Dear Ash Mount Community

The weather has finally broken, and it is now a real pleasure to spend more time on our school site in
Mudon — and to enjoy a coffee from the community centre nearby. If you see me there, please do come
and say hello; I am always keen to meet members of our community. These are exciting days, filled with
conversations about how every part of Ash Mount School will be centred on students and their learning.
From the classrooms to the specialist facilities, to the circulation and relaxation areas, we are choosing
the best materials aligned with international programmes and designed to reflect our values: learn with
purpose, live with compassion, lead with courage.

It is inspiring to work alongside architects and designers with international experience, as well as our on-
site project team. Even the movement of light throughout the day — the patterns, shadows, and pockets

of shade — has been thoughtfully considered to support wellbeing and meet the highest platinum
sustainability standards. I find it especially exciting to see how light will fill our sports facilities, music
rooms, science labs, and drama studios; spaces that will shape so much of our students’ school
experience. I am visiting regularly and look forward to sharing further updates as the build progresses.
We are also preparing for another milestone: opening admissions for our very first cohort of students. It is
particularly rewarding to already be meeting with families, including children from our outstanding sister
school, Victory Heights Primary School, who may be among the first to join us.
This week I also had the pleasure of meeting with Deepika Walian, who brings a wealth of International
Baccalaureate experience. Our discussion on interdisciplinary learning was a powerful reminder of how
an IB education prepares students not only for academic achievement but also for life, work, and the
world beyond school. It is always energising to meet passionate educators — and equally inspiring to
connect with experienced teachers and leaders eager to be part of our founding team at Ash Mount.
As we continue on the theme of new beginnings, I want to pause this week on the subject of
friendships. For many children, the first weeks of a new school year are filled with the excitement — and
sometimes the nerves — of making new friends.
For our Pre and KG learners, friendship is often about play. Families can help by encouraging
simple phrases like “Can I join in?” or by reading stories together about sharing and kindness.
In Grades 1–5, friendships become more defined. Supporting your child to talk about their day,
celebrate small moments, and consider how their friends may have felt helps them build empathy
and resilience.
For our secondary students, friendships are closely linked to identity. Parents can support by
listening without judgement and acknowledging their feelings: “It sounds like that really mattered
to you.” Encouraging new activities or clubs can also open doors to fresh connections.
Friendships can sometimes change or end, and while that can feel difficult, it also helps children build
resilience. By helping them name their emotions and showing that change can bring growth, we give
them the language and courage to move forward positively. Taking time to share your own friendship
highs and lows can also be powerful — children learn as much from your real-life examples as they do
from your guidance.
As the third week of the school year closes for many families in Dubai, may these early conversations —
just like the scrapbook photos of the first days — become memories that children will look back on with
pride.
Warm regards,
Abigail Fishbourne
Founding Principal, Ash Mount School