Many things have changed in our lives during the last eight months. The way we learn, the way we work, how we shop, how we interact, how we socialise to name but a few. We have also learnt throughout this period that we can adapt and overcome challenges we are presented with, showing resilience, determination and creativity to think differently. Some of us may have taken the opportunity to challenge ourselves to do something we have never previously had time to do. Maybe we have read more books, improved our skills in a new language, played that musical instrument that has been forgotten in some part of our home or set ourselves some sort of exercise challenge.
Whatever it is, hopefully we can look back on this period and take positives from it rather than focusing on the restrictions that have been necessary to ensure all of us remain safe. With this in mind, I would like to bring to your attention an event that you may wish to challenge yourself on. Between the 17-26th October there will be another NAE Global Sports Competition that we would like as many people to participate in as possible.
Quite simply, it will be a 5km virtual race that can be completed through walking, jogging, running or a combination of all. For some, completing this will be a major achievement and maybe something that you have never done before, for others it may be about setting a personal best time. The level of challenge is specific to the individual so why not give it a go.
For every student who registers and participates, we also get a point allocated to our school that ranks us against all of the other Nord Anglia Schools across the World. With the weather finally cooling down, this challenge may also provide the motivation for spending time outside and enjoying the sun and fresh air. The PE department have issued a sign-up form for the above event and we hope as many students and family members as possible take up this challenge, let’s make it a real family event.
Enjoy the half term, enjoy the 5K virtual event and keep challenging yourselves.
Mike Wolfe
Vice Principal
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.
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.
You might have seen the trend going around - “If I could tell my younger self one thing…” - a moment to reflect, to offer advice we wish we’d heard earlier, or to remind ourselves of what truly matters.
As students prepare to cross some of the biggest milestones in school life, it feels like the perfect time to pause and join in that conversation. But it’s not just our students who are preparing — so are we, as parents. These milestones don’t just belong to them. We’re living every part of it too: the anticipation, the pride, the nerves, and the quiet hopes. Sometimes, it’s the hardest thing in the world — to watch them take these big steps, to stay strong when they wobble, to let go just a little more. It’s a milestone for us as much as it is for them — and we’re walking it together.
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