Dear Friends,

Amid the unfolding genocide in Gaza and the continuing security deteriorations in the West Bank, I write to you with a heavy heart yet an unwavering spirit of resilience. As I am sure you all can relate, the events of the past few months have been incredibly stressful, testing our strength and unity in ways we never imagined. While we are not optimistic, we remain hopeful that a just way will open, that the atrocities being committed in Gaza will end, and that we will survive and build a thriving future for our children.

Despite the trying circumstances, our mission to nurture the next generation of spirit-led Palestinian leaders remains undeterred and resolute. Since the beginning of the year, we have navigated the International Baccalaureate Diploma evaluation, orchestrated our Model United Nations conference, and supported our twelfth graders in their global university pursuits. At the same time, they engage in their IB mock exams in preparation for their official exams.

The recent IB Diploma Evaluation, which concluded on January 31, 2024, affirmed our school’s positive impact on our students amidst adversity. Despite the challenges of war, transitioning to online learning, and recruiting international educators, our faculty has showcased remarkable resilience and nimbleness. The evaluators lauded our team’s experience and dedication to delivering a world-class education against all odds.

Our student-led Model United Nations conference, themed “Rebuilding from Rubble,” was a powerful display of our students’ ability to engage with complex, international political discussions and reflect on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza while still holding space for the calamities experienced elsewhere in the world. Discussions included last year’s earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which continue to affect our region. 

We are also proud of our school’s choir and younger students. Their performance of “Siyahamba,” a South African hymn whose title in Zulu means, “We are marching in the light of God,” has garnered wide-reaching attention. We sing this hymn to amplify our firm belief that our liberation is imminent, underscoring the simple yet profound truth: without justice, there cannot be peace. The hymn gains additional significance against the backdrop of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, deemed plausible by the overwhelming majority of judges.

The solidarity extended by people from across the world helps us remain hopeful, even as we struggle to find optimism and a path forward. In this month of forgiveness and giving, let us all pray together and hold our country, especially our people in Gaza, in the Light. 

In friendship,

Rania Maayeh
Head of School

Written By: Samah Hussein / English Language & Drama Teacher & PalMUN Advisor

Participating in spelling bees requires extensive studying and mastery of complex words, which enhances a student's vocabulary and language skills. This can benefit students in various academic pursuits and future professions that require strong communication and language abilities.

The competition often involves standing in front of an audience and demonstrating knowledge under pressure. Winning such competitions can boost a student's confidence and develop their public speaking skills, which are valuable in many professional settings. It also showcases the student's discipline, dedication, and ability to work hard towards a goal. These qualities are highly valued in academic settings and can be transferable to future professional endeavors.

While winning a spelling bee is not a guarantee of success, it can undoubtedly provide valuable experiences and advantages that can positively shape a student's academic and professional path.

RFS upper campus conducted its eleventh annual Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 10^th, 2024, at 11.00 AM. Twelve students competed against each other as teams of four representing 7^th A and 7^th D who came in third place, 7th B in second place, and 7^th C who was crowned the winner for the year 2023/2024. As a teacher who has been organizing the bee at RFS upper campus for the last ten years, I certainly believe that all the spellers have had this life-changing experience of competing at such a young age, and that changes the way they see themselves and their possibilities for the future.

*Adam Qadi: "To RFS, where we learned as much outside the classroom as we did inside. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the lessons that'll stay with us forever..."

*Adam Gangat: "As Nelson Mandela's famous quote, he said: Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world"...

*Ramez Faramand: "As we stand on the threshold of tomorrow, I bid a heartfelt farewell to the halls of my school, as I express gratitude for an enduring journey where I immersed myself in every opportunity, taking the lead with passion and drawing the fullest essence from this impactful chapter of my life."

*Leen Alashhab: "As I close this chapter of my life as a student and move forward into the world beyond, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the countless memories, friendships, and lessons learned throughout my time here. Thank you, RFS, for shaping me into the person I am today. Farewell, and best wishes to all!"

Life at the RFS Lower Campus!