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Video: Sheikh Hamdan opens Dubai school's 50th anniversary celebrations

Sheikh Hamdan shares a light moment with Sunny Varkey during the golden jubilee celebrations at the GEMS Our Own English High School in Al Warqa, Dubai, on Monday. - Photo by Dhes Handumon

Dubai - The school started out with three teachers and 27 students in Al Bastakiya area of Dubai in 1968.

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By Dhanusha Gokulan

Published: Tue 10 Apr 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Wed 11 Apr 2018, 12:44 AM

The courtyard of the GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai, was brimming with excited students as they welcomed the Crown Prince of Dubai to launch the school's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council,  launched the first-day of the school's year-long celebrations at the school campus on Monday. Sheikh Hamdan, in the presence of founder of GEMS Education Sunny Varkey, planted a tree in the school grounds and unveiled a commemorative plaque as well. The school that started out with three teachers and 27 students in Al Bastakiya area of Dubai in 1968, Our Own, has now grown to host 10,200 students.
A 1,000-member student choir sang the UAE national anthem as well as the school song, and hosted an entertainment programme after the official inaugural function. The ceremony at Al Warqa'a campus in Dubai was also attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance; Dino Varkey, CEO of GEMS Education, and other school principals.
The event also witnessed participation from 2,000 parents and 200 members of the school alumni. Speaking about the monumental event, Sunny Varkey said: "I'm extremely proud of the legacy this school carries with our dedicated staff and families who have supported us over the years in bringing out the genius in every child." Meanwhile, Dino Varkey said that he expects more Indian curriculum 'Our Own' brand of schools to crop up in Dubai in the coming years. 
Dino who also happens to be an alumnus of the school, said: "My first day of kindergarten didn't go too well. I remember crying too much and I was removed from the school premises since I created too much of a ruckus. Jokes apart, I am a proud GEMS alumni."
He added: "When the school started out in 1968', the annual school fee was Dh900 per year. Today, it is Dh10,000 per year." 
School executive principal Thomas Mathew said that the celebrations would continue for the entire year.
"The next event is a charity drive that would be done in collaboration with the Dubai Cares. We would like to celebrate the year by giving back to the community."
Former school principal Suresh Mathur, who was in the school from 1989-2000 also attended the festivities and said: "When I left the school, it was a two-shift system and it is truly incredible how far the school has grown." Rheanne Lewis, a 16-year-old student of the school, said: "I am very proud to be part of the 50th anniversary celebrations." 
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com  

Dhanusha Gokulan

Published: Tue 10 Apr 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Wed 11 Apr 2018, 12:44 AM

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