I can now officially inform you of our teacher turnover. Our turnover (number of leavers) is very low. At 12% it will be one of the lowest in the UAE, for the second year in a row. I hope that this message is clear. This low turnover (according to teachers) can be credited to the atmosphere, environment, and teamwork at GIS, along with the culture of Respect, Trust and Ambition. Our teachers are committed IB educators, and they often tell me how they like the challenge and dynamism of a four programme IB school, as well as the rapport with students. I am delighted by this stability, which is not the case in all schools.

The GIS management team will also remain stable. I am thrilled to announce that Ms Kim Conlin, our Head of Primary, will become Head of Improvement and Development (Whole School) from August 2024. This promoted role will sit alongside Heads of Primary and Secondary and will report directly to me, as do the Heads of School. Kim has been an inspirational Head of Primary and her new role from August will enable our school to move forward in many areas. I am also excited to tell you that our new Head of Primary from August 2024 will be Ms Sarah McLean. Sarah, like Kim, has a broad skillset and a huge knowledge of GIS and has been a dynamic force in the Primary School for many years. Sarah will continue to work closely with Kim and a smooth transition is assured. 

These internal promotions mean that that we had a vacancy for a new Assistant Head of Primary. We were fortunate to receive a range of strong applications from around the world and I am pleased that Ms Wanita Woithe, currently the Interim Primary Principal at the Australian International School of Phnom Peng, will be joining us in August. 

Please may I make a request to Secondary School parents, with regard to traffic. It would alleviate the sheer weight of GIS traffic approaching the school if you would adhere to the request made in my letter of 24th October 2023. 

Please see letter in this link HERE

Please do not turn right (the first exit) at the GIS roundabout, but instead drive straight ahead to Gate 10, or left into the approach to WEK, from where you can simply drive back out the way you came (do not stop on the roundabout). This will significantly reduce the number of cars at the front of the school. Only primary school parents should be turning right (first exit) off the roundabout. Secondary children will have to walk 20-50 meters, but we are sure they can manage that. Thank you. 

Our strategic planning for next year and beyond is progressing very well indeed. On Thursday, I met with all our academic staff to discuss our mission, vision and strategy. We are very excited, as a finalist of Best IB School in UAE for the last two years, and winner of Best School for STEAM, at the way forward and how we shall enhance the educational journey still further for your children.

Finally, may I wish all our Grade 12 students the very best for the IB examinations, which have now begun. I thank all their teachers and know that these students will give their very best effort and deserve to perform very well. 

Kind regards and have a good weekend,