Al Yasat Private School
IN THIS SECTIONElementary School
Alberti Strydom
HoD Math/Science/ICT; ES Class Teacher (G4)
Alberti Strydom completed her teaching degree in both English and Accounting from the North West University (South Africa) in 2010.She was an English teacher for five years and Head of Performing Arts in Hartbeespoort High School in South Africa. Alberti loves drama and music and is keen to perform in community theater. She enjoys the arts, traveling and spending time with family. Alberti aspires to advance her studies in Education and teaching English as a second language.
Andrew Michael
ES Class Teacher/HoD English/PE/Performing Arts (G5)
Mr. Andrew Petrucci is a qualified English and ESL teacher originally from Niagara Falls, Canada. Among his other titles are father, expat, travel blogger, and published poet. In addition to his passion for writing, he spends time roaming the globe, hiking, swimming and reading. Professionally, Mr. Andrew began his teaching career in London, England where he worked as substitute teacher, SEN teacher, and one-on-one tutor for students dismissed from mainstream schools. He has also spent time teaching ESL to adults in Toronto and worked as a classroom teacher in Kuwait.
Brendza Venter
Grade 5 Leader; ES Class Teacher
Originally from Durban, South Africa, Brendza has been living and teaching at a private school in Dubai for the past 6 years. She thoroughly enjoys the diverse culture and warm climate of the UAE; and tries to be as active as possible through cycling, diving and any other physical activity. She loves reading and is a keen rugby and cricket supporter. Brendza is the proud mother of an adult son and daughter (twins).
Paul Karel Triegaardt
ES Class Teacher (G5)
Kevin Brosnan
ES Class Teacher (G5)
Kevin came to Abu Dhabi in 2018 from Scotland where he studied a Post Graduate Diploma in Education with the University of Strathclyde. After graduating he spent a year teaching grade 3 in Holy Cross Primary School in Scotland. In the 2018-2019 Academic year Kevin was teaching grade 5 in Al Basma British School in Abu Dhabi. This is Kevin’s second time in the UAE, from 2012-2016 Kevin taught in Sabis International School of Choueifat Al Ain for 4 years. During his time here, he specialized teaching English and Social Studies for Grades 2-6. In 2011, Kevin was awarded a Bachelor of Arts from the University College Cork, in Economics and Geography. Kevin has always known that teaching is his passion as he loves to inspire and ignite an interest in education within students. For his own professional development Kevin went on to become a Manager for a Summer Camp for two summers with Kings Camps UK and in doing so built strong communication and leadership skills helping children develop their basic fundamental skills. Outside of school, Kevin enjoys keeping fit and playing team sports. Kevin is involved in a 5 a side soccer league which he continues to participate in every week.
Nida Fatima Faisal
Grade 4 Leader; ES Class Teacher (G4)
Nida has been teaching for the past 12 years, catering to multiple and diverse curricula. She is an experienced teacher, curriculum advisor and subject coordinator. Nida completed her Masters in Economics and Finance with first division. She went on to complete a Bachelors in Education and gained CELTA certification from the University of Cambridge. Nida has performed stupendously in her academic and professional life. She enjoys reading, watching movies and spending quality family time. Nida is looking forward to an exuberant learning year ahead to achieve year-end teaching and learning goals.
Joanne Lynne Diedericks
ES Class Teacher (G4)
Joanne embarked on her teaching career in 2002, teaching for a school as part of a Learnership Programme, whilst studying part time toward her Bachelor of Education degree. In so doing, Joanne cemented her passion and love for teaching. Being determined to excel in her studies, but not able to take on a heavier academic load while teaching full-time, Joanne enrolled to complete her degree on a full-time basis. During her third year at university, Joanne was selected by the Dean of the Education Faculty to participate in a Student Teacher Exchange Programme in Scotland. This experience had a great impact on Joanne and planted a seed to teach internationally. Joanne went on to graduate Cum Laude, in the top four of her class, specialising in Intermediate Phase teaching. After graduating, Joanne took up a Grade 5 teaching position at a primary school in her hometown of Port Elizabeth. She thoroughly enjoyed this position and viewed her colleagues as her extended family. She took on many roles outside of the classroom, coaching mini-cricket and mini-hockey, being the Editor of her school magazine, being the Secretary of the school’s Sport Supporter’s Club, as well as being involved in preparing and rehearsing students for stage productions. After eight years of teaching at this school, her yearning to teach internationally prompted Joanne to seek a teaching position in the UAE. Joanne has taught in the UAE for the past three years and has gained very valuable experience.
Arifa Sultana
ES Class Teacher (G3)
Arifa Sultana completed her first Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in biology; then the passion for teaching led her to undertake a second Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed) from Karachi University. Since, then she has been teaching in various capacities and has teaching experience of more than 10 year in the UAE and in Pakistan. She has completed several short courses and workshops from organisations including ERDC, GEMS, ADEC and BERLITZ. Arifa has also been involved in leadership and administrative roles along with teaching throughout her career. Arifa enjoys teaching Maths and Science subjects to Grades 1 to 3 and has a comprehensive experience in understanding child’s psychology and to adapt teaching techniques for better advancement in child’s learning experience.
Colette Cronin
ES Class Teacher (G3)
Colette has two years teaching experience, having graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland. Her work has been primarily based in the area of Special Educational Needs. This focus has allowed her to prioritise the learning needs of students helping all to reach their full potential. Colette also has 3 years’ experience working in an English language School in Ireland, working with both children and adults, from a number of countries learning English as an Additional Language. As a teacher it is important to foster and develop students’ individual strengths as she believes learning for life is the ultimate goal of education. In her spare time Colette enjoys all sports and looks forward to joining a GAA club in Abu Dhabi.
Gemma Gorman
ES Class Teacher (G3)
Ms. Gemma is a diligent, enthusiastic and adaptable teacher from Ireland. She graduated from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick with a First Class Honors Bachelor of Education and Psychology degree. She has accumulated ample teaching experience in the classroom and through private tuition. Her current two-year employment is in a multicultural primary school, where she has taught junior classes. She believes that a teacher’s role is to remove the barriers to learning and enable every child to reach his/her full potential. Therefore, each day her aim is to focus on the strengths of each child and allow her respect for equality to guide her pupil-expectations. The psychology aspect of her degree equips her to gain insights into the developmental needs of children to better understand how to cater for their individual differences in learning. Within her classroom, education and psychology work interdependently to enhance the teaching, to foster pupil motivation, to employ effective assessment tools and to promote positive pupil-teacher rapport. Outside of the classroom Ms. Gemma enjoys sport, she plays Gaelic Football and has coached the senior spikeball team in her school to the National finals. She also likes to sing, socialise with friends and travel. She is very excited at the prospect of joining the Al Yasat team and looks forward to the forthcoming adventure.
Huma Imran
Grade 2 Leader; ES Class Teacher
Huma has been in the teaching profession for the past 8 years. She received her Master’s degree in Arts from ‘The Government College University’, Lahore, Pakistan, with ‘Economics’ as her major subject. She went on to teach at a local school for two and a half years as a Grade 3 Homeroom teacher. During her tenure there, Huma was also a subject teacher for a short period of time teaching ‘History’ and ‘Geography’ to Grades 5, 6 and 7. After moving to United Arab Emirates, initially, Huma worked at ‘Al- Shohub Private School’ as a substitute teacher for a couple of months. Huma joined Al Yasat Private School in 2008, and has been associated with the school since then. She has taught Grade 1 and 2. Currently, Huma is part of Kindergarten section of the Primary School as a KG2 teacher. She has recently successfully completed her IPGCE (International Post Graduate Certificate in Education) from the University of Warwick, England, providing her with a certified teacher certificate. Throughout Huma’s teaching career she has had the opportunity to attend and participate in professional development workshops in and outside the school. Apart from teaching, Huma loves listening to music, travelling and dining out.
Amna Shahid
ES Class Teacher (G2)
Amna is a Master Degree holder, completed in 2003 with flying colors and awarded with a Gold Medal along with an academic roll of honour. During 2014, I have successfully completed my B.Ed. degree with major in English. With hands on teaching experience of almost 6 years, I have utilized my energies to help students to reach their fullest potential. My aim is to fully utilize my training and skills in an active teaching methodologies in order to provide students with a positive & effective learning experience in accordance with 21st Century Skills. I love my job and believe strongly in the power of education.
Rachel Faith O 'Riordan
ES Class Teacher (G2)
Rachael graduated with an honours degree from Mary Immaculate College in Ireland. During her time in university she had the opportunity to specialise in the area of Special Education Needs, an area which has helped her to identify the learning targets and needs of many of her past and current students. Rachael has been teaching for ten years in total. She has been teaching in Abu Dhabi for three years now and her most recent post was at an ADEC school where she was the Year Lead for the Grade 4 classes. Rachael also taught at Belvedere British School where she was responsible for teaching Grade 2 for two years. Rachael enjoys creating a positive, and supportive learning environment for her students which promotes high expectations for both the learning and behaviour of students. Rachael provides ongoing support and assessment in her classroom which allows room for growth and feedback on the children's progress. In her spare time Rachael enjoy keeping physically active in the gym, cooking and travelling the world.
Kevin Crean
ES Class Teacher (G2)
Kevin is a very energetic and enthusiastic teacher. Kevin qualified from Dublin Institute of Technology where he attained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. He worked as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland. He then received his Graduate Diploma in education from St Patrick’s College Drumcondra in Ireland. Kevin has 3 years teaching experience in a primary school in Ireland where he has mainly taught the middle classes. As a member of the Wexford Musical Society, Kevin loves to use Music and Drama as a daily in his teaching routine, to promote language and particularly to build children’s self-esteem. Kevin has done a lot to promote all aspects of Sport and a healthy lifestyle in his school. He is the manager of his of all Gaelic Games teams in his school including: rounder’s, swimming, basketball soccer and his own particular favourites being Gaelic Football and Hurling. He also plays both hurling and football and looks forward to playing both codes in Abu Dhabi.
Sara Zubi
Grade 1 Leader; ES Class Teacher (G1)
Sarah Al Zu’bi joined Al Yasat Privet School as Garde 1 & 2 Homeroom Teacher in August 2015. She has nearly 7 years of experience in teaching ICT, Mathematics, English and Social Studies courses. She joined Al Yasat from Jordan’s Mashrek International School, where she worked as an IB PYP ICT teacher responsible for teaching and leading the implementation of the PYP Technology program in accordance with the school’s Guiding Statements and IB Mission. Since joining Al Yasat Privet School; Sarah has been teaching Grade 1 and 2 pupils multiple subjects (Mathematics, English and Social Studies) through the use of a variety of instruction strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, lecture, discovery to conduct lessons and translate lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction and create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers. Sarah has a strong verbal and written communication skills in Arabic and English, intensive experience working in multicultural and multilingual environments, a proven problem-solving and creative thinking skills. She also holds certification in IB PYP, Google Education and has attended various Kagan Corporative Learning Structures workshops hosted at Al Yasat Privet School. Sarah holds a bachelor degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from the University of Jordan. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her small family. She is also an avid traveler and loves to broaden her experiences of world cultures.
Shafaq Abbas
ES Class Teacher (G1)
Shafaq is from Pakistan and has worked in Abu Dhabi as an early years teacher for 10 years although this is her second time living in the UAE after relocating from Switzerland. She has a Masters degree in Business, a Bachelor of Education and an Early childhood Diploma CACHE 3. Prior to returning to Al Yasat School in 2016, Shafaq was a special needs teacher in GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi and before that she was a team leader and curriculum coordinator at Al Yasat school from the year 2006-2012. Shafaq is a mother of 2 gorgeous girls and enjoys traveling, cooking, dancing, playing games, and of course, teaching! She has been enjoying her time here and is looking forward to another year full of fun, laughter and learning.
Sherie Brown
ES Class Teacher (G1)
Mary Joseph
ES Class Teacher (G1)
Mary Joseph has been living and working as a teacher for over 25 years in Abu Dhabi. She has done a bachelors in Psychology and Education and also holds a diploma in Primary teaching. She has worked for 11 long years in the Indian curriculum and another 11 years in the British curriculum(Al Shohub school), later on moved to Diyafah International school to work as Key Stage leader. Her experience with students and staff has been excellent as she is cooperative and a team player. Mary always explores new ways of teaching methods as to keep up a vibrant learning environment! Her commitment is to bring out the best and innate abilities of every child. Both her children did their schooling at Al Yasat and now are in university.
Sheima Al Kubeisi
HoD Arabic/IS/UAE SS; ES Islamic Teacher
Sheima has ten years of experience teaching and co-ordinating Islamic studies. She is in her fifth year at Al Yasat. Before joining Al Yasat Private School Sheima worked at Dubai and Baghdad channels supervising and presenting TV programs in addition to her teaching. Sheima holds first aid and emergency evacuation qualifications because she believes that all children should learn in a safe, caring, protecting environment. Also enjoying Arts and crafts calligraphy and poetry. One of Sheima’s self-set targets is to see all children enjoying learning with high self-confidence to reach what they aspire.
Ishraq Mohamed Elsayed
ES Islamic Studies Teacher
Ishraq from Egypt and has been living in the UAE for the past 9 years with her family. She has 8 years experience in teaching Islamic studies in UAE and her dream is to ensure that as many students as possible has access to the highest standards of Islamic Education. Ishraq thoroughly believes that education should be a creative process. Students should be prepared for life and for careers that do not even exist in this current day. Students also should be developed holistically in the school. The aim of the school should be to develop good human being as much as academically gifted individuals.
Rasha Aqqad
ES Islamic Studies Teacher
Rasha obtained Bachelor in Islamic Law - Sharia (Religion Essentials). Before coming to Al Yasat Private School she taught Islamic Studies for two years in Emirates Private School covering grades 5-10 for both boys and girls. Prior to emirates Private School, Rasha taught in Egypt for two years. She is a positive, hardworking teacher who does her best to develop students’ level in Islamic Studies in accordance with the vision, mission of ADEC and the vision and mission of the school, in cooperation with all parties involved in the educational process.
Nesreen Aref Al-Garalehh
ES Islamic Studies Teacher
Nesreen is an Arabic and Islamic teacher. She has 16 years of experience working in schools in Jordan (12 years) and in the UAE (4 years). There’s nothing quite like teaching. Nesreen believes she is lucky, because through teaching, she is able to live her passion. She loves working with kids, loves inspiring learning and loves the results of her hard work. There’s no better feeling than seeing one student finally get it.
Samira Mohamed
ES Arabic Teacher
Sameera comes from Palestine and has been an Arabic teacher since 1994. She has many years of experience of teaching the Arabic language and prides herself in being a professional member of her school community. Her love of students, passion for Arabic teaching and care of each student all help to improve each student’s proficiency at speaking, reading and writing Arabic and brings her close to the children’s hearts.
Mohammed Hassan
ES Arabic Teacher
Mr. Mohamed Sayed Hassan is from Egypt. He studied Arabic and Islamic through the Faculty of Education at the Assut University in Egypt. He has 11 years’ teaching experience in Arabic and Islamic Studies in the UAE. His first teaching experience was teaching elementary, middle and high school students in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He joined the Al Yasat family in 2015 as an Arabic teacher.
Ashgan Bendary
ES Arabic Teacher
Ashgan Bendary is an Arabic teacher. She was born and grew up in Egypt. Ashgan graduated from Banha University and traveled to the UAE in 2006. She started teaching at the Private Castle School in 2007 for two years. After her contract was completed Asgan was offered a position at Al-Munira Private School. She is married and has two children. Her message in education is perseverance, building a well educated and creative generation that can face real life challenges. She has many interests including reading stories, listening to music and Arabic handwriting .
Shaimaa Sobhy Abdelfattah Elbalawy
ES Arabic Teacher
Mrs. Shaima Sobhy Abdel Fattah El-Bealawy is an Egyptian Nationality 28 years old Graduated from the Faculty of Arats and Education Department of Arabic Language and Islamic Studies Menoufia University 2011 she is married and has two children She started her career in the UAE in 2013, She has worked in 3 schools before Alyasat school Private school. Her current job in al yasat private school as Arabic teacher started September 2018. Her favorite things are reading books on women's issues and following fashion news.
Ahlam Sbaih
ES Arabic Teacher
Asmaa Hussein
ES Arabic Teacher
Asmaa Hussein is a qualified Arabic teacher for Arabs and Non-Arabs. She holds a B.A. in Arabic Language from Egypt and has eight years experience in teaching Arabic in American, British and French curriculum schools. She has lived in the UAE since 2010 and loves her life here with her family. She enjoys working in UAE schools. Asmaa likes to attend workshops to obtain new skills and to keep updated about the latest educational tools. She is also interested in the use of modern technological educational tools. Being a team player, Asmaa is focused on self improvement, problem solving and flexibility. Her favourite hobby is Reading.
Hiba Mohamed
ES UAE Social Studies Teacher
Hiba Mohamed Elmahdy received her BA from SUEZ Canal University in Egypt where she completed her Bachelor Degree in History Studies. Following this she accomplished two special Diploma; one in Teaching and the other in Education Technology. Hiba has a total of 14 years of experience in different Elementary and Middle schools for different classes. She has been teaching Arabic Social Studies in Al Yasat Private School since 2011. Hiba enjoys most outdoor activities as well as reading and exploring new parts of the world.
Abdul Raof Musa Ismail Al-Garaleh
ES UAE Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Ahmed has a Bachelor degree in Social Studies from the University Cairo, Egypt and has taught in schools in Abu Dhabi and abroad. Family and teamwork are my aspirations. He adores sports like tennis, swimming as well as reading, music and art as some other of my hobbies. He is married and a father to three children; Amr, Abdallah and Khadija. He has 10 years’ experience in teaching Social Studies across the early years and primary students, including teaching Social Studies across different abilities and special educational needs. He is a motivated team worker, and is familiar with the new educational techniques and strategies, using creative methods to interact with his students. Joining Al Yasat Private School has been an ambition to enhance his experience with preparing young students to be ready for life. Mr, Ahmed always believed that teaching talent is a gift of god but needs all the time to develop and modernize.
Babu Shajan
ES PE Teacher
Mr. Babu shagin Abdul Majeed is from kerala, India. He has done his Bachelor s degree in Physical Education from BPCAS college, University of Bombay on 1989 also did Master’s degree in Physical Education from the same University on 1994. He’s a Karate black belt 4th dan holder. He has a wealth of working experience , over 29 years in various institutions. From the last 18 years he’s a part of Al Yasat family. teaching kinder garden, Elementary/Secondary /High school. He has also won many gold medals in University level as well as UAE open Athletics meets . Also he is teaching our students Karate, yoga, gymnastics , and after school activities. He has a way to engage the younger children in teaching them fundamental coordination skills with a positive and effective learning experience in accordance with 21st century skills. Babu has organized UAE open athletic meet at various Organizations in UAE As well as India from last 29 years. He was the referee for Asian karate championship in the year 2 05. He received certificate from SHEIKHA FATHIMA AL QASIMI(private education department Chairperson) for scouts and guides leaders training program on 1997 and he train’s our students Scouts And Guides . He was also a part of UAE’s TAJ ambassadors “FIT FOR LIFE “program conducted in France on 2007.His teaching sector is Athletics, Football, Basketball, Vollyball, Tennis , Badminton, cricket, swimming, Karate, Yoga ,gymnastics, body fitness training, scouts and guides ,Massdrills ,March past,….Ect…. He spends his leisure time in various community development programs in different organization’s in UAE. After the last 29 years of teaching career he feels the job of teaching is not just a profession but a life style.
Andrea B. Vasquez
ES PE Teacher
Andrea hails from Colombia, South America, where she received her Bachelor´s Degree in Physical Education. She has volunteered in teaching sports to different ages from different nationalities prior her degree. In coming to the UAE Andrea wanted to know and learn more about the local culture. She has been teaching in the UAE for 2 years and is looking forward to joining Al Yasat. Andrea enjoys traveling and playing sports.
Marissa Verona
ES Music Teacher
Marissa Verona graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservatory of Music - Major in Voice from Centro Escolar University in the Philippines. She has a total of 19 years experience teaching Music from elementary to high school. Marissa joined Al Yasat Private School in 2007. In addition to her teaching schedule, Marissa arranges group ensembles for school programs, and she works hard to ensure that each program is successful and enjoyable for students, teachers, and adjudicators. She also teaches voice, guitar and Zumba lessons during after school activity period and hopes to pass on her love of music to her students. She finds music career the most satisfying experience when students stage their performances.
Krishna Das
ES Art Teacher
Krishna is an Art Teacher, working at Al Yasat Private School for past 7 years. She holds a master in Fine art from Rabindra Bharity University and Bachelor in Visual art from Indian Art College. During the past seven years she dedicated herself to create a positive learning environment and making a difference in student lives through art. As an art teacher her goal is to point out the hidden artistic essence in the subject of art and objects, most specially the ones that are not commonly thought of an artistic light. She is also very interested in Digital photography and Graphic designs.
Emelita Reveche
ES Assistant Teacher
Emelita earned a Bachelor of Science degree Major in Mathematics in the Philippines. She is a licensed teacher and had a teaching appointment from Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). Before moving in to Al Yasat as an assistant teacher, Emelita was a full time teacher in a private school in Abu Dhabi for nine years. She is passionate, communicates easily with children, and a team player.
Iris Valera
ES Assistant Teacher
She believes that teaching is more than a job; it is a mission clothed with dedication, commitment, and true service to impart knowledge in filling the minds of the learners, inculcate character building, and enhance the imagination of the learners to become creative individuals as well. Iris graduated from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City Philippines with a degree of Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science. She obtained her Bachelor of Secondary Education with English literature as field of concentration, earned the Master of Arts in Supervision and Administration and has completed the academic requirements of Ph.D. She is a licensed teacher of her home country and currently holds an ADEC appointment as a teacher here in Abu Dhabi, UAE. An Elementary Academic Coordinator for ten years at Philippine National School, Abu Dhabi, UAE. She writes oratorical and declamation pieces for students joining the Literary Speech fest across the school and outside, and does hosting job in every school program. She writes celebratory speeches during her teaching stint.
Lovella Suwaybaguio
ES Assistant Teacher
Lovella started to enter the teaching world last 2003. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Physics (BSEd PHYSICS) at Mindanao State University, Philippines. For 6 years she was able to teach Science at Philippine National School, Abu Dhabi. She’s also been a Physics, Chemistry and Algebra teacher way back in the Philippines. Lovella loves to teach because she believes that there is no such greater feeling than being a part of student’s success.
Michelle Losaria
ES Assistant Teacher
Michelle believes that educators make a lasting impact in the lives of their students. This belief led her to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Degree, majoring in English. She also holds a Diploma in Basic Catechetics, major in Evangelism. Additionally, because of her passion in playing musical instruments, she studied at the Conservatory of Music. Michelle has taught English and Values Education subjects in various schools in the Philippines. Three years before coming to UAE, she focused on teaching musical instruments at the Tri-World International Music Center. On arriving in the UAE Michelle became a Music Teacher at Star International School Al T’war Dubai for almost five years. She has been working at Al Yasat for almost three years with great enthusiasm to help in the learning process of the students.
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The main features of the Al Yasat Private School comprise world-class infrastructure, top-flight faculty, high academic performance, excellent co-curricular facilities, and unique student projects.