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We draw to the end of another term at BIS Abu Dhabi. In some ways the most challenging of times in many of our lives, but also a time when we can be extremely proud of what we have achieved as a community.
In particular, we should be extremely proud of the students who attend the school. Their ability to react to changes and the way we have to operate has been a lesson to all of us. They understand what is required to stay safe (even the younger ones) and they take this in their stride while staying strongly committed to their learning.
To all our parents – please be proud too of everything you have done to support your children’s education. Whether students have been working at home or in school we know things are not as simple as they used to be. Students still arrive prepared for the day and with full support from home for their activities and all aspects of their education.
There is great pride in the work and efforts of the BIS Abu Dhabi staff for their efforts this term, and I am sure parents will join me in extending congratulations to them. Teachers have to teach online and face-to-face at the same time, plus non-classroom staff have so many more responsibilities to keep the school running so smoothly. It has been a big challenge and the way the staff have performed has been admirable.
So we end the term looking back positively at achievements and we look forward even more positively. For next term I am excited to say that we are able to extend the education even more – please see the separate letter sent out today for more details.
Finally, may I wish all our community a safe and happy holiday ahead. We all work together to support the children and they are in very good hands at home and at school. I trust you and they will enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time and we look forward to seeing everyone again in January.
Patrick Horne
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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