Page 3 - February Newsletter 2020

We have had a great start to the new decade and have already undertaken many activities, some of which are
showcased in this newsletter. There has also been much academic work undertaken, including the Grade 12

mock exams, as they near their final exams next term. It has been really good to see our students working with

each other and their peers to support and improve. I was told by some students a few years ago that it was better
to study at home and, clearly, this has its place, but it is no substitute for support from the teaching staff and I

am pleased to see that we are moving away from that culture. Please continue to support us in ensuring that

students are only absent in a real emergency, that they get to school on time, and stay for the whole day. This
has improved, but we could still do better and I thank you in advance for your help with this.

One of the things our wellbeing team, including myself, spend a lot of time on is digital wellbeing. Issues such as

screen time, social media and online abuse are challenging enough for adults, but even more so for children,

despite being ‘digital natives’. We will be running another digital wellbeing session later in the term, so do come
if you have any questions or concerns. It is tentatively booked for the morning of 9 March and we will do more

if there is demand.

In the meantime, I would like to thank everyone in the Secondary School for their efforts so far this term. The

good spirit in which we conduct ourselves was wonderfully reflected in our recent Athletics Day, when the whole
school was out competing and cheering for their houses.

Well done all!

Mr Jim Stearns

Deputy Principal/Head of Secondary School

Website: Contact: Email:

https://www.viss.ae/ 06-577 1999 admin@viss.ae