Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2016 Issue 5 Volume 3 | Page 27

Featured School A student models a design made from bubble wrap at the Recycle Runway event. Principal Asma Gilani with students, (L-R: Sofia, Saniah and Maryann) and teachers Anitha and Suma. These are just a few of the programmes at OOS that work effectively in understanding and nurturing young minds. prestigious and coveted Khalifa Award for Education for 2012-2013 in the Educational and Institutional Performance category. “At OOS, excellence has always meant more than just high levels of academic performance. We experiment with new ideas, explore different perspectives and grow in areas of one’s natural talent. The secret of any success lies in the endeavor and endurance put in jointly by everyone involved in any capacity,” Mrs. Gilani said. She continued, “It was indeed a lifetime honour to receive the most coveted Khalifa award from Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. While felicitating with the trophy, he enquired if the school had reached the zenith of perfection and I was reminded of a song that I learned in childhood. Reflecting on the number of awards the school has received in recognition of outstanding performance, Ms. Gilani believes that the awards strengthen their self-esteem, develop motivation to perform better and set new standards for them to achieve. OOS has been the recipient of the “‘There are so many hills, to climb upward. I often am longing for rest. But he who, appoints me my path way knows just what is needed and best. And the toils of the road will seem nothing, when I get to the end of the way.’” Other notable awards won by OOS include: Sharjah Economic Excellence Award, Sharjah Environment Award, Educational Excellence Award Knowledge Resource Development and Welfare Group - New Delhi and MOE Sharjah Award for Quality Education among others. Our Own English High School has accomplished many successes but there is still more work to do. Mrs. Gilani and her team are acutely aware of the many changes that are happening globally in education and are ready to make even greater strides. The vibrant OOS team will continue to produce students who are not only academically successful, but also ready to apply what they learn in real world complex situations and be ready to be leaders of tomorrow… a magnanimous task and one that all stakeholders are working together to achieve. A student asks questions during the student-led forum CANVASS. Class Time | | May - Jun 2016 | 25