From the Principal

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! The start of term always brings with it a unique energy. For some, there is the wish that the holiday could have lasted just a little longer, with fewer routines and more relaxation. For others, there is the eagerness to return, ready to learn new things, reconnect with friends, and embrace the rhythm of school life. However, one thing is certain, the beginning of a new academic year carries an excitement that is impossible to ignore.

Our staggered start allows each grade level to have its own special moment. It gives students the chance to settle in, establish their routines, and feel confident before the campus is in full swing. This thoughtful approach ensures that every child is given the space to begin their journey positively, setting the tone for the months ahead.

Over the summer, our team has been hard at work making improvements across the campus. These enhancements were implemented not only to enrich learning but also to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We hope you will notice these changes as you walk through the school in the coming weeks, and that you will share in our excitement about what they mean for your children’s daily experience.

The start of a new school year is also a wonderful time to remind ourselves of the power of learning and growth.

This year, let us encourage our children not only to set goals for themselves but also to persevere, adapt, and dream big – qualities that will serve them well both in school and in life.

“Behind every child who believes in themselves is a family who believed first.”

Communication will continue to play an essential role in the partnership between home and school. We encourage you to keep the channels open with us. Your feedback, whether it is about something that you liked or an area that can be improved, helps us enhance the overall experience for both you and your children. We are committed to listening, learning, and working together to ensure the very best for every student in our care.

On behalf of all our staff, I wish you and your family an amazing 2025/26 academic year. May it be filled with growth, discovery, and countless moments of joy.

Monday, 8 September, is International Literacy Day – a day to pause and celebrate something that touches each of our lives in such a powerful way.

Around the world, more than 86% of people can now read, and while that’s an encouraging number, the true story goes far beyond statistics. Literacy is about possibilities. It’s about confidence, opportunity and the freedom to step into worlds that were once out of reach.

Here at ABQ, we see this magic happen every day. In our ABQ Explorer classrooms, those first tiny steps – recognising a letter, sounding out a word – quickly grow into something extraordinary.

By the time our students reach Grade 1, the pace of learning takes off, and what begins in September often feels like a miracle by June. A child who once hesitated over letters is suddenly reading whole books and, even more importantly, beginning to see themselves as capable learners.

It is a joy to watch. Whether through Reading Eggs, our school libraries, or simply the sparkle in a child’s eyes when they choose a book they love, reading becomes more than a skill, it becomes an adventure. And when children discover the joy of reading, curiosity naturally follows. They start asking bigger questions, exploring ideas, and discovering that learning can be exciting.

Of course, this journey is never travelled alone. Parents, your role is vital – those bedtime stories, the way you model reading at home, the conversations you share about books – all of these moments add up. Together, teachers and families can nurture not just readers, but lifelong learners with confidence, creativity and a love for knowledge.

So, as we mark International Literacy Day, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come as a global community, but also renew our commitment to the children right here in our classrooms and homes. Because every page they turn today is a step toward the futures they will shape tomorrow.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming our world at an astonishing pace. From medicine and engineering to the arts and education, it has incredible potential to make us more productive, creative and efficient. Used wisely, AI can become a magnificent partner in human progress, helping us to learn faster, solve complex problems and extend our imagination further than ever before.

But, as with all powerful tools, balance is key.

Recent research from MIT confirmed what many of us have suspected: when we rely too heavily on AI, it can diminish our own ability to think.

83.3% of ChatGPT users couldn’t quote from essays they wrote minutes earlier because ChatGPT did the thinking. Brain scans revealed a 47% reduction in brain connectivity over time.

This is an important reminder for us as a school community. Technology should never replace our thinking, our questioning or our creativity. It should only amplify them. Just as a calculator helps us solve complex equations but cannot teach us the logic behind mathematics, AI can speed up our work but must never take away our responsibility to learn, to understand and to grow.

The key lies in balance. The study also showed that those who had strong thinking habits and used AI occasionally, as a tool rather than a crutch, actually benefited. Their creativity and neural connections improved. This shows us that AI, when used responsibly, can strengthen rather than weaken our minds.

So, what does this mean for us at ABQ? It means teaching our students to see AI not as a shortcut, but as a springboard. It means encouraging them to write, calculate, imagine and question on their own, before inviting technology to enhance their ideas. It means reminding ourselves as adults, too, that our most powerful tools are not in our devices but in our minds and hearts.

We are blessed to live in a time where opportunities are endless. But wisdom lies in knowing that productivity without understanding is empty, and speed without depth leaves us shallow. Let us choose instead to become AI multipliers, people who combine the best of human intelligence with the best of technology.

Together, as a community, let us model this balance for our children. With courage, curiosity and responsibility, we can harness the magnificence of AI while protecting the strength of our own thinking.

It was recently announced that the Sultanate of Oman ranked 4th globally in the 2024 Quality of Life Index – a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the richness, peace and safety of life here. This recognition is not only an honour for the nation, but also a reminder of how blessed we are to live and work in such an environment.

There are many reasons why Oman consistently shines on the global stage. We are surrounded by natural beauty, from the calm seas to the towering mountains and endless deserts. Our society values hospitality and kindness, which makes everyday life warm and welcoming. The country is also known for its safety and stability, qualities that provide comfort for families raising children. Access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for cultural enrichment all contribute to this sense of quality living.

Yet the true heart of Oman lies in its people. Respect, tolerance and generosity are not just words here; they are lived values. This atmosphere encourages us, as a school community, to instil those same values in our students. By teaching them to appreciate the blessings of the Sultanate, we help nurture a generation that does not take these gifts for granted.

Living in a country ranked so highly also comes with responsibility. To get the best out of life in Oman, we should strive to live actively and appreciatively. Exploring our natural surroundings, embracing the traditions of Omani culture, and engaging in community service are meaningful ways to enrich our lives and experiences here. For our students, this means balancing academic growth with respect for their heritage and environment.

At the same time, we can all play a role in making life here even better. Small acts such as reducing waste, protecting our natural resources, supporting local initiatives and fostering inclusivity, contribute to the larger picture.

As educators and parents, we can encourage young people to be mindful citizens who build on the foundations already laid. Together, we ensure that Oman’s impressive achievements are not only maintained but enhanced for future generations.

Let us be grateful for where we live, but also purposeful in how we live. May we continue to value and contribute to the bright future of this beautiful country.

There are moments in life when the going becomes exceptionally tough. Challenges weigh us down, difficulties seem unending, and it can feel almost impossible to see a way forward. It is in these moments, however, that one of our school values, perseverance, reveals its true power.

I would like to share with you the remarkable story of Richard Norris Williams, a man whose life is a testament to resilience and determination.

In April 1912, Williams survived the sinking of the Titanic. He spent hours in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic before being rescued. By the time he reached safety, both his legs were severely frostbitten. Doctors urged him to agree to amputation, certain that there was no other way to save him. Yet Williams refused. Instead, he chose to walk regularly, forcing circulation back into his legs despite the pain.

His determination paid off. Against all odds, he made a full recovery. Not only did he walk again, but he went on to achieve extraordinary sporting success. Williams won the United States National Tennis Championships in 1914 and 1916, claimed the Wimbledon doubles title in 1920, and later earned an Olympic gold medal in 1924. From tragedy and near loss, he rose to triumph – because he refused to give up.

This story holds an important lesson for all of us in our school community. We too face challenges – in our studies, our work, our relationships, and in life in general. Sometimes the obstacles are small, other times they feel overwhelming. But like Williams, we are invited to keep moving, even when it hurts, even when others may doubt us. Perseverance does not mean ignoring the difficulty; it means choosing courage and determination in spite of it.

My encouragement to each of you is this: when you feel like giving up, remember Richard Norris Williams. Remember how he chose to walk when walking seemed impossible. Remember how that choice led him to victories he could never have imagined on that freezing night in 1912.

May we all face our challenges with the same spirit of determination. The road may not always be easy, but perseverance will carry us through.

As we continue our journey through this academic year, it is important to nurture academic achievements, as well as the character and wellbeing of our children.

• Progress Over Perfection

Every effort and every moment of resilience counts. At home, you can reinforce this by celebrating effort just as much as results.

• Working Together: The Home–School Partnership

Student success is strongest when parents and teachers work hand in hand. Sharing observations, keeping open lines of communication, and supporting consistent expectations all help to create a united approach to a child’s growth.

• The Power of Encouragement

A few words of encouragement can transform a child’s confidence. A “Well done” or simply “I believe in you” build motivation and resilience.

• Routine Builds Confidence

Simple routines such as regular bedtimes, set study times and preparing for school the night before give children the security and readiness they need to learn with confidence.

• Raising Independent Learners

Encouraging children to take responsibility, whether packing their own bag, managing their homework, or contributing at home, fosters independence and a sense of pride.

• When Things Get Tough… Keep Going!

History is full of inspiring examples of persistence. When children face setbacks, remind them that stumbling blocks are part of the journey, and that perseverance builds true strength.

• Every Child Blooms at Their Own Time

Each child’s learning journey is unique. Some excel early, while others need more time. What matters most is steady growth and the confidence to keep trying.

Academic success is important, but so is raising children who are compassionate, courageous and eager to learn about the world. Small acts of kindness, encouragement to explore, and celebrating curiosity at home make a powerful difference.

Thank you for being partners in this shared mission of nurturing confident, capable and kind young people.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that our first inter-ABQ event of the year will take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, the much-anticipated Inter-ABQ Basketball Tournament!

On this exciting day, students from ABQ Azzan Bin Qais, ABQ Seeb and ABQ Sohar will come together to compete across various age groups, in both primary and secondary, and in boys’ and girls’ divisions. More than just a sporting event, this tournament is a celebration of what it truly means to belong to the ABQ family.

Every year, this day reminds us of the strength of unity. When our three schools gather, the students experience the greatness of being part of something larger.

ABQ students have the opportunity to compete, connect, and grow at a level that goes beyond their individual campuses. This group-wide participation allows our students to showcase their talents, learn from one another, and experience what healthy competition, collaboration and pride look like in action.

The Inter-ABQ Tournament is also where our ABQ values come to life. Respect is shown when teams play with fairness and sportsmanship. Engagement is seen in the energy and enthusiasm each player brings to the court. Care shines through in how our students support one another, whether they win or lose. Integrity guides every decision, reminding us that true success is built on honesty and honour. Perseverance drives our athletes to push beyond their limits and Excellence is the result of their dedication and teamwork.

There are also more exciting inter-ABQ events planned for later in the year. Our next major sporting event will feature football, giving our talented players another chance to represent their schools with pride. For those who prefer individual participation, we will host an Athletics Day, where our athletes can challenge themselves and celebrate personal achievement. And because excellence at ABQ extends far beyond the sports field, we are also preparing a vibrant Academics and Cultural Day in early 2026, designed for students who shine in intellectual and creative pursuits. Each of these events offers a unique way for our students to grow, connect and demonstrate their diverse strengths across the ABQ community.

While trophies and medals are wonderful symbols of achievement, the real victory lies in the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the pride of representing one’s school and the ABQ network. These shared experiences strengthen the bond among our schools and build a community of young people who strive not only to succeed but to inspire others.

The teams have been finalised, and excitement is building. We look forward to a day filled with fun, friendship and fierce but fair competition.

As we approach Omani Women’s Day on 17 October, we pause to celebrate the strength, grace and inspiration of the remarkable women who shape our school community and our world. This day is not only about honouring women’s achievements, but also about recognising their everyday courage and quiet determination. These are qualities that continue to inspire our students and all of us at ABQ.

Our school family is blessed with so many incredible women, from our dedicated teachers and staff, who nurture and guide our students each day, to our supportive mothers, whose partnership helps make our school the thriving community it is. To each of you, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. You play a vital role in shaping the next generation of confident, compassionate and capable young people.

The words of Eleanor Roosevelt remind us beautifully:

“A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”

Indeed, strength often shows itself in the most challenging moments. Many of the women in our community balance professional commitments, family responsibilities and countless unseen tasks, yet continue to do so with grace and resilience. Your example teaches our students that success is not only about achievement, but also about perseverance, empathy and service to others.

At ABQ xxx, we are committed to teaching our students the importance of respect, equality and appreciation. We want both our students to understand that appreciating women benefits everyone, our families, communities and the nation. Oman’s vision for progress has always included the empowerment of women, and we are proud to play our part in that journey by fostering confidence, curiosity and character in every learner.

As we celebrate this special day tomorrow, let us take a moment to thank the women around us,  our colleagues, our friends, our daughters and our mothers, for the difference they make, often in quiet and humble ways.

To all the women in our ABQ family: we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you.
Thank you for all that you are and all that you do.

In every family, structure and routine bring a sense of calm and security. The same is true for our school community. As a large and vibrant school family, it is important that our students feel safe, supported and guided and one of the ways we achieve this is through discipline.

Discipline is sometimes misunderstood as being strict or harsh, but in truth, it is an act of care. It provides boundaries that help children grow, understand expectations and feel secure in knowing what is right and what is not. When we teach discipline with empathy and consistency, we help students develop habits that serve them for life, such as respect, responsibility and resilience.

At school, a structured environment gives children the freedom to learn and flourish. When lessons start on time, when rules are followed and when routines are maintained, students know what to expect. This predictability helps them focus better, feel more confident and thrive academically and emotionally. A well-ordered environment creates the stability every young person needs to grow.

Just like at home, our students look to adults for guidance and reassurance. When teachers set clear expectations, they are saying, “I care about you and your future, and it matters to me that you stay on track and keep striving towards your purpose.”

When parents reinforce these values at home, we send a powerful, united message that kindness, respect and effort truly matter.

Our goal is not perfection but progress. We want to help every child understand that good habits and self-discipline are steppingstones towards success. These values will not only serve them in school, but throughout their lives, as they learn to manage challenges, relationships and responsibilities with maturity and grace.

In a school as large as ours, we are truly a family, and every member plays a part in creating the positive atmosphere we are so proud of. Thank you for working with us to uphold the routines and expectations that make our school such a safe, caring and inspiring place to learn.

Together, we are helping our students build not only their knowledge but also their character and that is the foundation of a bright and meaningful future.

This week, my heart is full of gratitude. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every student, parent and staff member who contributed to the Dar Al Atta’a World Food Day collection. Your generosity and compassion truly reflect the spirit of our ABQ community, and our group motto, #wecare.

This Muscat-wide initiative brought together schools and organisations from across the city, and I am proud to say that ABQ Group Schools truly stepped up. In a short amount of time, our families brought in an incredible amount of non-perishable food items, all destined to support those in need through Dar Al Atta’a’s meaningful initiatives.

Dar Al Atta’a is an Omani charitable association that makes a lasting impact in the lives of many. Their work extends far beyond food donations. They empower families through education, housing and sustainable development initiatives, providing essential furniture, household items and disaster relief when needed. Their mission reminds us of something deeply important: that kindness, when shared, multiplies.

At ABQ, we often speak about the importance of character, empathy and service. Acts of charity bring these values to life. They remind us that education is not only about knowledge, but also about the kind of people we become — thoughtful individuals who see beyond themselves and care for the wider community.

Giving to others, especially those less fortunate, strengthens our sense of purpose. It teaches our students that small actions can make a big difference. A single can of food, a packet of rice, or a simple contribution might seem insignificant on its own, yet when combined with hundreds of others, it becomes a wave of hope that touches lives.

I am deeply moved by how our students participated so wholeheartedly. Thank you once again for your incredible support.

Let us continue to nurture this spirit of giving and kindness in all that we do. Together, as one ABQ family, we are helping to build a stronger, more caring community.

At an Australian university, Professor Phelps once ran a fascinating experiment that still teaches us something powerful today.

He divided students into small teams and gave them management problems to solve within 45 minutes. The best-performing team would win a cash prize. What the students didn’t know was that some teams included an actor playing a specific role designed to disrupt the group:

• The Indifferent One lounged back, feet on the table, paying more attention to their phone than to the task.
• The Cynic interrupted with sarcasm: “Are you serious?” or “You’ve clearly never managed anyone before.”
• The Pessimist sighed, looking defeated and muttering that the task was hopeless.

Even though the other team members were capable and motivated, the presence of just one negative person caused the group’s performance to drop by as much as 40%.

The lesson is clear and relevant for every one of us, whether in a school, a workplace, or a family. Success is not only about individual talent, it’s about the energy we bring to those around us. One person’s attitude can lift a team, or it can quietly erode motivation and trust.

At ABQ xxx, we often talk about excellence, respect and care. These values are not just words on our walls, they are the invisible glue that holds our community together. Every act of kindness, every moment of encouragement, every time we listen instead of criticize, these are the things that build a culture where everyone can thrive.

As we move into the busy weeks ahead, I encourage each of us, students, teachers, and parents alike, to reflect on the energy we contribute. Are we helping to create an environment where others can do their best? Are we lifting the team, or holding it back?

Excellence grows where positivity, support, and integrity are present. Let’s be the kind of community that not only achieves great things but does so by lifting each other up. Together, we can ensure that ABQ remains a place where every learner feels valued, capable and inspired to give their best.

Let’s keep striving to be the reason someone else believes in themselves more this week.

Every so often, we come across a story that reminds us how perseverance, creativity and curiosity can truly change the world. One such story is that of Dr Marian Croak, a brilliant inventor whose work makes possible the very technologies we use every day, from Zoom and FaceTime to WhatsApp and Google Meet.

Dr Croak is a trailblazer in voice-over-internet technology (VoIP), which allows sound to travel through the internet rather than traditional telephone lines.

What makes her story so inspiring isn’t just her scientific genius, but her resilience and humility. When she first began developing this technology, many people didn’t believe it would work. The idea of sending voices through the internet sounded far-fetched at the time. But Dr Croak remained determined. She believed that if the technology could be made reliable, it would open doors to endless possibilities, and she was right.

What strikes me most about her journey is not just the technical brilliance but the human-centred mindset: she grew up asking “how can we fix things or make them better?” and carried that curiosity throughout her career.

Over her career, she has earned more than 200 patents, a remarkable achievement that places her among the most prolific female inventors in the world. Yet, despite her success, Dr Croak often says that her proudest accomplishment is mentoring others, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Dr Croak’s journey is a powerful reminder for all of us that innovation begins with imagination. Every great idea starts as a small spark, and it takes courage to keep that spark alive when others do not yet see its value. Her life also teaches us the importance of kindness and collaboration. She often credits her teams and mentors for supporting her vision, showing that true innovation is rarely a solo effort.

As we go about our week, let’s take inspiration from Dr Croak’s example. Let’s nurture our curiosity, ask bold questions, and never stop learning. Whether in the classroom, at work, or at home. Each of us has the power to create, to improve and to make a difference.

Let’s keep believing that our ideas, no matter how small or unusual, can shape the future.

One of the greatest privileges of education is witnessing our students engage with the wider world, exploring, expressing and realising that learning is so much more than textbooks and examinations. Recently, some of our Secondary students had a truly special opportunity to experience exactly that through their participation in the Muscat Art Exhibition.

The Muscat Art Exhibition is an annual event held at the Oman Convention Centre that brings together local and international artists, galleries and creative minds from across the region. It is a vibrant celebration of talent, culture and expression, offering a platform that elevates cultural awareness and highlights the importance of preserving art for future generations. This year, students from all three ABQ International Schools proudly took part, showcasing their artwork alongside professionals from Oman and beyond.

The exhibition offered a dynamic environment where art styles from around the world met under one roof, creating opportunities for networking and learning. With over 8,000 visitors and significant media attention, the ABQ students stood confidently among established artists, learning first-hand about professionalism, presentation and the powerful role of art in shaping society.

Adding a meaningful dimension to this experience, the students’ artworks were available for sale, with all proceeds generously donated to charity. This not only encouraged our young artists to share their creations with a wider audience but also helped them understand how their talents can contribute to the community. Through their art, they discovered that creativity can also be an act of compassion and a way of giving back.

At ABQ, we believe in a holistic education. Academic achievement remains a vital goal, but it is experiences like these that shape young people into well-rounded, thoughtful and resilient individuals. When our students engage in artistic, cultural or community experiences, they discover qualities that are essential for leadership and lifelong learning.

What made this event especially meaningful was not only the quality of the students’ work but also their humility, teamwork and curiosity. They represented ABQ with pride and grace, taking every conversation and observation as a learning opportunity. They learned that art is not only about beauty but also about storytelling, identity and connection. It teaches empathy, patience, and the courage to share one’s perspective with the world.

As a school community, we are immensely proud of our students and of the teachers who guided and encouraged them. Their participation reflects the spirit of ABQ and the commitment to nurturing every learner’s unique potential and providing platforms where that potential can shine.

On the Sultanate of Oman’s 55^th National Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes this beautiful country so extraordinary, and to celebrate how fortunate we are to live, learn and grow here together.

Oman is a land of peace, tradition and warm-hearted people, where history and progress walk hand in hand. Oman offers not only physical beauty, but also a safe and secure environment in which to live and study.

This year, Oman has added even more accolades to its name. According to the 2025 Safety Index by Numbeo, Oman ranks among the top five safest countries in the world.

That security is deeply intertwined with quality of life. According to Numbeo’s mid-2024 rankings, Oman is fourth globally for quality of life, a clear reflection of its commitment to creating an environment where people can thrive. As an expatriate, I feel privileged to live and work in a country that nurtures general well-being, ambition and a sense of belonging.

On this National Day, we celebrate more than just the past. We get to celebrate what Oman continues to build for the future. We celebrate its stability, its openness, its peaceful coexistence, and its commitment to excellence. These are the very values that we, as a school, reflect in our commitment to safety, respect and high-quality education.

By the gracious behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, 26 and 27 November 2025 have been declared official holidays in observance of the National Day. This extended break is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to pause, celebrate and reflect on Oman’s journey, its history, its achievements and the shared values that unite us. It is a moment to come together with our families, our friends and our community to appreciate how far Oman has come, and to imagine the bright future that lies ahead.

To our students: you are growing up in a truly wonderful country, one that values your safety, your prosperity and your dreams. Let that security empower you. Let the quality of life you enjoy fuel your aspirations. Let Oman’s spirit of unity, heritage and vision guide you as you strive to make a difference in your own lives and in the lives of others.

To our parents, staff, and wider school family: thank you for making our community as vibrant, diverse and caring as Oman itself. Your support, your dedication and your belief in our mission help make our school a second home and reflect the very best of what this country stands for.

I am deeply grateful to call Oman home. Happy National Day!