Alumni Newsletter
HAPPY READING!
DIRECTOR’S LETTER
DearISBAlumni,
As we say goodbye to spring and welcome the summer months, I’ve been reflecting on what a remarkable year it has been at ISB. From celebrating our newest graduates, the Class of 2025, to reconnecting with alumni in Tokyo, London, New York, Toronto, Seattle, and here on campus for our 5 and 10 year reunions and FFSG lunch, this year has been filled with energy, joy, and a deep sense of community.
It’s moments like these that remind us how strong the ISB spirit remains, no matter where life takes us. Thank you for being part of this journey, for sharing your stories and memories, and for continuing to be such an importantpartofourcommunity
On a more personal note, I want to let you know that at the end of the next academic year, I will be stepping down as Director of ISB. With my son graduating in 2026, thisfeelslikeanaturaltransitionfor me and my family Over the past five years, it has been one of the greatest honours of my career to servethisincredibleschool.
I hope to see many of you in the coming months and thank you, truly, for making this experience so meaningful.
Wishingyouawonderfulsummer,
JamesMacDonald ISBDirector
GRADUATION,CLASSOF2025
INTERNATIONALFESTIVAL
JAMES SIDGWICK TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARD
Named after James Sidgwick, who served as Deputy Headmaster at ISB (1956-69) as well as Headmaster of the Elementary School (1969–88), the award was created by members of the ISB Alumni Community to recognisethededicationandprofessionalismofISBteachers.
Each year, our alumni select a winner from a list of teachers who have taught at ISB for at least 5 years. This year ' s award celebrates an Early ChildhoodCentreorElementarySchoolfacultymember.
ANDTHEWINNERIS...
JeffreyBrewster!
Imaginative, empathetic, and generous, Jeffrey always put the child at the centre of everything he did. We warmly congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!
“Kindness is the word that best describes Jeffrey. As both a teacher and librarian, he had a remarkable ability to make every child feel safe, understood, and valued."
"Mr. Brewster helped me develop a true love for reading.”
"A brilliant educator and librarian."
ISB NEWS
On Thursday, 19 June, we waved our students goodbye for the summer, marking the end of yet another amazing year at ISB! 2024-25 was filled with many wonderful moments, and we are all very grateful to witness the Class of 2025 grow, move up, and move on to their next chapters.
Throughout this last week, our Grade 2, Grade 6, and Grade 9 students officially marked their respective transitions to the Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, in heartwarming Moving-Up Celebrations!
We wish all of them the best of luck in this exciting new chapter of their learning journey! Below are some photos of the amazing moving-up ceremonies:
EarlyChildhoodCentre
ISB NEWS
HighSchool Classof2025,welcometotheAlumniCommunity!
Congratulationstoournewestgraduates!We’rethrilledtowelcome the Class of 2025 to the ISB Alumni Community. Your journey at ISB may be coming to an end, but your connection to this incredible globalnetworkisjustbeginning.
From unforgettable memories on campus to the emotional moments of graduation, this milestone marks the start of a new chapter,andwecan’twaittoseewhatyoudonext.Whetheryou're heading off to university, taking a gap year, or diving into new adventures,knowthatyou’llalwayshaveahomeatISB.
We’re so proud of you and look forward to staying connected as youcontinuetogrow,lead,andinspire!
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
MENTORSREADYTOHELP
SueGedrych(ISBMathsTeacherDec2009-July2011):OxfordMaths graduate,experiencedprojectmanagementprofessionalin manufacturing(pharma).Helpsgraduates/newstartersfindwhere theybelongandcanflourishintheworldofwork
AmyVanNice(Classof1995):DirectorofDevelopmentand EnvironmentalEducationTechnicalAdvisorinwildlife conservation(Cambodia);25+yearsinternational experienceindiversesectors.Mentoringforhighschool students/graduatesonlifedecisions,academicpaths, workforceprep,andunconventionalcareerjourneys.
EdwardFlaherty(Classof1964):LifetimecareerinUnitedStatesand internationallandscapeandlandscapearchitecture.Adviceoncareers inlandscapeorlandscapearchitecture,bothUSandinternational.
YoonkwonYi(Classof2016):LeadSoftwareEngineerbuilding cloudapps Mentorshiponpivotingacademicpaths, transitioningintotech,softwareengineeringjobhunting,and growingintoleadership.
EmilieRateau(Classof2017):EUCommunicationsCoordinatorfor animalwelfareNGO(FOURPAWS);volunteerrescuer.Experience gettingajobinthenon-governmentalsector,adviceonbroad degrees,andidentifyingwhatsetsyouapart
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
MENTORSREADYTOHELP
MichaelMatthews(Classof1989):FormerPhysicsteacherand administrator(DeputyHead)ininternationalbaccalaureateschools worldwide.BoardmemberoftheIB.Adviceasanex-schoolHeadandan IBBoardmember.
SalmaAbdelRahim(Classof2003):DirectorofIndirect Procurement;workedinvariousfields(HR,Comms, Sustainability).Experiencenavigatingdiversecareersandlife choices,emphasisingthatdegreesdon'tdefineyourpath
StijnKruidenier(Classof2013):CurrentlyworkingasHeadofAnalyticsat 433/Balr,afootballsocialmediaplatformwith73millionfollowers.Stijn offersadviceforthosewhowanttopursueacareerinsportsorindata.
JamesHorton(Classof2009):Jamesbrings15yearsof experienceintheprofessionalsportsindustry.Heoffersinsight intothemanycareerpathswithinsportsandentertainment, fromagencyandmediatomarketingandteamoperations.
Sports:
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
WorldofWork
ISB is once again organising the World of Work programme, an initiative that provides our Grade 9, 10, and 11 students withvaluablereal-worldworkexperience
Howcanalumnihelp?
We are seeking host companies or organisations in Belgium that can offer two-week, full-time, unpaid work placements to our students between 23 June and 22 August 2025 By hosting a student, you’ll give them a chance to contribute to real projects and gain practical insights into your field If interested,fillinthisform
CallingAlumniinSportBusiness!
AreyouworkingorpursuingacareerinSport Business? The BTEC Sport team is looking to connect with alumni and community members to share their experiences with currentstudents
Your insights into sports business, from technological advancements to customer engagement,canhelpinspireandguideour students. Whether through virtual Q&A sessions, sharing case studies, or contributing to project-based learning, your involvementwouldbeinvaluable.
Interested?Filloutthisformtogetinvolved!
Alumni Stories
“I studied Industrial Engineering and later completed an MBA. I've been with Amdocs eversinceandcurrentlyworkasaBusiness Operations & PMO Manager I live in Israel with my spouse and three kids, and I love dancing, music, sports. Just enjoying life andalwaysupforagoodtime!
ISB gave me such a strong foundation The supportive teachers, positive energy, and unforgettabletrips-liketheartclasstripto England or the French trip to Paris - made learning fun and meaningful. Those memoriesstillinspiremetoday andhelped me build skills that really helped me in my career”-AyeletBen-Tal,Classof2000
“I’m originally from New Jersey, but after ISB and college, I settled in Florida and spent 32 years teaching high school social studies in the Tampa Bay area I retired from the classroom in 2016, though life remains wonderfullybusy.
My time at ISB had a big impact on me. It took a few months to adjust to life outside the US, but once I made friends, everything changed. The travel, the downtown Brussels hangouts, even the countless ping pong matches in the cafeteria - all helped me grow ISB deepened my love for history, especially with inspiring teachers like Mrs. Hogben, whose husband shared his D-Day experience with our class. Those moments brought history to life and shaped the way I taught for decades to come” - Scott Williams,Classof1976
“I was the librarian at ISB’s Junior High from 1979 to 1982. My time at ISB, and in Brussels opened my eyes to new cultures, new ideas, and entirely new ways of seeing the world The students were eager learners, and my colleagues were diverse, passionate, and incrediblysupportive.
After leaving ISB, my husband and I traveled to over 30 countries, returning to the US as true international citizens. I spent the next 30 years working as a librarian and ESL teacher. ISB sparked my passion for teaching, which led me to teach at the University of Washingtonandnowasawritingtutorattwo community colleges. I’ll never forget the student trips - especially chaperoning 50 students to the USSR with Angela Purcell and James ISB taught me to see the world differently, and that your home country doesn’t always belong in the centre of your map.”-LoraBennet,FormerEmployee
Alumni Stories
“After graduating from Villanova, I went on to earn graduate degrees from Clemson andHarvard.InowworkforCintasandlive in Charleston, South Carolina with my amazing wife Mandy and our three kids. We’ve moved around the US and are gratefulforeverystepofthejourney.
ISB was truly special - it felt like home for me and my family. I made lifelong friends from around the world, played unforgettable soccer games, and learned from incredible teachers. ISB taught me to value diversity, adaptability, and global perspectives-skillsthatcontinuetoguide meinlifeandwork FromwinningtheEuros to laughing with friends in the halls, those memories will always stay with me.”ChasePaterno,Classof2000
Don’t forgetto followuson
RETIREES
LORETTASTANLEY
Aswewrapuptheschoolyear,we’resayinggoodbyetosomeoneveryspecial. Loretta, our wonderful Assistant Head of the Early Childhood Centre, is retiring aftermanyyearsatISB
Loretta has touched the lives of countless students and families with her warmth, patience, and unwavering commitment to early years education. Her leadership and care have left a lasting mark on our community, and her impactwillbefeltformanyyearstocome.
WearesogratefulforallthatshehasbroughttoISB Thankyou,Loretta!We’re delighted to now welcome you to the Former Faculty and Staff Group (FFSG), whereyourISBjourneycontinuesinanewway.
When I take a moment to look back on where I am in life and everythingI’mgratefulfor,mytimeatISBalwaysstandsout— andsodoyou.ISBwassuchabigpartofmylife,andyouwere such a big part of what made it meaningful. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to work with and learn from you. Your passionforlearning—foryourselfandforeverysinglestudent yousupported—wasalwayssoclear.Yourdrivetokeepthings movingforward,tomakethingsbetterfortheECC,forISB,for yourcolleagues,andforyourself,wasinspiring.
And somehow, you always managed to hold that drive alongside a great sense of humor, fun, and joy. You showed that we can be serious about our work and still have a great timedoingit andthat’ssomethingI’vealwaysadmired.Afull careerineducationisnosmallthing.Ittakesheart,grit,anda wholelotoflove.You’vegivenallofthatandmore,andIhope you’refeelingjusthowmuchit’sappreciated.Enjoyyournext adventures!-MilesMadison,FormerEmployee
IamsothankfulformytimeatISBandthekindness&supportyoushowed me during my time of need. I went into pre-term labour in the ECC and you dropped everything you were doing and drove me to the hospital. Your calmingandreassuringpresencewasjustwhatmyanxiousheartneeded.I will forever be grateful to you! We refer to you as our daughter’s “fairy godmother”. My family wishes you well on this next chapter of your life! Thank you for everything you have done for my family and ISB. You will be missed!-SarahKeene,FormerEmployee
RETIREES
HENRIVANDEWALLE
After many years of inspiring curiosity and a love for science (and sports!), we’re bidding farewell to Henri Vande Walle, our much-loved High School Biologyteacher.Hisdeepknowledgeandgenuinecareforstudentshavelefta lasting mark in countless classrooms, and hearts. Henri, thank you for all the moments,lessons,andmemories
We wish you all the best in this next chapter and warmly welcome you to the FormerFaculty&StaffGroup(FFSG)!
MrVandeWallewasalwayssokind,welcomingandmademeunderstandeven thecellreplicationandphotosynthesiscyclewithhisself-drawnpicturesonthe whiteboard,inmyyearsofBioHL.Hewasoneoftheteacherswhoinspiredme to study medicine and to love the natural sciences with his calm and helpful attitude. Thank you Mr Vande Walle, in 2 months I amfinally a doctor! - Maisa Koenig,FormerStudent
Thank you for allowing my creativity to run wild and letting me explore science through countless experiments, it has shaped the doctor and researcher I amtoday.-LorenzoLenti,FormerStudent
I had the pleasure of working closely with Henri in the science department both teachingbiology.Hetaughtmesomuch!Alwaysthereifanyoneneededadvice, hewasasteadyrockonecoulddependon,kind,patientandveryknowledgeable whether we were on field trips together or mastering new techniques in the lab. Just a wonderful teacher and colleague! I wish Henri only the best and a well deservedretirement.-PatriciaMcElroy,FormerEmployee
ISBANNUAL FUND LEARNMOREHERE
AlumniStories
FromISBtotheDesertSands:EdwardFlaherty'sOngoingStory
In 2017, Edward Flaherty, Class of 1964, returned to ISB to speak to High School juniors and seniors about a field many had never considered: landscapearchitecture. With decades of global experience behind him, he shared stories of shaping outdoor spaces across continents. But just hours after that visit, his life changed dramatically. Edward suffered a strokethatabruptlyendedhisinternationalcareer.
But that wasn’t the end of the story That was the beginning of a new chapter,onenotdefinedbytravelanddesign,butbyrecovery,resilience, andstorytelling.
Since then, Edward has written and published three novels in his growing series The Landscape Architect, a fictionalised memoir that blends his professional journey with rich, atmospheric storytelling. The books trace the life of CJ, a young American whose careerinlandscapearchitecturepullshim far from home and deep into unfamiliar, often harsh, environments: from the vibrant gardens of Tangier to the unforgivingdesertsofSaudiArabia.
Class of 1964
Writingbecamehis rope,andhe’sstill climbing.
Thatropeledtoanew chapter:fiction inspiredbyhislife’s work.
What began as a tragic setback became a new form of expression and purpose. Now based in the US, Edward continues to write, and his books are available on Amazon. His professional résumé, a testament to decades of design across the globe, canbefoundonLinkedIn.
AlumniStories
ChloéDungelhoeff(Classof1999)connectsISBCommunity withEnglish-LanguageCoachingProgramme
FormerstudentChloéDungelhoeffisnowacommunicationandchange consultant, certified coach (ICF), and trainer based in Brussels. After more than 20 years of guiding individuals and organisations through transformation, she’s thrilled to share exciting news: the launch of EXPLORER & DISCOVERER, a new English-language coaching certification programme with BAO Elan Vital, starting November 2025 inBrussels.
A two-step coaching programme designed for educators, parents, and professionals, covering core and advanced skills, perfect for those interestedingrowthandleadership.
As a proud ISB alumna, Chloé is offering a special benefit for ISB staff, parents,andalumnibasedinBrussels.
For more details: Website LinkedIn Contact her directly at Chloe.dungelhoeff@bao-elanvital.be
“I immediately thought of ISB when we decided to offer this programme in English” - Chloé
“Coaching is a powerful tool that aligns so well with ISB’s values: growth, empathy, and international-mindedness.”
- Chloé
AlumniStories
SupportingNeurodiverseYoungAdults:ISBAlumnaJoyde Gabriac,andaNewSocialProgrammeinBrussels
ISBalumnaJoydeGabriac(Classof2017)hasstayedclosetothevalues and community spirit she experienced at ISB. After volunteering in ISB’s Intensive Support Programme in 2017-2018, Joy now works as an Assistant Therapist at the Evaluation Centre in Brussels, where she helps supportindividualswithADHDandautismspectrumdisorders.
Joy recently reached out to share an exciting new initiative: a monthly socialprogrammeforyoungadultsontheautismspectrum,aged17–24. The aim is to create a welcoming, low-pressure environment for socialising, both at the centre and out in the community, especially for those who have finished high school and may be experiencing less regularsocialinteraction.
Ifyouorsomeoneinyourfamilyisinterestedinlearningmoreaboutthe programme, please contact the Evaluation Centre directly at centre.evaluation@tutanota.com.
Thank you, Joy, for continuing to make a difference, and for giving back toacommunityclosetoyourheart.
InLovingMemory
FORMER EMPLOYEE - JIM COWIE
WerememberwithgreatfondnessJimCowie,formerHead of the High School and longtime IB Programme Director at ISB. Over his 21 years at the school, Jim became an important part of the ISB community, guiding generations of students through the IB Programme with patience, insight, and an unwavering commitment to their success. Jim’s thoughtful presence, and deep belief in his students will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, and especially with Janet Cowie, a beloved former colleague and Jim’s wife, who also gave many years of dedicated servicetoISB.
FORMER EMPLOYEE - ELEANOR ANDERSON
FORMER EMPLOYEE - MARK BARTH
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Eleanor Anderson, who taught elementary students at ISB from 1980 to 1987. A dedicated and gifted educator, Eleanor touched the lives of many during her years at ISB and beyond. She passed away on April 19, 2025, and is remembered fondly by former colleagues, students, and her loving family. Our thoughts are with her husband George, her children and grandchildren (several of whom alsoattendedISB),andallwhoknewher.
WearesaddenedtosharethepassingofMarkBarth,anISB former employee who taught social studies from 1975 to 1979. Mark deeply treasured his time at our school, and many students remember his engaging classes and warm spirit He passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025 Our thoughtsarewithhiswife,SylviaPirani,andtheirfamily.He willbefondlyrememberedanddeeplymissed. Pleasefindherethelinktohisobituary.
HAPPY SUMMER!
