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'Time'
A wise person was once asked what their biggest mistake was. They considered the question carefully and replied “You always think you have time. Time is free but its priceless. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once its lost, you can never get it back.”
Many people will interpret that in different ways, but it may cause some to reflect on their own lives and consider how they spend their time. What percentage of time is spent with people, at work, eating, sleeping, being productive, doing things we enjoy, sharing quality time with loved ones? That may lead to the realisation that the balance in some areas may need to shift and the challenge in how to make that shift through re allocating time. It may lead to a mindset shift in terms of what’s actually important in life and taking more control of one’s time rather than external factors determining how you spend it.
How many of us put off doing things we would like to do because we say we don’t have enough time rather than doing them now?
As we approach the Summer vacation, many of us will have the opportunity to do many of the things we enjoy and use our time in the way we would wish. Have we saved up all the nice things because we now have time or should we re allocate our time moving forward to make sure we make the most of our time every day? The Latin term Carpe Diem (roughly translated as seize the day) seems to be appropriate in this context. Wherever you may decide to travel and whatever you decide to do, I hope that you have a lovely holiday, stay healthy and enjoy your time doing things that make you happy not just during the holiday period, but also for the future.
With my very best wishes,
Mike Wolfe
Vice Principal
A few weeks ago, as part of our IB DP Language programme, Year 12 students in the French Ab Initio and French B classes united to celebrate Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). Originally a catholic event welcoming the ritual fasting of Lent, Mardi Gras is celebrated in France with festive parades and sumptuous public celebrations.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, students came together to not only recognize the festivity but rejoice at the opportunity to share and learn about the international traditions fostered within our community. With the help of Monsieur Depose and Mademoiselle Merchadier, the French DP classes baked tasty treats, including crepes, waffles, brownies, and traditional beignets!
As a teacher at BIS Abu Dhabi, I have the privilege of watching students grow — not just academically, but as young people finding their path in a complex world. One thing I’ve learned time and again is this: success doesn’t come from rare moments of brilliance — it comes from the quiet power of habits.
Research tells us that up to 40% of what we do each day is driven by habit, not active decision-making. That means the routines our students form — the way they begin their morning, how they handle a setback, whether they choose to read or scroll — are shaping who they become.
I was really touched by Áine’s newsletter piece last week, posing the question: ‘What would I tell my younger self?’
I spent some time afterwards thinking about my own parenting journey, and what it’s all been about, now that my two are adults and have ‘flown the nest’. Parenting isn’t easy for any of us, and that’s true even if you’re an experienced school leader – at home, I’m just Dad.
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