Oswald M. D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Pics : Sameeha Studio

Abu Dhabi, Feb 11 : International Community  Kindergarten, popularly known as ICK -   Abu Dhabi’s top most institution, celebrated its Glittering 35th Annual Day in the midst of distinguished guests, teachers, parents and well Wishers  on Friday, February 08 , 2013 at the imposing Shk. Zayed Auditorium of  Abu Dhabi Indian School.

This 35th Annual Day was  an nostalgic event for the parents, both past/present students  and its well wishers since it was the very last time the school held its annual day under its present name and location,   as the school will come under a new name and will be relocated elsewhere shortly.

A great chapter of ICK’ a name synonymous with one of the famous kindergartens in Abu Dhabi, a name commonly  heard in every household with tiny tots as well as would be tiny tots, a name of kindergarten to which everyone wanted to flock into – will very soon be History.

The colourful event, started with the  School’s song followed by Recitation of the Holy Quran  - Fahima Mariam.  A brilliant welcome speech was delivered by Pranav Shettigara.

It was a visual treat when the tiny tots performed brilliantly on stage depicting various educative themes vividly presented by the children between the age group of 3 – 4  years.
 
The programme included various skits and dance programmes including Bimbo‘s Birthday Bash – Jr. KG., Arabian Adventures – Sr. KG. and medley of songs – which were generously  applauded by the packed audience consisting of parents, guests  and well wishers.
 
There were hundreds of  children performing on the stage – a unique feat by itself, which shows the quality and level of training this institution imparts.
 
The event was presided over Dr. George Nader – Division Manager for Licencing and Accrediation of Abu Dhabi Education Council  (ADEC) along with Padmashree Dr. B. R. Shetty, Patron/Owner and CEO of NMC Group of Companies and other distinguished guests.
Shirley Mathias – the Vice Principal of the school ushered the Chief guest and Dr. B. R. Shetty  to the dais.
 
In his presidential speech the Chief Guest commended the school management and teachers for their effort in shaping the young toddlers for the better future.  He especially appreciated the confidence of the tiny tots  on stage showing their talent and buoyancy.
 
In her school report the energetic Principal of the School – Sylvia Pais highlighted the journey of the kindergarten over a period of past 35 years, was dynamic and with fruitful success. The humble start of this school,  like the ancient gurukula type education with handful of tiny tots in one of the tiny flats with a sole noble purpose of helping working parents.
 
However, very soon with lady luck, the school grew up over a period of years both in numbers as well as in fame under the famous banner of ILA Crèche and Nursery. As they were riding high with recognition from every corner, they were luckily destined to be under the able leadership of the great philanthropist and wonderful human being Padmashree  Dr. B.R. Shetty, yet under another name ‘International Community Kindergarten – ICK’
 
Currently the school has a full  capacity strength of 600 students who are nurtured and trained for the future.  Various activities are being conducted throughout the year by means of competitions, field trips, sports etc. This is mainly because of ICK has dedicated staff who invest their  time and resources for the betterment of every single ward and for their accomplishments both in and out of the classrooms. To serve ably the needs of their wards, ICK has a staff strength of 42 inclusive of support staff who are totally committed and serve as positive spirit behind the institution.

During the occasion the outstanding students for the year 2012 – 2013  were honored by the chief guest.

Also during the programme the teachers with long service, the persons who had been serving the school in various capacities too were honoured along with the Principal Sylvia Pais for their dedicated and selfless service .

Every teacher of ICK is well qualified, efficient and extremely capable of undertaking mammoth tasks like the annual day preparations. It is awesome the amount of hard work that goes in behind one successful Annual day. The teachers go thru this routine every year with the same degree of enthusiasm and zeal. They are a lively, bubbly and friendly bunch always overflowing with creative ideas and innovative ways to captivate the attention of their wards and keep them happily asking for more.

During the proceedings as a token of gratitude a special standing ovation was accorded  to Dr. B. R. Shetty for fulfilling his promise he had given a few years ago to  establish a school taking into consideration the plight of the hapless parents in finding a school for their wards which was a nighmare for them with no ray of hope and when all doors were shut there came this dashing personality having no clue whatsoever and without backing of any resources, yet with zeal, confidence and love for one’s community, assuring every single parent an established school of their own by the academic year to follow.

As a fruit of determined mission of this great personality an  ultra modern school  named  ‘BRIGHT RIDERS’ with 21st century progressive education in this very new academic year to make dream comes true of thousands of Indian parents within the limited time frame, fulfilling all stringent specifications of all Authorities concerned.
The glittering function which kept the audience spellbound concluded with the National Anthem of both UAE and India.

The event was ably compeered by Anna George.