As the 2024–25 school year comes to a close, we look back on the journey of the past ten months with joy and thankfulness.
Even though there were some political challenges in Bangladesh over the summer, we only delayed the start of school by one week. To make sure we met the required 180 school days, we made the school day a little longer at GPS and used a few government holidays as regular school days. We were so happy that all our teachers returned on time, ready and excited to teach.
At the start of the year, all the teachers and staff took part in INSET—In-Service Education and Training. During this time, new staff had orientation and training, while returning teachers planned lessons, worked together, and got ready for the year ahead. This was also a time to build community, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones.
At GEY, our youngest students began school, many for the very first time. It was a big step, and often harder for the parents than the children! To help make the first day easier, we invited parents to come to school with their children. This helped everyone feel safe, calm, and ready to begin.
Our oldest students jumped into the year with excitement and leadership. During the first week, they applied to join the Student Council. They campaigned during the second week, and by the third week, it was time to vote. It was a fun and active start to the year!
Primary students quickly settled into class and picked their after-school clubs. This year, Board Games, Drawing, Technology, and Chess were the most popular.
Our Grace Royals sports teams didn’t waste any time, either! They entered the AISD and ISD tournaments and had their best season ever, winning the championship in both football and volleyball.
September and October were full of fun and meaningful activities: Bangladesh Emphasis Week, Thrive Week, Spirit Week, International Week, Mock Interviews, and Work Experience. These special weeks helped students grow, learn, and explore the world outside the classroom.
For Mock Interviews, local business leaders came to Grace to interview our students. KS4 and KS5 students wrote their CVs and learned how to present themselves in a professional setting. Afterwards, they went out into the real world for ‘Work Experience.’ Students spent time in places like hospitals, banks, bookshops, garment factories, and cafés to learn what real jobs are like.
Throughout the year, our House Teams had fun and friendly competitions. Students from different year groups joined together to earn points through trivia, sports events, and good behaviour in class. These teams helped build friendships across ages and made school life even more fun. Older students looked after younger ones, and everyone cheered each other on.
By December, the Christmas season was in full swing. At GEY and GPS, students shared the Nativity story in creative and new ways. At GSS, we started a new tradition! The Humanities team brought all the students together to put on a theatre production. This year’s play was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The acting, costumes, and sets were all done by the students, and everyone had a role, even if they weren’t on stage. They helped with props, music, makeup, and much more. The two performances were truly magical.
After the winter break, KS4 students returned to school focused and determined. Art students worked on their portfolios, and all students began their mock exams. KS5 students had their mock exams in March. These tests helped them practise for the real thing and showed them where they were doing well and what they needed to work on.
Spring was filled with more special days like Book Week, Mother Language Day, another Thrive Week, cookie baking days, graduation, and Splash Day. These events made learning fun and brought our community closer together.
Now, as May comes to a close, we teachers look back with pride, love, and amazement. In August, many students walked into school feeling nervous, unsure of what the year would hold. Now, they leave full of confidence, knowledge, and new friendships. Teachers, who once were strangers, became mentors, guides, and trusted supporters.
We all look forward to the summer break, but we also know how special it is to return to Grace each August. Working in a school is unique. Every year looks the same on paper, but every year is truly different. Your children are what make each class and each year so special.
Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
