Reflection and understanding the perspective of others is an integral part of the learning process, not just for our students, but for our school as well. The Community Climate Survey shared by email with all ISKL community members today (November 4) is integral to our Strategic Plan and commitment to continuous improvement. It is also an important component of the re-accreditation process we are currently undertaking with global accreditation agencies, the Council of International Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Data gathered from the survey will enable us to better understand the perspectives of our stakeholder groups – students, parents, Board, faculty, staff, and alumni – and we thank our parents in advance for finding the 10-15 minutes needed to complete it. In addition to contributing to the continuous improvement of our school, your input will provide valuable insights, particularly in the areas of global citizenship and intercultural learning.

Learning, best practices, and reflection underpinned the recent annual East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Leadership Conference attended by some of our school leaders and Board members during the break last week. Comprising 200 member schools in East Asia and representing more than 168,000 students, the aim of EARCOS is to inspire adult and student learning, foster intercultural understanding and global citizenship, and exceptional educational practices – all of which, of course, aligns with our own Guiding Statements and Strategic Objectives.

The Conference was an invaluable opportunity for us to connect with peers, learn from subject matter experts, and keep abreast of best practices within the education sector and other leading international schools. We were also honored to be invited to be guest speakers at a number of sessions to share the learning journey associated with researching and implementing our Guiding Statements, Learning, and Operational Principles. The response to each of our presentations was incredibly positive with peer schools keen to learn more about our research and approach to transformative learning.

Continuing the theme of research-based transformative learning, we are looking forward to our next Head of School & Parents In Partnership session on Wednesday, November 16. Our Director of Student Services and ES, MS, and HS Principals will join me in unpacking one of our Strategic Objectives, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We will take a look at the research on SEL, its impact on academic learning and personal growth, and share examples of how SEL is implemented in each division.

We have a number of events to look forward to next week including the High School IASAS Cultural Convention (November 9-13) when our Model United Nations team and Art and Film delegates head to the International School Bangkok and International School Manila respectively, our MS Youth Orchestra will be performing (November 10), our beloved ES flag parade will take place (November 11), and the day will finally arrive for our much-anticipated iFest (November 12). In addition, our inaugural GivingTuesday campaign also gets underway as part of the global generosity movement that centers around a concept central to our Vision – caring for others and contributing to a better world. Please see School-wide News to learn more about how to get involved, and contribute to student groups and ISKL’s Inspire Programs campaign in support of student learning projects aligned with our Vision and Mission.

As always, our thanks to everyone who has helped organize these and the many initiatives which take place each week that enhance student learning, cultivate our dynamic and inclusive community, and create shared connections and a sense of belonging. This is what makes our school so special.

We also thank our High School parents and students who joined us for the Parent Teacher Conferences this week, we truly value the partnership we share with you in your child’s learning journey. Finally, our thanks to our amazing PTA for organizing this evening’s ES Trunk or Treat event (November 4). We hope our ES students (and parents!) have a spooktacular time celebrating Halloween 👻!

In partnership

 

 

 

Rami Madani
Head of School