Dear Ash Mount Community,
I hope you have all had a positive first week back at school. Returning to routines after a holiday can feel energising for some children and more demanding for others, and this is completely normal. The early days of a new term are often about reconnecting, with friends, teachers, and familiar rhythms, and being gentle with ourselves as we settle back in.
As we continue our focus on Live with Compassion, this week centres on belonging and relationships. A strong sense of belonging is essential for wellbeing and learning. When children feel known, welcomed, and valued, they are more confident, engaged, and ready to learn. Equally important is helping children develop compassion for themselves understanding that everyone settles at a different pace and that it is okay to need time and support.
What this looks like in school
In school, belonging is built through everyday interactions:
- being greeted by name and noticed
- adults listening carefully to children’s experiences
- supporting friendships and repairing relationships when things go wrong
- encouraging collaboration and respectful communication
These small moments create a sense of safety and connection.
Admissions and meeting our future students
This week has also been a particularly busy and joyful one for admissions. It has been wonderful to see interest continuing to grow and to spend time getting to know our future students and their families. I have really enjoyed visiting children in their current nurseries and schools, welcoming families into school for conversations and assessments, and meeting with those who are currently abroad through digital meetings.
Whether in person or online, these moments help us understand each child as a learner, their interests, strengths, and needs, and allow children to begin forming a connection with Ash Mount. These early relationships are the foundation of a compassionate school community.
How families can support belonging at home
Families can support children as they settle back into school by:
- listening carefully to how they talk about their day
- acknowledging emotions without rushing to fix them
- reminding children to be patient with themselves and others
- encouraging kindness, inclusion, and understanding
For younger children, belonging often comes through play and predictable routines. For primary-aged children, friendships and feeling successful matter greatly. For older students, belonging is closely linked to identity, peer relationships, and feeling respected.
I also hope families enjoyed our December Newsletter, and please do get in touch if there is anything you would like to see included in future editions.
Living and learning in Dubai offers children a rich environment in which to develop empathy, respect, and understanding across cultures. Living with compassion here means caring for others while also learning to care for oneself.
As the term continues, we will explore how compassion supports empathy, wellbeing, and resilience, in school, at home, and beyond.
Warm regards,
Abigail Fishbourne
