Wales International School is beginning its third year of operation and I’m happy to be starting my first year of association with the school. I can tell you that I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to do my part in offering a world-class education, based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales, to all of the families who choose to avail themselves of the marvellously qualified staff and state-of-the-art facilities. If you currently have children in our programme I would like to invite you to visit with me about your needs and expectations. If you do not currently have children in our programme, I would relish the opportunity to have you visit so you can see the many offerings we provide.

 My personal vision includes ensuring that every student excels to their highest potential and gains the personal abilities needed to pursue entrance into the highest rated universities in the world, if that is their ambition. As the school’s leader I understand that to achieve my vision the school must be an inviting, safe, enjoyable, and well-equipped institution of teaching and learning. I also know from experience and research that no one person can achieve this alone; an outstanding school requires team-work from staff, teachers, parents, students, and community members. I believe that 2018 is the perfect year to remember the vision of the UAE’s founder, Sheik Zayed, because it is the year that we are celebrating his birth, 100 years ago.

 Students are not products to be manipulated into gaining an education. They must be willing participants into their own education plans. My previous research and practice have proven to me that there are three needs that students have to become motivated to participate. Teachers, staff members, and parents must help me to achieve the supports needed to help students accomplish this important aspect of learning. Firstly, we have to behave as a “school family” in order to show students we support their needs. Secondly, we have to make them feel they have chosen themselves to participate because it is in the interest of their own goals. And thirdly, they have to feel they are competent to achieve these goals. If we all work together, the science of student motivation shows us that these needs can be met and that it will catapult the school into an OUTSTANDING one. Please help me achieve my vision and goals.