September 2026
Alumni Newsletter ISB’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
INSIDE THE WORLD OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BRUSSELS www.isb.be
Meet Our New Director
Dr. Allan Weston Dear ISB Alumni, It is a pleasure to introduce myself to the ISB Alumni Community as I begin my first year as Director of ISB. Originally from Australia, I have had the privilege of leading schools in the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Dubai and most recently Singapore. ISB is well known across the International School world as the Gold standard for International education and I am both honoured to be now part of the ISB community. Having joined the school during such a special year – marking 75 years of ISB – I feel particularly fortunate to be part of a community with such a rich history and so many stories to tell. One of the things I have enjoyed most since joining ISB has been hearing from alumni and learning about the experiences, friendships, and memories that have stayed with you long after leaving Brussels. There is something very special about seeing alumni return to campus, walking through familiar spaces, reconnecting with old friends and teachers, and sharing their stories with the next generation of the ISB community. As we celebrate this milestone year, I look forward to meeting many of you, both here on campus and through our alumni events and activities around the world. I hope that, whenever your journey brings you back to Brussels, you will feel that ISB is still a place you can call home. I look forward to celebrating the people and stories that have shaped ISB over the past 75 years. Best regards, Dr. Allan Weston ISB Director
▶ Watch Allan’s welcome message here.
The International School of Brussels
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ISB? A NEW SPACE FOR DISCOVERY
Take a look inside our new Lower School Science Lab!
RAIDERS ARE BACK
Our highest-ever number of players turned up for fall season sign-ups!
🏆 BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Our students are doing some pretty amazing things!
MEET OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES From international competitions to balancing training with the demands of the classroom, our students continue to show us what it means to pursue their passions with determination.
GABRIEL CLASS OF 2027 PROMISING ATHLETE Recognised by the Government of Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles for his achievements in hockey.
REBECCA GRADE 10 YOUNG TALENT Recognised as a ‘Young Talent’ in basketball by the Sports Minister for the second consecutive year.
NOORA CLASS OF 2027 RISING CHAMPION European Championship Bronze Medallist, and youngest-ever official medalist in European Championship Show Jumping history.
The International School of Brussels
CLASS OF 2026
OUTSTANDING RESULTS 2026 BTEC RESULTS
To the Class of 2026, Wherever you are in the world and whatever comes next, we’re wishing you the very best of luck as you begin this exciting new chapter. Stay curious, stay connected, and remember that ISB will always be part of your story. We can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you’ll go on to do! Good luck, Class of 2026!
KEEP IN TOUCH!
FROM OUR STUDENTS STUDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM MEET VERALUM
What if you could hear directly from students and alumni about what university is really like before making your decision? That’s the idea behind Veralum, a student-led project launched by two seniors, Class of 2027! With our incredibly diverse alumni community studying at universities around the world, we’d love your help in making this project a valuable resource for the next generation of students.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE THROUGH THIS SURVEY!
CLASS OF 2027 WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO WELCOME THE LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS IN OUR SCHOOL’S HISTORY!
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT From Brussels to Asia’s Leading Universities: Three ISB Graduates, Three Remarkable Journeys
SEJIN
CLASS OF 2026
RANIA
CLASS OF 2024
NENE
CLASS OF 2025
PSYCHOLOGY, YONGSEI UNIVERSITY “The rigour of the IBDP helped me develop strong critical-thinking, research, and creative problem solving skills. Participating in different clubs and activities at ISB also played an important role in my success. In particular, MUN helped me develop my public-speaking, collaboration, and communication skills.” SEJIN CHOI
CLASS OF 2026
UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO – FACULTY OF LAW “ISB taught me perseverance and how to keep challenging myself. ISB’s international and multicultural environment deepened my understanding of my own culture, while the many perspectives I encountered shaped and enriched who I am today.”
NENE YAMAMOTO CLASS OF 2025
GRANT GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE IN MUMBAI – BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY “The flexibility of combining AP courses with the US High School Diploma – and the personalised support from my teachers and counsellors – helped me pursue my goal of studying medicine.”
RANIA SAHU CLASS OF 2024
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Edward Flaherty Class of 1964
Landscape Architect & Author Three decades of international landscape architecture across the Middle East, North Africa and Western Europe
FROM ISB TO THE DESERT SANDS AND BEYOND What happens when an international education becomes the foundation for an international life? For Edward Flaherty, Class of 1964, his time at ISB was the beginning of a journey that would take him across the Middle East, North Africa and Western Europe as a landscape architect – and eventually inspire a sixnovel series. Looking back, Edward credits ISB with giving him the confidence to become “international.” Living in Brussels and attending ISB opened up a world he had never imagined. Boarding with a French-speaking family in Boitsfort, together with his French language courses at ISB, helped prepare him for future professional experiences in places such as Tangier and Istanbul. He remembers his ISB years through a collection of moments, from his first day at Denyer and the memorable instruction to “Take your hands out of your pockets!” to an unexpected spring afternoon when he and classmate Bernie Robinson skipped class to play golf at the Royal Golf Club of Belgium. Looking back, Edward sees that seemingly ordinary day as something more: “a first step to my becoming a landscape architect.” He also remembers the encouragement of his English and homeroom teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who wrote on one of his projects that he had good writing skills. Her words stayed with him – and perhaps proved more accurate than he realised at the time.
After three decades working internationally as a professional landscape architect, Edward has now completed his six-novel series, The Landscape Architect. The books draw on experiences from his international career, combining real-life events with adventure, romance, resilience and touches of low fantasy. Rather than writing a traditional memoir, Edward wanted to create stories that could introduce readers to unfamiliar landscapes and cultures, offer a glimpse into the realities of international professional life, and explore the personal journeys that unfold along the way. His work continues to be rooted in the same curiosity that shaped his professional life. From his final year at ISB to a career spanning continents and, now, six novels, Edward’s story is a reminder of how unexpected moments can shape the direction of a life.
CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER!
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Alumni Voices Thalia Nicas (Class of 1971) Thalia returned to Canada after ISB for university, where she earned a PhD in microbiology. She went on to spend 25 years in drug discovery at Eli Lilly and is now retired, living in Indianapolis with her husband, Lou. She describes her four years at ISB as an excellent preparation for university and a career in science, but especially values the broad liberal arts perspective she gained through challenging courses in literature, languages, and history. The emphasis on analytical thinking and writing skills served her well both professionally and personally.
Hans Hahne (Class of 1970) After graduating from ISB, Hans attended Cornell University before beginning his career with UPS in Germany, helping the company establish its operations there. In 1978, he became a McDonald’s franchisee in Germany, a career he pursued for 45 years before retiring. He has a son and a daughter, and continues to return to Brussels, where he especially enjoys spending time in the city. Hans remembers his time at ISB for the people he met, the friendships he made, and the independence he gained. Living with a Belgian family and being on his own for the first time gave him a new perspective and taught him valuable discipline.
Alumni Voices Richard Pattison (Class of 1971) Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Richard moved to Germany in 1965 and Brussels in 1967. After graduating from ISB, he attended Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Toledo College of Law, and has now been practising law for 47 years. Looking back, Richard describes his ISB experience as “unsurpassed”, and credits the school with helping him become smarter and more confident. Among his favourite memories is his time playing sports, including five varsity teams at ISB and baseball outside school during his senior year.
Nada Al-Farisi (Class of 1963) As the daughter of a diplomat, Nada and her sister attended ISB for three years before she went on to medical college, where she met her husband. Their lives took them to many different parts of the world, and, remarkably, Nada even reconnected with one of her ISB classmates years later in New Delhi. Although many years have passed, she says her memories of ISB remain vividly present. She remembers learning the importance of hard work and successfully building relationships with people from different backgrounds — experiences that stayed with her throughout her life.
The International School of Brussels
THE ISB COMMUNITY THEN & NOW ALUMNI VISITS Back at ISB! Our alumni are always more than welcome to come and visit the school. If you’re planning a trip to Brussels, fill in our Alumni Visit Form to arrange your visit – we’d love to see you!
This is Gary Fox and his wife! His sons, Michael and Gary Jr, attended the MS in the late 90's.
FORMER FACULTY & STAFF GATHERING A lovely Brussels reunion! Some of our former faculty and staff recently got together for some quality time, catching up and reminiscing about their time at ISB. It’s always wonderful to see our ISB community staying connected, wherever life takes them.
CLASS OF 1971 55-YEAR REUNION
A special reunion for the Class of 1971, who came together on campus to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate their lasting connection to ISB. What a wonderful way to come back home!
UPCOMING EVENTS: “Glowing memories” 50 years of ISB The Class of 1976 is organising their 50th reunion in Greenville, South Carolina, from 30 October to 1 November 2026. All events will take place at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville, a walkable area close to the airport.
RSVP HERE
CELEBRATE WITH US 75 YEARS OF ISB AND 55 YEARS OF HOMECOMING! RSVP HERE!
The International School of Brussels
Mentoring Notice Board MENTORS READY TO HELP Gloria Yehilevsky, Class of 2013: Vibraphone player, improviser, and composer based in London, working in the contemporary jazz scene and currently pursuing a PhD at Trinity Laban. Offering mentoring to anyone interested in pursuing a career in music, including career advice, industry insights, CV and job application guidance, and sharing personal and professional experiences. She also has a background in Psychology, which she combines with her work in music.
Dennis Smith, Class of 1980: Has worked in the mortgage industry since 1987 and as a financial advisor since 2014, offering a broad perspective on personal finance and company management. Also a long-time community volunteer and mentor to young adults. Offering mentoring around career advice, industry insights, CV and job application guidance, and balancing professional, family, community, and personal life.
LOOKING FOR A MENTOR Sol Maenhout, Class of 2025: Studying Sports Management and Business in Amsterdam and working in social media for professional football players. Looking to connect with alumni working in the sports and media industries for career advice, industry insights, and guidance on internship opportunities, including a 10-week internship starting in February 2027.
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Mentoring Notice Board ISB NEEDS YOUR HELP ISB’S REAL PROGRAMME
Residencies in Education and Learning Programme Know someone who could inspire the next generation? Help bring their expertise to ISB. Do you know an artist, entrepreneur, scientist, athlete, author, entrepreneur, designer or other expert who could inspire our students? Through ISB’s REAL Programme, students have the opportunity to learn directly from experts, practitioners, artists and community members. If you know someone who could bring something special to our students, we’d love to hear from you.
→ Find out about the REAL Programme HERE. ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: NESDA TOURNAMENT ISB will be hosting the NESDA Tournament from December 5–7, bringing together around 120 students from nine schools across Europe for a weekend of Speech, Debate and Acting. We’re looking for approximately 35 volunteer judges to help evaluate the different events, primarily on Saturday, with some sessions taking place on Sunday. No previous judging experience is required – guidance and support will be provided!
👉 Interested in volunteering? Sign up here and find out more about the different events you could help judge.
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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. Should you need any further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us at alumni@isb.be.
The International School of Brussels
ISB ANNUAL FUND No matter where life has taken you since ISB, you remain an important part of our story. Every year, gifts to the ISB Annual Fund help us go beyond what tuition alone can provide, supporting initiatives across our four strategic pillars. Your generosity creates exceptional opportunities for students, supports innovative faculty projects, enhances
campus
spaces,
and
ensures
that
future
generations of ISB students continue to thrive. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.
HELP THE FUTURE OF ISB THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN THE POWER OF EDUCATION CLICK HERE to donate
If you would like to leave a lasting mark on campus, you can also purchase a commemorative brick in our Memory Lane Brick Walkway. Whether
celebrating
your
years
at
ISB,
honouring
a
teacher,
remembering a special friendship, or marking a family connection to the school, your brick becomes a permanent part of ISB's history.
Did you know...? In 2001, the Walkway of Memories is constructed, paved with commemorative bricks donated by generations of students, faculty, and families.
Click here to purchase your Memory Lane Brick
The International School of Brussels
IN MEMORIAM It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Walther Hetzer, former High School Head at ISB. In addition to his cherished role as a father and husband, Walther was a dedicated educator who devoted his life to a passion for learning and to encouraging both curiosity and empathy in students, who were always at the heart of his work. Walther will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
The International School of Brussels