A Reflection on Heritage: The rennovated Preschool Building

New Parents Reception

As the first weeks of school have passed by, IC gave a warm welcome to new IC parents at the Martin House reception hosted by President Joel Peinado and the Alumni and Advancement Office. We had the opportunity to meet and greet several enthusiastic parents, who were more than happy to share their thoughts and testimonials towards the choice they’ve made to enroll their children at IC.

Why did you choose IC?

I chose IC because their system of education is always updated. And it’s good reputation. The social work in it, the students are always happy. It has flexibility plus level of education.

-Rana Kassem

Obviously its one of the best schools in town. For the variety of the students and their backgrounds. The international concept that they adapt.

-Ghaida

I chose IC because I like the spirit IC gives. It’s different. Something that pushes the kid’s personalities. What it offers for them to build their personality as a whole, as a person. I think it’s very nice what they do. Plus I’ve never met an alumni from IC that’s not in love with his school. That’s why I love the school spirit actually.

-Samira Tahan

How are your kids liking IC?

My son is loving IC. He integrated very well. And his classmates are amazing. The orientation and the surroundings in the school are really good. I’m really happy as a mother that my son, when he’s going to school he is happy and is coming back happy. My daughter is really so excited to be in IC. Every day she wakes up so excited, today we have school, oh yay! And when i say it’s Saturday or Sunday, she says oopsie! She’s really so excited. So I’m happy too.

What are you hoping to gain from your time at IC?

So much. We are hoping for so much. We want him to be happy. We want him to be safe. We want him to make friends. We want him to learn. Get the best academics. Also to be social, to explore. To be well connected. For him to enjoy the many years to come.

-Karim and Nahma Karam

I am seeking to improve his personality here. I’m so concerned about this. I think that here at IC, they really work on the PYP system with up to date topics. This is very interesting for me. It gives them more awareness about everything, what’s happening around them. They are learning.

-Rouba Hammoud

Well for him, I hope that of course he gets a good education. He’s well surrounded by good people and he learns the important values. Kindness and honesty. The important things have nothing to do with the studying. That’s the main reason I enrolled him in IC. For me, I know that I will have my peace of mind with the right school and the right place.

-Samira Tahan

IC Clubs

Chalhoub Group Visit

On October 20th, 2022, the Chalhoub Group made a visit to IC.

The generosity of the Chalhoub Group has been foundational to the success and development of IC resources and programs. The very first major donation of Mr. Chalhoub was in 1993 with the purpose of improving the IC French program. In more recent years, $1 million dollars was donated towards the Elementary School Library, a beloved resource to parents and students alike. Additionally, a $250,000 pledge towards the University Admissions and Career Guidance Center has also been in the works. During the visit, Miss Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer, followed up on the progress made by the University Admissions and Career Guidance center. IC college advisor Inaar Zein was proud to share the positive numbers and data regarding high school senior admissions to universities across the country and abroad. So much of the success of this department is thanks to the hardworking team and the generosity of the Chalhoub group’s donations and constant support. Mrs. Bulte was also given a tour of the school and had the opportunity to see the Career Guidance Center and the impressive STEAM Lab.

Donald Selinger Visit

Donald Selinger October 2022 Visit

IC is always happy to welcome Mr. Donald Selinger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Throughout his visit this October, Mr. Selinger attended several meetings and dinners. Most importantly, he emphasized the importance of supporting IC through means of solidarity; particularly for the heroes holding up the backbone of the institution: our teachers. At IC, the Solidarity Fund has been an initiative to help compensate our hardworking staff and teachers during these times in Lebanon. While he was here, Mr. Selinger made it a point to praise IC on its ability to function as an institution, but also stressed the need for the community of parents with the ability to give back to the school, to consider doing so through the Solidarity Fund project.

Bay Area Reunion

On December 2, 2022, IC alumni met in San Mateo for a lovely reunion dinner with a wonderful turnout.

Mr. Moufid Beydoun, Vice President for Major Gifts and Interim Director of Alumni and Advancement gave a heartwarming speech to his fellow alumni. Mr. Beydoun spoke highly about the progress IC has been making, and thanked alumni for the support and involvement they have contributed towards the school. Furthermore, Mr. Beydoun emphasized the importance of those who have been making it possible for the school to run, given the circumstances here in Lebanon today. He spoke on the necessity of the solidarity fund, in order to provide support for the heroes of IC: our teachers and staff. Also during the event, young alumnus Tiffany Saade gave an enlightening speech on the significance of youth involvement and education for a better future for Lebanon. Tiffany was featured last year in the newsletter for her passionate speech at Stanford on the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. At this reunion, she alludes to this moment. She additionally credits her many successes, alongside her self-confidence and her eloquence in speaking thanks to her time at IC and the foundation it provided for her. “IC taught me how to carry its motto in every position I fill”, she states.

From Left to Right: Mr. Amr Salahieh ’84, Mr. Moufid Beydoun 64’ Mr. Khaled Nasr ’76, Mrs. Rania Fawaz, Mr. Mazen Haddad ’84, Mr. Ayman Fawaz ’78, Mrs. Christina Nasr , Mrs. Laila Salahieh

From Left to Right: Mr. Wael Barakat ’03, Mr. Ahmed Bleik ’01 Mrs. Maya Bleik, Mr. Moufid Beydoun ’64, Mr. Khaled Nasr ’76

From Left to Right: Mr. Hani Daou ’12. Mr. Wael Barakat ’03, Mr. Moufid Beydoun ’64 Mrs. Maya Bleik , Mr. Ahmad Bleik ’02, Mr. Nabil Saad ’85

From Left to Right: Mrs. Rima Yenikomshian, Mrs. Sonia Nader Sayigh, Mr. Moufid Beydoun ’64, Mr. Basim Sayigh ‘67, Mr. Agheg Yenikomshian ’64

From Left to Right: Mr. John Bowers, Mr. Fadi Cotran ‘72, Mrs. Nawal Cotran, Ms.Tiffany Saade ‘20, Mr. Jibran Jahsan ‘82, Mrs. Shawn Jahshan, Mrs. Linda Bowers

From Left to Right: Mr. Amr Salahieh ’84, Mr. Moufid Beydoun ’64, Mr. Khaled Nasr ’76