Message from The Principal

I am delighted to welcome you to our school and to the 2020/21 school year.

My name is Margaret Haynes and I am the new 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 6 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 2020.

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-centred 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.