At the beginning of a new semester, I wish to share something profound with you.

Charles Schulz, the brilliant creator behind the beloved ‘Peanuts’ comic strip, once outlined a series of questions. They were not meant to be answered immediately but rather thought about.

The first questions were:

• Do you know the names of the five wealthiest people in the world?
• What about the names of some of the 2021 Olympic Games winners?
• Can you list the individuals who have received prestigious awards like the Nobel or Pulitzer Prizes?
• Lastly, can you recall the five recipients of the Academy Awards for Best Actor and Actress?

How did you do?

Charles Schulz’s point is simple: we often struggle to recall yesterday’s headliners, despite them being the embodiment of success in their respective fields. The applause fades, awards tarnish and achievements are forgotten.

Now, let us go through his second set of questions…

Think about the teachers who guided your educational journey, the friends who stood by you during challenging times, the individuals who imparted invaluable lessons and those who made you feel cherished and special. Can you name them?

Undoubtedly, these questions evoke more immediate and heartfelt responses.

The lesson drawn from this comparison is profound in its simplicity: the people who truly impact our lives are not defined by titles, wealth or trophies. They are, simply put, the ones who care the most.

Please note that this is not me permitting everyone to forsake their pursuit of excellence; each of us carries unique talents and with that the responsibility to nurture them. However, it is equally crucial to embrace kindness, empathy, and the profound ability to positively influence the lives of those around us.

As we journey into 2024, let us carry forward our school motto, #wecare, with renewed passion. Let us not only aspire to be the best versions of ourselves but also to be the change we wish to see in the world.

May this semester be one where we not only strive for personal growth but also contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

Following the resounding success of last year’s ABQ Scholarship Programme, I would like to remind you that ABQ is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 scholarships.

At ABQ, we believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to providing opportunities for students to thrive. The scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrated remarkable consistency at the highest level of academic achievement over an extended period of time.

The scholarship initiative is designed to support twelve students in realising their academic aspirations by offering free tuition for two years at any ABQ International School.

Please note that applications close on Saturday, 27 January 2024. Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, application requirements and terms and conditions can be found on ABQ’s website at www.abq.edu.om/scholarship.

We encourage interested students to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline, as late submissions will not be considered. Following the closing of the application window, a panel will thoughtfully review all applications, identifying the most deserving candidates based on established criteria and other relevant factors to advance to subsequent rounds.

Three scholarships are available per grade from Grade 9 to 12 for the following courses: IGCSE Grade 9, IGCSE Grade 10, GED Grade 11, GED Grade 12, AS level Grade 11, and A level Grade 12. These scholarships are applicable for two academic years, with the exception of Grade 12 scholarships, which last for one year only.

Due to the exceptionally high standards of last year’s applications, 13 scholarships were ultimately awarded and we have featured our school’s recipients in the school’s weekly newsletter.

Successful candidates will be notified by Thursday, 7 March 2024, of their selection for this prestigious scholarship. Successful scholarship applications also enhance the appeal of applications for tertiary studies.

We eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible potential and talent that our students will undoubtedly bring to the forefront through this academic scholarship programme.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the parents who took the time to attend the recent Parent-Teacher Conferences at our school. Your active involvement in your child’s education is truly invaluable, and your commitment to their academic journey is highly commendable.

The success of our students is a collective effort, and the partnership between parents and teachers plays a pivotal role in shaping their educational experience. Parent-Teacher Conferences provide a unique opportunity for open communication and collaboration, allowing us to discuss your child’s progress, address concerns, and set goals for their future academic endeavours.

The relationship between parents and teachers is one of the cornerstones of a child’s educational foundation. It is a partnership that goes beyond the classroom, extending into the home environment, and fostering a sense of unity in the shared goal of nurturing and educating our students. Your active participation in these conferences reinforces the notion that education is a collaborative effort, and it is heartening to witness the dedication you have towards your child’s learning journey.

As we all know, a strong bond between parents and teachers is essential for the holistic development of our students. When there is a positive and supportive connection between home and school, students are more likely to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Your presence at the conferences reaffirms your commitment to being active partners in your child’s education, and it sends a powerful message to your child about the value you place on their learning.

Our teachers work tirelessly to create a conducive learning environment, and your involvement enhances the effectiveness of their efforts. Your insights into your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests provide valuable information that helps our educators tailor their teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of each student. This collaboration is instrumental in creating personalised learning experiences that cater to the unique qualities of every child.

Moreover, the positive atmosphere generated during the conferences contributes to a sense of community within our school. It reinforces the idea that we are all working together towards a common goal – the success and well-being of our students. This sense of community not only benefits the students but also creates a supportive network among parents, fostering relationships that extend beyond the school premises.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every parent who participated in the Parent-Teacher Conferences. Your commitment to your child’s education, your active engagement in the learning process, and your support for our teachers are the building blocks of a thriving educational community. Let us continue to work hand in hand to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, I feel it is important to address an aspect that significantly impacts our students’ lives – their relationship with social media.

A decade ago, social media platforms were simpler, with posts from friends and family displayed in chronological order. Fast forward to today and we find ourselves in a world of algorithms where our newsfeeds are tailored to predict our every preference. This algorithmic curation not only influences what we see but, more importantly, it shapes the way we perceive ourselves and others.

In his book, Filterworld, Kyle Chayka explores the impact of algorithmic recommendations on our tastes and preferences. The constant flood of content, carefully selected by algorithms, can make us passive consumers, accepting what is presented to us without seeking the challenging or the surprising.

Our children grow up in an era dominated by social media metrics and as parents, educators, and mentors, we owe it to them to frequently remind them that their self-worth should not be tied to the number of likes or followers they accumulate.

We play a crucial role in guiding them towards a healthier relationship with social media. Encouraging our children to value their unique perspectives, interests, and talents is an investment in their emotional well-being and personal growth and by helping them recognise the richness of their own thoughts and interests, we empower them to stand confidently in their uniqueness.

Genuine connections lie at the heart of meaningful relationships and we should continue to emphasise the importance of building connections that go beyond the surface-level interactions prevalent on social media.

True bonds are formed through shared experiences, empathy, and understanding. Nurturing these connections fosters a sense of community and belonging, countering the isolating effects of algorithmic echo chambers.

The algorithms may dictate trends, but we must teach children to be trendsetters, embrace their uniqueness and challenge the status quo. By cultivating a profound sense of self-worth grounded in their passions, values, and individual strengths, we lay the foundation for a generation that values authenticity over conformity.

In conclusion, let us empower our children to resist the pressure to follow algorithmic expectations. Help them cultivate a sense of self-worth that is rooted in their passions, values, and individual strengths. By doing so, we can contribute to the development of a generation that values authenticity over conformity, critical thinking over passive consumption, and self-belief over external validation.

As we navigate the daily rhythms of school life, I want to address a topic that holds significant weight in shaping the ethos of our educational community – the importance of good manners.

One of my favourite aspects of being on campus is the simple act of greeting or engaging with the students. Every day, as I experience the warmth of smiles, hear their greetings, and witness the camaraderie among our students, I am reminded of the profound impact good manners can have on the fabric of our school community.

Our school’s motto, “we care,” is more than a set of words. It is a guiding principle that underscores our commitment to creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and cared for. However, a motto holds true meaning only when it is displayed through our behaviour and interactions with others.

In a world that can sometimes seem rushed and impersonal, taking the time to make eye contact, offer a greeting, and, if possible, inquire about the well-being of others is a small yet powerful gesture. These seemingly simple acts of kindness contribute to the creation of a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels seen, acknowledged, and connected.

Teaching our children good manners extends beyond the confines of etiquette; it is an essential aspect of character development. Politeness, respect, and consideration for others are qualities that will serve our students well in their academic journey and, more importantly, in their future endeavours.

By instilling good manners, we are fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. Our students are not just learners of academic subjects; they are also students of life. The ability to communicate effectively, show kindness, and respect diversity are skills that will play a crucial role in their personal and professional lives.

As parents, your influence in shaping these behaviours is immeasurable. Reinforcing the values of good manners at home sets the foundation for our students to carry these virtues into the wider world. Consistent modelling of respectful behaviour, whether through simple gestures or more elaborate acts of kindness, contributes to the nurturing of a compassionate and considerate community.

We should collectively embrace the responsibility of cultivating an environment where good manners are not just encouraged but celebrated. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a place where the values we hold dear are not only spoken but lived every day.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in creating a positive and nurturing educational environment for our students.

Many of us know Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time, but not everyone is aware of the challenges he faced early in his career.

Today, I want to share a truly motivational story that reflects the spirit of resilience, determination, and hard work.

One of the most defining moments came when he was cut from the Laney varsity roster and was instead relegated to the junior varsity team. It was a setback that left him devastated. Michael Jordan cried at home.

His mother played a crucial role during this time. She shared a powerful piece of advice with her son, one that would shape his mindset and eventually lead him to greatness. She told him, “If you really want it, you work hard over the summer.” And that is exactly what Michael did. He did not let disappointment define him; instead, he used it as fuel for his determination.

His mum recalls, “We both cried, because I knew he really wanted to compete with the other guys. I told him that he had to work for what he wanted. And he did! That summer, he focused. He would practice all day. That basketball never left his hand.”

The transformation that followed is nothing short of extraordinary. Michael Jordan went from being cut from the high school basketball team to becoming the most famous, richest and undeniably the best basketball player of all time. It is a testament to his work ethic, perseverance and the belief that failure is not the end, but a steppingstone to success.

Years later, Michael said that whenever he was working out and got tired and considered to stop, he would close his eyes and see that list in the locker room without his name on it and that usually got him going again.

I share this story with you because it exemplifies the importance of resilience and hard work in the face of adversity. Our children will undoubtedly encounter challenges along their journey, and it is crucial for them to understand that setbacks do not define their future. Instead, these moments present opportunities for growth, improvement, and ultimately, success.

As parents, let us encourage our children to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and use them as motivation to strive for excellence. Michael Jordan’s story is a reminder that success is not always immediate.

Please share this story with your children, discuss the lessons it imparts, and inspire them to approach life’s challenges with a positive mindset.

Wishing you and your children ample opportunities for growth, learning and triumphs.

As we navigate the journey of parenthood, we often find ourselves torn between the instinct to shield our children from challenges and the desire to see them grow into resilient, successful individuals. The quote by Alex Hormozi, “You cannot wish for both strong character and an easy life. The price of each is the other,” captures a profound truth that resonates deeply with the responsibilities we bear as parents.

In our efforts to provide comfort and ease for our children, we may unknowingly compromise the development of their character. As parents, our instinct is to try and alleviate our children’s struggles. When faced with obstacles, we want to jump in and offer assistance, believing that a smoother path is synonymous with a happier life.

However, struggles and challenges are not adversaries to be feared but rather companions on the road to building a robust character. It is through facing challenges that our children develop resilience, perseverance and tenacity that will serve them well in their future endeavours.

Ann Landers aptly remarked, “It’s not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” This serves as a gentle reminder that our role as parents extends beyond providing immediate solutions. Instead, our focus should be on equipping our children with the skills and mindset to confront challenges independently.

Allowing our children to grapple with problems, make decisions, and face the consequences of their actions fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. When they overcome obstacles on their own, they develop a genuine sense of accomplishment and pride. These experiences contribute significantly to the cultivation of a strong character that will guide them through life’s complexities.

As we encourage our children to confront challenges, it’s essential to offer unwavering support and guidance. Actively engaging in their struggles, being a sounding board for their thoughts, and providing encouragement during difficult times are vital aspects of our parental role. This collaborative approach ensures that our children feel secure in their pursuit of solutions while benefiting from the wisdom and experience we bring to the table.

We should all strive to find a balance, offering support while allowing our children the space to face challenges head-on. In doing so, we contribute to the development of individuals who are not only successful but also possess the fortitude to navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience.

As we navigate the vibrant and bustling environment of our school, it is obvious that each day is filled with many exciting and educational activities. Our school boasts a dynamic school life that can be explored through our extensive school calendar and active social media presence.

As a group, ABQ encompasses three international schools, one private school, and three standalone ABQ Explorer Pre-KG nursery schools.

The greatness of our school community struck me again this week as I had the privilege of attending the official opening of ABQ Al Imtiaz Private School and the sense of unity continues as this weekend unfolds with students from all three international schools collaborating in a joint art exhibition for charity at the Mall of Muscat. Subsequently, on Monday, we eagerly anticipate the inter-ABQ sports event hosted at ABQ Azzan, where students from all three international schools will once again come together to showcase their sporting abilities. Such collaborative initiatives highlight the strength and richness of our ABQ community.

It is remarkable to note that ABQ boasts over 400 staff members, including more than 300 teachers. The wealth of experience and expertise within our group is truly exceptional. It comes as no surprise that we stand as the leading K-12 education provider in Oman, and we are immensely grateful to have you as part of our school family.

As we progress through the academic year, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and involvement. The success of our school is a collective effort, and the engagement of parents, teachers, and students alike contributes to the vibrancy of our educational community.

We encourage you to stay connected with us, whether it be through attending events, following updates on social media, or actively participating in school activities. Your presence and involvement enhance the educational journey for our students.

Thank you for being an integral part of ABQ. We look forward to the continued success and growth of our school community.

The smartest and most successful people are consistent and deliberate learners.

Today, I want to share an inspiring perspective on success that has captivated my attention – a principle known as the 5-Hour Rule. This rule, embraced by notable individuals such as Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, underscores the significance of continuous learning and self-improvement on the journey to success.

At the heart of the 5-Hour Rule is the commitment to dedicate at least one hour a day, five days a week, to activities that foster personal development, such as reading, reflecting, and experimenting with new information. It is remarkable to discover that even those with exceptional achievements, like Musk and Gates, attribute part of their success to this practice. This principle serves as a compelling reminder that success is not just about reaching goals; it is a continuous journey of learning and refining oneself.

What makes the 5-Hour Rule particularly intriguing is its flexibility. It allows individuals to choose how they spend their dedicated hour based on their interests and aspirations. The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability to different lifestyles and preferences.

Moreover, the self-paced nature of the 5-Hour Rule makes it accessible during various moments of the day. Whether during breaks at work or even while commuting – with the aid of audio teachings – it demonstrates how learning can seamlessly integrate into our daily activities, making it both engaging and beneficial.

To enhance the manageability of the dedicated hour, one can adopt the Pomodoro technique, a time management method that suggests breaking tasks into intervals of focused work, typically around 25 minutes each. This approach aligns well with the 5-Hour Rule, allowing individuals to stay focused and maximise the benefits of their dedicated learning time.

I share this perspective not as a rigid prescription but as an encouraging insight into the potential benefits of continuous learning and personal growth. The 5-Hour Rule underscores the idea that success is not an endpoint but a journey marked by consistent efforts to improve oneself.

As parents, we play a crucial role in guiding our children towards their own paths to success. Instilling the importance of lifelong learning and personal development in them is a gift that will serve them well throughout their lives. The 5-Hour Rule offers a valuable lesson – that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant transformations over time.

May the principles of continuous learning and personal development inspire us all to embrace the journey of success with enthusiasm and purpose.

I am delighted to extend my sincere congratulations to the 12 outstanding students who have been selected as ABQ Scholars for the upcoming academic year. The selection process for this scholarship is always a challenging one, and I am indeed thankful not to be a part of it as the competition intensifies each year.

The newly selected ABQ Scholars for the 2024-25 academic year across all three international schools are:

1. Ali Mohamed Abdul Majeed Al Lawati
2. Faisal Mahmood Ali Salman Al Kindi
3. Haeeun (Rebeka) Rhee
4. Karim Mahmoud Farag Abdelwahab Dabash
5. Khalid Abdullah Nasib Suroor Al-Hamer
6. Mariam Ali Al-Lawati
7. Mohamed Aref Homam Najjari
8. Mohammed Ali Ibrahim Ali Elgalib
9. Salma Mohamed Fouad Mohamed
10. Sama Tarek Ahmed Moustafa
11. Wonjin Jang
12. Yashvi Narendrakumar Mavani

The ABQ scholarships, spanning a two-year period, exempt recipients from tuition fees during this time, except for Grade 12 students who benefit for one year before embarking on future studies.

As three of our 2023-24 scholars complete Grade 12 in June, we proudly witness 10 students continuing with the programme for their second year in 2024-25, which brings this network of academic excellence to a total of 22 students next year.

It is crucial to emphasise that the prestige of this scholarship lies in its impartial selection process. The committee diligently ensures that personal circumstances or family history do not influence their decision, making the results purely based on academic ability and performance.

Similar to last year, I am pleased to note the diversity of the winners, representing various grades, both ABQ and non-ABQ students, and those following the GED, IGCSE, and A-level pathways. Each recipient is undoubtedly deserving, and together, they form a perfect reflection of the richness of our school family.

To those who were not selected this year, I encourage you to stay motivated and continue striving for excellence. Remember, competition is tough, and the journey towards success has its ups and downs. However, setbacks should be viewed as opportunities to learn and grow. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and there will be other chances to shine.

We are proud of all our students. Keep pushing your boundaries, stay focused on your goals, and never underestimate the power of resilience. Your time will come, and we look forward to witnessing your achievements in the future.

Congratulations once again to the new ABQ Scholars, and to all our students, your unwavering commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.

Welcome back after the spring break! I hope each of you had a rejuvenating time with your families and are ready for the final stretch of this academic year.

Recently, I came across an incredibly inspiring story that I wanted to share with all of you. It is about a remarkable young individual named Hussein Muhammad Al-Attar, a 15-year-old Palestinian student who has been rightfully dubbed the “Newton of Gaza”. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, Hussein demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Currently living in a refugee camp in Gaza, Hussein recognised a pressing need for a solution to the recurring electricity shortages. Instead of surrendering to negativity after being without electricity for 20 days straight, he took it upon himself to devise a groundbreaking solution using nothing more than basic tools and his ingenuity.

Hussein skillfully harnessed the power of wind by constructing a simple yet effective mechanism comprising a dynamo and blades to generate electricity. His determination and resourcefulness led to the successful creation of a sustainable source of power in a region burdened with instability and scarcity.

What truly stands out about Hussein’s story is not just his technical skills, but also his unwavering spirit of resilience and compassion. Despite facing personal hardship, Hussein remained steadfast in his commitment to finding a solution that could benefit his community.

It is stories like Hussein’s that serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential that lies within each of our students. They remind us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is always room for innovation, creativity, and hope.

As we reflect on Hussein’s remarkable journey, let us also take this opportunity to instil in our children the values of empathy, perseverance, and a belief in their ability to effect positive change in the world. Let us encourage them to dream big, think outside the box, and never lose sight of their capacity to make a difference, no matter how small their actions may seem.

In the coming months, as we navigate the remaining challenges of this academic year together, let us draw inspiration from Hussein’s story and work towards creating a nurturing environment where every child feels empowered to unleash their full potential.

As we reflect on the values of kindness and compassion during the final days of Ramadan, I want to share a story that has deeply resonated with me and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

During his career as a centre, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). He was a 19-time NBA All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA Team member, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection. He was a member of six NBA championship teams as a player and two more as an assistant coach and was twice voted the NBA Finals MVP. He was named to three NBA anniversary teams (35th, 50th, and 75th). Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He also broke the NBA’s career scoring record in 1984 with 38,387 points and held it until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023.

This basketball legend made headlines not only for his extraordinary achievements on the court but also for his remarkable act of generosity. Abdul-Jabbar understands the importance of a good education, and despite his status and fame, chose to sell his championship rings, MVP trophies, and other memorabilia to the value of 2.8 million dollars and donated all proceeds to youth education programmes.

At the age of 70+, one might expect someone to want to hold onto every bit of fame and fortune they have accumulated over the years. However, Abdul-Jabbar’s selfless decision highlights the true essence of success – using one’s achievements to make a difference in the lives of others.

His words resonate deeply: “When it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room or providing children with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple: Sell it all.”

As we reflect on Abdul-Jabbar’s actions, let us also consider how we can contribute to the well-being of others, whether it is through small acts of kindness within our school community or supporting initiatives that aim to uplift those in need.

During these last few days of Ramadan, let us be inspired by Abdul-Jabbar’s example and strive to make a positive impact wherever we can. Let us remember that true fulfillment comes not from personal accolades, but from the difference we make in the lives of others.

Here at ABQ, our motto is “We Care”, and it is more than just words – it is a guiding principle that drives our actions every day. Let us continue to embody this motto by extending kindness, compassion, and generosity to those around us.

Let us continue to nurture a culture of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

The beginning of a new school year never fails to bring a sense of magic and excitement to all of us. The sight of our students, especially the new ones, neatly dressed in their ABQ school uniforms fills my heart with joy. Their pride is evident, and it is a wonderful feeling to witness.

The campus is alive with the energy of parents who drop by, capturing these precious moments through photographs, exchanging greetings, and offering words of encouragement. This collective spirit sets a positive tone for the upcoming year.

Anticipation is in the air, and I have no doubt that this year will be nothing short of amazing. As we embark on this educational journey together, let us remember that we are a united team. The success of your child’s academic and personal growth is a partnership between your family and our school community. Collaboration, communication, and support are the pillars that will help us achieve the best possible outcomes for each and every child under our care.

Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters learning, creativity, and character development. We encourage you to maintain an open line of communication with your child’s teachers and engage actively in school activities. Your involvement plays a crucial role in shaping a well-rounded educational experience.

In the spirit of unity, let us celebrate the achievements, both big and small, throughout the year. Let us be there for each other in times of challenge and triumph. Together, we create a community where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.

A warm welcome also to all the new families joining our wonderful ABQ community for the very first time. As you embark on this exciting journey with us, we hope that you will witness our motto, “we care”, and our six core values in all aspects of our school life. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment is deeply rooted in the principle of caring. We believe in respecting each other‘s unique perspectives, striving for excellence in all that we do, extending genuine care and empathy, upholding the highest standards of integrity, persevering through challenges, and actively engaging in our collective learning experience.

At ABQ, we are more than just a school; we are a vibrant community and you as parents play an integral role in shaping this community. We encourage your active participation and engagement throughout the year.

As we set out on this journey together, I want to express my gratitude for your trust and partnership and invite you to reach out, connect, and communicate. Whether you have questions, or ideas, or simply want to share your thoughts, we are here to listen and support you every step of the way.

Our collective efforts will undoubtedly lead to a year filled with growth, accomplishments, and memorable moments.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

I want to share with you some inspiration and valuable techniques that can help our students make the most of their academic journey. These techniques, rooted in Japanese wisdom, can not only improve their productivity but also contribute to their personal growth and well-being.

• Ikigai – Discovering Purpose:

Encourage your child to explore their passions, strengths, and the needs of the world around them. By identifying their “ikigai,” or their reason for waking up each morning, they can find a deeper sense of purpose in their studies and daily life.

• Kaizen – Embracing Continuous Improvement:

Remind your child that they do not have to do everything at once. Instead, they can focus on making small, consistent improvements every day. This approach will make everything feel less overwhelming and also promote sustainable progress.

• Pomodoro Technique – Enhancing Focus:

The Pomodoro Technique is a fantastic tool for maintaining concentration and avoiding burnout. Encourage your child to work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks. It can significantly boost productivity and motivation.

• Hara Hachi Bu – Mindful Eating:

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining energy levels. Teach your child the value of eating until they are 80% full. This mindful approach to eating can lead to increased energy throughout the day.

• Shoshin – Cultivating a Beginner’s Mindset:

Emphasise the importance of approaching tasks with an open and humble mindset. Encourage your child to embrace the idea that they do not have to be perfect or have all the answers from the start. By adopting a “shoshin” attitude, they can be more receptive to learning and trying new things.

The beauty of these techniques is that they do not require immediate mastery. Instead, they promote gradual progress and a positive mindset. As parents, you can support your child’s journey by helping them stay focused on small improvements (Kaizen) while remaining open to the process of learning and growth (Shoshin).

Let us work together to inspire our students to discover their purpose, embrace continuous improvement, maintain focus, nurture their well-being through mindful choices, and approach challenges with an open heart and mind. With these techniques and your unwavering support, I believe our students can have a successful and fulfilling school year.

Wishing you and your child a year filled with growth, achievement, and the joy of learning.

It is a wonderful time of the year when we all return to our familiar routines, and I must say, it has been an amazing start to the new school year. We understand that transitioning back into the daily schedule can take a couple of weeks for both students and parents, and that is why we only commenced our Extracurricular Activities (ECA) programme this past week.

At our school, we are proud to offer a diverse range of 23 different activities for our student body to participate in during the first semester. The programme caters for students of all ages, providing options from simpler, introductory activities for our younger students to more challenging and specialised ones for our secondary students. While academics remain a cornerstone of our educational approach, we firmly believe in the importance of fostering a healthy balance between intellectual and physical stimulation.

The benefits of participating in ECA’s are truly endless. Not only do they allow students to explore their interests and passions beyond the classroom, but they also promote essential life skills such as teamwork, time management, and leadership. ECAs are a wonderful way for our students to discover hidden talents, build self-confidence, and create lasting memories with their peers. We are thrilled to see how enthusiastically our students have embraced these opportunities during the past week.

If your child has not yet enroled in any of our ECA’s, we encourage you to reach out to our ECA Coordinator. He will be more than happy to provide you with all the necessary information and assist you in finding the perfect activity that aligns with your child’s interests and schedule. It is never too late to get involved in this enriching aspect of our school life.

We understand that the current weather can be quite hot and uncomfortable. However, rest assured that in a couple of weeks, the temperature should begin to cool down, making outdoor activities even more enjoyable. In the meantime, we will continue to ensure that our students are safe and well-hydrated during their ECA sessions.

In conclusion, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for your child in our ECA programme. We believe that this experience will not only complement their academic journey but also help them grow into well-rounded individuals. We look forward to witnessing their growth and achievements in the coming weeks and months.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Together, we can make this school year an incredible experience for your child.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tempting to step in and do everything for our children. However, it is important to remember the advice of the recognised education specialist, Maria Montessori: “Don’t do anything for your child that they are able to do for themselves.” Why? Because in doing so, we may hinder their growth, development, and preparation for life’s challenges without even realising it.

Below are some practical examples to show the importance of allowing our children to take on responsibilities and be accountable for their actions:

• Homework and Study Habits: It is natural to want to help your child with their schoolwork, but constant intervention can deprive them of the opportunity to develop independent study skills. Encourage them to take responsibility for their assignments, while offering guidance when necessary.
• Time Management: Teach your child to manage their time wisely. Let them experience the consequences of procrastination and the rewards of planning and organisation. These lessons will serve them well in their academic and professional lives.
• Social Relationships: Encourage your child to resolve conflicts with their siblings and peers independently, especially when they are a little older. While it is tempting to step in and mediate, allowing them to navigate these situations helps them develop essential interpersonal skills.
• Chores and Household Tasks: Assigning age-appropriate chores to your children teaches them valuable life skills. Something as simple as making their beds instil a sense of ownership and contribute to their overall development.
• Decision-Making: Give your child opportunities to make decisions, even if they occasionally make mistakes. Be there to guide and support. Mistakes can be valuable learning experiences that empower them to make better choices in the future.
• Accountability for Actions: Teach your child that actions have consequences. If they break a rule or make a mistake, help them understand the impact of their actions and encourage them to take responsibility for rectifying the situation. This fosters a sense of accountability that will serve them well in adulthood.

Several of these activities also promote the development of the 21st-century skills we teach at school through ABQ’s Discovering You Program.

By allowing our children to take on responsibilities and be accountable for their actions, we are preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities they will encounter as they grow into independent, self-reliant adults. It is important to remember that our role as parents is not just to shelter and protect but also to equip and empower. Your guidance and support are invaluable, but so is their ability to navigate the world with confidence and resilience.

Thank you for your dedication to raising responsible, accountable, and capable individuals who will make a positive impact on society.

This week, I want to share with you an inspiring story of an Omani citizen, Mr Nasser Mohammed al Numani, whose journey embodies ABQ’s values of respect, excellence, care, integrity, engagement, and perseverance.

Nasser is not just a traveler, he is an ambassador of Oman to the world. Over the past 25 years, he has visited 74 countries. His mission is simple but profound: to make the world aware of the beauty and richness of Oman. He does this by sharing the essence of Oman – its heritage, culture, achievements, and the warmth of Omani people with everyone he encounters during his travels.

What sets Nasser apart is his determination to go beyond being a tourist. He leaves behind impressions of Oman that spark curiosity in people’s hearts. He does not just visit famous landmarks but shares the story of Oman and embodies the spirit of engagement, reaching out to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Nasser’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. His immediate goal is to visit 100 countries by the end of 2026, and he meticulously plans each trip, researching what to expect in each destination. He faces many challenges, from high travel costs to overcrowded locations, but he continues to march forward with unwavering determination.

Nasser has turned his hobby into a meaningful endeavour. What started as a fun activity has become a mission to promote peace, make new friends, and establish relationships between Oman and the rest of the world.

As parents and students, we can learn valuable lessons from Nasser Mohammed al Numani’s journey. We can learn the value of respect for other cultures, the importance of excellence in our pursuits, the care we should have for our heritage, the integrity to represent Oman positively, the engagement in building bridges with others, and the perseverance to overcome obstacles and reach our goals.

Nasser’s story reminds us that there are no limits to what we can achieve when we are driven by a worthy purpose, and he is not done yet. He aspires to set a record as the first Omani to visit the most number of countries to promote Oman. This should serve as an inspiration to all of us to dream big and work tirelessly towards our goals.

So, as we navigate our own journeys in life, let us remember the remarkable story of Nasser Mohammed al Numani. Let us embrace the values of respect, excellence, care, integrity, perseverance, and engagement in everything we do. Let us aim high and work hard to make a positive impact on our community and the world, just as Nasser is doing for Oman.

5 October is World Teachers’ Day and I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the incredible educators at our school. While it is wonderful to have a designated day to honour them, I am in awe of our teachers every single day, and I believe it is important to acknowledge their remarkable contributions beyond just one day.

Our teachers possess qualities that extend far beyond what is typically expected. They exhibit boundless patience, extensive subject knowledge, and remarkable endurance in their roles. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering passion for teaching. It is this passion that drives them to go above and beyond their duties every single day.

Beyond the classroom, our teachers wear many hats. They become school mums and dads for our students, providing not only academic guidance but also emotional support. They mentor, guide, advise, coach, and motivate the students. Their dedication does not stop at the end of a lesson; it extends to shaping the characters and futures of every individual who crosses their paths.

Every year, our school achieves outstanding results, and while we celebrate our students for their hard work and dedication, it is essential to recognise that it is our teachers who make every effort to ensure each student’s success. They invest time and energy into understanding the unique needs of each child, caring for them, and building relationships based on trust and love.

So, in light of World Teachers’ Day, I want to extend my heartfelt salute to our exceptional teaching staff. We are fortunate to have a team of 100 exceptional individuals who consistently give their best. They do not just teach; they inspire, uplift, and nurture the minds and hearts of our children.

Our teachers are the backbone of our school’s success, and they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our students and our society. Their influence goes beyond textbooks and exams; it touches the lives of the children in profound ways, leaving an indelible mark.

I encourage you to take a moment to reach out to the teachers who have made a difference in your child’s life. Your words of appreciation and gratitude will mean the world to them. They have chosen a path that requires dedication, sacrifice, and a deep love for teaching, and it is our responsibility to acknowledge and celebrate their exceptional efforts.

As parents, let us continue to support our teachers in their mission to educate, inspire, and empower the students at ABQ Azzan International School. Together, we can create an environment where our teachers thrive, and our students reach their fullest potential.

Once again, I extend my sincere thanks and admiration to our incredible teachers. Happy World Teachers’ Day!

Recently, I had the privilege of attending ABQ’s first-ever Scholarship Awards Ceremony, and I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts and gratitude with you.

I was not directly involved in the selection process, but I am truly proud to witness ABQ’s commitment to investing in the future of our students and, by extension, the future of Oman as a whole. For those of you who may have joined our school only this year, I would like to provide some context. ABQ introduced a scholarship initiative in the second semester of the last academic year with the aim of rewarding students in Grades 9 through 12 for their outstanding academic achievements. These exceptional students were selected from in and outside of ABQ following the IGCSE, GED, and A Level curricula.

The ABQ Merit Scholarship Programme extends over a period of two years unless a student is currently in Grade 12. This scholarship represents a significant recognition of their hard work and dedication. ABQ has a long and celebrated history of academic excellence, and this scholarship initiative is yet another demonstration of the Group’s commitment to giving back to our students and recognising their determination and perseverance.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students from our school who have managed to secure this prestigious scholarship. It is essential to emphasise that these scholarships were awarded based solely on merit. Each one of you has earned this recognition through your unwavering dedication to your studies and your tireless pursuit of academic excellence. Your commitment to learning and personal growth has not only impressed the Selection Panel but also serves as an inspiration to your fellow students.

I would also like to commend ABQ for its remarkable and forward-thinking initiative in creating this scholarship programme. By investing in the academic futures of our students, ABQ is contributing not only to their individual success but also to the betterment of the community and country as a whole.

In conclusion, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the teachers and staff for their dedication to nurturing the talents and potential of all of our students. Together, we form a community that believes in the power of education and strives to empower the youth to achieve their dreams.

Once again, congratulations to the scholarship recipients for your outstanding achievements. I look forward to witnessing your continued growth in the years to come. Parents, thank you for your unwavering support, which plays a crucial role in our students’ accomplishments.

We often underestimate the importance of exposing our children to team sports. It is an extremely busy month on the international sports calendar, and as a ‘typical’ South African I have been keeping an eye on the Rugby and Cricket World Cups currently in progress. Beyond the thrill of the games and the various teams’ rankings, what has truly captivated me is the incredible camaraderie among the players. They know each other so well that they are able to carry one another through the most challenging of moments.

It is fascinating to see how these athletes, operating at the pinnacle of their skills, embody almost all of the 21st-century skills that we promote to our students through ABQ’s DYP program. These skills are integral to everyday life and witnessing them in action on the field is nothing short of inspiring.

Critical thinking, the ability to analyse situations and make decisions under pressure, is a crucial skill demonstrated by the players. Whether it is a rugby scrum or a cricket match, the players need to think on their feet and adapt their strategies in real-time.

Creativity is another skill on full display. The imaginative ways players use their expertise to overcome challenges are awe-inspiring. They innovate and execute plans that surprise their opponents and, if done well, often lead to victory.

Collaboration is the backbone of any successful team. Teammates must work seamlessly together, just as students at our school learn to collaborate on projects and assignments.

Effective communication is a key driver in sports. It is evident in the way the players communicate on the field, using signals and non-verbal cues to coordinate their actions. We teach our students to express their ideas and thoughts clearly and confidently.

Flexibility is vital in sports, as plans can change in an instant. Similarly, we encourage our students to adapt to new challenges and opportunities with an open mind.

Leadership and initiative are qualities we nurture in our students, and the captains and senior players in these teams exemplify what it means to lead by example.

Productivity, the ability to set and achieve goals, is evident in the rigorous training and preparation these athletes undergo to perform at their best on the world stage.

Social skills are crucial both in sports and in life and information literacy, media literacy, and technology literacy are skills that are becoming increasingly essential in the digital age, and we strive to equip our students with the knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape.

As explained, these skills are not limited to the classroom; they are tools that will empower students in their daily lives, future careers, and beyond – even on the world stage as seen with the World Cups. Our aim is to create well-rounded individuals who are not just academically competent but also proficient in the art of life itself and we appreciate your ongoing support in this endeavour.

This week, Oman celebrated Youth Day (26 October 2023), and it has provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey our students undertake during their time at ABQ. While our dedicated staff diligently perform their daily tasks with unmatched passion and devotion, focusing on the students right in front of them, I have the wonderful privilege of observing the bigger picture on a daily basis.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, we might inadvertently overlook the magic that unfolds from the very first day our little ABQ Explorer caterpillars embark on their educational journey until the day our school’s butterflies graduate as confident and accomplished young adults.

When some of these little ones arrive at our school, they can hardly express themselves, still grappling with basic fine and gross motor skills. However, within a year or two, the world of the written word unfolds before them, and they eagerly learn to read and write in both English and Arabic. This newfound ability opens the doors to a treasure chest of knowledge, and the once daunting concept of information becomes easily accessible. As they delve into books, textbooks, and various sources of information, they rapidly expand their intellectual horizons.

Math, science, and the wondrous world around them gradually reveal their mysteries as students grow and develop. The opportunities for personal and academic growth multiply with each passing year. And when I witness our Grade 12 graduates, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. The faces on their Grade 1 photos gracing the screen during the graduation ceremony, have transformed not only in stature but in character. They are now confident, well-rounded, grounded individuals, destined to be the change they wish to see in the world.

Working with children is a privilege like no other. As we celebrate Youth Day, I want to express my appreciation for the remarkable students we have in our school. Originating from 45 different countries in the world, they come together at ABQ Azzan to learn and their collective spirit serves as a profound source of inspiration to all of us.

I am genuinely excited about the future of the world because I witness a vision of it taking shape within the confines of our campus every single day. Our students are the embodiment of potential, curiosity, and resilience. They are the architects of tomorrow, and I have no doubt that they will contribute to a brighter future for all.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education. It is a responsibility we take to heart, and we are committed to nurturing and empowering each student to reach their full potential.

Together, we can continue to foster an environment where our young learners grow into responsible, compassionate, and informed global citizens.

It brings me great pleasure to share with you an exciting update regarding our Discovering You Program (DYP) at ABQ. Since its launch in 2019, DYP has remained a pioneering initiative, focusing on instilling essential 21st-century skills, fostering educational goal setting, and providing invaluable career guidance for our students from Grades 3 to 12.

In our continuous effort to enhance the career mentoring component of the program, we are thrilled to introduce a new addition this year – a Job Shadowing Initiative (JSI) for all Grade 11 students.

Your child may currently only be in Grade 3, or even younger, but it is so reassuring to know that ABQ is not only concerned about students’ next exams but also wants to see them thrive after school. Our teachers strive to prepare the students for success beyond the classroom, and this job shadowing initiative underscores our dedication to their long-term growth and development.

You may be wondering, what exactly is job shadowing? It involves spending time observing the day-to-day activities of a professional at their workplace, gaining firsthand insight into their roles and responsibilities.

This unique opportunity holds the potential to profoundly shape students’ futures. By stepping into the professional world, students have the privilege of understanding the intricacies of their chosen career paths, offering them valuable insights into the realities of their aspirations and helping them to make better-informed decisions.

Each student has been given the opportunity to select a career path aligned with their passions, and they will have the chance to participate in the job shadowing programme on 6 and/or 7 November. This experience is not merely an abstract look into the future; it serves as a crucial step in making informed decisions about their future academic and professional pursuits.

By integrating job shadowing into our Discovering You Program, we aim to equip our students with more than just academic knowledge. We want them to gain a comprehensive understanding of life’s diverse aspects, empowering them to make educated choices about their career paths and enhancing their overall readiness for the professional world.

Our commitment to providing a holistic education that prepares students for success in all facets of life remains unwavering. We firmly believe that this experience will ignite purpose, inspiration, and motivation among our Grade 11 students, offering them invaluable insights into their chosen career paths.

I want to share an inspiring story of an individual who is a shining example of how young people are making a significant difference in the world, leveraging their interests and passions to build meaningful careers.

Rokhaya Diagne is a 25-year-old computer science major from Senegal and her journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology and determination. She began her life as a passionate gamer, spending countless hours immersed in the virtual world. Her dedication to online games worried her family. However, little did they know that Rokhaya’s love for computers and her problem-solving skills gained from gaming would become her stepping stones to creating a brighter future for herself and others.

Her transformation is awe-inspiring. She redirected her energies toward using artificial intelligence to combat one of the world’s most pressing issues, malaria. Her goal is to eradicate this deadly disease by 2030, a mission that has earned her recognition and also funding for her project. With more than 600,000 people succumbing to malaria each year, Rokhaya’s work has the potential to save countless lives.

She has harnessed her passion for computers to launch a startup called “AfyaSense” (Afya means health in Swahili), where she is pioneering disease-detection projects using AI. Her focus on using AI to improve health outcomes in the region is not only innovative but also deeply impactful. Her dedication to leveraging technology for good is a prime example of how young people today are using their interests to create positive change.

The world is changing rapidly, and today’s youth have unprecedented access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities through the Internet. This connectivity enables them to explore careers in technology, engineering, and innovation.

Rokhaya’s story also reflects a broader trend among young people who are using the internet and technology to shape their education and careers. She is part of a generation connected to the world in ways that previous generations could only dream of. This connectivity has opened up a world of opportunities.

Let us empower our children to pursue careers that not only align with their talents and passions but also have a profound impact on the world.

Rokhaya Diagne’s story is a testament to the incredible potential of our youth and her journey emphasises the power of harnessing one’s interests and skills to make a meaningful contribution to society. She serves as an inspiration for others, illustrating the incredible potential that lies within every person.

We should support children in their endeavours and celebrate the fact that they can be the driving force for positive change in the world.

The recent ‘ABQ Cares’ letter from our CEO, Mr Humayun, sparked a profound sense of gratitude within me for the life I have. While we usually prepare for the National Day celebrations in the weeks leading up to 18 November, circumstances have led us to approach the festivities from a different perspective. Yet, this alteration in our plans offers all of us a moment to reflect on and appreciate the immense privilege of residing in this remarkable country.

Oman, a land that embodies safety and beauty in equal measure, is truly a gem. Here, our children have the privilege of attending exceptional schools, where they learn and grow in nurturing environments. We have the comfort of never having to worry about having enough food on our tables, and we are blessed with a place to call home.

While our activities may not reflect the usual richness and festivity, it is moments like these that prompt us to recognise the invaluable treasures we possess. The stability, the opportunities, and the security we experience on a daily basis are priceless gifts, ones that not everyone around the world is fortunate enough to have.

As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping the perspectives of our children. This unique moment offers us an opportunity to instil in them the profound value of gratitude. It is through these subtle shifts in celebration that we can teach our children to appreciate the simple joys and the profound privileges life in Oman offers.

Our journey in this country is not just about the celebrations and the joys but also about the lessons we learn during moments of reflection. It is about cherishing what we have, recognising the beauty in simplicity, and understanding the significance of being part of a compassionate and thriving community.

Let us take this time to strengthen the spirit of thankfulness within our families. Let us encourage our children to count their blessings, to appreciate the opportunities bestowed upon them, and to extend their hands in support to those who may not be as fortunate.

While our National Day celebrations take a different form this year, we take this opportunity to celebrate the essence of gratitude and we will carry this spirit forward, not just in times of festivities, but in our everyday lives, cultivating a culture of appreciation and empathy.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we will continue to foster a sense of appreciation and kindness within our school community, ensuring that the values we impart today last a lifetime.

As we continue to adapt and understand the evolving landscape of our younger students’ generation, it is imperative to recognise the unique characteristics of Generation Alpha. These tech-savvy youngsters, born between 2010 and the mid-2020s (i.e., currently 13 years and younger), defy simple categorisation despite their undeniable immersion in technology.

Having recently delved into insightful articles on this topic, I feel it is important to share some of the fascinating information with you. From the outset, Generation Alpha has been immersed in technology, growing up in a world where screens and devices are as commonplace as toys. Their lives began alongside the introduction of the first iPad and Instagram, granting them an unprecedented level of connectivity from their earliest days. Unlike previous generations, Generation Alpha possesses innate comfort and ease with technology.

The pandemic further accelerated their reliance on screens as school lessons transitioned online. Their adaptability to remote technologies was swift, making them the most technologically advanced generation yet, familiar with virtual learning, hyper-connectivity, and emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality.

However, it is essential not to group them as solely ‘screenagers’. Understanding Generation Alpha surpasses acknowledging their digital fluency; it involves embracing their multifaceted identity and values.  Generation Alpha seamlessly integrates digital and physical connections, placing value on authentic experiences and genuine interactions.

Surprisingly, despite their digital engagement, Generation Alpha cherishes real-world experiences. Entities seeking to connect with them must evolve, offering immersive digital experiences while prioritising authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Research indicates their desire for a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor activities. They prioritise quality time with loved ones and outdoor pursuits, setting them apart from previous generations.

Their interests extend beyond technology, encompassing movies, music, animals, games, and holidays. They emulate their parents’ values while actively seeking real-world interactions.

Creativity is their language and platforms fostering self-expression resonate profoundly with them.

Mental well-being holds significant importance for Generation Alpha. Encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit and fostering genuine engagement are pivotal in establishing lasting connections with this globally-minded generation.

Fostering Generation Alpha children relies significantly on the partnership and collaboration between parents and the school. Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters students’  creativity, prioritises their mental health, and encourages their entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring these young minds flourish in a world that seamlessly integrates digital and physical settings.

I was inspired by an extraordinary story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination that embodies the spirit of possibility through hard work and positive thinking.

In the wilayat of Musanaa, North Batinah, a remarkable Omani farmer, Hamood al Mahrizi, has accomplished a feat that seemed surprising: transforming over 12 hectares of desert land into a thriving mango farm. His journey, detailed in the Muscat Daily, serves as a beacon of motivation for all of us.

Mr Hamood’s story is not just about cultivating mangoes; it is a testament to the power of dedication and innovative thinking. Despite the challenges inherent in desert farming, he embarked on this endeavour after retirement, driven by a passion for farming and a keen interest in mango cultivation.

What sets him apart is his forward-thinking approach. He did not just plant trees; he embraced the Ultra High-Density Plantation method, meticulously planting thousands of trees per hectare. He faced challenges head-on, managing heat, ensuring adequate sunlight, and understanding the intricate balance of nutrients crucial for quality production.

His choice to diversify into mango farming was deliberate, aiming not only for personal gain but also to contribute to the national economy and food security. And it is not just about profitability; Mr Hamood’s vision extends far beyond his own farm. He aspires to create a community of mango farmers, offering support and expertise to fellow farmers, and fostering collaboration and growth.

But perhaps the most poignant aspect of Mr Hamood’s story is his call to the youth. He passionately advocates for the involvement of young people in agriculture, highlighting its profitability and its role in securing a prosperous future for generations to come.

This narrative echoes a fundamental truth: through hard work, dedication, and a positive outlook, remarkable transformations are possible. Mr Hamood’s journey teaches us that despite the challenges that may seem impossible, perseverance and innovative thinking can turn deserts into orchards.

As a school community, let us draw inspiration from Mr Hamood’s story. Let us encourage our children to dream big, to embrace challenges as opportunities, and to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.

Each one of us holds the potential to create impactful change. Together, let us nurture this spirit within our children and guide them to believe that with perseverance and positivity, all things are possible.

As we navigate the final stretch of this semester, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support and collaboration. The journey of learning and growth is in a crucial phase with the end-of-semester assessments and your role in guiding and uplifting our students during this period is invaluable.

These assessments present an opportunity for our students to showcase their knowledge, skills, and understanding of the curriculum. While assessments are a part of academic evaluation, they also signify a chance for personal growth and self-reflection.

As parents, your encouragement, guidance, and positive reinforcement significantly contribute to your child’s confidence and performance.

Here are a few ways you can support your child during this period:

• Maintain a positive atmosphere: Create an environment at home that fosters a positive attitude towards learning. Encourage discussions about subjects, provide assistance where needed, and promote a stress-free atmosphere to alleviate any pressure.

• Establish a routine: A consistent study routine can greatly benefit your child. Help them set aside dedicated time for preparation. Balancing study and relaxation is essential for optimal performance.

• Effective study habits: Encourage effective study techniques such as summarising notes, practising past papers, and breaking down study material into manageable sections. Encourage them to seek help from teachers if they encounter difficulties.

• Emphasise self-care: Encourage adequate rest, healthy meals, and physical activity. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped for academic challenges.

• Be a supportive listener: Encourage open communication where your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or questions they may have regarding their studies.

At ABQ we aim to equip our students with not just academic knowledge but also the skills to face challenges with confidence. We have instilled in them the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to approach assessments as learning opportunities rather than just tests.

I believe that with your unwavering support and our shared commitment, the students will shine brightly in these assessments.

Furthermore, please reach out to the teachers or management should you require any additional guidance or support. We are here to work with you to ensure the success and well-being of every student.

As we approach the conclusion of the first semester, it is with immense gratitude that I look back on the multitude of enriching experiences and celebrations that have marked this initial phase of our academic year.

Our calendar has been filled with vibrant and joyful occasions – from fun days to themed weeks, dress-up days, and House events. These activities have not only brought laughter and spirit but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among our students.

Moreover, our focus on nurturing essential 21st-century skills through our Discovering You Program (DYP) has been paramount. We have delved deep into empowering our students with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern world.

A significant milestone was achieved as our Grade 11 students engaged in the pioneering ABQ Job Shadowing Initiative (JSI). This initiative aimed to provide invaluable insights into various professions, offering them a glimpse into the professional world beyond the classroom.

We have opened our doors on several occasions, hosting Open Days that welcomed new members into our school family. These moments of connection and warmth have been pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging within our school family.

Beyond our walls, our commitment to serving the community has been evident through various charitable initiatives. Whether it was raising awareness about cancer, fundraising for Palestine, or participating in a beach clean-up, our students have demonstrated compassion and a dedication to making a positive impact on the world around them.

We have been honoured to host esteemed guest speakers who have inspired and enlightened us with their wisdom and experiences. Additionally, our extracurricular activities have flourished, providing diverse avenues for our students to explore their interests and talents.

The resonating melodies of our students’ music performances have filled us with joy and pride, showcasing the incredible artistic abilities of our students.

Our Parent-Teacher Conferences served as invaluable opportunities for collaborative discussions, nurturing our students’ growth through shared insights and support from home and school.

Athletic prowess was celebrated through spirited sports matches, both within our school and against our competitors. These moments of competition have instilled in our students the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

The remarkable academic accomplishments of our Grade 12 class of 2023 have filled us with immense pride and inspiration. Their exceptional results serve as another milestone in continuing our school’s legacy of academic excellence.

We united in acknowledging Oman’s 53rd National Day, embracing the rich cultural tapestry that enriches our school.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and partnership in shaping our school’s journey. Best wishes for the last couple of days of this semester.

We have reached the end of the 2022-23 academic year and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the year. Your involvement and encouragement have played an instrumental role in making this year a resounding success.

I am truly honoured to have had the privilege of working with such incredible students and witnessing their growth and achievements. They have consistently demonstrated a thirst for knowledge, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to their education. Every one of them has shown immense determination and a genuine desire to learn, which has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

Their accomplishments, both academically and personally, have been extraordinary. I have witnessed them stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new opportunities with open minds. I am confident that the valuable lessons they have learned this year will serve as a strong foundation for the coming year and  I have no doubt that they will continue to soar to new heights and make their mark on the world.

In anticipation of the upcoming year, I would like to share a short motivational story that I believe captures the essence of perseverance and the power of a positive mindset:

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Maryam. Maryam had a dream to become a great painter, but she faced many challenges along the way. Her paintings were often criticized, but Maryam refused to give up. Instead, she viewed every criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve.

Maryam practiced day and night, experimenting with different techniques, and seeking guidance from experienced artists. With each stroke of her brush, she grew more skilled and confident.

Years later, Maryam’s dedication and hard work paid off. Her paintings began to captivate the hearts of art enthusiasts around the world. She became a famous artist, inspiring others with her talent and tenacity. Maryam’s journey taught us that with perseverance, resilience, and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams.

As we embark on a new academic year, let us encourage our children to also embrace challenges, learn from their failures, and never lose sight of their dreams. Together, we can empower them to become the best versions of themselves and create a brighter future.

Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support and partnership. It is because of your unwavering commitment that our students have thrived, and I am incredibly proud of each one of them. Here’s to an amazing year ahead filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities.

Wishing everyone a blessed and relaxing summer to spend time with their loved ones. Let us make the most of this time to create lasting memories with the people we care about.

We are in the midst of admissions season. Despite the academic year winding down, the administration department is abuzz with activities, including reregistrations and new enrolments.

It is always heartwarming to see the enthusiasm of families who want to be part of our school community and see how passionately our PCOs assist them and demonstrate our ‘we care’ motto.

As an ABQ school, we take immense pride in our academic achievements. Each year, our Grade 12 A Level results rank among the best in the world. The same level of excellence applies to our GED results. We firmly believe that actions speak louder than words, and we have concrete evidence to support our commitment to academic excellence.

Many schools claim to provide excellent education, but it is crucial to recognise the difference between making such claims and actually delivering on them.

By regularly assessing our students’ performance, we can identify any learning gaps early on and take appropriate measures to address them. This helps ensure that your child stays on track and receives the support they need to succeed.

Tests and exams, on the other hand, serve as important evaluation tools. They provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the subjects they have learned.

There is a popular saying, “the proof is in the pudding,” and we wholeheartedly agree. Simply stating the quality of our school is subjective. We must substantiate those claims with solid evidence.

That is precisely why we have implemented common exams in the Primary section and incorporated GL and CAT4 assessments as part of our ABQ Way learner journey. These measures allow us to benchmark our results and show that our dedication to providing exceptional standards in academics is more than just words.

Parents, you have made an excellent choice by selecting our school for your children’s education. Year after year, ABQ continues to prove that we not only promise exceptional standards but also deliver on them. Our track record stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing the knowledge and abilities of our students.

We are honoured to have you as part of our school family and will persistently strive for excellence in everything we do.

Welcome back to another exciting semester. I trust you all had a restful time and that you made the most of the cooler weather.

Annually thousands of endangered turtles migrate to Oman. Green turtles are a critically endangered species and Oman is one of the few countries that have a special reserve just for them. These beautiful creatures migrate in their thousands to Ras Al Jinz beach each year to lay eggs, and many of you have probably been to see the babies hatch and hurry towards the warm sea.

Oman is also rated as one of the best countries for bird watching, especially for migratory species. Over five hundred species of birds have been recorded in Oman and you can find birds from three continents, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

One of the last places in which the Arabian leopard survives is the Dhofar mountains in southern Oman, and the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve has been set up specially to protect these critically endangered big cats.

Oman is also rich in marine diversity. The Arabian Sea humpback whale subpopulation is the only known group that does not undertake seasonal migrations between high-latitude feeding grounds and low-latitude areas for mating, calving and nursing. This unique, small subpopulation is endangered. Photo identification studies indicate that fewer than 100 individuals remain in the coastal waters of Oman.

Oman is indeed blessed with a wonderfully rich and diverse ecosystem. The Sultanate recently celebrated Environment Day (8 January 2023).

As part of the government’s continuous efforts to be more eco-friendly, the country completely banned the import of plastic bags from the start of this year while the ban on single-use bags has already been enforced since 2021.

Plastic bags do not decompose easily and remain polluting the environment for hundreds of years. Close to 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year, a figure set to double by 2040. A staggering 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into the ocean daily.

I am thankful for a government that realises the importance of protecting the environment and the natural beauty of this country for generations to come, but it is not only their responsibility. We should all make an effort to live more eco-friendly.

Here are a few relatively easy ways for us to make a big difference: use reusable bottles and cups, avoid using plastic straws, take your own bags for grocery shopping, and use non-plastic reusable containers for food storage.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”

—Jane Goodall

Nike’s billionaire co-founder, Phil Knight, said in an interview that over the years many had doubted his ability to succeed. Yet, he still steered Nike to become the world’s no. 1 athletic shoe company, with a brand so powerful it can be recognised by a checkmark.

He said that he always knew he could fail, but his optimistic outlook helped him persevere. Building Nike was the most fun he has ever had. His team had a vision, and they believed they would succeed. They cared about the product and they cared for one another. For every challenge thrown at them, they knew they had to find a solution to overcome it.

Nike was founded in 1963 under the name Blue Ribbon Sports with a $500 investment from Knight’s former track coach, Bill Bowerman.

Bill was a World War II veteran who had returned to his hometown in Oregon to coach athletes. He later became the USA’s track coach for the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Bowerman enjoyed experimenting with shoes. His goal was quite simple, to make shoes lighter and help runners get faster.

At the time, shoes were provided with spikes at the bottom for grip, but he wanted something that could grip on various surfaces without having spikes. During a casual breakfast with his wife, he noticed the pattern of the waffle iron. He figured that by turning it upside down – where the waffle part would come in contact with the track, he could create a  new, ‘never seen before’ sole.

Nike’s innovation trajectory started at that moment. The company released its first shoe, the Waffle Trainer, shortly after.

Knight made his first sales by going to track meets and selling the shoes from the trunk of his car.

The Nike slogan, JUST DO IT, was only introduced in 1987, even though the company’s history is such a great example of this ‘can do’ attitude. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman did not have it easy. They faced many challenges. They initially had very few financial resources, but they decided to push through. They did not shy away from hard work. They constantly looked for new and innovative solutions to athletes’ real-life problems.

This slogan is not limited to athletes and sports enthusiasts. It can be applied to any circumstance.

The slogan is not just WIN it. It is just DO it! All the focus should not be on the end result. The slogan reiterates the importance of getting started and making the best of the journey. The key to success is in fact to stop procrastinating and to actually be willing to work for what you want and the willingness to put in the effort. Every student should set a goal for this semester and make a list of how they are going to achieve that.

In 2023, let us not wait for opportunities to arise. Stop making excuses. Get started… JUST DO IT!

Since my family and I moved here in December 2020 I have always thought that the Sultanate of Oman is a magnificent country.

To be honest, I knew very little about the country before we moved here. I saw a number of outstanding tourist videos online and read some articles, but nothing could fully prepare me for what I found here.

Oman is a country of incredible natural beauty intricately intertwined with a combination of its rich history, as well as an incredible advancement in so many different areas.  One must only spend a few months here to notice the astonishing pace of development with regard to infrastructure, education, tourism, commerce, sports, technology, innovation, finance and more.

But I am not the only one to notice this…

Just in the last couple of weeks, the Sultanate of Oman has been named among the world’s 18 most beautiful countries by Veranda, a US-based design and lifestyle magazine. The list was compiled through a travel survey that aimed to narrow down the most breathtaking places on earth from amongst the 193 vastly different nations.

Oman was also ranked 8th on the index of countries with the highest quality of life, according to the world data encyclopedia, Numbeo, and ranked among the top four countries in the world on Numbeo’s safety and crime index.

The New York Times has listed Salalah among 52 tourist destinations to visit this year. The only other place from the Arab world to feature in the list is Tassili n’Ajjer of Algeria.

Do you know what is the best part of all of this? We get to experience the beauty and benefits of this country on a daily basis. We get to live here. We get to grow here. We get to discover all the hidden natural gems this country has to offer.

However, with that comes a huge responsibility. Are we contributing to making this country better or worse? This is something each person must answer for themselves.

• Do I pick up litter when I see it (or do I add to it)?
• Do I use water sparingly and responsibly?
• Do I walk when I can, instead of driving everywhere?
• Do I reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible?

Let us all contribute to Oman’s ongoing progress and growth. It is a privilege to be part of the future of such a magnificent country.

Even with time being a factor for most of us, there are simple ways of being more actively involved in your child’s education and emotional development.

School and parents

Young people live and learn in two worlds – home and school. The way the two connect and communicate can make an enormous difference in how children learn to manage in both places. If teachers, parents and students all trust, listen and talk to each other, the final goal of helping children learn and develop to their best ability is most likely to be achieved.

You might find contacting the school or talking to your child’s teachers difficult, or think they will not have time for you. Parent-Teacher meetings provide an ideal opportunity to get to know your child’s teachers. Finding out more about school life and what they are learning in class shows your child how much you care about their education and well-being and getting to know the school and the teachers is the best way to find out more.

Out of school support

When a child comes home from school, they may be tired so try not to ask too many questions as soon as your child walks through the door or gets into the car. They may be tired or hungry and not feel like talking. Be available to listen later if they want to talk.

Often parents like to introduce additional interests outside of school too so that children have the opportunity to explore interests that they enjoy.  Do things together, visit interesting places, talk about things you have seen on television and encourage your child to ask questions. You can maybe also watch something interesting together.

You can support their reading development by having books or magazines in the home and letting your child see you and other family members reading them.

Thinking ahead

Education is more than just maths, English and science. Your child’s talents may lie in sport, art, music, drama, computers, or something else, You can always help them aim high by boosting their confidence:

• Encourage them to join as many of the school’s ECA clubs as the programme would allow
• Tell your child how proud you are when they do well
• Let them hear you praising them to other people
• Talk together about their future and the kind of job they think they would enjoy
• Ask them to help you with things they are good at
• Help your child to find someone with good values to look up to; a relative, friend or even a celebrity

Struggling at school

If your child needs extra help, find out from the school how he or she can be better supported at home. This may be something as simple as allowing them to draw more often to help with fine motor skills, etc. (Source: www.familylives.org.uk)

For a few short years, we have the ability to support our children whilst they live with us at home. We should all try to make the best of our time together.

ABQ Azzan is proud to announce the launch of our Group’s newly redesigned website on Tuesday, 14 February 2023!

Over the past year, we have been working with website specialists to build a new website that better reflects ABQ’s operations, the various campuses and unique programmes. It also has improved navigation making it easier to find relevant information and it provides a refreshed “digital experience” for new families interested in joining our school family.

Essentially, the website is the window into life at our school, highlighting our strengths and achievements and communicating our distinctive offering to you as current parents, as well as to our prospective students and parents.

Our Group Chief Learning Officer, Mr Sigve Austheim, also writes a very informative blog every month which is uploaded and available to read.

Why do we even have a website, or needed a new one?

• Keeping everyone informed

ABQ is ever-evolving and regularly introduces innovative new programmes to remain relevant and to ensure that our students receive the best education possible. This also means that you as parents receive exceptional value for money. These unique programmes are explained at length on our new website.

• Showcasing our school online

Since the pandemic there has been a dramatic increase in the use of technology. Internet services have seen rises in usage from 40 % to 100 %, compared to pre-lockdown levels. Especially for new families wanting to join the ABQ Family, it is useful to be able to read more about the school before visiting us in person.

• Accessible around the clock

Our school is only open for certain hours of the week. However, the website is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. Anyone can access it to find information on most aspects of school life from anywhere and at any time.

• Being mobile friendly

One of the reasons we updated the website was also to be more mobile-friendly. Currently, 92% of internet users worldwide access the internet using a mobile phone. All content was therefore formatted to make it easy to read on any cell phone.

We will let you know as soon as the website goes live on Tuesday and look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to see any additional information added to the website, please let me know. I value your feedback.

This is Jim Thorpe. Look closely at the photo and you will see that he is wearing mismatched socks and shoes. This was not a fashion statement. It was the 1912 Olympics, and Jim, an American from Oklahoma represented the United States in track and field.

On the morning of his competitions, his shoes were stolen. Others would have probably decided to withdraw, but Jim ended up finding two odd shoes in a garbage bin. Besides old and dirty, one of the shoes was also too big and he had to wear an extra sock just to make it fit properly. He did not look like a champion at all!

Wearing these odd shoes, Jim proceeded to win two gold medals that day. He did not give up when things went wrong. He immediately started looking for a solution… and the solution did not come in a brand-new shoe box with shiny new shoes. You would agree, he looks rather funny in this photo. But this is a perfect reminder that even when things do not go your way, you can still succeed. Do not give up when things go wrong because the road to success is never easy.

This diagram illustrates it very well. Success often looks effortless, because we see people winning medals, or getting certificates, or driving smart cars, but most people do not see the challenges those people had to overcome to reach that point.

Stop making excuses why you cannot achieve your dreams and start working towards them. It takes persistence, failure, sacrifice, good habits, hard work and dedication to get there, but once you reach that point, you will realise it was all worth it. No one can ever take that away from you.

I had an interesting conversation with a parent recently and I thought I would share some of it with you. To give you some background information, these parents are very serious about their children’s education and are actively involved in their progress. They carefully monitor the curriculum and outcomes, in-class experiences, their results and the school’s overall academic performance.

Due to some financial constraints, they considered moving their children to a more affordable alternative earlier this year. As you know, there are many other Cambridge schools in Oman, so it is not difficult to find competitors, but they wanted to make an informed decision and visited several schools to understand the strengths of each school, their educational philosophies, the staff, etc.

Purely based on facts, the parents decided to stay with ABQ because of the following reasons:

• ABQ offers a consistent and sustainable high-quality educational experience.

Our Class of 2022 has again done superbly in A level, with 88.89% A*-A, exactly the same as the previous year. However, this year Azzan Bin Qais ranks 3^rd in the world, up from 7^th place the previous year. We ranked 1^st in the Middle East, ahead of Doha College (Qatar) and Dubai College (UAE). Our GED results were also the best we have ever had as a Group, with a mean amongst the three schools well over 82%. Azzan Bin Qais led the group with an impressive average of 85%.

ABQ received 16 Cambridge and Edexcel Outstanding Learner Awards in maths and sciences last year, of which our school contributed 5.

• ABQ implements several internal and international benchmarking assessments and academic support systems throughout students’ educational journeys with us. This is not a ‘nice to have’, it holds us accountable. We often witness it when students join us from other schools. They are achieving excellent results at their schools but fail our entrance assessments. If schools do not implement independent benchmarking, their results are often biased and not a true reflection of a student’s academic performance.
• Very few schools offer an ECA programme similar to ours, and those that do are substantially more expensive.

The conversation touched on several more of the elements incorporated in the ABQ Way (see next page), such as the incorporation of the ABQ 1:1 Chromebook and our other unique programmes, but I am trying to keep it short. ABQ clearly offers exceptional value for money!

Being an ABQ Family member enables your child the privilege of a proven well-rounded education. We firmly believe that every child can shine and through committed and targeted guidance and mentoring, they can use the knowledge and skills they acquire at school to shape their future. Thank you for trusting us with this responsibility!

The past two weeks I had the privilege of attending both the primary and secondary ABQ Athletics Days at Bawshar Stadium. I say privilege because it was indeed an honour to see the students from all three schools competing in one city and one event at the same time.

The management, administrative staff and teachers often liaise with their peers at the other two ABQ schools, but the students, unfortunately, do not often interact with the students at ABQ Seeb and ABQ Sohar.

Have you ever met a distant family member for the first time, and despite not knowing one another, the conversation just flowed as there is an undeniable connection?

I felt the same way at these two events. Despite operating in different cities and different campuses, the students all arrived in the same uniforms and there was just immediate ease and comfort amongst all. We do not just say we are a School Family, it is indeed the case.

Another highlight was our staff.

Athletics Days are probably one of the most labour-intensive events to organise. It was ABQ Azzan’s turn to host this year’s events, but we needed all hands on deck to make these days a success. The work had already started with the trials held at school a couple of weeks prior to the events and the tasks just multiplied as we got closer to the days.

All three schools made staff available to assist on the day and everyone arrived in good spirits and ultimately did much more than we could ever ask for.

Several students did well with the trials, but to suddenly do a 400 m (one lap around the track) with limited training, is not easy. And we saw so many staff lining up next to the track, cheering on the students and often even running alongside some of the students who battled to finish, to motivate them past the finishing line.

ABQ’s #wecare motto was evident throughout the day. The parents, staff and students lived it without even realising it.

Unfortunately, many students could not be part of these two events due to logistical constraints, but we are in the process of arranging further sports and cultural inter-school events to give more students the opportunity to meet the rest of the ABQ Family.

You probably know the proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child”, which means that an entire community of people care and provide for and interact positively with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. I think all of us sometimes forget that the ABQ village is far greater than our school only, but I saw the village in action at both events.

Thank you for choosing ABQ and by doing so, choosing to be part of a caring School Family.

I recently watched the movie True Spirit on Netflix, which depicts the extraordinary voyage of 16-year-old Jessica Watson who dreamt of becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unassisted, which meant she had to sail alone and not dock at any port along the way.

The journey was estimated to take 200 days, and she had to cross the equator and all meridians of longitude. In doing so, she not only seeked to fulfil her dream but also faced her greatest fears at the same time. Her on-land support team consisted of her parents, three siblings, and her coach.

On completion of the voyage, she said that she did not consider herself a hero, just an ‘ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything is possible’.

In an interview, Jessica mentioned the following important life lessons:

1. You cannot change conditions – just the way you deal with them

She navigated some of the world’s most remote oceans and survived seven knockdowns and 210 days alone at sea to become the youngest person to accomplish this magnificent achievement.

2. Surround yourself with good people

Jessica recommends surrounding yourself with people who have done it before and from whom you can learn. Through the experiences of others, she was able to prepare herself to continue on a path of positive thinking and control her mindset to face the challenges that crossed her path.

3. Enjoy the moment

Many successful people succeed in achieving their goals, but many fail to celebrate. This can be as simple as stopping and letting yourself have a moment. Pat yourself on the back for what you have achieved and let it sink in.

4. Share the dream and acknowledge others

From the outside looking in you could easily think that her sailing accomplishment was an individual act. However, Jessica needed the support, guidance and commitment of a team of people in order to succeed. For every achievement, remember to share the dream and acknowledge the help and assistance you received from others.

We can all learn a lot from her perseverance and commitment to achieving her dreams.

I am ending with Jessica’s own words, remember: “You don’t have to be someone special to achieve something amazing. You’ve just got to have a dream, believe in it and work hard.”

Last week I wrote about the Australian teenager who sailed around the world on her own. This week’s letter is about someone from Oman who conquered the skies.

Mr Nasser AlHabsi was born in the small village, Al Akhdhar, in Samad Ashan and always dreamt of becoming a pilot. He says growing up he could not even imagine this dream coming true as it seemed completely impossible for a village boy to be able to fly a plane.

His desire to fly started in grade three or four. His older brother was an aviation maintenance technician for the Air Force and he used to provide him with information on different types of aeroplanes, how they work, and tips for pilots to stay healthy. As a teenager, his brother used to refer to him as the future pilot.

Years later, he is not only successful in the aviation field but also published a book in Arabic called The Pilot and launched an aviation programme on YouTube in 2020. @pilot_habsi features various types of planes and aviation equipment and he answers related questions.

Mr Nasser now has 11 years of experience in civil aviation. His journey was challenging because growing up, information on aviation was limited and no one expected him to accomplish great things, but that never stopped him.

He also took it upon himself to make it easier for others who want to follow in his footsteps. He already started sharing his knowledge in his first-year foundation programme at the university by creating a website focusing on topics such as aviation and cabin crews. Having left the university in the second year to start his aviation training with an airline, he continued to provide information online.

Mr Nasser never allowed his humble beginnings to hold him back. He was determined to fly, and through hard work and dedication, he managed to make his passion a successful career. He has even been back to his former school to share his experiences with the students and also keeps his followers informed via Instagram. His life reminds me of Walt Disney’s famous quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

 Mr Nasser continues to encourage others to reach for their dreams and remind them that can accomplish anything they are passionate about. (Source: Oman Observer)

Being a parent is not easy and not knowing whether you are doing it “right” makes it that much harder.

However, thanks to decades of research by Dr John Gottman on parenting, we know that there are things a parent can do to create a strong bond with their child and set their child up for success in life.

Creating a secure bond with your child sets the stage for them to live a happy, fulfilling life. Dr Gottman refers to this relationship-building technique as “small things often.”

So, what does “Small Things Often” look like in your relationship with your child?

Build and engage in small habits of connection around transition points in the day. This could be as simple as a “Good morning, did you sleep well” when they wake up or “Have a great day” when dropping them off at school. It can include a hug or another form of physical connection. Bedtime could include a longer ritual such as a story or small chat before they drift off to sleep. The ritual needs to be something that fits both of you. Your rituals will change as your child gets older but continuing to make transition times a point of connection lets your child know you are there for them.

Express positivity to your child. Most of what children hear from parents and caregivers involve what to do and what not to do. However, expressing the positive is crucial. In fact, positive expressions need to outweigh the negative expressions for your child to feel loved, accepted, and valued. Positive expressions include things such as thanking them for helping out (even if it is a chore), giving them a compliment, or telling them how proud you are of them.

Show your child affection. Make sure you are hugging your child, giving them kisses, or even just a pat on the back. Affection lets your child know you care about them and you are there for them. When your child makes a bid for connection, do your best to respond to them in a positive manner.

Be curious about their world. Ask your child questions about their day and get to know who they are. Make sure that you are paying attention and remembering what they say.

Spend time together. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time. Spending even 10 minutes a day engaging in an activity with your child that they enjoy sends a powerful message that you care about them and love them. If you make this special time a part of your routine, it will be more likely to occur.

Great parenting does not require perfection. However, it does require that you repair it when you mess up. When you can repair a negative interaction with your child, it tells them that you will always be there, even during difficult times. Additionally, it teaches them valuable skills about how to repair relationships and take responsibility. This will help them in future when they inevitably have conflicts with others.

Parenting is hard, but by engaging in small moments of connection with your child often, you can build a bond that will set them up for success for a lifetime.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “The more we know about the past, the better prepared we are for the future”. World Heritage Day (18 April) encourages us to celebrate the various cultures globally and to bring awareness to important cultural monuments and sites. Oman is home to some of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Middle East and we are stepping back in time with today’s newsletter.

Oman was part of the original ancient trade routes, assisting in the transportation and trade of rare gemstones, frankincense, East African gold, feather and wood goods, and spices from the Far East. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Oman has had five UNESCO World Heritage Sites officially recognised for their importance to history and the evolution of mankind.

1. Bahla Fort

The Bahla Fort is a monumental and immense fort that was built by the tribe of Banu Nebhan during the 12th to the 15th centuries. It is believed to be one of the best examples of fortification in the region that attests to the power of the Tribes.

2. Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

These sites are considered the best example of ancient settlements in Oman. The whole archaeological area consists of a large rural settlement, a monumental tower, few necropolises, and an irrigation system for agriculture. The remains of this Bronze Age landscape are of exceptional value for preservation.

3. Land of Frankincense

Before petroleum and gas, the trade of frankincense in the Gulf region brought about success to the economy and this went on for many centuries. In fact, the trade of frankincense was considered as one of the most important trading activities in medieval and ancient times. The Land of Frankincense is an area along the incense road in Oman that features frankincense trees.

4. Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

This site consists of five irrigation systems that showcase the traditional irrigation method of Omanis. It represents about 3000 similar systems still in use in Oman. The water flows from underground sources or natural springs to croplands and homes through the use of gravity. There are also numerous watchtowers built in between to protect the water systems. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient irrigation systems were developed thousands of years ago.

5. Ancient City of Qalhat

The ancient city of Qalhat was most recently listed as a World Heritage site. The only surviving structure of this ancient site is the dome-less mausoleum of Biwi Maryam. It stands as a unique testimony of cultural traditions, ancient civilisation and it is an outstanding example of a typical early city port representing important stages in the history of mankind.

If you have not been to all, try to visit them in the coming year.

As parents, we all want to raise our children to be the best possible version of themselves they can be. We all want to raise a kid with manners, a kind heart, and the ability to make good decisions. Experienced School Counsellor, Stephen Ferraro, compiled some practical tips on how to ensure our children grow up to be upstanding citizens.

Encourage empathy and perspective taking.

Help your child understand what others face by having him/her imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes. There are many viewpoints and ways to interpret something.

Take time to say thanks.

It is always important to show thanks and encourage appreciation in children. Does your child say “thank you” after someone helps them? Just think about the last time someone held the door open for you. Did you say thank you? Lead by example.

Help children understand the consequences.

Help your child to understand the consequences of poor decisions. There will always be rules in life and we must help them to understand when they make mistakes. Always provide a reason for a consequence to help them learn from it.

Emphasize good sportsmanship.

It is not always about winning; effort is more important. Point out high-fives, positive talk, cheering, and teamwork on the sports field. Do your children shake hands with their opponents?

Showcase character-rich movies and TV shows.

What type of movies and TV shows are your kids watching? Are you having discussions about what you watch together? Ask what they thought was right or wrong in a scene. Emphasize positive behaviour.

Share uplifting stories.

There are always positive stories in the news or social media you can share, ones that exemplify perseverance, responsibility, respect, and compassion.

Encourage dedication and practice.

Help them realize that not everything comes easy. You have to practice in life to become better, whether it be with math, essay writing, or sports. And remember, recognition and rewards are earned. Help them persevere and appreciate fairness.

We have reached that time of the year when everything tends to slow down a little. We only have a few weeks left before exams start. In fact, some of our students have already started. The ECAs will come to an end soon. Most of the syllabus has been completed, and besides a couple of ongoing assessments and revision tests, the end of this academic year is literally around the corner.

However, it is also that time of the year when no one is really in the mood for studying anymore, attendance seems to be dropping, and everyone tends to be running a little low on self-motivation.

There is a saying that goes “Perseverance is the act of continuing to move forward, even when you want to give up.” – Rachel Scott. This captures the essence of perseverance, which is also one of our school values. Even when things get hard – which they almost always do – perseverance pushes you to keep going. Why is it important to have this skill and to also teach your children how to persevere?

• Perseverance encourages adaptability

Perseverant people are also innovative people. They think outside the box in pursuit of their goals. They are willing to admit when an idea is not working and they are willing to try something new. This adaptability benefits every area of a person’s life.

• You need perseverance to reach your goals

There are very few good things in life that come quickly and easily. All goals require effort. To stay the course, you need perseverance.

• Perseverance carries you through failures

Failing is an awful feeling. It is natural to want to avoid that, but the only way to avoid failure is to never try anything. When you approach failure with perseverance, it is easier to see it as a learning experience.

• Students benefit significantly from perseverance

School-aged kids face a lot of challenges. Students should be praised for effort – not just success.

• All successful people are perseverant

There is no such thing as an “overnight success.” Whilst not everyone who perseveres will find fame and fortune, those who do have learned to continue despite setbacks and obstacles on the way.

As hard as it is, we need to teach our kids the skills to persevere – even when things get difficult. It will allow them to thrive with their learning, get to where they want to go and ultimately give them valuable choices. Without this tool in their resilience toolkit, they will limit themselves; not just while they are at school, but for the rest of their lives.

Perseverance is power. Great works are not achieved through strength but the willingness to continue, when you feel like giving up.

Every year we give you as existing ABQ Family members the first chance to confirm your children’s seats for the next academic year. This means that despite new students joining, your children are guaranteed a spot in our school.

Thereafter, we officially open our doors to any prospective students wanting to join our school family, which brings me to Open Days. I really enjoy them as I am reminded time and again that what we have at ABQ is not the norm. ABQ sets exceptional standards for education.

Our curriculum is designed to challenge students academically whilst also supporting their personal growth and development.

Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are passionate about education and dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. They use a variety of teaching methods and techniques to ensure that all students are engaged, motivated, and challenged.

At the heart of our academic programme is a commitment to fostering critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love of learning. This learning experience is enhanced with several unique programmes, such as ABQ 1:1 Chromebook, DYP, GEDx and Mobeen.

We believe that education should be a lifelong pursuit and our curriculum is designed to inspire students to continue learning long after they leave our school.

In addition to our academic and unique programmes, we also offer a range of extracurricular activities that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships. From sports teams to music ensembles, drama clubs to community service organisations, there is something for everyone at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais.

We strive to provide our students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics. We believe in encouraging them to pursue their passions, develop new interests, and explore new talents.

We are confident that our academic rigour, unique programmes and our ECAs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in their academic and personal lives.

We have an Open Day on Saturday, 13 May 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm and I want to encourage you to please invite your friends and family to come and experience the ‘ABQ Way’. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible education to our students and meeting us in person is ideal.

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School is a place where academic excellence meets personal growth, and we are eager to showcase all that we have to offer to prospective students and their families.

Please also be reminded of the ABQ Ambassador referral programme. With this initiative, you can earn up to 100% of your child’s annual tuition fees as a referral credit. Please ask your PCO for more information.

The things kids need most in life are love, security, guidance, and support. Seeing the best in your child helps bring out the best in everyone, and focusing on your child’s strengths is an easy way to connect with them.

You do not have to be supermum or superdad to bring out the best in your child. Here are a few easy ways to empower your child and bring out the best in them:

1. Let your child discover their own interests. Expose them to a broad spectrum of experiences. Our ECA programme offers an ideal opportunity for children to try new things.
2. Maintain realistic expectations.
3. Set a good example and be a lifelong learner. Try new things often.
4. Play together as a family. Go for walks, head to the park, play board games, head to the movies, read together, listen to music, etc.
5. Make time for talking and asking your child questions in order to get them to open up and think critically about the world around them. Remember to be a good listener too!
6. Fill your home with humour and laughter.
7. Praise your child when they are successful, kind or helpful.
8. Do not compare your child to others. The only person they should be comparing themselves to is themselves!
9. Give your child choices. For young kids try to give them two acceptable options and let them choose which one they want. When kids make their own choices, it helps build independence and confidence.
10. Teach your child the power of “yet”. Help them understand that just because things are hard at first, and they may not know it all now, it does not mean they never will, it just means they have not learned it YET!
11. Give your child permission to make mistakes. If a child is pressured to be perfect all the time, they will never be willing to take risks, and risks are a necessary part of discovering the things they enjoy and are good at.
12. Apologize when you make a mistake. This helps your child feel respected and shows them how to handle situations when they make mistakes themselves.
13. Speak kindly to your child and let them hear you talking kindly to yourself. (Source: apolloafterschool.com)

Dear Parents,

We had the privilege of celebrating the Class of 2023 at their graduation ceremony last week.

Just like a caterpillar hatches from an egg and undergoes a remarkable transformation into a beautiful butterfly, the Grade 12s have grown and evolved over the years. Each step of the journey with us has been significant in their development, shaping them into the individuals they are today.

We often underestimate the magnitude of the changes our children undergo during their time in school. Much like a caterpillar must patiently master numerous skills to prepare itself for flight, our students have also worked diligently to acquire knowledge, skills, and values that will empower them to confidently face the world beyond our school walls.

Throughout their academic journey, our dedicated educators have played a vital role in nurturing their intellectual curiosity, fostering their love for learning, and guiding them towards excellence. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our outstanding teachers, who have invested their time, expertise, and unwavering support into each child’s growth.

The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is a testament to the resilience and determination that lies within all of us. Similarly, our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and an eagerness to learn. They have embraced challenges, overcome obstacles, and have emerged stronger and more confident individuals.

To those of you with younger children still in the process of developing into ABQ butterflies, cherish their accomplishments along the way, not only in academics but also in their personal growth, character development, and social interactions. Take pride in their unique qualities, talents, and the values they embody. The journey goes too quickly!

Finally, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our students, from ABQ Explorer to Grade 12, as they approach the end of this academic year. May they continue to embrace the joy of learning, cultivate their passions, and develop the skills necessary to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Thank you once again for entrusting us with the education and growth of your children. We look forward to witnessing their ongoing transformation into extraordinary individuals who will shape our future.

Dear ABQ Family,

I cannot believe the first week of the 2022-23 academic year is already done and dusted.

Our school remained open during the summer and we had a team of staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was ready for the new year. However, school is just not the same without our students and it is an absolute delight to have everyone back on campus.

ABQ is always looking for ways to better prepare our students for life after school and does not look at Grade 12 as the finishing line. We equip students with core academic knowledge, as well as essential 21st-century skills throughout their time with us. This forms a powerful combination to help them realise their full potential in a fast-changing world.

Some of you have been part of our school family for some time already, but we also have a large group of new families who only joined us recently and I think it is important to reiterate who we are as a Group and to reiterate our proud history which exemplifies academic excellence.

What makes ABQ different?

ABQ Education Group is blessed with the knowledge, expertise, creativity and passion of 250+ highly qualified and well-experienced educators. Over time, the Group has taken the best practices from each of the three international schools (MSQ, Seeb and Sohar) and created a world-class operational framework, The ABQ Way.

The ABQ Way assures students a consistent and sustainable high-quality educational experience regardless of the ABQ international school they are enrolled at.

We believe in the importance of academic rigour and a strong foundation but realise that it is difficult to measure children’s progress in the early years as independent benchmarking opportunities are limited. Therefore, ABQ has introduced several internal and international benchmarking assessments and academic support systems throughout every student’s educational journey. As a result, parents and students are given a personalised action plan to ensure that each student reaches their full potential.

As students move to Secondary School, ABQ’s world-class academic outcomes in IGCSE, AS, A levels and GED are a testament to our unique and rigorous educational framework. Our GED results are outstanding and ABQ schools rank in the Top 200 Cambridge schools in the world and consistently win the most Cambridge Top in Oman awards.

We are also strong believers in developing the extracurricular side of our students. The ABQ Way is embedded with a variety of unique ABQ programmes like DYP, ECA Clubs, the House System and the ABQ 1:1 Chromebooks to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in life.

The education of our children is too important a matter to be left to chance. You have chosen well!

I trust that your journey with us will be a positive and happy one.

Dear ABQ Family,

You might not be a cricket fan, but this week I want to tell you about former South African international cricketer, AB de Villiers.

AB is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport and has achieved results which are not possible for even the greatest in the game. He was named the International Cricket Council’s  ODI Player of the Year three times during his 15-year international career.

The star batsman was one of the few players who averaged over 50 in both Test and ODI cricket and is still considered one of the greatest fielders of all time. In 114 Tests, he scored 8,765 runs at a brilliant average of 50.66. He also scored 22 hundreds and a staggering 46 fifties.

These impressive facts are readily available online. However, what many people do not know is that AB was a keen rugby player in Primary. He grew up in a small town and was one of the best players on the field until he went to a bigger school in the city for Secondary…

The school is known for rugby and the best players in the country attend it for this reason. AB de Villiers is not a very big man and was not even considered for one of the top teams. Fortunately, his school offered a vast extracurricular programme and he could try different sports, which ultimately led to his illustrious cricket career.

Our extracurricular clubs are about to kick off and I am excited to see the next “AB de Villiers’” come to the fore. If students are not exposed to a variety of different things to try, they may never discover a hidden talent or skill.

Students who receive a well-rounded education are better prepared for the future as they develop a wider range of knowledge, as well as the 21st-century skills necessary to succeed in life. At ABQ, our students are blessed with the gift of choice and variety. Guide your child well to find suitable clubs where they will flourish. The 2022-23 academic year is going to be great!!

Dear ABQ Family

If I mention the name Netflix, most of you will immediately recognise it as the American subscription streaming service. However, when Netflix started in 1997, it was a typical video rental provider (students, you may have to google this). However, the world changed and Netflix recognised a gap in online entertainment, whilst most other video stores simply closed.

Mentally, most people live well in a “status quo” situation and it is natural to feel unsettled when things change, but how would we ever be able to improve and grow if we do not embrace (or even just try) new opportunities?

A new school year always brings about new systems, different procedures, and untested methods of doing things, but if we think about it, it is not really change we dislike. It is rather the temporary uncertainty, disruption and discomfort we do not enjoy.

We live in a world where the pace of change is constantly accelerating. Our children will one day face a world that is much more challenging than ever before. As a school, we cannot prepare our students for this reality if we do not evolve and change ourselves.

Change allows us to move forward in life. It might not always be easy but adjusting our frame of mind to look at change as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience, makes it more exciting to support new initiatives.

As children deal with changes to their normal routines, they develop the skills of resilience and adaptability. By navigating these experiences and growing from them, they strengthen and train their “resilience muscle.” They may need extra support in understanding and adjusting to it, but they are learning valuable new skills along the way.

Learning to embrace change, or even just cope with it, is a life skill that everyone should practice. I find that it helps me when I surround myself with positive people. Some people struggle with change more than others. If you are one of them, make sure you spend time with people who have mastered this skill and who will help you to focus on the long-term goals, rather than the temporary inconvenience.

Remember, nothing is permanent, except change, and change is good, but only if you embrace it!  

“All things are difficult before they are easy.” – Thomas Fuller

For the rest of the year, may all change provide you with opportunities to renew, grow and visualise what is possible.

Dear ABQ Family

A new academic year is a perfect time to renew habits that keep students happy and healthy, including sleep. Unfortunately, many children and teenagers do not get the amount of sleep they need to thrive at school.

Research shows that sufficient, healthy sleep is critical for students to excel in schoolwork, sports and extracurricular activities. Your child’s brain needs sleep to restore resources that were used up during the day. A well-rested brain can solve problems, learn new information and enjoy the day a lot more than a tired brain. Some areas of your child’s brain are even more active while they sleep.

Children who consistently get a good night’s sleep:

• are more creative
• can concentrate on tasks for longer
• have better problem-solving abilities
• are better able to make positive decisions
• are more able to learn and remember new things
• have more energy during the day
• can create and maintain good relations with others.

How much sleep do kids really need?

For optimal health, it is recommended that children 6-12 years old should sleep 9-12 hours on a regular basis, whilst teenagers 13-18 years of age should obtain 8-10 hours of sleep per night. For help figuring out the best bedtime for any age, use the bedtime calculator at: https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/bedtime-calculator/.

Sleep experts recommend following these practices to help children (and parents!) get the sleep they need

1. Prepare ahead for schedule changes

Gradually shift bedtime and waking times by at least 15 minutes earlier every day until your child is on the right schedule. Aim for your child to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, ideally even on weekends or during school breaks.

2. Create a cool, quiet sleep environment

Keep the thermostat lower at night, and do not overdo it with the blankets. If it is hard for your child to fall asleep, try a fan or white noise machine to block out intermittent sounds.

3. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine

Find something that helps your child wind down and relax, like taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book or journaling to help them feel ready to go to sleep.

4. Restrict screen time before bed

Disconnect from devices and wind down for sleep by turning electronics off at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.

(Source: Times of Oman)

In light of the ABQ/Southampton Football Club partnership being launched this week, I thought I would stick to the theme of football for this week’s newsletter.

Sadio Mané, the Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Bundesliga club, Bayern Munich and the Senegal national team, is a proud Southampton Alumni. He is considered one of the best players in the world.

Mané’s story began far away from the football fields. He grew up in a small village in southwestern Senegal. His father, the local Imam was very strict in the education of his children. At 5 years old, Mané discovered his passion for football and envisioned himself playing on the most beautiful fields in the world. But the reality was very different. In his family, football was not taken seriously. At age 15, he borrowed money to travel the 800 km from his home village to Senegal’s capital, Dakar, for his first official trials. His boots were torn and old and he did not even have proper football shorts. However, his talent was recognized by a Senegalese football academy. His perseverance has already led him to various world-renowned clubs, including Southampton F.C. from 2014-2016 where he scored the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history.

Sadio Mané embodies the grit and tenacity we aim to instil in all our students – to never stop dreaming!

Everyone may not be a footballer, but the same principles apply to all spheres of life. This brings me back to our partnership with Southampton Football Club. Why did ABQ choose to partner with them?

1. SFC also believes in the value of a well-rounded education.
2. They are recognised across the world as a leading authority in youth player development.
3. They also believe in the unlimited potential of children.
4. Their Southampton Way operational model is based on five values: respect, unity, accountability, creativity, and aspiration, which are perfectly in line with ABQ’s values and objectives as a Group.

These similarities do not make them football partners only. The shared principles form part of everything we do, who we are as a Group and the vision you signed up for when you registered your child at ABQ.

Remember, dreams do not work unless we do. Through hard work, perseverance, and faith, everyone can ultimately live their dream – and that is the courage we want to impart to every one of our students.

Earlier this week, we celebrated Women’s Day and it made me realise yet again, that our school family would simply not be the same without the strong and caring women we have on our staff, as well as the mothers who play a valuable and dynamic role in our school’s overall success. We appreciate every one of you!

Another strong and dynamic woman I recently read about is Omani Innovator, Ms Sumaiya Al Siyabi, who won the grand finale of Stars of Science earlier this month. Stars of Science is a Qatari TV show where Arab innovators compete to develop tech solutions for their communities.

Sumaiya’s unique innovation aims to fight plastic pollution plaguing the world’s oceans. Her Remediation and Disposal of Micro-Plastics is a floating sphere that dissolves micro-plastics it comes into contact with. Free of harsh chemicals, the device is an effective and environmentally friendly way of cleaning up plastic garbage in our oceans.

Despite its multitude of valuable uses, plastic is a harmful and persistent pollutant in our planet’s oceans. It also harms the human body. Around 5 grams of microplastics are entering our bodies on a weekly basis, and this has been studied to cause a range of problems from inflammation in the lungs or, in more severe cases, cancer.

Sumaiya studied biology education after school and went on to work as a teacher, educating local youth on the study of organisms and the environment, indulging her love for the subject while providing a well-rounded base of knowledge for the school children in her community. In 2021, she received an Excellence Youth Award in Science from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth in Oman.

Five years into her teaching career and as a mother of three young children, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in biology from Sultan Qaboos University, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, in Oman, whilst also balancing her obligations to her family simultaneously.

After graduating, Sumaiya started developing her invention and applied to Stars of Science for a chance to gain experience from the show’s experts. Innovative and simple, her sphere could be invaluable in protecting our natural water resources and the wildlife within.

It could greatly reduce the build-up of microplastics before they have a chance to harm ecosystems, safeguarding both the environment and the health of our communities.

May the beauty of the Sultanate continue to inspire all of us to make the world a better place, as it did with Sumaiya.

Dear ABQ Family,

Louis Braille was blinded at the age of three in an accident that occurred while he was playing with his father’s tools in 1812. When he was 15, he invented a universal system for reading and writing to be used by people who are blind or visually impaired. The code was eventually accepted and today this system of raised dots is named after him and is still being used all over the world.

Time Magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year, Greta Thunberg has become a household name thanks to her environmental activism globally. At age 15, she started a movement to fight climate change with a protest that inspired millions of students to make a difference, and since then has gone on to speak at the UN and converse with world leaders.

At age 4, Joshua Williams discovered that people right in his neighbourhood went without food. With the support of his family, Joshua founded Joshua’s Heart Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to the fight against global hunger and poverty through the community service of young people. To date, Joshua’s Heart Foundation has distributed more than 4.8 million pounds of food, served more than 4.9 million meals, raised over $3 million and assisted more than 600,000 individuals. Joshua is 20 and a college student now.

16-year-old Gitanjali Rao is a scientist, engineer, inventor, author, and promoter of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) globally. When she was just 10 years old, Gitanjali heard about the Flint water crisis whilst watching the news and, through collaboration with a research scientist at 3M, by seventh grade had developed her first innovation, a device called Tethys. Tethys detects lead in water using carbon nanotubes and can send water-quality information to mobile devices via Bluetooth.

These are just four examples of young people who did not allow their age to get in the way of making a difference in the world. They each saw a need and decided not to wait for someone else to improve the situation, but instead, started small, asked for help, and went for it.

The reality is, if we look for an excuse not to do something, we will always be able to find a reason. I am too young/old. I do not have the money. I am only one person. What if my initiative is not successful?

We celebrated Youth Day earlier this week, and my advice for the young and the young at heart is the following:

Do not be afraid to dream big. If you don’t dream, you will never know the endless possibilities of what you can become.

Dear ABQ Family,

Talented Omani pianist, Zahra bint Mohammed Hussein Al Yousef, was invited by the Qatar Government to perform during the FIFA World Cup later this year.

She currently occupies the role of a pianist in the lobbies of the most prestigious hotels in the Sultanate such as the Kempinski Hotel Muscat and Grand Hyatt Muscat and is the first Omani to occupy this position.

She formed her own ensemble (Melody of Peace) in partnership with violinist, Taher Gamal and the duo has become famous both locally and internationally.

I have referenced sports on several occasions in my newsletter, and we have definitely covered academics, but the arts have not been featured enough.

The arts include a wide range of human practices of creative expression, storytelling, and cultural participation. Nowadays, society functions in such a way that many of the manual and technical jobs that were done by people before, can now be done by machines. This means that the main demand lies in innovation and creativity, thinking outside the box and having good interpersonal skills.

Just like mathematics or science, the arts require regular practice and are not something that can be achieved through sporadic learning. Regular engagement and education in the arts must be encouraged continuously for it to impact the students and we are proud of the role it plays at our school, both as subjects and as extracurricular clubs.

Some of the most obvious benefits of exposure to the arts are that it encourages creativity and engagement in a different way from what is usually taught in school. Instead of being fed facts, students can explore their interests and indulge in what excites them in a fun and interactive manner. It also improves motor skills. Simple things like mastering a paintbrush or using crayons and pencils help develop fine motor skills, especially in younger children. Studying the arts also helps improve academic performance through creativity, but also improves learning in areas like maths and science, as well as the literary field.

Cultural activities in school offer a supportive, safe, encouraging, challenging, and inviting environment for staff and students. This in turn has a remarkable impact on the overall personality of students and helps to drive a school to new heights of success.

Pablo Picasso said, “The arts wash away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

We wish Zahra all the best for her time in Qatar. May she continue to wash away the dust of everyday life through her performances and be an inspiration to the many aspiring artists in our school.

Dear ABQ Family,

Someone shared this message on social media recently, and it really resonated with me. The benefits mentioned below are not limited to extracurricular activities at school. Children benefit and grow from all the wonderful learning opportunities they are exposed to, and probably the greatest benefit of all is that they learn without even realising it because they are enjoying it. I see the students at their respective clubs, see the smiles on their faces and hear the cheering. This was not part of their world for too long due to the pandemic, and I am thankful for the value ABQ places on holistic education.

“One of my friends asked, “Why do you pay for your kids to do all their sports”? Well, I have a confession; I don’t pay for my kids to do sports. Personally, I could not care less about what sport they do.

So, if I am not paying for sports what am I paying for?

• I pay for those moments when my kids become so tired, they want to quit but they don’t.
• I pay for my kids to learn to be disciplined, focused, and dedicated.
• I pay for my kids to learn to take care of their bodies and equipment.
• I pay for my kids to learn to work with others and to be good teammates, gracious in defeat and humble in success.
• I pay for my kids to learn to deal with disappointment when they don’t get that placing or the title they had hoped for, but still, they go back week after week giving it their best shot.
• I pay for my kids to learn to make and accomplish goals.
• I pay for my kids to respect, not only themselves, but also the other players, the officials, and the coaches.
• I pay for my kids to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.
• I pay for my kids to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long-term goals.
• I pay for the opportunity my kids have and will have to build life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of their achievements as I am.
• I pay so that my kids can be out on the track instead of in front of a screen…
• …I could go on but, to be short, I don’t pay for extracurriculars; I pay for the opportunities that it provides my kids with to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far, I think it is a great investment!”

Continue to encourage your children to try new things, to keep going even if that day’s programme was not as fun as the previous and to not give up if they do not get something right on the first try. They will be thankful one day for every opportunity they embraced.

Dear ABQ Family,

I recently read an article by Esther Wojcicki, the mother of three highly successful daughters. Her daughter, Susan, is the CEO of YouTube, Janet is a doctor, and Anne is the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, a DNA-based ancestry tracking platform.

Esther is adamant, parents today do too much for their children. Her no. 1 rule at home was: Do not do anything for your kids that they can do for themselves.

I am including some interesting excerpts from the article:

“The more you trust your children to do things on their own, the more empowered they will be. The key is to begin with guided practice. It is the “I do (you watch), we do (together), you do (I watch)” method.

You can try this with all sorts of simple, everyday actions depending on their ages:

• Waking up: Have them set their own alarms.
• Getting dressed: Let them pick their own outfits.
• Getting their school bag ready: Have them run through a list of what they need to take to school the next day (and you can still check for the first couple of days).
• Making plans: Let them come up with weekend or after school activities.

When we went grocery shopping, I would ask them to get the fruit. They had to pick out the good ones, which I taught them how to do by doing it with them for a while.

Chores are especially important. My children had to set the table and make their own beds every morning. By the way, a bed made by a kid can look like they are still asleep in it. But I did not fight them, as long as they did it, I was happy.

To be clear, I’m not saying you should make your kids do things they do not understand or are not yet capable of. The idea is to teach them how to cope with what life throws at them. One of the most important lessons I taught my daughters is that the only thing you can control is how you react to things.

When you trust kids to make their own decisions, they start to feel more engaged, confident and empowered. And once that happens, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.”

Nicolette Sowder

Dear ABQ Family,

Get a jump-start on teaching your children practical life skills they will use throughout their lives. Here are some great tips from an article by Apryl Duncan (11 Life Skills You Should Teach Your Kids). More will follow in next week’s newsletter.

Decision-Making Skills

Begin with basic choices like chocolate versus vanilla ice cream, blue socks or white socks, playing trains or playing cars. When kids reach primary school age, they can begin to learn about the rewards of good decisions and the consequences of bad decisions. Walk your child through the many steps of decision-making. Help them weigh their options, evaluate the pros and cons, make a final decision, and then see how things play out.

Health and Hygiene

Your kids are never too young to begin learning about health and hygiene. Explain to them why health and hygiene are always going to be crucial parts of their routine. As your children begin to master this life skill, set up a chart that allows them to check off each task as they complete it. When these healthy habits are established, you will be able to take away the chart and your kids will complete these tasks without you having to continually remind them.

Getting Dressed and Ready

Kids can learn how to get ready on their own at an early age. Choose an alarm clock that’s easy for them to set. Let them prepare the clothes they will wear the next day before they go to bed. This also applies to items required for school and ECAs, i.e., goggles or shin pads.

Time Management

Every parent knows how important time management is to keep your family on track, but it is also important for kids to learn time management skills. Teaching children how to measure time, stay on task, and keep to a schedule makes everyone’s days easier. Learning this life skill also helps them become masters of time so they can do everything from getting up on schedule to ​someday getting to work on time.

Meal Preparation

Even the youngest children can learn how to prepare a meal. We’re not talking about a five-course dinner, of course, but you can teach preschoolers how to make a sandwich and primary school kids to use the microwave. As your children become more confident in the kitchen, they can add on other meal prep life skills like learning how to prepare their own lunch, make healthy food choices, cook a simple meal on the stove with adult supervision, and plan their own meals.

This ties in with last week’s message that we should not do anything for our kids that they can do for themselves.

It is not easy to watch them struggle, but it will help them in the long run.

Dear ABQ Family,

As promised, here are some more practical life skills from the article by Apryl Duncan (11 Life Skills You Should Teach Your Kids).

Money Management

Teach your kids effective money management so they can learn how to save, spend wisely, and make changes. It is also important for them to understand that using cheques, credit cards, and cash apps is not free money.

Teaching your children about money, its importance, and how to manage it will help prepare them for the day they start earning a paycheck of their own.

Cleaning

Sometimes it is easier for parents to do all the housekeeping themselves. But that is a missed opportunity for us to teach our kids how to keep the house clean, which they will eventually need to know when they leave your home and have their own space to take care of.

Start with age-appropriate chores that include learning how to make the bed and empty the dishwasher. Also, think of the daily messes your kids make and how they can clean up after themselves.

When toys magically move from room to room, have the kids throw them all in a basket so they can put them away at the end of the day.

Comparison Shopping

The next time you are standing in the store caught between a hefty price tag and a child demanding you to pay for it, take the time to get your phone out and search for the item on a variety of shopping sites. Show your kids how much that item costs at other stores and what comparable items there are that may be of better quality.

Maybe the one in the store where you are in is the best deal and top product after all. But teaching kids to be smart shoppers and taking the time to comparison shop will help them save money everywhere they go whilst also making smart decisions about the products they choose.

Ordering at Restaurants

As parents, we tend to place our children’s orders at restaurants just to make things easier on the server. However, letting our kids order for themselves is fun for them and builds self-esteem and confidence.

Many restaurants have pictures on the kids’ menu so preschoolers can begin pointing at what they want to eat. As their confidence grows, they can begin verbally telling the server what they would like. Remind them to practice good manners by saying please and thank you after they have ordered.

Ultimately, we are not only watching our children grow up, but it is important that we give them the necessary tools to be responsible and accountable adults one day.

This true story is definitely worth reading – “I was waiting for a ride at the airport. When the taxi pulled up, I noticed that it was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed, the driver jumped out to open the door for me.

He handed me a laminated card and said, ‘I’m Wasu, your driver. While I’m loading your, please read my mission statement.’

It said, ‘Wasu’s Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest, and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.’ This blew me away. Especially when I noticed the inside of the taxi matched the outside.  It was spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wasu said, ‘Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.’ ‘I would actually prefer a soft drink’, I said jokingly. ‘No problem. I have a cooler with regular and Diet Coke, water, and orange juice’, he replied.

Handing me my drink, Wasu continued, ‘If you would like something to read, there are several magazines in the holder in front of you.’

As we were pulling away, he asked if the temperature was comfortable for me and handed me another laminated card, ‘If you would like to listen to the radio, these are the stations I get and the music they play.’

Then he advised me of the best route to my destination for that time of day. He also offered to tell me about some sights or leave me with my thoughts.

I was amazed and asked him, ‘Have you always served customers like this?’ Wasu smiled, ‘No, not always. During my first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like the rest of the drivers do. Then I heard about the power of choice.’

‘The power of choice means having the option of being a duck or an eagle. If you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you probably will. Stop complaining! Do not be a duck. Be an eagle! Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.‘

He continued and said, ‘I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other taxis and their drivers. The cars were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy, so I decided to make some changes. I started with a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.’

‘My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year, I will probably quadruple it. ‘

Wasu decided to stop quacking like the ducks and start soaring like eagles.”

Even though Wasu is in the service industry, an eagle attitude applies to everything. All of us can live a life of excellence and positivity and reap the rewards, or alternatively choose to be average and complain but make no effort to change anything.

With 2023 around the corner, may we all soar like eagles in all we do.

Dear ABQ Family,

After a World Cup final that will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time, Argentina was crowned champions of the world for the third time in their history. Lionel Messi was at the heart of his country’s title-winning push. He scored two goals to take his total tally for the tournament to seven, only one behind France’s Golden Boot Award winner, Kylian Mbappé.

These are only two of the many football heroes who showcased their talents and skills to the world in the past month, but whether you are a football fan or not, you can actually learn some valuable life lessons from watching this sport.

• WORK NOW FOR THE FUTURE YOU WANT

Games are not won on the field on match day. Victory is a culmination of endless hours of training, planning and discipline. Footballers take time to understand what makes their opponents tick and come up with a game plan to beat them at their own game. This applies to anything we want in life. An exam is similar to ‘match day’. The results depend on listening to the teacher, making notes in class, doing the homework, studying the textbook, practising old exam papers, etc. Plan and prepare for the outcome you want.

• STRONGER TOGETHER

A group of players can only be successful if they forget their differences as individuals and come together as a team focused on accomplishing something bigger than themselves.

• GET UP AFTER FALLING DOWN

Messi suffered an injury to his Achilles two weeks prior to the 2022 World Cup. No player hopes for injuries but, unfortunately, it still happens. In life, we all experience setbacks. You can either choose to dwell on them and spend your life complaining about the injustice or concentrate on getting better for the ‘next game’. A bad attitude is like a flat tyre, you will not get anywhere unless you change it.

• CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Footballers are known to celebrate the first goal with as much passion as the one that wins the trophy. Learn to celebrate your achievements as they come. It will keep you motivated, especially on tough days.

• BE YOU

Each of the greats (the ‘GOATS’) delight fans with their distinct play on the field. Messi does not try to be Neymar, Mbappé, or Ronaldo. He reached this point because he competes with himself to be stronger and better than he was yesterday. Find your own style and make the most of it.

Enjoy the much-deserved break! I wish you and your family all the best until we meet again on Monday, 9 January 2023.