Welcome from our sUPERINTENDENT, dR. ETHAN HILDRETH

Greetings, our wonderful DAA Community,

What an exciting time as we reach our weekend for prom and graduation! It is thrilling to see our graduation banners flying high in front of the school, celebrating our seniors who have completed their final year. It was a joy to speak with the Class of 2023 at the awards ceremony this week, and I eagerly look forward to their commencement ceremony at the Dubai Opera House.

When we reflect on this year, what a splendid year of growth and gain it has been for DAA! The commendations continue to stream in, and I am so proud of our amazing students, my wonderful colleagues, and our tremendous families.

In just the few days since my last SPOTS message, we gained an additional four Top School shortlist commendations, for a total of six Top School awards now received. In that same period, we received our PIRLS report, the Progress in International Reading Study. Dubai Private schools rank 6th in the world, with DAA students scoring 63 points over the Dubai average and 42 points higher than the top performing country, Singapore. Way to go DAA!

This is in addition to our Outstanding results from the first on-site school inspection in three years (up in ten areas, down in none!), our implementation of DAA Listens for improved communication, the DAA Behavior for Learning plan, the brilliant work of our WISE Foundation supporting student wellbeing, WISE Talks for our community on a wide spectrum of topics, the highest rating on the KHDA parent survey for wellbeing, the absolutely amazing work of our DAAPA parents on splendid events throughout the year, and much more!

Many other great events are yet ahead, such as our Completion Ceremonies for KG2, grade 5 and middle school, our grade 5 step up day, Middle School June Week, High School spirit week, the Elementary School art showcase, and more!

Thank you DAA for helping our students and school succeed at the highest levels, not only in Dubai but across the world. Enjoy wonderful days ahead as we press into the final month of school with energy and optimism. Go Leopards!

Ethan

IT'S BACK!  The annual Staff Talent Show is making a return to our auditorium in June!  This event is a community favorite, showcasing the 'non-teaching' talent of our teachers, EAs, support staff and other members of DAA.  There will be two shows on Wednesday June 14th; at 3:30 pm for the 'after-school' crowd, and 6 pm for those who prefer an 'evening matinee'.  Mark your calendars now as tickets will sell out.  Tickets will go on sale June 5 - 12 in the atrium, before and after school.  Don't miss out!