Sharjah: The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS), an Australian curriculum and IB diploma school, has hosted dignitaries from Australia and the UAE as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Following a state visit to the UAE, Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, visited the school to meet children and teachers. He was accompanied by his wife, Lynne Cosgrove, and Arthur Spyrou, Australian ambassador to the UAE.
Also in attendance were Dr Amr Abdel Hamid, VISS chairman and director-general of Sharjah Research Academy, and John Butler, State Government of Victoria Commissioner to the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey.
The school will mark its 10th anniversary with a series of events and celebrations.
“It was a great honour to celebrate the start of our 10th year with such an auspicious visit from the Governor-General of Australia and dignitaries,” said Dean Pyrah, executive principal of VISS.
“This visit is not only a testament of the strong relationship between Australia and the UAE, but also Australia and our school. Being at the forefront of quality education in the UAE, the success of VISS for the past 10 years exemplifies the positive impact such a robust relationship can have. It was truly an honour to welcome them as we celebrate this important milestone.”
The officials were given a tour of the school facilities and provided insights into how the school’s curriculum and programmes “positively impact the students’ overall development”.
The tour was followed by an assembly where students performed musical routines and poetry reading. Sir Cosgrove also addressed the students, highlighting the importance of accomplishing successes through opportunities presented in life and becoming the leaders of the future.