Developing Minds
Developing Character
Developing
Community
Issue 01. Respect and Collaboration
60 Years of Respect & Collaboration
At ISA, respect and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. They form the foundation of our international community, shaping how we learn, grow, and connect with each other. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, this issue highlights the ways in which these values are embedded in our daily lives—whether through the creation of intentional spaces that foster collaboration, initiatives to build a stronger school community, or personal stories from our diverse members.
In this issue, you will find:
• A look at our ongoing Space Transformation Project, which aims to design learning environments that promotes wellbeing and collaboration.
• Highlights of the Middle School Orientation, where the Anne Frank House’s Karen Polak taught students the importance of becoming upstanders in support of each other.
• Stories from our community members, sharing how ISA has shaped their understanding of respect, diversity, and global citizenship.
As you read through these articles, we hope you’ll see how the principles of respect and collaboration guide everything we do at ISA, helping us create a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment for all.
1964 - 2024
Building Community: Grade 6 Become Upstanders at the Middle School Orientation
The transition from Lower to Upper School can be an intimidating experience for some students. However, forming friendships and connections with their Grade 6 peers can help students to feel more at ease with their new school experience.
ISA Middle School students received a jumpstart to this experience at their special orientation event. Taking place on 21 August, students learnt what to expect in Grade 6, where their classes are located, and how they can access support if they need to.
At ISA, we encourage students to intervene and support victims, promoting a culture where they feel able to actively speak out against bullying and cyberbullying. As part of the orientation event, we held a Middle School assembly, where we were lucky to have Karen Polak as our guest speaker. Karen works at the Anne Frank House and leads the international Stories that Move team. ISA has collaborated with the team for several years to develop the Stories That Move Toolbox, an interactive online teaching resource against discrimination.
During the assembly, the new Middle Schoolers were introduced to the important concept of being an ‘upstander’ for each other. Upstanders are those who notice bullying behaviour and use words or actions to help someone who is being bullied. This is different from being a bystander—someone who notices bullying behaviour but does not or cannot help.
Upstanders can be an important part of the solution to stopping bullying. Karen talked to the students about the importance of being an upstander and reminded them that young people have a powerful voice to be heard in the fight against discrimination and bullying. She said:
“Connecting with Middle School students at the first assembly of the new year was wonderful. The impact young people’s voices can have is powerful to share: the main message of Stories that Move is that you can use your voice to make a difference. ISA is unique in having a Stories that Move CAS club. We at the Anne Frank House look forward to hearing about their activities and continued exchanges with educators and students on how best to reach out to a growing community of upstanders.”
To end the orientation event, Grade 6 completed a scavenger hunt and ended the day with popsicles, giving them an opportunity to connect with each other and form friendships. As they embark on this new journey, they will learn that respect and collaboration are essential to creating a supportive environment. The next step for the Middle Schoolers is the coming Grade Level Days, which will allow them to deepen these connections as we continue to build a strong Middle School community.
Assistant Head of Upper School Amanda Kirkham said, “Building a Middle School Community at the start of the year is so important as it gives all students a real sense of belonging; this is valuable for our new students who have joined us this year. Community building in Middle School focuses on respecting yourself, respecting each other, and respecting the environment.”
ISA Kickstarts a Space Transformation Project
As we begin a new school year, ISA is excited to announce a Space Transformation Project that aims to enhance our learning environment. This initiative follows a series of summer improvements aligned with ISA’s Long-Term Maintenance Plan (LTMP), designed to foster a sense of community and respect for our shared space.
Twenty-eight years ago, we opened the doors of our current campus, purposefully designed for intentional and profound learning. While our “Pink Castle” (as our campus building is affectionately known) undergoes ongoing maintenance and yearly major improvements, we continually reflect on how our environment can best support teaching and learning while nurturing the well-being of our community members.
In the summer of 2024, School Director Dr. Bernadette Carmody and Head of Facilities
Alex Hannam met with the original architect of the ISA campus, Max van Huut. He intentionally created spaces that encourage collaborative, engaging, and active learning. The green walls, ample natural light, and easy access to the outdoors demonstrate that our spaces were designed to foster well-being and connection.
For the past few months, ISA’s leadership team has assessed proposals from three architecture firms to support this transformative project.
The original architects of our campus also joined the conversation. As our understanding of teaching and learning has evolved over the last 28 years, our primary focus has been to define what the future of education at ISA looks like and how our spaces can best serve that vision.
Through a bidding process, tp bennett was chosen as the best partner for this undertaking. They share similar values to ISA—prioritising diversity and inclusion, honouring heritage, and acting sustainably. For 100 years, they have collaborated with major institutions, including schools, hospitals, hotels, and residential constructions.
Jane Crowhurst, Director at tp bennett, firmly believes that architecture can advance profound student-centred development, emphasising that learning environments need to inspire curiosity and encourage autonomy. For Jane and her team, it is essential that our desired learning culture drives intentional architectural change. The newly designed spaces will not only promote collaboration among students but will also reflect our commitment to respecting and valuing each member of our community.
Just as the original campus was designed both by and for its community—with students, teachers, parents, staff, architects, and expert consultants contributing to the design—we aim to engage stakeholders at every level in this project. We will share more information about this exciting initiative in the coming months, so keep an eye out for updates!
60 Years, 60 Voices
The next school year marks our 60th anniversary as an institution dedicated to educating for international understanding. In celebration of this milestone, we will be sharing 60 stories from our diverse community of students, parents, staff, and alumni. These stories represent the rich legacy of respect, collaboration, and shared experiences that have shaped ISA into the vibrant community it is today.
Lisa Verkerk retired last year after 25 years at ISA and most recently served as our PYP and Project Zero Coordinator. Reflecting on her time at the school, she shared, “Being at ISA, I truly felt that I was contributing to something greater than myself and that I was making a difference in the lives of my students and my colleagues, however small that might be.”
Lisa's memorable experiences included 17 years as a Grade 4 and Grade 5 teacher, followed by eight years as the PYP Coordinator and 16 years as the Project Zero Coordinator. One of her favourite projects was working with Grade 4 and Grade 5 students in the Green Team organic garden, which she found incredibly enjoyable.
For her, teaching was a profoundly rewarding endeavour. “Students and colleagues give you so much companionship and affection. No two days are ever the same, so you will never get bored.” Lisa encourages current ISA students to embrace the opportunities life offers: “If you stay open-minded and can embrace change, you’ll find so many possibilities ahead of you.”
Jordan Jimenez, a proud graduate of the ISA Class of 2013, joined the school in Grade 6 and has fond memories of her time there. She shared, “Every time I share my experience at ISA, I realise how lucky I am to have had such an incredible journey.”
When asked to describe ISA in one word, Jordan chose “Energetic!” This energy was particularly evident during her time on the sports team with friends Edwin, Simon, Pepijn, and Roy, where she created unforgettable memories and learned valuable life lessons.
Jordan feels a deep sense of pride when discussing her experiences at ISA. “Every time I speak to someone about my high school or middle school experience, I realise how different it was compared to many of my friends and co-workers. ISA provides students with incredible resources and support to empower them toward success. I am proud to have been a part of a school that cares so deeply about the global community, education, and every individual—who they are and what they bring to class every day.”
Lucy Killeen retired last year after 27 years of dedicated service at ISA, most recently as the Lower School Learning Support Coordinator. Looking back on her journey, she shared, “ISA has had an amazing impact and positive influence on my life. In some ways, ISA was a lifeline for me when I moved to the Netherlands from Ireland.”
Lucy fondly recalls how ISA allowed her to connect with people from diverse nationalities and cultures, significantly enriching her professional and personal life. “My most memorable experience was just having met and spent time with my wonderful colleagues and students,” she said.
Her advice for those looking to enter the field of education emphasises the importance of focusing on the whole child: “Put the child at the centre of everything you do, looking at both their strengths and areas for growth.” She chose this path out of admiration for the resilience and determination she observed in her students as they faced barriers to learning.
Lucy encourages current ISA students to fully embrace the opportunities the school offers, stating, “Carry your understanding and knowledge out into the world to build a better future and make it a better place.”
Teresa James, an ISA Alumni Parent and former School Governor, reflects fondly on her family’s experience at ISA, where she left with her two daughters in 1997. “ISA was always welcoming to all peoples and to new ideas,” she shared.
For Teresa, the most memorable aspect of her time at ISA was “the joy of multicultural relationships and international understanding.” This vibrant community fostered connections that enriched her family’s experience and contributed to their growth.
Sheli Goldis, a graduate of the ISA Class of 2022, recently returned to campus to share her experiences with current Grade 11 students. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I basically grew up alongside ISA. It has been a component of my whole upbringing and will forever have an impact on who I am as a person.”
Currently studying International Business Administration and serving as an Economics tutor at Erasmus University RSM, Sheli credits her time at ISA for shaping her future. “ISA has been instrumental in my personal development,” she explained.
As she looks toward a career in consulting, Sheli shared her passion for problem-solving and teamwork. “I love working in a small team, and I encourage students to get involved in activities like Model United Nations (MUN), Debate Club, or any service project to build their teamwork and leadership skills.”
For current ISA students, she offers practical advice: “Use calendar tools early, and establish your own routine and way of studying. I would really emphasise that students learn how to study, not just what to study.”
ISA Celebrates Kinderboekenweek!
From 7 to 11 October, ISA joyfully celebrated Kinderboekenweek, an annual event dedicated to Dutch children's literature. This year's festivities were a wonderful occasion that highlighted the importance of reading and fostered a sense of community.
The ISA Lower School Libraries were thrilled to welcome special guest readers to library lessons as part of the celebration, including from the Dutch and PE departments. This initiative not only enriched our students' reading experiences but also encouraged respect for diverse voices and stories, showcasing the power of literature to unite us.
Across the country, schools, public libraries, and bookshops hosted a variety of events that celebrated the joy of reading. As part of the Kinderboekenweek celebrations, students practiced the Dutch Kinderboekenweek song, supported by their families at home.
Overall, the Kinderboekenweek celebrations at ISA were a wonderful reminder of the magic of reading and the strength of our community coming together through literature.
“Kinderboekenweek is a wonderful opportunity to connect our students with the rich culture and stories of the Netherlands, fostering a love for reading while deepening their understanding of our host country's language and traditions. We hope to build bridges between our diverse school community and the Dutch cultural heritage through children's literature, inspiring curiosity and empathy in every student,” shared Nathalie, ISA's Lower School Librarian.
