Annual Report 2012 – 2013 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PRAGUE
International School of Prague Annual Report 2012–2013
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Table of contents Welcome From the Director................................................ 7 From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.................................. 12
Mission ISP Mission Statement...................................... 17
The Principals’ Reports The Elementary School..................................... 21 The Middle School............................................ 25 The Upper School............................................. 30
Curriculum, IT, Activities & Athletics Curriculum.......................................................... 39 Czech Language and Culture.......................... 42 Information Technology...................................46 Activities & Sports............................................. 48 2
Director’s Report
Supporting ISP Supporting ISP................................................... 53 Our Donors........................................................ 54 Cabaret................................................................ 56 Night at the Palace............................................ 58 Scholarship Program......................................... 61
ISP Community From the School Community Association................................... 75 Our Community................................................. 79
Financial Report Message from the Board Treasurer and Finance & Operations Director................ 83 Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances...................................................... 84 Notes to Summarised special purpose consolidated financial information............... 88
Table of Contents
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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
As a dynamic, future-focused learning organization, the International School of Prague is dedicated to its mission of Inspiring Learners for Life. While ISP already has a worldwide reputation for educational innovation and excellence, we are constantly seeking to improve our programs in order to remain relevant to twenty-first century learners. I am happy to report that the 2012–13 academic year was no exception – the year saw growth and enhancements in a number of important areas. Technology Innovation and Integration ISP continues to lead in the area of technology innovation and integration. Our philosophy is that
students should leverage this powerful resource within the context of any subject area. It is therefore not unusual to see students blogging in Language Arts or Social Studies, acting as technicians in drama productions, creating digital compositions in music class, being filmmakers, building robots, or programming software. Recognizing that girls are often under-represented in the field of programming, ISP launched a new technology initiative this past year that focuses on providing this training specifically for Middle and Upper School girls. We use a program called Technovation that helps students to work in teams From the Director
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to develop innovative mobile apps, a skill that will be useful now and in the future. In addition to hosting a variety of technology conferences last year (including the European Google Apps for Education Conference) ISP received special recognition from Google for the School’s cutting edge leadership in educational technology. We are proud that ISP is the first international school in the world to be awarded the status of Google Apps Education Training Center. This significant accomplishment is in recognition of the work ISP has done over the years in hosting Google educational events and providing professional development support to our community, as well as our adoption of the Google Apps Education suite of tools. This special status now allows us to provide our faculty and staff with Google Apps training and professional development supporting their use of a variety of tools and learning concepts in the Google Environment. Special thanks for this accomplishment goes to our Director of Technology and Research and Development, John Mikton, and all of the technology leaders at ISP. Student Learning and Assessment As an institution committed to meeting the needs of twenty first century learners, ISP believes that schools must develop research-based practices that support learning in all areas. This includes how students are assessed. We believe that the traditional letter grade approach to assessment is outdated and limited. It gives students limited information about their progress and furthermore communicates little to parents about their children’s learning.
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From the Director
Therefore, in accordance with current best practice, ISP has developed what is called a standards-based reporting system, which is geared to providing students with concrete and specific feedback about their learning. To this end, ISP has developed standards in each discipline as well as feedback on important learning habits such as collaboration or creative thinking. This approach allows our highly experienced faculty to provide students and parents with clear feedback on learning progress against subject-specific standards, whether in math, reading, science or any other of the many disciplines within our curriculum. With a standards-based system now established in Elementary and Middle School, the school is extending the standards-based assessment framework to the Upper School. We are confident that this approach to assessment will provide ISP students with timely feedback as well as providing accurate information about student learning and achievement. In addition to academic achievement, ISP is committed to supporting students in their social and emotional development. This is accomplished through an advisory program in Middle and Upper School, as well as through stress reduction programs that include an advisory program, and mindfulness training. Our after school programs also continue to grow with numerous sports and enrichment activities such as speech and debate, Model United Nations, and a wide variety of arts and music activities. As the only
full member school in the Czech Republic belonging to the Central and Eastern Schools Association (CEESA), ISP students participate in over 50 regional tournaments and festivals with peers from 20 different countries. North Wing Project Over the past few years, the facility and campus at ISP has been improved and expanded. All classrooms, labs, sporting facilities and the surrounding 16 acre campus have been significantly enhanced. Visitors experience a campus that is vibrant, bright and colorful, where all environments are geared to providing a dynamic learning experience for all students. For many years now, ISP has had to turn away students due to limited capacity. The board has therefore decided to support a new expansion project that will allow our Middle and Upper Schools to grow by 30%. The “North Wing Project” (as it is now known) will further enhance our already
exemplary campus and allow for additional students and families to join our diverse international community. The project is also an opportunity for ISP to incorporate true twenty-first century educational design into the new facility. We expect that the project will be completed by August 2014, allowing ISP to maintain its reputation of having the finest educational campus in the region. As our community and school continue to grow and thrive we never lose sight of our mission of inspiring, engaging and empowering learners to lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives. This is our commitment and our passion.
Dr. Arnie Bieber Director
From the Director
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"North Wing Project" Completion date estimate: August 2014
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From the Director
Leadership Team 2012–2013
Director Dr. Arnie Bieber
Admissions Director Bohumila Limova
US Principal Dr. Mark Frankel
Director of Information Technology John Mikton
Business and Operations Manager Barry Freckmann
Curriculum Coordinator Tony Mobbs
ES Principal Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega
Activities Director Joe Monks
ES Assistant Principal Corky Hawkins
HR Director Martina Mozna
MS Principal Kevin Hawkins
Director of Advancement Clive Watkins
From the Director
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From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Neville Parry Chairman of the Board of Trustees
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As your new Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am honoured to serve the International School of Prague community with such a dedicated group of volunteer trustees. Our role 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. As a non-profit organization, all income is used to take our school from good to great!
However, this was not the case; our 64th academic year saw us continuing to incorporate all the benefits of our prior investments, and planning yet another expansion to the school. For many years, we have had to turn away many potential ISP families because of limited space (especially in the Middle School), so there was unanimous support for taking steps to alleviate this problem by expanding the Middle (and Upper) School capacity. You can read about the “North Wing Project” elsewhere in this report.
After so many steps forward in recent years, one might have forgiven the community for perhaps expecting ISP to take a breath in 2012–13 and reflect on its recent achievements.
Evidently, momentous decisions like this do not take place in a vacuum. In addition to the Administration (so ably led by Dr. Bieber), a special word of thanks goes to our Buildings & Grounds Committee and our
From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Finance Committee; let us not forget that all members of these committees donate their professional abilities and time to improve the school. Providing better facilities (whether educational, cultural or sports) cannot be done without your financial support. The Advancement Committee, under Chairperson Marie Bossan, her volunteer members, and the Administration, are working tirelessly to raise funds for the necessary projects. Please see the section in this Annual Report about donations. I will take this opportunity to thank our dedicated faculty & staff for fostering such a fine learning environment. As parents of two young ISP students, Beata and I share our children’s excitement as, every school morning, we prepare for our trip to Nebusice. I know of no other place where families from 60 different cultures come together every day in such a happy and welcoming atmosphere. I am also aware that, as ISP parents, we are not alone in having children who look
forward to the end of their holidays so that they can return to school. Finally, I would also like to thank my fellow Trustees, especially Karin who led us so ably as Chairperson during the year. It is heartening to be part of a team of dedicated people who are not content to simply inherit such a fine school from prior trustees; rather, we constantly strive for strategic ways to help the school achieve its stated Mission, and ensure that future generations benefit as we have done from this outstanding school. Sincerely,
Neville Parry Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees 2012–2013 Chair Mrs. Karin Velez Rodriguez-Matzinger
Secretary Mr. Peter Ridder
Vice Chair Mr. Joseph Pennington
Members Mrs. Marie Bossan Mr. Neville Parry Mr. Timothy Shaw Mr. Jan Sykora
Treasurer Mr. Adrian Fowler
From the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
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Mission 16
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. 18
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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The Principals’ Reports
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The Elementary School
Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega Elementary School Principal
During the 2012–2013 school year the Elementary School (ES) focused on the completion of a new standards-based report card and reporting system, and finished revising the Literacy Curriculum. We also began preparing for an in-depth look at teaching and learning in maths in the Elementary School. Reporting on Student Progress A primary goal for the year was to successfully implement the new report cards and reporting system. This required working closely with the IT department in developing the database, communicating with faculty and parents about the new system/reports, and supporting the faculty and
staff in transitioning to a standards-based report. The new report cards were designed to: • more effectively communicate to parents, students, and future schools what ISP Elementary students understand, know, and can do (reporting on ISP’s standards for learning); • represent the whole child, reporting on physical, social and emotional development, as well as the behaviors and skills that support learning; • be integrated with the student’s portfolio, demonstrating the complexity of learning at ISP, and to serve as a detailed portrait of the child’s learning for future schools; • provide a place for children’s own reflections about their learning and their goals. The Elementary School
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To this end, faculty focused on crafting comprehensive narratives that would provide a detailed picture of each child’s learning. Portfolio contents were reviewed to more closely align with the standards and benchmarks in the report cards, as well as provide evidence of each child’s progress in all curricular areas. The new report cards were completed and sent out for the first time in January 2013. Leading up to this point, there was extensive communication with parents about the new reports and reporting system, including displays, brochures, and special meetings; parent feedback was important in reviewing the efficacy of the new reports in accomplishing the intended goals. After sending the new report cards home for the first time in January of 2013, a survey was sent out to parents to gather their feedback to help in further revisions. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many constructive suggestions. The faculty took into consideration these suggestions and made changes in some of the narratives in the June reports. Effectively implementing the new report cards required a great deal of thought and effort on the part of the faculty. Further enhancements will continue throughout the 2013–2013 academic year.
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The Elementary School
ES Reporting System 2012–2013 Report Month Conference Card August Hopes & Dreams October Parent /Teacher January X March Student-led June X
Student Portfolio
X X X X
Development in Literacy Curriculum & Instruction A major accomplishment during the 2012–2013 academic year was the completion of the revised Literacy standards, benchmarks, and performance indicators (grade level learning objectives). This newly revised curriculum drew on ISP’s pre-existing curriculum, national systems and other international schools. A complete copy of the Literacy Curriculum is freely available to parents on ISP’s website. Nurturing Strong Independent Reading Habits Children in the ISP Elementary School read on a regular basis and develop a high degree of proficiency in reading (as indicated by the scores received on the International School Assessment standardized test). Nevertheless, because of the crucial importance of strong independent reading habits, the faculty used the newly revised standards, benchmarks, and performance indicators to complete an audit of our instructional practices for supporting independent reading in Kinder through Grade 5. From this audit, the faculty revised and developed a more comprehensive, consistent system for supporting and documenting independent reading at school and at home.
The Elementary School
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The goal of this more systematic form of supporting/documenting independent reading, to be implemented during the 2013–2014 school year, is to more effectively nurture the strong reading habits that will support the development of reading skills and vocabulary necessary for learning across the curriculum, independent inquiry, and a lifelong habit of reading. The revised system will help faculty to guide individual students in their choice of books, foster strong independent reading habits, as well as document these patterns in reading habits. Increasing Professional Capacity to Support Students’ Writing Development During this past school year, teachers received professional development for instructional strategies to support writing development. The three ISP teachers who participated in a two-year ECIS / CEESA Literacy Coaching Cohort taught their colleagues how to support students’ writing development through individualized conferencing. 24
The Elementary School
The professional development included planning and coordinating with Carrie Ekey, an internationally respected literacy consultant who led workshops with ISP’s faculty in November and March. Participants learned effective conferencing strategies, and a variety of techniques for keeping comprehensive notes of each child’s progress toward intended learning outcomes. Three more ISP teachers will participate in the next two-year ECIS / CEESA Literacy Coaching program, one ES teacher and two MS teachers, from 2013–2015. Our goal is to grow a broad base of internal expertise in teaching reading and writing that will in turn support both students’ and teachers’ learning. Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega Elementary School Principal
The Middle School
Kevin Hawkins Middle School Principal
2012–13 was another eventful and dynamic year in the Middle School at ISP: We continued to creatively connect learning in different subject areas. For example, at the end of year MS EXPO, all 180 MS students were involved in a highly innovative production facilitated by the Arts Team. In this “Integrated Arts Project”, Grade 7 developed pieces of Art based on poetic themes which were then interpreted by Grade 6 in musical form, culminating in 3 choreographed interpretative dance pieces by Grade 8. We explored new areas of authentic, real-world curriculum development; for example, in the brand
new, imaginative MegaCities Project where Grade 8 students studied a megacity in depth in teams and explored key issues pertinent to today’s urban decision makers. The quality and depth of the presentations and debates surpassed their years and would have been impressive at high school level. We further developed existing project work, such as the Curator Project; Grade 7 students not only presented their discoveries about unclassified objects from the Lobkowicz Palace Museum collection to a packed Grand Ballroom, but also collaborated with students from St Petersburg International School so that others could take part in this unique ISP project. The Middle School
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other activities, we have aimed to inspire, engage and empower our students in ways that stretch and challenge them to learn and grow in a rich, supportive environment. As well as attending carefully to our students’ academic development, we have further evolved our Advisory Programme (which lies at the core of our work in Middle School) with the belief that education is about all aspects of life and the learner, not just academics. The Grade 8 Advisory structure is now being taken on by other grades so that a cycle is established of: Niterně (inner reflection); Mezi námi (communication with others in small groups); Společně (working together as a grade team).
We explored the issues of social responsibility, empathy and service; for example, through a series of Grade 6 activities where students reflected on what it means to serve, and how to develop and use empathy for others in design projects. They also took action by visiting and singing songs for the elderly in a Sue Rider home in Prague. As usual, our grade level trips enabled our students to explore the Czech Republic, come together as a group, make new friends and take on personal challenges in the outdoors – Grade 6 at the Nymburk sports centre and Lipno Ski Resort; Grade 7 working with Outward Bound at Nečtiny; and Grade 8 with the Odyssey team at Zbraslavice. Over the year, through events such as those above and a range of day trips, project days and
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The Middle School
These reflective skills were also on display in our first ever Middle School Student-Led Conferences where students really got to take centre stage in explaining and displaying key points of their learning this year to their parents. This work complemented the major development in our assessment processes which was displayed to parents through the Student e-Portfolios and our new Standards-Based Report cards – an innovative design that is being examined by many other international schools wanting to move in a similar direction. My thanks as ever go to our amazing students, our supportive parents and especially to a leading team of hard-working and committed international middle school educators. Kevin Hawkins Middle School Principal
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Director’s Report
Director’s Report
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The Upper School
Dr. Mark Frankel Upper School Principal
Though the 2012–2013 school year ended with a literal flooding (and school closing!), it was, from the start, bursting the banks with incredible activities and achievements. In no particular order, here are some of the highlights: Our students took part in a number of conferences throughout the year. ISP participated in two Model UN conferences in 2012–2013 (in Prague and Dublin), and did an outstanding job in both, receiving recognition for their achievements. Our Speech & Debate squads went to Vilnius, The Hague, and Vienna, where they continued to shine. The students were so enthused by these events that they 30
The Upper School
even organized a local contest, here at ISP, for the other English-speaking schools in the region. The National Honor Society sponsored three major events during the course of the year: AIDS Awareness week, Breast Cancer Walk, and Student exchange with Arabska (our neighboring Czech high school). Our German class also connected with students from Deutsche Schule Prag, with DSP and ISP students visiting each others’ school. Our Arts department was, as always, stellar, and we saw fantastic productions, such as “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” and “Six Short Plays
by David Ives.” Visiting musicians, Julie Wright and Nicholas Foster, worked with students in small sessions and gave an inspired performance for the whole community. ISP hosted the High School CEESA Band Festival where we were treated to incredible performances from a variety of CEESA schools. We saw wonderful performances from our Vocal ensembles, our IB Music students treated us to professional-level performances, and our Music with Technology students showed us how to make music the “new-fashioned” way. The Visual Arts continue to dazzle us with work that is creative and innovative, and a pleasure to have displayed around school for all to see. And, finally, the next generation of filmmakers made their presence known, as we screened their brilliant short films. Students and teachers organized the first ISP Earth Fair with displays on recycling, composting,
cooking, etc. These students pushed us to start composting our own food waste and helped install new garden beds. Others students baked for charity and organized projects for South Africa and for the homeless population in Prague. Students took time once a month to walk and talk to homeless men and women on the streets of the city. The goal was for students to engage with people and gain an awareness of the situation. The Vietnam Club arranged their second trip to Ba Vi, a village near the Friendship Village outside of Hanoi, where they donated funds raised at the Vietnam Festival earlier in the year. Students entered into an authentic global dialogue, when Palestinian and Israeli representatives came to discuss their perspectives on the ongoing conflict. On another day, three journalists from Radio Free Europe spoke about their job and about the region
The Upper School
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that they cover as journalists. And on yet another day, a Holocaust survivor came and talked about her life, about her time in Terezín (which the students had already visited) and about maintaining hope despite all. At the end of the year, we were lucky to have a visit from Srini Swaminathan, who works with impoverished schools in India and has given a wellreceived TEDx talk. This past year saw a further expansion of our Robotics Program, thanks to a generous donation from NOEN, and our students took their knowledge and passion with them to Bucharest for a robotics competition. We also expanded our participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program, in which students complete activities in areas such as volunteering, expeditions, skills, and physical challenges to earn Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. Our athletic teams continued to impress all with their dedication, tenacity, and skill. There were so many highlights and awards this year that I can’t do justice to them all, but during each of the three seasons, our students not only performed at consistently high levels, but were considered role models in terms of sportsmanship by their peers at other CEESA schools. ISP student-athletes and their coaches managed to balance a commitment to excellence on the field/court with a commitment to academics. This applies not only to students competing for the school, but also those top-level athletes who pursue their chosen sport on national and international circuits. During the winter, we held our annual Language Week, with presentations, quizzes and (for the first 32
The Upper School
time) language classes taught by ISP students. In the spring, our Grade 9 and 10 students participated in the annual Czech Culture Days. During these two days, Grade 9 students visited Karlštejn Castle, a limestone cave, historic Prague landmarks, and had a lesson in traditional Czech dancing. The Grade 10 students focused on the Cold War and the Velvet Revolution by watching period films, visiting a nuclear bunker, and meeting local artists whose work comments on the period. We had a number of exciting Career Lunches during the course of the year. These are wonderful opportunities for our students to hear from professionals in a variety of fields. These speakers, many of them ISP parents, discuss their career paths, what their job entails, and answer questions about the work world. These are a great way for the Grade 11 students to begin to explore the world beyond school. We hosted three university fairs last year, with schools from the UK, the US, and Holland, and we were visited by a number of college and university representatives from a wide range of schools. In addition, a representative of the College Board came to speak to parents about international school students applying to US universities. Our electronic gradebook was opened up to parents (so that they could better follow their child’s academic progress) and we moved to electroniconly Progress Reports. We also continued our word on assessment and prepared to start reporting on standards for the Class of 2017 (to begin in the 2013–2014 academic year).
The IB Diploma Program is an integral part of our Upper School. The program has grown in the last few years with the addition of Film, Environmental Systems & Societies, Mandarin, and English Language & Literature. 83% of the Class of 2013 were full diploma students; 95% of these students gained their diploma, compared to 79% of students worldwide. While exams form perhaps the most wellknown part of the IB Diploma Program, ISP students are also actively engaged in authentic learning experiences connected to their studies. These include an interdisciplinary science investigation in Šárka Park known as the Group IV project; students collect data from the field and present their findings on interactive Google maps. Arts students present their work in recitals, shows and film festivals. Psychology students regularly observe children of all ages in the school as they investigate human development and relationships. All IB Diploma
students carry out an independent research project on topics as diverse as Czech cubism, motivation in sports, the leadership of Rudolf II, and computer science path-finding algorithms. Creativity, Action, Service (the activities component of the IB Diploma Program) asks students to become involved in their community – our students have gone above and beyond in their passion to serve others. Finally, we said farewell to a phenomenal group of seniors with a beautiful banquet and, the following day, a memorable graduation ceremony at the Žofín Palace, on the Vltava river. With exceptional student speeches and musical performances, it was a joyful reminder of what an amazing school we have and what exceptional students pass through our halls. Dr. Mark Frankel Upper School Principal
The Upper School
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University Acceptances for the Class of 2012–2013 Canada Carleton University McGill University Czech Republic Anglo-American University University of New York in Prague Iraq The American University of Iraq Sulaimani Netherlands Erasmus University Rotterdam – Netherlands Hotelschool The Hague Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University University College Maastricht South Korea Dongguk University Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Switzerland Les Roches International School of Hotel Management United Kingdom Bournemouth University Brunel University King’s College London Queen Margaret University College
Queen Mary, University of London Royal Holloway, University of London The Robert Gordon University University College London University of Glasgow University of Warwick United States Emerson College Harvard College Lynn University New York University New York University, Abu Dhabi Northeastern University Savannah College of Art and Design Swarthmore College The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art The Juilliard School The University of Alabama The University of Texas, Austin Tufts University University of California at Berkeley University of California at Davis University of Central Florida University of Colorado at Boulder University of Miami University of Michigan University of Washington Washington State University
The Upper School
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Curriculum, IT & Activities
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Curriculum
Teresa Belisle Curriculum Coordinator
ISP’s Curriculum & Professional Development was under the capable direction of Tony Mobbs during the 2012–2013 school year. Due to the solid curricular foundation that has been built, ISP is well poised to extend and expand learning as we engage learners in authentic global education. The following report on the 2012–2013 academic year was provided by Tony: A school’s curriculum is never finished! It continues to evolve, grow, and change direction as teachers teach, assess students, receive feedback, discuss student results, reflect, study the latest research, and look at best practice from around the world.
So it was another very busy but productive year in curriculum development at ISP. Language Arts was in year 2 of its review and we developed a set of draft performance indicators for each grade level. The objective of these was: • to clearly define expectations for what “meets” the benchmark at each grade level; • to clearly define expectations for what is taught and assessed at each grade level; • to provide a common language and tool for planning instruction and creating rubrics; These form a continuum for student learning that can be tracked PK-12, and provide a clear pathway of learning both within and between sections. Teachers Curriculum
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are now collecting exemplars of student work as evidence of performance.
November and welcomed a large number of external administrators to take part in the training.
The Visual Arts team continued to fine tune its standards and benchmarks and build a central storehouse of exemplars.
The implementation and delivery of the new standards-based report card was the priority in the Middle School in 2012–13 – an effort that required the development of a new system in Powerschool to support this. Teachers were also involved in developing protocols to moderate and calibrate student work to provide exemplars of performance.
Music was in year 1 of the review cycle with the teachers editing their philosophy and common agreements, and developing a new set of schoolwide standards and benchmarks. They then began to write performance indicators to guide teaching, assessment, and learning. Modern Languages completed its year 1 work with a new philosophy and common agreements, and edited their existing standards and benchmarks. During the next year they will align vocabulary and grammar taught in units to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The Elementary School again worked with Kath Murdoch to develop and strengthen Units of Inquiry. Teachers were particularly interested in integrating more of the Literacy curriculum into these units. During 2013–14 the Elementary School Mathematics curriculum will be fully reviewed; we will trial and evaluate new resources, and bring a noted professional to work with teachers specifically on mathematics. Three teachers completed the ECIS/CEESA sponsored Literacy Coaching training with Carrie Ekey this past year; ISP hosted a training session in
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Curriculum
The Upper School embarked on developing a standards-based reporting system for grade 9, and writing descriptors of different levels of performance in all subject areas. Faculty also continued to fine tune and adjust the assessment policy. School-wide, we continued with the “ESL in the Mainstream” training for teachers; another 12 teachers and teaching aides received the course. Faculty from all three sections took the Visible Thinking online training through Project Zero (based at Harvard University), which is a flexible and systematic research-based approach to integrating the development of students’ thinking with contentlearning across subject matters. An exciting initiative was “Greening the School,” which took place through the curriculum; small gardening areas were established around the campus, with their use becoming part of the curriculum. The “Faculty Focus Groups” continued from last year, with topics based on individual interests. These are
a unique approach to instituting school change, and are aligned to the ISP mission. Twenty-first century schools empower not only student learners, but also “teacher learners” who feel a sense of ownership and pride in the future development of schools. ISP hosted the annual CEESA (Central Eastern European School’s Association) conference, where many educators gather to take part in and deliver workshops. The theme was “Reinventing Schools” and was hosted at the Prague Diplomat Hotel. It was considered by many to be one of the best CEESA conferences to date, and was a wonderful opportunity to listen and interact with such “cutting edge” speakers such as Alan November and Chris Lehmann. Many ISP faculty presented at CEESA and some will be presenting at the November ECIS (European Council of international schools) conference in Amsterdam.
As a “pre-conference” to CEESA, ISP Administrators and some Faculty presented “The Mission Based School” at the ISP campus, an event that was well attended and very successful. Throughout the school year we have presented to many visiting groups on the same topic and are now considered a leader in this field. So, another busy year and it will be my last as I leave ISP after 10 wonderful years (for myself and my family), to take up the position of Director of Curriculum and Assessment at Hong Kong International School. I know that my successor, Teresa Belisle will be continuing with these exciting initiatives to ensure that ISP continues to be a world leader in International Education. My best wishes to everyone.
Curriculum
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Czech Language and Culture An exciting aspect of living and teaching in a different country is discovering the language and culture of the host country. At ISP, we integrate this experience into the curriculum. Czech is taught in the ISP Elementary school from Grade 1 through 5. In Grade 1, all students (other than those taking “EAL” classes) attend Czech class once or twice each week for 40 minutes. Students arriving at ISP in Grades 2 through 5 take Czech for the first year (again, once or twice each week for 40 minutes). After the first year at ISP, students may choose to continue in Czech or take another foreign language (Spanish, French, Mandarin). ISP’s Mission includes inter-cultural
understanding and authentic learning; Czech lessons are therefore not only about acquiring basic vocabulary, grammar and phrases, but also becoming familiar with the daily life, culture and holidays of our host country. Middle School students explore Prague to find public art. Grade 7 students received a map with instructions on where to find a specific artwork/sculpture in Prague. Working in teams of six, their task was to find and document the work. Documentation included: • Photographic evidence; • Literal description of the sculpture; • Their interpretation/s of the possible meanings of the sculpture/s; • Interviews with people in the vicinity to find out about their opinions on the sculpture/s Their determination, teamwork and excitement was evident for all to see! Students returned to ISP to input their findings into a PUBLIC ART IN PRAGUE Google map. Upper School An Upper School IB student created a service project for people that are interested in helping the local Nebušice Senior House: this included gardening and other outdoors projects, organizing cultural events
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Czech Language and Culture
for the seniors, and establishing and bettering ISP‘s relationship with the Senior House. This project was hopefully just a start of ISP’s positive relationship with the Senior Home. Since then, we’ve already built a vegetable garden for the seniors and we’re planning on painting the fence, cleaning out the rock garden, and doing all we can to make the life of the seniors a better one. The Kindergarten classes baked cakes, 1st grade sang Easter songs, and the Czech class made Easter gifts, so it was a joint effort and much appreciated. Czech Culture Days at Upper School ISP’s Upper School dedicates two school days for exploring our host country, its food, traditions and history. The activities are designed to give students a chance to visit places that represent a genuine Czech experience and to provide authentic learning with opportunities for intercultural understanding, cooperation and critical thinking – aspects of the ISP School Mission. The activities organized for grade 9 are focused on the early history and culture of the Czech Republic. On the first day, students visit limestone caves followed by a tour of one of the most famous Czech castles Karlštejn. The second day is dedicated to exploration of the capital city, Prague. Advisory teams cooperate in discovering certain landmarks of the old city, answering history questions and documenting the experience with pictures.
dances. The program for Grade 10 is focused on Cold War events connected to Czech history. Students experience what communism was like through watching and analyzing films made during the regime, discussing the issues of being underground musicians, experiencing difficult decision‐ making through structural drama activities and visiting places directly connected to that time (e.g. a nuclear bunker). Contributors: Daniela Krejbichova, ES Petr Dimitrov, MS Nina Horakova, US Marie Simkova, US Student Tony Mobbs, Curriculum Coordinator
After this they all meet back at ISP’s campus to learn about (and attempt) some Czech traditional folk
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Information Technology
John Mikton Director of Information Technology
2012–13 was a busy year for Information Technology at the International School of Prague. This past spring, ISP had the honor of hosting and sponsoring three International IT summits: • The Google Apps Summit. Over 200 educators from around the world came to ISP to attend workshops and keynote presentations, many of which were facilitated by ISP faculty members. The Head of Education for Google, William Florance was the main keynote speaker and the two day event was the first such event to be held in Europe and the first to be held at any international school. • The Google Geo Summit. ISP sponsored and hosted this two day event focused on exploring, 46
Information Technology
learning and integrating Google Maps and Earth in the classroom. We were flattered to have the Google Geo team fly to Prague from Cupertino to lead and facilitate two days of workshops and breakout sessions for over forty International Educators from around the world. • The Czech Teachers Summit. In collaboration with Apple Europe and 24U.cz, ISP brought over 100 Czech Educators and Administrators to the school to learn about leveraging digital tools to enhance student learning. Elsewhere in IT news, our iPad program has continued to expand throughout the school. Learning Specialists, Literacy Specialists, Modern
Language and EAL teachers all are supported now with iPads in the Elemntary School. In our Upper School Science department, iPads are being used to support a variety of activities tied to Science and Math. The Petr Mares one-to-one Laptop program in our Middle School has now entered its sixth year, and in the Upper School we have celebrated the 5th year of the program. ISP has been awarded by Google the title of “Google Apps Education Training Center”, the first International School to be given this status. This honor is based on the work we have done in support of Google Apps Education Events, the work of our own team of ISP Google Apps Certified trainers, our ongoing training and commitment to general professional development within our learning community, and the school’s adoption of the Google Apps Education suite of tools. The school may now provide ISP Google Apps Education Training Center certificates to our faculty/staff in a variety of tools and learning concepts in the Google Environment. In addition to being a “Google Apps Education Training Center”, ISP is also an Apple Certified Training center. This allows the IT Department to provide a variety of Professional Development certifications to our Faculty & Staff in the Apple Suite of applications (iLife and iWork). This past year, over thirty of our faculty and staff participated in the certification program. With the support of the School Community Association (SCA), we have continued to run the “Digital Life Series” of Parent Workshops this year – we generally explore
the different issues related to digital devices and environments, and provide a real learning opportunity for our parent community. These workshops are well attended and well received. We tend to be a popular destination for visiting international schools reviewing IT departments, and this year was no different. In 2012–13, we welcomed the American School of London, the American Overseas School of Rome, the International School of Lyon, Dubai International Academy, The AngloAmerican School of Sofia and the Inter-Community School of Zurich. The focus of these schools is to see ISP’s model of integrating Information Technology into the curriculum and how our teachers integrate mobile technology tools into the classroom. We also explain our set up on the hardware and network side, and IT management, facilitation, and maintenance of our laptops, iPads 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 are excited about 2013–14; we look forward to supporting our community of learners, and providing the support and programs to enhance our learning at the International School of Prague. John Mikton Director of Information Technology Information Technology
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Activities & Sports
Joe Monks Director of Activities
I am happy to report that the 2012–13 academic year at ISP was one of ongoing growth and development for our activities program. Major focuses were to increase participation rates and opportunities for our students. Middle and Upper School Activities This year ISP hosted six Central & Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) events, welcoming over 400 visiting students from CEESA schools. These events were the Upper School Hands on Student Involvement Conference, Middle School Mathcounts, Middle School Boys Basketball, Upper School Combined Band & Choir, Middle School Boys Softball, and Middle School Girls Volleyball.
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In total, ISP sent 38 different teams/groups/ ensembles to participate in CEESA events. These teams were made up of over 300 of our students, travelling to cities such as Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Moscow, Kiev, Istanbul, Riga, Zagreb, and Tirana. ISP teams performed very well at CEESA sports tournaments, achieving championship trophies in MS Boys Football, MS Girls Football, MS Boys Tennis, US Girls Football, US Girls Cross Country, MS Boys Basketball, US Boys Basketball, US Girls Basketball, MS Boys Softball, US Boys Volleyball, US Girls Volleyball and US Girls Tennis. The ISP MS Mathcounts team also achieved the CEESA championship trophy.
Another important award given at CEESA events is the Sportsmanship Trophy; ISP teams honored with this prestigious recognition were MS Boys Tennis, MS Girls Softball, MS Boys Basketball, MS Boys Basketball, JV Girls Basketball, US Girls Basketball, US Girls Volleyball and US Boys Volleyball. ISP teams also participated this year in the “New European Speech, Debate, and Acting Association” competition, the St Andrew’s International Model United Nations, and Yale Model Government Europe. Elementary Activities The Elementary After-School Activities (ASA) program continues to be an integral part of Elementary life at ISP. Large numbers of Elementary students participate in our trimesterly ASA’s, which
provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of activities from sports to fine art and other creative activities. ISP also offered year round programs of Beginners Band, “Lights, Music, Action!” and Dance to name a few. We continue to be supported by our parent community who coordinate further sporting opportunities for our students in Football, Basketball and Baseball. ISP also allowed the use of our facilities to outside organization to further expand our program offerings, notably activities in Theatre, Kung Fu and Cricket. Joe Monks Director of Activities
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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 2012–13. Supporting ISP
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Our Donors Upper School Robotics Club 2012–13 The Robotics club at ISP was launched during the 2011–12 school year, with the goal of competing in the FIRST TECH Challenge competition at the American International School of Bucharest. Due to limited equipment, only six club members were able to travel to Bucharest for the first competition. The team qualified and competed in the semi-finals, winning the FIRST TECH Challenge Gracious Professionalism Award for their conduct during the competition. At the end of 2011–12, the students were very fortunate to receive a very generous donation from Noen a.s. This donation has allowed the club to accept more students into the robotics program. In 2012–13, then, with the help of the NOEN Fund, the club purchased four additional Tetrix Mindstorm kits (allowing four more teams to participate in competitions) and a 3D printer to allow students to design and make customized parts for their robots.
The club will run a ‘Robotics Boot-camp’ in the first semester of 2013–14 to explain the requirements of the FIRST TECH Challenge competition to new members. An invitation has been extended to a Vienna International school to join ISP for a weekend 54
Our Donors
workshop in February 2014 in preparation for the FIRST TECH Challenge competition. Future plans involve hosting the FIRST TECH Challenge competition at ISP in 2014–15. To prepare for this, the club will purchase the required equipment, again thanks to Noen. Volunteers from IT companies in Prague will be sought to help with the judging and refereeing. Noen’s donation has allowed an expansion in quantity and quality of the equipment available to students interested in robotics, which has also resulted in the ability of the program to cater to more students... and interest continues to grow; with the establishment of a program in Middle School (equipment supplied by the NOEN Fund), the sustainability of the club is assured. Using similar equipment and software, the Grade 10 Science team is exploring the use of robots to study physics concepts. In Grade 11, the Maths Studies program has also started to discuss using robots to experiment with mathematical concepts. The result of Noen’s generous donation is that students at ISP now have the opportunity to study programming in Middle School and Upper School; participate in a Robotics program in MS and US; use robots to study science and mathematics problems; and compete in an international robotics competition that will be hosted at ISP. Perry Barlien & John Rayworth Advisors, ISP Robotics Club
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Cabaret The Cabaret was held on November 3, with catering provided by Culinaria Praha and a beer bar sponsored by Heineken Česká Republika, a. s. Our thanks go also to all those who made the 15th Annual Cabaret possible: Nancy Braun for playing the leading role of Artistic Director and evoking a truly fun atmosphere; Lawrence Hrubes for producing the music, Vicki Close and Peter Lindeblom for their theater management, and Petr Dimitrov for another year of poster design. A show would not be a show without our fantastic performers who donated their time and talent to support the School’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund allows the School's community to decide to go beyond the cost of tuition to purchase items and programs that will have an immediate impact on current – and future – students. Cabaret is one of the much-loved and anticipated events for the community, with 15 years of history backing it. The fundraising event is a showcase of ISP talent, with all performances by teachers, parents, staff and Upper School students. The quality of the acts is of a very high-standard.
For the academic year 2012–13, the School has identified two items that it believed would have an immediate and lasting effect on the experience of students: Wireless Headset/Microphones A Portable "PA" System The Cabaret added greatly to the funds raised for these items.
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Cabaret
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Night at the Palace
Marie Bossan Chair of the Night at the Palace Committee
“3” must be a charm, because our 3rd annual Night at the Palace fundraiser for scholarships was, in many people’s opinion, the best yet! Thanks to everyone who came, all of our donors, and our great team of organizers, it was a true night to remember. The event has now established itself as a most welcome tradition at the International School of Prague, enjoyed not only by ISP parents, but by friends travelling from many different countries. This elegant and well-run event, held at the incomparable Lobkowicz Palace, reflects the high standards of the school itself. Supporting the ISP Scholarship Program is a very personal chance for the ISP community to reach 58
Night at the Palace
out and invite deserving students to share in an educational program of which we are justifiably proud. It enables students of financial need who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement to become a part of the ISP community. While this is a wonderful experience for these scholarship students, let’s not forget how much their presence enriches all our lives. While 2012–13 saw the 3rd Annual Night at the Palace, scholarships at ISP have actually been offered for over 12 years, with usually one scholarship recipient in each of the Upper School grades (for a total of four each year). These Scholarship recipients have gone on to attend universities such as Harvard, Nottingham University, Yale, Boston University, NYU-Abu Dhabi,
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University of Maastricht, and others… truly changing the lives of those students. The Night at the Palace committee was lead by Andrea Koudelkova and Clive Watkins in the Advancement office, and included a group of great volunteers who put their hearts and souls into it: Patricia Betancourt, Marie Bossan, Birgitte Emborg, Joanne Kolowrat, Olga Skatkova, Yvonne Smith and Amy White. The committee would like to thank the many others who volunteered their time at or before the event: our smooth Jazzy saxophonist, Christy Wanamaker for playing beautifully while guests were entering the Palace; Joanne Demirel, for once again making the Blackjack table THE place to be; Maddie White and Aiden Bossan for selling Maserati tickets; Svata Soukup who helped immensely with the logistics of the evening; our florist Olga Polakova who gave her time to make and deliver our exquisite floral
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Night at the Palace
arrangements; and our two guards Boris and Milan who kept an eye over the auction items and carried them safely back and forth from the Palace (no small feat!). A special thank you goes to the Mandarin Oriental Spa team for providing relaxing foot massages, and Grzegorz Wydrzynski for saving our precious feet and shoes by driving everyone up and down to the palace. Last, but not least, thank you to everyone who came – while we’re quite sure that everyone had a good time, your presence itself is a strong indication of your support for the Scholarship Program. Fundraising is sometimes a new experience for our newcomers; however, it is only through the generosity of our families that ISP is able to offer such an outstanding education and experience. Thank you, Marie Bossan Chair of the Night at the Palace Committee
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 2011–2013 The Comenius Society (500.000 Czk and up)
The Falcon’s Society (250.000 to 499.999 Czk)
The Supporter’s Society (50.000 to 99.999 Czk)
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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 2012–2013 listed by Giving Societies:
Corporate Scholarship Donations in 2012–2013 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 2012–2013
Lobkowicz Event Management
Individual Donations
Donors listed by Giving Societies: The Comenius Society (100.000 CzK and up) Michael and Marcela Kimsey Juergen and Kerstin Stackmann The Falcon’s Society (50.000 CzK to 99.999 CzK) Rupert and Karen McPetrie Neville and Beata Parry Carlos and Karin Velez Rodriguez
The Nebusice Society (25.000 CzK to 49.999 CzK) Arnold and Marianne Bieber Brian and Michelle Burchfiel Bret and Patricia Centracco Robert and Vanessa Cucchi Roger and Venetia Dunlop Adrian and Ashleigh Fowler Todd and Kelli Holden David and Monique Chapman Thomas and Vera Newbold
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Grant and Elizabeth Norris Gregor and Andrea Pobst Timothy and Eva Shaw Kerstin Schoenherr The Gold & Black Society (5.000 CzK to 24.999 CzK) Thomas and Arden Byrne Daniel and Netta Aalsvel Peter and Anna Andersson William Andrews Andrea Bartosova Lene and Sren Beier Dominique and Marie Bossan Philip and Mary Brennan Johannes Bruijnincx and Veronique Houtackers Jonathan and Hollin Cook Derek Dalasta Ronald and Rineke Dasbach Catherine Deines D&G Wines s.r.o. Andrea Iucci and Elena Drago Miika and Helena Eerola Torben and Birgitte Emborg Lee Rose Emery Staffan and Charlotta Erenmalm Rodney and Rebecca Farmer Lenka FilgasovĂĄ Mark Frankel and Jill Colley Barry and Angeliki Freckmann Frank Fripon and Ilse Hupko Mark Groenewoud Jongho Park and Yumi Ha Benno Wagner and Ingrid van Haasterecht Paul and DawnAnn Haertel Sylvan Hakse 64
Our Donors
Erik Hamel and Viviane Bogaers Corky Hawkins Riku and Ulla Heinonen Phillip and Coleen Janzen Sebastiaan and Esther de Jong Christoffer and Clara Jonker Kyoungyeul Oh and Kyoung A Jun Jakub Jurajda and Olga Skatkova Paul and Karin Karafotas Jan van Dam and Cornelia van Kats Yuval and Abigail Katz Tim and Annabel Kersten Brian and Jennifer King Koen and Leen Wilmots Martine Johanne Kok Vladimir Manda and Alyssa Kolowrat Henry and Joanne Kolowrat Anders and Lena Kornblad Jiri Koudelka and Andrea Koudelkova Michael and Carolyn Kubena Franz and Doris Lesiw Robert Levin and Yvonne Rep Eddie and Julie Lodi LPK Invest Praha Ben and Renata Maudling David and Stacy McOmber John and Tracy Mikton Glen Barry Mooney Ladislav Mozny and Martina Mozna Francisco Munoz and Patricia Betancourt Scott and Amy Neuman Roland and Claudia Oberholzer Michael and Monica O’Mara Thomas Owsianski Lars and Brigitta Passburg Jon Christopher Pecoraro
Stefano and Isolde Pettinella Ian Phillips and Carmen Pignotti Charles Henry Polzin Johan and Paulina Pousette Tomáš Pražák and Patricie Pražáková Mika and Minna Puontila Stefan and Aga Rasche Karsten Rasmussen and Annie Li Paul and Sally Reason Tomas Riha Timothy Simon Rooney Michele Saibene and Anna Desiderio Henry Santoso and Melina Tandjung Donald and Amy Seymour Stuart and Inna Schaag Barry and Beth Schlosberg Martijn and Oona Smelt John and Yvonne Smith David and Philippa Sturgeon Radek Svec and Hana Svecova Jan and Ericka Sykora Tomasz and Iwona Szpyt Derk and Annet Terhorst Lars and Catrin Varnlund Ivan and Ilse Vertenten Thomas and Rikke Villadsen Ajit and Katerina Virk Cory and Christy Wanamaker Clive and Tasha Watkins Steven and Kerry Whitaker Mark and Amy White John and Kerry Williams Koen and Leen Wilmots Mayenne Zweep
The Supporter’s Society (0 CzK to 4.999 CzK) Perry and Andrea Barlien Ondrej Chaloupka Michel and Natalie Croome – Croisier Josef and Elisabeth Feldbaumer Kevin Hawkins Nathan Heilmann Axel Hluchy Nikki Hume Richard Jahoda and Merlin Jahodova Loreto Keary Jakub Klos Brigita Krumphanzlova Karsten and Angelika Kuehme Shannon Leggett Daniela Lepri Arjen and Miranda Linders William and Alexandra Lobkowicz Mikael and Kristina Matts Tony Mobbs Joe Monks and Avis Beek Miluse Nemcova and Lyle Bobyk Joseph Pennington Peter Ridder and Carol Sanford Keith and Sandra Richards Mark and Helena Robinson Gurpreet and Zennie Madhok Suzanne Smetana Paul and Kim Strebel Aurelien and Yvonne Viry Katie Wolff
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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 the Scholarship Program at ISP. The auction raised 750 000,- Czk to support the scholarships. Auction Donors AD Perly Abalico s.r.o. Adventure Golf Horní Bezděkov A La Maison Alexandra and William Lobkowicz Ateliér Ange 5. Avenue Balony Praha, Jan Smrčka Beata and Neville Parry Brigita Vyhnalová Krumphanzlová Brown-Forman Czech & Slovak Republics Canadian Medical Care Chateau Mcely Cory Wanamaker Czech Jet Team Czechia Praha s.r.o. DSA a.s. First English Speaking International Ballet School in Prague Four Seasons Hotel Prague Get Better Academy Gill Polo Hadovka Health and Fitness
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Our Donors
Heineken Hill’s Hilton Prague Hotel Ikona Kerstin and Juergen Stackmann Kraig Casebier La Gastronomia Ligure Larissa Ruzyak Letecké Centrum České republiky Malá Šárka Gallery Mandarin Oriental Prague Manto Gallery Marie and Dominique Bossan Merlin Jahodová Nestlé Česko s.r.o. Oriflame CR Patricia Betancourt Pivovar Krušovice Prague Marriott Hotel Pure Studio Zborovska Samsung Scuderia Praha Skydive Arena Prague Studio Jaro – Jitka Jarolímková Suzanne Smetana – Dr. Hauschka Telefónica CR, a.s. Vlado Vovkanič Volvo Auto Czech Zátiší Group 24U
Beata and Neville Parry
Airy Hill
STUDIO UNITED STATES
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ENGLAND
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RUSSIA
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CZECH REPUBLIC
www.airyhillstudio.com
Brigita Vyhnalová Krumphanzlová
Kerstin and Juergen Stackmann
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Marie and Dominique Bossan
Vlado Vovkanič
Studio Jaro Jitka Jarolímková
Larissa Ruzyak
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Our Donors
Individual Gifts-In-Kind Andrea and Perry Barlien Arnie and Marianne Bieber Dominique and Marie Bossan Joanne Demirel Mandarin Oriental Hotel Spa Team Neville and Beata Parry Olga Poláková Ondřej Riegl Tim and Eva Shaw
Studio Pure Zborovská Carlos and Karin Velez Rodriguez Mylene and Sake Weima 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.
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Student Raffle The Student Raffle took place in the weeks leading up to the Night at the Palace. It gave an opportunity not only for students to win fantastic prizes, but also to participate in raising funds for Scholarship students at ISP. The raffle raised 81 727,- Czk to benefit the Scholarship program. Many thanks to our generous Student Raffle Donors: Add egg s.r.o. – O bag Adventure Golf Horní Bezděkov A La Maison Andrea Koudelkova Au Gourmand Au Pays des Mimis 5. Avenue Bakeshop Dolce Villa Hotel Eva Kůrková – Móda pro princenzny Fresh & Tasty ISP Advancement Office James Hair Joanne Kolowrat Lego Group The Berlew Family The Rawji Family Oriflame CR PaintballGame.cz Telefónica CR, a.s. The Candy Store Volvo Auto Czech 24U 72
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ISP Community
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From the School Community Association
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.
Events and activities organised during 2012–13 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 Pack 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
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more informational meetings 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
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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 Trick or Treat Alley and the Haunted House were hugely popular amongst the students. Room parents provided more Halloween intrigue by designing activity stations and running fun games in the Big Gym.
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 70 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 more than 40 countries. Hundreds of hands prepared thousands of calories from all over the world. The volunteer work of parents, students and staff created this successful gourmet festival. 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 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 (ES, MS, US). In 2012–13, enough funds were available to purchase a superb portable PA system and five “Award Boards” that will be used to record the successes of our Middle and Upper Schools teams (in both sporting and academic events). Annie Li SCA Chair
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SCA Executive Board 2012–2013 Chair Annie Li Vice Chair Kerstin Stackmann Secretary Monica O’Mara Treasurer Adriana Glejberman Lower ES Rep Carmen Pignotti Upper ES Rep Cale McCausland
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From the School Community Association
MS Rep Kyoung A Jun Isolde Pettinella US Rep Angelika Kuehme Yvonne Smith Sport Boosters Rep Patricia Centracco Adult Education Hollin Cook Rebecca Farmer
Our Community At the International School of Prague, almost 800 students from ages 3–19, from 55 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 Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chechnya China 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 Netherlands New Zealand
Norway Pakistan Peru Philippines Poland Russia Slovakia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey UK Ukraine USA Venezuela Vietnam
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Financial Report
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Message from the Board Treasurer and Finance & Operations Director
We are pleased to report that the International School of Prague ended its 64th year of operations with steady enrollment (797 students) and a healthy financial picture.
A description of the school’s organizational structure is also included here. The structure is needed to comply with Czech and United States laws and to retain full governance by the School Board.
During the 2012–13 fiscal year the total operating revenue of the International School of Prague increased 2,2%, to €13.6 million. Tuition and fees accounted for 98% of combined institutional income for the year. Operating expenses decreased 2% to €12.8 million. As with most schools, salaries and benefits continue to represent the School’s greatest expense, at 69%. The School’s net operating surplus increased to €659 thousand in fiscal year 2012–13 compared to a surplus of €542 thousand of the previous year.
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, 2013 of the grouping of entities comprising the School, and demonstrate the overall financial health of the institution. Sincerely, Adrian Fowler Board Member and Treasurer Barry Freckmann Finance & Operations Director
Message from the Board Treasurer and Finance & Operations Director
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Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances Financial Oversight The Board of Trustees is responsible 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 longterm 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 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 begun 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, and 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. In June 2013 the Board authorized the temporary use of one-quarter of the Reserve in order to pay down the balance of debt owed on the School’s loan facility (see below). Organizational Structure The School is comprised of four (4) separate entities: a Czech limited liability company of not-for-profit
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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. This loan has a maturity date in 2025 – providing efficient and flexible funding to the School throughout that period – with an annual decrease of €1,000,000 per year in the maximum limit beginning next year. 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 will finance the recently announced “North Wing Project” expansion to the facility. Debt averaged over the academic year was €2.2 million (€0 million at June 30, 2013, subsequent to a temporary transfer from the Reserve).
Allocation of Expenses 2012–2013
Expenses 69 %
Salaries and benefits
24 %
Operational costs
6%
Depreciation and amortisation
1%
Interest expense Provisions Other operating expenses
Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances
85
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at June 30, 2013 (in thousands of EUR “TEUR”) June 30, 2013 2 749 18 094 962 21 805
June 30, 2012 2 749 18 592 1 177 22 518
Accounts Receivables and prepaid expenses Cash in hand and bank accounts incl Short-term receivables Other current assets Total current assets
357 8 911 45 9 313
1 917 8 725 12 10 654
TOTAL ASSETS
31 118
33 172
4 24 654 -7 875 1 853 18 636
4 24 592 -8 534 1 730 17 792
--381 381
2 036 385 2 421
Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred revenues Other current payables Total current payables
11 909 10 182 12 101
382 12 371 206 12 959
TOTAL LIABILITIES
31 118
33 172
Land Buildings Other fixed assets Total non‐-current assets
Registered capital Other funds Retained earnings Translation difference Total Equity Bank loans Other long term payables Long term payables
86
Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances
Consolidated Profit And Loss Account for the year ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands of EUR “TEUR”) Year ended June 30, 2013 13 331 19 289 13 639
Year ended June 30, 2012 13 130 37 134 13 301
8 780 3 086 791 39 5 74 12 775
8 596 3 299 821 149 43 111 13 019
864
282
-23
-30
Foreign exchange (expense) recovery, net
-182
290
Net profit/(loss)
659
542
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 Income Tax expense
Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances
87
Notes to Summarised special purpose consolidated financial information (a) Basis of Preparation
(b) Presentation Currency
The special purpose consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with General accounting principles applied in the Czech Republic except for the use of presentation currency (see Note b).
The special purpose consolidated financial information is presented in Euros, rounded to the nearest thousand. All figures are in thousands of Euro (TEUR), unless stated otherwise.
The accounting policies have been consistently applied to the results, gains and losses, assets and liabilities of the entities included in the special purpose consolidated financial information and are consistent with those used in the previous years except for the change related to the accounting of collected tuition fees received in the period 2012–13 for the upcoming period as short-term advances received, and as a result of this there were no receivables in this respect as at 30 June 2013. This change applied to the parent company only. The accounting principles have been applied consistently by the Group entities. The special purpose consolidated financial information is prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of the financial instruments.
88
Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances
All companies within the ISP 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 statements base their economic decision on information expressed in EUR. The assets and liabilities are translated into EUR at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date except for property, plant and equipment where foreign exchange rates valid in 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 exchange rates approximating the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. 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:Â
Date June 30, 2013 June 30, 2012 July 1, 2011
Closing exchange rate CZK/EUR 25.950 25.640 25.345
Average exchange rate CZK/EUR for the 12-month period 25.407 25.001 N/A
Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances
89
90
Organization, Legal Matters, and Finances
2012–2013 Annual Report Photo Credits: Boris Braun Jas Air CZ Andrea Koudelková Daniela Krejbichová Martin Mašín Lina Németh Ondřej Novák Amy Seymour Marko Stehlik (ISP Activities Association) Foto Škoda Darko Vukotic For information about the ISP Annual Report or to request additional copies, please contact advancement@isp.cz
International School of Prague | Nebušická 700, 164 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic phone: +420 220 384 111 | fax: +420 220 384 555 | e-mail: ispmail@isp.cz | website: www.isp.cz