Newsletters

Dear SIA Community, I hope this letter finds you well amidst the recent challenges we’ve faced due to the unpredictable weather. It was such a pleasure to welcome our learners on the front gate this morning as I think we were all pleased to be back in school and ready to learn and enjoy our day. It’s been a trying time for all of us, but amidst the chaos, I find it essential to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in our community for supporting each other and remaining positive. I would also like to thank you for the positive feedback we have received both in person and through email – it means a lot! Your resilience (An HPL attribute) and unity are what keep our community, our family, strong. I want to take a moment to give a massive shout out to a group of individuals who have truly gone above and beyond: our facilities team, especially our cleaners. Despite the hurdles posed by the weather, they have worked tirelessly to ensure that SIA recovered quickly and we could get our learners back into school which was especially important with our IGCSE and A Level exams last week. Their dedication and commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. We are thrilled to share with you achievements of our youngest learners here at SIA during this period of distance learning. Despite the challenges presented by remote education, our EYFS students have demonstrated exceptional adaptability and enthusiasm for learning. From participating in Dough Disco to embarking on number hunts around their homes, our little ones have engaged wholeheartedly with a diverse range of activities. Live lessons covering story time, phonics, and mathematics have further enriched their learning experiences, providing opportunities for interactive engagement and skill development. When I asked the Primary team about the online learning experience this is what they had to say ‘The online learning has truly come into its own, providing our learners with an exciting and dynamic platform for learning’ Wow! I was really pleased with the exceptional attendance to lessons which reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of our learners, who have eagerly participated in discussions, collaborated on projects, and explored new concepts with zest. Our secondary learners have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability which has been amazing. From Years 11-13 engaging in focused revision sessions for their final exams to Years 7-10 maintaining their regular timetables with an emphasis on leadership and nutrition in PE lessons, our learners have embraced the virtual learning environment with maturity and determination. Despite the challenges, their enthusiasm for returning to school and reuniting with their peers was so lovely to see, especially during the secondary assembly. I said to Mr Danny that the strong sense of community really does define who we are at SIA. #BeTheBestYouCanBe #SIACommunity #HPL #Resilience Take care, Mr James | SIA Principal Read More

Dear SIA Community, I hope this letter finds you well amidst the recent challenges we’ve faced due to the unpredictable weather. It was such a pleasure to welcome our learners on the front gate this morning as I think we were all pleased to be back in school and ready to learn and enjoy our day. It’s been a trying time for all of us, but amidst the chaos, I find it essential to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in our community for supporting each other and remaining positive. I would also like to thank you for the positive feedback we have received both in person and through email – it means a lot! Your resilience (An HPL attribute) and unity are what keep our community, our family, strong. I want to take a moment to give a massive shout out to a group of individuals who have truly gone above and beyond: our facilities team, especially our cleaners. Despite the hurdles posed by the weather, they have worked tirelessly to ensure that SIA recovered quickly and we could get our learners back into school which was especially important with our IGCSE and A Level exams last week. Their dedication and commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. We are thrilled to share with you achievements of our youngest learners here at SIA during this period of distance learning. Despite the challenges presented by remote education, our EYFS students have demonstrated exceptional adaptability and enthusiasm for learning. From participating in Dough Disco to embarking on number hunts around their homes, our little ones have engaged wholeheartedly with a diverse range of activities. Live lessons covering story time, phonics, and mathematics have further enriched their learning experiences, providing opportunities for interactive engagement and skill development. When I asked the Primary team about the online learning experience this is what they had to say ‘The online learning has truly come into its own, providing our learners with an exciting and dynamic platform for learning’ Wow! I was really pleased with the exceptional attendance to lessons which reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of our learners, who have eagerly participated in discussions, collaborated on projects, and explored new concepts with zest. Our secondary learners have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability which has been amazing. From Years 11-13 engaging in focused revision sessions for their final exams to Years 7-10 maintaining their regular timetables with an emphasis on leadership and nutrition in PE lessons, our learners have embraced the virtual learning environment with maturity and determination. Despite the challenges, their enthusiasm for returning to school and reuniting with their peers was so lovely to see, especially during the secondary assembly. I said to Mr Danny that the strong sense of community really does define who we are at SIA. #BeTheBestYouCanBe #SIACommunity #HPL #Resilience Take care, Mr James | SIA Principal Read More

Dear SIA Community, I hope this letter finds you well amidst the recent challenges we’ve faced due to the unpredictable weather. It was such a pleasure to welcome our learners on the front gate this morning as I think we were all pleased to be back in school and ready to learn and enjoy our day. It’s been a trying time for all of us, but amidst the chaos, I find it essential to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in our community for supporting each other and remaining positive. I would also like to thank you for the positive feedback we have received both in person and through email – it means a lot! Your resilience (An HPL attribute) and unity are what keep our community, our family, strong. I want to take a moment to give a massive shout out to a group of individuals who have truly gone above and beyond: our facilities team, especially our cleaners. Despite the hurdles posed by the weather, they have worked tirelessly to ensure that SIA recovered quickly and we could get our learners back into school which was especially important with our IGCSE and A Level exams last week. Their dedication and commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. We are thrilled to share with you achievements of our youngest learners here at SIA during this period of distance learning. Despite the challenges presented by remote education, our EYFS students have demonstrated exceptional adaptability and enthusiasm for learning. From participating in Dough Disco to embarking on number hunts around their homes, our little ones have engaged wholeheartedly with a diverse range of activities. Live lessons covering story time, phonics, and mathematics have further enriched their learning experiences, providing opportunities for interactive engagement and skill development. When I asked the Primary team about the online learning experience this is what they had to say ‘The online learning has truly come into its own, providing our learners with an exciting and dynamic platform for learning’ Wow! I was really pleased with the exceptional attendance to lessons which reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of our learners, who have eagerly participated in discussions, collaborated on projects, and explored new concepts with zest. Our secondary learners have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability which has been amazing. From Years 11-13 engaging in focused revision sessions for their final exams to Years 7-10 maintaining their regular timetables with an emphasis on leadership and nutrition in PE lessons, our learners have embraced the virtual learning environment with maturity and determination. Despite the challenges, their enthusiasm for returning to school and reuniting with their peers was so lovely to see, especially during the secondary assembly. I said to Mr Danny that the strong sense of community really does define who we are at SIA. #BeTheBestYouCanBe #SIACommunity #HPL #Resilience Take care, Mr James | SIA Principal Read More

Dear SIA Community, As we find ourselves at the cusp of spring break, it’s remarkable to acknowledge how swiftly this academic year has progressed. Time truly seems to be flying by! I’ve recently embarked on a new endeavour that took me out of my comfort zone: I experimented with a video entry to my SIA community letter. When we reconvene after the break, I eagerly anticipate your feedback on this new approach when you see me at the door in the mornings. Re-enrolment video link Before we part ways for the break, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the resounding success of our HPL drop-down days this year. These events have seamlessly integrated into our school calendar, enriching our educational ecosystem and reinforcing our school culture. It’s heartening to see our learners gravitating towards the VAA of Empathy and Concern for Society, aligning perfectly with our inclusive and caring ethos. During our recent HPL drop-down day, our youngest learners in FS2 delved into the concept of empathy and concern for society within the framework of High Performance Learning. Through discussions and activities, they explored ways to extend kindness and gratitude to those who support and care for us daily. It was truly heartwarming to witness them create ‘Thank You’ cards for our assistant teachers, cleaners, and bus drivers, expressing appreciation for their unwavering kindness. Meanwhile, our secondary learners embarked on ambitious research projects centred on sustainability, tackling pressing environmental challenges with innovative solutions. Collaborating across disciplines, they not only deepened their understanding of empathy but also honed critical thinking skills and showcased their creativity and confidence through presentations. As we bid farewell to Term 2, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our learners during a memorable house assembly. Recognising those who exemplify the values of High Performance Learning, we awarded certificates to learners who earned the highest number of achievement points. Congratulations to all our hardworking learners, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this assembly. On a particularly exciting note, I’m thrilled to share the remarkable accomplishment of our learner, Alisha Jamal. Her article on Quantum Engagement in Space Travel has been published in an international STEM magazine, showcasing her exceptional connection making and big picture thinking skills. Alisha’s ability to bridge quantum physics with space exploration is a testament to her ingenuity and intellectual prowess. As we embark on the spring break, let’s take time to rejuvenate and spend quality time with our families. I will be travelling to the UK this weekend, and staying in Arundel, West Sussex where my wife and I got married. My wife and little one Gracie are already there, and Gracie is enjoying being spoilt by our friends and her grandparents. I look forward to hearing about your Spring break experiences and continuing our journey of growth and exploration when we return. Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More

Dear SIA Community, As we find ourselves at the cusp of spring break, it’s remarkable to acknowledge how swiftly this academic year has progressed. Time truly seems to be flying by! I’ve recently embarked on a new endeavour that took me out of my comfort zone: I experimented with a video entry to my SIA community letter. When we reconvene after the break, I eagerly anticipate your feedback on this new approach when you see me at the door in the mornings. Re-enrolment video link Before we part ways for the break, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the resounding success of our HPL drop-down days this year. These events have seamlessly integrated into our school calendar, enriching our educational ecosystem and reinforcing our school culture. It’s heartening to see our learners gravitating towards the VAA of Empathy and Concern for Society, aligning perfectly with our inclusive and caring ethos. During our recent HPL drop-down day, our youngest learners in FS2 delved into the concept of empathy and concern for society within the framework of High Performance Learning. Through discussions and activities, they explored ways to extend kindness and gratitude to those who support and care for us daily. It was truly heartwarming to witness them create ‘Thank You’ cards for our assistant teachers, cleaners, and bus drivers, expressing appreciation for their unwavering kindness. Meanwhile, our secondary learners embarked on ambitious research projects centred on sustainability, tackling pressing environmental challenges with innovative solutions. Collaborating across disciplines, they not only deepened their understanding of empathy but also honed critical thinking skills and showcased their creativity and confidence through presentations. As we bid farewell to Term 2, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our learners during a memorable house assembly. Recognising those who exemplify the values of High Performance Learning, we awarded certificates to learners who earned the highest number of achievement points. Congratulations to all our hardworking learners, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this assembly. On a particularly exciting note, I’m thrilled to share the remarkable accomplishment of our learner, Alisha Jamal. Her article on Quantum Engagement in Space Travel has been published in an international STEM magazine, showcasing her exceptional connection making and big picture thinking skills. Alisha’s ability to bridge quantum physics with space exploration is a testament to her ingenuity and intellectual prowess. As we embark on the spring break, let’s take time to rejuvenate and spend quality time with our families. I will be travelling to the UK this weekend, and staying in Arundel, West Sussex where my wife and I got married. My wife and little one Gracie are already there, and Gracie is enjoying being spoilt by our friends and her grandparents. I look forward to hearing about your Spring break experiences and continuing our journey of growth and exploration when we return. Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More

Dear SIA Community, As we find ourselves at the cusp of spring break, it’s remarkable to acknowledge how swiftly this academic year has progressed. Time truly seems to be flying by! I’ve recently embarked on a new endeavour that took me out of my comfort zone: I experimented with a video entry to my SIA community letter. When we reconvene after the break, I eagerly anticipate your feedback on this new approach when you see me at the door in the mornings. Re-enrolment video link Before we part ways for the break, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the resounding success of our HPL drop-down days this year. These events have seamlessly integrated into our school calendar, enriching our educational ecosystem and reinforcing our school culture. It’s heartening to see our learners gravitating towards the VAA of Empathy and Concern for Society, aligning perfectly with our inclusive and caring ethos. During our recent HPL drop-down day, our youngest learners in FS2 delved into the concept of empathy and concern for society within the framework of High Performance Learning. Through discussions and activities, they explored ways to extend kindness and gratitude to those who support and care for us daily. It was truly heartwarming to witness them create ‘Thank You’ cards for our assistant teachers, cleaners, and bus drivers, expressing appreciation for their unwavering kindness. Meanwhile, our secondary learners embarked on ambitious research projects centred on sustainability, tackling pressing environmental challenges with innovative solutions. Collaborating across disciplines, they not only deepened their understanding of empathy but also honed critical thinking skills and showcased their creativity and confidence through presentations. As we bid farewell to Term 2, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our learners during a memorable house assembly. Recognising those who exemplify the values of High Performance Learning, we awarded certificates to learners who earned the highest number of achievement points. Congratulations to all our hardworking learners, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this assembly. On a particularly exciting note, I’m thrilled to share the remarkable accomplishment of our learner, Alisha Jamal. Her article on Quantum Engagement in Space Travel has been published in an international STEM magazine, showcasing her exceptional connection making and big picture thinking skills. Alisha’s ability to bridge quantum physics with space exploration is a testament to her ingenuity and intellectual prowess. As we embark on the spring break, let’s take time to rejuvenate and spend quality time with our families. I will be travelling to the UK this weekend, and staying in Arundel, West Sussex where my wife and I got married. My wife and little one Gracie are already there, and Gracie is enjoying being spoilt by our friends and her grandparents. I look forward to hearing about your Spring break experiences and continuing our journey of growth and exploration when we return. Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with as much joy as I as we reflect together on the recent activities and achievements within our community. In the Foundation Stage, it’s been a delightful time witnessing the enthusiasm of our FS1 learners as they dive into the world of mini beasts through the beloved story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Their engagement in role play and creative expression with playdough truly reflects their excitement for learning. Similarly, our FS2 learners have been diligently mastering the elements of sentence structure while exploring the wonders of colour through vegetable printing. Ms. Daisy and I were discussing how heartwarming it is to see their curiosity and creativity flourishing, which I got to see first hand during my visit to FS today. Moving on to our Years 1 to 3, the celebration of International Day was still a big focus of conversation which is a testament to the diversity and richness of our community. The learners were telling me about how proud they felt donning their traditional attire, sharing insights about their cultures, and indulging in delicious cuisines was a truly enriching experience. Being someone that is passionate about promoting inclusivity and creating inclusive learning opportunities this was just so very special to hear. In the upper primary years, the highlight of the week for me undoubtedly remains the morning High Performance Learning (HPL) assembly, a gathering I eagerly anticipate attending. These assemblies shine with a sense of community, where both learners and teachers are acknowledged for their efforts, and parents join me with the celebrations. Witnessing the culmination of hard work and dedication as learners receive certificates or win the year group attendance prize is awesome. The genuine happiness radiating from our learners during these moments of recognition reaffirms the importance of fostering a supportive and encouraging ‘eco system’ where every achievement is celebrated. Furthermore, our efforts to strengthen the partnership between parents and educators have been bearing fruit. The initiative to engage Emirati parents in discussions about learner development and the teaching strategies tailored to their children’s needs was met with enthusiasm. The subsequent classroom visits provided parents with invaluable insights into the learning environment, fostering a collaborative spirit that is essential for learners success. Building upon this success, we extended our invitation to all secondary parents to explore the concept of High Performance Learning (HPL) and its implications for learner achievement. The session proved to be insightful, empowering parents to actively support their children’s learning journey both at home and in the classroom. Finally, last week members of our fantastic PE team accompanied learners from diverse year groups to an athletics competition coordinated by EISSA. Once more, our Learners demonstrated remarkable talent and sportsmanship, returning with a commendable collection of bronze, silver, and gold medals. Their exceptional display not only underscores their unwavering pursuit of excellence but also underscores the formidable presence of our school in competitive arenas. We commend all participating learners for their dedication and perseverance in achieving athletic success. To conclude, I am reminded of a quote: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Arsène Wenger Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our SIA HPL family. Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with as much joy as I as we reflect together on the recent activities and achievements within our community. In the Foundation Stage, it’s been a delightful time witnessing the enthusiasm of our FS1 learners as they dive into the world of mini beasts through the beloved story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Their engagement in role play and creative expression with playdough truly reflects their excitement for learning. Similarly, our FS2 learners have been diligently mastering the elements of sentence structure while exploring the wonders of colour through vegetable printing. Ms. Daisy and I were discussing how heartwarming it is to see their curiosity and creativity flourishing, which I got to see first hand during my visit to FS today. Moving on to our Years 1 to 3, the celebration of International Day was still a big focus of conversation which is a testament to the diversity and richness of our community. The learners were telling me about how proud they felt donning their traditional attire, sharing insights about their cultures, and indulging in delicious cuisines was a truly enriching experience. Being someone that is passionate about promoting inclusivity and creating inclusive learning opportunities this was just so very special to hear. In the upper primary years, the highlight of the week for me undoubtedly remains the morning High Performance Learning (HPL) assembly, a gathering I eagerly anticipate attending. These assemblies shine with a sense of community, where both learners and teachers are acknowledged for their efforts, and parents join me with the celebrations. Witnessing the culmination of hard work and dedication as learners receive certificates or win the year group attendance prize is awesome. The genuine happiness radiating from our learners during these moments of recognition reaffirms the importance of fostering a supportive and encouraging ‘eco system’ where every achievement is celebrated. Furthermore, our efforts to strengthen the partnership between parents and educators have been bearing fruit. The initiative to engage Emirati parents in discussions about learner development and the teaching strategies tailored to their children’s needs was met with enthusiasm. The subsequent classroom visits provided parents with invaluable insights into the learning environment, fostering a collaborative spirit that is essential for learners success. Building upon this success, we extended our invitation to all secondary parents to explore the concept of High Performance Learning (HPL) and its implications for learner achievement. The session proved to be insightful, empowering parents to actively support their children’s learning journey both at home and in the classroom. Finally, last week members of our fantastic PE team accompanied learners from diverse year groups to an athletics competition coordinated by EISSA. Once more, our Learners demonstrated remarkable talent and sportsmanship, returning with a commendable collection of bronze, silver, and gold medals. Their exceptional display not only underscores their unwavering pursuit of excellence but also underscores the formidable presence of our school in competitive arenas. We commend all participating learners for their dedication and perseverance in achieving athletic success. To conclude, I am reminded of a quote: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Arsène Wenger Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our SIA HPL family. Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with as much joy as I as we reflect together on the recent activities and achievements within our community. In the Foundation Stage, it’s been a delightful time witnessing the enthusiasm of our FS1 learners as they dive into the world of mini beasts through the beloved story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Their engagement in role play and creative expression with playdough truly reflects their excitement for learning. Similarly, our FS2 learners have been diligently mastering the elements of sentence structure while exploring the wonders of colour through vegetable printing. Ms. Daisy and I were discussing how heartwarming it is to see their curiosity and creativity flourishing, which I got to see first hand during my visit to FS today. Moving on to our Years 1 to 3, the celebration of International Day was still a big focus of conversation which is a testament to the diversity and richness of our community. The learners were telling me about how proud they felt donning their traditional attire, sharing insights about their cultures, and indulging in delicious cuisines was a truly enriching experience. Being someone that is passionate about promoting inclusivity and creating inclusive learning opportunities this was just so very special to hear. In the upper primary years, the highlight of the week for me undoubtedly remains the morning High Performance Learning (HPL) assembly, a gathering I eagerly anticipate attending. These assemblies shine with a sense of community, where both learners and teachers are acknowledged for their efforts, and parents join me with the celebrations. Witnessing the culmination of hard work and dedication as learners receive certificates or win the year group attendance prize is awesome. The genuine happiness radiating from our learners during these moments of recognition reaffirms the importance of fostering a supportive and encouraging ‘eco system’ where every achievement is celebrated. Furthermore, our efforts to strengthen the partnership between parents and educators have been bearing fruit. The initiative to engage Emirati parents in discussions about learner development and the teaching strategies tailored to their children’s needs was met with enthusiasm. The subsequent classroom visits provided parents with invaluable insights into the learning environment, fostering a collaborative spirit that is essential for learners success. Building upon this success, we extended our invitation to all secondary parents to explore the concept of High Performance Learning (HPL) and its implications for learner achievement. The session proved to be insightful, empowering parents to actively support their children’s learning journey both at home and in the classroom. Finally, last week members of our fantastic PE team accompanied learners from diverse year groups to an athletics competition coordinated by EISSA. Once more, our Learners demonstrated remarkable talent and sportsmanship, returning with a commendable collection of bronze, silver, and gold medals. Their exceptional display not only underscores their unwavering pursuit of excellence but also underscores the formidable presence of our school in competitive arenas. We commend all participating learners for their dedication and perseverance in achieving athletic success. To conclude, I am reminded of a quote: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Arsène Wenger Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our SIA HPL family. Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More

Dear SIA Community, I hope this letter finds you all in good health and  high energy as we reflect on the wonderful events that unfolded within our school community over the past week, such as our school Fiesta, which I am still buzzing about. Firstly, I would like to extend a big thank you to our Executive Principal, Ms. Janet, for her exemplary leadership and for embodying the spirit of ‘I in Kind’ by engaging directly with our learners. Your dedication to supporting our empathetic learning environment does not go unnoticed. Let’s see what the learners had to say. Please click here. Our recent school fiesta was nothing short of spectacular! From the electrifying talent showcased by our learners to the vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and joy, it was a day to remember. A special congratulations to Red Velvet – Shaun, Emily, and Priyanka – for their remarkable performance and securing third place. Your talent and hard work are an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank the community for such an impressive level of attendance and for taking time to come and speak with me as that is what makes SIA great and I hope makes us all feel connected as an SIA family. Additionally, International Day was a beautiful celebration of diversity and cultural exchange. Witnessing learners proudly donning traditional attire from their respective home countries was a heartwarming sight. I am not sure Mr Danny’s Union Jack jacket could be seen as the traditional dress of the UK but it definitely gave us all a laugh. The day was a testament to the richness of our school community and the value of embracing our differences. #Inclusivity In our secondary assembly, we had the honour of celebrating the outstanding achievements of our High Achievers, with a spotlight on Farah Mamoun, who attained the highest mark in the Middle East for Pearson Edexcel GCE Psychology 2022-2023. Farah, your dedication and perseverance serve as a shining example to us all. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment! You are amazing and we are all so very proud of you. Thank you for joining me for refreshments and a chat afterward as this really was a big highlight of the week. Furthermore, a huge thank you to Ms. Michelle for organising a fantastic Careers Fair, providing invaluable insights and opportunities for our learners to explore their future pathways. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and it’s inspiring to see our learners engage with such enthusiasm and curiosity. Last but not least, a special thank you to all the parents who joined us for the Teddy bear picnic. Your presence meant the world to our learners, and it was a pleasure to see families come together in support of our school community. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of you and capturing some wonderful memories through photos. As we continue on our journey of learning and growth, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, celebration, and excellence that defines our SIA HPL family. Together, we are achieving great things. #BeTheBestYouCanBe #SIAFamily Have a great weekend Take care Mr. James Batts | Principal Read More