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Navigating the dual roles of parent and school leader within the same setting can indeed be both enriching and challenging! I wouldn't trade this unique position, as it offers unparalleled insight into the social, emotional, and academic journey of both students and parents at BIS Abu Dhabi.

At this time of year around the world, many international schools are busy planning for the year ahead. One of the key aspects of that is recruitment. Schools are looking to add to their teams, trying to find the right people and make their school stronger. I particularly enjoy this time of year. I love getting to know people, unpicking what they have to offer. Looking to see if they could be a good fit for our team. Do they have the right qualities, the right attributes to be able to teach our children to give them more of an advantage?

My role in school has taken me on many journeys, more recently embarking on a collective mission to create a safe and enriching online environment for our young learners. On January 3rd, we had the privilege of hosting an E-Safety Workshop, where we delved into the online world and practical measures aimed at ensuring our children's safety in the digital realm. Today, I'm excited to share with you some valuable insights from the workshop and offer practical tips to keep our loved ones secure while exploring the wonders of the internet.

One People One Planet 2 was a wonderful community event, conceived, planned and led by students.  So what is OPOP?  One People One Planet is an idea.  What if we really listened to what our students talk and care about?  What if we hosted a community event that showcased the work that our students do in school to promote sustainability?  What if we invited our community into school to see a glimpse of how the world might be a little better?  What if we encouraged our community to do one thing – or more – a little differently so that we used less, recycled more, reduced our impact?  What if we paid a little more attention to our wellbeing through activity, rather than through consumption?

Research on the well-being benefits of gratitude has found that practicing gratitude can help reduce stress, depression, hopelessness, and insomnia. In a world filled with constant stimuli, rapid changes, comparisons to peers and the weight of expectation given the academic and social demands placed on children, the importance of teaching our children gratitude has never been more necessary. Gratitude is more than just a polite gesture or saying “thank you”, it is a mindset and approach to life that looks for appreciation in the small things. Such an approach can support in creating compassionate and emotionally intelligent individuals.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, values like empathy, resilience, and nurturing talent drives our mission to create a world-class learning environment. This week, my message underscores the importance of these values, offering a glimpse into our students' journey.

Come and relive the vibrant energy of our One People One Planet Celebration! On Tuesday, 30th January, our school was transformed into a hub of unity, wellness, and sustainability. Our students poured their dedication and creativity into organising this event, and their hard work was evident in the beaming smiles that filled the air. From thought-provoking TED Talks on sustainability to enlightening presentations by guest speakers, the morning was brimming with inspiration and learning opportunities. In the afternoon, under the warm sun, families indulged in a plethora of festival-style activities and sports. From the rhythmic melodies of BIYAND's performance to the laughter echoing through the Eco Enterprise area games and the excitement of the FI recycled cars competition, there was something for everyone.

There are many times in our lives when we have to make decisions. As simple human beings, when faced with numerous choices, it can often feel overwhelming. The plain truth is that we seek out opportunities that give us choices. There is joy in making choices, such as going to restaurants, perusing menus, and taking time to decide on a nice evening meal with family. However, when confronted with these choices, we often find ourselves in a dilemma. Will I make the right choice? Will I have food envy when it arrives at our table? When decisions hold more weight, there is also stress and anxiety that come with making choices.

On the 16th January 1897, John Dewey published an article called ‘My Pedagogic Creed’ which marked the beginning of a long and incredibly important body of work for a man whose ideas about education and its purpose remain as relevant today as they were 127 years ago.  John Dewey worked as a classroom teacher for a few years before entering academia to embark on a career of studying education, considering its purpose and making recommendations to various government bodies on how to organise education for young people.

BIS Abu Dhabi Launches A Guide to Effective Revision At The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), our passion for learning goes beyond the classroom walls, it’s the driving force behind everything we do. I became a teacher, because I loved learning in my own school days, and I continue to aspire to be a lifelong learner. My goal is to instil this passion in my students, empowering them to become independent and self-driven learners.

Before delving into this week's highlights and news, I want to warmly welcome all our new pupils and families who have recently become part of our fantastic school community. We understand that transitioning to a new school, and in some cases, a new country, can be a challenging experience. However, please rest assured that as a school and a community, we are here to support you every step of the way. Many of us have been in your position before and we are committed to making your time with us a positive and enriching experience.

Meet Diana Vasile, a dynamic Year 11 student whose educational journey transcends the conventional boundaries of textbooks and classrooms. Introduced to the captivating world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) during a week of work experience in Year 10, Diana's exploration was ignited by the guidance of Ms. Juett, Assistant Head of Secondary, and the encouragement of Dr. Haïfa Ben-Romdhane, a Professor in Environmental Engineering and Geomatics at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. This encounter blossomed into a further remarkable four-month project, culminating in the creation of a compelling StoryMap that intricately weaves together environmental narratives using GIS technology.

This week in Secondary, we have recognised and celebrated student achievements in curriculum subjects, as well as accomplishments outside of the classroom through our BISAD Values Awards and Outstanding Whole School Contribution Awards for Term 1. 

Firstly, I extend a warm welcome to our new families and a sincere welcome back to our existing families for Term 2. As officially communicated earlier this week, I am thrilled to personally share with you the news of my appointment as the Principal of the British International School Abu Dhabi.

Yesterday, children in Year 1 celebrated the end of their pirates topic in style! Children put all of their skills and knowledge to the test to see if they'd learnt enough to graduate from pirate school.

Last week, saw the launch of Year 4s COP28 Sustainability Conference. Our children have been inspired this term by the COP28 in Dubai to learn all about sustainability and how to save our planet.

Last weekend, our joint BIS Abu Dhabi and NAS Dubai Nord Anglia Education Rugby Team participated in Dubai 7s. This is the first time two Nord Anglia Education schools have come together to form a ‘representative’ team and we are incredibly proud of all the boys who were selected to represent the school and the Nord Anglia Education group on the pitch.

Before I start this week’s newsletter, I want to thank you all for the partnership and support you continue to show as we work together as a community to educate our children. I do hope you are able to enjoy some of the winter break as a family and have time together that is memorable for all the good reasons. Our children grow up so quickly and such moments matter to us; I wish you all the best over the break and look forward to your safe return in the new year.

We are excited to share the experiences of our Year 10 Visual Arts students who recently embarked on an inspiring journey to the 2023 Abu Dhabi Art Fair at the prestigious Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Gallery. The trip was a fascinating exploration of creativity and expression, offering our Fine Art and Photography students an important and informative opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary art.

We are delighted to announce that a joint BIS Abu Dhabi and Nord Anglia School Dubai will be playing at the Dubai 7’s international rugby tournament this weekend.  It is the first time that two Nord Anglia Schools have come together to form a ‘representative’ team and we are incredibly proud of all the boys who have been selected to represent the school and the Nord Anglia Education group on the pitch.