FDC          

 

The Friends of Dubai College

The Friends of Dubai College is a group open to all parents of the College, former students and their families, teachers, staff and friends within the wider community.

FDC aims to support a range of activities across fund-raising, social, community and cultural events to complement and enrich the educational experience of the students at Dubai College, as well as being a forum for parents to engage in the social side of school life. The group is represented by an annually elected committee who are responsible for the organisation of events and who work to ensure that a sense of well being within the Dubai College community continues to grow.

All potential members of the FDC are encouraged to support the committee in any way. The present committee consists of the following members:

Committee list

Alaister Murray (Treasurer)
Andrew Laven
Anna Zickerman-Quinn
Ashlee Middleton
Belinda Southby
Elianna Skouroupathis
Graham Penson
John Merrigan (Chairman)
Julie Heyster
Mark Kenaghan
Martin Jalili
Mike Johnson
Mona Gulamhusein
Neity Maddock 
Nisha Peshori
Omar Shams
Peter Hill
Sarah Javanshiri
Sarah Rogers
Seema Mehra (Secretary)
Shital Kataria

A Message from the Chairman

On behalf of the members of the FDC committee may I begin by wishing every member of the Dubai College community a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. 

The interruptions to last term affected our planned programme of events but, despite the global turmoil, we are looking forward to an active and enjoyable spring term where we are able to build upon our past successes.  During the coming months we shall be organising the following events:

Upcoming Events

February 2010
Golf Day (Emirates Golf Club)
Year 7 Fun Day

March 2010
Table Top Sale
Battle of the Bands

April 2010
Quiz Night

May 2010
Race Night (Irish Village)

June 2010
FDC Ball

 

The FDC will of course continue to provide catering and refreshments at most of the key sporting events held at the College. Anyone who attended the DC Sevens rugby tournament will know how much the work of parents and committee members adds to the success of such events. We were also pleased to assist with the provision of medical care and water for all teams.  Thanks go to Mrs Ashlee Middleton and her helpers who have also continued to raise funds with the sale of second-hand uniforms and refreshments at parents’ evenings. .

Through these and other events, the FDC aims to raise funds for various projects at the school. In 2007, an outside chessboard was formally commissioned in the courtyard and in 2008 a large electronic scoreboard was installed in the sports hall. Other larger projects are under consideration for next year as more funds are raised and new ventures rolled-out. We also make a point of consulting with the student body to understand their areas of interest.

None of the above happens without the great support the FDC receives. In particular, the Headmaster and the Bursar, Captain Higgins, give encouragement and advice to ensure we stay on track. Several teachers have given their time and energy, and our sponsors have generously donated assuring us of their continued support.

Above all, I would like to thank the parents and students who continue to support the FDC and make it unique, a key part of life at Dubai College, and something that we all enjoy doing.

You can keep track of the FDC activities on this website or through our newsletter, Friends Talk. We shall also post notices of upcoming events on the new electronic bulletin that is being trialled this term.

Finally please contact us if you would like to get involved or have any comments/suggestions for us.

We look forward to your continued support.

John Merrigan

Chair - FDC
 

FDC Race Night

Sixty staff and parents turned out to support the recent FDC Fun Race Night held at the Majlis Room in the Irish Village. Despite the relatively low turnout the evening managed to raise around 9,000 dhs. A huge thank you must go to Clarke Francis and his E Sports organization for again supporting the event. A star prize of a Portable Play Station was also provided by Sony. Mr. Chris House was particularly delighted to be invited into the ‘Owners Enclosure’ so often and together with other guests, would very much like to thank parent, Mr. Mark Rogers for supplying the necessary ambrosia to make the venue such a success. The evening ran smoothly thanks primarily to the efforts of Donna Merrigan and Laura Murray and the technical wizardry of the Chairman John Merrigan. Also the efforts of Mr. Case throughout the week were much appreciated. Finally a big thank you goes to Mrs. Shital Kataria for her continued support of the event.

FDC Sponsor Swimming Pool Cover

Thanks go to the FDC for providing the funds for a much needed cover for the swimming pool. In addition to bringing about more constant temperatures the pool has also contributed to lowering the general maintenance costs.

FDC New Parents' Evening/Annual General Meeting

The FDC New Parents' Evening/Annual General Meeting evening on 3rd November 2009 provided an opportunity to the new parents to meet each other and the FDC members informally and enjoy a delicious array of assorted sandwiches, snacks, cakes and beverages. The evening started promptly with a short welcome by the Headmaster, Dr. Carlo Ferrario. This was followed by an introduction by FDC Chairman, John Merrigan on the FDC’s role in the Dubai College community. Other committee members spoke briefly giving a short overview of activities held over the last year and the proposed activities for the year ahead. Many parents volunteered their services to join the committee and help out in the future FDC events. The upcoming events to look forward to are: