Happy New Year and a warm welcome to our new families and a welcome back to our existing families.
School anxiety often creeps in during times of transition, either at the start of the school year or soon after the excitement from the holidays are over, and there is a sudden realisation of having to go back to school where the comfort and security of the home isn’t available and where routines are very different. Worries and fears take over and small issues cause overwhelming feelings and a general lack of control.
Whichever form it takes – fear, worry, or anxiety - they are all a very normal part of growing up; it is a sign that your child is starting to understand the world and they are trying to make sense of what it means for them. As your child develops and with time, they will figure out that what once seemed scary, isn’t scary after all.
However, these worries are very real to children and can cause a lot of distress, not just for the child but for the parents as well. It is important to remember that a worry or anxiety at certain ages and stages are completely appropriate, but some children will have more intense and intrusive thoughts.
If you feel your child is struggling with school anxiety, we highly recommend an article by Hey Sigmund, which compassionately sums up what parents need to know and can do to help their child. This can be read by clicking here.
BIS Counselling Team
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.
The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) was deeply honoured to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to its campus on Thursday, 17 April 2025. Her Highness, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and The Climate Tribe, is a distinguished entrepreneur, thought leader, and researcher with a deep commitment to sustainability, climate change, and gender equity.
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.
Finding the right school for your child is a big decision. Whether you’re new to Abu Dhabi, transitioning from another school, or simply looking for the best fit, we know it can feel overwhelming. At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we’re here to make that journey as smooth and reassuring as possible. From your very first enquiry to your child’s first day (and beyond), we’ll be with you every step of the way. This article tackles the key concerns families face when transitioning to a new school, offering clear insights into our admissions process to ensure a smooth and informed journey.
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