Page 7 - Dwight School Dubai - 2019-20 | Yearbook

Message from the Associate Head of School
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Dear Dwight Students,
In all of my years as an educator, I think that this is the one that has tested me (and all of us) the most as an IB learner, especially when it comes to being a risk-taker and being balanced. When we welcomed you into the building last September, who could have imagined that the last four months of the school year would look so radically different and in a way that will be forever remembered in our history books.
In reality though, the work you have done at Dwight since you started, whether last year or this one, was part of your preparation to be able to rise to the challenges brought by COVID-19. Over the course of this year, I have marveled at how you have grown and stretched yourselves academically, physically, and socially. Some of my favorite memories of the year include:
Cheering on our school squads as they made a big splash in the athletics league this year; Seeing our drama students, along with teachers and parent helpers, turn our performing arts common space into a black box theater and then into a magical forest wonderland for the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream;
Watching our Grade 7 students be such great ambassadors for the Dwight New York students during their visit; hopefully, our students will be able to visit the New York campus in the coming years, creating even more bonds between our family of schools;
Participating in so many virtual classes, celebrations and meetings;
And, of course, seeing you, your teachers and your parents all come together to share what you love most about being part of an IB school when we had our three authorization visits - PYP, MYP and DP.
This year also raised our awareness about challenges being faced by people all over the world and you were called upon to take action - from ensuring the safety of your family and community due to COVID-19 to responding to global conversations about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The courage you showed in asking difficult questions and being open to hearing the perspective of others, will prepare you for whatever new challenges you will face in the future.
I hope that these next two months of summer break will be a time of relaxation and reflection for you, whether you remain in Dubai or travel elsewhere. As I prepare to return to New York with my family, please know that you will always be in my heart and I look forward to hearing all about the many adventures that await you next year at Dwight and beyond.
Warm wishes,
Rebecca Skinner | Founding Associate Head of School
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