As we celebrate an important milestone and reflect on the development of the School over the last 65 years, we are proud of the heights that OSC has reached and we are determined to look to the future with enthusiasm. It is immensely rewarding to note everything our students have been able to accomplish this year and we commend the School community for being close-knit and ever ready to advance together. As always, the Board is gratified with the success of our partnership with the Head of School (HOS), as together we made sure that the School is sustainable, well-governed, financially sound, and has a clear strategy for the future.

In collaboration with the HOS, our focus this year has been to implement our Strategic Plan 2022-2027. We are pleased to have had positive CIS Climate Community Survey Results — a source of pride as the Board continues to focus on the sustainability of the School. In addition, we endorsed the School’s focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) and its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all, and fully support the development and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks, as they are vital to our goal of providing comprehensive support for students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

The 2022/23 academic year was a resounding success! The return of whole-school field trips, experiential learning, a successful Week Without Walls, the well-attended Literary Festival, and the revitalised arts department and athletics teams all contributed to a vibrant and enriching learning environment. The Board’s clear goals and the School’s strategic actions provided a strong foundation for growth and achievement. Overall, it is clear that the School community is thriving and poised for continued success.

We are particularly proud of our parents’ involvement in the prospective parent Open Day. This active participation from parents is a valuable asset to the School. Parents’ positive testimonials and enthusiastic engagement can serve as powerful endorsements of the School’s culture, programmes, and overall value proposition. By involving parents in the Open Day, the School not only showcases the supportive parent community but also demonstrates its commitment to open communication and collaboration between parents and the school administration. This open approach can foster a sense of transparency and trust among prospective families, making them more likely to consider the School for their children’s education.

A challenge for the year has been ensuring that the School is financially sound and able to meet its current and future needs. Despite unforeseen circumstances, our commitment to maintaining a high-quality educational programme is evident in our thorough financial planning, judicious resource allocation, contingency plans, and preparation of reserve funds.

Overall, the proactive approach to risk mitigation demonstrates our dedication to the School’s long-term success and steadfast commitment to educational quality. The Board cares about the school community and has taken practical steps to support families facing financial difficulties through the implementation of a financial assistance programme. 

It is evident that the Head of School and the Board of Directors (BOD) have established a strong collaborative relationship that prioritises student needs and aligns decision-making with the School’s guiding statements and strategic priorities. We applaud Dr Michelle Kleiss’s leadership, resilience, and accomplishments during a challenging period. Her positive impact on the school community will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at OSC. As a Board, we are giving our highest priority to hiring of a new Head of School for 2025 and are committed to finding the best possible candidate to lead the School into the future. As such, we have hired an internationally recognised and reputed firm to lead the process. We are committed to a thorough search process, stakeholder involvement, and honouring Dr Kleiss’s contributions. Our approach to hiring a new HOS reflects our dedication to finding the right leader to guide OSC towards continued success and growth.

In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to all our members for their unfailing commitment to the School, and I am deeply grateful for my fellow Board members and their resolution, dedication, and massive contribution for good governance of the School. I am thankful for the indefatigable efforts of our exceptional Head of School and supporting administrative and teaching team for their untiring commitment to our students and families. By working together to ensure that our mission, vision, and values align with the evolving needs of students and the broader society, we are setting the stage for the School to remain relevant and effective in the years to come. I am proud to be a part of a strong community that thrives on expressing compassion, encourages curiosity, and is courageous in the face of challenges.

Aishath Lu-U-lua Hassan
Board Chair