Admissions are now open for 2025/2026
Contact our Admissions Team today!
Welcome back to school! It may seem strange saying that towards the end of February, but the last twelve months have been unprecedented times for us all. For the first time since March, we have been able to welcome back all year groups physically into the building.
Seeing students of all ages interact with their friends and teachers and hearing students learning, talking and laughing has brought the physical building back to life. Whilst the rhythms of the school are certainly not what they once were due to the restrictions, there is tangible excitement and a positive feeling that things are moving in the right direction. It is indisputably clear that for those students, parents and teachers who are coming to school, they want this to continue and we must all play our part in keeping our school open.
As a gentle reminder, should your child feel unwell or show any symptoms of COVID 19, please do not send them to school. This protects everyone in our school community and avoids the need for friends and teachers having to quarantine or isolate. This is crucial. The legislation surrounding schools is very rigorous and we must be compliant on all points otherwise our school may be forced to close.
With this in mind, we are all aware of the 2 metre distance rule in place for adults that must be followed when dropping or collecting students from school. As lovely as is it to see friends after such a long period of time, please maintain these safe distances otherwise we are not compliant. Just like all the adults in school, all students aged 12 years and above must have a negative PCR test in place that has been taken within a 14-day period. If anyone is unable to show this result, they will not be allowed on to school premises. Your support in protecting our community is much appreciated.
It is sometimes the case that when we do not have something, we realise even more so what we have been missing. For those who have chosen to be back at school let’s all work together to look after each other. By following some simple guidelines we can make sure that all our students are able to access all of the learning, activities and opportunities school has to offer as we continue to move forward.
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.
.jpg?h=3723&iar=0&w=5584&rev=8eac03bc3fbb4516b0c80a2618ee5eb8&hash=CD74C9E72284B395151C53385E14FEE4)
.jpg?h=4160&iar=0&w=6240&rev=3a6f2141dddc472fb958169bb826c0d8&hash=73AB5BCB0D6782A16236413B7A9C7618)
.jpg?h=3648&iar=0&w=5472&rev=db1214d9abbf4d408432e5aef1f2d79a&hash=CC6C47871ABC9A2A697D7DF50D798106)
.png?rev=1619813b30a347d9bc71977e2cfe09d2&hash=66B98CDC659BBF07EB36660B4381E1E7)
