West Yas Academy Year Book 2019 / 2020

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

GRADES 3, 4 AND 5 faces and look forward to hearing of your
summer adventures!
I hope you will take the principles of The
West Yas Way “Respect Others, Respect “Remember to look up at the stars and
Yourself and Respect the Environment” not down at your feet. Try to make sense
and apply it to your schoolwork, your of what you see and wonder about what
friendships and any other situations that makes the universe exist. Be curious. And
you might encounter. however difficult life may seem, there is
always something you can do and succeed
I would like to take this opportunity at. It matters that you don’t just give up”.
to thank the Teachers and Classroom Stephen Hawking.
Assistant’s in Grade 3, 4 and 5. What
a hard-working group of professional Mrs Melissa Patrick.
educators! I have learnt so much from
each and every one of you.

Melissa Patrick Grade 3 Mr Callum (Grade Lead), Ms. Lua,
Head of Department, Classroom Ms. Creedon and Ms. Joan.
Assistant Team Leader, Child Grade 4 Ms. Goss (Grade Lead), Mr.
Protection Officer. Chikumba, Mr. Mc Cabe, Ms. Pam, Ms.
Marie and Ms. Wahaida.
I can’t believe the times gone by so Grade 5 Ms. Wilson (Grade Lead) Ms. B,
quickly. Well you know what they say Mr. Richardson and Ms. Ken.
time flies when you’re having fun! It has
definitely been like a school year like no I also need to also give a HUGE shout out
other! to the Specialist Teachers, Support Staff
and Administration staff that underpin
One of the most rewarding aspects of Grade 3, 4 and 5, behind the scenes each
being the Head of Department this year and every day. The team appreciates
has been watching you all grow over you!
the course of the year academically
and as individuals. Exploring your For our Grade 5 students moving up to
independence, developing your 21st Middle School, I look forward to seeing
century learning skills and what it you in your ties and blazers next year.
means to be a kind and caring student, I know you will do Ms Wilson, Ms B, Mr
classmate and friend. Richardson and Ms Ken proud! We will
miss seeing you in our wing but are
excited for you as you move to the next
part of your schooling journey.

Whether it has been seeing you across
the playground or across the computer
screen, I will miss seeing your smiling

101 102

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

103 CLASSROOM
ASSISTANTS

GRADES 3, 4 AND 5

Joan Feliciano Pamela Abatayo
Grade 3 Grade 4

Wahaida Saavedra Corazon F Hao (Ken)
Grade 4 Grade 5

104

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G3 JASMINE 106

Co. Teacher: Ragdha Al Basha

Teacher: Louise Creedon it has been so rewarding seeing the
wonderful work that you are doing at
We have had a fantastic year in G3 Jasmine home. You have all adapted so well to these
class! It has been a pleasure to be your changes and I could not be prouder of each
teacher this year and to watch you grow into and every one of you.
mature, independent learners.
I know you will all continue to shine brightly
We have had so much fun together, from in Grades 4, 5 and beyond! I wish you
taking part in Fit for Fun, to creating a nothing but the best for your future and I
prehistoric museum, to hosting our very can’t wait to see how you soar.
own assembly!
You have solved math problems, improved Lots of love,
your reading skills, written amazing stories
and used the design process to construct Ms. Creedon
all kinds of original projects. However most
importantly, you have all worked together to
build a positive and encouraging classroom
family.

I know that things have been challenging in
recent months as we have had to adapt to
home learning. Even though I have missed
having you all together in our classroom,

105

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

107 108

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G3 MANGROVES Reflection: It has been such a wonderful
year for me with the Mangroves class! As
Teacher: Lua Blignaut Co-Teacher: Adel Moustafa a new teacher to West Yas, I was a little
scared, but the children and my colleagues
When I think back on this year, it has all We all came back from holidays feeling light took away my fears immediately and I loved
been pretty crazy, as a feather, becoming part of the “family”.
We started way back with Prehistoric And started our new unit of inquiry…
Problems and learnt that dinosaurs weren’t whacky weather! My focus this year was very much on the
lazy, We also had classes in moral education four “C’s” of 21st Century Learning, namely,
The children took mental math so far With reuse, reduce, recycle…all-important in Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration
I am impressed and think they are all stars conservation! and Communication, and I believe that we
To top it off we had our fantastic Prehistoric We learnt about weather patterns on the as a class succeeded in achieving this, even
Museum, map, And experienced a virtual storm - it though we ended the year online.
The children were so excited when the was a snap!
parents came to see them! I have watched all of my students blossom
This last unit in school started with one throughout the year, and even though I
great fact… A new unit of Inquiry called, have missed them every day since we were
“Opposites attract!” all sent home, seeing their videos and
2 and 3 D Shapes were used to compare projects has kept me sane and brought a lot
And we tackled this with enthusiasm and of joy to my days.
flair,
And in science, we saw how magnets attract I cannot wait to see them all again, next
metals no doubt! Lastly, we learned all year, as they tackle Grade 4 and part of my
about how magnetic fields function heart will always be sad that we did not end
We had some great fun in “Opposites Attract the year together in the classroom, but I am
Junction!” happy knowing they are safe and that we
will all be back on the playground, someday
soon!

Much Love, Ms Lua.

The next unit we worked on was “Home and And then we were all sent home,
Beyond” We learnt about the UAE compared And we were all sad and weren’t allowed
to countries over the pond, to roam, But to cheer us up, the last unit
We compared famous people from the UAE we have started, Is called “Passport to
with those from other countries with power the World”, and many planes we have
And buildings as well like the Burj Khalifa “chartered”
with the Eiffel Tower, As we learn about countries, we would love
A trip to the Louvre completed that week to visit,
Where we learnt about art, some of it Even though online – our imagination is the
antique! only limit!

109 110

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

111 112

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G3 PALMS 114

Co-Teacher: Muhammad El Sayed

You’re ability to add and subtract fluently,
tell time, and even use fractions confidently
is an amazing achievement. You have even
transformed into scientists; exploring and
discovering so much through our studies in
‘Prehistoric Problems’ and wowed the whole
school by creating your own museum.

Teacher: Callum Dudley You showed how determined and adaptable
Grade 3 Lead Teacher you are by tackling this Pandemic head on
and still produced some great work. We
Dear Palms, have been so impressed with how hard you
have continued to work and that you have
It has been extremely rewarding watching always shown a happy and positive attitude.
each and every one of you grow over the
last year. Ms Joan and I are extremely proud The Palms have also participated in a
of how far you have all come. You have huge number of Extra Curricular Activities,
made each day an adventure and we will such as: netball, soccer, construction and
cherish those moments forever. gymnastics. It has been wonderful to watch
you participate and develop even more
The Palms class is full of amazing readers, skills.
extraordinary mathematicians, super
scientists and most of all kind, polite and We are so excited for your futures and Ms
interesting personalities. We have been Joan and I wish the very best for you. We
extremely impressed with how you have know that each and every one of you will
become confident and enthusiastic readers succeed in whatever you put your minds to.
who ask fantastic questions and make Remember to always work hard and never
deep connections. You have become give up!
emerging authors who have learned to
write narratives, reports and scientific Mr Callum.
explanations.

113

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

115 116

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G4 LILIES 118

Co. Teacher: Lewis Williams

Teacher: Pule Chikumba Students reliably displayed the West Yas
Way. Learners were self-motivated and they
Great achievement by these brilliant boys consistently completed given tasks.
and girls from Grade 4 Lilies, they displayed
a positive attitude and their interest towards I look forward to seeing you all next year!
academic work was excellent. Mr. Chikumba.

Through Inquiry based learning, students
were able to work collaboratively and their
communication skills were greatly utilized.
Students offered constructive suggestions
to peers to support one another.

Most of the learning concepts taught
throughout the lessons, were well received
by the learners, and as Inquirers they
conducted research and presented it in their
own way. Learners took ownership of their
learning, after being given proper guidance.

Research and projects were excellently
completed by the Grade 4 Lilies students.
They showed growth and were always
using multiple problem solving methods.

117

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

119 120

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G4 ORCHIDS 122

inquiry topic “Pop Culture” when you had
an opportunity to design and make your
own outfits or create your own comic strip
superhero. The level of enthusiasm was clear
to see and showed in the quality of the work
you delivered.

Teacher: Theresa Goss I am sad that we didn’t get to spend the
Grade 4 Lead Teacher last few months of this school year together
in our classroom, but I am really pleased
Teaching the Grade 4 Orchids this year at the quality of the tasks that you have
as been a great experience for me. We submitted to me online. I value the fact that
started the year with the inquiry topic “Am I I had the chance to get to know each of you
Mindful?” which was an ideal topic for us to as individuals during the time of distance
get to know each other as a class. We took learning. It added a new dimension to our
part in various creative activities that helped interclass relationship. It also gave you
us find a positive outlet for our emotions an opportunity to gain self-confidence in
and set the tone for the rest of the year. working independently.

The ongoing thread we focussed on I have many happy memories from this
throughout the year was respect and year, and I know that you are leaving Grade
tolerance, and I feel very proud of each of 4 with more confidence and responsibility
you for showing your understanding of than when you started the year. Continue
these two qualities through your actions growing, continue working hard, and never
towards each other and me. When you forget that every mistake you make brings
presented assembly, I was thrilled at the way you one step closer to success.
you worked together as a class. That amazed
me! Your presentation was delightful, and I As the saying goes, “No one is perfect …
once again felt proud to be your teacher. that’s why pencils have erasers.” The secret
to success is to keep on trying and not to
Another highlight for me was during the give up.
I wish you a bright, happy future!
Love, Ms. Goss

121

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

123 124

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G5 GINGER 126

Co. Teacher: Abdelhamid Gaafar

Teacher: Louise Bezuidenhout

It has been an amazing, memorable (and Our journey together this year has been
unforgettable) year with Ginger class! full of wonderful memories: our trip to the
Louvre, working collaboratively in the Egg
You have shown important values such as Drop challenge and our trip to Umm Al
respect, kindness and dedication and it has Emarat Park.
been wonderful to see how you have all
developed this year, growing in confidence. It has been a pleasure teaching the Ginger
Especially during the last term, it was class this year and I will miss them all. All the
fantastic to see how you rose to the Home best for the future; I know you will make a
Learning experience and changed it into an success of anything you put your minds to.
interesting adventure.
Best wishes,
You have developed your key skills this year Miss Bezuidenhout.
and you worked very well collaboratively,
helping one another and learning how to
take responsibility and leadership in groups.

When I think back on this year, I will
definitely remember a fantastic group of
children, who developed resilient attitudes
and tried their best, especially during Home
learning.

125

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

127 128

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G5 SAFFRON 130

Co. Teacher: Jon Hughes

You should all be proud of your efforts in our
school this year.

Teacher: Matthew Richardson We have been lucky enough to attend some
brilliant trips. From going to Qasr Al Hosan
We have had a fantastic year in Grade 5 and learning some of the fascinating history
Saffron. We have learned new things, made of the UAE to visiting Umm Al Emarat Park
new friends and now that this year has come and discovering some of the amazing plants
to an end I want to congratulate you all for and animals we have in our country.
your achievements, thank you for all your Some members of our class have also been
efforts and hard work this year. lucky to enough to represent the school in
a variety of events. We have had members
We have showcased our knowledge and of the school Football, Netball and the Swim
understanding of all subjects in many ways Team. Some of our class helped represent
this year. From writing fantastic imaginary the school in Art events and joined the
stories, to solving challenging problems in school Eco–Council. Our class also had an
Math. Using research to help us learn about Elementary School Captain and several house
events of the past and how our world is captains. All these children represented
changing today, showcasing our scientific the school excellently displaying maturity,
minds through projects, investigations responsibility and commitment. The skills
and experiments. You have all contributed they acquired through these will benefit
to each other’s learning through working them greatly with all future endeavors.
collaboratively, supporting each other when
things may have been difficult and then Finally I would like to thank you all again.
helping celebrate and congratulate each It has been my pleasure to teach you this
other when we have conquered challenges. year. I am proud of all you have done and I
am thankful for all your support during this
difficult year. Your commitment and resilience
has been amazing to see and I know you
will all continue with your successes as you
progress through school.

Mr. Richardson.

129

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

131 132

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G5 ZATAAR 134

Co. Teacher: Maret Streicher

Teacher: Poppy WIlson We have also been very lucky to attend
Grade 5 Lead Teacher some wonderful trips, such as our trip
to Umm al Emarat Park and the HAY
We have had a very interesting year in reading festival, which was an incredible
Grade 5! We have participated in home opportunity for all students.
learning, which is something that we have
never experienced before and I am sure all Students have also participated in a huge
children have learnt some new skills from number of Extra Curricular Activities, such
this pandemic! Luckily before we begun to as: sports teams, committees, arts and crafts
participate in home learning we had a lovely clubs and special assemblies. It has been
time in school together! wonderful to watch students participate and
develop in such a variety of different ways.
We participated in a number of exciting
activities based on our wide range of It has been a pleasure to teach all of Grade 5
inquiry topics. For example, we created this year and I wish them all the best of luck
some excellent setting and character for middle school!
descriptions based on our universe topic
at the beginning of the year; we had some
excellent class discussions and debates
based on our ‘Choices’ topic and we have
had the opportunity to design some
amazing future pieces of technology in our
‘technology’ unit.

133

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

135 136

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PASTORAL LEADS

HEAD OF SECONDARY

in how you have managed to still learn
effectively despite not being on-campus. I
have been massively impressed with your
positivity and can-do attitudes throughout
these few months.

However, I would also importantly like to Michael McCutchon Leah Smith
use my space in the yearbook this year to Grade 6 Pastoral Lead Grade 7 Pastoral Lead
urge you all look back on the many great
Anthony Millington things that you achieved whilst the school Vincent MacLean Rachael Cromie
Assistant Principal - Secondary was open this year. Typically in my space Grade 8 Pastoral Lead Grade 9 and Grade 10 Pastoral Lead
in this publication I would list some of the
Dear West Yas Community, highlights but this year I have chosen not to
This year has once again proven to be do that. The reason for that is quite simple
an amazing year for all of our school in that in you reading this, I now challenge
community and one in which we have you to think about… what stood out for
accomplished so very much. Whilst the past you? Countless great things happened in
few months since the school has moved school this year and we must not forget
to distance learning have been incredibly those. We can use this time to reflect on
unlike what we are used to, one thing that them, appreciate that they happened
has remained the same is the amazing spirit and look forward to a time when we can
that all of you possess! hopefully enjoy those things again. Take a
moment… think about your highlight/s – I
Our staff, students and parents have all hope it makes you smile!
pulled together collaboratively to overcome
the many challenges that the global health For those in our school community who
situation has brought to our school and are not returning next year I am really sorry
family lives and we are stronger than ever that we were robbed of the opportunity to
as a community – you really are our greatest say goodbye properly. I wish the very best
asset. Since learning online you have been of luck on your next adventures and I hope
so innovative, hardworking and determined that we meet again.

For the people who are returning I greatly
look forward to a time when we can meet
again on campus again next and I am
already excited to see your faces and hear
the buzz of classrooms and corridors again.
I have really missed that and missed all of
you!

Stay safe, take care, see you all soon.
Mr. Millington

137 138

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL I am looking forward to the next academic
year 2020/21 acclaiming further successes
DEAN OF STUDENTS and celebrations. I would like to thank
our WYA community who entrust in Aldar
and encompassing themselves with Education and I do hope that you will be
entrepreneurial experiences within the able to see supported, innovative and happy
Seven Billion Ideas program. Furthermore, learners reflected in this Yearbook.
our diverse student community has
promoted a variety of National and Thomas Nelson
International events and spearheaded Assistant Principal – Dean of Students’.
initiatives to raise the profile of anti-bullying,
healthy active lifestyles, and inclusion ACADEMIC ADVISOR
campaigns across the Academy.

I truly believe that we have a strong sense of
community at WYA where our students have
expressed their enjoyment of learning and
a sense of feeling valued and supported.
House systems, elementary classes, year
groups, and homeroom groups, all combine
to make a diverse, exciting and global
community.

Thomas Nelson Across the academy, wellbeing is at the Crissy Calera
Assistant Principal - Dean of Students forefront of everything that we do, with a Academic Advisor
purpose to equip students with the tools
Dear students and parents, to flourish within society. We place a real Being an Academic Advisor this year was a Whenever you do start thinking about your
altruistic focus on student’s happiness and great honor. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking next steps, I hope you think of them with
Reflecting on this year it is so apparent that engagement which has led to a learning with students about their plans for the excitement, hope, adventure, and a sense
our community has made great strides to environment where everyone can succeed. future, as well as organizing events and trips of self. Be true to yourself when you plan
improving life at West Yas Academy. Furthermore, we educate our students on to help them navigate the upcoming years. for the future, and don’t let yourself stand in
Islamic Values, in addition to global values of your own way! Remember you can always
We are extremely honored to have love and respect for each other. As a result, To the West Yas students, count on me to help in any way I can!
experienced our students flourish in students can show great determination and Thank you for giving me the time to be your
all aspects of Academy life, including resilience with a growth mindset in times of Advisor this year. Wish you all the best.
throughout the distance learning program challenge. Whether you are in 10th grade or 6th grade, Mrs. Calera.
during term three. Students’ have immersed remember that it is never too early to start
themselves in a plethora of outstanding Our parents support the academy thinking about what you want for yourself
activities and experiences. This has been unswervingly; they are always passionate, beyond high school. College, university,
exemplified through students undertaking supportive and involved in the development careers—these are all worthy thoughts to
leadership roles, becoming Sustainability of the academy and their child’s education. occupy your time.
and Year of Tolerance ambassadors, The parent relationships with an open
door policy have fostered an exceptional
community spirt across the academy.

139 140

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G6 DALMA 142

Homeroom Teacher: Diaaeldin Soliman Co. Teacher: Erica Spradley
Islamic Team Lead SEN Inclusion Lead Teacher Grades 6-8

Grade 6 Dalma, Coming into this year as a new teacher at
WYA, I am so glad that I was placed in the best
It has been a great year watching each of you homeroom with Grade 6 Dalma! We had some
grow. Some of you I taught in Grade 5, and it great times together and began to grow as a
was so nice to see you grow as a learner and homeroom community. Every day with you
student in Grade 6. We also had many new all was an adventure with memories we will
students to join us at West Yas this year and it reflect on forever.
was my pleasure to see you in the morning for
homeroom and teach you for Islamic. We had some students with funny
personalities, great artistic and musical
The year has come and gone so quickly and talents, and some students who showed
even though you were faced with many great leadership and compassion towards
challenges, you did your best to get through their peers. I am very grateful that I was able
each one. You were a good group and I am to see each of you grow from the start of the
so excited for your future. I want nothing but school year until the end. Some of you truly
the very best in the years to come. I know that blossomed and I know that your futures will be
if you stay focused, each of you will succeed bright!
when you move on to Grade 7 next year. You
can do anything that you put your mind to as So keep working hard and never give up.
you did this year. When times get hard, you must always do
your best and you will surely succeed. Finally,
We had great lessons and you learned so remember to make good choices in life, and
much. Remember to always work hard and you will have good consequences. I can’t wait
never give up! Mr. Diaa. to see how you continue to grow next year in
Grade 7! Ms. Spradley.
141

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

143 144

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G6 LULU 146

Homeroom Teacher: Ryan Samuel Co. Teacher: Derick Moylan

Our year started out like any other that we We are immensely proud of Grade 6 Lulu for
were used to on the first day of school. But, their resilience and strong willed attitude
because we at West Yas are always pushing this year and wish them everything of the
our students to reach their full potential, best for Grade 7.
students were introduced to a new schedule
rotation, new class groups, bring your own Mr. R. Samuel & Mr. D Moylan
device and a few other changes.

Like true West Yas Wolfs, the students of
Grade 6 Lulu rose to the challenge and
embraced all the changes and took the
process in their stride.

Students were then suddenly hit with
distance learning, thankfully in Gr 6 Lulu
students we familiar with “flipped classroom
instruction” so yet again, they got stuck into
it and soldiered on.

145

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

147 148

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G6 SAADIYAT 150

Homeroom Teacher: Aideen King Co. Teacher: Maher Turkman

Grade 6 Saadiyat class are an enthusiastic, One student even took part in the 7 billion
energetic and positive group of students ideas project this year, working alongside
who have been a pleasure to teach this others to come up with some possible
year. business ideas. Saadiyat students have
been very busy!
These students make sure they are
involved in all activities that West Yas The Saadiyat class greet myself, Mr Maher
Academy has to offer. We have students and Ms. Darlene every morning with a
involved in the U13 Netball team. We smile. I look forward to working with them
also have many U13 footballers in our again next year.
class. Students have also been involved in
Lego, Quran, Performing Arts, Visual Arts,
Choir, Board Games, Swimming, Arabic
Calligraphy and Drone Club ECAs.

A number of Saadiyat students have also
been involved in the Wizard of Oz. Some
have been acting, others have been in the
chorus line, while a few have even helped
with the sets and costume design.

149

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

151 152

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G7 YAS 154

Homeroom Teacher: Jessica Warden Co. Teacher: Daniel Becker

Ladies and gentlemen, Each of you is unique in your own
way and you have each brought
I can’t believe how quickly this year something different to the homeroom
has passed! I know it has been a this year. I am very proud of you and
strange one - with ups and downs, all that you have achieved.
but I am SO proud of each and every
one of you and how you have grown Most of all, I am proud of how you
and matured into wonderful young have adapted and embraced change
people. this year.

As many of you were new to join West Stay happy and I wish you all the best
Yas this year, I was excited to have for your future.
an interesting mix of old and new in
the homeroom, and I’m incredibly Ms Warden.
proud of how you have all bonded.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to see
you making new friendships and
strengthening old ones.

153

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

155 156

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G7 MARYAH 158

Homeroom Teacher: ElHady Elshafai Co. Teacher: Swati Singal
Arabic Team Lead (Upper School)
A wise man said “working may end,
Dear Grade 7 Maryah, but learning never ends”.

It’s been a wonderful year with you. So never stop learning and keep
We all learned new content and trying always to achieve your dreams.
lessons which overall increased our
life experience. We achieved so much
progress in all curriculum areas.

I was and always keen to see you all
develp as role models, and over the
school year this is what happened
indeed.

Thanks for all of the memories this
year. I wish you every success in your
near and far future.

157

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

159 160

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G8 REEM 162

Homeroom Teacher: Mohammed Hafez Co.Teacher: Asma Sultan

Dear Grade 8 Reem,

It has been a long year of ups and This year will be one that will stay
downs, hard work and fun, school in my mind as I’m sure it will be
time and distance learning time. We the same for you. It has been a
welcomed new friends and staff and wonderful year with Grade 8 Reem
we are now saying goodbye to others. group.
We have gained a lot of experience
over this year and I have seen you all I wish you you all the best for your
grow into mature young adults. future and hope that it is more
adventurous, and full of experience
Through the experience of change and success.
and distance learning we discovered
many things that we can live without. Mr. Hafez.
This callenged us but also made us
believe more in our abilities and trust
ourselves more and more.

161

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

163 164

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G8 NURAI 166

Homeroom Teacher: Jamal Al Froukh Co. Teacher: Imhotep Brooks

Dear Students, Every experience in life will teach you
something. You just need to keep an
The School year has come to an end and open mind and open heart to see what
you will all be moving up to the next lessons the world has to offer.
class. It has been a great year and I want
you to know how grateful I am to have Each one of you has a bright future
been your homeroom teacher. ahead of you. Work hard and enjoy your
school days!
It was a busy year but it has been great
fun learning and you have never failed Thank you for everything class.
to amaze me with your brilliance. I hope
that you will take what you have learned
this year and build on it as you continue
your studies. Always remember that
learning does not stop inside the
classroom. As Henry L. Doherty said,
“Be a student as long as you still have
something to learn, and this will mean all
your life.”

165

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

167 168

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G9 JUBAIL 170

Homeroom Teacher: Sheila O’Donnell Co. Teacher: Barry Smyth
Head of Mathematics
I was so impressed by your fearlessness
Dear Grade 9 Jubail, during paintballing and your natural skill
when wakeboarding.
It has been my pleasure being your I thoroughly enjoyed our daily discussions,
homeroom teacher for this school year, ranging from how to solve an algebraic
and even though we didn’t get to finish equation to dealing with global natural
off the school year as we had planned disasters. You were always courteous,
or wished, I just know that you have all inquisitive and kind and grew from
been working hard at home and you will strength to strength each week.
be ready to start grade 10 with a mature
attitude and a big heart. I wish you all the best in grade 10 and in
the years that follow.
When I reflect on our year, I remember
your sleepy heads in the morning which Ms. O’Donnell.
transformed into bright and buzzing
young adults as the day progressed. We
were so lucky to have gone on many fun
trips together such as The Louvre and Al
Forsan.

169

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

171 172

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G9 ZEERA I also appreciate the help exhibited for non-
school days, such as National Day and our
field trip. At times like these, the cooperation
and maturity of students like yourselves
are necessary for successful, enjoyable
occasions.
I’m looking forward to working alongside
you all for the new academic year, but in the
meantime enjoy your holidays, make the
most of them, and be safe!

Kind regards,
Mr. Corcoran.

Homeroom Teacher: Rory Cocoran Co. Teacher: Katy Millington
To my students,

I would like to wish all of you and your 9 Zeraa has been blessed with a wide range
families an enjoyable and healthy summer of characters and personalities, and the
break. The last few months of this school chemistry that you bring to the classroom
year have been strange and unique. You will environment has been refreshing. The
always remember your experiences during friendships that have evolved and the
the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m sure it has been comradery that is often displayed within
frustrating and challenging at times, but like your group is very encouraging for teachers
me, I hope you appreciate even more the to see. For the activities and discussions in
loved ones you have, and the healthy, safe our Moral Education class, it was clear to see
life you lead. The UAE has made great strides an improvement in your engagement with
in overcoming this obstacle, and I am sure difficult issues. For our Homeroom period,
that in the coming months you will continue Mrs. Millington and I witnessed you engage
to do what is necessary to play your part. more confidently and cooperatively with
topics that require mature thinking.
Coming to the end of my first year at West
Yas, my first message is to say thank you These qualities were also evident in the
for the friendly welcome you extended to efforts that students made in the field
me in our initial days. It has been a pleasure of extra-curricular activities, including
teaching you and getting to know you. afterschool classes, sports teams, student
councils, and student-student assistance.

173 174

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

175 176

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

G10 HUDAYRIAT 178

Homeroom Teacher: Crissy Calera your future will be your present,” so
make the most of your present to
Dear Hudayriat, create the best future you can.
I wish all the best in your future
What a year this has been for you! educational endeavors. Good luck!
You came into West Yas as the 10th
grade trailblazing class, and for all of
you, it was a huge adjustment to start
a new school with new classmates
and teachers.

Since then, you have a had a year
of twists and turns, but you’ve
pushed through and made it!
Your future holds a lot of mystery
and unanswered questions, but I
encourage you to face it with courage
and determination.

Pablo Neruda said, “the cause of your
present is your past, as the cause of

177

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

179 180

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

MUSIC 182

that celebrated the UAE’s dedication to
tolerance of all types through the power
of music.
Our Middle Schoolers worked on
keyboards to practice their note reading
and instrumental technique, learned
to play the Ukulele and accompany
themselves, and create their own pieces
using the Djembe.

KG and Elementary worked hard to
build up their musical vocabulary
through movement, learning a variety of
instruments, singing as a class, learning
to read music notes, and experiencing a
variety of different genres and styles of
music.

Derek Jung Though we may not have finished out
Music Teacher the year how we would have liked, it still
has been quite an eventful one. I hope
It has been another exciting year at West that you explore as much music as you
Yas Academy for music. Students have can while home and have an amazingly
continued to develop their musical skills musical summer!
we began in the previous year while also
adding some brand new ones. Mr. Derek Jung

Though we did not get to perform the
Mother’s Day show or the Wizard of Oz
this year, you can bet that these will be
back in the next school year. Students
did learn a variety of solo and ensemble
pieces and gained valuable experience
in rehearsing and performing alongside
their peers in a musical setting.

West Yas also had the amazing
opportunity to be a part of the Year of
Tolerance Concert: a one-of-a-kind event

181

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

DRAMA 184

Lewis Williams
Drama Teacher

It was another exciting year in Drama, Thank you to all of the students for
with many students making great actively participating in lessons and
progress and finding new and creative sharing their wonderful performances
ways to share stories and performances. with me and their peers.
Students looking at expressing different
emotions, storytelling techniques,
how to use the stage and character
development.

Whilst learning about the fundamental
elements of Drama, students also learnt
how Drama can help them in other
subject areas. Helping to improve their
spoken English, self-evaluation skills,
creative writing as well as their ability to
work as a team.

183

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

ELEMENTARY 186
ART

Classroom Assistant: Sheryl Tampos

important that students observe art and
design that exists in the world around them. By
looking and discussing artwork in our world,
as well as famous works that hang in galleries,
students can be inspired and appreciate all
things creative.

Maret Streicher We have had so many developments this year,
Teacher of Art KG made collages while learning different
skills like brush control and cutting. Grade
This year, Elementary Art in West Yas one learned about weaving, while grade two
Academy introduced Visual Art lessons for worked on native American themed portraits
everyone throughout the year. Students using mixed media and some lovely hearts for
began to explore art and design through a the celebration of Mother’s Day. Grade 3 spent
range of different media such as painting, some time doing portraits and artwork inspired
drawing, printing and 3D modeling with clay. by Kandinsky. Grade 4 worked on Pop Art
The students have learned how to bring their projects inspired by Keith Harring, while Grade
artistic ideas from conception to creation 5 spent time learning different drawing and
using different elements of art. shading techniques. We had a great variety of
expression in Elementary Art this year and I am
Not only have students created work in the exited to see how it will grow in the future.
art room, the creativity has also overflowed
to other areas of the school. At West Yas Elementary students also worked together with
Academy, we are privileged to have an art middle school students on the Wizard of Oz
gallery where the work of our students, Set Design and Creation ECA. Students worked
proudly fills the walls and is admired by on eight different scenes in the production.
students, staff and visitors daily. It is also I hope you will all enjoy these designs in the
school production in the next school year. With
art going online this year, I am impressed by
students, going the extra mile in producing
artwork from online lessons. After a good year,
I’m excited about what next year will hold.

185

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

SENIOR SCHOOL 188
ART
Students created drawings of their ideas
taking inspiration from animals and hybrids
before learning modelling skills to bring these
ideas from 2-D drawings to 3-D models. After
painting, these creations looked almost real!
Grade 6 explored pattern with a focus on ‘Op
Art’. Students took inspiration from Japanese
artist Yayoi Kusama and enjoyed experiencing
her weird and wacky ways. Grade 6 also created
some pretty realistic “Bite-sized” clay creations!
Grade 8 students explored lino printing with
a focus on mark making. They turned the
art room into a real life art printing studio,
designing, mark making, carving, background
creation and printing! Grade 8’s surpassed my
expectations this year- they are most definitely
ready for the high school visual art program.

Aideen King The High school art students created a selection
Teacher of Art of artwork demonstrating inquiry through
art and design and development of materials,
West Yas Academy Upper school Visual Art processes, and ideas. Students completed
department has gone from strength to strength, a lino printing project based on the theme
this academic year, with the introduction of “From Farm to Fork”. Ideas such as coffee
Visual Art year-long program and our High production, rice farming in Vietnam and fishing
School Visual Arts program. in Indonesia were all explored. Carvings were
precise, detailed and delicate whilst the prints
Students have explored art and design through appeared interesting and eye-catching. Graphic
a range of different media, with a particular Posters were also created based on the theme
focus on drawing, painting, printing and 3-D “The Greatest Movie of all Time”. Posters were
modelling using clay. Students have learned both hand rendered and created on computer
how to bring their artistic ideas from conception programs such as illustrator and Photoshop.
to creation using engaging themes as starting Our Upper School students created a variety of
points promoting exploration and imagination. works for exhibition in our gallery space. The
Students have also learnt the importance of work hangs proudly on the gallery walls and
observing visual art in the world around them. is admired by staff, students and visitors every
day.
Here are some of my favorite projects this
year: Grade 7 students designed and created A number of middle school and elementary
wonderful and sometimes wild clay creatures! students have also taken part in the Wizard of
Oz Set and Costume Design and Creation ECA.
Students have designed and created a total
of eight scenes for the production. Hopefully
these wonderful creations will be ready for all to
admire in our school production next academic
year.
After another exciting year in Visual Arts this
year, I look forward to what’s to come in the
future.

187

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

INFORMATION, These were completed using hand tools,
COMMUNICATION, DESIGN machines, computer aided drawing programs
& MANUFACTURING and computer aided manufacturing processes.
This project was completed using a product
West Yas Academy has been very fortunate to design model where students followed leading
be involved in several projects and incentives designers and creators around the world.
where new technology has been introduced
into the Aldar Academies schools. We Middle School students project work focused
implemented the “Bring Your Own Device” on product design and problem solving. It was
scheme this year which has been a magnificent wonderful to oversee several creative projects
addition to the ICDM department. This enabled completed by our Middle School students.
our students to gain access to cutting edge These included small phone holders, badges,
developments across the various subjects while logos and keychains. Our Middle School
completing projects with their peers using students learned a broad array of engineering
various programs and applications on their skills and I am looking forward to building on
devices. that progress next year.
Some of the programs utilized by students
include: Book Creator, Minecraft Education
Edition, 3D printers for both Primary and Middle
School, Lego We Do Robotic kits, Lego EV3
Robotic kits, 2D Design for laser cutting and
Lego Story Telling kits.

Barry Smyth All our tasks are completed using Project Based
Engineering Teacher & Learning. This enables students to take on
ICDM Team Lead the role of a real world professional and this
offers invaluable insight into possible future
It has been a wonderful year for students and careers. This student-centered approach fosters
teachers in the ICDM department. Throughout teamwork, communication, life-long learning
the year, students have developed their design skills in an enjoyable, supportive environment.
and creativity skillsets through our broad Our project-based learning approach prepares
range of subjects. We saw many magnificent students for third level education and
projects come to life in Engineering, DLCS professions in their chosen field.
(Digital Literacy and Computer Science), Food
Technology and Fashion & Textiles. For our Engineering students in West Yas Academy
budding entrepreneurs in West Yas Academy, made huge progress this academic year.
our Business students participated in projects There was a strong emphasis on design,
investigating and replicating real world business understanding material properties, 3D
practices. modelling and building prototypes. This was all
taught with an over arching emphasis on health
and safety practices. Our students created
many wonderful projects this year with high
school students designing, testing and creating
personalized phone holders using both plastic
(acrylic) and wood.

189 190

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

INFORMATION With a wide range of cross-curricular uses, survive. From experience, this was an
TECHNOLOGY BeeBots were used to enhance learning in activity that students really enjoyed and
many lessons beyond the ICT suite from benefitted greatly from.
Kindergarten to Grade 2.
It has been a truly amazing experience
Many of our students also benefitted from to watch students learn, develop, grow
using the Virtual Reality headsets in lessons and enjoy using the skills that they have
this year. This provided students with a acquired this year in DLCS, and we look
fully immersive virtual reality experience. forward to teaching and watching students
Students used these headsets to support build upon these skills next year.
their learning alongside the units of inquiry.
For example, students in Grade 1 when Mrs O’Connor & Mrs McDermott
learning about the Animal Kingdom used
the headsets to explore and learn where
varieties of animals live and how they

MIchelle McDermott Lucy O’Connor
Teacher of DLCS & Business Data & Assessment Co-ordinator

What a wonderful year we have had with West Yas expanded its Digital Literacy
our technology lessons, albeit, a shorter one and Computer Science provision this
than usual; the learning during the months year. In Elementary, we saw an additional
we were in the ICT classroom was fantastic! technology suite created which allowed
You have learnt so much! From creating quick and easy access to ICT for students.
posters, presentations, animation to writing The DLCS Team also took part in a
code, you certainly have learnt many new number of exciting initiatives. Our Drone
skills and deepened your knowledge and extracurricular activity was once again very
understanding of ICT. popular and saw increasing numbers of
students take part in learning how to use
Every one of you showed great resilience and program their drones for use. Students
in your learning through, sharing your used iPads to program, refine and control
understanding, supporting your friends, their drones.
asking questions and creating new and
exciting projects. I am so proud of each and In addition, West Yas purchased a number
every one of you and look forward to being of BeeBots that enabled students to learn
back in the classroom next year for more real life control, directional language and
ICT. programming.

191 192

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

INFORMATION 194
TECHNOLOGY

Imhotep Brooks
Teacher of DLCS

West yas Academy has afforded the West Yas has given me the opportunity to
wonderful opportunity to project based provide the students lessons with a creative
learning with a wonderful group of students approach due to the extensive resources
in Grade 6 through to Grade 10. and IT infastructure, allowing students to
create their own learning pathways.
I started the school year in January and
since then have had the opportunity to
collaborate with my colleagues on a number
of different projects, such as an engineering
project with Mr. Smyth as well as coding
with Ms. Mcdermott.

I have also have the pleasure of seeing
the students use their creative skills using
Minecraft to collaborate with each other and
build cities using their imaginations.

193

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

FOOD 196
TECHNOLOGY

Katy Millington
Teacher of Engineering Design Technology

Food Technology has got off to a High school students have been building
great start this year. We have been their skills and food based knowledge
able to provide all of grade 6, 7 and 8 throughout the year. They have looked
opportunities to learn about healthy at how to run a Food truck and how to
eating and making dishes accordingly. make the food to be sold in there. They
Students have built upon their practical have worked with our canteen provider,
skills within the kitchen. Food Nation, looking at the food served
and presenting to the CEO of Food Nation
Students have learnt to make a variety changes they would like to see in the
of food ranging from fruit salad, fresh canteen at West Yas.
chicken nuggets, macaroni cheese to
meatballs. Students have learnt the High School students have also started to
importance of health and safety in the look at how ingredients work together and
kitchen along with the use of equipment how they can improve their cooking by
such as ovens etc. understanding the reactions of ingredients
together.

195

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

LIBRARY 198

Amira Naeem
Librarian

We had a wonderful year in the library,
despite the school year being cut short
on campus. I’m pleased that your reading
continued at home either with hard copy
books or on one of the online programs
that we have been using at home.
Open a book and you will find,
People and places of every kind,
Open a book and you can be,
Anything you want to be.
Open a book and you can share,
Wonderous words you find in there,
Open a book and I will too,
You read to me and I’ll read to you!
Wishing you all a wonderful summer
vacation! Rest, Relax and get ready for next
year at West Yas Academy.

197

WEST YAS ACADEMY WEST YAS ACADEMY
YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020 YEAR BOOK 2019 - 2020

ISLAMIC AND UAE M.O.E TEAM
SOCIAL STUDIES

Diaaeldin Soliman - Islamic Team Lead Maher Turkman - Islamic Teacher

Badria Al Buni Students have enjoyed celebrating the UAE Muhammad El Sayed - Islamic Teacher Asma Sultan - UAE Social Studies Teacher
Head of MOE Subjects, IS & SS Flag day, by raising the Emirati flag high in Upper School
the sky, performed folk dances and national
It has been a wonderful year. A year full of songs.
enthusiasm and challenges. A year filled
with creativity and innovation that left Students engaged in many competitions
a significant impact on the hearts and that linked them to the Islamic and Social
souls of students. A year through which Studies, including Al Dar Quran competition.
students acquired the skills of the 21st The third semester has been a little different
century through learning with modern and for everyone this year, but we all learned
interesting strategies, and using electronic how to teach and study from home. We are
programs and real-world experiences. closer to our families and we all look forward
to great life next year.

A year in which students attained many Teachers are extremely happy to see Mrs. Noura Estamboli - UAE Social Seba Alkhatib - Islamic Teacher
Islamic values and ethics through activating their pupils grow up day after day, Studies Teacher G1-5 / Islamic G2 200
religious and national events, and and overwhelmingly proud of their
participating in many activities that made accomplishments year after year.
them hold tight to their national identity, Badria Al Buni
adhere to their Emirati customs and Arabian Head of MOE Subjects
traditions. IS & SS

199