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My name is Chanika and I am originally from a city called Kandy - the hill country of Sri Lanka, located in between multiple mountain ranges consisting of valleys, plateaus covered with greenery, streams, waterfalls and history. I grew up embracing the simplicity of nature, and loved hiking and playing Netball.
My team at BIS Abu Dhabi has been very supportive, and I feel like I have been working here all my life. Although it has only been about 2 months since I joined BIS Abu Dhabi, I soon settled in and begun to really enjoy my work at the Main Reception.
My previous job was with Federal Express (FedEx) as a Territory Sales Manager, managing the Small, Medium Enterprise and Global Corporate Accounts for FedEx in the city of Abu Dhabi. I have lived in the UAE for 15 years, out of which 9 years of my career lies in Dubai with FedEx and TNT Express.
It was my son who is in FS1 at BIS Abu Dhabi this year, who made me take up a new challenge in a completely new industry. I am glad to have been a part of an organisation that plays a big role in today's world, taking up the responsibility in moulding each student's personality to turn our next generation into more responsible and successful leaders/people.
I enjoy my time off spending quality time with family, baking for my family and friends and travelling. I have travelled to many parts of the world and hoping to continue to do so in the coming years.
Chanika Ehelepola
A few weeks ago, as part of our IB DP Language programme, Year 12 students in the French Ab Initio and French B classes united to celebrate Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). Originally a catholic event welcoming the ritual fasting of Lent, Mardi Gras is celebrated in France with festive parades and sumptuous public celebrations.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, students came together to not only recognize the festivity but rejoice at the opportunity to share and learn about the international traditions fostered within our community. With the help of Monsieur Depose and Mademoiselle Merchadier, the French DP classes baked tasty treats, including crepes, waffles, brownies, and traditional beignets!
As a teacher at BIS Abu Dhabi, I have the privilege of watching students grow — not just academically, but as young people finding their path in a complex world. One thing I’ve learned time and again is this: success doesn’t come from rare moments of brilliance — it comes from the quiet power of habits.
Research tells us that up to 40% of what we do each day is driven by habit, not active decision-making. That means the routines our students form — the way they begin their morning, how they handle a setback, whether they choose to read or scroll — are shaping who they become.
Mental health is a vital part of our students’ overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. It's time to change that. Prioritising mental health can improve our lives in ways we might not even realise.
Why Mental Health is Important for You
Mental health affects how you think, feel, and act. It influences our relationships with friends and family, and it can impact our students’ schoolwork.
I was really touched by Áine’s newsletter piece last week, posing the question: ‘What would I tell my younger self?’
I spent some time afterwards thinking about my own parenting journey, and what it’s all been about, now that my two are adults and have ‘flown the nest’. Parenting isn’t easy for any of us, and that’s true even if you’re an experienced school leader – at home, I’m just Dad.
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