Fifteenth anniversary

DISD celebrates its 15th anniversary with a look back at emotional moments and cultural diversity.

Beaming faces, cheerful music and a pinch of nostalgia filled the air as the German International School Dubai (DISD) celebrated its 15th anniversary on January 25. The festive event kicked off at 8 a.m. in the lovingly decorated school canteen, where student students, teachers, parent representatives, representatives of the German International School Association and guests of honor came together to celebrate this significant milestone.

The celebrations opened with a warm welcome from the school management, followed by an enchanting program that looked back at the school's founding 15 years ago. Since then, DISD has continued to promote German-language education in Dubai while maintaining its international focus.

Consul General Sybille Pfaff emphasized the successes of the last 15 years: "In just 15 years, this delicate little plant has blossomed into the largest German school abroad in the Gulf. The DISD offers an excellent learning environment in which true global citizens develop. Congratulations on the 15th anniversary!"

An emotional highlight of the event were short interviews on stage by Principal Michael Lummel with long-time staff, students and former students who shared their most meaningful DISD experiences. Alexandra Soliman-Kühne, who has worked in the kindergarten since 2008, shared a heartwarming story about a former kindergarten child who visited her as a secondary school student and thanked her for a great time. Two student of the current graduating class, Noah and Feras, have actually been at DISD since 2008 and vividly remember their kindergarten days. Alumni Janis Kienberger, who graduated from DISD in 2012, emphasized how comfortable he had always felt at DISD.

The celebrations were accompanied by impressive performances from the primary school choir, Year 5 and the staff choir. Choir director Valentyna Halushko had rehearsed a special birthday song with the student students.

The diversity within the school community was underlined by cultural stalls set up by parents as part of International Day. The guests of honor, which included Mohammed Sharaf from the Sharaf Group and Oliver Oehms from the AHK, were warmly invited to take a stroll through the International Day market, where 18 stands presented the parents' countries of origin and traditions with interesting information, lovely decorations and culinary delights.

Another highlight of the festive day was the presentation of DISD's new mascot - a cuddly camel named Sunny, lovingly christened by the students. German baker Sven Mostegl donated festive doughnuts for the entire school. There was also a big celebration in the kindergarten on this day.

The German International School Dubai looks to the future with confidence and reaffirms its commitment to excellence in education, intercultural exchange and personal development. The 15th anniversary celebration was not only a look back at successes, but also an inspiring look forward to the years to come, where the school will continue to nurture young talent and create an outstanding learning environment.