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We all find ourselves in an unusual situation. Work lives, home lives and school lives have altered drastically, and this places us all in unfamiliar territory. Dealing with things which are new or unfamiliar can cause tensions and stress; sometimes such tensions go away through time and patience, and sometimes actions are needed too.
Our expectations can also change along within new situations. How many of us began the lockdown period thinking, “Oh, I’ll be able to get A, B and C done”? And now, a few weeks later, have we managed to get A, B and C done…? I know I haven’t got around to them yet! When we fail to meet our expectations, this can lead to guilt and an addition to other worries.
We have gone from extremely busy lives to slightly less busy ones and, as with everything, we need to take positives and opportunities from this. I have heard people talking about doing jigsaws or playing board games again - those old activities really do stand the test of time! Others are being creative in some way with the art of music or craft. Children are discovering new activities and passions which they might not have encountered before.
It is a time to cherish being at home with family and to make the most of this. Planning some weekend time to do things together that normally you wouldn’t be able to in between all those car journeys to ballet or to rugby. We do not choose lockdown and we all hope it will end soon, however in the meantime there are plenty of opportunities for our children to learn and to grow.
We think we have lots of time, but it is so easy for time to drift. The trick is to minimise the drift and make the most of what we have.
Patrick Horne
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.
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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