A Our story began when the greatest of them all, the ones we call OUR MENTORS... 1 ...devoted themselves to make us those that work for the greater good, THE CREATORS. 12 We bound ourselves together through friendship and formed the LEAGUE OF LEGENDS. 14 Our power and vigor rose through THE WISE WORDS OF OUR COMRADES... 30
...that took us to the past, causing us to relive the MEMORIES we had created. 33 As we dived into the unknown, our journey was filled with ENCOUNTERS... 38 ...that fueled our ambition to rise up, into the HALL OF FAME. 52 We have grown and evolved, becoming more powerful version of us from the PAST... 55 ...but we never forgot our life's motto - WORK HARD, PLAY HARD 59
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Letter from the S Head boy and Head girl Chandhraavuarnyashi To the Batch of 2020, I will miss you all. As a latecomer to the Diyafah Community, I’ve been thrown in media res of most of your journeys to adulthood, and it’s been an incredible ride so far. As people, we’ve seen ourselves grow from having class rivalries and gossip circles, to desert safaris and camping trips. As students, we’ve seen our old stage where we performed our assemblies turned into classrooms for our senior years. PE periods were stolen by every event under the sun, conversations in corridors were cut off by perceptive teachers, hearts were broken and friendships dissolved in front of us. But from WSC at Vietnam to football at St. Mary’s, our teams worked together, and our friends stuck by us. And throughout Year 11 and Year 12, some of our closest friends moved away to different corners of the globe (mostly just Canada though), and we wished them luck and gave them their own little graduation farewells, because they were just as much a part of our batch as those that joined us just last year. Some of our most respected teachers have gone their own ways too, and they deserve just as much recognition for their contributions. We’ve infuriated teachers, but made them cards for their birthdays, we’ve seen those close to us struggle, and then watched as they shocked the world with their recoveries and achievements, and we’ve had obstacle upon obstacle thrown at us, from cancelled events to the coronavirus threatening our graduation ceremony. But with our bindings floating in the air behind us like so many torn ribbons tossed into the sky, we’ve made it past the finish line. Our lives will never be the same after 2020. Our school days are over. No more houses, no more sports days, no more carnivals, or competitions, or talent shows. And for most of us, no more classmates to embark on shenanigans with, for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Our lives’ chapter on ‘school’ is closed, and our stories will never be the same. Yet, I’m proud to say that Al Diyafah High School will never be the same either after the Batch of 2020 leaves. We changed this school for the better, and hopefully, it did the same for us. Regards, Shaurya Chandravanshi Grateful to be Head-Boy, ADHS, 2019 - 2020 30
Sheetal Alex Batch of 2020! I want to thank all my lucky stars for being able to have you all in our batch to make so many amazing memories with. While we sometimes call ourselves the “unlucky batch” for a few reasons. Every obstacle thrown at us, we conquered, and here we are graduating school. We did it! I want to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for being you and helping me be me. Thank you for helping me learn the true meaning of friendship, thank you for allowing me to take up this role as Headgirl and for all your kind words and support over the years, you made my far-fetched 10-year-old dream a reality. A huge thank you to the passionate teachers we've met along the way who really touched our hearts and ignited a fire within us, I hope we make you proud and keep in touch. I want to thank everyone I have worked with over the years- thank you for allowing me to learn so much from you. Thank you Shaurya for being the best head boy we could have asked for and for working with me all these years; I can say we truly tried our best to have the best Student Council this year and we hope we inspired someone out there to take a leap of faith and go after what they are passionate about. We’ve made some amazing memories over the years, from the time we had our overnight camp and slept over at school, to the time Jessie J visited, to when we ran around and flew kites to try to break a Guinness world record, and to all our amazing field trips. The highlight of all those memories is the time we spent together and the laughs we shared. We always say things like, “I can’t wait to leave school!”, but now that the end is near, one thing for sure is - we’re really going to miss school. I know I’m going to really miss having a place to go to everyday and being able to see the faces of the same friends from all these years and exchanging smiles in the corridors. I hope we reunite years later, as new and improved versions of ourselves, I will start my countdown to that now! Just know that I will never forget you all and will always look back at my school years as one of the fondest memories of my life. Signing out for the last time, Sheetal Alex Head girl of the ADHS batch of 2019-2020 31
Letters from the SRC DelegatEs One of the most important goals that I have had This year, I’ve had the privilege to be a in mind for my last year at school has been to part of the Council and work with some make everlasting memories that I will forever of the most active and enthusiastic Sixth cherish. As an SRC delegate, I have had the Formers. Working with Arafat has been privilege to represent, serve and interact with enlightening, and I couldn’t have asked some of the most gifted, innovative and unique for a better co-delegate. As Council personalities. I am positive that the Class of members, we have gotten the chance to 2020 will forever leave a mark in the history experience the responsibilities involved in books. From incredibly talented artists, to planning and executing school events, future professional athletes, to prospective along with having fun. Not to mention the Nobel Prize winners - I do not doubt that the food we’ve received, being a sweet Class of 2020 will ensure that the light of reward! Diyafah is spread throughout every corner of I am fortunate to have grown up with the world. some of the most exceptional Diyafites, During this year, we have set up the peer without whom I wouldn’t be in this teaching initiative, hosted debates and organised position today. Moreover, I’d also like to events such as the Alumni Fest; none of which give credits to the teachers that have would’ve been possible without the support of been incredibly supportive and provided the entire Council. A special shoutout to my us with their constant guidance, which counterpart, Ashwini, who has been pivotal in has always allowed us to achieve higher. guaranteeing the success of every event we Finally, I can surely say we have all put have set up. our best foot forward and Many meaningful and valuable friendships have accomplished well beyond our been forged throughout these thirteen capabilities. –Ashwini years, and I hope and pray that we all stay in touch. Wishing everyone all the warm love, happiness and success in the future. –Arafat 32
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INVESTITURE “A leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way and CEREMONY shows the way.” The sun rose upon the Diyafites on this prestigious day. The rays of success, confidence and joy struck the newly elected leaders of Al Diyafah High school as they were endowed with the esteemed badges. Each individual had a goal that they were passionate about 2 fulfilling alongside their fellow members and more importantly, with the teachers and students of our school. FollowiNg the oath, our Principal Mr Burgess formally addressed the Council of avid leaders, highlighting the skill set required to tackle obstacles and jump over hurdles harmoniously. The competent and confident student council of the year 2019-2020 then walked down the stage in troops of soldiers as they prepared themselves for the challenges of the future. Last but not least, the honourable ceremony was concluded by our school song, sang by each student as parents stood by and smiled with pride. 38
t s's yeacher Da It is famously quoted,“Youth and students shape our societies.” However, It is known that a student isn’t a student without their teacher. At Diyafah, we concede teachers to be the backbone of our family - dedicating a day to them is the least we could do. Teachers’ day prominently highlights the importance of our beloved teachers and offers them the love and respect they deserve. To make this day memorable, we scripted and enacted a marvellous skit that was complemented with giggles and laughter accompanied by perfect mimicry. Amid the performance, all teachers were handed a gesture of admiration and a token of appreciation. Students, overly enthusiastic about their form tutors and subject teachers walking on the ramp, couldn’t resist but get on their toes and applaud their mentor, after all, they deserve every bit of it. 39
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DIWALI COODKIIVNEG Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a major event for On the 22nd of October, during the DIVE periods, an inter house cooking millions all over the globe - our grade did not fail to competition was held for the year 13 students. Each house was randomly celebrate it with full vigour. From vivid, vibrant rangolis, assigned a cuisine - Marco Polo having Oriental, William Wordsworth having American, Jesse Owens having Mexican and Albert Einstein having diyas, and bright fairy lights, the common room was transformed into a starry wonderland. Indian. Teamwork and house spirit grew, as students planned on the dishes to create, down to the ingredients required to make it. And of course, we can’t forget the cherry on top - the sharing of meethaie! Students and teachers exchanged Finally on game day, with everybody depending on each other, the time ladoos and kaju katlis, which truly was a sweet (pun sped by mixing, cooking, tasting the dishes until it was perfect for intended) ending to a wonderful day. presentation. The dishes were judged by a few teachers, while the intense atmosphere made it almost seem like Masterchef. After the tiresome yet exhilarating cooking, the day ended with tons of eating but oh, was there a lot of cleaning up to do! 41
u 's yFo nder Da October is profoundly known to be the Pink Month, and it is devoted to the research and funding of breast cancer awareness and cure. Diyafah being an active community, takes an annual initiative to educate their students and their staff on the topic of cancer as a whole but specifically breast cancer. Diyafah has declared the 3rd of November as Pink Day. Students and teachers come dressed enthusiastically in their pink attire, looking spectacular as they would. On this day, we hoist the UAE flag to pay our tribute to our nation for providing us with an exceptional lifestyle. Moreover, we associate the memory of our founder, Mrs Winnie D’cunha, with this month. Thus, Diyafah, just like previous years, had a Founder’s Day that Year 13 oversaw. In a short due of time, we scripted a performance to pay tribute to our Founder. Students enacted the critical segments of her life, from the first day of Diyafah in a small villa to having thousands of students be a part of it. Paying a respectful tribute to the Mother of Al Diyafah was rightfully done by the students. 42
In honour of the 14th of November being World Diabetes Day, a walkathon was held at Zabeel Park. This aimed to promote exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and raise awareness about diabetes. Once again, Diyafah was sure to continue its streak of participation in this walk to pledge their support towards healthy living. This year, our group of sixth formers were entitled to hold the Diyafah flag and keep it soaring in the sky as they walked 3 kilometers, supporting and representing Diyafah in this initiative. Waking up early in the morning may have been a hassle but being amongst a sea of blue people, all walking for a single cause, felt inspiring and exciting. Besides the walk, this event also held many fitness challenges, free blood- glucose tests, sports activities and fun physical entertainment such as bouncy slides and trampolines making the experience better. The Beat diabetes walkathon 2019 raised over AED 3.67 million as funds towards diabetes care and research, and the sixth form was glad to be a part of this philanthropic campaign. 43
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