STRELITZ- April 2025

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 03

APRIL 2025

STRELITZ

In this issue

Strelitz Magazine- April 2025 This quarterly publication is dedicated to the alumni, families, and friends of the Strelitz International Academy.

Our Team: Head of School: Heather Moore Director of Advancement: Carin Simon Admissions and Marketing Manager: Ally St. Pierre

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, #180, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462

Phone: (757) 424- 4327 Website: www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org

2 Head of School’s Message 3 Turning Pages, Opening Minds: The Power of Literacy at SIA 5 Growing Kindness 7 SIA Drama Club Presents: Peter Pan 8 Evening of the Arts: Sharing the Planet Strelitz International Academy Lights Up 2025 with

9 the Second Annual Glow Run 11 Ways to Give 12

The Hidden Miracles of Purim

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Strelitz Moments

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Exploring Wellness in the IB® PYP Exhibition

18 Flash From the Past!

Scan the QR code to checkout our new online Spirit Wear store! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

1 April 2025

Head of School’s Message Embracing Growth: A Vision for SIA’s Future As we step into March, I want to take a moment to share some exciting developments at SIA that reflect our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and fostering a strong sense of community.

From enhancing our physical environment to preparing for a crucial milestone in our academic journey, we remain dedicated to providing the best possible education for our students.

A Natural Playground for SIA One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is our plan to develop a natural playground at SIA. As society becomes increasingly urbanized, it is more important than ever to provide opportunities for children to connect with nature. Research consistently shows that time spent in natural environments enhances creativity, problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. Exposure to nature has also been linked to lower stress levels, improved concentration, and a stronger sense of environmental stewardship.

When children engage in outdoor play, they develop their motor skills, build confidence, and cultivate an appreciation for the natural world that lasts a lifetime.

We are thrilled to announce that we have chosen to work with Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, a globally recognized leader in designing innovative, nature-based play environments. Bienenstock specializes in creating outdoor spaces that foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. Their expertise lies in integrating natural materials like logs, boulders, and living plants to create play areas that encourage exploration, risk-taking, and imaginative play.

As part of the design process, representatives from Bienenstock will be visiting our campus to engage with faculty, students, and administration. Their goal is to gain a deep understanding of our school community and its needs, ensuring that the final playground design aligns with our educational philosophy and values. By designing a playground that encourages exploration, independence, and creativity, we are giving students the freedom to develop resilience, confidence, and meaningful social connections. We look forward to breaking ground on this transformative project in the coming months.

IB® Reauthorization: Preparing for December 2025 Another critical focus for our school community is the upcoming International Baccalaureate® (IB) reauthorization visit scheduled for December 2025. Our faculty have been diligently working within four committees to ensure that SIA not only meets but exceeds IB® standards in all aspects: Purpose: Defining and sharing our mission to provide an exceptional education.

Environment: Strengthening essential structures, systems, and resources to support learning.

Culture: Fostering a positive, inclusive, and dynamic school culture.

Learning: Ensuring that our teaching methodologies and curricula prepare students effectively for the future.

This process is an opportunity for us to reflect, improve, and reaffirm our dedication to academic excellence and student growth. We appreciate the collaboration and support of our faculty, staff, and families as we work toward this important milestone.

Parent Surveys: Your Voice Matters As part of our continuous improvement and reflection process, we have sent out the parent survey this month. These surveys are a vital tool for us to gather feedback, understand our strengths, and identify areas where we can enhance the SIA experience. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our school, and we thank all parents who participated. By working together, we can ensure that SIA remains a place where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant SIA community. With your support, we continue to build a school that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child.

Warm regards,

Heather Moore Head of School

Heather Moore pictured with SIA fifth grade students and junior mentors from The Hague School, discussing the IB® PYPX.

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Turning Pages, Opening Minds: The Power of Literacy at SIA

by Janet Jenkins, Primary Years Director At Strelitz International Academy, literacy is the foundation for critical thinking, communication, and lifelong learning. As an IB PYP school, we emphasize reading as a tool for exploration, creativity, and personal growth, empowering students to become knowledgeable and open-minded individuals.

The Power of Reading Over Screens Unlike passive screen time, reading actively engages the brain, strengthens comprehension, and fosters empathy by exposing students to diverse perspectives.

It builds focus, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world—aligning with the IB PYP’s mission to develop reflective and principled learners.

Celebrating Literacy at SIA Our Read Across America Week and Scholastic Book Fair build excitement for reading through guest readers, themed activities, and student book selections. The Tides Reading Program connects literacy with goal-setting as students earn Norfolk Tides game tickets by reaching reading milestones. Our Reading Buddy Program pairs older and younger students, fostering leadership, confidence, and community.

Additionally, individualized reading in kindergarten ensures every student develops early literacy skills at their own pace.

Inspiring Authors: Jerome Rand and Carrie Finison At SIA, we believe in bringing stories to life by connecting students with authors who inspire curiosity and resilience. In the fall, we welcomed adventurer and author Jerome Rand, who captivated students with his solo sailing journey around the world, reinforcing the power of perseverance and storytelling. More recently, author Carrie Finison visited and delighted students with her book Dozens of Donuts, an engaging story of generosity and friendship.

Students were eager to ask questions and learn about the writing process, making her visit a memorable and enriching experience.

Battle of the Books: A Testament to Dedication This year, SIA joined the Virginia Beach Library’s Battle of the Books, an intense reading competition requiring deep comprehension and teamwork. Both SIA teams placed in the top five—an incredible achievement. Students dedicated their own time to reading, taking detailed notes, and discussing each book during lunch, recess, and after school. Their commitment, collaboration, and love for reading were inspiring. The teamwork and critical thinking they demonstrated reflect the IB PYP’s core values. Now, we are eager to return next year, ready to take on the challenge with even more confidence.

The Lifelong Power of Literacy SIA encourages students to read at least 15 minutes a day. Research shows this small habit boosts vocabulary, fluency, and academic success, helping students take ownership of their learning. At SIA, literacy is more than an academic skill—it’s a gateway to knowledge, creativity, and empowerment. Through reading, students explore new worlds, develop critical thinking, and shape their futures. Our reading initiatives nurture curiosity and inquiry, fostering a passion for literacy that extends beyond the classroom. By turning pages, students open their minds, embracing the power of literacy for life.

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Growing Kindness

by Elyssa Brinn, Early Years Director Nature is such a powerful teacher for young children, and it offers so many opportunities for exploration, discovery, and connection. Early Years students learning about trees and nature fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around them, and ensures the understanding of one of our core values, Tikkun Olam or “Repairing the World”. The Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat, known as the “New Year for Trees,” provided a perfect opportunity for our Early Years students to incorporate nature-based learning into their curriculum, as they prepared for springtime and dove into their Sharing the Planet IB® themes.

Tu B’Shevat offered a meaningful way to introduce our learners to environmental stewardship and the significance of trees. Celebrating this holiday in our Early Years hallway included planting seeds, many of which will be used at their Passover seders, tasting fruits native to Israel (such as olives, figs, and pomegranates), and learning about the life cycle of trees. These activities helped the students connect to Jewish traditions while developing an appreciation for nature. In our EY3 classes, this led to an inquiry into habitats and how trees provide homes for many animals.

Our preschoolers took this learning outdoors to observe budding trees, blooming flowers, and search for “signs of spring”. Hands-on activities like nature walks, preparing the garden and sensory exploration deepened their connection to the changing seasons and reinforced the themes of renewal and growth found in Tu B’Shevat.

In addition, Tu B’Shevat also provided the EY students an opportunity to instill values of gratitude and environmental responsibility.

Discussing the importance of trees and all that they provide for us encouraged our children to appreciate and care for the natural world.

The story of The Lorax acted as a provocation to our Early Years 3 students for this conceptual understanding. In our Early Years 4 classes, simple acts like recycling, composting, and reducing waste helped them to understand their role in protecting the environment.

By celebrating Tu B’Shevat and embracing the arrival of spring, our early learners have built a strong foundation for a lifelong connection to nature. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful traditions, they are learning to appreciate the beauty and importance of trees and nature, and beginning to understand their role in taking care of, and “repairing” the world around them.

5 April 2025

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SIA Drama Club Presents: Peter Pan

by Ally St. Pierre Admissions and Marketing Manager

This y e a r , the SIA Drama Club transport e d a u d i e n c e s t o Neve r l a n d with a breathtaking product i o n o f Pet e r P a n.

From t h e moment the play began, it wa s c l e a r t h a t t h i s was n o o r dinary school play—it was a l a b o r o f l o v e , crea t i v i t y , and dedi cation from our tale n t e d s t u d e n t s and p a s s i onate educators.

Mont h s o f rehearsals, prop creating, an d s e t d e s i g n s culm i n a t e d in a performance that left t h e a u d i e n c e i n awe. T h e students brought their chara c t e r s t o l i f e w i t h enth u s i a s m and confidence. Our studen t s ’ a c t i n g show c a s ed not only their talent but als o t h e i r g r o w t h i n team w o r k, self-exp ression, and stage pr e s e n c e .

Behi n d t h e scenes, our dedicated teac h e r s ; M r s . J a m i e Bake r , M o rah Jo Nossen and Morah Ol i v a M a d r i d , a n d Fifth grader Ari S. playing Peter Pan.

staf f w o r ked tirelessly to ensure every d e t a i l w a s j u s t r i g h t . F r o m p e r f e c t i n g t h e t i m i n g o f c u e s t o coac h i n g students through challenging s c e n e s , t h e i r e f f o r t s w e r e i n s t r u m e n ta l i n m a k i n g t h i s p r o d u c t i o n a su c c e s s . The result was a wonderful p e r f o r m a n c e t h a t t r u l y c a p t u r e d t h e m a g i c o f t h i s t i m e l e s s s t o r y .

For o u r s tudents, this experience was m o r e t h a n j u s t a p l a y — i t w a s a j o u r n e y o f d i s c o v e r y . T h e y l e a r n e d pers e v e r a nce, collaboration, and the jo y o f s t o r y t e l l i n g . T h e c o n f i d e n c e t h e y g a i n e d f r o m p e r f o r m i n g i n fron t o f a live audience will stay with t h e m f a r b e y o n d t h e s t a g e .

As w e c l o se the curtain on this spectac u l a r s h o w , w e l o o k f o r w a r d t o m a n y m o r e m a g i c a l p r o d u c t i o n s in t h e y e ars to come. After all, as Peter P a n h i m s e l f r e m i n d s u s , “ T h e m o m e nt y o u d o u b t w h e t h e r y o u can f l y , y o u cease f orever to be able to d o i t . ” O u r s t u d e n t s h a v e c e r t a i n l y p r o v e n t h e y c a n s o a r .

Ari M., Ella G., Haley B., Calanit W., Willow B. and Abby W. played beloved members of the Darling family.

7 April 2025

Evening of the Arts: Sharing the Planet

by Ally St. Pierre Admissions and Marketing Manager Our a n n u a l Eve n i n g of the Arts was a t r uly unfo r g e t t able celebration of creativity , coll a b o r a tion, and environmental awar e n e s s .

With t h e IB® theme Sha r i n g t h e Planet , ou r stud e n t s explored the beauty of natur e a n d t h e resp o n s i b ility we all share in protecting i t — w h i l e also i n c o rporating the spirit of Tu B’She v a t , t h e New Y e a r for the Trees.

From o u r youngest Early Years 4 perfo r m e r s t o our f i f t h g raders, e very student had the oppo r t u n i ty to shine on stage. The nigh t w a s fille d w i t h vibrant e nergy as students s a n g , danc e d , p layed instruments, and share d a r t w o r k that r e f l e c ted their learning and apprec i a t i o n f o r the w o r l d around them. The performanc e s beau t i f u l ly wove together messages of sust a i n a b ility, interconnectedness, and g r a t i t u d e for t h e n atural world.

Third graders Olivia A., Raleigh A. and Levi F. during their performance.

The m u s i c selections resonated deeply , b l e n d i n g c o n t e m p o r a r y , t r a d i t i o n a l an d o r i g n a l s o n g s t h a t h o n o r e d both t h e theme and the values of Tu B ’ S h e v a t . O u r y o u n g d a n c e r s m o v e d g r ac e f u l l y , e m b o d y i n g t h e rhyt h m s o f nature, while our budding m u s i c i a n s f i l l e d t h e s p a c e w i t h m e l o d ie s t h a t c a p t u r e d t h e e s s e n c e o f the e v e n i ng. Every piece performed wa s a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e h a r d w o r k , d e d i ca t i o n , a n d a r t i s t i c g r o w t h o f our s t u d e nts.

This e x t r aordinary event would not ha v e b e e n p o s s i b l e w i t h o u t t h e u n w a v e ri n g d e d i c a t i o n o f o u r t e a c h e r s , who g u i d e d and inspired students thro u g h o u t t h e c r e a t i v e p r o c e s s . T h e i r c om m i t m e n t t o f o s t e r i n g a r t i s t i c expr e s s i o n and meaningful learning ex p e r i e n c e s s h o n e t h r o u g h i n e v e r y a s pe c t o f t h e p r o g r a m .

To o u r f a milies, alumni, and generous d o n o r s — your s u p p ort ensures that events like E v e n i n g of t h e A r ts continue to flourish. The nig h t w a s not j u s t a showcase of talent, but a po w e r f u l remi n d e r of the role the arts play in sha p i n g our s t u d e nts’ education, confidence, an d conn e c t i o n to the world around them.

As t h e f i nal notes faded and the applau s e f i l l e d the r o o m , it was clear that this Evenin g o f t h e Arts w a s more than just a performance — i t w a s a ce l e b r a tion of our shared values, our comm i t m ent to crea tivity, and our respo n s i b i l i t y to c a r e f or our planet. We look forward t o m a n y more i n s p iring performances in the fu t u r e , a s our s t u d e nts continue to express them s e l v e s and m a k e an impac t through the arts.

Kindergarten students performing the song “Community.”

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Strelitz International Academy Lights Up 2025 with the Second Annual Glow Run

by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement Strelitz International Academy kicked off the new year with the highly anticipated Second Annual Glow Run Campaign! This exciting event not only encouraged school spirit but also served as a vital fundraiser to support SIA’s exceptional programs, dedicated teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities.

With a $25,000 match generously pledged by John and Renee Strelitz, all funds raised by our students had double the impact. SIA Students were excited to raise money for their school, creating their own Glow Run pages and reaching out to friends and family for support. The funds raised help with scholarship, programming & staff salaries, ensuring that SIA continues to thrive.

In the lead-up to the Glow Run, students participated in Spirit Days featuring themes like Sports Team Attire, Superhero Day, and Neon Day, adding an extra layer of excitement. Though the event was postponed by a week due to snow, the enthusiasm remained high when the Glow Run finally took place on Friday, January 31, 2025.

This year’s Glow Run featured three exciting elements: The Glow Run Track – Students ran in the gym under black lights and glow lights, creating a high-energy, festive atmosphere.

Glow Up Stations – Set up in the multipurpose room, these stations offered glow sticks and body paint to enhance the glowing fun.

Dance Floor – A lively space where students celebrated their hard work with music and movement.

The Glow Run was more than just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of community, school spirit, and togetherness. Through a month-long series of Spirit Days, an exhilarating run, and a generous donation match, SIA students and families united in support of the school’s future.

The following week, all student fundraisers were recognized for their outstanding efforts. Thanks to their dedication, the Glow Run raised $21,000 to date! Even more exciting, between the Glow Run, the Fall Festival, and the Golf Tournament, SIA families have contributed a total of $32,700—surpassing the $25,000 matching goal!

A huge thank you to all of our fundraisers and donors for your incredible generosity and commitment to SIA. Your support helps us continue to shine bright!

Avi & Dani Weinstein Niv & Shai Rubin Palmer Washburn Joseph Anderson Noa & Zoe Glaser Hadley Kaprielian Miriam Greer Emma & Haley Belman Avery & Mara Goldstein Jackson & Willow Gordon Dean & Benjamin Hassan Levi Foleck Liam & Mollie Glassman The Anglen Family Henry Rhone Jackson Teasley

Benjamin Silverstein Declan Lozada Nolan & Miles Casson Corah, Lilliana & Rowen Beasley Asher Yaary Gavin Blanks William McGovern Aviah & Levi Slawsky The Carden Family Lena & Johnny Aftel Rosangela Reyes Morales Abby Walker Adelina & Somaya Mitchell Avalon Turner Levi & Lior Cohen Philip Sheehan & Miriam Murri

Zara Murdock Bennett Bowers Scarlett, Emelia & Theo St. Pierre Izzy Aviv Emilia Schneider Helena Ludwig Lia & Ben Oliszewski Liv & Leni Cohen Nati & Manu Kugel Rocky & Miles Ferraro Guin Jung Harper & Brynn Waranch Isabella Brent Quinn Rivers Eliana & Shai Solis Elijah, Phineas & Arieh Williams

9 April 2025

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Ways to Give

by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement According to organizational psychologist Adam Grant, generosity is an anti-depressant. Depressed people were randomly assigned to give less than a penny a day to charity. Over the next 2 months, moods improved and depression declined. The more they gave, the better they felt. As a Jewish Day School, Tzedakah, is a way of life. What better way to show your generosity and elevate your mood than by supporting SIA, and ensure our next generation will continue to give!

Please join us to show your support, we have many WAYS TO GIVE: Present Support: Support the Strelitz Fund - Make a one time gift or make a pledge and pay over the year. Consider becoming an annual donor to show your support year after year. Each year, we work to raise essential funds to help us to meet the school’s operating expenses, enrich the student experience and ensure financial sustainability.

Become a Sponsor - Promote your business or show your support of one of our annual events such SIA’s Golf Tournament in September, Fall Festival in October or Student Glow Run in January.

Planned Giving: Life & Legacy Program: Preserve the Future of SIA - Invest in our Life & Legacy program. You have the power to ensure the vibrant future of the Strelitz International Academy. Inspire future generations with a gift to SIA in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy.

Support SIA’s Endowment: The school endowment ensures that SIA will continue to grow and thrive for years into the future. We invite Donors to contribute to the endowment and create naming opportunities for their families. The endowment is like a retirement fund that continues to support the school year after year.

Next Steps: Contact Carin Simon, Director of Advancement, at 757.424.4327 ext. 4189 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org to find the best option for you.

Let your generosity express the values and inspire future generations. Consider supporting SIA through the many ways to give. Each year, we publish an impact report and list our many generous donors who contributed the previous year from July 30 through July 1.

Strelitz International Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID Number 54-0629620

Heather Moore proudly accepts a donation from generous fourth-grade students eager to give back to their school.

11 April 2025

Ben O. making a difference for his school during Community Impact Day and the Mitzvah Mall at the Simon Family JCC.

The Hidden Miracles of Purim

by Rashi Brashevitzky, Judaic Studies Director My fifth graders were very surprised to learn that G-d’s name does not appear even once in Megillat Esther. Considering that the Megillah recounts the miraculous story of Purim, one would expect at least a single mention. After all, when Haman’s wicked plot to destroy the Jewish people failed, wasn’t that a miracle?

I challenged my students to be thinkers—one of the IB® Learner Profile traits—and identify the major miracles in the Purim story. As we discussed, we realized that unlike the splitting of the sea or the manna falling from heaven, Purim’s miracles unfolded behind the scenes. There was no one dramatic, supernatural event; instead, every detail aligned perfectly in what seemed like natural circumstances.

Even Queen Esther’s name hints at this theme. “Esther” comes from the Hebrew word hester, meaning “hidden,” reminding us that the miracles of Purim were concealed within everyday events. From Esther’s rise to royalty to Mordechai’s placement at the palace gates, and even to the king’s sudden sleepless night—each moment was meticulously orchestrated by G-d, ensuring the salvation of the Jewish people.

This realization sparked a broader discussion in our classroom. Throughout the year, we encounter many miracles in our study of the weekly Torah portions and Jewish holidays—some open and extraordinary, others hidden within the natural world. I asked my students: Can you think of hidden miracles in our own lives?

The beauty of Purim lies in its message: even when we don’t witness earth-shattering wonders, miracles are constantly unfolding around us. The Purim story teaches us that G-d’s presence is always here, woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

Fifth Grade Sees Miracles In….

Birth and renewal of life- Ari S. Some hostages have been returned- Micah K. Awesome school with the best teachers- Benson C. Water and food- William S. Plants that grow- Emma B. Technology in our everyday lives- Jaxon G. People have cool talents- Abby W. Being able to go to a Jewish school- Calanit W. Getting special Parsha books for my birthday- Grayce B. Being alive- Zeeva C, Being able to attend SIA- Zane U. Being prepared to transition to another school after SIA- CJ C.

Kindergartener Malex M. working on a Purim wordsearch.

Fifth graders ready to celebrate Purim in their costumes!

Fourth graders Avery G., Mia P. and Ella G. creating beautiful Purim masks.

First grader Alexa K. in her princess costume.

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Strelitz Moments 1. Kindergarten superheroes Scarlett S. and Theo

2. Daniel O. and his parents share a special

T. getting excited to shine at the Glow Run

moment at an Early Years Shabbat Sing-along,

during the Superhero spirit day.

celebrating community and togetherness.

3. First grader Thomas D. captivates the audience,

4. Levi F. and his mother enjoy a special Primary

singing his heart out during the Rosh Chodesh Adar

Years Shabbat, creating memories as they bake

talent show!

their own challah together.

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5. Emily L., alongside her sister and father, decorates her

6. Nolan M. swings into the Purim spirit, dressed

Siddur cover with love and creativity in preparation for

as Spiderman for a day of fun and celebration!

the First Grade Siddur Ceremony.

7. Willow B. and Noa C. eagerly await the

8. Toddler Audrey K. immerses herself in a good book,

performance of Frozen Jr. at the Virginia Beach

enjoying a moment of reading.

Sandler Center, ready for a magical experience!

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Strelitz Moments 9. One of our tiniest tigers, Scottie J. enjoys some

10. Fourth graders Andrew D., Quinn M. and

sensory play in the ballpit.

Harper W. work together during their class to debate where they debated “Can any one person own a word?” inspired by a central idea in their novel study of Frindle.

11. Ronnie A. and Alex F. get their hands messy while

12. Gloria G. and Hayes K. wear their wonderful Dr.

baking hamantaschen to help celebrate the holiday of

Seuss inspired hats during Read Across America

Purim.

Week.

15 April 2025

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13. Tegan K. sits with her mother as she reads a book to

14. Paige L. shows her picture of sharing- a great

the class as part of our “Family of the Week” year long

way to spread kindness!

unit in Early Years 4.

15. Jaxon G. and Calanit W. with their presentation

16. Mari R. enjoys the beautiful sunshine on the

on digital wellness at the Fifth Grade PYPX.

toddler playground.

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Exploring Wellness in the IB® PYP Exhibition

by Alicia Pahl-Cornelius, IB® Coordinator The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition is an important project for students in their final year. It’s a chance for students to explore a topic they care about and share their learning with the school community. This year, the fifth graders focused on "Wellness" under the "Who We Are" theme, which looks at human beings, relationships, and well-being.

Wellness is an important topic, especially today when people are paying more attention to their mental, emotional, and physical health. The students looked at many aspects of wellness, like self-care, managing stress, healthy eating, physical activity, digital wellness, sleep and taking care of their mental health. They learned how all these parts work together to make a person feel healthy and happy.

SIA staff served as mentors and helped to guide fifth graders through the project. Junior mentors from The Hague School shared their past experiences and helped the younger students understand how to organize and present their ideas. This mentorship allowed the older IB® students to practice leadership skills and gave the younger students support as they worked through their projects.

Abby W., Jaxon G. and Emma B. during a Zoom call with Peace Corps Volunteers.

The school also invited experts from the community to help. Doctors, therapists, trainers and Peace Corps health volunteers shared their knowledge and experience about health and wellness. These experts taught the students about the science behind wellness and gave them practical advice on how to stay healthy. The Peace Corps volunteers also spoke about their work in Peru, where they help people with health issues. SIA fifth graders learned how culture affects health in different places.

By working with their mentors and experts, the students learned a lot about wellness.

They researched how people can stay healthy and the challenges some communities face when it comes to healthcare and wellness. In the end, they presented their findings to the school, showing what they learned about wellness in their own lives and in the world.

The IB® PYP Exhibition is not just about learning facts; it’s about working together and learning from others. This year, the focus on wellness helped students understand what it means to be healthy and how people can take care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With the help of their mentors and community experts, the students gained important skills that will help them in the future, both in school and in life.

Benson C. and Zeeva C. presenting their project at the 2025 PYPX.

17 April 2025

Ari S. and Emma B. pose with their project at the PYPX alongside their mentors from The Hague School.

Flash from the Past!

We remember this photo... do you?

Can you name the students, the activity, and when it took place? Put your memory to the test! If you’ve got the answers, email us at astpierre@strelitzacademy.org — we’re curious to see who remembers!

Identified!

Thank you to everyone who submitted answers to help us identify the students in this picture! This picture features Issac Brooke, Arianna Trestman and Yaakov Wilson, along with their classmates!

Strelitz International Academy 18

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180 Virginia Beach, VA 23462

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