I am delighted to welcome you to our school and to the 2022/23 school year. My name is Margaret Haynes, the Principal of the Liwa International School – Al Mushrif. I am originally from Wales, in the UK, and have been dedicated to the field of education for more than 25 years. I have been very fortunate to have worked in the UAE as a school leader for the last 7 years and, with my team, will work hard to ensure we continue the excellent work that the founding Principal began when the school first opened its doors in September 2019.... Read More
I am delighted to welcome you to our school and to the 2022/23 school year.
My name is Margaret Haynes, the Principal of the Liwa International School – Al Mushrif. I am originally from Wales, in the UK, and have been dedicated to the field of education for more than 25 years. I have been very fortunate to have worked in the UAE as a school leader for the last 7 years and, with my team, will work hard to ensure we continue the excellent work that the founding Principal began when the school first opened its doors in September 2019.
As a parent, I fully understand that you want the best for your children, socially and academically and that is what we strive to provide. While your children are at our school, I will treat them as if they were my own, ensuring they are provided with a safe and stimulating learning environment. I am passionate about children’s education and believe it is my duty to support all our students to reach their full potential.
Our curriculum is constructed to ensure that our students achieve the best they can, both personally and against national and international benchmarks. We use the California State Standards to guide progression and learning, as well as those integral to the UAE and the National Agenda. At all points through the year, your child will know where they are in terms of their progress and what they need to do next, as will you as their parent. Each child is an individual, with their own strengths and areas that need more guidance; our child-centered approach ensures that all are supported and challenged.
With an international teaching staff, we ensure that highly qualified teachers provide a wide range of opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, to promote social and academic development. The broad and balanced curriculum will be taught in a cross-curricular approach, underpinned by core skills, to ensure progress and depth of learning.
Our students are given the opportunities and tools to become global citizens with a strong sense of the identity, values and culture of the UAE. Student leadership development is central to our approach and all students will be given the opportunity to undertake leadership positions within the school community. We also actively encourage participation in wider community events and initiatives. Students also contribute to school life and development through the Student Council and all students share their views through regular calendared feedback opportunities.
As a school, LISM understands that parents are crucial to student success. You will be kept fully informed of your child’s progress and successes – through formal, scheduled events as well as informal contact by teachers, using the school’s communication platform. We will arrange formal forums to collect parental views and suggestions, as well as provide regular opportunities for parental feedback through regular questionnaires. I, and members of my team, are available to assist you if you wish to speak to us.
I look forward to an exciting new academic year ahead and to getting to know you all better. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the school if there is anything I can do for you.
Situated in the thriving downtown Mushrif area of Abu Dhabi, Liwa International School – Al Mushrif offers a vibrant and holistic American international education. We understand the modern-day needs of young people and utilize them to engage our students in learning, encourage intellectual risk-taking, and pursue a healthy, rounded lifestyle.
“The school has many cultures and nationalities and we feel that we are one big family at LISM. LISM is one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi because it has qualified and friendly teachers, a diverse community, a strong curriculum and fun way of learning.”
“I’ve been to various schools in my life and none of them are as professional as LISM. The staff, students and teachers are all phenomenal!”
“LISM provides an environment where we can learn a lot of essential and exciting skills. It allows us to develop our talents, learn from expert teachers, and meet new friends!”
“LISM is an exceptionally good school for any student looking to rectify their weaknesses in any subject. The best thing is that we can play football and basketball tournaments during break-time.”
“As parents of four pioneer students of LISM, we are elated to say that any uncertainty surrounding our choice of a brand new school has been resolved beyond doubt. This is due to the excellent school leadership and management, complemented by hardworking and qualified staff.”
“LISM is a wonderful school. All the teachers try their best to make sure we understand the lessons, and if we don’t, teachers will explain and follow up with us. Overall, LISM is a marvelous school.”
“Learning in LISM teaches great life lessons, such as responsibility, so that when we grow up we can be ready for the world – and along with all that it’s FUN. LISM is an incredible, supportive school that will help at all costs, which is absolutely amazing.”
Principal
Vice Principal
Assistant Principal (Pastoral)
Assistant Vice Principal(Middle and High School)
Ms. Margaret has over twenty-five years of experience in education, including 18 years as a School Administrator in both the UK and the UAE; she possesses extensive current experience in the United Arab Emirates, in both UK and US curricula schools. She articulates and demonstrates a collaborative leadership approach and is determined that the partnership between school and family is strong and effective.
She is trained as a peer Inspector in the UK, with a specific focus on strategic planning and the focused improvement of teaching, learning, and assessment. Completing the NPQH in 2004, she continues her professional development through in-person and online seminars with a focus on school improvement.
Prior to relocating to the UAE, Ms. Margaret was a member of Pembrokeshire Headteachers Committee, serving as secretary and later Chair. She also took part in focus groups arranged by the Welsh Assembly government for Headteachers. She has provided training and support for teachers and administrators on Literacy and English Language Learning in the UK and the UAE.
In the UK, Ms. Margaret was a member of the Association of School and College Leaders, attending and participating in conferences focused on school improvement issues. She has successfully led external accreditation processes during her time in the UAE.
Ms. Hiba has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of education, both as a teacher and administrator. She worked as a homeroom teacher from KG through grade 5 in Lebanon and UAE and as an elementary principal and an academic advisor in UAE. She possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the American curriculum.
In her multifaceted role as a school leader, she headed inspection and accreditation committees and led various pilot programs and initiatives by ADEK.
Ms. Hiba has a complete overview and understanding of school policies and day-to-day operations. She assisted teachers in ensuring the development and implementation of a standards-based curriculum, effective lesson planning, balanced assessment framework, and appropriate pedagogical strategies to ensure the students receive effective learning opportunities.
She has successfully coached the faculty members in curriculum mapping, classroom observation techniques, and engagement.
Her interpersonal skills helped her work collaboratively with all school community members, including staff, parents, and students.
Believing in continuous personal development has led her to earn a master’s degree in leadership in education and get certified by Tribal to serve as a school inspector focusing on improving teaching and learning, assessment, and students’ learning skills. In addition, continuously attending seminars, workshops, and conferences focusing on deep learning, engagement, and school improvement enhanced her practices to be a more efficient school leader.
Email : hiba.sleit@lism.ae
Ms. Deborah has been a teacher for nearly 17 years. During this time, she has held positions of responsibility for academic and pastoral areas, including working as the Head of Pastoral Support in Scotland, ensuring students’ safety, wellbeing, and emotional development. A key part of her remit here was 16+, which focused on preparing students for life outside of school, whether in further education (UCAS) or employment.
In 2014, Ms. Deborah made a move to Dubai. During her time in Dubai, Miss. Debbie worked in two prestigious schools as Head of Humanities, UAE Social Studies, and Moral Education. Her departments were regularly judged as Outstanding per the UAE Inspection Framework, and her responsibilities ranged across the whole school. While in Dubai, she was also a Careers Advisor, which allowed her to develop a detailed understanding of the UAE education system, assessment, and other educational institutions in the UAE, as well as in the USA, Pakistan, Egypt, and Germany, to name a few.
Given her experience of the Scottish, English, and American education systems, Miss. Debbie has often been called upon to support and mentor students and teachers. She takes an active role in any school she works in to ensure that opportunities are available for the benefit of students.
Ms. Debbie is passionate about helping young people develop their skills and grow their self-esteem in a safe and caring environment. Her prior experiences give her an excellent depth of knowledge relating to pastoral care and career counseling, which will benefit students at LISM.
Email : deborah.lang@lism.ae
Mr. Martin has over eight years of education experience in Ireland, UK, and the UAE. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Limerick and is certified to teach Design Technology & Mathematics to Middle and High School.
Mr. Martin has been with LISM since its opening in 2019 and is passionate about working with all students and helping them progress and develop their skills academically, socially, and emotionally. He aims to create a community feels where students are nurtured and challenged.
Thank you for your interest in Liwa International School – Al Mushrif. Please fill out the form below, and our admissions team will contact you.
Thank you for your interest in Liwa International School – Al Mushrif. Please fill out the form below, and our admissions team will contact you.