Private schools celebrate National Day for the first time this year

A circular was sent by Abu Dhabi Education Council's (ADEC's) Private Schools and Quality Assurance (PSQA) Sector to all 185 private schools regarding their contribution in UAE's most special day. The circular was amendment to the previous circular (418) regarding 41st UAE National Day Celebrations.

Schools were requested to raise the UAE flag as per the set specifications as well as define one day to celebrate National Day.

"It is crucial to encourage our children to understand the hardships Emirati's used to face in the older days that helped enable the UAE become one of the most prominent areas in the world today. For that reason, and for the very first time, private schools have been asked to take part in celebrating such an important day with rest of our public schools. It helps encourage children from all cultures and backgrounds to express their dedication and devotion towards the UAE, while understanding our local culture and national identity," said Engineer Hamad Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, PSQA, ADEC.

Private schools were asked to use the official logo of "Spirit of the Union" in all of the 41st National Day celebrations as well as engage all grades (from kindergarten to Grade 12) in the celebrations, while paying special respect to ensuring segregation of gender as per the law.

"Emirati and expatriate students who were either born In the UAE or feel loyalty towards the country will be given a chance to promote the UAE traditions, customs, values and heritage, especially the national dress, while expressing their dedication towards the country," added Engineer Hamad.

Additionally, each private school was asked to provide ADEC's PSQA with their celebration program, date and allocated time no later than November 11th. This has encouraged approximately 15 private schools to go the extra mile and take part in "Educated Generations Celebrating the Union" event, that is due to attract hundreds of students and families from across the Emirate.

The event, expected to be one of ADEC's largest events to date, will be held at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort on November 27th 2012 and will consist of cultural and heritage performances, poetry, art, exhibitions and entertainment activities.

"These 15 schools will not only have their own dedicated tent and take part in the Al Forsan open day celebrations but are also running parallel celebrations in their own school campuses which is a huge improvement and achievement for us to witness, since it confirms the fact that different schools (cultures) take part in celebrating the same event during the same time," added Engineer Hamad.

The American Community School (ACS) of Abu Dhabi, one of the oldest schools in Abu Dhabi, which was founded in 1972, is among the 15 schools that is celebrating National Day in the Al Forsan resort as well as on their school campus.
Robert Gross, ACS Superintendent says the school is approaching the celebration of the UAE National Day with great enthusiasm and reverence.

"I would like to take this opportunity to extend our profound congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers and people of UAE on the occasion of UAE's 41st National Day," said Mr. Gross.

Speaking about preparation plans, he said: "Our students and staff have been very busy preparing a variety of activities for this special occasion which will be celebrated on November 29. Students have developed short presentations on the meaning of National Day and the UAE flag. The school will be participating at the Al Forsan International Sport Spa with a puzzled Acrylic painting workshop. Children of all ages will compile the puzzles into a big canvas picture."

Mr. Gross described the schools participation a surprise.

"On Sunday, November 25, ACS will be hosting Emirati local women demonstrating local crafts, weaving and henna. There will be decoration competitions to create additional excitement around this very significant day. Arabic classes will be learning about National Day and will be performing traditional songs and dances. Talks on the Arabic explorer, Ibn Battuta, will take place along with instruction about the history of Abu Dhabi and the flag. Arabic majalis and seating will be set up with the serving of Arabic coffee, sweets and dates," he concluded.

"It is celebrations such as these that help promote unification and values among our future generation. That's why we urge parents to join hands and work closely with educators to help promote the importance of taking care of one's country, persevering one's culture and feeling proud of it, as well as becoming responsible, hard working citizens that serve their country with passion and willingness to give," concluded Engineer Hamad.

In their aim to encourage a sense of loyalty among the younger generation towards the UAE and its leadership, the International School of Choueifat in Khalifa City, will also celebrate the UAE National Day on November 29th 2012.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Ramzi El Eid, Director of the school said: "Through the celebration our school aims to encourage a sense of loyalty in the younger generation towards the UAE nation and its leadership. The afternoon's celebrations will consist of a sequence of students' activities to reflect the authentic Emirati traditions and values. The festivities will begin with the National Anthem followed by a range of activities and entertainment such as songs, poetry, students' exhibitions and traditional dance performances. On the day there will be a falcon, cartoon characters such as Um Khammas, a tent, Henna and traditional food as attractive themes."

Mr. El Eid added: "The school has been decorated with UAE flags, balloons and Sheikhs' photographs to reflect the Spirit of the Union and students and staff will feel a sense of belonging and come to appreciate the efforts that leaders and parents have put into the development of the country."