Dear Ash Mount Community,
It has been another really positive and productive week.
Our Founding Families picnic on the roof at Victory Heights COA was such a lovely way to spend time together. There is something very special about seeing children beginning to form friendships while parents connect and share conversations. These early moments matter; they are the foundations of the culture we are building together.
We were also delighted to officially welcome Aamna full time into the Ash Mount team this week. It’s wonderful to have her energy and experience embedded fully into our work as we move forward at pace. Alongside this, it was great to meet even more new families at this week’s Coffee & Connect. The questions, reflections, and thoughtful conversations we are having with families give real shape to the school we are creating.
And now we are very much looking forward to Saturday’s Open Day. With over 100 families joining us, it promises to be an exciting and important milestone. There is something incredibly energising about opening the doors, even in these early stages, and sharing the vision in person.
On site, we have reached a significant point in the build. Our first primary building is nearly ready to be handed over to the interior designers, a milestone that feels both practical and symbolic. Seeing spaces transition from structure to learning environments is incredibly exciting. The second primary building is not far behind. One of the advantages of our building design is that each block operates independently, meaning progress in one area never holds up another. It allows momentum to continue steadily, and it is a real benefit of being part of a group that has successfully built and opened seven schools in Dubai. There is experience, confidence, and calm behind the scenes, and that makes a difference.
This month, our blog focus is Leading with Courage.
Courage in a school setting isn’t dramatic or loud. Often, it’s quiet. It’s the child who admits they need help. The student who stands up for someone else. The teenager who chooses honesty over ease. The young learner who tries again after getting something wrong.
At Ash Mount, we will nurture courage by:
- creating safe spaces for children to express their ideas
- encouraging respectful disagreement and thoughtful debate
- teaching children how to reflect before reacting
- helping them understand that mistakes are part of growth
- modelling integrity in how adults behave
Courage is built gradually. Children need both guidance and trust.
At home, families can support this by:
- talking through real-life scenarios and asking, “What would you do?”
- praising honesty, even when it reveals a mistake
- encouraging children to speak up respectfully
- modelling calm decision-making
- reinforcing that doing the right thing matters, even if it feels uncomfortable
Courage grows in environments where children feel secure and valued. It isn’t about fearlessness; it’s about values in action.
We are excited about the week ahead and the opportunity to welcome so many families to our Open Day. Thank you for continuing to be part of the Ash Mount journey.
Best wishes,
Abigail Fishbourne
Founding Principal, Ash Mount School
