EXCELLENCE|ASPIRATION|RELATIONNSHIPS
IMPORTANTDATES
31Aug Term1begins
12-16Oct Mid-TermBreak
*Datessubjecttochangeinaccordancetheministry’sannouncement
SUMMERBREAKREMINDER
Admissions and administration offices will remain open over the break
Officehourswillbe: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm Friday 8:00am-12:00pm
From the Office of the Principal
Aswecometothecloseofanotherschoolyear,Iwouldliketotakeamomenttoreflecton whathasbeenatrulymemorableyearforRahaGardens Ithasbeenayearofachievement, growth,andresilience,andIamgratefultoourstudents,staff,andfamiliesforbeingpartof it.
AYearofAchievement
2026/2027wasayearofsuccessfulinspectionandevaluationvisits,whichrecognisedthe highqualityofteaching,learning,andcareacrossourschool Inaparticularlysignificant milestone,RahaGardensalsoreceivedauthorizationtooffertheIBCareer-related Programme(IBCP),becomingthefirstIB4-programmeschoolinAbuDhabi!Thisisan exceptionalachievementandonethatreflectsourambitiontoprovideoutstanding pathwaysforeverylearner
Ourstudentshavealsocontinuedtoexcelacademically,withoutstandingGLAssessment resultsacrosstheschoolandhigh-qualitylearningacrossallgrades Weareequallyproud oftheClassof2026,whoseimpressiveuniversityoffershaveopeneddoorstoexcitingfutures andreflectthedetermination,talent,andaspirationofyourgraduates.
StrengthinChallenge
Thisyearalsobroughtchallenges,particularlyasaresultoftheregionalconflict Inresponse, ourschooltransitionedsuccessfullytodistancelearning,demonstratingonceagainour readinesstoadapt,maintainlearninginanysituation,andkeepingfirmfocusonsafetyof ourstudentsandstaff.Thisimportantmomenthighlightedtheprofessionalism,flexibility, anddedicationofourteachers,aswellasthestrengthandresilienceofourcommunity
OurCommunity
AtRahaGardens,ourcommunityisoneofourgreateststrengths.Iwouldliketoextendmy heartfeltthankstoourwonderfulParentTeam,whosesupportandinvolvementhelpmake RahaGardenstheamazingplaceitis.Theircontribution,alongsidethatofourstaffand families,makesarealdifferencetoschoollifeeachday
ItisaprivilegetoserveasPrincipalofRahaGardens,andIamincrediblyproudtocontinue thestronglegacyandexcellentreputationthattheschoolhasbuilt.Aswelookaheadand startcelebratingour20thanniversaryinthe2026/2027schoolyear,wedosowithgreat excitementandconfidenceinallthatwecanachievetogether
Thankyouforyourcontinuedtrust,support,andpartnershipthroughoutthisyear Iwishyou allarestfulsummerandlookforwardtowelcomingeveryonebackforanotherwonderful yearatRahaGardens.
Mr. Jan Stipek
G5PYPx
Ms.Carolengageswiththe studentsduringtheirPYPexhibition, exchangingideas,andgettinga deeperunderstandingoftheir passionsturnedintoinquirybased personalprojectsthatwillshape theirstudentjourneyintoMYP
From the Office of the VicePrincipal
DearRahaCommunity,
Astheschoolyeardrawstoaclose,Iamonceagainsurprisedathowquicklyourtimehaspassed.This year more than ever, our parents, students and staff have embodied our mission to grow people and have shown the strength of our community. When I look back at what we accomplished, I am once againveryproudtobeapartoftheRahafamily.
Term 3 can sometimes feel like just a long series of assessments, especially because we returned to campus late. However, we did manage to fit in some great activities. Despite the delay in date, the Grade 5 students managed to put on a phenomenal PYPX this year! The Grade 3 Science Fair was a great event, as were the Primary and Secondary Sports Awards The Summer Concert showed the talents of our amazing students, and Staff Appreciation Week, led by the Parent Team, was very much appreciated by everyone Our Graduations this year – EY2, Grade 5, Grade 10 and of course Grade 12felt extremely poignant and I was delighted that we did not have to cancel any of these important milestoneevents
Now that we are officially an IB CP school, we are so proud to be able to say we are the first school in Abu Dhabi offering all four of the IB programmes This opportunity for our students to explore their passionswithinanIBframeworkisveryexciting,andwelookforwardtowatchingtheprogrammegrow overtheyears
As I wrote in the yearbook recently, our community showed strength through adaptability, flexibility, andresiliencethisyear Iwouldliketowishallstudents,staffandparentsaveryenjoyableandrelaxing summerbreak,withlotsofqualitytimewiththoseyoulove Aboveall-staysafeandwelookforwardto seeingyouinthenewschoolyear!
Mrs. Carol
First IB4-programmeSchool inAbuDhabi
RahaGardenshasbeenauthorizedtooffertheIBCareer-relatedProgramme(IBCP), becomingthefirstIB4-programmeschoolinAbuDhabi,showcasingitscommitment toprovidingexcellentpathwaysforlearners.Additionally,itisnowanapprovedcenter forBTECqualificationsfromPearson,aleadinggloballearningcompany.Pearson supportslearnerswithmaterials,technologies,andrecognizedqualifications, emphasizingeducationalexcellencethroughnameslikeEdexcelandBTEC.
ProudofUAE
RahaGardenshasbeenauthorizedto offertheIBCareer-relatedProgramme (IBCP),becomingthefirstIB4programmeschoolinAbuDhabi, showcasingitscommitmentto providingexcellentpathwaysfor learners.Additionally,itisnowan approvedcenterforBTEC qualificationsfromPearson,aleading globallearningcompany.Pearson supportslearnerswithmaterials, technologies,andrecognized qualifications,emphasizing educationalexcellencethrough nameslikeEdexcelandBTEC.
G5PYPx:ExcellenceinPassion
Our Grade 5 students proudly showcased months of inquiry, research, collaboration, and reflection through their PYP Exhibition projects From sustainability and wellbeing to equality and social impact, students demonstrated not only deep understanding of their chosen topics but also the confidenceandresiliencethatwillsupportthemas theytransitionintotheMYP.
G3Science Fair
The G3 Science Fair was an engaging event where students conducted hands-on experiments like butter-making and ice cream crafting. Parental support enhanced the experience, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Students gained confidence in their scientific skills, learned to formulate hypotheses, and left with a greater appreciationforscience
MYPSportsAwards
SecondarySportsAwardscelebratedthe dedication,resilience,andachievementsof ouryoungathletesandthecoacheswhonot onlyexcelledinsport,butalsoembodiedthe truevaluesofRahaGardensthrough outstandingsportsmanship,teamwork,and character Fromemotionalmomentsandproudtears toendlessmotivationandinspiration,the eventwasatruesuccessandareminderof thepowerofsporttoshapefutureleaders. Congratulationstoallourawardwinners andparticipants!
ThePYPSportsAwardscelebratedmore thanjustathleticachievement,itwasa celebrationofthecharacter,commitment andvaluesourstudentsdemonstrateboth onandoffthefield.
Alongsiderecognisingoutstandingsporting performances,wewereproudtohonour studentsandteamswhoexemplifiedthe RahaGardensvaluesthroughteamwork, resilience,respect,sportsmanshipanda positiveattitudethroughouttheyear.These competencies,whicharealsofundamental totheIBframework,supportacademic excellenceandfosterstrong,lifelong learninghabits.
Aspiration
SummerConcert
We hosted the Summer Concert, showcasing all of our ensembles, including the Primary, Secondary, and Big Sing Choirs, along with our Orchestra. The event also featured the cast of the postponed G68 production of *Alice @ Wonderland* and numerous talented soloists from EY2 to G11. Among them was Prathap, the winner of the 'Raha Young Musician 2026,' who captivated the audience with his impressive electric guitar solo! Additionally, the event celebrated the aspirations of our drama and creative studies programs, highlighting the dedication and passion of our students as they pursue excellence in the arts
BookDay
MentoringisacommonpracticeatRaha Gardens,designedtomodeland encouragecollaborationamongoursenior studentswhilegivingthemtheopportunity toreflectontheirownIBlearningjourney. Duringthementoringactivity,Grade11 studentsguidedGrade4learnersthrough academicandpersonaldevelopment tasks,offeringtheyoungerstudentsan inspiringperspectiveonlearning.This interactionfostersleadership,responsibility, andsupportivelearning,whilealso strengtheningrelationships,community spirit,andexcellencethroughmentorship.
RahaGardenscametogether forWearitGreenDayin supportofmentalhealth awareness,areminderthat caringforourmindsisjustas importantascaringforour bodies.Fromscoringgoalson thefield,gettinglostinagood book,sharingsmilesoverlunch, andproudlyshowingofftiny greentreasurestheyholdclose totheirhearts,ourstudents embracedthedaywithjoy, kindness,andconnection.
G5 Transition
Fromthesciencelabtotheart studioandeverywherein between,ourGrade5students gotanexcitingpreviewoflifein theMYP!
AstheyprepareforPYPxand lookaheadtonextyear,they embracednewexperiences, explorednewsubjects,and discoveredwhatitmeanstobe anMYPlearnerandapartofan Osrahthroughfungames, activities,andgroupchallenges.
G6ReadingDogs
OurG6ReadingDogsprogramhelps childrenbuildconfidenceandenjoy readingbyreadingaloudtoafriendly, trainedtherapydog.Inacalm, supportive,andnon-judgmental environment,childrencandevelop readingfluency,boostself-confidence, andfosteralifelongloveofbooks.
OurPrimarystudentsenjoyed celebratingEidal-Adhathrougha rangeofengagingactivities, includingmakingpaperKaabas, completingEid-themedcrosswords, creatingartwork,andtakingpartin creativeclassroomactivities These experienceshelpedstudentslearn aboutthesignificanceofEidwhile celebratingtogetherinafunand meaningfulway.
Relationships
ParentTeamStaffAppreciation
AbigthankyoutoouramazingParent TeamfororganizingawonderfulStaff AppreciationWeek!Withdeliciousmeals andtreats,eachdaycelebratedourstaff andreinforcedourschoolcommunity's strength,remindingeveryoneoftheirvalue andappreciation.
Zayed’sChildren
AspartofourZayed'sChildreninitiative,our EmiratistudentsvisitedGrade3classroomsto sharetherichheritage,traditions,andvaluesof theUAE Throughengagingdiscussionsand interactiveactivities,studentsgainedadeeper appreciationofEmiraticulturewhilecelebrating thediversityandstrongsenseofcommunity withinourschool.
Grade5studentsmarkedtheendoftheir PrimaryyearswithaspecialGraduation Walk,celebratingtheirachievementsand thefriendshipstheyhavebuiltalongthe way.Astheypreparefortheexciting transitiontoSecondary,wewishthem everysuccessinthenextchapteroftheir learningjourney.
Graduations
Weproudlycelebratedthegraduationofour largest-evercohortof138students Demonstratingourschoolvaluesofambition, resilience,respect,andcommunity,our graduateshavesecuredmorethan300 universityoffersacross30+countries,reflecting theirhardwork,determination,andglobal aspirations.WecongratulatetheClassof2026 andlookforwardtoseeingthepositiveimpact theywillmakeastheybeginthisexcitingnew chapter.
TheGrade10Graduationcelebratedstudents'achievements,growth, andcharacteruponcompletingasignificanteducationalmilestone.The ceremonyrecognizedacademicaccomplishmentsandhonoredthose embodyingtheschool'scorevaluesthroughleadershipandservice It alsoshowcasedstudents'dedicationintheirPersonalProjects,reflecting theircuriosity,resilience,andinnovation,markingamemorable occasionthatcelebratedboththeirachievementsandpersonal development.
G5 Graduation
OurGrade5Graduationcelebratedan importantmilestoneasstudentscompleted theirPrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP)journey andpreparedtotransitionintotheMiddleYears Programme(MYP).Weareproudofallthey haveachievedandwishthemeverysuccessas theyembracetheexcitingopportunitiesand challengesthatlieahead.
OurEY2Graduationcelebratedawonderful milestoneasouryoungestlearnerscompleted theirEarlyYearsjourneyandpreparedtobegin PrimarySchool Filledwithsmiles,songs,and proudmoments,thecelebrationmarkedthe startofanexcitingnewchapterintheirlearning journey
ROUND-UP.
2025 - 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
What a season our Raptors squads have had over the past academic year. Term 1 kicked off the 2025–26 school year with tremendous energy and momentum, establishing the foundationforeverythingthatfollowed.Term 2 maintained this momentum with intensity and breadth of opportunities, while Term 3 presented unique challenges as we navigated a period of global uncertainty. Yet our community's commitment never wavered.
This year we ' ve supported many competitive squads across 16 different sports internally, backedbyover40membersofstaffdedicating theirtimeandexpertisetoourprogramme.
From the outset, our athletes have demonstrated the three pillars that define the Raptors way: exceptional attitude, character, andeffort.
EXCELLENCE.dominatedinthepoolforSlovakiaandAdvikka continuesherriseasanationallyranked squashplayer Wonderfulachievementsonthe internationalstage
TeamExcellence
TheU11girlsfootballteamwontheGLAD Games,competingagainstschoolsfromfour differentcountries OurU14boysfootballteam finished2ndattheinauguralTaaleemCup, demonstratingteamwork,grit,andmaturity. Our1stXIcricketteamcompletedan undefeatedperfectseasonunderJasper Gooi'sleadership,claimingourfirstADISSA crickettrophy.OurJrNBAU12'shadan impressiveyear,goingback-to-backand winningthechampionships WelldonetoMr Walterandhisteamwithseveralstudents selectedfortheJuniorNBAAll-StarGame-a reflectionofhowourbasketballprogramme continuestogrowinqualityandreputation
EXCELLENCE.
SPORTSAWARDS2025-26
Congratulations to the following exceptional students, teams and staff on receiving these well-deserved legacy awards Your achievements are a testament to your dedication and commitment to the Raha sports programme and the Raptors vision You embody our values of excellence, integrity and teamwork, continuing to inspire our community and represent our school with distinction.
Secondary Award Winners
DesSmallCoachesContribution:
Katie O'Keeffe
Deb Schreiber
CASCoachoftheYear:
Sara Goucha (Netball)
FemaleAthleteoftheYear:
Ella Klohnova (Swimming)
MaleAthleteoftheYear:
Dexter Button (Triathlon)
TeamoftheYear:
Secondary Swim Squad
PYPAwardWinners
FemaleAthleteoftheYear:
Zara Jezewski
MaleAthleteoftheYear:
Parker Clarke
TeamoftheYear:
U11 Girls’ Football Squad
Movementtrulymatteredtous,whichiswhyweweredelightedtobringbackFitnessFridaysthosepop-uphalf-hoursofsportbeforeschoolwherestudentsandfamiliesgatheredforfun, movementandconnection,creatingasenseofbelonging.
Beyondformalsquadsandfixtures,ourcurriculuminitiativeswovesportthroughoutschoollife Colourrunsbroughtvibrantenergytoourcampus,whilesportdaysunitedyeargroupsin celebrationandchallenge Torchrunsconnectedourcommunitytobroadersportingmoments, andfuninitiativesensuredthataspirationwasn'tconfinedtoeliteathletesbutcelebratedinevery studentwhoparticipated.
Noneofthiswouldhavebeenpossiblewithoutourstaff,whogavegenerouslyoftheirtimeand energydespitejugglingbusyschedulesandfamilycommitments Weweregratefulbeyond measurefortheirsupport.Ourexternalprovidersintennis,basketball,gymnastics,shapedour youngestlearnersthroughsport-specificECPsinEYandG1,layingstrongfoundationsearlyon.
RELATIONSHIPS.
BUILDINGCOMMUNITYBONDS
Thefabricofoursportingcultureiswoventhroughstronginterpersonalties-connectingstudents, educators,andfamiliesinsharedpurpose-togrowpeople,throughsport.Timeandagainthis term,ourcommunityhasdemonstratedthedepthofcollectiveinvestmentinourraptors programme.Thesurgeinparticipationatcommunityeventshasbeenparticularlynoteworthy,with familiesembracingthechancetomovetogetherandstrengthentheirbonds.Ourfamiliesdeserve recognitionfortheirenthusiasmandactiveinvolvementinthesemoments
EventssuchastheColourRun,SportsExtravaganza,TorchRun,FitnessFridayshaveproven invaluableinbringingourcommunitytogetherthroughsport-creatingmomentsofjoy, connection,andcollectivepridethatextendfarbeyondcompetitivestructures
Ourseniortriathlonathletes'continuedsupportofGOALSInclusionattheYasTriathlonexemplifies thevalueswechampion.Thisallianceremainsacornerstoneofoursportingcalendar.
AparticularhighlightemergedthroughourCASstudents,whohaveembracedcoachingand mentoringasaformofserviceactionwithinouryoungersquads.Theiravailability,patience,and genuinecommitmenttodevelopingjuniorathleteshavefosteredanenvironmentofaspirationand belonging Theseyoungleadersinspirethenextgenerationthroughsport Abigcongratulationsto SaraGoucha,whotookthelegacyawardforstudentcoachingcontribution
Thisintergenerationalconnectionwasfurthercelebratedduringourawardsceremonies Weinvited siblingstonominatetheirbrothersandsisters,creatingastronglayerofrecognitionand connection.Previousawardwinnersreturnedtopresentaccoladestothisyear'srecipients,creating continuitythathonouredachievementwhilstinspiringfutureaspirants Thesemomentsreinforced thatoursportingcommunityisbuiltonbuildingandstrengtheningrelationships
Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupportofour Raptorsprogramme.Weareverymuch lookingforwardtonextacademicyear, whichpromisestobeayearofgreater opportunityinbothorganisedsportand SportforAllinitiatives.Studentscanexpect tremendousopportunitiestoparticipatein sportthroughanexpandedTaaleem Competitionscalendarandastrengthened ADEKpresence.
Haveafantasticsummerbreak,whenit arrives.