Page 9 - DGPS - YearBook

MESSAGE FROM THE

MRS HUMERA IBRAHIM PRINCIPAL
‘‘ Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
T
his academic year 2019-2020 has been exceptional in many ways. Throughout the year, newsletters and
social media updates have kept the community aware of not only the academic achievements of our
students but also the wide range and variety of enrichment activities that have been initiated and successfully
implemented.

Our strategic planning and academic calendar required a review and redesign in March 2020 as the global
COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a lockdown and emergency measures to contain the spread of the disease.
The regular and timely support and guidance from KHDA enabled us to implement a DL portal which facilitated
a smooth transition from traditional classroom teaching to remote learning. We are grateful to all our parents for
their patience, support and understanding as we navigated together a new and uncharted platform.

Our students have demonstrated tremendous resilience and DL has gradually become the new normal.
Creativity and collaboration have resulted in remarkable learning outcomes for all our students. The use of
digital technology has allowed for progressive learning by empowered students who think critically, develop
innovative strategies to engage with peers and create meaningful and relevant learning experiences. The distributed leadership model was implemented this
year with our Year 13 students and was extremely successful. Our graduating class did us proud. Their poise, maturity, awareness and communication skills
during their engagement with the DSIB Inspection team was much appreciated. The DSIB report mentions that, ‘The work of the students, their behaviour and
the respect that they show to adults and one another’ is one of the best features of the school. The digital trend has also extended to our yearbook. The student
editorial committee and communication team have worked very hard to create a brilliant depiction of all that happens to make Dubai Gem a unique and special
institution of learning.

As the world acclimates to living with a pandemic, we have all done our part to contribute to the success of the school community. Our gratitude will always
extend to our frontline workers – those working in healthcare and all essential services. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty and serve as our
inspiration during these uncertain and challenging times.

To our parents, we thank you for your patience and trust. The DGPS culture and ethos of nurturing and caring is in the safe hands of our wonderful staff. The
challenges and demands of implementing the DL initiative as well as the commitment for the welfare of all of the students are priorities for each staff member. I
am proud of and grateful to each one of them and applaud them for their efforts. Thank you staff, for all your dedication and commitment!
To our students, this may not have been the way you imagined your school year ending, but this community will always be here for you and we look forward to
seeing everyone in person soon.
Until then, stay safe and healthy and enjoy the summer break!
‘‘ I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” Maya Angelou

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