Celebrations and Special Events

At GEMS Metropole, we encourage students to embrace other traditions and cultures just like the way they do with their own. Celebrating events and festivals in schools have become an integral part of learning and building a strong cultural belief in a child.

We have many school events which are held annually. Students and staff lead in organizing Book Week in March, Sports Day in the winter and the school production. The Parent Council work alongside staff and students to run many events including the much loved International Day, National Day and Pink Day.

We believe that these opportunities allow students to learn cooperation, teamwork and leadership skills while making memories that will last a lifetime and here is a snap shot of some of the special days that occur throughout the year.

School Events 2024-2025

Successful Heritage Run and Hike Celebrates Fitness, Family, and Culture

The vibrant spirit of MTS community, culture, and fitness was on full display at this year’s Heritage Run and Hike, held on Sunday, February 23, in the historic Al Shindagha Heritage Neighborhood. Sponsored by Under Armour, the event brought together students, staff, and families in a shared commitment to an active lifestyle, cultural appreciation, and family bonding.

With the overarching goal of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, the event encouraged physical activity among all participants, aligning seamlessly with our Active School Vision. Families, students, and staff laced up their running shoes and embraced the challenge, demonstrating the power of movement and endurance.

Beyond fitness, the Heritage Run and Hike was a celebration of Emirati culture. In collaboration with the Al Noor Heritage Center, participants gained deeper insights into the country’s rich traditions and history, fostering awareness and appreciation for the UAE’s proud heritage. Traditional performances, cultural exhibits, and engaging activities provided an immersive experience for all attendees.

Family engagement was at the heart of the event, reinforcing our Family First Initiative, a movement dedicated to love and care. The participation of multiple generations underscored the strength of family bonds, making the event not just about competition but about togetherness, laughter, and shared experiences.

Adding to the excitement, our elite runners and Mustangs showcased their talent, inspiring others with their outstanding performances. The competitive spirit was alive and well, as individual runners pushed their limits, demonstrating dedication and perseverance.

The overwhelming success of the Heritage Run and Hike is a testament to our community’s commitment to wellness, heritage, and unity. We extend our deepest gratitude to Under Armour for their generous sponsorship, the Al Noor Heritage Center for their invaluable partnership, and, most importantly, to every participant who made this event unforgettable.

A special thank you goes to Dubai Culture and Al Shindagha Museum for their unwavering support in making this event a resounding success. Their contributions played a vital role in enriching the cultural experience and ensuring a memorable day for all attendees.

We look forward to an even bigger and better experience next year—until then, let’s keep moving, celebrating, and inspiring!

International Celebration of Cultures Day at Metropole School

What an unforgettable day it was at Metropole School on Thursday, 6 February, as we came together to celebrate the International Celebrations of Cultures Day! This vibrant event was a true reflection of our diverse and dynamic school community, filled with color, music, dance, and the spirit of global unity.

From the very start of the day, the school was alive with excitement as students proudly arrived dressed in their national attire or colors, representing cultures from all around the world. The energy was infectious as students of all year groups immersed themselves in cultural and academic activities, exploring global traditions, heritage, and customs.

One of the highlights of the day was the Global Pavilions, beautifully curated by our incredible parents. These pavilions transformed our school into a mini-world tour, offering informative displays, historical insights, and fascinating cultural facts from various countries. Students eagerly explored each pavilion, engaging with interactive exhibits and broadening their understanding of different cultures.

The afternoon was a true feast for the senses as the stage came alive with mesmerising performances! From traditional dances and vibrant songs to impressive cultural showcases, our talented students captivated the audience with their passion and pride. Parents joined in the celebrations from 3:05 pm – 4:30 pm, soaking in the performances and exploring the pavilions alongside their children.

And what’s a cultural celebration without food? Attendees had the delightful opportunity to sample delicious flavors from around the world, experiencing a taste of different cuisines that made the day even more special.

This year’s International Celebrations of Cultures Day was truly a memorable experience—a day filled with learning, laughter, and appreciation for the rich diversity that makes Metropole School so special. A huge thank you to our wonderful students, dedicated teachers, and supportive parents for making this event such a spectacular success. We can't wait to celebrate again next year.

 

Winter Market

GEMS MTS was buzzing with excitement as we hosted yet another spectacular Winter Market this year! With approximately 2,500 attendees joining us despite the flurry of major events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the turnout was a testament to the vibrant spirit of our school community.

The market was a delightful feast for the senses, featuring an amazing lineup of businesses, mouthwatering food vendors, and creative student-run stalls showcasing unique and handmade treasures. It was a day filled with laughter, connection, and a shared sense of pride in what we can achieve together. Events like these remind us that bringing our community together is always a joyous and rewarding experience, strengthening the bonds that make GEMS MTS so special.

A massive shoutout goes to our Performing Arts team for their captivating performances, the Operations team for their flawless coordination, and our incredible Parent Ambassadors for their unwavering support. Your hard work and dedication made this event truly unforgettable—thank you for helping us bring the magic of the Winter Market to life!

 

School Events 2023-2024

Interfaith Iftar

The Interfaith Iftar at GEMS Metropole School transcends the traditional boundaries of a mere event, embodying our core values of Compassion, Empathy, Kindness, Leadership, and Respect. This year's theme, "Family First: Uniting Hearts at One Table," commits to further deepening these principles through an inclusive celebration that invites families from various backgrounds to share a meal and partake in meaningful dialogues.

As families congregate around the table, the essence of Compassion and Empathy resonates, enabling us to acknowledge and cherish the diverse life experiences that enrich our community. Kindness is evident in every interaction, fostering a culture of warmth and generosity. Leadership is exemplified in the proactive endeavors of our students and staff, who organize and steer discussions that bridge cultural divides. Respect forms the cornerstone of every dialogue, ensuring every participant's perspective is honored and valued.

This event not only reinforces our school’s dedication to nurturing a supportive and inclusive atmosphere but also serves as a dynamic affirmation of the strength inherent in our collective values. By uniting in celebration, we enhance the lives of our students and their families, setting a precedent for a lifestyle we hope they will adopt and promote globally. In an era where global unity and understanding are increasingly crucial, the Interfaith Iftar at GEMS Metropole School emerges as a beacon of hope, illustrating the significant impact of a community united in respect and love.

During this radiant evening, filled with the glow of harmony and affection, representatives from various faiths alongside people from all walks of life convened at our school, infusing the air with peace and joy. The atmosphere was marked by a profound sense of tranquility and delight, inspiring all attendees—especially our students—to aspire to be bridge-building leaders who contribute to shaping a future characterized by tolerance, acceptance, and harmonious coexistence. This gathering exemplifies our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to flourish while respecting and celebrating our diverse global tapestry.

 

International Day

Here at GEMS Metropole School, International Day has always been a unique opportunity to showcase the diverse cultures and traditions that make our school so special.

The festivities commenced with primary students being asked to check-in at our own ‘Metropole Airport’, before being given a special passport for the day by their class teacher. Throughout the day, students of all ages were scheduled a time to visit the ‘global pavilions’ that were set up by parents. These pavilions were exceptional and provided valuable insights into countries that are represented within our school community. To add to the excitement, students were able to get their passports stamped as they explored each pavilion!

As the day went by, the Metropole community was treated to an array of spectacular musical performances from around the world, featuring performances from present and former pupils. The main stage came to life whilst the global pavilions served delectable traditional food to everyone; this really was a magical moment that captured the distinct spirit of Metropole School.

The school would like to sincerely thank the parent ambassadors and the parent community for their generosity, time, and support which allowed for this to be such a memorable event.

Spring Farmers Market

The GEMS Metropole Spring Market took place in February.

It was a great day out for families with over 1500 people visiting.  

As well as the Sixth Form organising activities such as beat the goalie and sponge the teacher; children also had fun on the inflatable bouncy castles and wipeout.

We had lots of business stalls selling goodies such as home-made crafts to even companies offering free dental check-ups and beauty products.

It was delightful to see the growing presence of MTS student entrepreneurs confidently showcasing their products at their business stalls and making a profit.

Families also enjoyed myriads of yummy food and drinks from across the globe thanks to our local food vendors.

It was lovely to see the community come together and soak up the great atmosphere at the market.

A special thank you to our amazing Parent Ambassadors, the Performing Arts Department and all community businesses for their hard work in making the market the most successful to date.

Black History Month

This year at GEMS Metropole was a groundbreaking one as we celebrated Black History Month for the first time throughout the school. It was an enriching experience filled with a multitude of assemblies and diverse activities aimed at fostering educational awareness and celebrating the significant contributions of Black individuals in history.

Our school community came together in a remarkable way, engaging in various research tasks that allowed students to delve into the lives and achievements of Black leaders, artists, musicians, and more. This initiative not only broadened our students' understanding of history but also highlighted the profound impact that Black individuals have had on society. By exploring different role models, students were inspired and motivated, realising the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Assemblies became vibrant spaces where stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership were shared. Students presented their research findings, showcasing influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Marcus Rashford, and Muhammad Ali. These assemblies served as a platform for students to express their admiration and respect for these icons, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for Black history.

In addition to the assemblies, various activities were conducted throughout the school to immerse students in the rich cultural heritage of the Black community. Art projects, music performances, were some of the many ways students explored and celebrated Black history. These activities not only made learning interactive and fun but also allowed students to express their creativity and understanding in meaningful ways.

As we concluded our celebrations, we celebrated our students who participated in the Whole School Art competition. Their creativity and dedication truly shone through in their fantastic artwork. A special congratulations was given to our winners, who were awarded Virgin vouchers for their outstanding pieces. 

  

 

 

Graduation: Class of 2022