DIRECTOR’SUPDATE
DearCommunity,
Itfeelslikethisyearhasgonebyfasterthanever,withthisbeingourlastCommunity Updateof2024-25!It’sbeenanothergreatyearatISB,andtheeventsofthepastfew weekshaveallowedustocelebratethemanythingsthatmakeISBsospecial.
The first week of June was all about celebrating our graduating class through the annual Seniors’ Parade, Award Ceremony for outstanding achievements, and culminating with the Graduation Ceremony on 6 June, marking the Class of 2025’s readinesstoembarkontheirexcitingnewpaths.Iwouldliketo,onceagain,thankour dedicatededucatorsforallthehardworktheyputintoensuringthatfromECCtoHS, both inside and outside the classroom, our students are included, challenged, and successful.Thisiswhywedowhatwedo;anditissorewardingtoseeourSeniors’ happyfacesastheystepintotheirfuture.
On8June,wehostedthe47thInternationalFestival,celebratingourmulticulturalism through21InternationalBoothsservingtraditionalcuisines,studentperformances,and theParadeofNationsfeaturingallthecommunitiesrepresentedatISB,amongstother fun activities. I cannot put into words how grateful we are to our wonderful Family Associationmembers,whoputcountlesshoursintoorganisingthisamazingeventeach year,toconnectusandtoshowcasehowdifferencescanbesuchastrengthforour community.
Lastly,withclassescomingtoacloseandmanyMoving-UpCelebrationshavingtaken placeacrosstheschoolsectionsthisweek,Iwouldliketowishallofourstudentsbestof luckinthenewschoolyearandawonderfulsummerinthemeantime!Iverymuchlook forwardtoanothergreatyearatISBbeforetheendofmytenureinJune2026,andI hopeyouareallasexcitedasIamforallthenewthingswewillbelearningnextyear.
Ifyourfamilyisleavingusthisyear,Iwouldliketothankyouforthetrustyouhave placedinusandwewishyouallthebestforthefuture,whereveryournextdestination willbe.
Wishingeveryoneahappyandrestfulsummer!
JamesMacDonald ISBDirector
ISBARTS
PerformingArtsWrap-Up2024-25
The Performing Arts Department is proud to celebrate an extraordinary year of creativity, talent,andachievement Ourdedicatedstudentartistsparticipatedinoverfiftyperformances andevents,bothoncampusandinprestigiousvenuesacrosstheregion.Fromconcertsand theatrical productions to festivals and educational trips, this year has been a resounding success.
Highlightsfromtheyearinclude:
HighSchoolTheatreProductionUrinetown-22&23November,ISBTheatre
The Elementary School Theatre Production Jack and the Beanstalk - 19 February, ISB Theatre
AdvancedStringsConcert-24March,FlageyStudio1
AMISMiddleSchoolChangingVoicesHonorChoirFestival-3-5April,proudlyhostedatISB byourChoirDepartment
AllChoirsConcert-7May,inthemajesticCathédraleSaints-Michel-et-Gudule
MiddleSchoolTheatreProductionSherlockHolmes:TheBakerStreetIrregulars-9and10 May,ISBTheatre
UpperandLowerSchoolBandConcerts-26Mayand3June,ISBTheatre
Inadditiontotheseremarkableevents,theDepartmentisthrilledtoannouncethatover200 students participated in weekly private music lessons across a wide array of instruments, includingDoubleBass,ElectricBass,Cello,Clarinet,Percussion,Flute,Guitar,Piano,Saxophone, Trombone,Trumpet,Violin,andViola.
*PhotocreditforallphotosapartfromAdvancedStrings:MattCarrington
SummerShow–ISBVisualArtsExhibition
DuringthesummerweeksourChâteauwillbe transformed into an exhibition space with specificartworksdesignedforeachroom The Marble Gallery will turn into our ISB Portrait Gallery showcasing student portraits from the ES to the HS, and colourful floral artworks celebratingthebeautifulsummerdaysahead willadornthewallsofallotherspacesonthe groundfloor
We invite all parents, students, and staff who will be spending time on campus during the summer to visit our gallery to enjoy our students’inspiringartworksduringthesummer holidays!
*OilpastelbyGrade9student,AntonellaCavalcante
WRAPUPOF1STYEAROF HOMELANGUAGEPROGRAMMEIN THELOWERSCHOOL
To mark the first year of the extended Home Language Programme in the Lower School, we asked our students and parents why it is important to learn home languages at school. Listen to our community explain why Korean, Spanish, Hebrew, Swedish, and Japanese lessons have helpedthemmaintaintheirlanguageskillsandcelebratetheiridentities!
The Home Language Programme helps students maintain a strong connection with their roots Moreover, at ISB we believe that integrating home language learning into the school day enriches our students’ academic journey. Whether by reinforcing their problem-solving skills or expanding their vocabulary,beingmultilingualopensdoorstodeeper learning
Congratulations for a great first year of the Home Language Programme in the Lower School! We are looking forward to continuing this meaningful programme next year and to extending home languageclassestoourUpperSchoolstudentsaswell
TheSpringseasonendedon13June Wehopedyourchildrenenjoyedthebroadrangeof activitiesthatwereoffered.Theymayhavediscoveredanewpassion,madenewfriends,and sharedgoodtimestogether
Thankyoutoourteamofinstructors–almost70ofthem!–alwaysmotivatedandattentiveto thechildren'swellbeing
TheFallschedulewillbepublishedontheCommunityPortalonWednesday,3September. SignupwilltakeplaceviaSchoolsbuddyfrom10-14Septemberandtheseasondatesare22 September-28November
NowisthetimeforSummerCamps,therearestillplacesavailable! Wewishyouawonderfulsummer!
ISSTFinalTable
Wehavehadasuccessfulyearinjustaboutevery way we tend to measure success. One way to measure success is through the Eddie Hufford Award,theoverallrankingsoftheeightISSTschools acrossthethreeseasons.Thisyearwecamethird, fivepointsbehindfirstplaceASL
RaidersFallSeason
First:ASL259
Second:FIS257
Third:ISB254
Fourth:ZIS251
Fifth:ASH195
Sixth:ASP149
Seventh:AIS142
Eighth:MIS104
Raiders Fall Season is just around the corner, please see the Fall Tryouts and Practice ScheduleandtheFallSportsInterestForm YoucanalsoseetheRaidersYearOverviewfor detailsfor2025-26
EliteWeekSummerCamp2025
TheInternationalSchoolofBrusselsisexcitedtohostthesecondannualEliteWeeksummer campforathletesaged15-19inVolleyball,AmericanFootball,Basketball,andSoccer,from7-11 July
EliteWeekofferstop-levelcoachingwithtwodailytrainingsessionsplusexpertworkshopson Strength&Conditioning,Nutrition,USCollegeRecruiting,SportsPsychology,Sleep,andmore College coaches and Keystone Sports experts will help prepare athletes for the next level, whether that’s college sports in the US or beyond This camp is about skill-building and preparation–notjustshowcasingtalentFindoutmoreattheEliteWeekWebsite Interested?Visitthewebsiteandfillouttheinterestformlinkedthere Questions?Contactusat eliteweek@isb.be
WehopetoseemanyRaiderstakeonthechallenge!
RaidersPreseasonWorkouts
AllJVandVarsityagedISBstudentathletesareinvitedtoattendtheworkoutsonthedates listedhere.TheworkoutswillstartontheUpperFieldwithawarmup,followedbyagilitytraining andcardio Participantscanthenchoosetogohomeorattendasessionrunbyoneofthe coachesfromAmerica ( oncoachavailability) Participantsdonotnee oworkoutandbringa waterbottle Studentat dworkouttoattendthe sportspecificsession
ThankyoumessagefromAthleticsDirector,LeeRosky
Astheschoolyeardrawstoaclose,wewanttoextendourdeepestgratitudetoallthestudentathletes, parents, coaches, teachers, school leaders, and support staff who contributed to makingthisatrulygreatyeartobeaRaider.
Successinourprogrammeismeasuredinmanyways-notjustbywinsandlosses,butbythe impactwehaveonstudentsbeyondthefieldofplay.Wevalueparticipation,ourcommitment to the school’s mission, the promotion of healthy habits, and the cultivation of a lifelong passionforsportinourplayers.
Ofcourse,wealsorecognisetheimportanceofcompetition OnekeymetricisthefinalISST standings,whichcompileresultsfromallcompetitionstocreateacomprehensiveranking.We areproudtohavefinishedinatightraceforfirstplacealongsideASLandFIS.Securingthird placeinsuchastronggroupofschoolsspeaksvolumesaboutthestrengthandprogressof ourprogramme.
Looking ahead to next year, we are excited to build on this momentum with new training initiatives, new coaches, facility improvements and a continued focus on fostering sportsmanship and team spirit. We invite all members of the Raider community to stay involvedandsupportourstudentathletesaswestriveforevengreaterachievementsonand offthefield.
ThankyouonceagainforyourdedicationandsupportHere’stoanothergreatyearahead! GoRaiders!
ThankyoutoeveryonewhoattendedourFamilyFunDay!Our springseasonhasnowconcluded,butregistrationforourfall soccerprogrammewillopeninmid-August Pleasesignup for our newsletter so that you are alerted as to when registrationopensasoursoccerprogrammefillsquickly! Haveawonderfulsummerholiday!
HEALTHOFFICE
WewouldliketoinformyouthatintheHealthOfficesectionoftheCommunityPortalparents cannowfindusefuldocumentscontainingcomprehensiveinformationabouthealthpolicies andpracticesatISBandmedicalsupportinBelgium.
WewishyouallahappyandhealthysummerandwelookforwardtoseeingyouinAugust!
Grade6
Grade12
Grade9
Our47thInternationalFestivalwasoneofthemostcolourful, exciting,andfuneventstodate,withmanystudents,parents, alumni,incomingfamilies,andemployeeshavingjoinedthis year ' s celebrations to raise their flags, share their beautiful traditions,andtrydeliciouscuisinesfromaroundtheglobe.
ThankyoutoouramazingFamilyAssociationformakingthis eventeversospecial,andtoourCampusSupportTeamfor alwaysmakingsureeverythinggoesaccordingtotheplan!
Thepicturesfromthiswonderfuldaycanbefoundhere.
FIRSTSTORIESWINNERS
Hugecongratulationstothisyear’sFirstStorieswinners!
�� TheBeautifulQueen,UglyStepdaughterandThose7CreepyLittlePeople,byJoJoWhitelaw G6,illustratedbyGravasse
�� TheFirstMouseontheMoon,byJuliaJäretoftG5&ZizianaVanLippenChanG5,illustrated byMaiaFronG10
�� TheClown,byVivianPritchettG4,illustratedbyEmmanuelvanderElstG10
�� TheManWhoWantstoBuytheMoon,byYunseungLeeG3,illustratedbyPhoebeMenezes G10
Organised by our Lower School Library, the First Stories competition invites Lower School studentstowritetheirveryownpicturebooks ThesestoriesarethenillustratedbyISBMiddle andHighSchoolstudents.Throughcross-gradecollaboration,imaginationtakescentrestage asstudentscraftoriginaltalesthatcaptivateandinspire.
Eachyear,astudentjuryselectsthewinningstories,whicharethenpublishedandaddedto ourlibrarycollection,turningyoungwritersintoreal,publishedauthors!
FirstStoriesismorethanacompetition–it’sacelebrationofstorytellingandacommitmentto ourstudents’creativityandtheiruniquevisions.
Browsethroughpreviouswinnersandorderyourowncopieshere.
Countingourlongspoons
Wheredidthetimego?!Awiseparentrecentlyremindedmeofthesaying“thedaysarelong, andtheyearsareshort”.ThatisexactlyhowIfeelafter3yearsasISBFamilyAssociation PresidentandfouryearshereinBrussels AsKevin,Vivian,Jojo,andIcelebratethebigbon voyage,wereminisceonourgrandadventureinsomanyways
ButhowdoImeasuremyownISBFAjourney?Ihaveafewideas:
It’sinthethousandsof(onecheek!ThisisBelgium!)kissesandgreetingsfromfellowISB parentsandstaff
It’sinthehundredsofRaidersburgersflipped,laughinginthecafetogether
It’sinthecountlessmusicalandtheatreperformancescelebrating“firsts”onstage
It’sinthedozensofcozycupsofcoffeesharedonrainymornings…
It’sinthemanytearsshed,grievingalosswithdearonesbyoursides…
It’s in (just a few!) glasses of champagne commemorating milestones, personal accomplishments,andholidays
ANDit’sinthesharedgratitudeforourcollectivehealthafteremergingfromone long pandemicTOGETHER
Asaninteriorarchitectbytrade,visualsoftenshinebrighterthannarratives.ThepanoramaI conjuretodefineandremembertheISBFamilyAssociationrevealsamassive,bountifultable of delicious food The gaggle of diners smile, laugh, and dance not because they are not feedingthemselves,butinsteadbecausetheyareofferingthebountytoeachother,nourishing theircommunitywithveryLONGSPOONS.
Withthesecherishedmemories,Iwillnevergohungry. Thankyouforeverything,ISB.
JenneWhitelaw FAPresident2022-2025
Lookingforwardtoanotherwonderfulyear
IamveryhonouredtotakeontheroleofFamilyAssociationPresidentstartingthisSeptember. Itisaprivilegetotakeonthisposition,andIamtrulyexcitedabouttheyearahead
Together with our fantastic and dedicated Family Association team, we will continue to organise wonderful events and activities for both parents and children, creating lasting memoriesandstrengtheningthespiritofourschoolcommunity.
Weareincrediblyluckytobepartofsuchadiverseandwelcomingcommunity,madeupof many nationalities and cultures It is always a joy to meet new families, and I warmly encourageallparentstogetinvolvedwiththeFamilyAssociation
Whetheryouarenewtotheschoolorhavebeenhereforyears,youareautomaticallyanFA member.VolunteeringwiththeFAisagreatwaytoconnectwithothers,contributetoschool life,andbepartoftheexperiencesthatmakeourchildren’stimeheresospecial. IwouldalsoliketoextendaheartfeltthankyoutoouroutgoingFAPresident,JenneWhitelaw, for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and the many contributions she has made throughoutheryearsatISBAnd,ofcourse,ahugethankyoutoourincredibleFAteamfortheir hardworkandcommitment,whichmakeseverythingpossible. Here’stoanexcitingnewschoolyearahead!
Warmregards, AlixVerney FAPresidentElect
Sunday,7September2025,12:00-16:00,ISBCampus
Tokickoffthestartoftheschoolyear,ouramazingWelcomeBackTeamplansa BBQeachyear.Thisisawonderfuldayforallparentsandstudentstocometogether atISBforadayoffunandfriendship.Wehopeyourwholefamilywilljoinusforthis communityevent!
LookforupdatesinAugustonallwehaveplannedfornextyear,including: Languageclasses
Cookingclasses
Parentworkshops
Brusselsoutings
Parentmeet-ups
Andsomuchmore!
BESTOF2024-25
Asweareclosingthewonderful2024-25schoolyear,weinviteyoutolookbackatsomeofthe bestmomentsandkeyeventsweenjoyedtogether!
On the first day of school on 22 August, alongside our new and returning families, and teachers and staff, another special guest joined us for the start of school celebrations. Our new mascot – The Wolf – made a grand entrance welcoming everyone back, then quickly becoming a very very popular ISB student.
Throughout August and September students and employees engaged in a fun campaign to name our new mascot. After many great suggestions, our communityelectedLoupasthewinningname.
For the 2024 edition of our beloved Homecoming event on 4 October, we welcomed around 2000 attendees to our campus, including parents, employees, alumni from across many corners of the world, and student athletes from American SchooloftheHague,AmericanSchoolofWarsaw, and the Brussels Tigers! This year was full of special events and meaningful surprises – Loup wasofficiallyintroducedbytheirnewnametoour student community and revealed as the first passenger aboard the new custom-designed Raiders’teambus
On4April,forthelastdayofourseniorsoncampus, we unveiled "Patterns of Community”, a stunning mural created by Grade 12 student Antoine Almada-Midy as part of his graduate work for the BTEC Art & Design Extended Diploma This inspiring artwork is a recognition of the strength and beauty ofourISBcommunityandacelebrationofour2025 graduatesandtheirdiversefuturepathways
On27May,weallgatheredtogetherinthegymto cheeronourSpecialOlympicsteamaheadofthe National Games in Kortrijk from 29 to 31 May Our talented team represented ISB in the Softball Throw, 50, 400, and 1500 Meter Races, and Standing Long Jump categories, marking yet anotheryearofdisciplinedtrainingandhardwork aheadofthiswonderfulcompetition
BUSOFFICE
WewouldliketothankallfamilieswhohavebeenusingtheISBbusservice,andaparticular thankyoutostudentbusmonitorsfortheirsupportthroughouttheyear!
Beforeheadingintosummer,agentlereminder:
ForISBfamilieswhowishtocontinueusingtheISBbusserviceand/ormakechangesto theircurrentsubscription,tofillintheISBSchoolBusServiceRenewal–AcademicYear 2025/2026 by 30 June 2025 After this date, the students’ current subscription will be automaticallyrenewed
ForISBfamilieswhowishtoenroltheirchild(ren)tothebusserviceforthefirsttime,please fillintheBusRegistrationForm
TheBusServicewillresumeasfollows:
Firstdayofbusservice:28August2025
Firstdayoflatebusservice:1September2025
Allrequestswillbeprocessedduringthesummer,andallfamilieswillreceivetheirbusroute informationafewdaysbeforethestartofschool
Allroutes,includinglatebuses,willundergooptimisationduringthesummertoaccommodate newfamilies
ISYOURFAMILYLEAVINGISB?
If your child won’t be returning next year, please inform us as soon as possible. Your timely responsehelpsuswithplanningandensuringasmoothtransition.Wewillmissyou,butwe’re gratefultohavebeenpartofyourchild’sjourney!
Wehaveresourcesandsupportinplacethatcanhelp.
Here are some articles and presentations from the Counselling Team to guide your family throughMoving,Transitions,andDealingwithChange.
And lastly, don't forget that it is very important to inform our Admissions Team that you are leaving,bycompletingthisform
THANKYOUFROMTHECOMMSTEAM
We hope all readers enjoyed our stories from acrossISBthisyear!
We’dliketothankallsubmittersforanothergreat year of the Community Update Your biweekly contributions keep our community informed and up-to-datewithalltheexcitingthingshappening acrossourschool
WelookforwardtotheCommunityUpdatecomingbackinAugustandtosendingexciting newstoourcommunityforthe2025-26schoolyear!Inthemeantime,theCommunication Teamremainsavailabletoansweranyquestionsyoumayhaveduringthesummerholidays.
Havealovelysummer ☀ TheCommsTeam (Fanny,Livia,Melisa,Malika)
