Message from the Head of Primary

Endings and Beginnings

At this time of year in Primary there is always a sense of anticipation. Students are thinking about their last few weeks, the BIS Abu Dhabi Diploma awards, school reports, making the most of the last days of learning to ensure they are ready for the new year ahead and of course thinking about who their new teacher will be for next year. Their parents too I am sure are wondering much the same. I know I have been asked by many of the teachers if they are staying in the same year group or not and if Mrs. or Mr. ‘X’ is going to be in whichever year.  The teachers too are full of anticipation; wanting to meet the students they will be with for the year ahead and are busy adjusting long term curriculum plans, getting excited about the new opportunities they will create for the year ahead.  Many people in our community are full of anticipation and excitement about the future. 

However, it is also a time when we prepare for the ending of another academic year. We reflect on the successes and areas for further growth, teachers and leaders evaluate the impact of their efforts and reflect on what they have learnt and how they may make changes in the future. Many of us will be making preparations for the next year. We will be making sure we have completed all the tasks leaving the year in a good place to start a fresh again. We will also be preparing to say our thanks and goodbyes to those who are moving on. 

For students this time of year can often be a time when they feel at their best, having built strong relationships over the months with their teachers.  They know their teachers well, they know the routines, the expectations, and the rhythm of the school week for the class and year group that they belong to. Their friendships are formed and strong from the months of working and playing together. They are settled and established. They have an air of confidence and assurance about them. This is almost natural in that is helps them to be at their best for the start of a new beginning. 

Next Monday, students in Primary will get to meet their new teachers. New students who are due to start in August are invited in and get to spend some time with their new peers and new teacher. Most of them will be excited and some will be nervous, but I know we all take our responsibilities with this seriously. We all remember being the new one in our community and we all know how much we benefitted from the kindness and empathy shown by others.  This aspect of school is always a positive event. Students leave having met their teacher, found out a little about them and been given a taster of what is to come. It helps to add to their anticipation of another great year ahead. 

So, as I reflect on my last newsletter for this year, I want to say thank you to the BIS Abu Dhabi community. Thank you for standing by us through the challenges we have had during the changes with COVID, for being open and honest with our team and for helping us to move forward together. It really has been an eventful and successful year. To those moving on to new pastures – I wish you well and hope that our paths cross again in the future. To those staying I look forward to making new memories and to those joining I wish you a warm welcome full of positive anticipation of good things to come. 

Alan Cocker
Head of Primary