The colourful event, started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Mrs. Sunita Mainee Ahmed – Chairperson of ICK and wife of H.E. Talmeez Ahmad – Ambassador to the UAE.
 
It was a visual treat when the tiny tots performed brilliantly on stage depicting various educative themes vividly presented by the children between the age group of 3 – 4  years.
 
The tiny tots were trained by the dedicated teachers of Abu Dhabi’s top most Kindergarten School, which has created a niche for itself through its exceptional training the toddlers.

 
The programme included various dance programmes which was applauded by the packed audience consisting of parents, guests  and well wishers.  There were about 400 children performing on the stage – a unique feat by itself, which shows the level of training this institution imparts.

 
In her presidential speech the Chief Guest Mrs. Sunita Mainee Ahmed commended the school management and teachers for their effort in shaping the young toddlers for the better future.   She also remembered the former Chairpersons for their foresight in establishing this wonderful school.
 
A Audio visual presentation entitled “Journey Through Past” was shown, which portrayed the passage through which the school had evolved itself to its present stage.

 
In her speech Mrs. Sylvia Pais – the current dynamic principal, who has held this position since the last 27 years thanked her predecessors and the people who were responsible for development of the school, specially the dedicated teachers, parents and children, who were instrumental in  shaping and moulding the tiny toddlers.
 
During the occasion the outstanding students were honoured by Mrs. Ahmed – the chief guest.
 
Also during the programme the teachers with long service, the persons who had been serving the school in various capacities too were honoured along with the Principal Sylvia Pais for their dedicated and selfless service by Mrs. Sunita Mainee Ahmed.
 
A Souvenir “Pearl” was released by the chief guest commemorating the 30 glorious years of the school.
 
The glittering function which kept the audience spellbound concluded with the National Anthem.
 
A Brief  Profile of the School
 
INDIAN COMMUNITY KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL popularly known as ICK an Institution which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year..
 
It is an  unique Indian institution which is so popular and vibrant with all those who have left their motherland India to come and succeed in a foreign land; a land of dreams, hopes and endless aspirations. A home away from home! ICK – the  three letters encompasses so much more that it would be difficult if not impossible to explain its true role in an expatriate Indian’s life.
 
ICK has many characteristic traits which makes it special. To get admission for their toddlers into this institution people even climb the walls or  queue outside and inside – the simple reason is that the toddlers who pass out of this institution get a firm base and excel and create a niche for themselves.
 
ICK formally known as ILA Kindergarten had a very modest beginning in 1977 with only a handful of children. A few very young and enterprising ladies possessing an indomitable spirit and an even greater ambition and drive to provide the Indian Community residing in Abu Dhabi, founded the ILA under the patronage of Mrs. Salma Ansari the Founder President and the wife of the then Ambassador to the UAE  H.E. Mr.H. M. Ansari.
 
ILA began its activities with 62 members in its initial year -1976. The following year they envisioned a place where the tiny toddlers could receive the best care and basic education along with Indian values in a safe, secure ,clean and healthy environment and thus ILA school was born.
 
It was a Creche and Nursery with only 14 children. In 1977 ILA kindergarten was started. As the activities of ILA expanded, it resulted in the growth of the school and the crèche and nursery it looked after. From just 14 children it had grown into an institution providing the best care and overall education to its tiny tots numbering over 650 in any given year!!
 
Today when one pauses and reflects the past, that is 30 years of its meritorious existence one thing that stands out brilliantly is its indomitable Spirit. This school has faced numerous challenges, overcome mighty hurdles to get to where it is now and it has done so with a smile and positive attitude. Its strength comes from a strong core of its members- The Principal and the teaching faculty who are so warm and oustanding.

 

Sylvia Pais - the Principal

The Principal Mrs. Sylvia Pais - A larger than life figure full of elegance and grace. She is great not because of the great things she has accomplished but because of her innate ability to pay attention to the minute details of a task to make it successful. Her guidance and administrative capabilities are instrumental in the success of this school.
 
The second pillar of strength of this distinguished school is the quality of its teachers. One will be constantly amazed at the hard work, patience, dedication and sincerity these ladies put in, in a days work. They handle a class full of tiny tots with such ease it puts most mothers to shame! The bond between a student and teacher plays a crucial role in a child’s development, and the teachers of ICK are worthy of admiration for this feat.