Dear parents and students,
It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the new Head of ABIS. For the past few weeks, I have been working with the management team organising the upcoming academic year and coming to know just how wonderful the ABIS community is.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Neil Tomalin for his excellent leadership of ABIS from its beginnings to the world class educational school it is now, and to Michelle Simpson who as Interim Head of School has done a brilliant job during these challenging times. Michelle will be staying on as Senior Advisor with a focus on planning and development across the school, and I am grateful for her acceptance of this important role. My thanks also to Jon Adams and Ramesh Warrier and all administration staff for their continued hard work to ensure the school is ready for the upcoming academic year.
This week the new teachers have been involved in orientation in order to learn about the school and further develop their understanding of the IB programmes. We have been meeting every day and with the guidance of Michelle and Jon and input from several existing teachers, the new teachers have been given a wonderful introduction to the school. Also joining the orientation is Maeve Doherty, the new primary team leader who brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. As we wait for the Oman border to reopen, I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that we hope to be joining the school on the ground very soon, and very much looking forward to doing so!
Next week all teachers will engage in online orientation which comprises of teaching and learning development. We have a full schedule planned and no doubt school will resume with great energy and commitment from everyone. I look forward to meeting them all.
With the uncertainty of when and how the school will reopen, we have been working on a plan that covers two possible scenarios: a phased re-entry back to school or online learning. In both cases, our planning is comprehensive, detailed and will ensure the best possible teaching and learning for our students. Our priority following authorisation to re-open the school face to face is to ensure quality education while maintaining a high level of hygiene for all. When the Supreme Committee and the Ministry of Education do allow schools to resume face to face learning, we will have in place world class guidelines with the health, safety, and wellbeing of the whole ABIS community at the heart of our planning. I will be sending out a summary of the planning for re-entry into school soon and the full document will be made available on the school website.
Should the school be required to conduct online learning for the start of the academic year, we have planned for students to engage in their learning in real time via virtual classes according to the timetable created for each grade level. This planning is based on the feedback from parents, students and teachers as well as following well documented principles of education from schools worldwide. A full presentation of information to assist and support students and parents will be distributed if online learning occurs.
Once students do return to school, either online or face to face, we are very aware of the need to enhance students experience of returning to school life. This involves, for example, strengthening the feeling of belonging, taking care of relationships (between pupils, and between teachers with their students and parents) and improving self-confidence. Specific activities will take place: for example, small group meetings between teachers and students, taking stock of the experience lived and managing future expectations through goal setting. We also encourage parents to meet online with their child’s teachers in the coming weeks in order to facilitate understanding of shared objectives.
I look forward to the opportunity to be able to meet you all in person soon, and in the meantime, feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
All the very best,
Dominic Robeau