COMMUNITY UPDATE
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Dear Community Members, I would like to take another opportunity to welcome everyone back after our break and, of course, from the snow days this week. As it is the start of the new calendar year, it seems like an appropriate time to draw attention to some upcoming events which, when showcased together, highlight both the breadth and the quality of an ISB education. Looking ahead to March, we are excited to be hosting a school-wide visual arts exhibit, from 18 March to 29 March. I am personally excited to see all the ways in which our students from across the school express themselves artistically. As the date approaches, we will share more information and would encourage all parents to drop by. Mark your calendars for the weekend of 7-9 June, which will host the SummerFest. The weekend begins with a celebration of our seniors, as their graduation is on Friday, 7 June. Throughout this weekend, hundreds of former students from around the world will be returning to ISB for a series of alumni reunion events. They will also be among the thousands expected to attend the amazing, FA-sponsored and managed, International Festival happening on Sunday, 9 June. It promises to be one of the biggest community gatherings in the history of ISB, and we are very excited. In May, as it happens every year, many of our senior students will be sitting external examinations, including our IB exams. Our team has put together five ways our IBDP is special, and even if your child is not in high school, it is well worth clicking through the visuals, as it tells you a lot about ISB. Finally, did you know that in July we are hosting the Elite Week Athlete Recruitment Camp, aimed at both talent development and identification of athletes for possible scholarships at US universities? Coaches from several Division 1 US colleges will be at ISB, delivering workshops, training sessions, and inspiring both ISB students and students from around Europe to work hard and to pursue their dreams. The registration details for this unique opportunity will be announced soon. As mentioned, this is just a sample of what 2024 has in store for ISB, and a reminder that many pieces combined are needed to create a world class, holistic education.
James MacDonald ISB Director
Last week, we had the pleasure of interviewing HS senior and threesport athlete, Ilona Przyszczykowski. Ilona is a HS senior three-sport athlete, practising volleyball, basketball, and track and field. In this interview, she provides insight into the flexible and supportive environment fostered by her teachers and coaches, and shares her techniques for excelling both in athletics and academically.
Can you tell us something about yourself? I'm Ilona Przyszczykowski, a half Belgian, half French senior at ISB. I spent most of my life in Flanders, with three years in Hong Kong, learning English and attending international schools. Currently, I'm pursuing the IB program with higher levels in mathematics, economics, and biology. I lead a club I created, offering advice on maintaining balance as a student-athlete, focusing on academics. My main sports at ISB are volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
How did you start being interested in sports? From childhood, I explored judo, sailing, and gymnastics, enjoying the new skills and diverse experiences they offered. Discovering the positive impact of sports on academics and energy levels, I found that engaging in sports improved my focus in class. It also provided a mental break from school, and as I changed schools frequently, sports became a means to connect with new people.
What can you tell us about the learning experience of a three-sport athlete at ISB? Being a three-sport athlete at ISB offers an enriching and supportive learning experience. The sports community feels like a second family, fostering strong bonds with teammates who share common goals. This environment has honed diverse skills applicable to academic pursuits. Throughout my ISB years, sports facilitated personal growth and leadership opportunities. As a team captain, I improved communication and leadership skills while fostering teamwork. Teachers and coaches show understanding and flexibility, benefiting both academic and athletic progress. This support creates a pleasant atmosphere for learning. Balancing academics, social life, and sports prepares me well for university life, emphasising time management. Grateful for the opportunities, being a three-sport athlete at ISB provides a strong foundation for managing diverse responsibilities and challenges.
How do you balance practising three sports with keeping great academic performance? To stay on top of my workload, I've formed a habit of completing homework on the day it's assigned, avoiding last-minute rushes. I leverage pressure and stress to my advantage, tackling tasks even when fatigued after practice or games. For busy weeks, I proactively advance in classes by watching videos and taking notes ahead of upcoming tests. This minimises stress during game-packed days. Utilising to-do lists, I set specific deadlines for tasks, motivating myself to stay organised. My effective time-management skills, honed through balancing three sports with academics, have become second nature. The key lesson is taking each day as it comes.
What is challenging about being a threesport athlete at ISB? How do you overcome these challenges and what motivates you the most? Balancing sports and academics, especially as a senior in the IBDP, can be overwhelming, leading to a lack of motivation after practice or games. Despite having high expectations and ambitious goals, I sometimes feel frustrated and lost. To regain motivation, I turn to my family and focus on my personal/academic goals. Discussing my feelings with my family helps me create a plan for a fresh perspective. Breaking down assignments into smaller tasks boosts motivation as I cross items off my to-do list. Utilising flextime to meet with teachers keeps me accountable. My older brother's work ethic and achievements inspire me to persevere and give my best effort. During tough times, I remind myself of the importance of taking breaks and clearing my mind.
We hit the ground running in the New Year, with auditions for the Middle School production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and for the High School studio production of Almost, Maine, taking place this week. Well done to all the students who put themselves forward to take part in these exciting and challenging shows! The cast lists will be communicated very soon, and the rehearsals for both shows will be starting from 22 January, on Mondays and Wednesdays. On 23 January, we will welcome back Art-Ed Net, a visiting theatre company coming to the ISB Theatre with their production of 1984. The first showing is at 9:00 -10:30 during A block and the first part of PL. The audience will be formed by 4 English Classes, and is open to other HS Teachers who wish to bring their students. The second performance will be between 14:00-15:40 at the end of C block and during all of D block, open for 286 9th and 10th grade students and their teachers. Another exciting update is that from 26 to 28 January, our G9/10 theatre students will be heading to London for a weekend of West End shows, backstage tours, and professional workshops. It promises to be an experience to be remembered.
ATHLETICS You can view the weekly schedule for more details on all the ISB Winter Teams. This information can be found in the Athletics Resources on the ISB Community Portal, as well.
L’Olivier Elderly Home L’Olivier is an elderly home located in Uccle. Once a month, a group of approximately 8 students volunteer to engage in fun activities with the residents. The ultimate goal is to develop a relationship with the residents and to bring some light and happiness into their lives. A week before the scheduled visit, the volunteers meet during lunch to plan the activities and to organise the schedule for the visit. As new residents join us every session, and some have trouble remembering us, we always begin the visits with a presentation during which we introduce ourselves and answer any questions they might have about us and our lives. This is a really special time as some residents open up and tell us about their lives, ultimately resulting in us bonding over shared life experiences. Once the activities are set up and running, the student volunteers disperse and engage with the residents in a more personal way. The residents are happy and grateful for this additional attention, and the students look forward to these visits.
For the third year running, ISB will be providing an exciting opportunity for students in grades 9, 10, and 11, through the World of Work Experience Programme, during the Summer of 2024. The goals of the programme are to prepare students for life beyond ISB and to create authentic opportunities for them to experience ‘real-life’ work environments. The World of Work Experience Programme consists of a two-week full-time placement. As the emphasis is on gathering a first work experience, students will not be paid for their participation. The application deadline for students is 9 February 2024.
We are looking for a range of host organisations located in Belgium that can offer two weeks of work experience during the summer months (between end of June to mid August). If you think your organisation can offer a student work experience placement please complete this form. All information - both for students and for companies - can be found in this document.
HEALTH OFFICE As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment for all students, staff, and families, we would like to remind you of the importance of keeping your child at home in the event of illness. During these cold winter months, a comforting get-well tea can help soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and provide warmth. Here is a simple recipe for a homemade get-well tea: Ingredients: 1 cup hot water 1-2 teaspoons honey (to taste) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced 1-2 cloves Optional: a dash of cinnamon Ginger may help soothe a sore throat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Honey can provide a soothing effect on the throat and has antibacterial properties. Lemon adds vitamin C and a pleasant citrus flavour. Cloves have antimicrobial properties and can add a hint of warmth. This tea is meant to provide comfort and hydration. If you have any specific health concerns or conditions, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the health office.
Welcome back to school, and to 2024! The FA has a lot in store for you this winter. 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 at one of our workshops, classes, or events.
FA Classes Language Class (French and English) - Wednesday and Thursday mornings FA Yoga Class - Tuesdays at 09:00 Group Fitness Class with Sylwia - Tuesdays at 13:00 What’s On In 2024 22 January, 10:00 - 11:30 - FA Self Defense Workshop 23 January, 09:30 - 11:00 - FA Operations Meeting 22 February, 09:30 - 11:00 - Brunch & Bubbles 23 February, 10:00 - 12:00 - In-chair Massage Workshop Save the Date 9 June - ISB International Festival For event details and registration, please see the FA Updates
Family Association Informal Social Event For MS Parents We would love you to join us for an informal get together and an opportunity to simply connect with other MS parents. When: Tuesday, 30 January at 12.30 pm Where: Fox Food Market - Bd du Souverain 25, 1170, Watermael-Boitsfort
Connect with the FA
UPCOMING WORKSHOP Parenting Course: STEP – Systematic Training for Effective Parenting for parents of children grades K-5 The objective of the course is to help enhance parenting skills, understand children's behaviour, and build self-esteem, communication, and healthy family relationships. The course involves six 1.5-hour sessions. Some of the topics that will be covered include: Understanding yourself and your child Encouraging your child and yourself Listening and talking to your child Helping young children to cooperate Discipline that makes sense When: from Monday, 19 February 2024 at 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and every Monday after that, for six sessions Where: Chateau Loft I Each parent will receive a book titled Parent’s Guide. The format of the class includes video, reading, and discussion. Participation in the course is free, whereas the price of the book is €22. To participate, please fill in the sign-up form by 5 February 2024.