A Newcomer’s Guide to the Association - Billy Allwood

I was pleasantly surprised to be asked to become a member of the Association in May 2022.

Since coming to the Netherlands over 30 years ago, I have been aware of the BSN. I have been involved with the school since 2004, when I began TheHagueOnline. com website, helping the community settle in The Hague region, and the BSN was one of main sponsors of the first “Feel at Home In The Hague Community Fair” which we organised in 2006.

However, I was unaware of the Association, which is made up of representatives of international organisations and the wider international community of the Netherlands. The Association meets twice a year and oversees the work of the Board of Governors, who are responsible for the strategic supervision of the school.

I have been involved with the school since 2004, when I began TheHagueOnline.com website, helping the community settle in The Hague region, and the BSN was one of main sponsors of the first “Feel at Home In The Hague Community Fair” which we organised in 2006.

At my first meeting we discussed the report of Board of Governors and CEO and the budget for the next school year, as well as appointing a new governor. I found the report and discussion on what is expected to happen in The Hague’s international community in the coming years (in terms of international families staying for longer, for example) particularly relevant.

My second Association meeting took place in January and the Governors report highlighted a return to normality post Covid at the school for the students. It was interesting to hear about school priorities and plans for the next year.

I hope that I can use my experience as an international, father, teacher and strategist to contribute to the Association. ■