DIRECTOR’SUPDATE
DearCommunity,
ThepastcoupleofweeksatISBhavebeenfullofenergyandconnection,highlighting whatmakesourcommunitysospecial.
Last weekend, we celebrated one of the most anticipated events of the year –Homecoming It was great to see so many families and alumni back on campus, cheering on the Raiders, enjoying local food trucks, and reconnecting with friends. SpecialcongratulationstotheClassof2000,whomarkedtheir25-yearreunionand reflectedonhowISBhasgrownandevolvedovertheyears.Mysincerethankstoour Athletics, Alumni, and Campus Support Teams for making this event another memorablesuccess
Earlierthisweek,wewerehonouredtowelcomeProfessorYongZhao,aleadingvoicein educationalresearch,whometwithparents,students,andfacultytoexploretheroleof AIineducationHismessagereinforcedoursharedbeliefthateducationshouldnurture individualstrengthsandpassionswhilefosteringself-agency–theconfidenceand abilitytotakeownershipoftheirlearning.AtISB,wearecommittedtoexploringhow innovationandpersonalisationcanhelpourstudentsdeveloptheskillstothriveina rapidlychangingworldThesediscussionsareanimportantpartofhowISBcontinuesto ensurethatourstudentsaretrulyfuture-ready
Looking ahead, the ISB Board of Trustees has announced the selection of Dr. Allan WestonasournewSchoolDirector,beginninginAugust2026.Allanwillvisitcampusthis springtomeetourcommunityandbeginthetransitionprocess Iamconfidenthis experience and leadership will guide ISB toward continued excellence in the years ahead.
ThankyouforyourcontinuedtrustandenthusiasmasweworktogethertowardISB's brightfuture
Wishingyouagreatweekend!
JamesMacDonald ISBDirector
PATHWAYTOACADEMICEXCELLENCE
CELEBRATING ISB’S
TOP AP ACHIEVERS
ThisfeaturehighlightstheinspiringjourneysofISB’soutstandingAPscholarswhohave pursued diverse academic paths around the world From Valentina Accorsi of Argentina, now studying Psychology and Organisational Studies at the University of Michigan, to Junhwan Choi and Eunsu Choi of South Korea, both excelling in Economics and Communications respectively . Each student shares how the AP programempoweredthemtothinkcritically,challengethemselves,anddiscovertheir passions.
Their stories showcase how ISB’s flexible curriculum and supportive teachers nurture bothacademicexcellenceandpersonalgrowth,helpingstudentsthriveincompetitive universitiesworldwide.
Readthefullpublicationtoexploretheirjourneysandinsightsindetailhere.
ISBARTS
MiddleSchoolMusicMagic!
Huge congratulations to our amazing Middle School Music students who rocked the In-House Music Retreat on 8 October. Studentstookpartinahigh-energySTOMPstyle body percussion session with Beat GoesOn,bustedsomemovesinadance workshopwithSTUArtsDance,battleditout in Music Trivia, and got hands-on in a special Green workshop linking musicmakingwithenvironmentalconsciousness, community responsibility, and real-world purpose
IBTheatreTakesLondon
Our IB Theatre students had a fantastic experience in London at the ISTA Theatre Symposium This immersive experience saw them devising original theatre, staging play texts, exploring global theatre traditions, and diving deep into theatre theory. To top it off, theyexperiencedfouraward-winningWestEnd productionsiniconictheatres
HighSchoolProduction–Lovin’It
We’rethrilledtoannouncethatticketsforourHighSchoolTheatreProduction,Lovin’It,goon saleMonday,20October.NewZealandplaywrightJoRandersonencompassestheTheatreof theAbsurd,whereitisn'tjustastyle,it'sasuffocating,hilarious,inescapablereality.It’sbizarre. It’sprofoundIt’sunmissableGrabyourticketsatwww.isb.be/ticketsbeforethey’regone!
HOMECOMINGWRAPUP
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Homecoming 2025!
It was an incredible day celebratingourRaidersspirit, connecting as a community, andcheeringonouramazing athletics teams. A special shoutouttoourMiddleSchool performers for their fantastic show and to everyone who cameouttosupport
Relive the highlights, watch theHomecoming2025wrapupvideo!Allthepicturesare alsoavailablehere.
AmericanFootballRemainUndefeated
ISBcameoutontopinthebattleoftheundefeatedteams,beatingAFNorth20-6 Alex,Ben, andJonathanallhadtouchdowns.EzrahadtwointerceptionsandTerryhadanincredible19 tacklesinthegame.
VarsityBoysSoccerGoHeadtoHeadAgainstASH
What..A...Night.Ourboysbattledwithgrit,perseverance,andpassiontotakedownASHina thrilling3-2Homecomingvictory!Fromstarttofinish,theyfoughtforeveryball,andthe energyofoursurroundingscarriedustovictory.
Saturday’sgamewasahardfoughtbattlewiththeRaiderscomingupshort2-3 Thisonemay godownasalossonthescoreboard,butitwasagamethatprovedwhoweare,ateamthat neverquits,neverfolds,andfightstogetherthroughouteverychallenge.
JVGirlsVolleyballWinSixStraightSets
BigwinsfortheJVgirls,withsomeoftheirstrongestvolleyballplayedsofarthisseasonagainst ASHonFriday Eachplayerhadstellarmoments;withbighits,servingstreaks,strongblocks, and overall great defensive and offensive game play. Saturday was also a win, with ASH pushingbackforclosersets.WaytogoRaiders!
U14Tenniswin21of24AgainstASH
OurISBU14tennisteamdeliveredanoutstandingperformanceagainstASH,winning21outof 24matches!
Theplayersshowedgreatteamwork,determination,andspiritthroughoutSaturday'smatches. SpecialshoutoutsgotoourmixeddoubleBobby&ZoeandourCaptainsElizaandHenryGwho went undefeated across all their matches, singles and doubles, leading the team with consistentandconfidentplay.
FormoreupcominggamesandmatchescheckouttheISBRaidersWeeklySchedule.
WearealreadyhalfwaythroughtheFallSeason Wehavebeenluckywiththeweatherand havebeentakingadvantageofourbeautifulcampusandforest Wewouldliketothankour wonderful team of instructors who put all their energy into sharing their passion and knowledge
TheWinterschedulewillbeavailableontheportalby17November.Thesignupwilltakeplace viaSchoolsbuddyfrom26-30NovemberThewinterseasondatesare8December-18March Ifyoudonothaveyourloginandpassword,pleaseemailourITdepartment WewisheveryoneaniceFallbreak!
ISBSTEM
ILoveScienceFestival
OurG5studentsenjoyedadayofscienceexplorationattheILoveScienceFestivalonFriday,10 October,wheretheyexploredavarietyofactivitiesandhands-onexperimentsfromcoding androboticstobicyclesandbuilding.Bysigningupforsessionsthatespeciallyinterested themandbyfreelychoosingwhichadditionalactivitiestoparticipatein,ourstudentsengaged inatrulypersonalisedexperience
Lookingahead,theywillnowapplythesamecuriositytheyhadatthefestivaltotheirown scienceexperiments,astheygetreadyfortheG5ScienceFairnextmonth!
THEMUSEUMOFMAGICALTHINGS
ThisyearourECCinauguratedacaptivatingnewlearningspace Fullofinterestingantiques, paintings,dimmedcolourfullights,andhundredsofdifferentscenariostolearnthrough,the ECC Museum of Magical Things is everyone’s new favourite classroom. Part of the drama programme,thisspaceimmersesstudentsintostoriesthroughwhichtheylearntocreateand collaborate Rootedinourearlyyearsphilosophyofplay-basedlearningandexploration,this isawonderfulinitiativetoengagestudentsingreatstorytellingandimaginativeexercisesas partoftheircurriculum
ReadmoreaboutTheMuseumofMagicalThingshereandwatchthevideobelow!
We had an incredible time last weekend as we celebrated our ISBHomecoming2025! Kicking off with an energetic parade, musical performances, and inspiring speeches by current and former student-athletes The community then enjoyed the evening together, with delicious offerings from the many food and drinks stalls A heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteered to help everything run seamlessly – you made it all possible! And a special shoutout to all the ISB athletes who truly embodied Raiders pride as we cheered for you on FridayandSaturday.
MarkYourCalendars!
Please mark your calendars for upcoming FA events this fall, including our popular Brunch & Bubbles on 5 November We also encourage you to join one of the manyFAClubs,andnewonesareregularlyadded.
FirstInternationalFestivalmeeting-Monday,20October9:30-11:00,annexlounge FALunch-Wednesday22Octoberat12:30.BistraNoissetteattheFaubourg21Hotel.
Music Night - Thursday 23 October at 19:30. Musica Mundi School, Rue de la Croix 21A, Waterloo
ISBDadsBeerOuting-23Octoberat19:00,LaPorteNoire
Brunch&Bubbles-ISBChateau,Wednesday,5November11:00-13:00
LowerSchoolHarvestFestival-Saturday,8November,14:00-17:00
HypnotherapyWorkshop-Friday,14November
PerfumeWorkshop-Wednesday,19November
FaceYogaWorkshop-Friday,21November
PadelSocialNight-Friday,21Novemberat20:00
LebaneseCookingClass-November(dateTBD)
Getinvolved,stayactiveandconnectwiththeISBFAActivities!
From yoga and language lessons to forest walks, cycling, and parent sports meetups, the ISB Family Association offers countless ways to stay active, connect, and be part of our community Whether you’re looking to join a photo club, practice tennis, explore the forest, or meet other ISB parents, there’s something for everyone. Find your next activity and join us, explorethefulllistofclasses,wellnessactivities,andclubsinourlatestFACompass!
HEALTHOFFICE
SeasonalGastroenteritis-Prevention
What Is Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach flu) is an infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. It’s usually caused by viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus), but can also result from bacteria or contaminated food
Prevention Tips
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (door handles, counters, bathroom areas)
Avoid sharing utensils, cups, towels, or food when someone is sick
Stay home if you have vomiting or diarrhea
Cook food thoroughly and keep it at safe temperatures.
Remember
Common Symptoms
Symptoms usually last 1–3 days, but can last longer in some cases
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Mild fever
Headache or body aches
Fatigue and loss of appetite
Treatment and Care
There is no specific cure – most people recover on their own with rest and fluids
Stay hydrated Eat light foods (plain rice, toast, bananas)
Avoid dairy and greasy foods
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if you notice signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, little or no urination).
How It Spreads
Even tiny traces of vomit or stool can carry the virus
Contact with an infected person
Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
When to Stay Home
To prevent spreading the illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhea
Gastroenteritisisverycontagious,stayinghomeandpracticinggoodhygieneprotectsyou, yourfamily,friends,andcoworkers.
OTHERNEWS
ANTEFestival
Thisweekend,ourISBChâteauwillbepartoftheBrusselsBiennialofNeoclassicism–ANTE Festival.TheeventwillshowcasethearchitecturaltreasuresofBrusselsoriginatingfrom1780to 1920–aperiodmarkedbymorethanacenturyofevolution,transition,disruption,andbold stylisticandtechnicalexperimentation
TheChâteauhasbeenchosentofeatureamongotherremarkablevenuesthatwillbevisited thisweekendon18and19October.Weareveryexcitedtoshareourculturallegacywiththe widerpublic!
YouwillfindourbeautifulChâteaulistedatnumber16underthislink
CirqueduSoleil
Cirque du Soleil have extended their special discount for the ISB community for more dates this fall.BookthespectacularAlegriashowviatheselinks inFrenchorinEnglish.
ThisfallISBwillbeorganisingtailoredLowerSchoolandUpperSchoolOpenDayEventstoshow parentswhoarenewtoBrusselsorinterestedinchangingschoolswhatourprogrammesand communityhavetooffer
LowerSchoolOpenDays
12Novemberfrom14:00-16:00
10Decemberfrom14:00-16:00
UpperSchoolOpenDay
19Novemberfrom14:00-16:00
ShouldyouhaveanyfamilymembersorfriendswhoarecuriousaboutISB,invitethemtocome learnmoreaboutpersonalisedlearningandtomeetourteam!Registrationsviatheforms here
Kattenberg19,B-1170Brussels,Belgium +3226614211 reception@isbbe wwwisbbe
