Three pioneering Abu Dhabi teachers honoured for role during Covid-19 pandemic

Three pioneering teachers in the UAE capital have been honoured for their contribution to the profession during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rebecca Vasconcelos, class teacher at Gems World Academy; Michele Pienaar, science teacher at Abu Dhabi International Private School; and Santhi Gopinathan, computer science teacher at Abu Dhabi Indian School, were declared winners of the World Teachers' Day Awards 2021.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), the emirate's education regulator, also launched a dedicated hotline for teachers.

It serves as a direct communication channel for teachers at Abu Dhabi’s private and charter schools to share suggestions and opinions, and have questions answered.

Both initiatives came on World Teachers' Day, which is celebrated across the world on October 5, to highlight the crucial work teachers do and the challenges they face.

They have made a truly life-changing impact on their pupils and school community, inspiring countless young minds, acting as role models and mentors

Sara Musallam

Selecting the teachers followed a rigorous process, with schools nominating candidates and Adek's judging panel choosing the top three.

Teachers were judged on how they made an impact in their classrooms and on the learning outcomes of pupils, what set them apart from their peers, and how they have made a difference to their organisations. How they dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic was also considered.

“I am incredibly honoured to have won this award," said Ms Vasconcelos.

"It symbolises a token of appreciation and recognition for all teachers who have chosen to take on one of the hardest years in education and positively reflect it into meaningful life experiences for themselves, their pupils and their learning community."

The winners each received Etihad business class return tickets to a destination of their choice, flowers and a trophy.

Sara Musallam, the chairwoman of Adek, said it was a moment to thank all of Abu Dhabi's teachers for their hard work, dedication and passion.

“They have made a truly life-changing impact on their pupils and school community, inspiring countless young minds, acting as role models and mentors," she said.

Ms Pienaar said her pupils had made it easy for her to love her job, while Ms Gopinathan said teachers needed to be patient as no two pupils are the same.

"It is important to have a passion for this profession and one must merely not view this as just a job," she said.

Adek has also launched "welcome to your new home", a guide for teachers joining schools in the emirate to help them understand the emirate's education system and explore Abu Dhabi.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and Dubai's private education regulators, also took to social media to appreciate the work of teachers on World Teachers' Day, while parents and pupils were invited to pay tributes to their favourite teachers.

UAE Rugby finals day

Games being played at The Sevens, Dubai

2pm, UAE Conference final

Dubai Tigers v Al Ain Amblers

4pm, UAE Premiership final

Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

More coverage from the Future Forum

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come

While you're here

National Editorial: Why is a Muslim Brotherhood-linked app still on Apple and Google Play?

Damien McElroy: Europe's response to Islamist extremism is encouraging but not enough

Con Coughlin: How extremists are using Zoom and other tools to exploit this pandemic

SCHEDULE

6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m

Amith's predicted winners:
6.30pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands

On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'

Marathon results

Men:

1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01

While you're here

Damien McElroy: It's too early to say who will win the vaccine hurdle race

Mustafa Alrawi: To get the 'jab' done, governments must show patience and empathy

Editorial: The fight against Covid-19 should be guided by science

SPECS

Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now

While you're here

Samanth Subramanian: Imposing Hindi could undermine India's linguistic diversity

Phil Mercer: Aboriginal musicians are struggling to be heard

Gavin Esler: What we lose when we allow languages to die

While you're here

Gavin Esler: The Good Friday Agreement teaches us some important lessons

Damien McElroy: Boris must listen to Churchill's comments on Irish divisions

Janine di Giovanni: Track 2 diplomacy key to lasting peace in 21st century

RACECARD

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)