Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Ms. Abby Saadeh, Academic Principal of Canadian School Bahrain. Ms. Saadeh shared her vision for the school’s future, discussed the challenges facing education in the coming years, and highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. She also provided insights into the school’s approach to student well-being, developing life skills, and fostering a positive school culture.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

Our vision for 2025 is creating a learning environment that prepares students not just academically, but also for the challenges of the future. We aim to integrate more technology meaningfully into our classrooms, expand our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, and strengthen our focus on sustainability and global citizenship. Additionally, we plan to enhance our community partnership programs to ensure our students are engaged in making a positive impact beyond the classroom.

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

Each year, we evaluate our academic priorities based on student performance data and feedback from the stakeholders within our community. Currently, we are committed to

project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and the integration of artificial intelligence tools to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our goal is to ensure our curriculum remains relevant and future-ready.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?

One of the biggest challenges will be keeping up with technology and ensuring our students are digitally literate while maintaining a balance in their academics and overall well-being. Our focus will be to continue creating programs and an environment that addresses these challenges head-on.

4. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

We believe in personalized learning approaches that cater to individual strengths and interests. For students who struggle, we provide support through our Leve-Up after school program. we offer programs that connect students with the real-world. We incorporate hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to make lessons more engaging. Building strong relationships with students is a core value at our school. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, their engagement naturally increases.

5. How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

At Canadian School Bahrain, we believe every child deserves to feel valued and supported. We work hard to create a welcoming environment where all students, no matter their background or abilities, can thrive. Essentially, we want to make sure every student feels they belong and has the tools to succeed.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?

We take student well-being very seriously. Our counseling team works closely with teachers and parents to identify and address stress or bullying early on. We have implemented programs like mindfulness sessions and workshops on emotional intelligence and resilience. Additionally, we have a clear anti-bullying policy and encourage students to speak up. Creating a safe environment is part of our identity at the Canadian School Bahrain.

7. How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?

Beyond academics, we focus on developing life skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and personal and social responsibility. Our high school team helps students explore their interests and strengths. We also emphasize leadership opportunities through our student council, after-school clubs, sports teams, and community service projects to build confidence and responsibility.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

Parents and the community are invaluable partners in our school. We host workshops and forums covering a variety of important topics to keep parents informed. Community partnerships allow us to offer hands-on learning experiences, guest lectures, and service-learning opportunities.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

We believe in encouraging collaboration and innovation among staff. We believe that it fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Recognizing and celebrating their achievements also plays a big role in retaining talented educators who are passionate about making a difference.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

Absolutely. We encourage our teachers to take on leadership roles within the school, whether through school heads, development teams, or team leads. We also provide training and support for those aspiring to move into new and developing positions. Empowering our teachers to grow professionally not only benefits them but also enhances the overall quality of education we provide.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

While all our extracurricular activities are valuable, I believe our Model United Nations (MUN) program has a profound impact. It teaches students critical skills like public speaking, diplomacy, and global awareness. These are essential for success in any field and help students develop a broader perspective on world issues. It’s incredible to see how this activity shapes confident and informed leaders.

12. As a Principal, what is your definition of success?

Success, to me, is seeing every student reach their full potential—academically and as

well-rounded individuals who are kind, resilient, and ready to contribute positively to society. It’s about creating an environment where students feel empowered to take risks, learn from their failures, and pursue their passions. I look forward to seeing our first graduates thriving in their chosen paths.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

“In every child, there is greatness—It’s our job to nurture it, believe in it, and watch it grow.”