Dear Ash Mount Community,
As we reach the end of February, it feels like a good moment to pause and reflect on what has been another exciting and productive month for Ash Mount.
Throughout February, our blogs have focused on Leading with Courage; what it means, why it matters, and how we help children develop it. Courage in education is not about being the loudest voice or always taking the lead. Often it shows itself in quieter moments: speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, supporting a friend, admitting when something is difficult, or choosing to try again after a setback.
At Ash Mount, courage will also form an important part of our behaviour approach. We will support students to develop these skills through peer mediation, restorative practices, and student voice structures, including student council and values committees where children actively help shape the culture of the school.
Courage grows when children feel safe, when they are encouraged to ask questions, when they are trusted to express their ideas, and when they understand that mistakes are part of learning. Courage also means not standing by when someone else needs support, learning to act with kindness, integrity, and responsibility.
Families play an important role in developing this too. When children see adults modelling honesty, empathy, and thoughtful decision-making, they learn that courage is not about perfection, but about values in action.
As we move into March, our blog focus will shift to Educating for Global Peace and Making a Better World.
As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Education has always played a powerful role in shaping the future. Schools help young people understand different perspectives, learn how to listen with respect, and develop the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to contribute positively to the world around them.
In an international city like Dubai, where children grow up surrounded by different cultures, languages, and experiences, this opportunity is particularly meaningful.
This focus also aligns closely with the philosophy behind international education. The International Baccalaureate speaks about developing young people who help to create “a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” At Ash Mount, we believe that learning should help children understand both themselves and the wider world, encouraging them to think carefully about how their actions can make a positive difference.
Over the coming weeks, our blogs will explore how schools help children develop the mindset and skills needed to contribute to a more peaceful and thoughtful world, through empathy, dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful action.
It has also been another lovely week meeting new families and students as admissions continues to grow. These early conversations are always a highlight, getting to know children, hearing about their interests and ambitions, and welcoming families into the Ash Mount journey.
You may also have seen Mrs Aamna’s recent videos sharing updates from the school site. It has been wonderful to see how many families are enjoying watching the school take shape. The primary classrooms building has now moved into the full internal fit-out stage, which is a significant milestone. We are beginning to see colour appearing on the walls, and the interior teams have started moving in to prepare the learning spaces. Watching the building move from structure to environment is incredibly exciting.
Behind the scenes, our academic recruitment process is now almost complete. We have been meeting exceptional educators who are genuinely excited about joining the founding team. Building this staff community has been a real pleasure, and we cannot wait to introduce them to our students and families in the coming months. Our next stage will focus on recruiting our operational and administrative teams, who will help ensure the school runs smoothly from day one.
Finally, our February newsletter is now finished and will be shared with families after the weekend, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Ash Mount community. Your enthusiasm, questions, and support continue to shape the school we are building together.
Best wishes,
Abigail Fishbourne
