COMMUNITY UPDATE
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Busting an educational myth & sharing the magic of ISB. There is a big myth out there that a school cannot be inclusive and high-performing academically at the same time. This simply isn’t true; and ISB proves it. Let me explain. We are proud that our educational programmes are holistic and we value a wide range of learning outcomes. We have a long tradition and ongoing commitment to inclusion. Decades ago, ISB became one of the first international schools to believe enrolling a range of learners meant a better and more diverse learning community. We remain one of a handful of international schools globally to provide an integrated Intensive Learning Support programme. We employ a range of highly-skilled teachers with expertise in learning support, language acquisition and other specialisations. We embrace varied approaches to assessment, which includes standardised tests that enable us to compare our achievement levels to schools around the world. From grades 2-10 we conduct MAP (e.g. Measure of Academic Progress). We perform well above international averages, and looking at the data more closely we find that students attending ISB for 3 years score higher on average than those here for only 1 year. Our most recent grade 12 IB Diploma results were the highest in ISB’s history (against the global IBDP average): 5 points above the global average which is equal to or higher than all other schools in Belgium. This is even more impressive knowing that, unlike many other IB Diploma programmes, we are non-selective. The evidence is clear. ISB is high-performing academically and inclusive at the same time. And it is actually not magic. We do this by treating each student as an individual. Our teachers know your children. They care. We have a powerful mission that brings us together. We personalise learning. We would never claim to be perfect, but what we have here is very special and as we head into the holiday season it is a natural time to pause and reflect on the many good things we have in our lives and, I think, ISB is one of them.
James MacDonald ISB Director
Last week, we had the pleasure of interviewing a High School Entrepreneur, Krish Dhawan. Krish developed a mobile app, TinyBit, that provides a holistic solution for those with cognitive differences through a user-friendly interface. Discover TinyBit’s genesis in Krish’s interview below.
Can you tell us something about yourself ? I'm Krish, a Belgian-born Indian with a passion for technology and its potential to enhance our lives. From cutting-edge gadgets to creative problem-solving, I'm always eager to learn and explore how technology can make a positive impact. Whether tinkering with hardware, staying updated on tech trends, or diving into AI, I'm driven by the limitless possibilities technology offers Can you give us an overview of your project (Tinybit), explaining its purposes and key functions ? TinyBit provides a holistic solution for those with cognitive differences through a userfriendly interface with 9 tabs. The mood selector allows instant emotion communication and advice from the Guardian. Simplified alarm, calendar, and to-do list apps enhance navigation and connectivity. The text-to-speech translator aids vocally impaired users, while the weather tab recommends attire. The location tab ensures secure tracking for safety, with user-controlled sharing preferences. The video tab features community-driven content, sharing inspiring stories from individuals worldwide with cognitive abilities. You mentioned that TinyBit is currently in use in both MS and HS. What was the response? We started implementing the TinyBit app first at HS and then moved to MS. In conjunction with our portal for schools, which flawlessly communicates with the apps of the students, thus enabling schools to manage their students effectively. Currently, the app is functioning effectively thus contributing to independent learning.
What motivated and inspired you to work on this project? A loved one's transition from ISB to post-ISB marked a common challenge in managing tasks and medication for many facing cognitive disabilities. Recognising the widespread issue, I sought input and realised the need to enhance independence. Motivated by this, I began creating a prototype. Did you face any challenges during the process, and how did you overcome them? We faced challenges, notably with our weather API displaying inaccurate information in some countries. Addressing this with our development team was complex, requiring alternatives compliant with GDPR and Apple's policies. Collaborative discussions led us to identify a reliable API meeting our needs. This emphasised the significance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability in overcoming development challenges.
How did your learning experience at ISB help you in this development process? ISB's open-minded environment and international community allowed me to
What are your plans for the future development of TinyBit? Future plans for TinyBit include launching the app in additional languages beyond
integrate diverse perspectives into the app, addressing the issue from various viewpoints. This ensured adaptability to a broad spectrum of people and possibilities. ISB emphasised the importance of
English, French, and Spanish to enhance accessibility. We'll incorporate more usersuggested features and actively seek inspirational videos to strengthen our global community. Our ongoing digital marketing
prototypes and mock designs, bringing my ideas to life and facilitating efficient
aims to grow TinyBit's international community, encouraging more people to
communication with constant feedback. The overwhelming support from the ILS department was crucial in realising this app.
connect through our social media platforms.
Congratulations to our ISB Artists for performing at all of our Concerts and Events in December. We hope you were able to attend one of the fantastic performances in the Theatre to see the Arts in action!
We’d also like to thank all of the Parents who volunteered to be a member of C.A.S.T. (Creative Arts Support Team) and help with Concerts. If you’re interested in supporting the Performing Arts at ISB, please use this link to sign up for C.A.S.T.
ATHLETICS Reminder Winter Teams You can see the weekly schedule for more details on the Winter Teams. Remember, you can find Raider's relevant documents in the Athletics Resources.
There will be no after school activities nor supervision on Thursday 21 December. Activities will resume on Wednesday 10 January, 2024. There will be no school on the upcoming Professional Development Days on Monday 8 January and Tuesday 9 January, 2024. Full day supervision will be offered, please fill in the ad hoc form to sign up. The cost is 70 eur for the day from 8:30 - 17:00. The deadline to register is Friday 15 December. Have a wonderful end of year break!
ISB and the Food Bank Recently over 30 HS students have volunteered to sell vouchers for the Food Bank at the Proxy Delhaize next to school. The Food Bank distributes food via 676 partner organisations in Belgium as well as directly to more than 209,000 individuals per month. Delhaize has this initiative every year and this year it will run until the end of December 2023. At this time, Delhaize will donate food to the Food Bank, which is equivalent in value to the money that was raised across Belgium in their stores. In this way Delhaize and the Food Bank try to reduce food waste, as the Food Bank can specifically ask for the type of food that it needs. So far our students have sold vouchers to the value of 3585 Euro’s Vouchers are 3, 6 or 9 euros and you can still donate if you would like. Look for the vouchers next time you shop at Delhaize.
The Winter Break is almost here! As our community gets ready to travel to all parts of the world for the holiday, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made the FA such a welcoming community this year. In 2023 our members have shared advice, skills, conversation, and lots of laughter - helping make this school year truly special. If you have not yet joined an FA event, there are many wonderful opportunities to get involved in 2024. Mark your calendars to come and join the FA next year.
FA Classes restart on 16 January Language Classes (French and English) - Wednesday and Thursday mornings FA Yoga Classes - Tuesdays at 09:00 Group fitness class with Sylwia - day/time TBC What’s On In 2024 16 January - FA Meeting, 09:30-11:00, ISB Annex 18 January - Indian Cooking Class 19 January - Magritte Museum Guided Visit 22 January - Self-Defense Workshop (TBC) 23 February - Massage Workshop Save the Date 22 February - our next Brunch & Bubbles 9 June - ISB International Festival For event details and registration, please see the FA Update.
Connect with the FA:
UPCOMING EVENTS DATE
DETAILS
21 Dec
Half day of school - PM off
22 Dec - 5 Jan
End of the Year Break
8-9 Jan
PD Days (School not in session)
10 Jan
First day of school 2024