It has been a joy to see our ES students in their Halloween costumes for today’s free dress day – such fun and creativity in their outfits. Students are also looking forward to this evening’s Trunk or Treat organized by our amazing PTA. Thank you to everyone who has put so much work into making it such a fun annual tradition for our students.
Today is the last day of what has been a truly fantastic Spirit Week in Middle School – starting with a remarkable display of gymnastics from the National Danish Performance Team and ending with today’s ‘extravaganza’ obstacle course in the Jungle. This evening our Grade 12 students will be staying overnight on campus until Sunday morning for Senior Sunrise. It’s a special time for them to celebrate their shared experiences and friendships in their last year of school.
Earlier this week there was much anticipation in the air as 448 students from Grade 9, 10 and 11 set off on their Global Action Program (GAP) trip. Students are now spread across 20 locations in 9 different countries across the region experiencing a unique program that has been running since 2009.
For those who are new to ISKL, GAP is a mandatory component in the curriculum for Grade 9-11 students. It’s a learning experience that combines community service with outdoor adventure and creates a unique opportunity for students to authentically engage with our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Importantly, it gives our students the opportunity to engage meaningfully with a local or global issue. Examples of the type of community projects our students are currently engaged with include working with villagers in Bali to support their strategies to reduce plastic pollution, partnering with an NGO in the Siem Reap province on a house-building project, and helping to construct a biogas tank in Nepal and seeing firsthand how their efforts result in an affordable, clean and sustainable source of energy for villagers and helps to reduce deforestation and CO2 emissions.
As part of the GAP experience, students use the Global Citizen Framework to undertake the reflective process of investigation, consideration of various perspectives, communicating their thinking and ideas and then taking action. Through their participation, students develop a greater understanding of the natural environment and how to take action to protect it, gain an appreciation for new and diverse cultures, increase their awareness of individual responsibility to others and the world, and learn to work and communicate effectively and sensitively with people from diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures.
The experience also helps foster essential life skills such as resilience, self-confidence, and collaboration. We encourage you to click here to gain a deeper understanding of the objectives and philosophy of this important component in our High School curriculum. GAP is frequently cited by our alumni as a cherished memory and pivotal learning experience and we look forward to welcoming our students back next week and hearing about the experiences that will become their lifetime memories.
In partnership,
Rami Madani
Head of School
