International School of Prague Annual Report 2013-14

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Annual report 2013 – 2014 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PRAGUE



Annual report 2013 – 2014 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PRAGUE

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Director’s Report


Table of Contents Welcome 7 14 16

From the Director From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees ISP Board of Trustees Committees

Mission, Learning Research & Development 21 24

ISP Mission Statement ISP Learning Research & Development

The Principals’ Report 29 33 36

The Elementary School The Middle School The Upper School

IT, Activities & Athletics 45 48

Information Technology Activities & Sports

Supporting ISP 55 56 58 60 62 65

Supporting ISP Our Donors Annual Fund Cabaret Night at the Palace Scholarship Program

ISP Community 79 83 83

School Community Association (SCA) Our Community Results of the ISP All Parent Survey

Financial Report 91 92 96

Message from the Board Treasurer and Finance & Operations Director Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances Notes to Summarised Special Purpose Consolidated Financial Information

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Director’s Report


Director’s Report

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Welcome

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Director’s Report


From the Director

Dr. Arnie Bieber Director

While ISP is well known as a future-focused, innovative school that prepares our students for the world they will inherit, the Annual Report gives us an appropriate opportunity to look back, and to celebrate an eventful year of dynamic learning and further development of the School. Growing Enrollment and Campus Expansion Last year saw continued growth, with student enrollment surpassing 800 for the first time in the history of the school. Knowing that we were about to embark on the physical expansion of the Middle and Upper schools, we took on a fourth section of

Grade 6 students, with the plan to grow the Middle School from three to four sections in all of its grade levels. The change to the Middle School framework serves two important purposes: first, it enables ISP to admit the many new families and students who had applied to the school but were placed on waiting lists due to full classes; second, it allowed us to increase our Middle School staffing so that we now have grade level teacher teams, enabling Middle School teachers to collaborate and plan together by grade level. While the School will continue to maintain From the Director

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its family feel and a nurturing environment where no student falls through the cracks, our continued growth allows us to offer a wider variety of engaging programs that enrich the learning experience of all ISP students. Student Learning As a school committed to excellence and innovation, we are always looking for ways to improve the learning experience of our students. To that end, we decided to change the title and job description of our Curriculum Coordinator to Director of Learning Research & Development. This represents more than a change in title; it is a reflection of our commitment

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From the Director

to continually improve our educational programs and the learning experiences of our students. While Teresa Belisle continues to ensure our curriculum is up to date, her focus is also on working with and guiding our teacher Learning Leaders, so that they have the skills and competencies to support the teachers in their area of the school. Edge in Education As part of our commitment to innovation in education, last year we continued our series of workshops (known as the “Edge in Education”) with ISP parents. The purpose of these meetings has been to engage parents in dialogue about the


future of education and what we know about best practice and current research. Last year, the Edge in Education group focused on “mindset” and current research into how the brain learns. According to researcher and Stanford University professor Caroline Dweck, we all have two types of mindsets, fixed and growth. These mindsets (which can be learned or unlearned) have a powerful impact on our ability to learn, develop and ultimately achieve. We welcome the active participation of our various parent groups; they provide a spectrum of perspectives that helps ISP become a better school. North Wing Project As of this writing the North Wing Project, which began before the summer, is nearing completion. This two million Euro expansion project not only provides additional space and classrooms, but is designed to be a modern educational facility in which Middle and Upper School students learn in flexible and pleasant learning environments. The new facility will have movable glass walls, flat screen monitors, open areas (including a large terrace with beautiful views of the Sarka forest), and a new fitness center with the latest state-of-the-art fitness equipment. We all anxiously await the opening of the new facility which will greatly enhance the best campus in the region! ISP Parent Survey In order to learn more about the perceptions and perspectives of our parent community, the School engaged Triangle Associates in May to conduct

an extensive, anonymous survey with ISP parents. To ensure objectivity, we decided to have a third party conduct the survey and report on the results. The survey contained over 80 questions on a wide variety of topics, as well as providing opportunities for parents to write individual comments (of which over 1000 were received). According to Triangle Associates, the participation level of over 90 percent was a record and is a testament to the active interest and participation of our parent community. While the survey does point to areas that need improvement, we are very proud of the results, which make it clear that the vast majority of parents consider ISP to be an excellent school, which is achieving its mission. The executive summary from Triangle Associates is included elsewhere in this year’s annual report. I am gratified and proud of all that has been accomplished this past year and look forward to the School’s future development as we continue to Inspire, Engage and Empower ISP students.

Dr. Arnie Bieber Director

From the Director

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Leadership Team 2013–2014

Director Dr. Arnie Bieber

US Principal Dr. Mark Frankel

Director of Information Technology John Mikton

Finance & Operations Director Barry Freckmann

Director of Learning Research and Development Teresa Belisle

ES Principal Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega

Activities Director Joe Monks

ES Assistant Principal Corky Hawkins

HR Director Martina Mozna

MS Principal Kevin Hawkins

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Leadership Team

Director of Advancement Clive Watkins


Progress of the North Wing Project

Progress of the North Wing Project

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Progress of the North Wing Project


Progress of the North Wing Project

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From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Neville Parry Chairman of the Board of Trustees

The role of the Board of Trustees at the International School of Prague is to support the Head of School, Dr. Bieber, and his team, to realize the mission of ISP. We are entrusted to ensure good governance of this internationally highly respected school in line with its Strategic goals. In 2013–14, faced with turning away a large number of Middle School students, the school made the momentous decision to accept those students, hire the additional teachers, and begin construction on a substantial addition. Construction began over the summer of 2014, and – as I write this to you – we are preparing to move in; slightly behind schedule, but with no diminishment in the level of excitement. 14

From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees

A special thanks therefore goes out to many, many people for the completion of this, “North Wing Project.” First, the students and teachers who have born the effects of working within constrained spaces with good grace. Second, the Facilities staff at ISP who have juggled the use of the existing spaces to meet all requirements while working diligently to advance the project as quickly as possible. And third, my fellow volunteers on the Buildings & Ground and Finance committees who have supported and guided the process since its inception. 2013–14 also saw the first iteration of what will quickly become perhaps ISP’s most important tradition – the Annual Fund. As a non-profit


organization, all income is used to take our school from good to great. Although the act of asking for donations does and should raise questions, the ability of fund-raising schools to provide better facilities and programs is undisputed; ISP parents responded positively and we are looking forward to continued growth in the years ahead. If you don’t see your name in the donors’ section of this Annual Report, we hope to see it there next year! Another “first” (at least, during my time here at ISP) that took place in 2013–14 was an all-parent survey. An external company ran the survey for us, and we were all thrilled to see the large percentage of participation from parents. Highlights of the survey can be found elsewhere in the report; in general, they show a high level of satisfaction across the entire school – with of course areas of hopes and concerns, which the administration is already eagerly addressing. Thank you to our dedicated faculty & staff for fostering such a fine learning environment; my wife,

Beata, and I share our children’s excitement about the multi-national experience that they share every day with children from over 60 different countries. I don’t know many parents of children at other schools who can say that their children look forward to school so eagerly every morning. Being a long-term ISP parent, and Trustee, is sometimes bittersweet; I enjoy meeting the new families and welcoming new Trustees, but evidently it is hard to say goodbye to friends. I thank those Trustees who have served faithfully and are now leaving, and I welcome those who join us. We will continue to not simply hold what we have received in trust, but to strive to achieve the school’s Mission for those who come after us. Sincerely,

Neville Parry Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees 2013–2014 Chair Mr. Neville Parry

Secretary Mrs. Kim Strebel

Vice Chair Mr. Charles J. Jess

Members Mrs. Marie Bossan Mr. Peter Ridder Mr. Timothy Shaw Mr. Jan Sykora Mrs. Leen Willemsen

Treasurer Mr. Adrian Fowler

From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees

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ISP Board of Trustees Committees The Board of Trustees of the International School of Prague s. r. o., maintains three standing committees: Governance, Finance and the Advancement Committee. In addition, the Board of Trustees has created the Building and Grounds Committee.

Governance Committee

Finance Committee

This committee coordinates the identification, cultivation, recruitment, and orientation of new trustees; facilitates board selfassessment; identifies the Board’s needs for education and training and designs vehicles to meet those needs. The committee also reviews and makes recommendations on governance issues.

This committee in concert with the School’s Head and Business & Operations Director, develops the long-range financial plan and yearly operational budget, including setting tuition levels for Board approval; monitors the implementation of the budget and makes periodic reports to the board.

Marie Bossan Arnie Bieber, ISP Director Charles J. Jess Neville Parry Kim Strebel, Chair

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Committees are predominantly populated with the Board members, while the Board Chair and the Head of the School are ex-officio members of all committees. Committees also include members from the parent community with expertise in specific fields.

ISP Board of Trustees Committees

Arnie Bieber, ISP Director Adrian Fowler, Chair Barry Freckmann, ISP Finance & Operations Director Simona Kacerkova, ISP Finance Manager Gregor Hofstaetter-Pobst Stefan Rasche Tim Shaw


Advancement Committee

Building and Grounds Committee

This committee coordinates the school’s fund-raising activities; advises the Board on the financial goals of the annual fund-raising events; facilitates trustee and other volunteer involvement in fund- and friend- raising activities; and raises funds.

This committee develops the master plan for the school’s buildings and grounds in cooperation with the school staff for Board approval; reports to the Board periodically on major plant and campus issues; and keeps the Finance Committee informed of building and grounds needs. The committee provides Board oversight of major building projects, but it does not act as the project manager.

Arnie Bieber, ISP Director Marie Bossan, Chair Josef Havelka Andrea Koudelkova, ISP Associate Advancement Director William Lobkowicz Peter Ridder Kim H. K. Strebel Clive Watkins, ISP Director of Advancement Leen Willemsen

Arnie Bieber, ISP Director Roger Dunlop Barry Freckmann, ISP Finance & Operations Director Vladimir Manda, ISP Facility Manager Ben Maudling Yaron Sapir Jan Sykora, Chair Jonathan Wilkinson

Adapted and complied from the NAIS “International Trustees Handbook” – “A Guide to Effective Governance for Independent School Boards”. David Chojnacki, Editor

ISP Board of Trustees Committees

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19 Anna Mogilnicka


Mission Learning Research & Development


ISP Mission Statement

ISP Inspires learners to lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives, preparing them to adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world. ISP Engages its diverse community in an authentic global education, within a nurturing student-centered environment.

ISP Empowers Learners to • Think Critically and Creatively. • Work Cooperatively and Independently. • Listen and Communicate Effectively. • Act with Compassion, Integrity, Respect and Intercultural Understanding.

ISP Mission Statement

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ISP Inspires Learners: Learning at ISP is a dynamic and stimulating process, where students experience the joy and excitement of inquiry, exploration and personal growth.

In other words instead of simply learning about the subject, students have the opportunity to “do” the discipline as a practitioner (historian, artist, mathematician…) would.

Healthy: Caring for our physical and emotional well-being enables us to lead balanced lives in work and in play, with the goal of developing a sound mind, body and spirit.

Nurturing student-centered environment: Our students receive strong academic, social and emotional support in a safe and caring environment, where the learning styles and needs of each learner are effectively supported.

Fulfilling: As we gain awareness of who we are as individuals, we learn to recognize and appreciate what we find satisfying, rewarding and gratifying in our lives. Purposeful: In developing a deep impulse and capacity for life-long learning, we learn to make considered choices and work towards meaningful goals, which provide direction, focus and purpose to our lives. Adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world: Developing essential skills and competencies enable us to evaluate the shifting circumstances we encounter, take calculated risks and adapt well to change. Our core values guide us to make responsible choices and actively support the needs of our local and global communities. ISP Engages its diverse community in an authentic global education: Teaching and learning at ISP is an enjoyable, thought provoking and dynamic process, which allows students to make meaningful and relevant connections. Learners are given the opportunity to experience and apply “real world” knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines. 22

ISP Mission Statement

ISP Empowers Learners to: • Think Critically and Creatively • Work Cooperatively and Independently • Listen and Communicate Effectively • Act with Compassion, Integrity, Respect and Intercultural Understanding Think Critically and Creatively: The ability to draw on our own judgment and observational skills as well as thinking “out of the box,” using alternative approaches to solve problems and envision and develop new ideas. Work Cooperatively and Independently: Use a variety of interpersonal skills to engage peers in productive collaborative work, while retaining the capacity to create, based on one’s own abilities. Listen and Communicate Effectively: Actively listen, appreciate and understand the views and perspectives of others, and clearly express one’s self in different modes and circumstances. Act: It is through our actions that our values are revealed and actualized.


Compassion: Empathize with others’ circumstances and feelings and treat others with sensitivity, kindness and generosity.

Intercultural Understanding: Valuing and understanding the perspective and origins of other people by actively engaging with their language, culture and history.

Integrity: Act ethically, morally, responsibly, conscientiously and honestly. Respect: Treat everyone, including oneself, with dignity.

ISP Mission Statement

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ISP Learning Research & Development

Teresa Belisle Director of Learning Research and Development

ISP’s Learning Research & Development is ongoing and forward looking. In envisioning a viable curriculum of the future, we launched a rethink of our approach to curriculum review and learning leadership this year. These revisions will continue to evolve over the coming years. “Schools can be re-created, made vital, and sustainably renewed by taking a learning orientation ... dedicated to the idea that all those involved with it, individually and together, will be continually enhancing and expanding their awareness and capabilities.” From Schools That Learn by Peter Senge

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ISP Learning Research & Development

As part of our on-going research and development, we continued to enhance and refine our learning program this year, for both children and adults. STUDENT LEARNING Disciplinary research and development involved systematically studying educational research, effective curricula from around the world, and provocative ideas from respected thought leaders. This research helped us to further focus and refine our competency-based standards and benchmarks in the following areas: • The Arts: We significantly revised Drama and Visual Arts to better align to the mission and the revised International Baccalaureate Diploma


syllabi. We continued to develop the specifics of the Music learning continuum PK-12 to ensure a journey that reflects skill progression rather than age and grade level. • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Science leaders further clarified the skills of scientific inquiry and planned for further integration of environmental topics. With the IT department taking the lead, we have developed a Design-Tech elective in Upper School and are looking to integrate design thinking where appropriate across the school. The interest in robotics and coding continues to expand in all sections of the School with learners engaged in tasks to meet authentic needs or opportunities. • Social Studies: Our main focus in the social sciences was on Service Learning at ISP. In conjunction with a regional initiative, we have further clarified our Service Learning Philosophy and collaborated with schools in the region as we inspire our learners to contribute responsibly to the world. We will continue to thread Service Learning throughout the learning program in the coming years. • Modern Languages: Our energies this year focused on clearly delineating language proficiency levels so that learners could progress based on language competency rather than age or seat time. We also spent time and effort researching effective online applications and software to increase the engagement of home learning and the personalization within the classroom.

Trans-disciplinary research and development involved the following initiatives: • Timetable: Our goal in rethinking and adjusting our Middle School and Upper School timetable was to create a more flexible framework for learning that encourages engagement, authentic, personalized, passion based learning and exploration. In addition, Middle School will now have leveled language and music classes. Both Middle School and Upper School will have flexible Wednesdays throughout the year. • Learning Spaces: In conjunction with the Northwest School expansion we have been exploring more flexible uses of space and classroom configurations. Some of these ideas will be integrated into the new space next year. • Learning to Learning: With the exponential growth of information, and unpredictable future careers, becoming a proficient life long learner is a key competency to develop. In an effort to more clearly articulate related metacognitive, selfregulation, and study skills, we have developed a trimester course in Grades 6 and 7 entitled Learning to Learn. We will continue to expand and articulate these skills in PK-12. • Futures Thinking: Supported by an outside grant, we now have a trained teacher in each section of the school equipped in futures-thinking tools. We aim to develop students’ capacity to imagine solutions for long-term, complex issues and examine future implications of decisions made today. We look forward to threading these critical thinking skills throughout the learning program.

ISP Learning Research & Development

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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING As adults here at ISP, we model lifelong learning. Even though the majority of our faculty have advanced degrees (Masters and Doctorates), they were all involved in professional learning sessions and technical training, both here at ISP and externally. Onsite learning included conferences at ISP, workshops with external experts during professional learning days, interest-based focus groups, retreat days for targeted groups, faculty meetings and internal sharing of expertise. In our on-going effort to serve as a regional professional learning hub, we held a number of conferences at ISP this year including the Google Summit, Mindfulness Training, IBICUS Diploma Program courses, the 2014 Brain Conference, and the Czech Teachers IT Summit.

As we honed our professional expertise in the following areas, we invited five external experts to ISP to work with our faculty. In the Middle and Upper School we worked with Ken O’Connor (also known as the “grade doctor” and author of several books) who helped us refine our standards based assessment and reporting system, and Bill and Ochan Powell (lifetime international educators, educational authors and sought after consultants) to further develop personalized assessment strategies. In the Elementary School we worked with Cynthia HillmanForbush and David Ott, both educational math consultants, to further our understanding of how to develop mathematical thinkers. Our faculty interest based Focus Groups delved into the following areas: Greening ISP, Intercultural Competence, Host Country Connections, Classroom of the Future, Cultures of Thinking, Mathematical thinking, IB Approaches to Teaching and Learning, Brain Research, Social Emotional Learning, and iTunes University. This research and exploration will continue to seed innovation in our learning program across the school. In addition to the extensive onsite professional learning mentioned above, we supported attendance at targeted workshops and conferences in the region and around the world. 58 administrators and faculty attended and/or presented at conferences, workshops and courses: • European Council on International Schools (ECIS) Conferences: Annual Conference, ESL conference and PE conference;

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ISP Learning Research & Development


• Central & Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) Conferences: Annual Conference, Service Learning Cadre and Literacy Coaches’ Cohort; • Collaborative Conferences: European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE); Common Ground Collaborative (CGC), Learning and Technology Exchange Network (LTEN); Thinking and Learning in the 21st Century, Administrators job-alikes, Foresight Education; • IB Diploma Courses: A significant number of our Upper School faculty presented and/or took IB Diploma courses in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Economics, Theatre, Visual Arts, Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, History, Language and Literature; • Online Courses: Faculty are taking advantage of the ever expanding options of online professional learning. The most touted online courses of the year were Harvard’s Graduate School of Education’s Wide World courses, “Visible Learning” and “Teaching for Understanding.” PARENT LEARNING Throughout the year, we offered presentations and discussions about what, why, and how we learn here at ISP. • Parent Coffees: These presentations and discussions targeted sectional specific and age related issues in the Elementary, Middle, and Upper sections of our school. Key areas explored this year included mathematical thinking, social emotional learning, and standards based assessment.

• Edge in Education: In these thought-provoking sessions, organized in collaboration with the SCA, we engage in discussions around current and future trends in education. This year, we delved into the research and theories of motivation, mindset, neuroscience implications for education, and meeting the challenges of learning in a rapidly changing world. We’ve enjoyed another productive year of learning research and development at ISP. We look forward to continued focus on these exciting initiatives to ensure that ISP continues to be a world leader in International Education. Teresa Belisle Director of Learning Research & Development

ISP Learning Research & Development

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The Principals’ Reports

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The Elementary School

Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega Elementary School Principal

Embarking on a Mathematical Journey Core to ISP’s mission is the engagement of students in authentic learning experiences. In the Elementary School in math, this means fostering their curiosity about the mathematical patterns in nature, realizing that we need mathematical understanding to construct a house, to cook, to build a bridge, to write music, to manage finances, to appreciate the patterns in art, as well as to develop the algorithms that make computer programs and apps function. We want students to realize that math is everywhere. A primary goal for the 2013–2014 school year was to think deeply about how to better support the development of students’ mathematical thinking and their construction of this mathematical understanding of the world. The work in this area involved

Elementary School teachers revising the math standards and benchmarks PreKinder through Grade 12, while engaging in an in-depth look at teaching and learning in maths in the Elementary School. It also encompassed extensive professional development for teachers; reviewing resources and curricula from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and the UK; piloting a new math program in Grades 1 and 4, and selecting new resources and materials for implementation during the 2014–15 school year. Professional Development: How Can We Better Support Learning in Maths? In September, Dr. Cynthia Hillman, a respected math consultant from the United States, worked with ISP teachers for three days. During her visit she engaged The Elementary School

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teachers in the kind of complex mathematical tasks that can be used with students to deepen their mathematical thinking and strengthen computational skills. She also met with ISP parents, sharing the latest research on how to effectively teach math. In March, David Ott, a math coach and consultant who has conducted workshops in “Math Their Way of Thinking” in the United States and in international schools, came to ISP. During three days teachers observed the model lessons he taught in Kindergarten through Grade 5 classrooms and reflected together on what the children learned during these lessons. Throughout the year teachers read the book, “Math Misconceptions, PreK – Grade 5: From Misunderstanding to Deep Understanding” by Honi J Bamberger, Christine Oberdorf and Karren Schultz-Ferrell, discussing the implications for their students’ learning in math. Pilot of new math program in Grades 1 and 4 In Grades 1 and 4, teachers facilitated their students’ learning in math using the strategies and materials the entire faculty was exploring through professional development. They trialed the research-based program, “INVESTIGATIONS INTO NUMBER, DATA & SPACE”, developed by TERC (Technical Education Research Center) of Cambridge, Massachusetts, reporting to the faculty about their students’ learning and the strengths and challenges of this program. This pilot led to the decision to adopt this program as the primary resource for teaching math starting in August 2014. To support the implementation of the new program, ISP invested in a wealth of concrete objects and tools students can use to learn to think mathematically. 30

The Elementary School

This exciting mathematical journey will continue during the 2014–15 school year with the implementation of the new math program, workshops for parents, and family math nights. Nurturing a Love of Learning and a Lifelong Habit of Reading At the beginning of the 2013–2014 school year, the Elementary School Faculty developed a new Home Learning (homework) Policy. The research on homework indicates that: • Reading has the single greatest impact on student achievement. • Unstructured, imaginative, child-centered play and physical activity enhance student performance and leads to better behavioral choices; • The brain develops in childhood through active play and exercise; • Students often sacrifice time for authentic reading in order to complete their homework. In accordance with the research, the Elementary School agreed that home learning activities should: • Empower students to make choices in his/her learning; • Include inquiry, exploration and foster joy in learning; • Promote the desire to keep learning; • Acknowledge the importance of developing a variety of talents and interests outside the school day; • Foster intrinsic motivation. Children in the Elementary School read on a regular basis at school and develop a high degree of proficiency in reading, as indicated by the


The Elementary School

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International School Assessment (ISA) standardized test scores. Nevertheless, because of the crucial importance of strong independent reading habits and following the tenets of the new home learning policy, the primary activity for home learning in Grades 1 through 5 was to read every night. This regular, systematic homework assignment of reading contributed to the development of strong reading habits. Furthermore, learning initiated in the class was followed by natural extensions to home learning. Examples of these learning activities included inviting children to bring items from home to contribute to school projects, interviewing parents and extended family members about topics of inquiry, as well as learning about and reporting on current events and our classroom learning communities. At the same time, when it benefited an individual student, the teacher, parent and child made a plan to address specific learning needs or to reinforce a concept or skill in a way that provided the student with a choice of how to learn it. 32

The Elementary School

Fostering the Skills and Behaviors that Support Learning During the 2012–2013 school year Elementary School teachers, drawing on the work of Kath Murdoch (an Australian expert in inquiry-based learning) developed definitions for six key skills and behaviors that support learning, and then incorporated these into the new report card. Throughout the 2013–14 school year, students worked on developing these skills: communication, researching, thinking, selfmanaging, being a good team member and a good neighbor. They reflected on their own skills, set goals for improvement, and reflected on their progress. As the children developed these skills, they came to see themselves as curious, capable and courageous inquirers.

Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega Elementary School Principal


The Middle School

Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal

The Middle School was under the direction of Kevin Hawkins during the 2013–14 academic year. The following report was provided by Kevin. It is with a mixture of pride, sadness and, in truth, a little relief that I write my final annual report as Middle School Principal at the International School of Prague. As I write, school is out, teachers and administrators have left for a well deserved holiday, a few support staff remain in a strangely quiet building – quiet, that is, apart for the rather loud construction sounds coming from the back of the building where work on the new North Wing has begun. When I was hired as Midde School Principal, Robert Landau told me

that the Middle School classes were always the smallest in the school; perhaps due to the trends in demographics at that time, numbers were always low. Now as I leave, thanks to the foresight of the Director, Arnie Bieber, and the support of the Board, this new expansion will take the Middle School up to a potential of 240 students. Working towards this expansion has been the main focus of my final year here. As soon as the school decided (rather boldly I think) in April 2013 to expand Grade 6, I had to start some last minute recruiting for new teachers. Turnover of Middle School teachers has been relatively low by international school standards, so in the past, I have usually (and quite smugly) finished my The Middle School

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pieces for an exciting new approach are in place. Each Wednesday will be a ‘flexday’ where different configurations can be made to allow for more indepth, more personalized, learning experiences. New courses and new ways to connect to the community are being introduced, whilst short daily blocks will allow for grouping by proficiency levels in Modern Language and regular large group Band and Choir sessions. Opening the door to allow teachers to play with use of time and space in Middle School will take our learning journey to a new stage.

recruitment for the following year by November or December. However, this year, with the expansion, my recruitment season lasted all the way up to mid June! There will be eight new teachers joining Middle School next year and I am happy both for them and for the colleagues they will join. It’s a great time to be starting at ISP with the openness to new ways of teaching and learning and to explore how best to use the physical spaces to create optimal environments for learning. And it’s a truly superb team of teachers. Thank you Middle School Faculty! As well as the use of space, we have also focused our energies this year on flexible use of time through a complete review of the schedule. In conjunction with the Upper School, committee work on this project began in May 2013. As I leave, the final

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The Middle School

I realize I am writing more about what is planned for 2014–15 rather than 2013–14, but that is the way of it when it comes to a principal’s workload. Trying to be in the present whilst focusing much of the time on the future! I will therefore let the beautifully produced school Yearbook and other parts of this report inform you more directly about what has taken place in reality, rather than in our planning, over this year. Suffice it to say that every one of my 10 years here has been filled with the energy, joy, frustration, challenge and fulfillment of being part of such a dynamic Middle School. I wish my successor Dani Fredericks every success and I would like to thank the Board, Administration, Teachers, Parents and especially the students, past and present, for allowing me to share such a special time here at the International School of Prague.

Kevin Hawkins, June 27th, 2014


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The Upper School

Dr. Mark Frankel Upper School Principal

The fact that we describe every school year as “busy” doesn’t make the adjective any less apt. The 2013–2014 school year was so full of academic, athletic, and community events that a full accounting is impossible. Nevertheless, and in no particular order, here are some of the highlights: This past year, the Upper School began the transition to the International Baccalaureate’s 1–7 grade scale. We are making the move to the new grade scale for two reasons: first, it will make our assessment system more in line with the IB’s which will help the students in their learning, and, second, it fits better with the whole school’s standard-based 36

The Upper School

assessment policy. This past year, we began with the Grade 9 classes and each year we will move on up so that soon the entire Upper School will be assessed using the 1–7 scale. There are so many sports, clubs, and activities for the Upper School students to participate in that it is a wonder the students can find time in the day for all that they do. This past year, ISP participated in two Model UN conferences, one in Qatar and one in England. Our Speech & Debate squads went to St. Petersburg, Munich, and Berlin, where they continued to shine. Our Mathematics students traveled to Istanbul for a Math competition, our Robotics


program, enlarged through a generous donation from NOEN, competed in an ISP-hosted CEESA competition, and a number of our EAL students participated in an impressive research project in collaboration with Charles University, with the students even giving presentations to professors in English.

Czech high school, also expanded last year, with ISP students visiting their school for the day and Arabska students visiting ISP. The Vietnam Club organized another culture-rich festival, and managed to raise 25,000 Czk for the Friendship Village, which helps victims of Agent Orange.

ISP’s involvement with the International Award (formerly the Duke of Edinburgh Award) expanded last year, with our students involved at all levels of the program. The National Honor Society inducted its newest class of members and organized a 1920s style evening for the entire Upper School. Our student exchange with Arabska, the neighboring

The Community Service Club responded to the devastation of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines by raising money for the International Red Cross. And Coalition Green organized the 2nd Annual All-School Earth Fair in an attempt to raise awareness about environmental issues related to food, environment and sustainability.

The Upper School

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We also saw incredible arts productions and performances, from an inventive staging of One Grimm Night to near-professional films from the IB Film students. Our Visual Arts students organized an unbelievable exhibition in the Theatre, with each artist there to present his/her work. Our Band students traveled to Budapest for a busy CEESA festival and the Montana State University Jazz band and Brass Choir came for a visit, both performing and working with ISP’s talented musicians. And of course, many of our talented IB music students performed throughout the year, and even at Cabaret! Grade 11 students were treated to a series of Career Lunches during the course of the year. These are wonderful opportunities for our students to hear from professionals in a variety of fields. From journalists to businesspeople to artists, these speakers, many of them ISP parents, discussed their career paths and answered students’ questions about the world of work. As students begin to think seriously about life after ISP, these talks are a great way for them to begin to get a sense of the various trajectories that life can offer them. In May, while the IB students were taking exams, the Grade 11 students were out in the Šarka forest doing scientific research for their Group 4 IB project. At the same time, students in Grades 9 and 10 participated in the annual Czech Culture Days. During these two days, students visited the DOX museum, joined in a folk dance workshop, toured a nuclear bunker, and participated in a theatre workshop about life under

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The Upper School

communism. In the winter, our annual Language Week, organized by both students and faculty, brought us all together with presentations, quizzes and mother-tongue language classes taught by ISP students. ISP’s athletic program again proved what a combination of talent and hard work can achieve. Our student athletes balanced a commitment to excellence on the field/court with a commitment to academics. Our Girls’ Football team took home the CEESA championship for the second straight year, after a hard-fought tournament. And our tennis, cross-country, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and swimming teams competed at the highest levels in meets both home and abroad. And of course, we also have a number of top-level athletes who pursue their chosen sport outside of school, and compete on national and international circuits, all the while keeping up with their academics. Finally, we ended the year honoring the Class of 2014 in a beautiful graduation ceremony at the Zofin Palace, right on the Vltava. These exceptional young men and women are headed off to pursue their dreams all around the world and we couldn’t be more proud of them. Seeing them walk off at the end of their ISP career is a poignant reminder of what an amazing school we have.

Dr. Mark Frankel Upper School Principal


The Upper School

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3rd Annual Vietnam Festival The project, started in 2010 together with the founding of the Vietnam Club, continued to grow this year as the students organized the 3rd Annual “Vietnam Festival” to raise money for the Friendship Village, an orphanage established for disabled children whose parents were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. This event was entirely run by Upper School students and included outstanding entertainment presented by talented Vietnamese artists from both ISP and Prague communities, delicious Vietnamese cuisine by a top Vietnamese Cook in Prague, BubbleTea, a martial arts workshop, sport tournament, games, cultural theatre show, lecture by Buddhist monks, and

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The Upper School

a raffle. Again this year the ISP community and the Prague Vietnamese community showed how they work together, help each other, and give generously for this cause. Thank you to all who helped. So many people gave support for the Vietnam Festival, and the students managed to raise a significant amount of money to benefit the Friendship Village. Many donations have been given by the Vietnamese community year after year that it often goes unnoticed how much they have already quietly contributed. Not to mention students’ time and energy. The most important aspect is that Vietnamese culture is brought to center stage at this event!


University Acceptances for the Class of 2013–2014 Argentina Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

Switzerland Glion Institute of Higher Education

Belgium Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

United Kingdom Birmingham City University Goldsmiths College, University of London Hult International Business School Loughborough University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow University of Leicester University of Liverpool University of Reading University of Stirling University of Warwick

Canada University of British Columbia Czech Republic Anglo-American University Prague College India National Institute of Technology, Delhi Netherlands Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences Hotelschool The Hague Maastricht Hotel Management School Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Universiteit Maastricht South Korea Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Sweden Kungl Tekniska Högskolan – Royal Institute of Technology

United States Appalachian State University Fordham University Loyola University Chicago North Carolina State University Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Santa Monica College University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Santa Cruz University of Maryland, College Park University of Southern California Webster University

The Upper School

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IT, Activities & Athletics

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Information Technology

Sheldon Bradshaw Director of Information Technology

The ISP IT Department was under the direction of John Mikton during the 2013–14 academic year. The following report was provided by John. 2013–14 was a busy year for the Information Technology Department at the International School of Prague. This past fall we once again had the honor of hosting the European Google Apps Education Summit; over 200 educators from around the world came to the school to attend workshops and keynote presentations, with many of our own ISP faculty presenting in those workshops. This spring also saw us hosting (for the fourth consecutive year) 140+

Czech Educators and Administrators at the Czech Teachers Summit (in collaboration with Apple Europe and 24U), during which attendees learned how to leverage digital tools to enhance student learning. Thanks to the generous donations of parents to the Annual Fund, our iPad program has continued to expand in our Elementary School; we were able to add two carts of iPads (20 iPads per cart) for use in Kindergarten through Grade 2. The Petr Mares one-to-one Laptop program in our Middle School is now entering its seventh year, and in the Upper School we are celebrating the sixth year of the program. Information Technology

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This spring we again had a very successful Blog Week (http://blogs.isp.cz/blogweek). In addition to the regular participation of Upper School students, we had a nice showing this year by Elementary and Middle School bloggers. We also had international schools from around the world joining us to share their own blog work. In the fall we hosted a trial meet of the “FIRST Robotics” competition (http://www.usfirst.org); students and faculty from the American School of Vienna participated, giving our Upper School team the opportunity to trial, test, and troubleshoot the running such a competition. The Middle School Robotics club joined in, and hosted a “Robot Sumo” competition to the delight of the participants and audience. We will be hosting the CEESA (Central East European Schools Association) Robotic tournament here on campus this spring,

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International School of Budapest, Copenhagen International School, Canadian International School of Singapore, and Qatar Academy. The focus and interest of these schools is to see ISP’s model of integrating Information Technology into the curriculum and how teachers have integrated mobile technology tools into the classroom. We also explain our set up on the hardware and network side, and the IT management, facilitation, and maintenance of our laptop, iPad programs and IT systems. Visitors are given unfettered access to our faculty, Digital Learning Facilitators, and IT Support team; needless to say, we’re honored to receive the attention, and proud of our people who have played an integral role in the development of this program. Information Technology continues to be an integral part of the curriculum throughout our school program, and our faculty and students demonstrate on a day-to-day basis a rich and diverse use of these tools to support learning.

We have continued to run the “Digital Life Series” of Parent Workshops this year with the support of the School Community Association (SCA). These presentations give our parent community an opportunity to learn and explore the different issues related to digital devices and environments, and have been very well received.

And finally, thank you to all my colleagues, students, and parents who have made my time at ISP such an enjoyable experience. I am looking forward to the next step in my life adventure, but also to hearing about the continued innovation that I know will be taking place at the International School of Prague.

We again this year had visiting international schools come and spend time with the IT Department. The schools visiting this year were: The American

John Mikton Director of Information Technology

Information Technology


Information Technology

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Activities & Sports

Joe Monks Director of Activities

It is with pleasure that I report the ongoing growth and development of the activities program. We have seen increased opportunities for our students over 2013–14 as well as increased participation rates. Elementary The Elementary after school activities program continues to thrive under the organisation of Mr. Tarique Choudhury. The trimesterly program demonstrates a balance of sports, fine arts and technical/educational offerings for our students. The Elementary sports program has offered a wide range of activities necessary to develop a ‘physical literacy’ of skills that enable the young participants to enjoy sports, yet build skills they can use to 48

Activities & Sports

specialize in sports later on in life. ISP connected with outside organisations to provide us with qualified expertise to run these activities. Our Elementary Fine and Performing Arts continue to impress with strong programs in strings, band, theatre and dance. In these activities the students had the opportunity to ‘take the stage’ and demonstrate their skills in a variety of culminating performances. Middle School and Upper School ISP has been able to expand its offerings by making use of coaches and instructors within the community. These have included students from Charles University Faculty of Physical Education,


parents, professional sports players as well as professional sports coaches. Our Middle School and Upper School programs this year have seen the inclusion of Dance, Cricket (Middle School) and Robotics (Middle School). We have continued to offer a range of competitive and recreational programs for our students. The International Schools Sports Association of Prague (ISSAP) enables competition against local international schools and we continued to participate against local Czech clubs in some sports. The Central & Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) continues to offer us competition through sports, debate and maths

and cooperation through the performing arts with other international schools in the central and eastern European region. Our sports teams received the CEESA Championship Award from participation in MS Girls Tennis, Football and Volleyball; MSÂ Boys Cross Country; and US Girls Football. On top of those successes, the teams also earned sportsmanship awards in MS Girls Cross Country, Volleyball, and Softball. This year ISP hosted the following CEESA events: JV Boys Football, JV Boys Basketball, Middle School Choir, Middle School Girls Volleyball and Softball. Activities & Sports

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Our Theatre programs go from strength to strength. The Upper School performance of ‘One Grimm Night – a fantabulous mash up of two well known tales” was well received in the Fall. The Middle School ‘Roman Pandemonium’ performance had the audience rolling in the aisles with laughter. Upper School student involvement in the ‘International Award’ (formerly know as the Duke of Edinburgh award) has grown tremendously as students realise the alignment of this program with our school values. ISP is particularly proud of its six gold award recipients this year. This mission-aligned program continues to grow in popularity within our student body. Community We continue to be supported by our parents who coordinate further activities for our students, assist with event hosting, and run SCA adult ‘ed’ activities

for our wider community. This year we have also seen the culmination of a community orchestra, drawing in expertise from the entire ISP community and connecting us with other programs in the region. From October 15 to October 28, a team of ISP teachers are traveling to Chennai, India on a service learning trip. their goal is build connections with Teach for India (http://www.teachforindia.org/), an Indian organization committed to “building a movement of leaders to eliminate educational inequity”. Currently, Teach for India is helping more than 27,000 children in more than 250 schools in India. During the trip, our teachers will be looking for potential service learning opportunities for ISP staff and students. Joe Monks Director of Activities

Activities & Sports

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Supporting ISP

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Supporting ISP

ISP is a not-for-profit entity. Whether you donate your time or money, 100% of your support goes directly to the benefit of ISP students. ISP is supported not only by tuition, but by donations from parents, Alumni, corporations, and many others. This additional support is what allows ISP to maintain its reputation of unsurpassed education in the Czech Republic – and beyond. Understanding the impact that ISP students have in the world leads many to know that their philanthropic donations are put to excellent use at the School.

This year, in particular, a special thank you goes to the management and employees of Tesco and O2 for their four-year pledge to support the education of an ISP Scholarship student in the Upper School. We look forward to following the progress of the Scholarship students through their ISP career. Our thanks go out to all the companies and individuals listed elsewhere in this report for the financial support that they committed to ISP in 2013–14. Supporting ISP

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Our Donors Upper School Robotics Club 2013–14 The ISP Upper School Robotics Club has grown this year to two teams. The original group of students focused immediately at the start of the year on preparing for the First Tech Challenge competition and started planning to build a robot that met the specifications of the competition. The second team, new to robotics, took part in a six-week ‘boot-camp’ learning about the Lego robotics system and then moved on to the more complex Tetrix system.

The weekend workshop with the Vienna International School gave an opportunity for both teams to test their First Tech Challenge robot on a simulation of the actual competition field. The ISP ‘second’ team built a working robot, and were able to put it on the field, which gave them an intensive and creative building experience. The Middle School Lego club joined us for the day and conducted their own Lego robot competition providing an opportunity for them to see what the High School students were doing and to showcase their own accomplishments to the High School and to visiting parents. The FTC competition in Bucharest provided again a challenging opportunity for the Robots and the gruelling pace of the competition showed up design 56

Our Donors

limitations on all robots. The ISP robot stood up to the challenge and participated in all rounds finishing in the semi-finals. In February 2015 ISP will host the CEESA First Tech Challenge competition and this will give the students the opportunity to take leadership in the setting up and the running of the competition. Throughout the course of next year ISP teachers will be preparing to host the competition and looking for volunteers to assist on the day as referees, judges and commentators. In the course of this year the 3D printer purchased by the club has been used widely in the school not only for robot parts but also in costume and accessary design in the school theatrical productions, science classrooms and individual student projects. The interest in the 3D printer has been so great that a Design Elective has now been created and will be offered in the 2014–15 school year. Plans for next year include recruiting new members for the US Robotics club and setting up two teams to build a competition robot each in preparation for the competition in February 2015. The MS Lego Robotics will continue to build and prepare for their Lego competitions and we look forward to the Middle School graduates joining us in the Upper School Robotics club. Perry Barlien & John Rayworth Advisors, Robotics Club US ISP


Director’s Report

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Annual Fund ISP is a not-for-profit school. While tuition is not inexpensive, all proceeds go towards improving the experience of ISP students. In the 2013–2014 academic year, ISP launched its Annual Fund campaign as part of the School’s overall development strategy to increase levels of support for the School and to benefit current and future students. As its name suggests, fundraising for the Annual Fund takes place every year. Donations to the Annual Fund confirm the community’s desire to go beyond the cost of tuition to purchase items and programs that will have an immediate impact on current students. It elevates ISP to the level of excellence that tuition alone cannot provide. It can touch every part of the school’s budget including academic programs, financial aid, technology, athletics, arts, and facilities. It provides the School with the flexibility to respond quickly to new opportunities and to meet unexpected challenges. Most importantly, it is the reason behind ISP’s global reputation for excellence in education amongst international schools. Annual Fund Donors Saeed and Petra Ahktar Goce Atanasov and Jovanka Atanasova Andrea Bartosova Stephen Guthrie and Teresa Belisle Linda Berlew Arnie and Marianne Bieber Andrea Bollie Dominique and Marie Bossan 58

Annual Fund

Thomas and Arden Byrne Bret and Tricia Centracco James and Inez Cusumano Rick and Franziska Enders Karen Ercolino Rodney and Rebecca Farmer William and Kymmy Fichtner Adrian and Ashleig Fowler Mark Frankel and Jill Colley Barry and Angeliki Freckmann Tim and Katrien Lauwers-Van Gijsel Erik Hamel and Viviane Bogaers Corky Hawkins Edith Horf Frank Fripon and Ilse Hupko Igor Chistov and Julia Chistova Ruben Ter-Minasian and Svetlana Ilina Richard Jahoda and Merlin Jahodova Ramon and Georgina Jocson Christoffer and Clara Jonker Alexander Kilyakov and Olga Kilyakova Jin Hwan Kim and Estel Lee Josef Kmoch and Eliska Kmochova Anders and Lena Kornblad Andrey Kotov and Iulia Kotova Jiri Koudelka and Andrea Koudelkova Mauricio Budnik Tauber and Hana Krcalova Karsten and Angelika Kuehme Jakub Kvacek and Natalie Kvackova Jin Kyu Jeon and Kyung Hee Lee Erian Leishman Franz and Doris Lesiw Eddie and Julie Lodi Caroline Maiava


Elina Mariutsa Mikael and Kristina Matts Ben and Renata Maudling Rupert and Karen McPetrie John and Tracey Mikton Joe Monks and Avis Beek Taichi Nakamura Scott and Amy Neuman Andrej and Tatjana Pardo Neville and Beata Parry Stefano and Isolde Pettinella Ian Phillips and Carmen Pignotti Gregor and Andrea Pobst Damianne President Stefan and Aga Rasche Carsten Rasmussen and Annie Li Murtaza and Shayda Rawji Robert Levin and Yvonne Rep Peter Ridder and Carol Sanford Donald and Amy Seymour Andrea Schaefer Barry and Beth Schlosberg

Emily Sliman Dagmar Sovova Ivan and Ivana Stankovič Paul and Kim Strebel Petr ans Ivona Svrcek Jan and Ericka Sykora Ron Synovitz Alexander Terentiev and Nadezda Sytnik Koya and Yoko Takahashi Juan and Cindy Vega Carlos and Karin Velez Rodriguez Ivan Vesely and Veronika Vesela Benno Wagner and Ingrid van Haasterecht Cory and Christy Wanamaker Clive and Tasha Watkins John and Dana Westby Mark and Amy White Annie Whitted Bryn Will Koen Wilmots and Leen Willemsen Jan and Lenka Winkler Janice Woodard

Annual Fund

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Cabaret the leading role of Artistic Director and evoking a truly hilarious atmosphere. Compering is an art that can make or break an event and Nancy always seems to successfully bring out the laughter in us all. Again this year Nancy proved to be a brilliant “puppeteer”, controlling the various strings on stage to bring the event to life, and enhanced the program with superstar stand-up comedy.

Cabaret is one of the much-anticipated events for the community, with 16 years of history backing it. This fundraising event for the Annual Fund is a showcase of ISP talent, with performances by teachers, parents, staff and Upper School students. The quality of the acts is always of a very high, professional standard. The Cabaret was held on November 2, with savory snacks donated by K-Servis, beer sponsored by Heineken Česká Republika, a. s. and catering by Zátiší Group. Our thanks go to all those who made the 16th Annual Cabaret possible: Nancy Braun for playing

A big thank you to Juraj Benda and Vicki Close for their theater management, lights and sound; Petr Dimitrov for another year of poster design; and our dedicated volunteers (Tricia Centracco, Amy White and Petr Dimitrov) for creating a beautiful Cabaret decoration. The Cabaret performances ran smoothly thanks to a professional stage management provided by our volunteer Upper School students lead by Layla Rawji. A show would not be a show without our fantastic performers who volunteered their time and talent to support the School’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund allows the School’s community to go beyond the cost of tuition to purchase items and programs that will have an immediate impact on current – and future – students. The Cabaret added greatly to the funds raised to help the community achieve the Annual Fund goal.

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Cabaret


Our Donors

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Night at the Palace

Marie Bossan Committee Co-chair

Our 4th Annual Night at the Palace was held on May 17, 2014 and we believe it is a remarkable event that is here to stay and will become a long standing tradition of bringing the community together, fundraising and just plain fun at ISP. We want to thank the Lobkowicz family for allowing us such an irreplaceable venue. Martina Nemcova, the palace events manager, was once again such a pleasure to work with. Those of you who attended and made our event a top night deserve a huge thank you! For those of you who couldn’t make it this year, start making plans for next year because you are missing out on one of the primo parties of the year!

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Night at the Palace

Tricia Centracco Committee Co-chair

The NAP committee, the Board of Directors, school employees, students and alumni make up the backbone of the event. There is much that goes into making our event a success, and not the least of all, are the volunteers that give their time and support to our scholarship fundraising efforts. Each member on our committee this year was key in making the event a success, and although everyone helped in every area, we each had our “subcommittees”. Clive Watkins handled all corporate donations, Andrea Koudelkova and Tricia Centracco had the most time consuming task of finding and putting together all of our student raffle and event auction items.


Night at the Palace

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Patricia Betancourt sacrificed her evenings by going out to scout for new talent to light up our traditional salsa band corner and organized the photos for the event with Birgitte Emborg, who also promoted the event and worked on ticket sales with Franziska Enders. Kymmy Fichtner and Amy White had the task of organizing the drinks and tasting all of the food we enjoyed at the event, and Joanne Kolowrat made sure that every aspect of the decorations throughout the palace was just breath-taking! A special Thank You to Dana Westby who helped with the auction and student raffle. And finally, Marie Bossan worked on the entertainment for the evening. Marie also asked every Board of Trustees member to sponsor the event in some way, and they did! Many Faculty and Staff were able to attend this year’s event through the generous donation of tickets purchased by Jan & Ericka Sykora, and other trustees. Simona and Ludmila, the guitar duo, were sponsored by Charles Jess. The Yoy Group Dancers were brought to you by Ashleigh & Adrian Fowler. We had 100% participation from the board this year. Thank you Board of Trustees! The popular, commemorative photos taken by Miguel Alonso this year, were brouht to you again by Marianne & Arnie Bieber. Last but not least, our alumni committee member, Mylene Weima, has supported the event by donating the rosé wine from AIX wines for the past 4 years! If you were lucky enough to have a glass at the event and didn’t get 64

Night at the Palace

enough: www.chezgregpereetfils.cz. Thank you Mylene and Sake! The committee also would like to show our gratitude to our volunteer entertainers; Christy Wannamaker, Lawrence Hrubes, Maddie White and Sona Koloyan for providing us with some outstanding music and song! Joanne Demirel for once again dealing out a fine game of Black Jack! Alexia Bossan and her friend Monica Perez for selling the Masserati tickets, and Rebecca Farmer for helping to provide the Smilebox Photo Booth. The hilarious photos have provided some memorable moments! Svata Soukup and Greg Wydrzynski helped immensely with the logistics of the evening. Svata also helped get us up and down the Palace hill in our heels and dress shoes. Petr Koubek and Milan Hasek were on hand to safeguard our auction items and our guests. And last but not least a huge thank you to all who donated to our event and to our Scholarship fund. This Fundraising event would not have been possible without your show of generosity and support! Looking forward to next year’s NAP and another memorable evening! Thank you, Marie Bossan Tricia Centracco Committee Co-chairs


Scholarship Program The Scholarship program at ISP is partially funded through donations to the School from parents, corporations, alumni, and others. The goal of the program is to make the ISP educational experience available to a diverse range of students. These scholarships are based not only on financial need, but also merit. ISP actively seeks excellent

students who will benefit from an ISP education, and who will be an asset and inspiration to the ISP community of learners. ISP Scholarships are available to Czech citizens and other residents of the Czech Republic. Currently, scholarships are only granted to students in the Upper School (Grades 9–12).

The following chart presents cumulative corporate Scholarship donations:

Cumulative Corporate Scholarship Donations 2011–2014

The Comenius Society (500.000 Czk and up)

The Falcon’s Society (250.000 to 499.999 Czk)

The Gold & Black Society (100.000 to 174.999 Czk)

Our Donors

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A profound word of thanks goes to the Management and Employees of the following companies for the financial support that they committed to the Scholarship Program at ISP. Please don’t hesitate

to thank them for the impact that they have made on the lives of all our Students, Faculty, Staff, and Families.

Corporate Scholarship Donors 2013–2014 listed by Giving Societies:

Corporate Scholarship Donations in 2013–2014

The Comenius Society (500.000 Czk and up)

The Falcon’s Society (250.000 to 499.999 Czk)

The Gold & Black Society (100.000 to 174.999 Czk)

The supporter’s society (50.000 to 99.999 Czk)

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Our Donors


Corporate Gifts-In-Kind 2013–2014

Lobkowicz Event Management

Our Donors

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Individual Donations

Donors listed by Giving Societies: The Falcon’s Society (50.000 CzK to 99.999 CzK) Dominique and Marie Bossan Monica and Michael O’Mara Martijn and Oona Smelt Juergen and Kerstin Stackmann Dave and Philippa Sturgeon Jan and Ericka Sykora The Nebusice Society (25.000 CzK to 49.999 CzK) Bret and Tricia Centracco Daniel and Markéta Higgins Radoslaw and Anita Kuczynski Jesper Lauridsen and Helle Ruggaard Thomas and Vera Newbold Subramanian and Sasikala Ravi Tim and Eva Shaw Steven and Kerry Whitaker The Gold & Black Society (5.000 CzK to 24.999 CzK) Ivo Barta and Marketa Bartova Stephen Guthrie and Teresa Belisle Arnold and Marianne Bieber Koen and Talitha Bourghouts Arjan and Sylvana Bruqqink Sebastiaan and Esther de Jong Frans de Kloet and Maria Straathof Michael Del Nin and Sean Krebs Renn Avery and Doeum Em Torben and Birgitte Emborg

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Our Donors

Josiah Emery List Fashion La Femme Mimi s.r.o. William and Kymmy Fichtner Adrian and Ashleigh Fowler Mark Frankel and Jill Colley Tim Lauwers and Katrien Van Gijsel Timothy and Christine Gunnell James Guy Hadovka Health and Fitness Corky Hawkins Kyung Hee Lee Riku and Ulla Heinonen Philip Holemans and Leslie de Kort Phillip and Coleen Janzen Charles Jess Christoffer and Clara Jonker Paul and Karin Karafotas Henry and Joanne Kolowrat Slawomir and Malgorzata Komonski Jiri Koudelka and Andrea Koudelkova Michael and Carolyn Kubena Karsten and Angelika Kuehme Kyriakos and Jana Kyriakou Paolo and Margherita Lanzarotti Christine Law Mikael and Kristina Matts Gary and Clare Mazzotti Rupert and Karen McPetrie John and Tracey Mikton Joe Monks and Avis Beek Francisko Munoz and Patricia Betancourt


Scott and Amy Neuman Rick and Leanda Newman Vitezslav Novak Jongho Park and Yumi Ha Neville and Beata Parry Matteo and Kim Pedercini Glen Mooney and Andreanne Roy-Perreault Stefano and Isolde Pettinella Gregor and Andrea Hofstaetter-Pobst Magnus and Paulina Pousette Stefan and Aga Rashe Peter Ridder and Carol Sanford Mark and Helena Robinson Stuart and Inna Schaag Barry and Beth Schlosberg Nathan Schmidt Donald and Amy Seymour Balesh and Archana Sharma Paul and Kim Strebel Radek Svec and Hana Svecova Ivan Titishov and Julia Titishova Brian and Mai-Brit Vangsgaard Juan and Cindy Vega Cory and Christy Wanamaker Robert and Helen Weykamp Mark and Amy White Richard and Agniezska Widmann Koen Wilmots and Leen Willemsen

Staffan and Charlotta Erenmalm Barry and Angeliki Freckmann Vendula Hercikova Lewellyn, John Tim and Annabel Kersten Olga Kilyakova Martine Kok Anders and Lena Kornblad Natalie Kvackova Irina Malysheva Michelle Morton Karsten Rasmussen and Annie Li Emily Sliman Peter and Elin Thomassen Ingrid Wagner Clive and Tasha Watkins

The Supporter’s Society (0 CzK to 4.999 CzK) Jeffrey and Julie Becker Johannes Bruijnincx and Veronique Houtackers Ondřej Chaloupka Derek Dalasta Chip and Sarka Doehring

Our Donors

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Auction Please join us in thanking our generous donors to the “Night at the Palace” Auction - next time you frequent their business, please let them know that you appreciate their commitment to Scholarships at ISP. The auction raised 634,427 Czk to support the scholarships. Auction Donors Adventure Golf Horní Bezděkov A La Maison Alexandra and William Lobkowicz Ateliér Ange Avantgarde Restaurant Balony Praha, Jan Smrčka BcD Clinic Boden Fine Wines Brigita Vyhnalová – Krumphanzlová Brown-Forman Czech & Slovak Republics Canadian Medical Care Cerretani Firenze Hotel Chateau Mcely Chez Greg Wine Shop Chip Doehring Cory Wanamaker Kraig Casebier Czechia Praha s. r. o. Dwine Kymmy and William Fichtner First English Speaking International Ballet School in Prague Get Better Academy Gill Polo GOF+FA Gallery by Manto Golf Klub Botanika Goshico ČR

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Our Donors

Hadovka Health and Fitness Heineken and Pivovar Krušovice Hill’s Hilton Prague Hotel Jan Procházka Jindřichohradecké místní dráhy Constantin and Marie Kinsky La Gastronomia Ligure Letecké Centrum České republiky List ČR Malá Šárka Gallery Mandarin Oriental Prague Manto Gallery Merlin Jahodová Anna Mogilnicka Nenasyta – Food Adventure Nestlé Česko s. r. o. Patricia Betancourt Rezidence Liběchov RS Sportcentrum Scuderia Praha a. s. Skydive Arena Prague Studio Jaro – Jitka Jarolímková Suzanne Smetana – Dr. Hauschka Tim and Eva Shaw Telefónica ČR, a. s. TP Vision VIP Pet Hotel Vlado Vovkanič Volvo Auto Czech Tasha and Clive Watkins The White and Centracco Families Zátiší Group Zuzka Veselá 24U


VERY IMPORTANT PETS HOTEL

CHIP DOEHRING

Airy Hill

STUDIO UNITED STA5&4 t &/(L"/% t R644*" t $;&$) 3&16#-*$

www.airyhillstudio.com

BRIGITA VYHNALOVÁ KRUMPHANZLOVÁ

KYMMY AND WILLIAM FICHTNER

THE WHITE AND CENTRACCO FAMILIES

Our Donors

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TASHA AND CLIVE WATKINS

ANNA MOGILNICKA

VLADO VOVKANIČ

TIM AND EVA SHAW

ZUZKA VESELÁ

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Our Donors


Individual Gifts-In-Kind Andrea and Perry Barlien Arnie and Marianne Bieber Dominique and Marie Bossan Joanne Demirel Adrian and Ashleigh Fowler Lawrence Hrubes Charles J. Jess Sona Koloyan Mandarin Oriental Hotel Spa Team Neville and Beata Parry

Tim and Eva Shaw Paul and Kim Strebel Christy Wanamaker Mylene and Sake Weima Koen Wilmots and Leen Willemsen We’ve made every effort to ensure that we’ve included the names of all donors, and to place them in the correct society. If we have made any errors, please accept our profuse apologies, and do please let us know of the error.

Our Donors

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Student Raffle Traditionally, the Student Raffle took place in the two weeks leading up to the Night at the Palace event. It gave an opportunity not only for students to win fantastic prizes, but also to participate in raising funds for the Scholarship Program at ISP. The raffle added greatly to the overall amount of funds raised by bringing 80,000 Czk to support Scholarships at ISP. Many thanks to our generous Student Raffle Donors: Adventure Golf Horní Bezděkov A La Maison The Berlew Family The Bobyk Family The Candy Store The Centracco Family Ceremony

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Our Donors

Chateau Mcely Da Ezio Pizzeria Dolce Villa Hotel Eva Kůrková Fresh & Tasty Glord.cz iPilot Praha ISP Advancement Office ISP School Community Association James Hair Johanna Duc K-Servis Lego Group MaxLasergame Arena Praha PaintballGame.cz The Rawji Family Smetana s. r. o. Telefónica ČR, a. s. 24U


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ISP Community


School Community Association (SCA)

Annie Li SCA Chair

Everything we do is driven by you The SCA is an active, all-volunteer organization whose goal is to enhance the lives of all members of the diverse ISP community (students and parents) by supporting and encouraging a nurturing and caring environment. The SCA provides a variety of volunteering opportunities; we encourage parents and guardians to share as much time as they are comfortable to share, and to get involved in those areas that are of most interest to them. If you don’t see your particular area of interest already represented, please suggest it! All parents and guardians are automatically members of the SCA.

Aga Rasche SCA Newcomers Rep

Events and activities organized during 2013–14 included (but weren’t limited to): New Parent Orientation Day Our Newcomers’ Committee, together with the Advancement Office, hosted this fantastic day for all new ISP Families. New students and parents were welcomed to the school and guided through a program designed to help them integrate into the ISP Family and Prague. All new families received a Welcome Bag that contains a Newcomers’ Handbook (developed and updated over the years by ISP parents) with essential information on their new home city – Prague. The Committee held several

From the School Community Association

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more informational meetings and tours throughout the year to support our new families. Annual Information Fair & Welcome Back Picnic Many new and returning families attended the wonderful BBQ at the beginning of the year. Delicious food and music showcased by talented members of ISP faculty and students made this event very special. Various local vendors were also invited to the event to introduce and promote their products and services. Once again, we aim to provide our new families with valuable information that will 80

From the School Community Association

help them to integrate more quickly. This fun event signaled the start of the school year and was a joint effort between Faculty, Administration and the SCA. Halloween Elementary students enjoyed an evening of spooky fun at our popular Halloween Party. The Trunk or Treat Alley run by families and the Haunted House created by Middle School students were hugely popular amongst the students. Room parents provided more Halloween intrigue by designing activity stations and running fun games in the Gym


and in the Cafeteria. The 5th Grade dancers gave an amazing performance. Seasonal Arts and Craft Fair This event took place just prior to the Winter Holidays. ISP families had the opportunity to purchase a range of different handcrafted or traditional goods in our school environment. Approximately 80 vendors presented their wares that included traditional food and crafted goods. Adult Education The SCA introduces many different coaches and trainers to our parents. The courses offered range from individual language lessons to shared hobbies (which is a great way to meet other parents with similar interests). We also organize group “LET’S GO” trips which allow parents to explore the region together. Staff Appreciation Day To show our appreciation for the ISP faculty and administration, the SCA and the whole parent community worked jointly together to host a sumptuous buffet luncheon for all ISP Staff. International Food Fair Our most popular annual International Food Fair attracted more than 1000 visitors who enjoyed the delicious specialties from 20 countries. Hundreds of hands prepared thousands of calories from all over the world. The volunteer work of parents, students and staff created this successful family gourmet festival. As a special attraction we had a Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung-Fu performance and Bollywood dancers.

Sports Booster Club The Booster Club Team organized the Snack Shack for all CEESA Sport Tournaments in our School. Food and drinks were very much appreciated by our kids and the visiting teams. Bi-Monthly SCA General Meetings-coffee mornings The SCA’s General Meetings take place once every two months to provide internal and external information for parents/guardians and staff. They are also a perfect setting to socialize and ask questions. Financial Support of the School In general, the SCA raises funds to support its own operations. However, it can happen that there are “excess” funds at the end of the school year. These funds are donated to the school to support the different sections (Elementary, Middle and Upper Schools). In 2013–14, we funded the construction and installation of four outstanding award boards to commemorate the achievements of the School’s various sports teams. We were also able to purchase six sets of wireless headset microphones and two wireless, handheld microphones with additional supplementary equipment. We sponsored the new sandbox for Elementary School playground and book-baskets at the Elementary School entry. As we do each year, we sponsored the Upper and Middle School Breakfast event on the last day of school, and drinks and popsicles for the Elementary School Field Day.

Aga Rasche SCA Newcomers Rep From the School Community Association

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SCA Executive Board 2013–2014 Chair Annie Li

Upper School Rep Angelika Kuehme

Vice Chair Isolde Pettinella

Adult Education Reps Rebecca Farmer Carmen Pignotti

Secretary Janice Woodard Treasurer Yumi Ha Lower Elementary School Rep Sally Reason Upper Elementary School Rep Hollin Cook Middle School Reps Anat Sapir Marcela Kimsey

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From the School Community Association

Sports Reps Estel Kim Yvonne Rep Arts Rep Ingrid van Haasterecht Newcomers Rep Aga Rasche


Our Community At the International School of Prague, almost 838 students from ages 3–19, from 61 countries, learn and develop in a challenging and nurturing environment. The impact of multiculturalism is an integral part of everyone’s life at ISP.

Afghanistan Argentina Armenia Australia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Brasil Bulgaria Canada Canada Chechnya China Colombia Colombia Croatia Cyprus Czech republic Denmark Egypt

Finland France Germany Guatemala Hong Kong Hungary India Iran Israel Italy Japan Kazachstan Korea Kyrgyzstan Lithuania Macedonia Malaysia Mexico Netherland New Zealand Norway

Pakistan Peru Phillipine Poland Romania Russia Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Tanzania Turkey UK Ukraine USA Venezuela Vietnam

Our Community

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Results of the ISP All Parent Survey

In May/June of 2014, an outside consultancy (Triangle Associates of St. Louis, Missouri, “TA”) conducted ISP’s first anonymous, all-ISP parent survey in recent memory. The survey included about 90 questions. It was designed to provide the school with feedback on how well it is achieving its mission, as well as parent perceptions on a wide variety of topics; from the approachability of teachers and administrators, to the quality of our programs. The survey generated an exceptionally high response rate. TA received 534 responses from a pool of 538 families. Even taking into account instances where two parents/guardians in one family may 84

have completed the survey, it is reasonable to assume a response rate of at least 80% of families; this is a remarkably high response rate, and gives us confidence that the data reflects the general sentiment of parents at the school. TA provided parents with an executive summary outlining the results of what TA considers the bellwether questions. They view the responses to these questions as critical, because their research over more than two decades indicates these are most indicative of school health and overall parent satisfaction. Although the positive responses to these bellwether questions are extremely gratifying, ISP takes into consideration all voices, and continues to work to improve in all areas.


Each student feels wellknown by the school

The school is innovative in its educational offerings

Parent are appropriately involved in the school

The school places the right emphasis on academics

The school mission statement expresses well the philosophy of the school

The mission statement is widely known and endorsed by members of the ISP community

Members of the faculty are approachable; that is, they appear open and willing to engage with parents about their children.

Members of the Administration are open and approachable. 0%

Strongly Agree

Agree

20 %

Neutral

Disagree

40 %

Strongly Disagree

60 %

70 %

100 %

N/A or No Opinion

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The survey also generated over a thousand comments by ISP parents. This “wordle” below, constructed from written comments, speaks for itself, showing what ISP parents think are the major strengths of the school.

Comments from the survey included: • “I love to see that the kids are self confident, that they can communicate on a very high level. They know how to speak and write very well.” • “I love the small class sizes, the student led conferences, the respect for one another, and the enthusiasm of the students and teachers. It is a safe, joyful place for our family.” 86

• “The school believes in great potential for each child and does its best to nurture that in the classroom and the community.” • “Warm and supportive community, including parents and staff.” • “It is a school full of children from all over the world! You allow students enough freedom to take ownership of their learning.”


• “A progressive school that cares about the whole person, not just academics, preparing students for the future.” • “Wonderful teachers and students from all over the world. Good support services with a curriculum that allows for children to feel empowered and to learn at different rates.” • “While the school supports those who are academic through a rigorous curriculum, there is also significant and relevant encouragement for those who do not fall into traditional academic fields; any student can do well here.” • “It is a school that really cares about students and learning. The administration and teachers are truly engaged in the mission.” • “Very professional faculty, a positive and interested leader, and many active parents.” • “Solid academic program, great extra curricular options, welcoming to people from all cultures.” • “Inquiry and project-based learning. Visible Thinking. A Director who embraces and advocates deep-seated educational reform.” • “The school is big but it is still easy to find the right person and talk to them.” • “Students are happy to go to school and happy to learn.” • “Caring, involved community; dedicated, hardworking, responsive staff; international environment; fantastic facilities.” • “An international community; cooperative and positive environment; good facilities; respect for differences and individual needs; encouraging and positive approach; constant interest of school in improving teaching methods; open towards parents/children ideas and new perspectives.”

• “Very friendly environment, everyone is welcomed from the start.” • “Outstanding quality of the teachers (in Elementary, Middle and Upper school sections). In our 10 years at ISP, our family has NEVER been unhappy about a single teacher.” • “Students like going to school at ISP!” • “School has a very social, multi cultural appearance when inside and you can feel that the staff is constantly very aware of every child personally! Great feeling leaving our kid at ISP every day!” • “Progressive educational methods, environment and facility and a friendly community of families.” • “High academic achievement, strong community support.” • “The parent community is supportive, and the faculty is engaged with the students. There are many outstanding teachers at all levels of the school. The variety of clubs and activities throughout the school, and the course offerings in high school, are excellent.” • “Great and caring teachers with lots of enthusiasm. A feeling that your child is cared for and that those working with him/her know her well and want the best.” • “Connecting learning with real world problems/ experiences, high quality teachers, atmosphere of kindness and understanding.” • “Genuinely international - there isn’t a nationality that dominates the school, and this is very important. Also the mix of the families’ backgrounds is important. We have business people, journalists, teachers, diplomats; a good mix. Another good thing is that all age groups are on the same campus – I know my kids have really appreciated seeing their siblings sometime during the day.” 87


88


89 Anna Mogilnicka


Financial Report

90


Message from the Board Treasurer and Business & Operations Director

Adrian Fowler Board Treasurer We are pleased to report that the International School of Prague ended its 65th year of operations with steady enrollment (838 students) and a healthy financial picture. During the 2013–14 fiscal year the total operating revenue of the International School of Prague increased 9%, to €14.8 million, reflecting the additional tuition income from the material increase in student numbers, especially in the Middle School. Tuition and fees accounted for 99% of combined institutional income for the year. Operating expenses decreased 1% to €12.6 million. As with most schools, salaries and benefits continue to represent the School’s greatest expense, at 72% of total expenses. The School’s net operating surplus increased to €2,580 thousand in fiscal year 2013–14 compared to a surplus of €659 thousand the previous year, reflecting the positive impact of increased income coupled with lowered expenses.

Barry Freckmann Finance & Operations Director A description of the School’s organizational structure is included here. The structure is needed to comply with Czech and United States laws and to support appropriate governance by the School Board. The financial information set out above and in the accompanying tables in the Annual Report have been taken from the consolidated financial results through June 30, 2014 of the grouping of entities comprising the School, and demonstrate the overall financial health of the institution. Sincerely,

Adrian Fowler Board Treasurer Barry Freckmann Finance & Operations Director

Message from the Board Treasurer and Finance & Operations Director

91


Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances Financial Oversight The Board of Trustees takes seriously its fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of the School’s financial operations and health. This includes approving annual budgets, reviewing financial reports, approving the audited financial statements, and planning for the long-term financial future of the School. The School’s financial accounts are audited annually by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, s. r. o. The Board maintains a standing Finance Committee to provide expertise and advice in these matters. The Committee is composed of the Treasurer, members of the administration of the School, and other members selected by the Finance Committee and the Board. Over the past few years, in line with recognized best practice for non-profit organizations, the School has built up its reserve holdings and has focused on growing an endowment. The emergency reserve (for use, e.g., in the event of a sudden decline in enrollment, or other unanticipated “shock”) has been established by the Board with a target set at 25 percent of annual operating expenses, a requirement which is being met annually. The endowment continues to grow and will serve as a substantial asset for the funding of scholarships and other institutional needs in perpetuity. Organizational Structure The School is comprised of four (4) separate entities: a Czech limited liability company of not-for-profit 92

Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances

character, a US not-for-profit foundation, an Isle of Jersey recruitment firm for the hiring of qualified international faculty, and a Czech association dedicated to supporting the development of the School. The School was founded in 1948 and operates with recognition from US and international accreditation agencies and the Czech Ministry of Education. Legal Matters The School retains the services of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, v. o. s., PRK Partners s. r. o. and Holec, Zuska & Partneři for consultation on significant issues affecting the School. School Debt and Capital Investment In October 2008 the School entered into a facility agreement with Sberbank (then Volksbank) establishing a revolving loan with a current limit of €12M, with an annual decrease of €1,000,000 per year to the maximum limit. This loan has a maturity date in 2025 – providing efficient and flexible funding to the School throughout that period. As well as finalizing payment of the original school land purchase and construction costs, this loan has helped finance the significant facility improvement projects which the School executed during the 2008–2011 period, and the recently completed “North Wing Project” expansion to the facility.


ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES 2013–2014

Expenses

72 %

Salaries and beneďŹ ts

22 %

Operational costs

5%

Depreciation and amortisation

1%

Other operating expenses

Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances

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Consolidated Balance Sheet as at June 30, 2014 (in thousands of EUR “TEUR”) June 30, 2014 2 749 17 682 1 300 21 731

June 30, 2013 2 749 18 094 962 21 805

Accounts Receivables and prepaid expenses Cash in hand and bank accounts incl Short-term receivables Other current assets Total current assets

532 12 396 594 13 522

357 8 911 45 9 313

TOTAL ASSETS

35 253

31 118

Registered capital Other funds Retained earnings Translation difference Total Equity

4 24 722 -5 295 1 493 20 924

4 24 654 -7 875 1 853 18 636

--306 306

--381 381

Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred revenues Other current payables Total current payables

13 711 6 306 14 023

11 909 10 182 12 101

TOTAL LIABILITIES

35 253

31 118

Land Buildings Other fixed assets Total non-current assets

Bank loans Other long term payables Long term payables

94

Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances


Consolidated Profit And Loss Account for the year ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands of EUR “TEUR”) Year ended June 30, 2014 14 635 32 150 14 817

Year ended June 30, 2013 13 331 19 289 13 639

9 034 2 821 656 5 24 67 12 607

8 780 3 086 791 39 5 74 12 775

2 210

864

Income Tax expense

511

-23

Foreign exchange (expense) recovery, net

-141

-182

2 580

659

Tuition and related fees Interest income Other income Total Income Salaries and benefits Operational costs Depreciation and amortisation Interest expense Provision Other operating expenses

Gross profit

Net profit/(loss)

Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances

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Notes to Summarised Special Purpose Consolidated Financial Information a) Basis of Preparation The special purpose consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with the basis set out in the Appendix to the special purpose consolidated financial information. The Appendix includes description of International School of Prague Group and the summary of significant accounting policies. The accounting policies have been consistently applied to the results, gains and losses, assets and liabilities of the entities included in special purpose consolidated financial information and are consistent with those used in the previous year. The accounting principles have been applied consistently by the Group entities. The special purpose consolidated financial information is prepared on an historical cost basis. (b) Presentation Currency The special purpose consolidated financial information is presented in Euros, rounded to the

96

Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances

nearest thousand. All figures are in thousands of Euro (TEUR), unless stated otherwise. All companies within the Group operate in the Czech Republic which is their primary economic area. All the records are kept in the Czech koruna (CZK). The Group presentation currency is the Euro (EUR). The Group has selected a different presentation currency because the users of its special purpose consolidated financial information base their economic decisions on information expressed in EUR. The assets and liabilities are translated into EUR at foreign exchange rates ruling on the reporting date except for property, plant and equipment where foreign exchange rates valid on the capitalization date are used. The tuition revenues are translated into EUR at the exchange rates the revenue is recognized. Other revenues and expenses are translated into EUR at the average exchange rate for the fiscal year. Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation are recognized directly in a separate component of equity.


The following exchange rates of CZK to EUR were used during translation:

Date June 30, 2014 June 30, 2013

Closing exchange rate CZK/EUR 27.450 25.950

Average exchange rate CZK/EUR for the 12-month period 26.839 25.407

Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances

97


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2013–2014 Annual Report Photo Credits: Miguel Alonso Jas Air CZ Barry Freckmann Milan Hašek Andrea Koudelková Martin Mašín Anna Mogilnicka Ondřej Novák Michael Peters Damianne President Foto Škoda Darko Vukotic Clive Watkins For information about the ISP Annual Report or to request additional copies, please contact advancement@isp.cz



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