasing the excellence coming through in these respective sports. Our swim squads continue to shine, consistently placing on the podium at all ADISSA swim galas, as well as achieving success in the ADEK Cup Swimming competition.
Term one also saw a large number of students participating in sporting ECPs and raptors squads. Providing a wide range of opportunities for our students to thrive is a key priority for us, and it has been pleasing to see an increased presence in MYP Boys’ Volleyball and PYP Girls’ Football, with teams rejoining ADISSA weekly fixtures. Additionally, Fit Fridays have become incredibly popular, with many students and families engaging in the fun before school!
The introduction of new MYP uniforms has ensured that our squads not only look the part but also have the appropriate gear to perform their best in sport-specific attire.
Looking ahead to next term, we are excited to expand opportunities for all students to participate in both competitive and non-competitve sporting codes
COLOUR RUN AND FIT FRIDAYS
Students raced through a cloud of colorful powder, learning that it’s not just about crossing the finish line, but enjoying the journey along the way. The event was a celebration of movement, doing your best, and, of course, having a blast while doing it! It was a perfect reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments happen when we embrace the joy of the process and share in the fun together.
Fit Fri is all about getting our students moving! Every Friday, 30 minutes before school starts, they join in fun games to kick off the day with energy and excitement. It’s a great way to build a sports culture and start the day on the right foot!
DYSLEXIA & ADHD WEEKS AWARNESS
What an amazing week we’ve had at Gardens Campus, raising awareness for Dyslexia and Anxiety while diving into the world of Neurodiversity! From informative workshops for parents on how to spot and support neurodivergent traits, to discussions on creating a more inclusive environment, we’ve been all about spreading understanding a. acceptance.
For our secondary school students, it was all about mental health and stress management—with workshops focused on tools to cope and thrive in today’s busy world. The energy was positive, the conversations
were real, and everyone left with empowerment.
We’re on a mission to create and supported. It’s all part of build a truly inclusive community.
with a greater sense of empathy and a campus where everyone feels seen, heard, our ongoing efforts to nurture well-being and community.
GRADE 4 SOUQ DAY
Our Grade 4 students have been on a six-week entrepreneurial adventure like no other! They dove headfirst into the world of economics, learning how to balance profit with sustainability while developing new skills along the way. Teams were formed, ideas sparked, and creativity flowed as they built their very own businesses. The grand finale? A community showcase where they displayed their obstacle course challenges and delicious baked goods—all designed to sell and raise funds for a great cause.
Every penny they entrepreneurs have
What a way to combine what it means to
they earned went straight to the Red Crescent, proving that these young have heart as big as their ambitions!
combine learning, teamwork, and giving back. These students truly showed be changemakers in action!
DP BREAKFAST
Mock exams might be stressing our DP students, but nothing beats the power of a good breakfast to fuel those brains! To kick off the motivation for the next term, we served up a delicious, energyboosting breakfast—because sometimes, the best way to power through stress is with a little good food and great vibes! Bring on the next challenge!
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
From a range of workshops aimed at giving parents practical tools to enhance their parenting skills and better connect with their kids, to coffee mornings where we openly discussed issues that matter to our community—there were plenty of chances for learning and conversation. These gatherings not only provided valuable insights but also allowed for meaningful connections between parents, teachers, and staff.
Our Stay and Share mornings were another highlight, where parents were invited to come into the classrooms and see firsthand the incredible learning and hard work happening every day. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the dedication of our students and celebrate their achievements together.
We’re excited about the progress we’ve made and the relationships that have blossomed this term. Let’s keep the momentum going—engaging, supporting one another, and creating lasting memories as a community. Here’s to more opportunities to connect, share, and grow together in the coming months!
PERFORMING ARTS
We wrapped up the year in style, starting with our younger students’ incredible production of “When I Grow Up.” From bakers to cowboys, plumbers to sailors, these bright stars showed that no matter what you dream of becoming, the key is to do it with passion and heart! Their performances were full of energy, creativity, and joy, leaving everyone in the audience inspired and smiling.
A huge shoutout to all the students involved in bringing these dreams to life, and to the talented ensembles who made the show so special. You truly proved that imagination and hard work can create magic on stage!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there—we can’t wait for what’s coming next! Our Primary students are already gearing up for their highly anticipated performance of Matilda, and we’re sure it’s going to be nothing short of spectacular. We’re also looking forward to many more incredible performances in the coming months!
And to close out the term, the Winter Bazaar was the perfect way to celebrate the season, with festive fun, community spirit, and lots of holiday cheer. What a fantastic way to end the year—here’s to even more amazing moments in 2024!
YOUNG AUTHOR SDG EMBASSADOR
AUTHOR & EMBASSADOR
We proudly celebrated Raha’s Jenine El Azzami (Grade 7), who won 2nd place in the Voices of the Future Generation competition with her inspiring story, “My Dreams Are on Paper.” Focused on SDG Goal 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries, Jenine’s story follows a young girl in a wheelchair who overcomes challenges, spreading a powerful message of inclusivity and resilience. Her adventure story encourages readers to reflect on the importance of social, economic, and political inclusion, inspiring positive change in their own communities. Competing alongside talented young writers from across the Arabian Gulf, Jenine is Raha’s first winner after four years of finalist achievements.
Jenine received her award in a ceremony with Her Highness Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrating an exciting milestone for herself and our school community. With her success, Jenine will gain remarkable experiences, from having her story professionally published to introducing authors at the Emirates Literature Festival, being listed as a child author on Wikipedia, participating in global discussions with young authors, and becoming an SDG ambassador for the Middle East.
At Gardens Campus, we are thrilled to support this competition, which builds students’ global awareness and narrative skills, perfectly aligning with our English language curriculum. This year, we’re integrating the Voices of the Future Generation competition into our curriculum for Grades 1-6, encouraging every student to draft a sustainability-themed story and receive feedback on their work.
& UNION
Eid
al Etihad
Flag Day
What a proud moment to see a 30-meter flag waving proudly under the palms at our Gardens Campus! The day was made even more special by the beautiful rendition of the anthem, sung by one of our talented students, setting the perfect tone
for Flag Day. It was a celebration of unity, pride, and community—an unforgettable event for all!
National Day Celebrations
This year’s National Day celebration at Gardens Campus was truly one for the books! With a vision for the future, we made the event bigger and better than ever, offering something for everyone. Students enjoyed exciting pony rides, immersive VR games, and delicious luqaimat stalls, while local authors engaged with our students, inspiring creativity and storytelling. The highlight of the day was the rich array of performances, all
showcasing the incredible talent of our Spirit of the Union was at the heart of the unity, pride, and progress we share. our nation’s heritage and look ahead
our community. Throughout it all, the of the celebration, reminding us all of share. What an amazing way to celebrate to a bright future
This Pink Day, we came together to raise awareness for health and hope, and it was clear—Pink is the new strong! A big thank you to our amazing Parent Team for organizing such a powerful community event. It was a day filled with support, solidarity, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Well done to everyone involved for making Pink Day a meaningful celebration of strength and awareness!
PINK DAY
MAKE A WISH DONATIONS
Our secondary students showed incredible dedication and heart as they worked tirelessly on various activities to raise money for the MakeA-Wish Foundation.
HOLIDAY BAZZAR
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The Holiday Bazaar was a huge success this year, with more vendors, more winter spirit, and a wonderful sense of community. A big thank you to the Parent Team for organizing such a fantastic evening. filled with festive fun and local treasures. Celebrating together and enjoying these special moments is what helps us grow as a school—here’s to more joyful events like this in the future
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
The SRC is a vibrant team of students from Grades 6 to 12, dedicated to representing their peers and enhancing school life. They organize events, gather feedback, and foster a strong sense of community through activities that reflect student interests.
The SRC includes an Executive Council of Grade 11 and 12 students who lead initiatives across all grades, ensuring smooth collaboration and promoting inclusivity. Their efforts not only fund SRC projects but also unite the school community.
As students themselves, SRC members design events and initiatives that truly resonate with their peers, enriching the school experience for everyone. We’re excited to introduce the new events planned for Term 2!
