A New Year of Learning, Growth, and Community
Dear ISSH Community,
As we begin this new year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what makes ISSH such a special place. Beyond academics, it is the strong sense of community, caring, and shared purpose that truly defines our school. Every day, our students embark on a journey of learning and growth, supported by dedicated teachers and a welcoming environment where they feel valued and encouraged to thrive.
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Intentionally Small Schools Leadership Retreat, hosted by ECIS, at the Frankfurt International School Wiesbaden Campus (FISW). This gathering brought together around 20 heads of small international schools from around the world – from Iceland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Tanzania and more. It was an inspiring opportunity to collaborate with leaders of small schools and to celebrate the unique strengths that come with being a small school. Over the course of two days, we explored not only the complexities of leading small schools, but also the enormous benefits they offer. Smaller schools foster stronger relationships, more personalised learning and a real sense of belonging – values that are at the heart of ISSH. The discussions reaffirmed my belief that our size is not a limitation but a strength, allowing us to provide an education that is both high quality and deeply personal.
At ISSH we celebrate diversity, individuality and integrity and guide our students to be confident, principled and resilient. Learning is filled with curiosity, joy and challenges that help them to grow. We also believe that education is most powerful when home and school work together and that your support plays a key role in your child’s success.
As we move forward into this new year, let’s continue to nurture a school where every student feels inspired to unlock their potential, take responsibility, and embrace their unique strengths. Thank you for being part of our ISSH family – I look forward to all that we will achieve together.
Ebru Güver
Head of School
A Night to Remember: Secondary Student Council’s Snowball Event
Last week, our Secondary Student Council hosted an unforgettable winter celebration—our annual Snowball! This much-anticipated event brought students together for an evening of music, fun, and seasonal spirit.
The night was filled with excitement, featuring an incredible DJ who kept the energy high and the dance floor packed with students enjoying their favourite tunes. Whether dancing with friends or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, everyone had a fantastic time.
Adding to the elegance of the evening, a selection of delicious mocktails was served, provided by the Parents’ Association, allowing students to enjoy refreshing, creative beverages while mingling and socializing. The event also featured a variety of games, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy, whether it was a competitive challenge or just a fun evening with friends.
One of the highlights of the night was the beautifully arranged photo op, where students captured memories with friends against a stunning winter-themed backdrop. Laughter and joy filled the air as groups posed for snapshots to commemorate this special night.
A huge thank you to our dedicated Secondary Student Council for their hard work in planning and executing such a spectacular event. Their effort and creativity truly made the Snowball a magical and memorable evening for all!
Celebrating 100 Days of Learning: ELC3’s Special Day!
Last week, our ELC3 students reached an exciting milestone—100 days of school! To celebrate, they enjoyed a fun-filled day where everything revolved around the number 100.
The creativity was on full display as students arrived dressed with 100 in mind. Some transformed into wise centenarians, embracing the look of a 100-year-old, while others showed off their vibrant outfits adorned with 100 dots, making for a colourful and festive start to the day.
The celebrations continued with a series of engaging activities designed to make learning fun. In the kitchen, students took part in baking, measuring ingredients and counting to 100 as they created delicious treats. Math lessons turned into exciting challenges as they explored counting, grouping, and patterns—all centred around the magic number. Meanwhile, in arts and crafts, the young learners let their imaginations run wild, creating beautiful artwork inspired by 100.
This special day not only reinforced important educational concepts but also highlighted the joy of learning through play and creativity. The enthusiasm and excitement from our ELC3 students were truly contagious, making the 100th day of school a memorable event for everyone involved.
Bringing History to Life: Grade 4 Learning Showcase
Our Grade 4 students recently put on an incredible learning showcase, bringing significant individuals from history, science, sports, and the arts to life as part of two units they’ve been working on: drama and significant individuals. This immersive experience allowed them to dive deep into the lives of inspiring figures and share their knowledge with enthusiasm and creativity.
From royalty to renowned artists, legendary athletes to groundbreaking scientists, the showcase featured an impressive array of personalities. Students stepped into the shoes of figures such as Princess Diana, Pablo Picasso, Taylor Swift, Neil Armstrong, Lionel Messi, Charles Darwin, and Nikola Tesla. Each student embodied their chosen individual with impressive dedication, presenting key achievements, challenges, and lasting legacies in an engaging and theatrical way.
The event was a dynamic blend of history, storytelling, and performance, as students not only researched their chosen figures but also developed confidence in public speaking and dramatic expression. Families, teachers, and peers were captivated by the well-prepared presentations and the enthusiasm with which the students embraced their roles
Congratulations to our Grade 4 students for a fantastic and memorable performance!
