The driving force behind OSC is a strong focus on community, giving importance to the well-being of students through inclusive social and emotional learning. Value is given to approaches to teaching and diverse methods of learning, focusing on the process of education in a manner that encourages personal growth over prioritising academic results. Additionally, OSC is committed to professional development for both parents and teachers, incorporating strategies such as Positive Discipline to enhance the mutual respect that exists within the community. This multifaceted support system not only nurtures students but also empowers educators and families, creating a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere. Highlighting the importance of the involvement of countless staff and teachers over the decades who helped build OSC into the exceptional education institution that it is today, we deeply appreciate all efforts made to provide an excellent learning environment for our students.

This year also brought with it the task of hiring of the new Head of School. Focusing on the inclusive process used to gather input from the community ensured a collective approach to the selection of this new leader. Stakeholder involvement in the recruitment process was a pivotal opportunity to incorporate community input in order to identify a leader that embodies the School’s values and vision. This shared decision-making process helped build trust and commitment within the School community as everyone worked together towards a common goal.

The successful CIS/MSA preparatory visit reflected the School’s dedication to maintaining high standards. Firstly, the reflection process for the CIS/MSA preparatory visit provided a valuable opportunity for the School to evaluate its practices and align them with the standards set by the accrediting organisations. This process encouraged a culture of continuous improvement and fostered a collaborative approach among staff. Secondly, stakeholder participation in the preparatory visit allowed for diverse insights and feedback from various members of the School community, including parents, teachers, and administrators. This engagement not only strengthened relationships but also ensured that multiple perspectives were considered in the School’s strategic planning.

During the year, the School encountered several significant opportunities that contributed to its growth and development. In addition, OSC experienced challenges, particularly due to economic conditions and unexpected tax policies implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL). To overcome these challenges, the management team executed effective expense management strategies. According to Deloitte, the team demonstrated exceptional control over costs, contributing to minimising tuition increases compared to previous years. This careful financial management helped the school navigate these difficult circumstances effectively.

Significantly, the steady 10% increase in enrolment was a sign of the school’s expanding reach and the growing confidence of families in its educational offerings. Overall, these opportunities facilitated a stronger sense of community, accountability, and alignment with the school’s mission, ultimately contributing to its success.

The Strategic Plan for 2023/24 and beyond emphasises the importance of global citizenship, sustainability, and agency among students and faculty. The School aims to embed empathy, resilience, exploration, and hope into its ethos to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Key objectives include dismantling any curricular bias by 2025, enhancing the application of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, and re-examining the School’s global citizenship and intercultural learning definitions. Additionally, the School plans to align its programmes and policies with the CIS Global Citizenship/Intercultural Learning/I-DEA Model by 2027, ensuring that students understand and articulate the connections between social-emotional learning, anti-racism, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB).

The Board is also highly optimistic about the implementation of the Teacher Growth and Improvement Framework. This initiative is vital to ensure that our teaching staff receives the guidance, coaching, and support necessary to excel in their roles. Moreover, we recognise the importance of ongoing professional development for both our teachers and leadership team.

In conclusion, I deeply appreciate all of our members for their commitment to the School, and I am grateful to my fellow Board members for their hard work and professionalism. I am thankful for the contributions of our extraordinary Head of School as well as our team of steadfast administrators and passionate teachers who demonstrate commitment to our students and families. As a community, we strive to stay true to our mission, vision, and values, progressing in our ongoing effort to ensure that the School will always remain, not just a bastion of education, but a beacon of light as a place that is truly inclusive. 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