This is a special announcement in regard to changes relating to two key figures involved in ABIS’s development.
With the formation of our new school Board, Nofal Al Saidi, a general manager at Orpic, has taken over as the Chair of the Board. Nofal has been working as part of the school’s expansion Steering Committee and has significantly influenced the joint venture. We look forward to continuing a very positive partnership.
Jerry Van Alphen has been working with us as Chair of our Board for three years and has been greatly supportive of the school during this time. Jerry is Chief Financial Officer of Sohar Aluminium and has worked closely with me to keep the school operating smoothly. Jerry’s continuous support throughout the expansion process and complex transition (forming a not-for-profit organisation and Joint Venture between Sohar Aluminium and Orpic) has been greatly appreciated. As a school community we are indebted to Jerry and I would like to thank him on behalf of the school community. Whilst he steps down as Chair, he will remain on the Board for the time being.
Our second announcement is in regard to Leo Thompson, Secondary Team leader, and Diploma Coordinator, who will be leaving this year to return to Vienna, Austria where he previously worked for six years. He will continue to work as a Head of Secondary in an IB School. Leo joined us in 2012, which was the year we opened the SLS and established the secondary school. Since this time we have come a long way, and we would like to sincerely thank Leo for all of his input and commitment in helping ABIS move further along in its development, especially in areas such as introducing the IB Diploma programme and gaining CIS Accreditation. Though we know he will stay in touch, we wish him and his family (Elisa, Lenny and Flynn) all the best in the future.
Relating to Leo’s departure, I would like to add that we have been lucky to find a very able, qualified and experienced replacement for Leo to join us next year and will be announcing her details later in coming months along with other exciting new staff recruits.
We will sorely miss Leo and will say farewell in an appropriate manner towards the end of the school year.