Message from the Principal

As we reach the end of a year like no other, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful.

Grateful for our students, whose resilience, character and achievements continue to inspire us every day. Grateful for our parents, for your partnership, honesty, support and challenge, which help us continually grow and improve. And grateful for our staff, whose passion, commitment and care make this such a special place.

Our school is far more than a building; it is a community and, for many of us, a second home. This year has reminded us just how strong that community is. Despite the challenges we have faced, there is so much to celebrate. From outstanding inspection outcomes and exceptional student achievements to national and regional recognition, including our MENA Wellbeing Award, we have much to be proud of.

 

What makes me proudest, however, is not the awards or accolades. It is our relentless commitment to ensuring that every child is seen, heard and recognised.

This year alone, every student in Secondary has received a Brilliance Card for a moment of recognition, our Primary awards show a marked increase in dojo and squirrel points reflecting our belief that every young person has something valuable to contribute and celebrate. We are capturing their wider interests and achievements and hoping that this helps in some small way to motivate them to continue and to inspire others to try.

As we look ahead, exciting opportunities and challenges await us.

We will continue to navigate the balance of digital learning, explore the possibilities and responsibilities that come with AI, and support our students as they adapt to a world in which social media will be playing a different role in their lives with the introduction of new laws.
 
At the same time, we will renew our focus on the business of learning, expanding our metacognition action research and strengthening our inclusive practice in each and every class so that every child continues to be challenged and supported to thrive.

There is much to celebrate, much to be thankful for, and I am full of optimism and hope for the year ahead.

 

For now, though, there is value in the in-between.

I hope the weeks ahead provide opportunities to rest, recharge and reconnect with the people who matter most. Make special memories. If this year has taught us anything, it is the importance of appreciating what we have, valuing the everyday moments, and simply being with those we love.

Thank you for your ongoing support, your honesty, your kindness and your challenge. I genuinely appreciate every one of you and feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this remarkable community.
 
To those who are leaving this year, know you have made your mark, and know that we are grateful for it. Please keep in touch and remember you always have a home at BIS Abu Dhabi. To those returning, I look forward to stories of the summer and seeing the growth in your children with new experiences. And to those who are about to join, a very warm welcome on behalf of the whole BIS Abu Dhabi community. 

Have a wonderful summer.

Warmest regards,
 
Alan Cocker
Principal