COMMUNITY UPDATE
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE
Dear Community Members,
We are very happy to have our students and faculty back on campus after the winter break We hope you had a restful week and that you are ready for school to kick off with some exciting news
Before the winter break, we invited all students to choose a new mascot for the Raiders After many years of being represented by the Knight, the time has come to bring in a new symbol of strength, teamwork, and prowess to represent our Raiders!
For the last two weeks, the Fox, the Wolf, and the Badger raced to become the Raiders’ new mascot. Emerging as an early favourite and a clear winner across all school sections, the Wolf received 66% of the total votes and was elected to represent the Raiders going forward, starting from the next school year. As a highly intelligent creature who is always loyal to the pack, I believe the Wolf is the perfect symbol to represent the highly competitive and team-devoted spirit of the Raiders
Staying with the topic of competitive spirit at ISB, before the winter break, some of our Middle School and Elementary School students participated in Destination Imagination, a global tournament where students solve and present creative and innovative solutions to open-ended STEM-focused challenges
I would like to congratulate both ISB teams, who won first place in their respective categories –our ES team completed an Engineering Challenge, while the MS team chose a Service Learning Challenge. Both teams completed additional instant challenges entailing quick and effective teamwork to find solutions to on-the-spot challenges. Our students had the opportunity to present their projects in front of a live Zoom panel of appraisers hosted in London.
I am proud that ISB is currently the only school offering Destination Imagination in the BENELUX area Encouraging early involvement in STEM subjects is just one of the varied ways ISB is fostering the development of tomorrows’ innovative leaders
James MacDonald ISB Director
STUDENTSPOTLIGHT
ABEL’SEXPERIENCEOFMSBILINGUALPROGRAMME
Before the winter break, we had pleasure to interview Abel Lourau grade 9 middle-school student tak courses in both French and English
Abel is 14 years old and has been at since 2nd grade. He started out English Language Development an now taking grade 9 Maths, PE, and elective in English, Science and So Studies in French, while also learn Spanish.
GETINSPIREDBY
MiddleSchoolLanguagesEnthusiast AbelLourau
WhatdoyouenjoythemostaboutbeingabletostudyinbothFrenchandEnglishatISB?
Being able to learn in English and French at ISB is both a challenge and a pleasure. It encourages me to expand my vocabulary in both languages and to explore new horizons. ISB has made it a pleasure to explore these languages because of the quality of education and the emphasis on expanding your comprehension and masteryoftheselanguages.
Whichcoursesfromyourgrade9curriculumhaveyouchosentotakeinFrench?Whydidyou choosetheseparticularcourses?
IhavechosentodoScienceandSocialStudiesinFrenchinordertopreservemyloveandcomprehensionfor the language Since French is my native language, I couldn’t allow myself to lose it or to let English completely takeover.
Can you describe some of the challenges you faced studying in English and French simultaneously?
Learning French and English at the same time has not been a particularly deep challenge for me It has rather made me realise what are the roles each language has for me and where I stand within my understanding and mastery of both It’s almost like they each have their own personality French is my reading and imagination language,whileEnglishismylogicalreasoningone
Do you consider it important that people are able to speak multiple languages?
You all know the saying “actions speak louder than words” but I don’t always stand by it I think words sometimes have more impact than actions, because saying something is an action in itself. Languages are the key to relationships and friendships Often, in couples or friendships, people learn each other's languages, in order to communicate more efficiently and to be able to better understand each other Languages are opportunities They are literally the key to everything From the moment you have a grasp on at least two languages, life gets so much better.
Given the fast-advancing instant translation/interpretation technologies and the abundance of available language AI tools, many people believe that learning a second or third language may soon become redundant or a thing of the past. Do you agree/disagree and why?
I do not believe that learning a new language is redundant, but I do think that because of modern AI tools, the effort in learning and challenging yourself in assimilating a new language might become discouraging Languages are key to so much more than just knowing how to speak them They are a bridge to learning and understanding people better and AI will never overrule that concept because of its lack of humanness
Using Google Translate or similar tools is in my opinion very useful and it helps people in many positive ways However, it is unthinkable that it can replace the pleasure of starting to understand and master a new language. I believe AI will not make languages redundant, but will make them feasible for the larger population, without replacing the importance and impact of assimilating a new language.
A flavour of the Arts at ISB actions we have
5 and 6 March – The Elementary School play19 and 20 March – Almost, Maine, a studio pr
26 March – Farewell Fanfare Senior Celebra
28 March – All Choirs Concert in the ISB The
Come and join us!
Also, our Grade 10 students supported their younger peers this week by giving up their lunchtime to perform theatre and music pieces. They showed Grade 9 students what they can look forward to when opting to study an Arts subject as an elective, as part of their High School programme Huge thanks and congratulations to all those who participated!
Preschool to Grade 12 Visual Arts Exhibition –Pathways
Opening night on18 March from 16:00 - 18:00
Please join the ISB Visual Arts department as we present the Pathways of a Visual Arts Student. This is a schoolwide exhibition, representing a variety of artwork from each grade level The journey from preschool up through to the IB and BTEC graduating class will be collectively showcased and celebrated across campus over a twoweek period
Starting in the Chateau, viewers will experience the fledgling artists from the Early Childhood Centre and their development through Elementary School. The pathway continues towards the Annex and HS/MS buildings representing a selection of works from Grades 7 through 12. The culmination of the exhibition features the Senior IBDP and BTEC graduating student artists
The Pathway does not end and is open to interpretation by the viewer as to where these artist’s creativity will take them
The exhibition will run until 29 March
For the first time, ISB will be offering camps during the Spring Break, from 2 to 5 April.
Our Spring Camps are organised with a range of trusted partners and will see children engage in fun and dynamic language-learning activities, take part in a Soccer Camp, or unleash their creativity in a Theatre camp!
All activities are run in English and are open to both English and non-English speakers from inside or outside the ISB community.
Find out more and register here
ISB Plus play: The Tree that Holds Up the Sky
As if you needed any reminder, our Elementary schoolers will be performing The Tree that Holds Up the Sky on the main stage on 5 and 6 March
A message about appropriate footwear for the show went out via SchoolsBuddy We would like to ask the parents of cast members to support the show by ensuring that their child has appropriate footwear. Many thanks!
We are also looking for parent volunteers to assist with concessions on the two performance nights. Please contact Rachel to find out more
Do you have any old glasses you can donate?
One of our HS students is collecting old glasses, which will be repurposed as part of a larger project being carried out by DeWolf Opticiens in Leuven The glasses will be given to the children under care of the Fajar Baru organisation, a non-profit which is dedicated to caring for orphaned children near Jakarta, Indonesia Click here to learn more about what Fajar Baru does.
The collection will run until 28 February, so please drop off any glasses to either the box in the Chateau or to the CAS area (commons 200’s) in the High School
Thank you very much for your support!
HEALTH OFFICE
As the days are slowly getting longer and nature starts to awaken from its winter sleep, we feel that starting the day with a happy and healthy routine can help you embrace the upcoming spring season with vitality and joy.
Here's a guide to creating a spring routine that promotes well-being and good health:
Morning Movement: Start your day with some gentle exercise or stretching. Getting your body moving in the morning can boost your energy levels and set a positive tone for the day.
Nourishing meals: Spring is a great time to incorporate fresh produce like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits into your meals Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your body for the day ahead
Outdoor Time: Spend time outdoors soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. Whether it's going for a hike, gardening, or simply taking a walk around your neighbourhood, being in nature can improve your mood and reduce stress
Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Simply taking moments throughout the day to pause and appreciate the present moment.
Spring Cleaning: Dedicate some time to decluttering and organising your living space. A clean and organised environment can have a positive impact on your mental well-being and productivity
Quality Sleep: Prioritise getting enough sleep each night to support your overall health and well-being. Aim for enough quality sleep by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleeping environment.
Connect with Others: Spend time with loved ones and foster connections with friends and family
Gratitude Practice: Cultivate gratitude by reflecting on the things you're thankful for each day. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments to mentally acknowledge the blessings in your life can shift your perspective and enhance your overall happiness.
The Brussels Sports Association (BSA) is currently seeking a Finance Director to join their Board!
In June we must say goodbye to our wonderful Finance Director, Meghna Bansal, as her family will be departing Brussels.
Therefore, we are currently seeking to fill her Board position with the BSA
This is a great volunteer opportunity for those with accounting/finance backgrounds. On average, 5 hours per month will be required for this position
To find out more, click here or email Lizette Subach at office@bsasports.org.
We hope you will consider becoming a part of our leadership team!
Friday, 1 March will be a Spirit Day at ISB, meaning it will be a Red Out Day!
Please wear red and watch the JV and Varsity basketball teams play Frankfurt International School. There will be burgers and shawarma for purchase, a ceremony before the game, a shooting competition at halftime, player introductions, a broadcast on Raiders TV, and a Raiders vintage gear sale
Check out the complete Raiders Weekly Schedule
Information about the Raiders Athletics Spring Season is here. Tryouts start on 18 March
Please make sure to fill out the Spring Sports Interest Form Remember, you can find the Winter Season practice schedule and other relevant documents in the Athletics Resources
Mark your calendars to join the FA at one of our workshops, classes or events.
FAClasses
LanguageClass(FrenchandEnglish)-WednesdayandThursday mornings
FAYogaClass-Tuesdaysat09:00
GroupFitnessClasswithSylwia-Tuesdaysat13:00
What’sOn
23February,10:00-12:00-In-chairMassageWorkshop
SavetheDate
9June-ISBInternationalFestival
SAVE THE DATE
Click here to connect with the International Festival Committee to get more information on hosting a booth from your country or volunteer to help on the day
For event details and registration, connect with the ISB FA.
GENERAL IT REMINDER
ISB CENTRAL LEARNING PLATFORM
Set up your ISB Parent Account
In order to access ISB’s digital resources, you will need to set up your unique ISB Parent Account. To do so, please follow the instructions below.
Go to isb.be/portal and enter the credentials that were sent to you in the email
1 When prompted for your email, re-enter your username, NOT your personal email.
2 When prompted for your password, enter your temporary password. 3.
Log in to the ISB Learning Platform
Once you have set up your account, you can access the ISB Learning Platform (PowerSchool). This is a centralised space for all ISB digital resources.
Access all ISB Digital Resources
In the left-hand menu of the ISB Learning Platform (PowerSchool), you will find links to the digital resources below. Please use your ISB Parent Account to log in.
ISB Information Hub (ISB Community Portal) : For all relevant resources such as the ISB Calendar, the ISB Directory, and our New Families Page
ISB Digital Learning (Schoology) : For information on your child’s classes, learning materials, upcoming assignments, and more.
ISB After-School Activities (SchoolsBuddy) : To register your child for the ISB after-school activities To log in, please click on the button ‘Azuread’
Should you need help to reset your login credentials, our IT team is available via email at IThelpdesk@isb.be and will happily help you.
