DESS Newsletter - 42
“Every problem is an opportunity in disguise” John Adams
There was quite a spectacle in Oud Metha Road this morning. A procession of 125 cars processed slowly, noisily honking their horns in celebration past the gates of DESS. There were balloons and banners being waved by our excited Year 6 graduates as they soaked their awaiting teachers with water pistols. A strange way for us to acknowledge our Year 6 leavers, however no social distancing rules were broken and it was actually great fun! I think a new DESS tradition may well have emerged in our bid to find a creative solution to the challenge of not being able to celebrate our Year 6 leavers in the traditional way.
It encapsulated for me the mixed emotions that have characterized this weird period of history and this incredible journey that we have all been on. There has been much stress and challenge for all of us and tragically for some much personal sadness. Families have lost loved ones and sadly some of our DESS parents have lost jobs and businesses. However in amongst this sadness, there have been moments of enlightenment and real personal growth. Learning how to overcome our challenges and find innovative solutions; how to stay at home; how to rely on your own resources and even how to cope with so much family time has been hard for many.
2019-2020 has definitely been a year of two halves and not for the fainthearted! Arriving back to school in Autumn 2019, DESS, the best school in the UAE! was flying high! Term 1 was jam packed as always with everything new; a newly refurbished Latifa Hall, new friends, new colleagues, new learning and of course new shoes! An amazing National Day and DESStive Day as well as an incredible production of The Lion King by Year 2 and another Outstanding DSIB Inspection, made some wonderful memories for us all. The start of Term 2 saw another fabulous community event, our now famous, 'International Day' quickly followed by Sports Days and topped off by another Outstanding Inspection this time from BSO! Sadly, Term 2 was drawn to a premature end as we all retreated into our homes for an early Spring break and to stay safe.
Following my letter sent to you on Tuesday, we are so excited that we will be able to reopen DESS to all children every day in September. Please view the video that I referred to in that letter showing you some of the range of safety measures and adaptations we have made.
As is inevitable at this time of year, I have to announce to you those colleagues who will be leaving DESS at the end of this academic year. Becky Smith is moving to Thailand to take on the role of Deputy Head of Primary at Amnuay Silpa, Bangkok and after 6 years of inspiring DESS musicians, Aishling O'Boyle has decided it is time to return to the Emerald Isle. Hannah Blunden is taking up a new role as SENDco in London. Vicki Antaki is leaving us after 11 years of dedicated service to DESS. Vicki is returning to the UK with her family as is Vicki Kasparis after 4 years with us. Janine Schilling and Sharon Hall are returning to Australia and Tammy Van Oordt and Nicci Kynman are very sadly leaving us now too. Sonia Rossetti is taking up a Receptionist post at DESC, so not going far! Rachel Danso is returning to England with her family and Josh Arnup is embarking on a PGCE, specializing in English and Performing Arts at Keele University. Thank you for all that you have done for DESS and we wish each and everyone of you all the best for the next chapter in your life's adventures.
A special message from Miss O'Boyle for the DESS community:
To those families that are leaving us this summer, many of you in very difficult circumstances, we wish you every success for the future and please remember that you will always be part of our DESS community, keep in touch and come and visit us whenever you are back in Dubai.
So now to introduce some new members to DESS. Hannah Solomon who will be our new Year 2 class teacher; Ben Hantonne who will be teaching in Year 5; Katie Morel-Orchard will also be joining us in the Performing Arts Department as a full time Music teacher. We are delighted to welcome back Jen Bradley as a KS2 LSA and Victoria McCulloch, Alice Bridgeford, Nicky Kinirons and Emma Sinclair who will all be joining us as LSAs. We also welcome Will Jolly from DESC who will be our new Production Technician. We are excited to have you all on our team, please see the next article for more information on these new members of our team.
Thank you to all members of the DESS community for your hard work, support and encouragement over the past year, particularly during the challenges of the past 4 months. The children have amazed us with their independence, resilience and grit. Parents, you have been incredible in the ways that you have managed to adapt and juggle work and family commitments to be at home during remote learning. Our incredible DESS teachers have surpassed themselves with their creativity, flexibility and dedication to ensure your children continued to learn whilst staying safe. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work being done behind the scenes from our Site Staff, Admin Staff, SLT through to the wisdom, expert advice and counsel from Mr Gibbs and our dedicated Board of Trustees.
Finally I would like to wish each and every one of you a relaxing and restorative summer. You have earned it!
I cannot wait to see you back at DESS for the new academic Year. I wonder what problems and opportunities it will bring?
Stay Safe
Best Wishes
Catherine Dando
Headteacher
Staff Stars of the Week
To celebrate some of our committed people here at DESS, our staff stars of the week are: All of our staff at DESS
Meet our New Staff
Class Teachers
 | Hi everyone, my name is Ben and I've been teaching in the UK for six years now after I attended Middlesex University, where I completed my Bachelor of Education Degree. I have taught across KS2 and am currently teaching Year 4 in a school based in London. I have spent four years at this school and during my time here have taken on the role of Lower KS2 Phase Leader, as well as coordinating PE and Computing. I live in Watford but I am an avid Chelsea supporter and play football regularly. I love exploring and trying new things and claim to be a 'pro' at all sports. I am very excited to begin my adventure in Dubai and can't wait to meet the staff and children of DESS. |
| Ben Hantonne Class Teacher 5 Green | |
 | Hello! My name is Hannah Solomon and I am currently teaching and living in Clapham, London. I have been teaching in London for 3 years and previously studied Psychology and Education at Cardiff University. Before this I lived and attended school in Ivybridge, Devon. In my free time I enjoy playing netball, running, seeing my friends and traveling the world. I am looking forward to starting my new adventure in Dubai and excited to meet you all soon. |
| Hannah Solomon Class Teacher 2 Red |
Specialist Teachers
 | My name is Katie and I'm very much looking forward to joining DESS from September as a Music Teacher. I am originally from Jersey, Channel Islands but attended Chetham's School of Music in Manchester for my A-Levels and then continued my musical education at the Royal Academy of Music in London. My main focus was classical singing but I also studied piano and worked in music therapy as well as performing in a variety of opera and musical theater roles. Whilst at the Royal Academy I was also gaining teaching experience at a number of London schools and after I graduated I accepted a job as a singing teacher and choir leader in Dubai. Since then I have been working at both DESS and DESC with the wonderfully talented students. I am very excited to be joining the amazing team at DESS full time from September. |
| Katie Morel-Orchard Music Teacher |
Learning Support Assistant
 | Hi there, I'm Jennifer and I'm looking forward to returning to DESS. I previously worked as an LSA at DESS for 9 years and unfortunately had to leave last year due to poor health. As a parent, I have been part of the DESSC family for the past 12 years and so it genuinely feels like I'm returning to my rightful home. |
| Jennifer Bradley Foundation Stage | |
 | My name is Alice and I am from Poole, UK. My family and I have only been in Dubai since 2018 so we are still finding our way around, but we love taking time to discover all the fun things UAE has to offer. Before moving to Dubai, I was working as a primary school teacher in Poole. I have always thoroughly enjoyed engaging, involving and supporting children to develop a love of learning. This is probably why my favorite quote for children has to be 'Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. ' Benjamin Franklin. I am absolutely delighted to be joining DESS and I looking forward to meeting everyone soon. |
| Alice Bridgeford Foundation Stage | |
 | Hi, I'm Victoria McCulloch from London, although I have lived in Dubai for many years now and I am really looking forward to joining DESS as an LSA working in FS2. I am a fully qualified teacher, specializing in early years education and art. I enjoyed teaching in the UK before moving to Dubai, where I taught at Jebel Ali School as an FS2 teacher. I have two children at DESS, William will be going into Year 6 and Rory into Year 4 and over this past year I have enjoyed supporting DESS as a supply teacher and as a parent. I very much feel part of the DESS family already and I am very excited to be working with you all soon. |
| Victoria McCulloch Foundation Stage | |
 | My name is Nicky and I am from Dublin in Ireland. I am really looking forward to joining DESS as an LSA in FS2. I am a mum to two children, Thea who will be going into year 9 and Toby who is going into year 5, in the next academic year. Having previously worked as an LSA in FS1, I moved on to work with the Dubai International Film Festival and most recently with Nickelodeon, the children's TV channel. I am very excited about returning to the educational setting and working with little people again. I am looking forward to meeting with you all and becoming part of the DESS Family. |
| Nicky Kinirons Foundation Stage | |
 | My name is Emma and I am from Edinburgh, Scotland. I am delighted to be joining the DESS team in August and even more excited to become the LSA of Year 2 Blue. I have four very active children. Hugo is my eldest, who will be going in to Year 6. Oscar will be moving in to Year 5, Conrad Year 2 and my youngest Amélie will be starting in FS1. Before moving to Dubai I worked as a Secondary French teacher for 7 years. I absolutely adored my teaching job and I am thrilled to be stepping back in to the school environment. As a DESS parent, I already feel very much part of the phenomenal DESS community. I look forward to a year of adventure and fun with your fabulous children. |
| Emma Sinclair Foundation Stage |
Admin
 | Hello all my name is Will. I am from the UK and have been working at DESC for the past two years, I now look forward to this new challenge DESS is going to bring. Before working in production I used to use thermal imaging drones to survey buildings and construction to see where they are losing energy in keeping cold air inside the building and hot air out, but as you can imagine looking at red and orange pictures all day got boring fast so I decided to make the jump to video production and I haven't looked back since. I have lived in Dubai for 14 years of my life. I love my football, getting out of the house to socialize and meeting new friends. So excited to meet you all in August, I can't wait to hit the ground running and be a part of the DESS family |
| Will Jolly Production Assistant |
Performing Arts and DESPA
Performing Arts
It has been a very busy few weeks in the Performing Arts Department. Our virtual Year 6 performance of Matilda hit the screens to great reviews with some outstanding performances. The students in Year 6 really surpassed themselves with the amount of time and effort they put in and you would never have known that they were disappointed not to be on the stage in Latifa Hall. Thanks to Mr Arnup for all his work in putting together all the many many clips, the children now have a wonderful memento of their Year 6 performance. The video is available on the DESS Facebook page for anyone that would like to see it.
Last week also saw the highly anticipated Performing Arts Awards for 2020. We were delighted to have the opportunity to recognize some children that have gone above and beyond this year and they are all fully deserving of their accolades.
We are sad to see Miss O'Boyle leave us. She is an amazing teacher and we will miss her very much at DESS. Best of luck back in Ireland Miss O'Boyle! We would also like to wish all the Year 6 students the very best of luck as they enter the next phase of their education and we know they will have a great time in Year 7. Please make sure you all keep in touch.
While we have missed seeing all of you in person, we are so pleased with the way you have all engaged with the music and dance online learning from FS1 all the way to Year 6. Your enthusiasm has kept us going over the last few months. However, we CANNOT wait to ditch the green screens and see you in September (don't be surprised though if you see Mrs Cassidy in school with hers !!).
Make sure you keep singing, dancing and practicing your instruments over the summer and we will see you very soon.
DESPA Summer Camp
DESPA Academy will be running a summer camp next week from Sunday 5th July - Thursday 9th July. Each Year Group have been allocated a daily slot from 1pm to join in a fun, Performing Arts based live Webex class for free.
This will be on a first come first served basis as each webex class can only hold up to a maximum of 100 students
Meet the Teachers
What is your full name?
Rebecca Anne Eldred
What do you teach?
As an Assistant Headteacher I don't teach a class, but I do get to cover classes from time to time and teach 4 Yellow, which is a highlight of my week.
What is your top tip to dealing with the stay at home policy?
To love your home and where you are. I am easily affected by my environment so if I make it a comfortable space that is calm and fit for purpose then it helps a lot. Simple things like plants, the furniture arrangement all impact how we feel in our homes.
How are you staying active?
Hmmmm, this one has been a little more challenging for me as I am not a natural exerciser! But I have purchased a small treadmill that looks lovely in the corner of the room and compliments the plant - does that count? There is also a lovely pink yoga mat that I have unrolled a couple of times.
What is your favorite food?
As a 'nearly' vegan my actual favorite food and the food I allow myself to eat are very different. Thanks to Mrs Gibson I have recently discovered vegan ice-cream, which seems to have become a regular treat during lockdown.
How do you relax in the evenings?
When I allow myself to 'switch off' I walk my dogs. During normal times I would be doing something proactive with animal rescue, but during lockdown my secret love for jigsaw puzzles has come in handy and nothing is better than a bit of gardening - I take after my Granny!
What is your full name?
Victoria Ann Antaki
What do you teach?
I am an LSA in Year 3 but I have also been in Year 4 and Reception (before it changed to FS2)
What is your top tip to dealing with the stay at home policy?
My top tips are to keep taking regular breaks, try to keep as active as possible and I have really enjoyed having zoom calls with my family and friends back in the UK. Why didn't we do this beforehand ??
How are you staying active?
I am staying active by doing mini online workouts and I used to go out for walks before it got too warm. I have also started doing yoga and when I need to go upstairs in my house, I will jog up the stairs!
What is your favorite food?
Anything that I don't have to cook always taste better! Chinese and Italian food are close to the top but you can't beat a good roast dinner.
How do you relax in the evenings?
In the evenings I relax by watching the TV or reading my book. It has been great to have time to read.
Lets Get Running
Want to improve your running and fitness over the holidays?
Here are some top tips:
Top Tips for Beginners
- A new pair of trainers or running clothes will help with motivation
- Always warm up and cool down. Walking briskly for 5 minutes before and afterwards gives your body time to adjust.
- Aim for three times per week for optimal improvements.
- Try the Walk-Run Method - Alternating these run / walk ratios for 30 minutes will help you to build up gradually.
| Stage 1 | 2 mins run / 4 mins walk |
| Stage 2 | 3 mins run / 3 mins walk |
| Stage 3 | 4 mins run / 2 mins walk |
| Stage 4 | 5 mins run / 3 mins walk |
| Stage 5 | 7 mins run / 3 mins walk |
| Stage 6 | 8 mins run / 2 mins walk |
| Stage 7 | 9 mins run / 1 min walk |
| Stage 8 | 13 mins run / 2 mins walk |
| Stage 9 | 14 mins run / 1 min walk |
| Stage 10 | Run for 30 mins |
- Progress Slowly - build up your stages week by week or stick with one stage until you are confident to take it up a notch
- Run with a friend, listen to music or download a coach to 5km app to help with the motivation levels.
Top Tips for Running in Hot Weather
- Dress Appropriately - light colored, breathable clothing
- Early mornings or late afternoons are best. Choose a shady route and don't run if the humidity is over 70%.
- Stay hydrated - drink water before, during and after your run.
- Listen to your body - if you feel dizzy or nauseous stop!
Year 6 Leavers
DESC House Meetings
On Monday afternoon the children got the opportunity to meet their new Head and Deputy Heads of House. The children entered their respective online classes and for the first time got to see who else would be making up Year 7 Coast, Desert, Earth and Sky. While there were expected silences to begin, the Head of House teased out any anxieties and allowed the children to open up and freely ask questions to find out more about starting at the end of August. In the space of 30 minutes, the children had turned from shy Year 6 students to excited and enthusiastic Year 7 students and are all now certainly ready for the next step on their education journey.
Farewell Year 6
This week has been one of mixed emotions. While everyone is sad to see the Year 6 children leave primary school in this manner without a proper DESS send off, there is excitement for what awaits them at secondary. In a few classes this week, the children's excitement for the summer break was evident however, lots of the children were more excited because of the fact they won't have to wake up every morning and go onto Seesaw to find their work.
Yesterday, teachers and children had a great morning saying goodbye through our first ever DESS Drive-by. Keeping a safe distance outside the front of school, teachers got to see their children in person and say their farewells. This was such a nice change from being stuck behind a screen. I hope the children all had fun, the teachers loved every minute, even though it was very hot!
To finish off yesterday's goodbye theme, the children then watched with their class teachers an informal end of year awards video, put together by the wonderful 'Mr Josh'. While these awards were just a little bit of fun, we hope it has brought the year to a close and help with the transition. Once safe to do so, we will celebrate by inviting Year 6 back to take part in a more formal leavers assembly.
Finally, this morning, the Year 6 classes had a final get together live on Webex, celebrating the end of year with a tea party and class games. The children were challenged in their final PBL task, to create a themed tea party to help celebrate the end of their year. From summer to Harry Potter, graduation to space, the children's themes were well thought out and the culinary delights created were amazing. Thank you Year 6 for all your hard work not just in this project but over the whole year. It has been a pleasure to teach such a wonderful and resilient year group and we wish you all the very best for the future.
Mr Tolan
Activities for Summer
Remote Learning at DESS
This week, our focus was on the character strength, Hope.
Hope, like Bravery, acknowledges that there are struggles and difficult times in life, but encourages children to nurture an optimistic outlook; believing they can be successful and their dreams are within reach.
Some of our teachers shared their hopes for the children over the coming months. The children's task was to create a 'Hope Cloud' where they wrote a hope, dream, goal or desire for themselves or for another, which we will then collate as a collective hope for the DESS community.
We want to thank you all for your support with our character strengths this year. I hope that some of the information has resonated with you at some point over the past few months and hopefully you can take some value from what we have looked at.
Don't forget there are many ways you can communicate with us:
Parent / Teacher Communication: Parents can communicate with the class teachers using the designated class email.
Parent / School Communication: Parents will continue to contact the school via Jacqui Thurley or Reception for general inquiries.
Social media: Please share your comments on our social media platforms. We love receiving your messages and tweets. Don't forget to include the following hashtags: #InThisTogether #InThisTogetherDubai #WeHaveGotThis #DESStrongerThanEver #DESSremotelearning #RemoteLearning
I can't believe this is the final week of the year!
We know that lots of families are planning to stay in Dubai this summer and have asked for suggestions of how to keep children busy and happy in the heat. Below there is access a range of optional summer activities you can complete with your children to keep them motivated and engaged over the summer period.
We have also set the first house competition for next year - design your own social distancing hat. 5 house points will be awarded for each entry and an additional 50 house points will be awarded for the most inventive design in each year group!
It's been amazing seeing all the children take part in the PE lessons, Beat the Teacher Challenges and Live Webex ECA's over past 15 weeks. The children have been amazing and kept everyone motivated with their enthusiasm!
Over the summer period, DESS would like to encourage the children to stay active and healthy by doing at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. In order to assist you with keeping the children motivated the PE Department have designed a range of fitness tasks for the summer break, please on the links below:
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 1
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 2
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 3
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 4
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 5
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 6
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 7
- DESS Summer Fitness Grids - Week 8
- KS1 Snakes and Ladders Fitness
- KS2 Snakes and Ladders Fitness
- Summer Beat the Teacher Challenges
- Summer Fitness Bingo
- The Fierce 500
- The Killer K
- DESS defeats Everest
Have a wonderful summer, good luck with the PE challenges and the house competition and I look forward to seeing lots of smiling faces, wearing inventive social distancing hats, on the first day of the next academic year.
Mrs Gibson
