Graduation 2023 at DISD

On May 23, the German Consul General Sybille Pfaff presented the graduation certificates to the 28 high school graduates and five secondary school students at the German International School Dubai. Three of the graduates, or 11% of the class, achieved the dream A-level average of 1.1. The overall average is 2.1. One fifth of the graduates achieved a grade of 1.5 or better.

After a short welcome, the principal Michael Lummel gave the stage to his deputy Dr Sammy Wafi, as he was allowed to attend this evening as the father of a high school graduate. Dr Sammy Wafi, Consul General Sybille Pfaff and the Vice Chairman of the DISD Advisory Board, Gregor Amon, congratulated the graduates on their success.

Dr. Sammy Wafi began his address with a quote from Goethe: "Everything we encounter leaves traces. Everything contributes imperceptibly to our education." He emphasized the special way the experiences and encounters during their school years in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai have shaped the graduates. "You are open-minded, multicultural, multilingual - learned to look at everything from different perspectives. You leave DISD as true citizens of the world."

Sybille Pfaff echoed the previous speaker, emphasizing the internationality of DISD students and wishing the graduates to stay true to Germany and the UAE: "Keep building bridges between cultures, between people, and take those with you who might need a little push." 

Gregor Amon noted that the Abslovent* are living in an extremely exciting time that is constantly being changed and improved by technology. "Take advantage of these opportunities. The future is in your hands. With your determination and commitment, you can change the world." He quoted Steve Jobs "Your time is limited, dont waste it living someone elses' life. In short: Be yourself! Follow your dreams. No one can make the contribution that you can make. Be brave, be authentic and dare to go your own way."

A big thank you also went to all parents and teachers of the graduating classes. Especially the class teachers Simone Suffel (10a), Ulrich Grimm (10b), Stefanie Altay (12a) and Ines Wingrich (12b) as well as the heads of secondary school, Zeljko Babic and Melanie Zaidi, who accompanied the graduates intensively.

For their great A-level grade of 1.1, three DISD students, Karma Elgharib, Carolina Knecht and Neela Lummel received the Advisory Board's award for best performance. Also honored was Aqida Said, who improved the most in her high school years. Kim Rabe and Christian Jabs were awarded the Advisory Board Prize for the best performance in the middle school graduation.

A musical highlight was provided by the secondary school choir under the Head of Ms. Fleury. "Auf das da noch kommt" ("To what is yet to come") put the graduates in a nostalgic but also motivating farewell mood.

The emotional final scene of the event was the last ringing of the school bell for the graduates. All the best and good luck to our graduating class of 2023!