alumni association newsletter issue no. 3

Issue 3
MESCONIAN
KEEPING THE MES CAIRO FAMILY TOGETHER!
WELCOME TO THE THIRD ISSUE OF
THE MESConian
INSIDE THE MESconian
Graduation Class of 2011
NHS Induction Ceremony
2011
International Award
Sports Desk
Trip to Cyprus
Paris Trip
Switzerland Ski Trip
M.A.D.E.
June 2012
Issue 3
2-4
5
6-7
8 - 10
11
12 - 14
15
16
Alumni, how can you stay connected to the MES Cairo Family and
be involved in the 20th year anniversary festivities?
Join the Official MES Modern English School Cairo Alumni Facebook Group:
MES Cairo - Alumni Association
Find out what your classmates are up to and share your updates as well.
Visit the MES Cairo website, http://www.mescairo.com and register your
contact details so we can keep you informed of special events.
Email us: [email protected]
Modern English School Cairo
American, British and IBDP Graduation Ceremony 2011
‘Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream.’ Khalil Gibran
Every summer, Modern English School Cairo Senior students are given a
magnificent send-off into the world of higher education and adulthood. In late
June, the school field is magnificently transformed to host the warm and
intimate, yet uniquely spectacular, annual MES Cairo Graduation Ceremony
that has become deeply entrenched in the proud MES Cairo tradition.
This year, on 21st June 2011, Modern English School Cairo held a
Graduation ceremony that was particularly special. The concept of graduating
and leaving school can be a highly emotional and even daunting prospect for
many school leavers. This year, as Graduation day approached, there was a
sense amongst the whole of the school community that this year’s Seniors
were being released from the shelter of the MES Cairo family nest, to take
flight into a world that is naturally exciting, and yet in a state of constant
change.
As the MES Cairo Class of 2011 Graduates prepared for their special
ceremony, their families and friends, teachers and honorary guests were
treated to the gentle yet moving resonance of piano music being played by
talented students of all ages. MES Cairo, always proud of the artistic as well
as the academic achievements of its students, involves students of all ages in
the ceremony, which is a family affair. Pianists Kenzie Shaltout Y3B, Sandra
Masouad Y5R, Hannah Caroline Y3B, Ibrahim EL Nemr Y4V, Omar Younes
Y4Y, Nadia Sakran Y9Y, Mahira Hamed G8Y, Duaa Haji Y9R and the
Graduate Adam El Benhawy DP12R, created an enchanting atmosphere of
serene optimism.
As cultured and familiar with the more classic fineries of the arts the MES
Cairo students are, their teachers never forget that they are children of the
21st Century! The guests were stirred from their piano induced reverie as
students from across the school, including the Primary sections, suddenly
fluttered into the arena and thrilled the audience by performing an upbeat and
exhilarating ‘Flash Mob’ dance entitled the ‘Ages of MES’, choreographed by
Ms. Joanna Goodchild and Ms. Christine Downey. The students wore flowing
costumes that imitated the blue and gold of the MES Cairo graduation gowns.
The arena was suddenly awash with shimmering and undulating waves of
movements made by the troupe of young dancers, as they clapped, swayed,
swung and turned in perfect unison to the electric sound of The Black Eyed
Peas’ song, ‘Tonight’s Gonna be a Good Night’.
As the dancers knelt to welcome arrival of their senior school MES Cairo
siblings, MES Cairo’s Founding Principal, Mr. Peter Godfrey, announced the
formal commencement of the Ceremony. The Graduates were led into the
arena to the striking sounds of Copeland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ by
their Headteachers; Mrs. Nicola Singleton (Head of British and IB Diploma
Programme Sections) and Ms. Catherine Spencer, (Principal of the American
Section). Soon, everyone was standing to listen to a powerful and proud
performance of the National Anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt, sung by
Rula Zaki.
This was followed by a Quran reading, which was delivered calmly and
expressively by Hussein Hegazy (G10).
The Grade 9 and 10 Chorus and the Grade 11 and 12 Chorus, accompanied
on the piano by Mr. Daniel Tomlin, performed the school song, ‘To MES be
True’ and the guests were then welcomed by MES Cairo’s Managing Director,
Mrs. Sawsan Dajani.
Mrs. Dajani’s message touched on the recent changes that have taken place in
Egypt and advised the Class of 2011 on how to handle the effects of change as
they begin their journey into the world beyond school. Speaking with great
compassion, her inspirational words were full of wisdom and good advice. ‘A great
deal has occurred over the past year. It would be impossible to speak to you all
tonight without acknowledging that we live in interesting and changing times full of
promise, dreams of better opportunities, hope and infinite aspirations.’
She advised the Graduates to hold on to crucial principles as they face the
inevitable changes and challenges that life always brings...‘The first is to Be
Thankful. Be thankful for whatever life throws your way, especially during the
difficult times...those are the times during which you build strength of character.
The second is to Be Kind. A judge of true character is being kind when you least
need to be and when you can least afford it. Not just financially, but when time is a
constraint or the pressures of everyday life are overwhelming. The third lesson is
to Bring Love Into Every Situation. This is the trickiest lesson of them all. When
faced with a difficult change, a dramatic change or if you find yourself in a
situation that scares or unsettles you... face it with love. The fourth and final
lesson is the infamous phrase ‘When Life Gives You Lemons, Then Make
Lemonade!’ And we all know that the best Lemonade in the world is made right
here in Egypt!’
The MES Cairo family is united in its admiration of Mrs. Dajani’s own tenacity, and
her kindness and strength in adversity. Her words reminded the school
community of the birth of Modern English School Cairo itself, and the changes
and challenges that were faced by the founding members when they were
evacuated from Kuwait during the Gulf War and built the foundations of this great
school here in Egypt …with nothing to start with but their own foundations of
gratitude, kindness, love, and of course, a sense of humour and a great
pioneering spirit.
Mrs. Dajani warmly welcomed the Cermony’s guest speaker, Mrs. Rita Janssen,
who had stepped in to speak in place of her husband, Mr. Marc Franco, the
Ambassador of the EU European Delegation to Egypt. Prior to his post in Egypt,
he and Mrs. Janssen Franco previously lived in the Russian Federation for six
years, where Ambassador Franco held the same post. Their professional
affiliation with the European Union has taken them all over world. Mrs. Janssen’s
address to the Class of 2011 was spoken with conviction and the young people it
targeted did not miss a word of it, as each listened intently, with a glow of pride
and admiration. Their focused concentration reflected a vivid awareness of the
endless possibilities on the roads that stretch so far ahead of each and every one
of them...
Mrs. Janssen reminded them that ‘Mrs. and Mr. Dajani and their teams have done
a titanic job in creating a Renaissance-type school where learning is important but
where equal emphasis is put on artistic and humanistic values. You, students, are
immensely lucky… You will appreciate the foundations that were laid here for the
rest of your lives… never forget that you are the future and the hope of your
country. You are the ones who will make Egypt develop and help it blossom and
bloom. You are the building stones for a better to-morrow. I am impressed by
your vision, your intelligence and determination. And I am impressed by your
courage to step forward and your willingness to start changing the world. In return
we, the older generation, will stand behind you and offer you our experience, our
wisdom and support. You will always be able to count on us. Together we will build
a better future. In Egypt, in the region, and elsewhere in the world. This is a
promise and a pledge Ambassador Franco and myself make to you, the Class of
2011. It is the most valuable present we can offer you.’
Mr. Daniel Tomlin accompanied the High School Choruses once more as they
entertained the guests with a beautiful rendition of ‘Breakaway’. This was
followed by the moving song, ‘Corner of the Sky’, in which they were joined by the
Staff Chorus.
Three Graduates spoke for their peers in an address that represented each
section of the Senior School; Abdelrahman Khattab (American Section), Hania
Elbenhawi (IBDP) and Mina Fouad, (British Section), each spoke eloquently and
persuasively. Their speeches and the delivery of their messages were a true
testament to the intellect, the determination, the intrepid character traits and the
multiple talents that exist throughout the three MES Cairo Senior School
Sections.
The diverse talents of the MES Cairo Class of 2011 were proudly highlighted by
their American Section Principal, Ms. Catherine Spencer and their IB and British
Section Headteacher, Mrs. Nicola Singleton, in a joint address in which they
reinforced the messages of ambition, hope and optimism.
MES Cairo Alumni MESConians, Malak El Masry (Class of 2005) and
professional artist Nadya Shanab (Class of 2004), also took part in the
Ceremony. All were impressed by Malak’s confident and commanding
performance of ‘Unwritten’, accompanied by Mr. Scott Allsop on guitar.
Mr. Jonathan Todd adapted Nadya Shanab’s post-revolution song (penned in
February 2011 while she was living in the UK and planning on returning to
Egypt), entitled ‘Egypt’s Waiting for Me’. The adapted score enabled the school
choirs and staff band to accompany Nadya in what was a mighty showpiece.
Nadya is a true inspiration to all young people in Egypt. This MES Cairo
Graduate’s determined spirit has taken her on a phenomenal journey to success.
Cool, energizing breezes were spreading the MES Cairo magic all around the
otherwise tranquil air of the summer night, as the Presentation of High School
Diploma and Leaving Certificates commenced. Ms. Ghada Dajani (Deputy
Managing Director) proudly announced each Graduate’s name as he or she held
their heads high and walked across the MES Cairo Graduation stage to receive
their Diplomas and Leaving Certificates.
Soon, they had all officially graduated! No longer school students, many of these
newly evolved MESConians had waited eagerly for this moment of Graduation
for about fourteen years! Mr. Godfrey warmly wished them well as he closed the
Ceremony and, in another spirited MES Cairo tradition, he paused… he made
them wait that little extra second or two… before finally giving them the nod that
told them they were officially ‘released’! They expressed delight and threw their
caps high up into the air in a dazzling expression of success, freedom and hope.
Caps and tassles lurched, fluttered and one or two even flew off into the
Katameya night as the arena was suddenly awash with animated young men
and women being congratulated by friends, teachers and members of their
immediate families. ‘The Four Seasons’ by Vivaldi played gloriously in the
background, and as the less formal proceedings continued, Mrs. Franco
Jenssen’s words still whispered emphatically in the spirited breeze:
‘In return we, the older generation, will stand behind you and offer you our
experience, our wisdom and support. You will always be able to count on us.
Together we will build a better future…’
National Honor Society
at MES Cairo
Induction Ceremony
“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that is the myth of the atomic
age - as in being able to remake ourselves.”
This year’s National Honor Society induction ceremony marked the group’s ninth year at MES Cairo. Additionally, the NJHS (National
Junior Honor Society) celebrated its second year here. Nearly sixty students were inducted into the two groups. The students
themselves ran the induction, with Mohamed Soliman and Dina Bebars as the main student speakers.
Ms. Naomi Jackson presented the keynote speech, describing her experiences visiting Robben Island in South Africa, where Nelson
Mandela and others were imprisoned. She outlined his character traits and encouraged the audience to look to him as an inspiration.
The NHS and NJHS are service organizations; they carry ouit many admirable services such as paper recycling, Wadi Digla clean-up
days, visits to a home for the elderly, and other activities throughout the year.
Being included in a program like NJHS is a huge honor for every member. Just having the feeling that you are on your way to changing
your country and helping your people is an honor in itself. Being chosen for this is a big deal, and an important recognition. Whose ego
wouldn’t grow just a little bit upon discovering they have been selected to do this? Serving as a volunteer in any school or community
programs functions as a testimony of your willingness to serve others, not just because it looks good when you’re applying for college,
but because from inside you want to. Being involved in NJHS means that others will notice your leadership status amongst your peers.
People, poor unfortunate people, will lead better lives because of us, and what we will all do to help them. They will have little glimmers
of hope inside of them, that they could actually become politicians, scientists or authors and journalists or doctors. I think that is really
the biggest satisfaction and reward you get from being involved in a program like this, the inner feeling you encounter when you think
that you are the reason that maybe there’ll be one less homeless child, or one less hungry village. NJHS gives us the chance to
broaden our knowledge, be innovative, use our initiative, and be independent. NJHS will teach us how to really think for ourselves and
be individualistic. If we make mistakes now, we’ll learn from them and ensure a successful future. What is so great about NJHS is that
it is a learning program, but it does not just focus on academics, like school. In addition to all the charity work I personally think it
shapes us socially, emotionally, psychologically, and physically. But success comes before work only in the dictionary, and we really do
have to make a huge effort if we want this to work. Just close your eyes and think of a world with no wars, hunger, or orphans, but a
world full of hope and optimism. If you had the chance to try and create this world, wouldn’t you join NJHS?
The International Award at MES Cairo
An Adventure Begins!
New to the courses on offer this year to older students at MES Cairo is the
International Award class. The course gives students the opportunity to
participate in Service and Skills activities, training them on topics such as
medical first aid, and also developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Modern English School Cairo is an approved Independent Operator for the
International Award (also known in the UK as the Duke of Edinburgh Award). This
prestigious award has been in existence for the last 50 years, and is recognised
in over 120 countries around the world, with thousands of young people from all
walks of life participating in it every year. The Award concept is one of individual
challenge designed to encourage young people to develop into responsible,
active citizens who will positively contribute towards society. It presents a
balanced, non-competitive and enjoyable program of voluntary activities which
encourage personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance,
responsibility and service to the community. Students who are aged 14 or above
may apply to participate in the International Award. It is offered at three levels,
Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level of the award requires the students to
complete the following criteria:
1.SERVICE
To encourage a sense of responsibility to the community through community
service projects, voluntary service in hospitals or community homes, or
conservation work.
2.SKILLS
To encourage the development of personal interests and learn practical skills
There are over 200 hobby and vocational skills from which students can choose,
such as photography and cookery.
3. PHYSICAL RECREATION
Participants are required to take part in some form of organised physical
recreation and show individual progress. Most team and individual sports are
included, such as football, athletics, volleyball, tennis and many others.
4. THE ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY
An enjoyable experience designed to cultivate a spirit of adventure and
discovery; an understanding of the environment, and the importance of working
together in a team with a common purpose.
This year, our International Award students participated in the Primary Reading
Buddy Scheme, giving their time to assist small groups of younger students with
their literacy skills. Students were also given opportunities to plan and deliver an
activity to a group of younger students. Year Two Orange enjoyed a memorable
clay modelling session in the Secondary Art room. Spending time in the school's
Cookery Room enabled students to experience making a range of tasty meals
from around the world, as well as develop food hygiene awareness and kitchen
organisation skills.
In order for a student to succeed at the International Award they must meet the challenges that the Award places upon them. It
demands and encourages characteristics such as persistence, responsibility, organization and leadership. By participating in and
completing the International Award, students develop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence – vital in today’s competitive world.
Universities and employers around the world view the applications of students who have completed the International Award with much
favor, as they know that the right kind of people will have met it’s challenges and overcome them. Have you got what it takes?
If you would like to find out more about International Award at MES Cairo then see Mr. Crabb today. Don't leave MES without it!
Mr. J. Crabb – IA Coordinator
INTAWARD Practice Journey
As part of the training for the Adventurous Journey students should complete a Practice Journey. This helps build the physical and
psychological conditioning that participants will come to rely on when they finally go on expedition.
The gear: students learn what the right equipment is to bring. The right amounts of clothing and food are all important; too little and
you will be uncomfortable and hungry – too much and you may not be able to carry it! The average rucksack carried by participants
weighs about 15 kilos which is the equivalent of carrying a 2 year old child on your back while walking for a whole day! Learning to be
self-reliant means remembering the little things too – like sunscreen and the correct footwear.
The skills: On expedition participants are expected to navigate their group over unfamiliar territory safely. Learning how to use a map
and compass are essential. At the end of an exhausting day you will be looking forward to a hot meal and a comfortable night's sleep,
so camp craft skills such as pitching a tent correctly and cooking food on a camp stove are essential learning. Comforatble campers =
happy campers : )
The mindset: To complete the journey successfully a group needs to work together and stay together. Decision making, leadership
skills, and communication are all tested over the weekend. Being self reliant does not mean only looking after yourself – it means you
are able to look after yourself so that you can be relied upon by others.
The challenge: you do not have to be the fittest, the strongest, or the fastest. But you do have to learn how to cope with fatigue, how
to stay mentally focused , and be able to make a useful contribution to your group, especially when things get hard. When the going
gets tough, the tough get going!
The Practice Journey for the Bronze Award is carried out over a weekend. Two days are spent hiking and navigating in Wadi Degla
Protectorate, with an overnight camp being made on the school field.
It's not all hard work though – along the way participants do have a lot of fun, and the opportunity of experiencing a wonderful sense
of achievement, knowing that they have done something they did not think possible.
Many thanks to staff who gave freely of their weekends to assist with the Adventurous Journey training this year: Mrs. Dahlstrom, Mrs.
Alsop, Mr. Smyth and in particular Mrs. Downey.
Mr. J. Crabb – IA Coordinator
MES CAIRO
SECONDARY SPORTS DESK
Middle School Girls Football
The beginning of an era of Domination?
Girls football at MES Cairo has always been successful, and has attracted many
participants. This year’s attendance at the start of the middle school season surpassed
every year so far, with over fifty girls signing up, and thirty five attending on a weekly
basis. From the first training session it was apparent that this girl’s squad was going to
be extremely talented, with a real chance of victory. What we didn’t realize was just
how talented this squad really was! Certainly in the time I have been at this school it
was without doubt the most talented girls football squad I have ever seen, throughout
the age groups.
The focus at training sessions was to work on the basic principles of a good football
team.
•
Good control, with an emphasis on the importance of the first touch
•
Fitness, and being able pace yourself for the duration of not just a game, but
an entire tournament
•
Teamwork, instilling a camaraderie so when the going gets tough, we could
help each other
•
Having a positive attitude allowing you and your teammates to overcome
adversity
The training sessions from a coach’s point of view were excellent, with the girls arriving
at training ready to work, and eagerly embracing ideas put forward by the coaches.
Every single student improved their football ability, fitness and most importantly
enjoyed the sessions delivered by the three coaches Downey, Perry and McTigue. This
made picking a squad for the CISSA tournament extremely difficult, but eventually after
several discussions, fifteen girls were picked.
In the tournament, MES Cairo were put in an extremely difficult group and had to play
last year’s finalists NCBIS, arch rivals El Alsson and dark horses, CAC.
The first game often defines a tournament. If you win it, your confidence is high, but if
you lose it, the pressure is on and you can’t afford to slip up again. This made the
clash against NCBIS crucial for both teams. It was NCBIS who started the stronger,
and they scored an early goal, and then managed to keep the score the same until half
time. After a team talk, the MES Cairo girls came out looking like a team that had one
thing on their mind – to win the tournament! They quickly equalized when Nouran
Jaouda was brought down at the edge of the area, allowing Bana Al Bitar to step up
and score directly from the free kick. MES Cairo then continued to dominate, with Nour
Mashhour and Farah Faidhi looking threatening in attack, and the defense ably
marshalled by Ingie Enan looking calm and collected. Time seemed to be running out,
and MES Cairo needed to be able to turn their domination into goals. They turned yet
again to Bana, who received a pass from Nour Jaouda, before hitting a a scoring shot
that flew past the desperate NCBIS goalkeeper.
The second game was far more straightforward, with MES Cairo winning
comprehensively 5-0. Fatma El Garhi opened the scoring, in what was a dominant
display. Habiba Hussein, Menora Thomas and Habiba Omar played extremely well
in defense, and we welcomed back after injury Laila Farouk, who performed
outstandingly in her first game since a nasty ankle injury.
The final game in the group stage pitted MES Cairo against El Alsson, a rivalry that
has become stronger over the last few years due to some compelling fixtures. Our
team really showed their class and absolutely out-played the El Alsson girls.
However, it took an outstanding penalty save by new superstar goalkeeper Salma
Amer to really get the girls going. Strong performances by Reem Khamis and
Jomana Saber along with the energy and class of a midfield trio of Fatma El Garhi,
Bana Al Bitar and Nour Mashour ensured MES Cairo finished top of their group with
a 2-0 win.
Semi-finals are seen by many as the most decisive stages of tournaments, and
many good teams have failed at this stage. The semi-final of the World Cup in 1990
was the famous Paul Gascoigne-inspired England team’s stumbling block, as was
the World Cup 2006 German team. There were no mistakes made by the MES Cairo
team, however! The girls cruised to a 3-0 win. Nardeen Massoud, Ingie Enan and
Laila Farouk were phenomenal in defense, and Bana, Farah, Fatma, the two Jaouda
twins and Nour Mashhour were unstoppable in attack. The MES Cairo team showed
Choueifat 6th October no mercy!
The final match was eagerly anticipated as two teams with a 100% win record came
to play each other. MES Cairo were up against a strong BISC team, each hungry for
the honour of being called CISSA champions. Here is where having a strong squad
really benefitted MES Cairo. The squad rotation gave every player lots of time on the
pitch, while allowing others to rest and so be fully energised for the final. BISC
however, were visibly jaded, after a long tiring day of playing football in the sun.
MES cairo played with the style and flair fit for champions. They scored four goals in
the process.
This was indeed a perfect performance from a group of girls that should be
thoroughly proud of their achievements. From the first fitness training session all the
way back in March, to the winning goal in the tournament in May, the girls showed
an attitude and team ethic that makes every coach want to coach, and for that we
thank them.
Mr. P. McTigue – Football Coach
LA SORTIE SCHOLAIRE …EXTRAORDINAIRE!
MES CAIRO Secondary Paris Trip - May 2011
MES Cairo students love to travel. In fact, so many Lower School students wanted to travel to Paris with the World
Languages Department in May 2011 that two trips had to be organised! 36 students from Years 7 and 8 participated in
the first of these visits, all of whom became more and more excited in the weeks leading up to our departure. All were
looking forward to the opportunity to explore Paris, see some of its many splendid treasures, take advantage of the
shopping opportunities, and practise a little French!
Day 1
After a very early start to the day, we arrived in Paris and settled into the hotel. I am sure that many wanted to relax
after their journey from Cairo, but there was no time for that… Paris was waiting to be explored!
The first challenge for students was to get used to travelling on the Metro, which was a whole new experience for many.
However, they soon got used to the crowds of people and negotiating their way on and off the packed trains. They
chatted to the other passengers as we travelled underground across the city, telling them how fantastic Egypt is!
When we arrived in the heart of Paris and emerged from the Metro, cameras appeared from everywhere as the students
captured their first glimpse of the streets of the city. We made our way to “Paris Story”, where we watched an
informative show about the history of Paris and learned about some of the sights we would see over the next four days.
After a delicious pizza dinner, it was time to practice our Metro skills once again as we headed back to the hotel for an
early night. All were very tired from an extremely busy day and eager to see and experience more of this wonderful
city the next day.
Day 2
Our first venture on Day 2 was to see the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris, and the main feature in the design on our
Paris Trip 2011 hoodies! We ascended in the lift to the first level and were rewarded with a wonderful view of the city.
I am certain that none of the students will ever forget the day they went up the Eiffel Tower. Even the wind and rain
failed to dampen spirits.
Students lunched with their group leaders, and this was the first opportunity to try French food. Some students were
given the opportunity to eat snails and eagerly ordered them from the menu (using some pretty impressive French!).
The adventurous diners gave mixed opinions on the taste of les escargots, but impressed the teachers with their
willingness to try new things.
After lunch we made our way to another of Paris’s iconic landmarks – Notre-Dame. Outside, the students marvelled at
its size and the intricate carvings that adorn this impressive building. The students took a tour of Notre-Dame, admired
the beautiful windows and looked for signs of Quasimodo and Esmeralda, although they failed to find any as they were
so distracted by the multitude of treasures inside.
The evening activity was a cruise along the River Seine, during which we were able to see many of Paris’s landmarks
from the top deck of our boat. We sat back, relaxed and learned about the various monuments we saw on our way along
the river. It was the perfect end to another very busy day.
Day 3
We started the day with a visit to the home of some of the most important art
collections in the world – the Musée du Louvre. We could have spent days
wandering around the vast collections of paintings, sculptures and antiquities.
However, our tour focused on some of the most significant paintings, including
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Once we had battled through the crowd to get a
closer look, students considered why this is one of the most famous paintings in
the world and commented on how small it is!
Another treat for MES Cairo students was to visit The Louvre’s collection of
Egyptian Antiquities. Other visitors remarked that our students were lucky to
come from Egypt as they examined the exhibits. Some of the students used the
opportunity to persuade people to visit Egypt to see more!
MES Cairo students love to shop. The afternoon of Day 3 provided the first
opportunity to take advantage of shopping opportunities. Once they had
marvelled at the Arc de Triomphe, students were given the chance to shop in
some of the stores along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous
streets in the world. If shopping was an Olympic sport, I think we would have
some potential gold medalists amongst Years 7 and 8! The only disadvantage of
being a champion shopper..? Being laden down with shopping bags on a
crowded Metro!
Day 4
It was time to get out of the city and head to head to the magnificent Palace of
Versailles. We toured the palace’s glorious interior and wandered through the
gardens before enjoying a picnic lunch in the sunshine. The afternoon was spent
riding bicycles through the magnificent palace grounds. The most confident
riders chased Miss Harrison through the lanes, ringing bells to warn the
pedestrians that we were on our way. Those who could not cycle were given a
lesson by Mr. El-Metaal, who was pleased to report that all had learned to ride a
bike in about 40 minutes!
In the evening, students made a steep climb to Montmatre, which is well-known
for the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur and the pavement artists. May of the students
sat to have portraits painted. Some portraits were a better likeness than others,
but all have a great souvenir of their time in this charming area of the city.
Day 5
After an exhausting few days of walking around Paris, it was time for a change of
scenery and to swap Paris’s architecture, history and culture for roller coasters!
Parc Astérix is an amusement park based on the stories of Asterix. The students
and teachers took full advantage of the roller coasters and rides. Even some of the
less adventurous students could be seen racing between some rather terrifying
rides by the end of the afternoon, claiming that this was the highlight of the trip!
After a little more shopping, our final evening was spent at the Hard Rock Café,
where we were treated to huge burgers. Students swapped stories from the week,
sang along to the music and admired the rock memorabilia hung all around. It
was clearly one of the dining highlights for the students and a fabulous end to a
fantastic week in Paris.
Day 6
Au Revoir, Paris! À bientot!
Thank you to all students who participated in the visit to Paris for making it such
a memorable experience for us all. (Mr. K. El-Metaal, Ms. S. Harrison, Ms.
V.Lucron, Ms. E. Hassan, Mr. L. Valente)
Ms. S. Harrison
Tzoumaz and Verbier, Switzerland
MES CAIRO Secondary Ski Trip
Mr. McTigue, Mr. Hammerburg and Mr. and Mrs. Elliott set off for
Switzerland during the April holiday. The group flew to Geneva and
then travelled up into the mountains for the first sight of snow.
Several students had never seen snow before! There wasn’t quite as
much as usual for this time of year, and the snow that remained was
melting fast in the bright sunshine. As a result, our original resort of
Crans-Montana had already closed down. The ski company moved
us up the mountain to Tzoumas, and we all did our skiing on the
other side in Verbier, where the snow was best.
After a day or two of early starts, the students got used to the routine
of cable cars, gondolas and the bus in between. We all enjoyed the
fantastic views of the high peaks.
Superb Skiing
The beginners progressed rapidly, after a few dramatic crash landings
and a lot of laughter in the early stages! Zeina’s exit from the piste
was particularly spectacular as she took a dividing rope and fence
post with her! Other students took lessons in snowboarding and more
advanced skiing and quickly improved their confidence and
expertise.
Ice Dancing!
The evening activities kept everyone busy, particularly the iceskating session where students had the whole rink to themselves.
There were some very interesting styles of skating (and falling) and
Mr. Hammerburg impressed everyone with his speed and balance on
the ice.
Something beginning with P!
One of the evening events was a fancy dress party, at which everyone
was asked to dress in a costume inspired by the theme of ‘something
Beginning with P’. We had pirates, a pizza delivery girl, pop stars, a
professor, a painter (French Impressionist), a pillowcase, protesters
(Egyptian of course), a pantomime artist, a ping-pong player,
Pinocchio, a pilot and several other original ideas. Mr. McTigue’s
Blackbeard Pirate was very impressive, but the eventual winners
were Lara and Aya’s Protesters, complete with face paint and flags.
Chocolate Shopaholics
The phrase ‘shop until you drop’ springs to mind after supervising a
shopping trip to the nearby town. I didn’t know there was that much
chocolate in Switzerland! I am sure the MES Cairo students bough
so much chocolate that they caused a temporary nationwide shortage
in Switzerland!
Awards
On the last night we held a presentation of the medals for the skiing
and snowboarding races, plus other certificates and prizes, which
included nominations for both serious (and comic) awards such as
best passport photo, best kept room, ‘Stack of the Week’, most
improved, all-round star and many more.
The final night ended with a magnificent presentation created by Mr
Hammerburg, combining film clips, photographs, interviews and
headlines from the exciting week of activities. This presentation is a
real work of art. It summed up the best things about our trip to
Switzerland!
Mrs. K. Elliott
CHARITY FOWS
MES Cairo is…
MADE!
Making a Difference in Egypt
Following on from the cover story in the last issue of the MESsenger, MES Cairo is con:nuing to Make A Difference in Egypt. There are many charity projects that have taken place this term and different groups in Egypt have benefiDed from the kind dona:ons given by the MES Cairo family.
In these next few pages you will read more about:
•
‘Adopt a School’ – a long-­‐term project that we have started at MES Cairo to help a local school improve its facili:es for learning.
•
‘DonaDons Drive’ – bags and bags of clothes, shoes, books, blankets and toys that MES Cairo families kindly donated have now gone to new homes.
•
‘Environment Day’ an update and informa:on about the dona:ons that MES Cairo gave to The Recycling School and community in Mokatam.
•
‘MES, Make A Difference in Egypt T-­‐shirt’ – how a compe::on to design the Make A Difference in Egypt logo has turned into a fundraising t-­‐shirt.
•
‘Buy a Box’ – MES is collec:ng dona:ons from staff, students and families to buy and distribute Ramadan boxes amongst those who need them most.
Donations Drive
At the very end of Term 2 we encouraged everyone to have a ‘spring clean’ and donate any unwanted or unused items to MES’ Make A Difference
in Egypt charities. On the first day back in Term 3 a few bags arrived on the donations desk in the Atrium, then a few more the next day, and more
after that. Each day more and more bags would arrive and students had to lend a hand to help sort through the donations as there were so many!
Thank you so much to everyone who bought something in, together we have collected so many donations that have been gratefully received by
their new homes.
Four boxes of books have been taken by NHS to the community library project in Saqarra they are supporting.
Ten bags of toys and five bags of girls clothes and shoes have been donated to the Girls Orphanage in Shorouk.
Twenty bags of clothes and shoes have been donated to the boys at The Recycling School and their families.
Thank you, MES Cairo families, for making a difference to all of these lives.
Alumni feature
MESconian
Nadya Shanab
- Class of 2004 - making her mark on the international
music scene! And now teaching at MES Cairo
An Interview with Nadya
May 2012
MES: We last talked with you at the end of 2009. You were then living in the UK and you were looking forward to con:nue teaching there. What are you doing now?
NS: I moved back to Egypt in late April 2011 and have seDled back home in Cairo. I have started teaching here at MES and am s:ll trying to get my album released on the side!
MES: Can you tell us more about your album? What was its progress and what were your expecta:ons towards its release?
NS: It’s been a crazy journey with this album – one that is s:ll not over! I am s:ll awai:ng its release as obstacles keep popping up. Ini:ally we had problems geZng Egyp:an authori:es to issue licenses for the cd (in Egypt you need a license to print, a license to adver:se and a license to sell and distribute before you’re cd can hit the shelves!) I was also awai:ng the Egyp:an Censorship CommiDee to approve my lyrics. We had a few problems with some of my lyrics in two songs but we managed to get them approved in the end!
MES: What about your record company? Can you tell us more about its progress and where you want to go with it?
NS: The record company had been set up in the UK in December 2010 and is s:ll opera:ng over there, but I decided – to make things a bit simpler – and set up a branch here in Egypt. Ini:ally I hadn’t planned to set up my record label this early in my career but was kind of pushed into that direc:on because of all the restric:ons Egypt has on the music industry. Authori:es haven’t admiDed that the music industry has changed and so are s:ll dealing with it according to old models!I am hoping, once I get my own album released and completely understand how things work here in Egypt, to sign up other ar:sts to Hamzet Wasl Records and help them with their journeys. I have plans to set up our own studio.
MES: What can you tell us about your experience of working here at MES Cairo?
NS: I absolutely LOVE it!!  Being back at MES feels amazing. I feel completely at home! The people I work with are great and it’s very interes:ng to see my own school through a different perspec:ve. It has definitely made the seDling-­‐back-­‐home process a lot smoother than I had expected it to be. MES: What are your goals while working in MES? / What do you want to achieve by working in MES?
NS: I am currently studying for my Post Graduate Cer:ficate in Educa:on (PGCE) so I’m hoping to complete it by the summer. I am hoping through my being at MES to inspire students to pursue their dreams and not simply take the easy route, and conform to boxes set up for them. I am hoping to gain more experience in working with students of different ages and to develop more as a teacher.
MES: Do you s:ll visit the UK? How do you feel when you go there or when you think of your memories there?
NS: Since moving back in April, I visited the UK once. I was asked to perform as part of the Liverpool Arabic Arts Fes:val and also to do an opening performance for the screening of the Egyp:an film ‘Microphone’ at the Liverpool Arabic Film Fes:val – both in June. I have very fond memories of Liverpool and loved visi:ng last :me. I am hoping to visit again soon – it’ll always have a very special place in my heart and seeing friends I’ve made there is always great!
MES: We want to know more about your band, do you s:ll perform together?
NS: The band as it was when I was in Liverpool no longer performs together, the last performance we did at the Arabic Arts Fes:val only had 3 of the band members performing and 2 musicians stood in for the ones that couldn’t make it. I am s:ll in contact with all the musicians that used to play for me but the majority of them are s:ll in the UK and so it’s quite hard for us to perform together now that I’m back in Egypt! They all play for several other bands and are ac:ve members in music scenes in the UK. MES: Are you thinking of going back to the UK one day?
NS: At the moment there is no place I want to be in more than Cairo. I feel like this is where I need to be. During the first few months of 2011 and the revolu:onary events that swept over Egypt I found it extremely hard being in Liverpool. Eventually I couldn’t take it anymore and quit my teaching job with the Music Support Service in Liverpool and arranged to move back home. It took me quite a while to get my life sorted out for the move and so I couldn’t actually leave as soon as I had wanted to but I got here in the end! The possibility of one day going back to the UK is not one that I’m ruling out however it’s not in my current plans! MES: Can you share with us your dreams for the future? And what have you achieved from them so far?
NS: I am hoping to get my album ‘El Mahrousa’ released soon, it’s been almost 2 years of wai:ng and going through the official process, so geZng that done will be a huge achievement for me. I am also hoping to start performing regularly around Cairo and the rest of Egypt but I haven’t found all the right musicians to work with over here yet. I hope to have the record label up on its feet and running and actually sign other ar:sts up. MES Cairo Alumni
Please send in your updates and pictures. We would like to feature you in the next
MESCONIAN
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Ahmed Kadry
Ahmed Moemen
Amina El Gamal
Ahmed graduated from MES Cairo in 2008. Ahmed is appointed to be Dr. Amr Khaled’s (ranked #13 as most influen:al people in the past century) personal Photographer. He won an award of the Best Photograph amongst all Egyp:an universi:es, featured in the pres:gious Show Business magazine, in an ar:cle named Priceless Shots. He is currently contending to join a ranking one of the top 100 photographers worldwide and studying abroad at York University Canada.
Ahmed graduated from MES Cairo in 2005. Studied in the AAST architecture branch, and graduated during the revolu:on period, February 2011. He now currently works in Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah.
Amina graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. Later she went to AUC where she is expected to graduate in 2015 with a major in Business Administra:on.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MES Cairo will host an ALUMNI REUNION party on
Thursday 13 December 2012
Please RSVP to [email protected]
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Bassem Raafat
Donia Amer Shaarawy
Farah Derbala
Bassem graduated from MES Cairo in 2008. He started aDending Aston Business School in Birmingham (September 2008) studying for a BSc (Hons) majoring in Economics and Finance. He completed a one year industrial placement in Morgan Stanley's London office, as part of his 'sandwich' degree. He is currently in his final year at Aston expec:ng to graduate in July 2012.
Donia graduated from MES Cairo in 2010. She went on to the German University in Cairo (GUC) where she is currently studying Business Informa:cs; a unique and new major that is the link between informa:on systems and business management. She is working towards a bright future, and hoping for the best.
Farah graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. She is currently studying at AUC, majoring in Business and minoring in Art. MES taught her a lot and she misses it every day.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MESMES
CairoCairo
will host
will host
an ALUMNI
an ALUMNI
REUNION
REUNION
partyparty
on ??????
on
Thursday 13 December 2012
PleasePlease
RSVP RSVP
to [email protected]
to ???????????
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Habiba ElSaeed
Hassan El Hawary
Hassan Mortagy
Habiba graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. Currently majoring in Psychology, and minoring in Wri:ng at the American University in Cairo, hoping to soon transfer to the United States. She is also star:ng to babysit and aDend Zumba classes to stay fit! Hassan graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. He went to McGill University in Canada to study Biochemistry (pre-­‐
med). He is hoping to finish his bachelor degree and head on to medical school and become a surgeon!
Hassan graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. He is currently aDending the American University in Cairo. He is majoring in Construc:on Engineering and working on obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree from AUC.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MESMES
CairoCairo
will host
will host
an ALUMNI
an ALUMNI
REUNION
REUNION
partyparty
on ??????
on
Thursday 13 December 2012
PleasePlease
RSVP RSVP
to [email protected]
to ???????????
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Hisham Farouki
Malak Ahmed El Shiati
Manar ElMokadem
Hisham graduated from MES Cairo in 2005. He graduated with a Major in Interna:onal Business and a Minor in Finance from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. He is now an Account Manager living in Montreal.
Malak graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. She is now studying Business Administra:on at AUC and will hopefully minor in Art. She is hoping to manage her father's agriculture business when she graduates and do some art exhibi:ons alongside her work.
Manar graduated from MES Cairo in 2010. She is currently in her second year of higher educa:on, studying Interior Architecture and Design, at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. Following her role as student representa:ve at the Modern English School, she is the Student Representa:ve of her Course in the university's student union. She has con:nued to be a member of the Egyp:an Youth Network for Children’s Rights, and ac:vely aDended a conference for Child Par:cipa:on in January '11 during a visit back to Egypt.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MESMES
CairoCairo
will host
will host
an ALUMNI
an ALUMNI
REUNION
REUNION
partyparty
on ??????
on
Thursday 13 December 2012
PleasePlease
RSVP RSVP
to [email protected]
to ???????????
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Mazen Taji Farouki
Mary Isis Bishara
Mina Fouad
Mazen graduated from MES Cairo in 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University, where he majored in Chemical Engineering and minored in management. He now works at a top-­‐:er Management consultancy firm based in Dubai.
Mary graduated from MES Cairo in 2007. She then went to AUC to study poli:cal science, but transferred to the United States two years later arer realizing that she wanted to pursue a career in the design field instead. Mary now aDends the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, working on finishing her BFA in Interior Architecture and Design.
Mina graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. He worked at MES Cairo between October 2011 and January 2012 as a Year Five Teaching and Learning Assistant. He is currently studying Electronics Engineering at AUC.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MESMES
CairoCairo
will host
will host
an ALUMNI
an ALUMNI
REUNION
REUNION
partyparty
on ??????
on
Thursday 13 December 2012
PleasePlease
RSVP RSVP
to [email protected]
to ???????????
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Mohamed El-Basyouny
Mona W. Eid
Nour El Gendy
Mohamed graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. He is currently majoring in Interna:onal Agribusiness and Trade, at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Mona graduated from MES Cairo in 2003. She completed her BA in Journalism and Mass Communica:on from AUC. She worked in HR for a year, and then later decided to try teaching. Besides work she is doing a two year diploma in Fashion Design.
Nour graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. She is currently studying Architectural Engineering at the University Of Leeds in the U.K.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MESMES
CairoCairo
will host
will host
an ALUMNI
an ALUMNI
REUNION
REUNION
partyparty
on ??????
on
Thursday 13 December 2012
PleasePlease
RSVP RSVP
to [email protected]
to ???????????
MESconians
Email us your news at
[email protected]
Where are they now?
Omar Hariba
Omar Kojok
Rawan Farouki
Omar graduated from MES Cairo in 2010. He is currently studying Economics at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom with an eye on a career in Interna:onal Economics and Development. He is set to graduate in 2014.
Omar graduated from MES Cairo in 2011. He went on to the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) in Caux, Switzerland. He is approaching a successful 6 month internship at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona.
Rawan graduated from MES Cairo in 2003. She then obtained her Bachelor of Accoun:ng from the AUC in early 2008. She worked within the service lines of audit and corporate finance in DeloiDe. She is currently working towards the comple:on of her CPA.
ALUMNI REUNION
ALL YEARS
PARTY!!
MESMES
CairoCairo
will host
will host
an ALUMNI
an ALUMNI
REUNION
REUNION
partyparty
on ??????
on
Thursday 13 December 2012
PleasePlease
RSVP RSVP
to [email protected]
to ???????????
About the
MES Cairo Alumni Association
MESconian
Every year we will publish the MESconian, an alumni newsletter highlighting not only the various events
within MES Cairo but also those pertaining to the alumni community. Since the newsletter is for you - we
need to hear from you. Please send us information about what is going on in your life since you graduated
from MES Cairo. We want to hear about your new jobs, where you live, who you are married to and
whether or not you have heard your own sweet patter of tiny feet! Send any photos and updates to
[email protected]
If you have gotten toghether with MES Cairo Alumni classmates, tell us all about it and send us photos of
your gathering!
WAYS TO BE ACTIVE IN THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
We are looking to have an election soon to elect Alumni Association Officers. Please post your interest to
[email protected]
FACEBOOK
Now you can stay connected with MES Cairo Alumni and former classmates via Facebook. (Search for
MES Cairo - Alumni Association).
The group is an excellent way to have direct communication to both the school and your former
classmates.
School Website:
http://www.mescairo.com
School address:
New Cairo, South of Police Academy
Tel: (202) 2618-9600
Fax: (202) 26170020
Mailing address:
P.O.Box 5, New Cairo, Tagamoa Khamis, 11835, Cairo, Egypt