Message from the Assistant Head of Primary

At BIS Abu Dhabi, diversity means celebrating the unique attributes each individual brings, enriching our environment with a variety of perspectives and experiences. Inclusion ensures that everyone has equal opportunities and feels respected, empowering each of you as valued members of our community. Our commitment to equality involves treating everyone with fairness and respect, valuing merit, and ensuring that all feel appreciated, regardless of differences. By actively promoting these values, we cultivate an environment where a genuine sense of belonging can thrive.

So, what does it mean to belong? At its core, belonging is the emotional experience of being part of a community where you feel accepted, valued, and included. Here at BIS Abu Dhabi, we foster an environment where everyone feels they have a place, aligning with our mission of empowering and enriching lives for future success.

The past few weeks have been rich with experiences viewed through our EDIB lens. Our Year 2 students recently visited the Cultural Foundation, learning about Emirati values and traditions, which broadened their horizons and deepened their appreciation for diverse cultures. The Key Stage 2 Choir gave our community a musical welcome into school on Tuesday, performing on the steps of the auditorium for arriving students and parents to celebrate World Music Day, showcasing their talents and reinforcing our commitment to inclusion by celebrating four different songs that brought our community together.

In Secondary School, we hosted the BMI University Fair, providing students with access to a range of educational opportunities. This event encourages them to explore diverse paths and ensures that all voices are heard in their future planning. Looking ahead to October, we will celebrate Black History Month throughout our curriculum. This celebration is not limited to one month; we believe that acknowledging and understanding the contributions and histories of black individuals should be an ongoing commitment that enriches our students’ learning experiences year-round.

Our core values of Kindness, Honesty, and Respect have shone through in our recent BIS Empower Sessions. These student-driven discussions focused on reshaping our reward system, and I am excited to see their ideas come to life this term. It is vital that student voices are woven into the fabric of our school, fostering a sense of ownership and community.

This week has been particularly special, with our Primary students attending the “We Are One” production, where they explored different cultures and learned about the UAE. It was a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity.

We also connected with our community during the Arabic A parent information session, where we explored Islamic studies and the Arabic language. This engaging session equipped parents with knowledge, enabling them to better support their children’s learning. By fostering this understanding, we create a more inclusive environment that values parental involvement and strengthens our community’s cultural foundations.

Equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging are essential to the fabric of our school community. EDIB fosters an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered, allowing our students to thrive academically and socially. By embracing diverse perspectives and ensuring that all voices are heard, we create a richer learning experience for everyone. This commitment not only enhances personal growth but also prepares our students to become compassionate, informed citizens who can navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

Together, we are creating a community where everyone truly belongs.

Leah Atkins

Assistant Head of Primary

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