I take this opportunity to recognize and commend the remarkable strides EMS has made during this academic year. This has been a year marked not only by academic progress, but by purposeful leadership, strategic development, and a continued commitment to two core drivers of modern education: Inclusion and Innovation.

These values are not slogans—they are business principles. At the organizational level, they influence how we allocate resources, design policies, and measure outcomes. At the school level, they shape the day-to-day experiences of our students, educators, and families. What we’ve witnessed at EMS this year is the tangible impact of these principles in action.

From a leadership perspective, inclusion is not just an ethical obligation—it’s a growth strategy. Schools that create welcoming, equitable environments produce better outcomes and foster stronger engagement. EMS has continued to demonstrate this truth.

We’ve seen deliberate investment in systems that ensure every student, regardless of background or ability, can thrive. This includes differentiated instruction, learning support, and enhanced pastoral care. More than policy shifts, these efforts reflect a culture of care and responsiveness—one that will sustain long-term success.

Likewise, EMS’s commitment to innovation has never been about keeping up with trends. It’s been about ensuring relevance, improving efficiency, and preparing students for the realities of tomorrow’s world.

Whether through the integration of digital tools, the application of best teaching and  learning practices, or the development of real-world problem-solving skills, the school has created learning experiences that are forward-facing and outcomes-driven. Internally, EMS has also taken meaningful steps to streamline operations and modernize systems—a necessary evolution in today’s competitive educational landscape.

What is particularly noteworthy is how inclusion and innovation have been strategically aligned. Inclusive innovation—technology and pedagogy designed for equity—is where real transformation happens. This year, EMS didn’t just talk about inclusion and innovation; it delivered both in tandem.

The results are visible: in student engagement, academic progress, and community cohesion. These are the outcomes we strive for—outcomes that support our vision as an educational group committed to excellence with integrity.

As we plan for the future, we remain focused on scale, sustainability, and continuous improvement. EMS will continue to serve as a benchmark within our portfolio—demonstrating how values-led education can drive both impact and reputation.

I extend my appreciation to the school leadership team for their clear vision and capable execution. To the faculty and staff—thank you for bringing strategy to life in the classroom and for going above and beyond to serve every learner. To our students—your growth is the clearest indicator that we are on the right path. And to our families—thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your belief in what EMS stands for.

Let’s continue to lead with purpose, evolve with confidence, and build a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

As we bring this academic year to a close, I invite our community to pause and reflect on a year defined by our shared theme: Inclusion and Innovation. These two powerful principles have guided our journey at the English Modern School, shaping every classroom experience, every student initiative, and every act of collaboration within our community.

Inclusion remains a cornerstone of our values at EMS. We believe in a learning environment where every student—regardless of background, ability, or perspective—is welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. This year, we witnessed inspiring moments of inclusivity across our campuses. Whether through differentiated instruction, supportive programs, or celebrations of cultural diversity, our students have grown academically, socially, and emotionally in a space that honors their unique identities.

Through meaningful partnerships among students, teachers, and families, we fostered a culture of empathy and belonging. We celebrated what makes us different and discovered how those differences make us stronger—reminding us that inclusion is not a goal to achieve once, but a way of being we must live each day.

Innovation, the second pillar of our theme, has pushed us to reimagine learning for a fast-changing world. EMS has continued to provide students with opportunities to think critically, solve problems creatively, and explore with curiosity. Our classrooms have become spaces where students are encouraged to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and learn from both success and failure.

This year, innovation was not just about technology or new tools—it was about nurturing the mindset of resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking. Our students led sustainability efforts, launched awareness campaigns, and took bold steps to make a difference within and beyond the school walls. Their voice and agency are proof that innovation, when rooted in purpose, becomes a force for positive change.

Looking back, what stands out most is not just what we accomplished—but how we accomplished it: together. Students, teachers, parents, staff, and leaders—all working hand in hand, driven by a shared vision of a better, more inclusive, and more innovative future for every child.

As we look ahead, I am filled with hope and confidence. The values of inclusion and innovation will continue to inspire the EMS journey, reminding us that excellence in education comes not only from academic rigor but also from creating a community where everyone belongs and every idea has room to grow.

To our incredible students—you have amazed us with your resilience, your passion, and your willingness to grow. You made this year shine. As you take your next steps, carry with you the values we’ve lived together. Keep including others. Keep dreaming boldly. Keep making the world better, one idea and one act of kindness at a time.

To our devoted teachers and staff—thank you for your tireless commitment and your open hearts. You brought the theme of this year to life in every lesson, every smile, every extra mile you walked for our students.

To our supportive parents—your partnership means everything. Thank you for taking this journey with us and for believing in what we do.

And to our Board of Governors—thank you for your unwavering support, your wisdom, and your belief in our mission. Your leadership is the foundation upon which we continue to build and thrive.

This year, we didn’t just teach - we inspired. We didn’t just grow - we transformed. And most importantly, we did it together.

Let’s carry this spirit forward, proud of all we’ve achieved and excited for all that lies ahead. Here's to another amazing year—and to the bright future we are building, side by side.

I expect all of us had a place in the home when we were kids – behind a bedroom door, under the stairs, on the fridge – where we marked off our growth.  Each term, or month, we would scribe a line and write our name next to it, along with the date.  Sometimes, perhaps too ambitiously, we would do it by the week, but all we would end up with were a series of lines, closely compacted, perhaps not even large enough for our names to appear in their full majesty.  The anxiety would subside and then another line would appear, some considerable distance from the last. The Yearbook, in the life of the school, in many ways represents the recording place for our growth – as a school.  Fortunately it occurs at well calibrated, uniform times.  The growth is rarely so well calibrated or uniform.  It is also a different type of growth – the breadth of our community; the engagement within our community; the expansion of our enterprise; the depth of our commitment: these things cannot be represented against a marking board.  They can be represented within our Yearbook: fifty-four (54) nationalities; our sports programs and their inclusiveness, Character Day, Battle of the Books, our many Sports Days, the MUN and its national and international ventures, the depth and breadth of our Secondary School advisory programs, the attachment to our Houses; the breadth of celebration on National Day, the International Day Food Festival, the Environment Club,  our TED exhibitions, our Senior Service programs and the Internships for Year 13.  Still we culminate with our Seniors – more plentiful in number and wider in their ambitions.  The Yearbook represents a space against which we write our name and the date proudly. We hope you share this pride.   

As we close the pages of another remarkable academic year, I am filled with pride as I reflect on our incredible journey. This year has been a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment where every student's unique potential can flourish.

Our classrooms have been vibrant spaces of creativity and collaboration, where traditional learning boundaries have been pushed and new possibilities explored. From groundbreaking STEM projects to inspiring artistic expressions, our secondary students have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication across all disciplines.

Our numerous activities have strengthened the community spirit —from spirited sports competitions to thought-provoking cultural exchanges, from impactful community service initiatives to memorable school events. Each of these experiences has helped strengthen lasting bonds and create cherished memories.

To our wonderful students: your enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to embrace new challenges have made this year truly special. Your achievements, both significant and minor, have added remarkable chapters to our school's narrative.

As you embark on your summer break, I hope you'll take time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate. May these moments of relaxation prepare you for the exciting adventures that await in the coming academic year.

Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism about the future we'll create together. Our journey of excellence continues, and I can't wait to explore new horizons, break new ground, and take our school to even greater heights.

Have a fantastic summer break!