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Monthly Edition

Issue 25 • September 2026

IC # A PHONE-FREE

A PHONE-FREE IC : Making Space for What Matters At IC, going phone-free is not about taking something away. It is about making room for more.

As our Wellbeing Coordinator, Stephanie Wait, puts it:

A conversation that lasts a little longer.

“Creating a phone-free environment gives students the opportunity to reconnect with one another and with themselves. These everyday moments of conversation, play and connection are essential to building relationships, belonging and wellbeing.”

A game that starts spontaneously at break. A new friendship made at lunch. A question asked in class. A laugh shared without a screen in between. Starting this academic year, students will experience their school day without personal phones, creating more space to engage with their classmates, teachers and the world around them. School is about more than lessons. It is about the conversations, connections, discoveries and experiences that happen throughout the day.

IC # A PHONE-FREE

Going phone-free is part of our commitment to student wellbeing and to creating an environment where students can be present, participate fully and make the most of their time together. As we move From Potential to Performance, we are creating the conditions for our students to engage, connect and thrive. Sometimes, putting the phone away makes room for what matters most.

IC # A PHONE-FREE

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

In the News

International College Launches 2026–2027 Academic Year with “From Potential to Performance” International College officially launched the 2026– 2027 academic year with its annual plenary session, bringing faculty and staff together to reflect on a year of achievement and look ahead to a new year of growth, innovation, and continued excellence. Led by IC President Dr. Tobin I. Wait , the plenary introduced this year’s theme, “From Potential to Performance,” building on last year’s “Unlock Your Potential.” The new theme calls on the IC community to take the next step, turning potential into action, achievement, and meaningful impact. “We cannot simply continue doing what we have always done. We need to innovate and adapt, and look closely at what research is telling us about our practices. We’re taking a deep dive into the American Program and asking ourselves: How do we innovate? How do we stay at the cutting edge? And how do we continue to strengthen teaching and learning and best support our students? If we are going to move forward, we need to be willing to challenge our practices, embrace new ideas, and evolve with the needs of our students,” said Dr. Wait. The new academic year builds on an outstanding 2025– 2026, marked by excellent official examination results, exceptional university acceptances, and significant scholarship opportunities, including admissions to Ivy League institutions and full scholarships earned by IC graduates. Building on this momentum, IC will continue to advance

teaching and learning through new and expanded initiatives. Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be introduced in both the Middle School and High School, while external consultants in English and mathematics will continue to work with faculty to strengthen instructional practices. Professional learning will also be expanded through the Outreach Program, IB In-Coop workshops, and the launch of the IC AI Academy, alongside the introduction of Collegewide Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Student wellbeing will remain equally central to the IC experience. Building on ongoing efforts to foster connection and belonging, IC will become a phonefree school this year, reinforcing the importance of engagement, focus, and meaningful interaction within the school community. These priorities are grounded in IC’s EPIC Goals, Excel Academically, Promote Wellbeing, Inspire Service Learning, and Champion Leadership, and reflect the College’s continued commitment to preparing students not only to achieve, but to inspire, grow, and lead. The summer has also seen continued investment in IC’s learning environments across both campuses, with significant developments at Ain Aar forming part of a broader transformation that will be featured separately. As the new academic year begins, IC moves forward with a shared commitment to challenge what is possible, embrace what is next, and turn potential into performance.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

In the News

The Ain Aar Campus Enters a New Chapter As IC welcomes students back for the 2026–2027 academic year, the Ain Aar campus has undergone a series of significant improvements across learning, play, wellbeing, sports, and campus access, creating a more welcoming and functional environment for students and families. Over the summer, IC invested in a range of projects designed to enhance the everyday experience of the Ain Aar community. Learning spaces have been refreshed with new paint schemes, with softer tones selected with consideration for research on how the physical environment can influence student wellbeing, focus, and engagement. The Elementary School’s outdoor playground has been enhanced with new flooring, cross panels, and wall cladding. A new covered playground provides students with a comfortable space for outdoor activity throughout the year. A dedicated sensory wellbeing room has also been created, offering students a space designed to support their sensory and emotional needs.The campus’ sports facilities have also been upgraded with the installation of LED lighting on the Mulla Soccer Field, providing improved conditions for students and enhancing the campus’ athletic facilities. The upper entrance to the campus has also been remodelled, creating a more welcoming arrival point for students and families. IC also funded the completion of a 900-metre roadway around the campus, developed in collaboration with the Municipalities of Cornet Chahwan, Ain Aar, Beit El-Kikko, and Hbous. The new road enables one-way traffic flow during morning

drop-off and afternoon dismissal, significantly reducing congestion around the campus and creating a smoother experience for families and the surrounding community. “Our work at Ain Aar this summer focused on creating spaces that are more welcoming, purposeful, and responsive to the needs of our students,” said Rola Rahal, Director of Facilities. “Every improvement was designed with the student experience in mind, from learning and play spaces to wellbeing, sports, and campus access.” “These improvements are about more than refreshing the Ain Aar campus,” said Dr. Tobin I. Wait , President of International College. “They reflect our commitment to creating environments that support our students’ wellbeing, engagement, and learning, while continuing to invest in the experience of our entire community.” Welcome back to a renewed Ain Aar. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

In the News

IC Hosts IB Professional Development Workshops for Educators from Across Lebanon International College hosted a series of International Baccalaureate (IB) professional development workshops, bringing together 100 educators from IC and schools across Lebanon to strengthen teaching practices, build professional competencies, and deepen understanding of IB programmes. As an IB professional learning and training center, IC regularly provides opportunities for educators to engage in high-quality professional development, both within the IC community and beyond. This latest training brings together 32 educators from schools across Lebanon, alongside IC teachers, fostering collaboration and the exchange of expertise across the wider educational community. Held in cooperation with the INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ORGANIZATION (IBO), the programme features four specialized workshops designed to address key areas of teaching and learning across IB programmes: • Building Teacher Competencies – IB Ed-Cat 3 (English), led by Ola Itani • Principles of Equitable and Inclusive Education – IB Ed-Cat 3 (English), led by Elani McDonald, • Building Your IB Programme: Primary Years – PYP Cat 1 (English), led by Nehal Wanas

• Approaches to Teaching and Learning for DP/CP Classroom Teachers – DP/CP Cat 3 (English), led by Rania Jibai The workshops provide educators with opportunities to reflect on their practice, develop new strategies, and explore approaches that support effective, inclusive and student-centered learning. Through interactive sessions and professional dialogue, participants are able to share experiences and learn from one another while deepening their understanding of the IB framework. For IC, hosting these workshops reflects its continued commitment to professional learning, educational excellence, and collaboration across the Lebanese education community. By opening its training opportunities to educators from other schools, IC contributes to building a broader community of practice and supporting the continuous development of teachers beyond its own campuses.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Wellbeing / Early Childhood Ras Beirut

Play Is a Child’s Language. Learning, Wellbeing and Connection in Early Childhood For young children, play is far more than a pastime. It is a way of exploring the world, expressing ideas, building relationships and making sense of experiences. That was at the heart of the latest Cup by Cup, Book by Book parent learning session at IC Early Childhood, where parents and educators came together to explore the role of play in children’s learning, wellbeing and relationships. Drawing inspiration from The Way of Play by Tina Payne Bryson, PhD and Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT, RPT-S, the session invited parents to look at play through a different lens, not simply as something children do, but as a meaningful way for adults to connect with them and support their development. Play as a pathway to learning. For IC’s PYP Coordinator, Lina Jaroudi play is not an activity that sits alongside learning. It is an integral part of how young children learn. “In our PYP classes, play is the main instructional approach,” she explained. “It is research-based and proven to be a very effective way of promoting students’ learning, skills, content and dispositions.”

One of the key takeaways was the value of 10 minutes of intentional play with a child, time set aside to enter their world without distraction, follow their lead and truly connect. The goal is not simply to “play.” It is to use those moments intentionally, to learn how to play with children, name their emotions, help them work through feelings and create deeper connections. Through play, children can often explore experiences that may be difficult to express directly. As parents learn to recognize these opportunities, play can become another language for emotional connection. For parent Kim Issa Debbas, the value went beyond the strategies presented by the coordinators. “Some of the strategies discussed were new and really useful because they were shared by people who have been in education for a long time,” she said. “Even as a mom of three, I learned many things.” But she also highlighted another important part of the Cup by Cup, Book by Book experience: learning from one another.

Teachers continuously design play experiences that encourage children to investigate, experiment, communicate, collaborate and make connections.

“One of the most enriching things about these coffee mornings is when other moms share their opinions and experiences.”

“Our teachers are constantly working on designing play experiences that promote playful inquiry,” she added.

Meaningful play does not need to be complicated. It does not require elaborate activities, special materials or hours of uninterrupted time.

IC Wellbeing Coordinator Stephanie Wait brought another dimension to the conversation, how parents can use play to help children understand their emotions and strengthen their relationships.

Sometimes, it begins simply by joining a child in their world.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Civic Commitment and Service Learning

IC Responsibility Wellbeing

CCSL Takes Center Stage at Middle School Orientation As part of this year’s Middle School orientation, students from Grades 6 through 9 were introduced to the Civic Commitment and Service Learning (CCSL) Program, a four-year journey designed to empower students through meaningful volunteering, service learning, and community engagement. The orientation gave students a clear understanding of the CCSL journey and the important role they will play in their communities. Students explored the program’s main components: Fieldwork and Community Support Projects, Interdisciplinary and Service Learning Projects, Capacity Building Sessions, and E-Portfolio and Reflection. Through fieldwork and community support projects, students will have opportunities to address environmental, cultural, and humanitarian needs while collaborating with teachers, the CCSL team, and partner NGOs. Interdisciplinary Service Learning projects will further connect classroom learning to

real community needs and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students were also introduced to the Capacity Building component, which equips them with age-appropriate personal, social, and practical life skills, as well as the e-portfolio, where they will document their experiences and reflect on their growth throughout the year. The orientation also highlighted students’ responsibilities within the program, emphasizing active participation, commitment, initiative, teamwork, and reflection. As an integral part of the Middle School experience and a promotion requirement, CCSL encourages students not only to participate in service, but also to understand the impact they can have on others and their communities. Through this four-year journey, CCSL aims to nurture responsible, empathetic, and engaged global citizen leaders, reflecting International College’s commitment to learning, service, and positive community impact.

Civic Commitment and Service Learning Orientation Sessions The CCSL Team began visiting classes in the French Baccalaureate and Lebanese programs to introduce students to the program, its objectives, expectations, and requirements. The sessions emphasized CCSL’s alignment with IC’s mission, vision, and core values, while encouraging students to engage with community needs, apply their learning beyond the classroom, and develop as responsible global citizen leaders.

introduced to the different stages of the service-learning process, the importance of active participation and reflection, and the support available to them throughout the year. The sessions also highlighted the importance of regularly updating their e-portfolios, which serve as a record of their service-learning experiences, reflections, learning, and contributions throughout the year.

The CCSL Team also explained the modality of work, ensuring that students clearly understand what is expected of them throughout the year. Students were

At the end of the sessions, students voted for their CCSL representatives, who will help facilitate communication between their peers and the CCSL Team.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Athletics

Athletics Orientations: Building Skills, Confidence and Character The IC Athletics Department was proud to introduce and present the Athletics Program to the IC community during the student orientations, as well as parent orientations. The presentations provided students and parents with an overview of the complete athletic journey at IC, highlighting everything that takes place throughout

the season; from the initial tryout process and team selection to local and international tournaments, up until the Awards Night. Through these presentations, the Athletics Department aimed to give students and families a clear understanding of what it means to be part of IC Athletics.

Kicking off the Tryouts and Preparing for NESAC Season 1 The IC athletics department officially kicked off the new season with the start of team tryouts. The first week focused on JV and Varsity tryouts, giving our student-athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills as coaches began building their teams for the upcoming season. We are now in our second week of tryouts, with Middle School and Elementary School students taking the field and courts. It has been exciting to see so many students getting involved, challenging themselves, and embracing the opportunity to become part of IC Athletics.

With the season now underway, our teams are already looking ahead to an exciting competition calendar. The Athletics Department is currently preparing for the upcoming NESAC season in Swimming and Volleyball, with both JV and Varsity teams set to represent IC internationally. Our upcoming NESAC competitions include: • Varsity Volleyball: Kuwait • JV & Varsity Swimming: Dubai • JV Volleyball: Abu Dhabi

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE Issue 25 | September 2026

Athletics

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Students Life

Middle School Class Representatives Elections: Leadership Starts Here This week, the Middle School class representative elections took place, giving students the opportunity to experience leadership and student voice firsthand. Students who put themselves forward as candidates presented their speeches to their classmates, while their peers took part in the voting process. The experience encouraged students to communicate their ideas, make thoughtful decisions, and take responsibility for their role within the class community.

Through the elections, students had a meaningful opportunity to champion leadership by stepping forward, representing their peers, and making their voices heard.Congratulations to our newly elected class representatives, and to all the students who put themselves forward. We invite our teachers to join us in celebrating our new student leaders and encouraging them as they begin their leadership journey.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Students Life

Extracurricular Program 2026–2027: Leadership Beyond the Classroom On Tuesday, September 22, High School students took part in this year’s Club Fair, an opportunity to explore the many ways they can get involved, take initiative, and contribute to school life.In line with our school theme, “From Potential to Performance,” the fair encouraged students to move beyond their interests and abilities by putting them into action through meaningful participation and commitment. This year’s extracurricular program includes a wide range of opportunities, from Advanced Cinematic AI, Robotics, MUN, TEDx, and Debate to Drama, Band, Choir, Dance, Photography, Creative Writing, Hiking, Chess, Dabke, and Crochet and Upcycling.During the fair, students met club advisors, asked questions, and considered where they could best contribute, grow, and take on new responsibilities. The registration link was shared with students on Thursday, Septembr 24, 2026, and students may register for up to three clubs. Tthe program will begin on Thursday, October 1.In addition to the extracurricular clubs led by faculty and staff, student-led clubs will also give students the opportunity to take greater ownership, develop their ideas, and lead activities connected to their interests. The approved student-led clubs will begin during the second week of October and will be scheduled during recess periods. More information

will be shared at a later stage.Through participation, commitment, and initiative, clubs provide students with an important space to develop leadership beyond the classroom and turn their potential into performance.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Students Life

High School Class Representatives Elections: Leadership Starts Here On Tuesday, September 22, High School students took part in the 2026–2027 Class Representatives Elections, an important step in forming this year’s Council of Student Representatives.In line with our school theme, “From Potential to Performance,” students were encouraged to see leadership not simply as a position, but as a responsibility. Candidates were expected to demonstrate respect, reliability, initiative, and a genuine willingness to represent their classmates and contribute positively to school life. Before voting, eligible candidates delivered short speeches to their classes, giving them the opportunity to explain why they wished to serve and how they hoped to contribute. Each class elected two representatives through confidential voting, with students encouraged to listen carefully and make their choices responsibly and independently. The role of a Class Representative goes well beyond being elected. Representatives are expected to act as a link between students, advisors, teachers, and the

administration, communicate concerns and important information, participate in leadership training, and contribute actively to school initiatives and CSR committees. The elections also served as a reminder that leadership is built through everyday choices: listening to others, acting fairly, taking responsibility, and contributing to something larger than oneself. As emphasized to our senior students, leadership is not a prize; it is a responsibility.A sincere thank you goes to the High School Leadership Team, the Dean of Students, the Adviosrs, and the Floor Supervisors, for their support throughout the process. Their guidance helped ensure that the elections were conducted smoothly and provided students with a meaningful opportunity to practice leadership in action. Congratulations to all students who stepped forward to represent their classes. We look forward to seeing this year’s representatives help move our school from Potential to Performance.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Outreach

Supporting Public Schools Through Learning Resources and Sustainability: Sustaining Learning The Outreach Programme has continued coordination of the school’s support of the Ministry’s IB PYP pilot initiative for 11 public schools to achieve IB authorisation. In collaboration with Ras Beirut Elementary School, Ain Aar Earyl Chilhood and Elementary and Ain Aar Middle School as well as the Physical Plant’s Campus Services and Facilities & Maintenance Teams, and supported by the Educational Resources Centre, 190 boxes of learning resources were donated to these schools in

September, with the Hariri Foundation collecting and distributing. Materials included: Textbooks (separated by Grade level), Library Books (sorted into Arabic, English and French, and separated into Fiction and Non-Fiction), Manipulatives, Journals and Board Games. September also saw IC Outreach engaging with L’Écoute and Arcenciel to ensure effective recycling (including upcycling and repurposing) of defective or out-of-date EdTech resources.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Elementary School - Ain Aar

“Motto” Grade 3 B: Small Steps Big Potential The students created meaningful artifacts inspired by our school motto, “Inspire, Grow, Lead.” Through their creations, they explored what each word means to them and how they can demonstrate these values in their daily lives. They reflected on how they can inspire others through their actions and ideas, grow by learning

from their experiences and challenges, and lead by making responsible choices and positively contributing to their community. The students then presented their artifacts to their classmates, explaining the meaning behind their work and sharing how they can put the school motto into action.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Elementary School - Ain Aar

“ My Museum” Grade 3 B: Growing Through the Years The students created projects entitled “My Museum,” where they shared meaningful moments and artifacts that represent their identity and personal growth, related to the unit of inquiry “Who We Are”. They

explored how they have grown and changed from when they were babies until now, not only physically, but also in their interests, hobbies, preferences, thinking, feelings, and the things that are important to them.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Elementary School - Ain Aar

L’état d’esprit tourné vers les autres Du potentiel à la réussite Les élèves de CE2 ont réfléchi à l’attitude à adopter face à une situation-problème qui demande de se tourner vers les autres. Ils ont appris à se mettre à la place d’autrui, à écouter avec attention, à reconnaître les émotions et les besoins de chacun et à réfléchir à la manière dont leurs paroles et leurs actions peuvent avoir un impact sur les autres. Pour mettre ces apprentissages en pratique, les élèves ont ensuite joué de petites saynètes. À travers ces mises en situation, ils ont pu expérimenter concrètement

différentes façons d’écouter, d’aider, de soutenir et de prendre en compte le point de vue de l’autre. Enfin, chacun a formulé un engagement personnel, comme une petite charte de comportement : ce qu’il retient de l’activité et ce qu’il souhaite désormais mettre en œuvre au quotidien. Ces engagements, accompagnés des photos des saynètes, rendent visibles le chemin parcouru et les actions que les élèves choisissent pour contribuer positivement à leur communauté.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Middle School - Ain Aar

Three Changes Supporting Student Learning: Excel Academically This year, Middle School Ain Aar introduced three important changes designed to strengthen the learning experience and respond more intentionally to students’ needs. Classroom Rotation has students moving between subject-specific learning spaces throughout the day. Beyond making better use of our learning environments, these transitions provide opportunities for movement, a quick reset between lessons, and greater independence and organization. FLEX Support Sessions give students greater agency in their learning. Students reflect on where they need

additional practice, clarification, or support and select a FLEX session accordingly, with guidance from their teachers. Levelled Mathematics provides students with a learning pathway that better matches their current readiness. Through On-Level and Accelerated Mathematics, instruction, pace, and challenge can be more appropriately aligned with students’ learning needs while maintaining high expectations for all. While each initiative looks different, they share one purpose: creating the conditions for students to become more independent, engaged, and successful learners.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Middle School - Ain Aar

Launching a Year of Service Leadership and Connection The Ain Aar Civic Commitment and Service Learning (CCSL) Coordinator has been meeting with students from Grades 6 to 9 to launch this year’s CCSL journey. These sessions introduce students to the purpose of CCSL and encourage them to think about how they can contribute meaningfully to their school and wider community. Students are invited to recognize needs, explore opportunities for action, and understand that service is most meaningful when it grows from empathy and genuine engagement. The sessions also reinforce that students are not simply participants in service initiatives—they can be leaders and changemakers.

Through CCSL, we bring several of our EPIC goals together. We Inspire Service Learning by connecting learning with meaningful action and community needs. We Champion Leadership by giving students opportunities to take initiative, collaborate, make decisions, and contribute their ideas. We Promote Wellbeing by nurturing empathy, connection, belonging, and a sense of purpose. As students begin planning and participating in this year’s initiatives, we look forward to seeing them turn their ideas into action. Together, we continue to build a culture in which service, leadership, and wellbeing go hand in hand.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Elementary School - Ras Beirut

A Magical Musical Shadow Theater at Library Orientation This year’s library orientation hit a high note, literally! Students were captivated as their library teacher, Ms. Luna, brought a special musical shadow theater performance to life, inspired by the beloved picture book Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen. Through shimmering silhouette puppets and a captivating musical score, Ms. Luna transformed the story, and the library rules, into an unforgettable experience. The students were so delighted that they were soon chanting for an encore!

Beyond the magic of the performance, the experience offered a powerful creative learning opportunity. Our Grade 5 students, in particular, were inspired to reflect on the power of storytelling and how art, sound, and shadow can transform a narrative or message across different artistic forms and mediums. It was a marvelous kickoff to a year of reading, imagination, creativity, and discovery!

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Middle School - Ras Beirut

Engaging Students in Safety Rules and Classroom Routines As part of the Design Technology course, students engaged in a variety of interactive activities designed to reinforce safety rules, classroom routines, and procedures. These activities were adapted to suit each grade level and encouraged students to take an active role in their learning. These varied learning experiences fostered student agency by allowing students to actively contribute, make decisions, and take ownership of their learning while developing a strong understanding of safety expectations and procedures in the Design Technology environment.

Grade 6/6ème students reviewed safety concepts through a Snakes and Ladders game. Grade 7/5ème students participated in a Jeopardystyle challenge. Grade 8/4ème students took part in a buzzer-based contest, promoting teamwork, instant thinking, and active participation. Grade 9/3ème students used Nearpod to explore safety scenarios and share their understanding through interactive thumbs-up and thumbs-down responses.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Middle School - Ras Beirut

Back Through the Wardrobe! Our Grade 6 students stepped back into their novel reading with a fun team challenge based on their summer reading, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”! Working in groups, students moved through different challenges that required them to share ideas, listen to one another, make decisions together, and explain their choices. From matching clues to characters, to rebuilding the story’s events, to creating

a character sketch, every student had a role in helping the team succeed. The activity encouraged students to take responsibility, communicate confidently, support their teammates, and work toward a common goal. A great start to the year as our students practiced teamwork, communication, decision-making, and leadership while revisiting their summer reading!

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Middle School - Ras Beirut

Unlocking Potential, One Letter at a Time Following our recent hallway display where Grade 7C, 7D, and 4ème A students shared their aspirations for the year, our middle schoolers have now taken their reflection a step deeper. Continuing to explore this year’s theme, “From Potential to Performance,” students returned to their English sessions to write private, detailed “Letters to My Future Self.” While their bulletin board goals served as a public commitment to growth, these letters allowed students to dive into a more personal space—honestly detailing their current strengths, setting specific academic and personal milestones, and reflecting on the daily effort required to reach them.

Once completed, the letters were carefully gathered and sealed inside a special box, where they will remain untouched until the very last week of the school year. When the box is reopened in June, students will have the chance to read their original words, measure their progress, and see firsthand how their raw potential transformed into real performance. It stands as a powerful, tangible reminder that growth is a continuous journey—and that the steps we take today lay the foundation for tomorrow’s achievements.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Middle School - Ras Beirut

Leadership Partner: Growing Leaders Through Everyday Actions Each week, students explore a different leadership characteristic, reflect on how they have demonstrated it, and set a small goal for how they can practice it in the week ahead.

it in the week ahead. Through these conversations, students are learning that leadership is not only about having a title or position, but about taking ownership of our choices, actions, and commitments every day.

This week, our focus was Responsibility. Students reflected on the importance of being responsible as leaders and identified ways they demonstrated responsibility during the previous week or could practice

This ongoing routine supports our school goal of Champion Leadership by helping students build selfawareness and intentionally grow as leaders within their classrooms and school community.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

High School

Celebrating Our DP2 CSP Achievement During the first IBDP General Meeting on September 7, we had the pleasure of recognizing our DP2 students for their outstanding work on the Collaborative Science Project (CSP), completed at the end of their DP1 year as part of their IBDP experience. The CSP provided students with a meaningful opportunity to engage in scientific research while exploring a common topic through the perspectives of different scientific disciplines. Three groups were recognized for their exceptional projects, receiving awards for Most

Creative Project, Most Interdisciplinary Project, and Most Original Project. Mr . Sevag Atamian Assistant Principal, IBDP Coordinator extended his sincere thanks to the Science teachers for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the project, and to congratulate all our DP2 students for their dedication and for embracing this valuable opportunity to collaborate, investigate, and learn beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

High School

Curiosity: A Week of Positivety Begins with a Curious Mind On September 15, our High School students began another week of positivity through the theme of Curiosity. Across advisory classes, students were encouraged to look beyond first impressions, ask meaningful questions, explore different perspectives, and reflect on how curiosity can help us better understand ourselves and others. The theme quickly came to life through discussions, reflections, videos, creative activities, and classroom displays. More importantly, each advisory group approached curiosity from a slightly different

angle, allowing students to connect the theme to their own experiences. Across these advisory sessions, one message became increasingly clear. Curiosity is not simply about wanting to know more. It is about pausing before judging, asking before assuming, listening before deciding, and remaining open to perspectives beyond our own. It can lead to empathy, reflection, creativity, growth, and better decision-making.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

High School

IBDP Student Mentorship Program: Building Community Through Peer Mentorship This year, we are pleased to continue our IBDP Student Mentorship Program, connecting DP2 students with DP1 students to provide academic guidance, support, and first-hand advice as our new students navigate the Diploma Program. Each academic subject will have one or two designated student mentors from the DP2 classes who will have the opportunity to guide and share their experiences, offer practical advice, and serve as positive role models for their younger peers in DP1. We are particularly excited to have Ghazi Alameddine (DP2) to serve as the facilitator of the IBDP Student Mentorship Program. We look forward to seeing this student-led initiative strengthen our sense of community and encourage students to learn from and support one another.

IBDP Academic Resource Hub The IBDP Academic Resource Hub, established last year, continues to grow as a student-led initiative designed to provide our DP students with a centralized collection of useful academic resources, study materials, guides, and support. This year, two DP2 students, Haya Ramadan and Sarig Kalaydjian, are taking on the responsibility of developing and maintaining the Hub, organizing existing resources while collecting

and adding new materials throughout the year. The goal is to create a living resource that not only supports our current students but also continues to grow and benefit future IBDP cohorts. We look forward to seeing our students take ownership of this initiative and turn it into a valuable source of academic support for the entire DP community.

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

Wellbeing

Words from the Wellbeing Department What an amazing start to the 2026–27 school year!

Putting “Other People Matter” into Action

The Positivity Project is in full swing, and our students have already explored Curiosity, Teamwork, and Openmindedness. One of the most exciting parts of P2 is seeing students across all grade levels use a common language to talk about character strengths. Even our youngest learners in PreK are beginning to recognize these traits in themselves and others and share how they use them in the classroom and with their friends.

We have also had several Solution Teams in action during September. As a reminder, Solution Teams are used when a situation has moved beyond a typical conflict and into behaviors that may be considered bullying.

The learning is also moving beyond the P2 lessons. Classrooms are finding creative ways to reinforce each character strength through different subject areas, classroom activities, and displays throughout our campuses. It is wonderful to see the language of character becoming part of everyday conversations at IC. Looking Up and Connecting We are also beginning to see some positive changes since becoming a phone-free school. During breaks, we are noticing more students looking up, talking, laughing, and engaging with one another rather than being focused on their phones. Some students have even shared that while they were not initially excited about the policy, they are now enjoying the opportunity to connect more with their friends. Several parents have also commented on changes they are noticing in their children’s phone use at home.

While consequences can be an important part of addressing behavior, changing behavior often requires something more. Through guided conversations, perspective-taking, empathy, and the courage of students who are willing to become upstanders, we can help students understand the impact of their actions and make more positive choices moving forward. At the heart of both P2 and No Bully is a simple but powerful idea: Other People Matter. Growing Our Wellbeing Team The Wellbeing Department is growing! We are excited to welcome Ms. Dunia Yassine from Ras Beirut Elementary School to the Wellbeing Department. With Dunia joining the team, we are now a team of two working together to build on the positive momentum across IC. We are making a conscious effort to be visible and accessible across our schools, working alongside students, teachers, and staff to promote positive relationships, strengthen our sense of belonging, and support a healthy school culture.

As a community, we are now exploring ways to build on this momentum by creating more opportunities for students to connect, play, move, and simply enjoy being together. Some libraries are opening during designated breaks for reading, chess, and board games, while we are also looking at additional spaces around campus that can encourage exercise, movement, and play.

There is so much happening in wellbeing across IC, and we are excited about where this year is heading!

These small changes are helping us create a school environment where connection and belonging are part of everyday campus life.

— The Wellbeing Department

Please visit the Wellbeing page on the IC website to learn more about the programs and initiatives taking place across our campuses.

A special thanks to all those who contributed to writing the articles

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE

Issue 25 | September 2026

In the Press

What does it mean to choose IC?

In L’Orient-Le Jour, a feature on how Francophone families in Lebanon choose their children’s education looks at what makes IC a distinctive choice. From our French Program and international outlook

to our multicultural community, student-centered approach and pathways to universities in Lebanon and around the world, the article offers an interesting look at the many dimensions of the IC experience.

Read the full feature in L’Orient-Le Jour

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