Alumni Newsletter - December 2025

DECEMBER 2025

NEWSLETTER

DIRECTOR’S LETTER Dear Alumni, As we approach the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible year for our Alumni Community. From the lively reunions in London, Amsterdam, and Madrid, to countless revived connections and stories shared, it has been truly wonderful to see so many of you come together to celebrate your ISB memories.

Looking ahead to 2026, there is so much to look forward to! We are especially excited about our big alumni reunion, Summerfest, on campus in June, which will also kick off our 75th Anniversary celebrations. This promises to be an unforgettable gathering, with fun activities, inspiring conversations, and opportunities to reconnect across generations. We warmly invite all alumni to join! Stay tuned for more information!

Beyond our reunions, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who contributed to the Annual Fund in 2025. Your generosity and continued belief in our mission make a real and lasting difference. The Annual Fund helps fuel ISB’s four strategic pillars: personalised learning, exceptional education, connected international community, and future focused. Every contribution, big or small, ensures that current and future students have the best possible experiences at ISB. Finally, I want to thank all of you for keeping the ISB spirit alive around the world. Whether you’ve joined us at a reunion, shared your stories, or simply stayed connected, your engagement strengthens our global community.

We hope to see many of you at an event soon, and wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy start to the new year!

With warm regards,

James MacDonald ISB Director

The International School of Brussels

ISB NEWS THE ISB JOURNEY

Today, 19 December, marks the last day of school in 2025 at ISB, as our students head off for a well-deserved holiday break. What a year it’s been!

Before we close the chapter on 2025, we’re excited to share a very special video that celebrates the ISB journey, from those first tiny backpacks in ECC all the way to graduation day.

Follow Lillian, Ben, and Eren from the Class of 2026 as they look back on their 15 years at ISB and reflect on the friendships, challenges, and defining moments that shaped who they are today. Their story is a reminder of how quickly our students grow into the leaders, thinkers, and global citizens who soon join our alumni community!

We hope you enjoy this heartfelt look at their ISB journey.

ISB NEWS CASE AWARDS

We’re delighted to share some exciting news: ISB has been recognised in the Best of CASE Europe Awards, part of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)’s Circle of Excellence Awards for 2024–25.

Both of our submissions were selected as winners this year: our Student Engagement campaign to elect and name our new mascot, and our All Alumni Reunion – Summerfest 2024. We’re especially proud that Summerfest was recognised as one of this year’s standout community engagement projects!

Bringing together alumni from around the world was truly a milestone moment for ISB, and this recognition celebrates the strength, warmth, and spirit of our global alumni network.

And we’re not stopping there.

We can’t wait to welcome you back for the second edition of Summerfest this June, which will be even bigger as it marks the start of our 75th Anniversary celebrations. We hope to see many of you on campus once again!

Thank you for being such an important part of what makes the ISB community extraordinary.

ISB NEWS

CLASS OF 2026, UNCONDITIONAL UNIVERSITY OFFERS We’re also proud to highlight the accomplishments of our Class of 2026, who are already making their mark as they prepare to join the ISB alumni community.

Pippa,

Gonzague,

Alejandro,

and

Jonathan have each received an unconditional

offer

to

study

at

Bocconi University, one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions. Pippa, Gonzague,

and

Alejandro

will

be

pursuing International Economics & Management, study

while

Jonathan

will

International

Politics

&

Government. All four are completing the IB Diploma, a pathway that has nurtured their academic curiosity, global

awareness,

and

approach to learning.

balanced

We also celebrate Pyper Davis, who

has

earned

unconditional History

at

offer

the

an

to

study

University

of

Edinburgh, a prestigious Russell Group university ranked among the top in the world. Pyper is completing the US High School Diploma

with

AP

courses,

demonstrating

the

diverse

pathways

available

to

ISB

students.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to

seeing

all

that

they

will

accomplish as they take their next steps!

Soon as ISB ALUMNI!

READ HERE

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @alumnisb & join alumnisb.be

ALUMNI REUNION 6 MARCH 2O26 STOCKHOLM, SE

RSVP HERE

London is calling: ISST Alumni Social We’re excited to share the first-ever ISST Alumni Social, a unique gathering bringing together alumni from all the schools that make up the International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) community.

Whether you competed in ISST events or simply shared the international school experience, this evening is for you!

Reconnect with fellow ISB alumni, reunite with former competitors, and meet new friends who share the international school experience.

RSVP HERE

INTERNATIONAL‌

FESTIVAL‌

21 MARCH 2026

Parade of nations | International booths Family games | Face painting | Performances Music | Food & drinks from around the world Global treats | Raffle

SUMMER

FEST

2026‌ 13 JUNE 2026‌ CAMPUS‌ ‌ISB CAMPUS‌

DATE‌ SAVE THE DATE‌ RSVP & more info in January. Stay tuned!

NOTE FROM CLASS OF 1976 Dear ISBers, We are excited to invite you to the Class of 1976’s 50th (yikes) reunion in Greenville, South Carolina Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2026. We welcome any class that hung out with us and there were many!

Downtown Greenville is a beautiful, walkable, active town 13.4 miles from the airport so if you are flying in we recommend taking Uber to the Hyatt. All reunion events are also conveniently held at the Hyatt. We developed a website isb1976reunion.com with the details of the reunion with links to make your hotel reservations and register for the reunion. We recommend registering as soon as possible to give us the opportunity to add more rooms if we exceed our room block.

We expect a record number! Has it really been 50 years?! À bientôt, Curt Kohlheyer ’76 Jane (Martin) Kohlheyer ’76 Lynn (Mundie) Hepner ’76 Steve Gutzman ‘76

RSVP HERE

REUNIONS RECAP 2000 CLASS OF EUNION 25 YEAR R

LONDON ALUMNI REU NION

REUNIONS RECAP AMSTERDAM ALUMNI RE UNION

EUNION MADRID ALUMNI R

The International School of Brussels

MENTORING NOTICE BOARD MENTORS READY TO HELP Knowledge & Data Julien Van de Casteele (Class of 2007): Julien holds a BA and MA in Business Engineering from UCL, Belgium. Currently working at Doctors Without Borders as Knowledge Manager and Data Analyst. Offers career advice, industry insights, guidance on work-life balance, and shares personal and professional experiences.

Entertainment Ryan Ward (Class of 2004): Entertainment lawyer based in Santa Monica, California, with experience in scripted and unscripted television, as well as intellectual property litigation. Offers career advice and guidance, industry insights, CV and job application support, and shares personal and professional experiences, particularly for those considering a career in entertainment in the U.S.

Sports Ian Rogers (Parent of Class of 2025): Based in New Zealand, Ian has had an extensive career in sports management and marketing, with a focus on soccer, including coaching and talent development. Offers career advice, industry insights, and shares personal and professional experiences, particularly for students interested in sports management or pursuing a career in soccer.

Business Hans Hahne (Class of 1970): After graduating from ISB and Cornell University, Hans spent four years in management at UPS before becoming a McDonald’s franchisee for 45 years in Germany. Offers career advice and guidance in business, particularly hospitality, including finance, HR, operations, and practical insights. Also happy to share personal experiences and assistance with CVs and job applications.

6

MENTORS READY TO HELP Operations & Technology Nathan Bradfield (Class of 1993): Vice President of Operations for a US government contractor specialising in technology integration, including security and access control, telecom, and AV. Offers career advice, industry insights, and guidance for anyone seeking direction in the tech and operations fields.

MENTORING REQUESTS Carolina Dantas (Class of 2024): Undergraduate student in Economics and Finance with a strong interest in policy making and international relations.

Seeking advice on employability, traineeships, and career pathways in international economics or policy fields.

Theo van der Meerschen (Class of 2020): Born in Paris and raised in Belgium, Theo has always been driven by curiosity about people, wellbeing, and human motivation, interests that have shaped both his travels and his current work. He is seeking mentoring to support the development of GRIG, a mental-health tool currently being implemented at IE University in New York. Theo is looking to connect with therapists interested in integrating GRIG into their practice, as well as alumni with contacts in schools or universities that prioritise student wellbeing. He welcomes any introductions, insights, or collaborations that could help advance accessible mental-health support.

Sofía Navas Gnesdilova (Class of 2019): BSc in Biochemistry and MSc in Genetics & Evolution, studied in Spain. Passionate about neuroscience, clinical genetics, personalised medicine, and science communication. Currently seeking mentoring and advice on internship and job opportunities in these fields, and welcomes insights into career pathways and industry opportunities.

6

The International School of Brussels

ISB NEEDS YOUR HELP

Our students need YOU!

This Summer 2026, ISB is offering Grade 9–11 students meaningful work experience through our World of Work Programme, giving them a chance to explore real-world careers.

We’re looking for two-week, full-time, unpaid placements between 29 June and 21 August, where students can contribute to projects and learn from professionals.

If your organisation can host a student, please fill out this form. Your support is essential to making this programme possible!

For more info about World of Work, click here.

Calling Alumni in Sport Business!

Are you working or pursuing a career in Sport Business? The BTEC Sport team is looking to connect with alumni and community members to share their experiences with current students.

Your insights into sports business, from technological advancements to customer engagement, can help inspire and guide our students. Whether through virtual Q&A sessions, sharing case studies, or contributing to project-based learning, your involvement would be invaluable.

Interested? Fill out this form to get involved!

Alumni Parents Meet-up Aulia Beg, ISB alumna from Class of 2009, has reached out to explore creating a sub-group for ISB alumni in London who are parents of young children. The idea is to bring together alumni mums and dads with children under five for relaxed, family-friendly meet-ups, such as playdates in parks, visits to baby-friendly museums, or attending local playgroups and activities.

If you’re an ISB alum living in London and would be interested in connecting with fellow alumni parents and their little ones, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out via email at aulia.beg@gmail.com to express your interest and help get this new alumni group started.

If you find a mentor who aligns with your needs and you'd like to connect, please feel free to reach out to them through the Alumni Platform.

6

If you can’t find them or need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at alumni@isb.be and we’ll be happy to put you in touch.

Calling TCKs in Social Enterprise!

We’re sharing an exciting research opportunity for ISB alumni: Justin Bedard is conducting a study exploring the journeys of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who are working in social enterprises or as social entrepreneurs.

The project aims to understand how an international upbringing shapes purpose, leadership, identity, and long-term career paths in the social impact sector.

WHO IS A TCK? Someone who spent a significant part of their developmental years in a culture different from their parents’ or passport country. TCKs often experience frequent moves, attend international schools, and grow up in multicultural environments.

WHEN?

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Interviews will be conducted

Alumni

between 10 - 31 January, 2026.

enterprises or are social entrepreneurs - individuals

who

are

currently

involved

in

social

using entrepreneurial methods to create lasting social or environmental impact.

WHAT’S INVOLVED? A brief 20–30 minute Zoom interview. Informal and reflective discussion on: What early experiences from your international/TCK upbringing shaped your understanding of inequality, community, or responsibility?

Was there a moment in school (CAS, service, leadership, outdoor programs, etc.) that shifted how you saw your role in the world?

How has being a TCK helped or challenged you in your social enterprise or social impact work today?

INTERESTED? If this sounds like you, or you know a fellow alumni who fits this profile, please reach out to Justin directly at: jbedard@jumpfoundation.org

ANNUAL FUND WRAP UP

2025 WITH

IMPACT

As we wrap up 2025, help us wrap our students in opportunity.

This holiday season, join our Annual Fund.

Every gift, in any amount, truly matters. Your support fuels the four pillars that shape the ISB experience for today’s students.

MAKE YOUR 2025 COUNT. GIVE TODAY.

Join us in shaping the future of ISB Join

us

in

shaping

the

future

together! We can ensure that ISB continues to lead in education, to nurture

well-rounded

individuals,

and to make a lasting difference in the world. By contributing to the ISB Annual Fund, you play a vital role in helping us fulfil our mission.

Giving to the ISB Annual Fund is easy and impactful.

CLICK HERE to donate

Thank

you

for

your

support.

Your

generosity inspires us to dream bigger and achieve more. Together, we are building a future where every ISB student has the opportunity to excel and make a meaningful

impact.

Thank

you

for

believing in the power of education and for joining us on this journey.

MACIEJ STRUPCZEWSKI CLASS OF 2018

“ISB made me feel like a child going to Hogwarts.”

Maciej Strupczewski, Class of 2018 Brussels-based sculptor and visual artist Maciej has spent more than 13 years building a rigorous daily artistic practice, one that has led to both collective and solo exhibitions across the city. His journey in the arts, however, began long before the studio: it began at ISB. For Maciej, ISB wasn’t just a school, it was a community that offered safety, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.

Maciej’s artistic practice centers on crafting organic, dream-like sculptures that blur the lines between emotion and form. Working primarily with plaster and gypsum, he has developed a signature technique for colouring, glazing, and shaping these materials into unique crystal formations, marine-inspired structures, and otherworldly creatures.

Each piece acts as a physical translation of his inner emotional landscape - an attempt to give shape to the layered, shifting, deeply human world of feeling.

Click here to dive deeper into his artistic universe

The International School of Brussels

Claire Oberst Class of 2012

Claire, ISB alumna, is a Brussels-based artist, photographer, and publisher whose work sits at the crossroads of art, design, and storytelling. Since returning to Brussels in 2019, she has collaborated with contemporary artists, galleries, and independent publishing houses, producing publications, press content, exhibitions, and visual communications.

In 2023, she founded Eclair Publishing, a publishing house dedicated

to

thoughtfully

crafted

art

catalogues

and

photography series, combining her passion for editorial design,

artisanal

bookmaking,

and

contemporary

art.

Alongside her professional practice, Claire exhibits analog photography and develops creative projects that highlight narrative, detail, and artistic expression.

Discover her work here

Alumni Experience Kas Kalba Class of 1962 As a member of ISB’s very first graduating class in 1962, Kas took the “international” in ISB’s name seriously from the very beginning. Over the past six decades, he has worked across more than 100 countries as a digital consultant.

Somewhat ironically, his global career has led him to focus on those who remain off the web, a topic he is now exploring in a book.

Kas fondly remembers the close-knit nature of his ISB experience, from inspiring teachers and unforgettable classmates to learning resilience on the soccer field. His advice to today’s students is simple and timeless: while the world can be explored online, nothing compares to learning through face-to-face experiences.

Andrew Sillett, Class of 2006 Andrew is now an academic at Oxford, where his work focuses on expanding access to high-quality education for as many learners as possible. He describes his time at ISB as utterly transformative, shaping both his sense of self and his understanding of the wider world.

At ISB, Andrew learned the importance of valuing every member of a learning community, particularly the school’s commitment to inclusivity and support for students with diverse learning needs. One of his most memorable experiences was the sixth-grade trip to Florence, which inspired his lifelong belief in aspirational, enriching education.

The International School of Brussels

In Loving Memory MARGARET MADDERN FORMER EMPLOYEE Margaret Maddern, who taught English and ELD at the High School from 1983 to 1997, retiring as Head of Department, died on 21 October 2025. Margaret was born in Carlisle (England) and spent her early teaching career in the UK. She then had a very happy 15 years at ISB, made lifelong friends on the Faculty, and spoke very fondly of the many students she taught.

After

retirement,

she

and

husband

Terry

enjoyed

travelling, socialising with ISB and other Brussels friends, attending concerts and playing golf. In 2016, they returned to the UK and a new life in Berkshire.

Her dedication to teaching and the ISB community left a lasting impact on both students and colleagues, and she is fondly remembered as part of the school’s rich history and spirit.

SETH FOX FORMER STUDENT CLASS OF 1993 We are saddened to remember Seth

Fox,

an

ISB

alumnus

dedication

and

passion

left

a

lasting mark on all who knew him.

Seth was known for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to telling meaningful stories, whether covering global events, cultural milestones, or personal narratives that inspired audiences.

The outpouring of memories and support from those who knew him reflects the profound impact of his life and work. He will be remembered not only for his professional brilliance but also for his warmth, generosity, and the lasting impact he had on colleagues, friends, and family around the world. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy continues to inspire all who knew him.

Happy H

FROM AL AT I

Holidays

LL OF US ISB!

The International School of Brussels