Staff and Students both past and present are fed up with our schools’ being slurred unfairly on the internet. Now is the time for the silent majority to speak.

About this Site

Welcome to Sabisspeaks. This site is an open forum in which anyone may participate. The comments section is open to all, whether you have a question about Choueifat, a story regarding your experience and  also gives an opportunity for any of the thousands of past pupils and staff to share their memories and experiences. I know that these experiences are both positve and negative which this blog will hopefully show.

As the internet is relativley unregulated people are free to post pretty much what they like, with impunity . Other SABIS sites encourage anonymity and generalisations but here you will see the real names of real people.

We are not professional bloggers, unlike others out there. We have worked with the organisation described elsewhere on the net in derogatory terms, for a number of years, and have had positive and negative experiences (as we all do in every aspect of our lives) . We are part of students, staff and parents, both past and present that totals in excess of about 40,000 students, 80,000 parents and who knows how many staff .

We owe SABIS nothing but we have chosen to work for them. We have been paid fairly. Treated fairly and learnt a lot. This is not the point, this site is not for SABIS but for those of us students (some who are from families where 3 generations have attended these schools) and staff who along life’s journey have stopped off and educated or been educated by SABIS.  This is for you.

 You can contribute to the site by providing information or a testimonial about your experience with SABIS, please feel free to contact us (hopefully an us soon as I really dont have time for this) by submitting comments / articles to sabisspeaks@gmail.com.

A SAD FAREWELL!

It is with sadness in my heart that I will no longer be able to bring you news. The amount of time that this blog has taken up is too much for me and I can no longer juggle family and work whilst giving proper attention to this important subject. I am currently searching for some former colleagues who still work for SABIS to take over from me (so I am not gone yet). Watch this space. UPDATE AS OF DECEMBER 2008 I AM OUT OF HERE! HOPE THE NEW GUYS KEEP THE FLAG FLYING!!

You can now join the SABIS community on facebook by clicking on the link on the bottom right hand of this page:)

You can still send us your stories, posts or pictures to the usual email address (sabisspeaks@gmail.com) . Happy blogging. We are now in our third year of blogging and have more than 30,000 visitors. Congratulations to all of our contributors and readers.

St Mary’s and Choueifat set up final showdown.

Dubai, UAE, 22ndJanuary 2012 – The Final Four Knockout stage of the High School Basketball Championship tipped off on Friday with two semi-final games that pitted two undefeated teams St. Mary’s (STM) and Choueifat (ISC) against Al Mawakeb (AMS) and JESS respectively.

In the first game, STM looked to avoid an upset by limiting the offensive threat of AMS star center Ahmad Rahmy. Although they succeeded in denying him the ball, they suffered with his defensive presence. The usually prolific side missed most of their shots as Rahmy got in the way and STM resorted to free-throws to take a 12-4 lead into the 2nd quarter.

In the 2nd quarter, STM’s big players teamed up on Rahmy and forced him into foul trouble and as the star center eased up on his defensive duties STM took advantage and opened up a 20 point lead in the 3rd quarter.

Rahmy did appear to be carrying his entire team on his shoulders but one player could not possibly contain STM’s depth. Victor Chimbiko from STM led his team with 17 points and 18 rebounds as they advanced to the final 52-22.

In our second semi-final, ISC took on JESS who were late substitutes for Dubai College as the latter ceded their place in the final four due to examination commitments. ISC nonetheless were ready for any challenge as they exhibited a relentless approach spearheaded by MVP favorite Malek AlJaber.

In the best all-round performance by any team in the tournament yet, ISC took JESS apart as they ran the court. Precision shooting and tenacious defense left the JESS players stumped as ISC held them to 7 points through 3 quarters.

With a 20 point-20 rebounds, player of the game performance from AlJaber and an all-star support team, the game was a foregone conclusion before the 4th quarter started. JESS ended the game with a few more consolation points with ISC winning 72-16.

The Championship game is now set as the two undefeated teams STM and ISC go head to head on Friday the 27th of January to determine the winner of the inaugural High School Basketball Championship.
Posted Sun 22 Jan 2012 03:20:52 pm in News, Sports | By Dubib.com News Desk

International School of Choueifat Sharjah graduate’s song aired on CSI

Emirati ‘really surprised’ as his song plays on CSI

Awad Mustafa

Jan 20, 2012
DUBAI // The new season of the popular US crime drama CSI will feature a track by an Emirati musician.

Rebirth, the title track of Hamdan Al Abri’s debut album, featured on the soundtrack of season 12′s third episode, which was broadcast in the US in October and is to air in the UAE on OSN in July.

“I was really surprised by it,” said Al Abri, 30. “My manager Rebecca Brianceau listed the track with a Canadian licensing company that works with major television and film producers and after one week they aired the track on the show.”

Al Abri is best known in local music circles for his work with his band, Abri, which was nominated for “best Arabia act” at the 2008 MTV European Music awards (the gong instead went to the Lebanese-Canadian singer Karl Wolf, who, like Al Abri, had attended the International School of Choueifat in Sharjah).

Al Abri had started the band with Julian Symes after returning from his studies at the Miami International University of Art and Design.

“When Julian and I first started playing together people were kind of sceptical, thinking ‘This is a Dubai band that is not performing covers?’” he said. “Our first gig was at the Dubai Country Club and people were just quiet after our first performance. But as we continued the applause got louder.”

The band released its first album, Sun Child, in 2006 but the group parted ways in 2009 after spending almost a year in London recording their second album, Blank Notes.

“I came back to kick-start my solo career and, after collaborating with Yasser Abderson, Rebirth was created.”

Al Abri, born and bred in the UAE, inherited his love of music from his Swahili father, who brought Tarab music to the country in 1968.

“He picked up music as a child and he always sang with me at the gatherings we held,” said his father, Mukrim Al Abri.

“I have always had music around me,” said the younger Al Abri. “Listening to my dad’s music really influenced me.”

The Radio One presenter Simon “Schoolie” Philip describes Al Abri’s music as having a “trademark sound”.

“As someone who has been in the game for over 22 years, you know when there’s a voice that is a game changer,” he said. “Vocally, he has a range that is unique and he genuinely has something to say. He’s a true student of the game.”

“From here on out it’s about the correct exposure and putting Hamdan on the level where he can compete,” he added.

“As long as his team can provide the right platforms for him to shine, there’s no reason why he won’t catch the ears of top players in the industry.”

amustafa@thenational.ae

Our Family Adventure with SABIS

” January 2012
Dear Sir
In August 2009 my wife, daughter and I embarked on our adventure to the UAE. Having secured positions with SABIS as advisors for the PPP Project, we were filled with excitement but also fear and trepidation. We were leaving our support structures and comforts of our home in South Africa. Our major concern was our daughter, who had just started school.
Our concerns were in vain. SABIS HR Department ensured a smooth relocation process for our family. All our needs were taken care of. We even received a welcome pack of necessities in our refrigerator upon our arrival. We were impressed:
• Suitable fully furnished accommodation
• Enrolling our daughter into her new school
• Assisting us with our banking needs and other miscellaneous details like Etiselat etc.
• Transportation to our respective schools
• And the added bonus of weekly trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
We are now completing our third year in Al Ain. We, as a family, thank SABIS for their hospitality and always ensuring that our stay here is a pleasant one. We like the fact that we are not just a number. The personal, yet professional touch of the staff always made us feel welcome and comfortable. It is reassuring that there is always a listening ear and a swift response to any request.
I reiterate our sincere thanks and gratitude to SABIS for making our adventure such a pleasant one. It truly has been an amazing experience and opportunity for our family.
Kind regards
J and A ”

International School of Choueifat- Cairo students visiting a nursing home

Being a part of Community Service Events is something that our students really enjoy. They have SUCH big hearts and I have known that for all 13 years I have been here. For the students that this was their first visit, to this Nursing Home, they now want to go again and want to know what date is the next event!!! It is always this way!!! I love it!!!!

Mrs. Cindy Riedlinger, Student Life Coordinator
14th January 2012

St. Joseph, SABIS, Agawam among winners at 72nd Model Congress

Students from SABIS International Charter School took three of the top four prizes at the 72nd annual Model Congress at American International College. Agawam High students won three Honorable Mention awards, but the top prize went to a St. Joseph Central high School student.

Nicole Akramoff was voted top delegate at the three day event, earning her a full tuition scholarship to AIC for four years.

More than 250 students from throughout New England and New York participated in the Model Congress, the longest running event of its kind in the country.

They worked on a variety of bills, including legislation that would help expand the use of DNA and fingerprints for the identification and prosecution of criminals; a bill to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil while developing alternative energy sources in the United States by lifting restrictions on offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico; and a Welfare Reform Bill that would deny welfare benefits to individuals that do not have a High School diploma or a GED.

The students submitted the legislation prior to the start of Model Congress, and each bill was then debated, amended and voted on during committee meetings. Bills that were approved in committee were taken up the next day in House and Senate sessions.

AIC faculty judges rated the delegates on their debating and oratorical skills, as well as their knowledge and use of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Model Congress is organized and run each year by AIC students. Andrew Ledoux, an English major from Seekonk, Mass., served as General Chair for the 72nd Model Congress.

Newly-elected Holyoke mayor Alex Morse addressed the joint session of Model Congress urging the student leaders to stay involved with the governmental process. At 22, Morse is the city’s youngest mayor ever.

Springfield City Council president James Ferrera spoke at the awards banquet. Ferrera read a proclamation from the City Council congratulating AIC on its 72 year tradition of Model Congress.
sure
(http://www.aic.edu/news/)

Jumeirah College efforts in vain as Choueifat battle back to secure perfect record

Choueifat maintained their 100 per cent record in the High School Basketball Championship after overcoming a slow start to beat Jumeirah College 56-30 on Saturday.

Resuming their campaign after the festive break Choueifat began slugglishly as they were held to single digit scoring in a quarter for the first time in the tournament.

Jumeirah College frustrated their opponents with tight defence and kept it a low scoring affair to lead the game midway through the second quarter 11-8.

After a much needed time-out, Choueifat came back into the game and ended the half strong with a 9-0 run to jump out in front and take control.

However, Choueifat were far from comfortable in the second half with Malek Al Jaber, who led the team with 15 points and 11 rebounds, fouling out with more than four minutes to go in the game. He was soon joined by his teammate and second leading scorer Bassel Awada.

Jumeirah College’s own star player Liam Wartig, who had his best game of the tournament with 13 points and 13 rebounds, was the main cause of Choueifat’s foul trouble as he overpowered them with his inside game.

Unfortunately his efforts were in vain as depite their foul trouble Choueifat still had enough in the locker to ensure a they cruised home comfortably.

Jumeirah College will take confidence from the fact they did expose some of Choueifat’s weaknesses as they head to their final group game next week
www.sport360.com , 9/1/2012

SABIS students recognised by University of Cambridge

Outstanding students recognised by University of Cambridge

Staff report

LAHORE: More than hundred students from different schools and colleges of Lahore are to be awarded with the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award by the University of Cambridge on their outstanding performance in the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The awards celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of secondary school learners in the CIE May/June 2011. According to details provided by the University of Cambridge, on Monday, the winning learners who out-performed thousands of candidates worldwide in Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge International AS and A Level examinations will be given the aforementioned award. Around 108 students belonging to different schools and colleges, including the Beaconhouse School System, Lahore Grammar School, Aitchison College, Ibne Sina College, Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, St Peter’s High School, Resource Academia, Garrison Academy, Salamat School System, Pepperdine Senior College, Cathedral School, Lahore College of Arts and Sciences and The International School of Choueifat, are among the high achievers.

The Daily Times, Pakistan, Tuesday, December 20, 2011

SIS-UK will open its doors to students aged 11 to 13 (UK: Year 7-8; US: Grade 7-8) in September 2012.

SIS-UK History

SIS-UK will open its doors to students aged 11 to 13 (UK: Year 7-8; US: Grade 7-8) in September 2012.  The school will expand by one grade level in each subsequent year of operation until it reaches a full 7-12 offering.  SIS-UK will prepare students for external examinations in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Year 10 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), pending approval, in Years 11 and 12.

SIS-UK is a member of the global SABIS^® School Network, established in 1886 with the opening of its first school.  For over 125 years, schools in the SABIS^® School Network have been preparing students with the knowledge and skills required to help them achieve success in a changing world.  SABIS^® graduates have gone on to attend the world’s most prestigious universities and distinguish themselves in a wide variety of professions in the public and private sector. Today, the SABIS^® School Network consists of thousands of students attending schools operating in 15 countries on four continents.

SIS-UK, under the name of the International School of Choueifat UK (ISC-UK), operated as an international boarding school from 1983 until 2001.  During this time the school successfully graduated students who matriculated to top universities in the UK and around the world.  The school officially changed its name to the SABIS^® International School UK (SIS-UK) in February of 2006 and offered a summer program , bringing SABIS^® and non-SABIS^® students together for an exciting and educational summer experience.

Basketball: Choueifat Sharks devour Al Mawakeb to reach Final Four

The High School Basketball Championship at the Al Wasl complex continued during National Day weekend as the two favourites, Choueifat Sharks (ISC) and St. Mary’s Saints (STM), secured their qualifications to the Final Four knockout round with their third wins of the competition.

ISC took on Al Mawakeb (AMS) in the early game in a lop-sided meeting as AMS were left to rue the absence of the tournament’s second leading scorer and top rebounder Ahmed Rahmi as well as team captain Alaa Anbari.

After racking up the points early on and jumping to a 19-0 first quarter lead the ISC coach subbed off the entire starting lineup as the weakness of the opposition was evident. Determined to showcase their talent, the ISC bench players did not disappoint pushing for a 44-8 half-time score.

AMS players struggled to find any rhythm as they sorely missed the presence of their towering center Rahmi and resorted to shots from long range. In the second-half the 1-2 combination of tournament top scorer Marwan Chami and Malek Al Jaber put AMS to the sword and finished off the game 81-18 setting a new record for the biggest winning margin.

After the game Omar Khareldine of AMS emphasized his team’s spirit “We won’t give up, even if we can’t advance to the Final Four we will come to our next game and fight for every point.”

Meanwhile, STM had a comparatively more difficult outing as they met their strongest test of the tournament yet. Dubai College (DC) came in as the underdogs but quickly made it apparent that they wouldn’t be pushovers as they took an early 5-2 lead.

The STM coach had to reshuffle his lineup to meet the demands of the matchup and eventually took charge of the game with precision shooting as forward Efrem Haile scored three 3-pointers in succession to break away with an unassailable lead.

Arman Maliwat lead STM in scoring with 16 points and with Edwin Monsy’s 17 rebounds creating second chances for his team, it was an inevitable result as they closed out the game 64-33.

Meanwhile, JESS overcame a resilient Victoria International (VISS) 36-30 to keep their hopes of making it to the Final Four alive. After a loss to DC in the previous round of games, JESS will need to beat STM to guarantee their progress.

VISS on the other hand will need to win their next two games and still rely on other scores to have a chance to go through.
Sport360, 7th December 2011

Choueifat, St Mary’s in knock-out

Dubai: The High School Basketball Championship continued during National Day weekend as the two favourites, Choueifat Sharks (ISC) and St. Mary’s Saints (STM), qualified for the final four knockout round with their third wins of the competition.

ISC took on Al Mawakeb (AMS) in the early game on Saturday in a lopsided meeting. After racking up the points early on and jumping to a 19-0 first quarter lead the ISC coach subbed off the entire starting line-up as the weakness of the opposition was evident. Determined to showcase their talent, the ISC bench players did not disappoint pushing for a 44-8 half-time score.

In the second half the 1-2 combination of tournament top scorer Marwan Chami and Malek Al Jaber put AMS to the sword and finished off the game 81-18 setting a new record for the biggest win margin.

STM had a comparatively more difficult outing as they met their strongest test of the tournament yet. Dubai College (DC) came in as the underdogs but quickly made it apparent that they won’t be pushovers as they took an early 5-2 lead with their physical presence. The STM’s forward Efrem Haile scored three three-pointers in succession to break away with an unassailable lead.

Arman Maliwat led STM in scoring with 16 points. STM closed out the game 64-33.

In Friday’s game, JESS overcame a resilient Victoria International (VISS) 36-30 to keep their hopes of making it to the final four alive. After a loss to DC in the previous round of games, JESS will need to beat STM to guarantee their progress. VISS on the other hand will need to win their next two games.
(gulfnews 7th December 2011)