Dear SIA Community,
Welcome back after the summer break! It is truly a pleasure to have all our learners back in school, and if you are new, a warm welcome to you. We are excited about the upcoming school year and getting to know each and every one of you. Another year full of exploration, possibilities, aiming to ‘shoot for the stars’ as we strive to build on the successes of last year’s incredible BSO and SPEA inspection outcomes and securing our High Performance Schools Award. Now, we are focusing on achieving the High- Performance World-Class Award and setting the standard in Sharjah.
Those of you I met in the mornings have expressed that the summer break was a time for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, and an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time off. As we begin this new academic year, we are filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the learning and growth that lies ahead, which includes further investment into our facilities and online provision. For example, we have given the library a face lift, grown our reading provision in the years 3 and 4 corridors, created a new ICT suite due to growing demand for Computer Science in secondary and to support out GL assessments. We continue with those programmes that were having great impact such as Read-Write-Inc., Century Tech and we have now incorporated Accelerator Reader into Secondary. This truly is a sign of our continued commitment to developing our learning ‘eco system’ and aiming to develop a love for reading.
Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating International Literacy Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of literacy in our lives. We came together as a school community to celebrate the joy of reading and the significance of developing strong literacy skills. Literacy is not just about reading and writing; it’s about empowering individuals to access information, express themselves, and participate fully in society. During our International Literacy Day celebration, we engaged in various activities that highlighted the magic of storytelling, the thrill of exploring new worlds through books, and the profound impact literacy can have on our lives. We were reminded that through reading, we can broaden our horizons, ignite our imaginations, and deepen our understanding of the world around us.
As we kick off this new school year, let us remember the crucial role that literacy plays in education. It is the foundation upon which all other learning is built. Developing strong reading and literacy skills not only enhances academic success but also empowers learners to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. At SIA we are committed to fostering a culture of reading and literacy. We have a well-stocked library with a wide range of books to cater to diverse interests and reading levels. Our dedicated educators will continue to inspire a love for reading in our learners and provide them with the tools they need to excel in their literacy journey.
As we embark on this new school year, let us remember that literacy is a gift that opens doors to endless opportunities. Let’s make it a priority to develop strong reading and literacy skills, not only for academic success but for personal growth and a brighter future. Our school thrives when we work together as a community. Parents, guardians, teachers, and learners, we are all part of this wonderful learning adventure. Let’s support and uplift one another, fostering an atmosphere of respect, kindness, and collaboration. I really enjoyed meeting all those that dressed up for International Literacy day – what an incredible effort and such good fun.
In secondary, there are exciting opportunities coming such as internships and headship applications which begun. Our learners are eagerly exploring various internship options and submitting applications for leadership positions within the school. In addition, our meet and greet sessions with parents were extremely successfully and it was great to see them so well attended. Furthermore, the school officially announced the recipients of scholarships across secondary, recognising and rewarding our learners who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or unique talents. Academic excellence has been celebrated as secondary learners continue to excel in their studies, supported by teachers and parents alike. It is great to see everyone back and we are excited for the Term ahead.
Once again, welcome back to school, and here’s to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and the joys of reading and literacy!
#loveforreading #bethebestyoucanbe #welcomeback #preppyprincipal
Take care
James Batts
Principal