Dear Ash Mount Community,
As September moves us closer to the gentler weather Dubai is known for, I hope this week has brought moments of calm and joy for you. At Ash Mount School, the sense of anticipation is growing. The build of our new campus continues steadily, and each week the vision of our school becomes more real. We would love you to follow this journey with us — do visit our social media channels to see the progress and share in the excitement [insert link].
Alongside the physical build, we are already recruiting the amazing educators and wider staff who will shape the heart of our school. Each appointment takes us closer to creating a team ready to inspire our children with purpose, compassion, and courage.
This weekend is also special across the UAE, as families gather to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We wish you a peaceful and happy long weekend, and hope it offers time for reflection and togetherness.
This week’s theme is new beginnings. Across Dubai, children have completed their first two weeks of the new school year. Whether it is the first day of Pre KG or the return to secondary, every child experiences this season in their own way. New beginnings bring excitement and hope, but they can also bring nerves and uncertainty.
For our Pre and KG children, simple rituals can help. A scrapbook with drawings, photos, or little keepsakes from these first days can become a treasure to look back on. Positive phrases such as “I loved hearing about your play today” give children confidence and help them share more of their experiences.
In Grades 1–5, open-ended questions invite reflection: “What was something new you tried today?” or “Which moment made you smile?” Encourage your child to name their feelings — happy, nervous, proud, curious — so they learn the language of emotions. If something did not go to plan, acknowledge it, but gently move the focus towards learning and trying again.
For our secondary students, who are growing in independence, the start of the year often feels both exciting and demanding. Offering a safe space to talk is invaluable. Phrasing such as “I’d love to hear when you feel ready” respects their independence while keeping the door open. Looking at first-week photos together or setting a family goal for the term can help create a positive frame for the weeks ahead.
New beginnings are rarely perfect, but they are always important. They are opportunities to grow, to adjust, and to celebrate courage. As we step into this new academic year, let us acknowledge the challenges but focus on the joy of what lies ahead.
Warm Regards,
Abigail Fishbourne
Founding Principal, Ash Mount School