Globe 2024-2025

GLOBE Spring 2025

Spring 2025

6 Celebrating 45 Years

a silicon valley international school

26 Preparing Students for an AI-Influenced World

28 Student Achievements and Excellence

Board of Directors Chair Ellick Butt Vice Chair Carla Carvalho Treasurer Patrick Gengoux Secretary Albert Lee Directors Anne Aaron Ana Corrales Cindy Foo-Irissou Jasmin Limbrey Sujata Narayan Thom Phan Marc Suidan Linda Wang Andrea Willms Marie Young Honorary Trustee Charlotte de Géry School Leadership Head of School Barbara Greiner Assistant Head of School Jacqueline Cody Chief Advancement Officer Patricia Colin Early Years Principal Dr. Xiomara Cruz Elementary School Principal Liz Evans Chief Information Officer Mathieu Farrugia High School Principal Richard Goulding Middle School Principal Véronique Merckling Chief Communications Officer Jovi Olson Chief Financial Officer Erik Paxman Chief of Enrollment Management Jennifer Tyler

Editors Chief Communications Officer Jovi Olson joviolson@svintl.org Associate Directors, Communications Bernard Donohue Ben Laskey Mallory Whisenhunt

Cohn Campus 151 Laura Lane Palo Alto, CA 94303-3221 650 251 8500

Willows Campus 475 Pope Street Menlo Park, CA 94025-2826 650 324 8617

International Baccalaureate (IB) Silicon Valley International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Silicon Valley International School believes is important for our students. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

Events 6

Celebrating 45 Years of History

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Early Years in Photos

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Cross-Cultural Celebrations

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Elementary School in Photos

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Upper School in Photos

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Alumni Parent Events

Articles

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Alumni Events & INTL Connect

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Events Celebrating our 45 Years

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The Power of Social-Emotional Learning

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“One World” Spirit, An Arts Night 45 Years in

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Early Years to High School: Growing Learners

the Making

for a Global World 18

45 Years of Evolution: Our Bilingual Programs

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Preparing Students for an AI-Influenced

World 32

Middle School Showcase

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Bringing Antigone to Life: Blending Literature

and Bilingualism 35

Middle Years Programme Personal Projects

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Career Preparation Program: Fostering

Passion Through Process 38

Meet Our High School Students

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Alumni Award Recipient: Karl Yost

News 2

Letter from the Head of School

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Letter from the Board Chair

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Student Achievements and Excellence

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Save the Date: Annual 8th Grade Plays

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Athletics on the Rise

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From the Parent-Teacher Association

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From the Chief Advancement Officer

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Alumni Return to INTL

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Annual Giving Donors

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INTL Global Babies

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Colleges and Universities List

2024 Graduates

From Head of School Barbara Greiner During the Winter Break, I was in a museum in Paris, and had a delightful surprise.

I heard someone call my name, “Ms. Greiner! Ms. Greiner!”

I turned to find two of our Middle School alumni who graduated in June 2014. I hadn’t seen them in years, so I was thrilled to reconnect and catch up on their journeys since leaving our school.

One of them, now attending law school at Yale, and the other, working in Amsterdam, shared their inspiring stories. Each time I engage

with our alumni, I feel an immense sense of pride; they embody everything our school

Barbara Greiner greeting INTL Alumni in Paris

stands for—thoughtful, kind, open-minded, and successful individuals grounded in strong values.

What makes our school truly special is the caliber of individuals that comprise our community—teachers, students, alumni, parents, staff, and administrators. It is heartwarming to see alumni now enrolling their own children, eager for them to benefit from the rigorous, inquiry-based bilingual education that shaped their own lives.

OUR LEGACY Silicon Valley International School was originally founded as Peninsula French-American School in 1979 by Charlotte de Géry. Under her vision and the leadership of remarkable Heads of School and Board Members across DeutschAmerikanische Schule, German-American International School, Alto International School, and International School of the Peninsula, the school flourished.

Bob Cohn

Each leader left an indelible mark, expanding our campuses, hiring exceptional teachers, adding languages, and developing middle and high school programs while gaining various accreditations (WASC, CAIS, IB, AEFE).

Despite this growth, the school has remained true to its original vision: empowering students through a rigorous, inquiry-based bilingual education.

I have had the privilege of being associated with the school for 24 years, during which I have known three remarkable Heads of School and countless memorable teachers and staff. Each of them have contributed to making our school what it is today. Let me highlight the three: CHARLOTTE DE GÉRY: I first met Charlotte at a graduation ceremony 20 years ago. She immediately struck me as a visionary, someone dedicated to creating an educational environment that fosters open-mindedness and critical thinking.

Her bold initiative to create a bilingual school has changed the lives of generations of students over 45 years, many of whom credit their success to the foundation they received at INTL. I have often heard alumni express how INTL shaped their thinking, taught them to construct arguments, and helped them become remarkable individuals who stand out in their fields.

ELLEN FOURNIER: In 1994, Ellen stepped into a challenging environment marked by declining enrollment. As an outstanding educator, she knew how to attract the best teachers and administrators, elevating the school to new heights.

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Patricia Colin, François Guèdenet, and Philippe Dietz at the newly constructed Cohn Campus

1996 was an incredible year of growth for our school. Recognizing the need to add an additional language and also extend the grade offering, the school introduced both the Chinese Program and the International Middle School.

Months of research with individuals from Stanford University led to the understanding that Chinese and French education shared several similarities. Both emphasize a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum; strong emphasis on academic success and the importance of positive struggle; and prioritize developing strong foundations in core subjects. Over the years, our language programs have flourished side by side, enabling our teachers to learn from each other and enrich their pedagogy.

Tate Cohn

The International Middle School was immediately successful because of its strong focus on bilingual excellence and graduating critical thinkers that can solve problems from multiple perspectives.

Simultaneously, Ellen sought support to build a new campus. Thanks to her, the leadership of very dedicated, generous Board Members, as well as a transformative gift from Bob Cohn and Tate Cohn, we now have Cohn Campus— our permanent home.

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PHILIPPE DIETZ: The most humanistic Head of School, Philippe personally knew all students, parents, teachers, and staff. He spent time building authentic connections with community members. He surrounded himself with talented teachers and staff, and worked closely with dedicated Board Members, mission-aligned families, alumni, and supporters of the school.

He invested in each individual at school, which led to a strong, tight-knit community.

Everyone that has worked with Philippe knows him well for his caring nature, but ultimately, Philippe has been INTL’s most impactful leader due to his adept leadership skills, strategic decision-making, profound pedagogical expertise, community-building, and strong financial acumen. Philippe became Head of School during an economic downturn, and carried INTL through its most difficult period to an incredible time of growth and success.

He spent years elevating the school’s reputation, shaping it into a renowned educational organization.

Under his guidance, INTL grew the Chinese Program to robust numbers, strengthened our French Program with high standards for excellence, became a financially strong institution along with the creation of our first endowment fund, developed one portrait of a graduate across language programs, championed a rebranding and renaming of our school, and facilitated a merger with Alto International School—creating the INTL we know today—the first International

Baccalaureate (IB) school on the West Coast that offers the full continuum from Preschool to 12th Grade in multiple languages!

It goes without saying that we would not be the school we are today without the merger and the many individuals, including Alto International School’s former Head, Drew Alexander, who helped us bring our two schools together in 2021. The merger allowed Silicon Valley International School to offer the full IB continuum.

A REMARKABLE TRAJECTORY As I reflect on INTL’s remarkable trajectory shaped by its leaders, teachers, staff, students, and community members, I am filled with gratitude for being part of a community that values bilingualism, inquiry, and the pursuit of excellence. The legacy of INTL continues to thrive, grow, and inspire new generations to embrace the transformative power of our inquiry-based bilingual education and to benefit from the most comprehensive and sought after college preparatory program: the IB Diploma.

Today, our bilingual IB continuum is the backbone of our school because of its academic and personal rigor, because it transforms lives by giving students the skills they need to thrive and to positively impact their world.

Across divisions and programs, students excel in their studies and personal growth.

They develop an enthusiasm for learning that lasts a lifetime and are equipped to persevere and to face challenges with confidence. INTL students acquire the knowledge and tools to be independent thinkers who make informed decisions and solve real, complex problems.

Original Cohn Campus

4 Letter from the Head of School

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From Board Chair Ellick Butt As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of our school, it is a moment of reflection and gratitude for the hard work of past Boards and the successes we have achieved together. My six years on the Board have allowed me to witness the dedication and passion of my colleagues in shaping our school’s future.

One pivotal moment during my time on the Board was the important decision in 2019 to change our name from the International School of the Peninsula (ISTP) to Silicon Valley International School (INTL). While ISTP had a rich history and was well-recognized locally, we sought a name that would resonate on a global scale.

The change was not made lightly; it involved extensive deliberation about the pride it would instill and its implications for recruiting and retaining top-notch educators. We aimed to set forth on a bolder mission with a name that would be recognized worldwide.

Exploring a high school offering was part of our previous Strategic Plan and in 2020, that exploration turned into a reality with the official merger with Alto following our name change, and later, the coming together of our communities in 2021. The combination of our two schools has positioned INTL as the premier bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering programs from Preschool through 12th Grade.

With an expanding student body and aspirations for growth, the Board strategically decided to purchase a new campus. This vital move aligned our physical presence with our mission, enhancing

the environment where our students and teachers can thrive, and fostering a strong sense of community.

In recent years, we navigated challenges marked

by COVID-19 and multiple transitions in leadership.

Under the previous Head of School, Philippe Dietz, the Board largely played a supportive role.

However, the evolving landscape required us to step into a more active leadership capacity. One of our most significant decisions during this time was to hire Barbara Greiner as our Head of School.

Barbara’s commitment to our mission and students has been instrumental in our recent success, especially in achieving remarkable growth in High School enrollment.

This year, we are finalizing our next Strategic Plan, which has been a collaborative effort involving focus groups and input from the entire INTL community.

We are excited to unveil this plan this coming year, as it will guide our direction over the next 5-7 years.

Earlier in this year’s State of the School address, I mentioned that I have never felt more optimistic about the future of our school. The commitment of our community and the direction we are headed in solidify my belief that there are great achievements ahead for INTL

1990

1979

celebrating

1989

FOUNDING OF THE DEUTSCH-AMERIKANISCHE SCHULE (DAS)

1979

Founded in 1989 by Stephen Kispersky alongside a group of passionate and dedicated German and American families, the school’s early classes consisted of three

CHANTAL DECLÈVE TEACHES THE FIRST CLASS AT THE PENINSULA FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL (PFAS)

classrooms in Portola Valley.

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PFAS’ first teacher, Chantal Declève, taught at the school for over 30 years and inspired generations of students with her passion for art.

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1. Early Founders Social Gathering, 1989.

2. Herr Schmahl, first GAIS Principal, 1991.

3. Claudia Gruber and her 3rd Grade class, 1992.

4. Susan Brooks and her class at Point Reyes, 1994.

5. First Chinese Program Kindergarten Students, 1996.

6. La Kermesse, 1998.

6 Celebrating 45 Years

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2010

2000

1996

THE FIRST MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS JOINS ISTP

2000

GROUNDBREAKING FOR COHN CAMPUS

Two decades after its beginning, the school broke ground on Cohn Campus (named for Bob Cohn and 1996 was a milestone year. The school added the Chinese Program and International Middle School, as well as changed its name to International School of the Peninsula to better reflect its community.

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Tate Cohn, the primary benefactors), expanding its footprint in Silicon Valley. The new classroom building became the home of all 1st through 8th Grade students until the merger between INTL and ALTO.

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7. French Program Class, 1999.

8. History teacher Barbara Greiner and the Middle School, 2000.

9. 8th Grade Play, 2001.

10. GAIS at the Pumpkin Patch, 2006.

11. Schultüte, 2004.

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12. La Kermesse 30th Anniversary, 2009.

Celebrating 45 Years 7

2010

2015

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13. Olivier Monteil in the Classroom, 2011.

20. Faculty and Staff Retreat, 2016.

14. Chinese Program Elementary School Students, 2012.

21. Teacher Appreciation Lunch, 2016.

15. GAIS Summerfest, 2013.

22. Joanna Hoffman, Women in Tech, 2016.

16. Accepting the Palo Alto Mayor’s Green Award, 2013.

23. Cécile Roques reading to her students, 2017.

17. La Kermesse, 2014.

24. Gala Hollywood Glitz and Glamour, 2017.

18. 5th Grade travels to Hangzhou China, 2014.

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8 Celebrating 45 Years

19. Jaqueline Cody and Vincent Doukhan’s 3rd Grade French Class, 2015.

25. Ya-Ching Chang and Liz Evans’ 3rd Grade Class, 2017.

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2025

2020

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2020

FIRST HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS

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2021

A NEW HORIZON; FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR A COMBINED SILICON VALLEY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Established in 2016, the first High School class of thenAlto International School took to the classrooms on Willows Campus. Four years later, they would become the inaugural graduating class, earning the school’s first High School and IB Diplomas.

In 2021, two schools became one, with one shared International Baccalaureate continuum.

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26. Elisabeth Lepert and Students, 2018.

27. Class time with Birgit Schweingruber, 2019.

28. 4th Grade Trip to China, 2019.

29. 40th Anniversary Gala, 2019.

30. Schultüte, 2022.

31. First Day of School, 2024.

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Spring 2025

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32. High School Boys Basketball Game, 2025.

Celebrating 45 Years 9

The Power of Social-Emotional Learning

By Jacqueline Cody, Assistant Head of School

As I reflect on the role of educators, particularly in today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of going beyond traditional academics to prepare students for the complexities of modern life becomes increasingly evident. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is undoubtedly a hot topic societally right now—with best selling books, podcasts, and journalists highlighting some of the social struggles our young people face. We recognize the critical importance of SEL in developing well-rounded, resilient, and globally-minded individuals who exemplify our mission.

SEL, combined with our commitment to bilingualism and academic excellence, creates a powerful environment that equips students to tackle challenges with confidence, perspective, and sensitivity.

At INTL, our approach to education is one that sees SEL and academic excellence as not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing.

10 The Power of Social-Emotional Learning

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THE SYNERGY OF SEL AND BILINGUALISM Our bilingual model, paired with our commitment to inquiry learning that challenges students through depth, transferability, and critical thinking, offers cognitive benefits that extend far beyond language skills. These include enhanced executive functions, empathy, and the development of grit and resilience in learning. By integrating SEL into this framework, we create a synergy that amplifies the benefits of our curriculum and creates something truly powerful.

ENHANCED EMPATHY AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Our students build a broader and more nuanced vocabulary of emotions and gain heightened cultural sensitivity allowing them to navigate challenging situations with greater awareness and appreciation of diversity. For example, when discussing complex chapters of history in 4th Grade, or debating current affairs in High School Global Citizenship, our students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate and build upon their empathy and high levels of EQ. IMPROVED PERSPECTIVE-TAKING: The ability to switch between languages encourages flexible thinking and the capacity to see situations from multiple viewpoints. For example, 11th and 12th Graders pursuing bilingual diplomas engage in thought-provoking literary and philosophical debates during their two Language and Literature courses.

There they have the opportunity to navigate distinct narrative styles, rhetorical devices, and cultural contexts-engaging with diverse perspectives, values, and ideologies. Or, take for example our 1st Graders who study poetry and classic fairy tales across different languages, comparing how different cultures express similar values (e.g., giving, community) in unique ways, or how the stories’ themes may be shared but how cultural elements can reflect different values.

INCREASED INHIBITORY CONTROL: Our bilingual model supports the development of strong inhibitory control as students become more adept at suppressing automatic responses or irrelevant information. These skills are crucial to sticking with and engaging in tasks that are not immediately easy, but necessary for long-term success; a key to productive struggle. In our Early Years classrooms we see marked resilience in our youngest students as

they search for the vocabulary word to express their idea, or take audible pauses as they process their thoughts in two languages, often combining both to express their ideas “just right.”

ADVANCED METACOGNITIVE SKILLS: Importantly, our bilingual model promotes strong self-awareness in learning. Mistakes are inevitable— whether in grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation.

Through making errors and receiving feedback, students develop a growth mindset. At the youngest age, they learn to view challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to improve. Our students understand that struggling with a task is a necessary part of mastering it, which leads to growth. For example, 1st Graders dive deep into their individual learning traits and preferences, 2nd Graders engage in the process of iterations as they build Rube Goldberg Machines, 4th Graders are introduced to neuroscience and research on the growth mindset, and Middle Schoolers are engaged in simulations designed to experience and reflect on failure.

The cognitive and emotional benefits of bilingual education—such as enhanced attention control, problem-solving skills, resilience, and emotional regulation—help students build grit. Our students are often accustomed to the productive struggle that comes with learning and mastering the demands of our inquiry-based, bilingual education, making them better equipped to handle challenges in other areas of their life with persistence and determination.

Early Years to High School: Growing Learners for a Global World Each of these themes is a lens from which to view our academic programs: pride, versatility and preparedness, empowerment, and institutional growth.

Discover how each of our Principals see the themes reflected in their divisions.

PRIDE: CELEBRATING BILINGUALISM Dr. Xiomara Cruz, Early Years Principal Pride in bilingualism starts early. Building on 45 years of educational excellence, we provide a strong foundation in learning, language acquisition, and character development that empowers students to become confident, proud bilingual learners.

In the Early Years, our teachers create inclusive, language-rich environments where bilingualism is celebrated as a natural and joyful part of the day.

Students engage in singing, read-alouds, and roleplaying, immersing themselves in both languages.

This builds language skills and instills confidence in their abilities.

Cultural celebrations like la Semaine du Goût, Laternenfest, and Lunar New Year nurture bilingual pride by bringing languages and cultures to life. For instance, during Lunar New Year, students share traditional songs, dances, and recipes, showcasing how language connects them to their heritage and to others.

We also emphasize individual progress, encouraging students to see bilingualism as a strength. This is shown through storytelling and presentations. A Pre-Kindergarten student might share a story in one language and summarize it in another while older students might collaborate on multilingual projects, like creating a bilingual newsletter fostering teamwork and pride in their achievements.

This foundation is strengthened by partnerships with families. Parent workshops and community events connect students to many cultures and broadens the significance of bilingualism in their lives.

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We make sure to celebrate every step in this linguistic journey so that students can look at bilingualism not as a skill, but as part of themselves. Together, we grow a legacy of excellence in languages and build a community where students feel confident, valued, and proud to be INTL learners.

VERSATILITY AND PREPAREDNESS: MEETING CHALLENGES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Liz Evans, Elementary School Principal As confident bilingual learners, we set the foundation for students to see the world from different perspectives; to gain knowledge from others as engaged and active learners.

From the Early Years through High School, we know that preparing students for the future means more than teaching them facts—it’s about helping them make connections, think critically, and understand the complexities of the world around them.

This comes to life in classrooms every day through creative, interdisciplinary projects that engage students deeply while fostering essential skills of collaboration and adaptability.

In Kindergarten, a central focus is on understanding community roles and responsibilities. This year, one class took the concept to a whole new level by roleplaying running a toy store. Realizing they needed more inventory they created a toy factory and when they discovered they needed money to grow, they built a bank. Through their imaginative play, students deepened their understanding of community functions and the connections between the roles of institutions and their interdependence.

Similarly, 4th Graders explored migration, studying historical and modern patterns in English. They then imagined human migration to other planets with their target language teachers, combining multiple subjects as they crafted arguments for which planet would be the best destination. This also helped students consider global challenges like climate change and overpopulation from a critical and creative perspective.

These projects exemplify how INTL’s bilingual Primary Years Programme (PYP) cultivates critical thinking and adaptability. By forging meaningful connections between concepts learned in English and their target languages, students consider multiple perspectives and strengthen their understanding. Whether building a simulated community or debating planetary migration, they gain the confidence and problem-solving skills needed to navigate complexity.

Ying Liang, PYP Coordinator “Through rigorous academics, interdisciplinary connections, and resilience building, INTL ensures our students are prepared to meet challenges both inside and beyond the classroom.”

14 Early Years to High School: Growing Learners for a Global World

EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS: TAKING CONTROL OF AN EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY Véronique Merckling, Middle School Principal With each Programme and unit taught at INTL, students build upon what they have learned, growing as well-rounded individuals.

While the Early Years and Elementary divisions lay the foundation for how to learn and nurture a love for it, Middle School builds on this groundwork of inquiry and bilingualism, empowering students to take ownership of their education.

It sets them up to become inquisitive, knowledgeable individuals ready for the demands of High School and the IB Diploma.

Through rigorous academic exploration in at least two languages and 10 different subjects, students explore questions, seek answers, and build indepth knowledge. They practice problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, fostering a growth mindset to navigate challenges.

Middle School students embrace INTL’s multilingual community, bringing their unique thoughts and experiences to the classroom with an open mind.

In 8th Grade Language and Literature class, students wrote poetry summatives incorporating literary devices discussed in class, developing a deeper understanding of the concepts by putting them into practice. In 7th Grade Individuals and Societies, classes focused one unit on Medieval societies, comparing them to modern day countries.

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In doing so, students explored diverse perspectives and challenged their beliefs, enriching their worldview.

Students enhance their linguistic and cultural competencies through immersive exchange programs, building confidence and developing independence and responsibility.

INTL’s holistic approach extends beyond academics. Whether through community service projects, student leadership roles, or leading clubs they are passionate about, our Middle Schoolers take ownership of their environment and education.

They actively choose how to become more well-rounded individuals while developing strong character traits, including empathy, integrity, and perseverance.

Through INTL’s rigorous academic programs, cultural exploration, and leadership opportunities, our students thrive as engaged learners and compassionate global citizens.

INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH IN THE HIGH SCHOOL Richard Goulding, High School Principal There is a renewed sense of energy in our High School this year! The High School student body has grown by over 70%, with strong retention in our four programs—Chinese, French, German, and Upper School Language Acquisition (USLA). For bilingual students, this continuity ensures they graduate as fully bilingual adults. New students have also joined at key entry points in 9th and 11th Grades, reflecting a growing awareness of the value of an IB education.

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As we have scaled, so have our programs. From offering just one humanities class in the IB Diploma Programme, our expanded curriculum includes IB Economics, Geography, and Psychology, alongside a range of sciences to go along with the original History of the Americas. We plan to add IB DP Computer Science soon. In 9th and 10th Grades, the Global Citizenship course for USLA students has been implemented, highlighting our ability to grow alongside our increasing student body.

Our High School faculty has also expanded, with combined IB teaching experience now surpassing 100 years—averaging seven years per teacher. This reflects our teachers’ passion for the IB mission: fostering intercultural dialogue and internationalmindedness to create a better world.

Our extracurriculars have grown as our athletics expanded to include more teams and sports while our academic-based clubs flourish. Conferences like Model United Nations at Yale and Columbia University, and global forums like the Round Square in Kenya, welcome our students and promote dialogue with peers worldwide.

To date, we have 31 graduates who have achieved remarkable college placements across Europe and North America, including Stanford, UCLA, Northeastern, Northwestern, Oberlin, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Irvine, and graduate programs at Harvard and Imperial College London.

Many have the privilege of choosing between these colleges and offers from top universities like UC Berkeley, Hong Kong University, and Princeton.

We are exceptionally proud of them and know they are thriving as bilingual, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens thanks to the extraordinary foundation provided by an IB education.

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early years

45 Years of Evolution: Our Bilingual Programs

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BLENDING FRENCH TRADITION WITH INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION

GERMAN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE IB

Olivier Monteil,

Claudia Gruber,

Director of French Affairs and French Program Academic Dean

German Program Academic Dean

INTL began as a French immersion school and was quickly accredited by the Ministère de l’Éducation nationale (French Ministry of Education), a status that remains intact to this day, along with our strong foundation of academic excellence.

When the Deutsch-Amerikanische Schule (DAS) was founded in 1988, it loosely followed the German Bundesländer curricula. Even at that time, our approach was more student-centered than schools in Germany.

As a member of a network comprising 62 schools and over 20,000 students across North America, our school integrates the traditional principles of French education with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning via the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

As the school became more international and adopted the IB framework, there was a significant shift in language learning as all the changes brought an emphasis on promoting multilingualism and intercultural understanding.

The introduction of the IB brought about a profound change in the way our students approach learning, making them more motivated, curious, and engaged.

The interdisciplinary nature of the IB encourages connections between subjects, particularly French and English, and developing critical thinking skills.

Language instruction in the IB is closely tied to exploring and understanding different cultures while developing effective communication skills.

Essay writing is tied directly to inquiry topics, with knowledge communicated both orally and in writing, strengthening students’ presentation skills.

Unpacking a Unit of Inquiry naturally and logically builds vocabulary.

Our annual international trips to France have become a cherished tradition where students attend a local school and experience French culture firsthand. These trips foster connections between our school and the French education system, further enriching our students’ learning experiences.

Beyond the addition of the IB, we continue to uphold the rigorous academic standards that have been a hallmark of our French curriculum. We believe in maintaining a balance between fostering creativity and curiosity and providing a strong foundation in academic rigor, ensuring our students receive a wellrounded and challenging education.

Instead of focusing on isolated textbook grammar lessons, teachers develop inquiry-based lessons that incorporate grammar concepts. This approach allows students to uncover language patterns, sentence structures, and grammar rules independently, making sense of them in a meaningful way. When students discover these concepts on their own, the learning (cont’d...)

sticks, and they are better able to transfer this knowledge to new contexts.

As students build reading and writing skills, they begin using language to explore the central ideas of the units and communicate their learning effectively.

Last year, we took our first trip to Germany with the 4th and 5th Grade students and our second trip to Mainz with the 7th and 8th Graders. These trips are amazing opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the German language and culture.

The IB also encourages critical thinking in language learning. By integrating language instruction with real-world and transdisciplinary connections, students develop a deeper understanding of how language functions in different contexts.

Additionally, emphasizing collaboration enhances communication skills as students work together on group projects and discussions. Exposure to diverse perspectives within the IB framework fosters empathy and a global mindset, further enriching the language-learning experience.

CELEBRATING GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE IN OUR CHINESE PROGRAM Ya-Ching Chang, Chinese Program Academic Dean

Since its creation in 1996, the Chinese Program has undergone remarkable growth and transformation.

This progress extends beyond enrollment to INTL’s leadership role in Chinese immersion learning and inquiry-based bilingual education.

Last May, INTL collaborated with the Asia Society to host school visits for educators from the United States and other countries at both campuses.

At the National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC), I co-led a community roundtable discussion on international exchanges and facilitated discussions to help attendees understand how to build and strengthen their international programs.

Since 2018, we’ve partnered with Bay Area schools to organize the Early Childhood Chinese Immersion Forum (ECCIF), offering professional development and networking opportunities for early childhood educators. Showcasing the school, our teachers presented best practices on topics like integrating neuroscience into learning, assessment strategies, and concept-based inquiry.

We have continually enhanced our curriculum and practices through professional development opportunities for teachers. This year, we partnered with Yvonne Liu-Constant, a practitioner from Harvard University’s Project Zero, to work with teachers on inquiry-based math-thinking approaches.

These methods guide students to wonder, ask questions, explore, and make connections to draw their own mathematical conclusions. We also maintain a robust literacy program that emphasizes reading and writing through a researcher’s lens. Students study and connect topics across disciplines, responding by reading, writing, and researching to summarize, synthesize, and express their ideas. Through their research and writing, they create argumentative articles supported by solid reasoning and evidence.

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As we celebrate INTL’s 45th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to pursuing best practices for our students and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth among all faculty and staff.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE ENGLISH PROGRAM Hannah Mclaughlin, English Program Academic Dean

Language has always had the power to connect students to the world around them.

In the early days of the school’s English Program, the curriculum focused primarily on standalone language instruction. Lessons centered on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, with limited integration of broader subjects like social studies or math. Over time, our school recognized the need to adapt to a more complex, interconnected world.

This led to a reimagining of the English Program inside of the IB framework while integrating language learning across the curriculum. Today, English is no longer confined to standalone lessons, but is woven into every subject, offering a richer, deeper education.

In 4th Grade, students study migration by exploring human movement. They engage with personal migration stories, build vocabulary, and complete writing assignments connected to global and historical contexts. By 5th Grade, students analyze migration patterns, contrasting voluntary and forced migration during the transatlantic slave trade.

High-quality novels provide multiple perspectives, fostering empathy and critical thinking.

While embracing changes, we have also maintained key elements of our program. Though some literary elements evolved with California Common Core, we believe in the power of high-quality novels. Starting in 3rd Grade, students engage deeply with literature, enhancing their reading and analytical skills.

The diversity within our English department enriches the program. Our staff, with a range of pedagogical backgrounds and global teaching experience, brings best practices to the classroom, including phonological instruction and reading assessments.

This helps us curate a rigorous and thoughtfully designed English curriculum.

The school’s evolution ensures language is no longer taught in isolation. By embedding English throughout the curriculum, we equip students with critical thinking, adaptability, and crossdisciplinary knowledge—building a foundation for lifelong learning.

cross-cultural celebrations

農曆新年 (Lunar New Year)

La Semaine du Goût

Galette des Rois

中秋節 (Mid-Autumn Moon Festival)

Laternenfest

教師節 (Confucius Day)

Einschulung mit Schultüte

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26 celebrationsPreparing Students foran AI-Influenced World

Preparing Students for an AI-Influenced World Elisabeth Lepert, Educational Technology Director

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Silicon Valley’s pioneering spirit of innovation has always inspired our school’s approach to education. Decades ago, INTL students were exploring the Minitel, a pre-internet network device with the then-impressive ability to get weather updates from across the globe or look up phone numbers in Paris. Contrast that with today’s students growing up in a world with chatbots, machine learning models, and other forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As technology continues to advance, INTL understands the importance of evolving alongside it, ensuring that our curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant by integrating new technologies to fuel creativity, exploration, and learning.

While AI is not new, its recent growth and accessibility have prompted conversations about its role in education, including how it may influence academic integrity and writing practices. History shows that similar concerns have always arisen with emergent technologies, from the printing press, to personal computers and the internet.

While requiring careful consideration, attempting to ban new technologies outright would neither be practical nor beneficial for our students.

With this openness to innovation comes the responsibility to establish thoughtful parameters for technology’s role at INTL. To that end, we have integrated AI literacy into our curriculum, equipping students with the skills to effectively use, evaluate, and critically engage with AI-generated content.

These efforts are part of a broader commitment to embedding responsible technology use and digital citizenship across our curriculum.

AI literacy begins early, even when the technology is not the central focus of a unit of study.

Kindergarteners learn about perception through activities like observing patterns or sorting objects.

In time, this knowledge helps lay a framework to learn about how AIs perceive the world.

In the unit “Human Innovations Transform How People Live”, 5th Graders learn how AI models are trained using data. They dive into why the quality and amount of that data really matters. Along the way, they also talk about the ethics behind it all, having discussions to help them fully understand the impact of what they’ve learned.

assessing sources when doing research. Critical analysis and evaluating the credibility of a source is an essential part of knowledge in today’s day and age.

Additionally, how to interact with AI can be thought of as learning another language: how to speak to it, and how to program in the appropriate parameters to get the answers that are being sought. Becoming fluent in this AI language will help set students apart and will likely become another branch of technological education.

INTL’s forward-thinking approach to technology integration ensures that our students are not only prepared for the evolving digital landscape, but also equipped to engage with it critically and responsibly.

By embedding AI literacy across grade levels and within the context of the IB curriculum, we empower students to navigate the ethical, practical, and innovative aspects of AI.

In High School, a discussion arose in a department meeting about identifying AI deepfakes in the news and on social media. The impact these faked pieces can have on our students made us realize how much we needed to reinforce in our students the skill of

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28 Student Achievements and Excellence

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Student Achievements and Excellence We take immense pride in the remarkable achievements of our students across all grade levels and language programs. From their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom to their contributions in the greater community, our students consistently exemplify curiosity, resilience, and leadership. Congratulations to the following students for their accomplishments.

Nicolas L. Finalist

Pierre G. Commended Student

Cassia G. Commended Student

DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARD ACHIEVEMENTS Once again, INTL High School students embarked on the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to attain the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. This awards program builds grit, resilience, and character. Students demonstrate a commitment to physical activity, community service, and experience transformative outdoor adventure, teaching them to face challenges with confidence.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Three of our High School students have achieved remarkable recognition in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program, a distinction earned through exceptional PSAT performance. Among them, Cassia G. and Pierre G. have been honored as Commended Students, placing in the top 50,000 scorers nationwide out of over 1.5 million students—evidence of their academic dedication and aptitude. Even more impressively, Nicolas L. has advanced to the esteemed rank of National Merit Finalist, placing him among the top 0.5% of test-takers nationwide.

Congratulations to Cassia, Pierre, and Nicolas on their incredible accomplishments!

Lykka S. Silver Award Recipient

Louisa S., Caia S., Owen L., Yarrah T., Silja F., Julien L. Bronze Award Recipients

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LUCA M. JOINS PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Luca M., a standout 7th Grader, has earned a coveted spot in the 2025 Global Youth Excellence & Leadership Program (GYEL), a prestigious initiative within the United Nations framework.

Over seven months, Luca will collaborate with talented peers from around the world, honing skills in leadership and global problem-solving. As one of the youngest ever accepted, Luca’s maturity and compelling writing impressed the program’s application committee. GYEL’s rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare future leaders to tackle complex global challenges. This remarkable achievement highlights Luca’s dedication to making a meaningful impact and exemplifies INTL’s commitment to nurturing globally minded change-makers.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAM ADVANCES Our rookie Robotics team, a group of 5th Grade students known as the INTL Sharks, demonstrated skill and determination at the FLL 2024 NorCal Qualifying Tournament. Competing against 18 teams, they achieved an impressive 4th-place finish and were recognized with the Robot Design Award.

Their performance also earned them a place in the District Championship, highlighting their dedication and teamwork as they continue to develop their skills in robotics.

HELENA H. RECEIVES AWARD IN LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST 2nd Grader Helena H. earned an impressive second place in the Double Ten Creative Speech Contest, organized by the Association of Northern California Chinese Schools earlier this school year. Her remarkable performance highlighted her mastery of the language, creativity, eloquence, and dedication, reflecting both her talent and hard work.

UPPER SCHOOL MODEL UNITED NATION TEAMS EXCEL

Our Middle and High School Model United Nations (MUN) teams have had a stellar year. The Middle School team participated in their first conference in October, earning special recognition for 7th Grader Toshani B. and 8th Grader Kaiyen A. At the Stanford Conference, the High School team excelled: 9th Graders Sophie S. and Soledad Y. earned an Honorable Mention in UNICEF, 11th Grader Indy S. won Outstanding Delegate in the Athenian Assembly, and 11th Grader Yarah H. and 12th Grader Rox R. received an Honorable Mention in the UN Security Council.

In January, at the Columbia University MUN Conference, 11th Grader Mia B. earned Honorable Mention for Luxembourg on the World Health Organization committee.

(Left) Sophie S. and Soledad Y. Honorable Mention Indy S. Oustanding Delagate (Left) Rox R. and Yarah H. Honorable Mention

30 Student Achievementsupper school

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middle school showcase

IN THE CONSERVATORY: A DIALOGUE Sophie G., 8th Grade Students wrote dialogues inspired by Manet’s “In the Conservatory”, incorporating the characters’ thoughts, emotions, gestures, and descriptive elements, aiming for a rich, precise narrative in the style of Guy de Maupassant.

- Chère Madame, puis-je m’asseoir à vos côtés ?

Une voix forte et claire sortit Madeleine de sa rêverie. Cette voix appartenait à un homme d’une trentaine d’années, appuyé nonchalamment contre le banc où elle s’était installée.

Il était vêtu d’un costume noir, d’une chemise blanche et d’un pantalon beige. Madeleine le reconnut immédiatement, mais elle ne détourna pas pour autant son regard, qui était fixé au loin. Cet homme à la barbe chocolat lui avait déjà causé assez d’ennuis !

L’intrus l’observa un moment, en silence. Elle portait une robe grise à boutons noirs, avec des manches en dentelles. Dans sa main droite, se trouvait une ombrelle dorée, assortie à sa coiffe en plumes.

Afin de faire fuir l’homme, Madeleine répondit enfin, d’une voix tremblante : - Je crains que cela ne soit guère approprié.

Bien qu’elle ne le regardait toujours pas, elle sentit qu’il était déçu.

Mais comment avait-il osé l’approcher après ce qui s’était passé la veille ? En choisissant un banc isolé dans ce jardin public, elle avait cru pouvoir l’éviter.

- Et pourquoi me refuser un tel honneur ?, demanda-t-il avec insistance.

Madeleine aurait pu lui donner mille raisons, mais il ne serait pas parti pour autant. Elle refusait de lui parler depuis qu’il avait révélé à toute sa famille son intention de devenir médecin. Lorsque ses parents l’avaient appris, ces derniers l’avaient forcée à renoncer à son rêve afin de devenir institutrice. Elle éprouvait de la rancœur.

Sans l’homme qui se tenait penché sur son épaule, elle aurait eu la chance d’accomplir son rêve. Mais au lieu de lui expliquer les raisons de son indifférence, elle rétorqua d’une voix menaçante, en jetant un regard vif sur sa main gauche : - Regardez mieux, Monsieur.

Ces paroles prononcées, elle brandit son ombrelle, comme pour se défendre. L’homme vit la bague à son doigt, recula et prononça ces mots, avec regret : - Ah oui… certes… Je n’insiste pas.

32 middle school showcase

EXCERPT FROM ESCAPING THE

NEW YORK RAP

REMOTE DESERT

Adele S. and Nina L., 8th Grade

Larry G., 8th Grade

In their Unit on Urban Poetry, students wrote poems and lyric pieces inspired by the culture and setting of a major metropolitan area. They were asked to match the style and energy of the poem to the flavor of the city.

Students developed a short story or novel excerpt inspired by a chapter from studied works as a point of inspiration, demonstrating mastery of writing techniques and conveying their personal worldview, values, or philosophy. 一位科学家帮助过很多人。 他的理想是让所有人永生，永远能 在人间遨游，找到心爱的人。 他创造过抗癌症药剂，和各种能 让病人重获新生的药。 那位科学家研究了他最新的医药产品， 准备在埃及展开发表会。 他和亲朋好友一起坐车前往埃及发 表会。 但是在中途时，越野车的引擎过热，导致车辆爆炸。 科学 家被炸到几百公尺远的沙地。 他孤单一人寻找亲朋好友，但 最后发现他们全都已经离开了人间。 科学家穿过荒芜之地， 在一个洞穴中安居。 最后他历经艰难，经过透彻的反思，凭借 着坚强的毅力，抵达了最近的村庄，开始了过着顺应自然的 独居生活... 橙色的夕阳，格外的柔和。 沙沙覆盖天空，有种朦胧的美。 我 的耳边沙沙作响，沙泥攻击而来。 沙尘暴中，昏暗的色调，强力 的巨风，像只凶猛的野兽准备把清静的早晨吞噬。 忽然间，我 的视野忽然不到十公尺了。 尘土迷住了我的眼睛，我又身处泥 沙俱下。 我的衣服沾满了沙子，我任由沙风拍打着我的身体。 我的脚掌触摸不到沙地。 我重重的摔在地上，不等我反应过 来，我又被吹上天。 我的身体被风向操控着。 沙尘让我迷失了 方向。 我青一块紫一块，已经没有多余的力气爬起来了。 我探 出头，隐约地看到了一块白布，掺了棉花，像是用来止血的。 我 的呼吸变得越来越短粗，绷紧了全身的肌肉，撑起身子，往前 爬。 我的手肘摩擦着粗糙的沙子，但是身体还是往前蠕动。 风 轻轻的把我推了起来。 我用一只脚平衡着我的身体，慢慢的往 前跳。 凹凸不平的沙子让我多次摔倒，但是强力的风沙又轻轻 的把我推了起来。

我拿起树枝，当成拐杖前进。 右腿踏一步，再利用拐杖扎到 地上，右腿继续踏步。 沙坡非常陡峭，拐杖不停的向左右摇摆。 我试着用右脚努力的埋在沙子下，固定身体。 太阳快下山了， 我加快了脚步，在夜晚来临之前找到我的家人。 下坡时，拐杖 的触地面积很小，我的身体不由自主地向前倾，右脚从沙子里 也浮现了出来。 我的右腿先倒地，随后整个身体像某种力量把 我往前推。 我的身体开始翻转，滚到了坡底。 我的脸多处都是 沙子，我试着拍掉，但是粗糙的泥沙不停地摩擦着脸庞，像是 几把小刀刮蹭着皮肤。 一刻也不敢耽误，手臂向前爬。 日落步步逼近，天空泛紫，太阳慢慢靠近着地平线。 我穿过 一片沙漠，抵达了破损的越野车旁。 整个车身先进泥沙中，我 观察了四周，想要看到家人的痕迹。

我的一生献给了医学，我的双手，拯救过老百姓，也拯救过 名人。 我一生的梦想就是让人们健康，能再次吃到好吃的，能 见到想见的人，能感受到无穷的爱......我几乎忘了我自己的 力量是多么弱小。 我亲身感受过深渊了，知 道了手术室外的绝望与痛苦。 我的目的 从始至终都是见证生命的气息，但 是我也从始至终抛弃了生命的气 息。 更多泥土涌进来，沙风越刮 越猛，她的影子开始消散，慢 慢的散去，独留我一个人在荒 漠中...

Flieg’ nach New York ich seh ne’ Zigarette.

Ich hab’ meine Swag und ne’ golden Chain-Kette.

Mein Dorf war klein, New York ist groß.

Dann frag’ ich mich: ,,Was mach ich hier bloß?”

Ich hol’ meinen Kaffee, hier stinkt’s ganz dolle.

Ich glaube, die Leute verlieren Kontrolle!

Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Ich verdien’ mein Geld echt schnell.

Wolkenkratzer hoch, der Himmel so blau In NYC, das weißt du genau!

Central Park leuchtet, die Blätter sind bunt.

Leute joggen, Kids spielen und rennen herum.

Hier in NYC, die Skyline so klar, Lichter blinken, Träume werden aber wirklich wahr.

Von Times Square bis zur Freiheitsstatue Ich lieb’ diese New Yorker Kultur Brooklyn, die Brücke, das Wasser darunter, Doch auch dort der Müll und die Luft drückt runter.

Wolkenkratzer hoch, der Himmel so blau In NYC, das weißt du genau!

Viele gelbe Taxis auf der Straße.

Langsam verlier’ ich meine Muttersprache Ich pack’ meine Kleider ein.

Ich will jetzt endlich heim.

Doch, es ist jetzt Zeit, Ich bin soweit.

Tschüss New York, es tut uns leid!

Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Hier verlier’ ich mein Geld echt schnell.

Wolkenkratzer hoch, der Himmel jetzt grau In NYC, man weiß nichts genau!

Bringing Antigone to Life: Blending Literature and Bilingualism This year, in Pauline Fleau’s French Language and Literature class, Upper School students crafted and performed their own extrapolation of the classic Greek tragedy Antigone, working with Jean Anouilh’s modern adaptation of Sophocles’ classic.

While Antigone is condemned directly by the king in the original play, in this exercise, the students were challenged to imagine what a jury trial for Antigone might look like. Working entirely in French, the students not only wrote speeches for the various characters, but also considered the legal and ethical dilemmas presented in the play, placing themselves in the roles of judge, jurors, prosecutor, and more.

They analyzed complex themes like justice, loyalty, and morality, reflecting on how to convey these universal ideas in French. This project allowed students to dive into philosophical discussions, examine character motivations, and think critically about the choices Antigone made—all in their target language.

WATCH NOW

save the date ANNUAL 8TH GRADE PLAYS Performances in Chinese, English, French, and German (Language Programs & USLA) Thursday, May 15, 2025 Doors open @ 6:00pm Cubberley Community Center Theater Invitation to follow.

All members of the INTL Community are welcome!

Scan to watch the play and experience how our students bring the language to life through their creative performance.

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Middle Years Programme Personal Projects The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) culminates in 10th Grade with the Personal Project, a student-driven inquiry that applies their MYP learning to a self-chosen topic. Focusing on Global Contexts and Approaches to Learning (ATLs), the emphasis is on the learning journey rather than the final product.

Kai Noah F. Kai Noah is exploring how to master YouTube’s algorithm and how it affects viewership on his channel. By analyzing audience engagement and content performance, he can create strategies to improve views and engagement. His research and findings will help him to better understand digital media and develop skills in planning and analysis while allowing him to continue his passion for video creation.

Zoe H. Zoe is building her editing and mixing skillset to create polished, professional music tracks. Her plan is to experiment by adding Reggae drum patterns to enhance and create new sounds for her songs. Zoe aims to produce an album of finished songs to publish on streaming platforms. She hopes this will develop her skills in music production so she can share her creativity with a wider audience.

Caia S. Budding author/illustrator Caia is crafting a book that communicates big ideas to young children while exploring the natural beauty of California, especially its national parks.

She will use different languages to promote understanding and appreciation of nature, removing language barriers. Her work will combine both her language learning skills along with her creativity and artistic skills.

Anna L. Anna is pursuing her passion in exploring historical fashion while developing practical design and craftsmanship abilities. She’s focusing on understanding the materials, fashion, and styles of the mid-19th century, researching how dresses were made during that time and so she can then apply her knowledge to design and create an authentic mid-19th-century style dress. She hopes to show off her finished project at a fair in the future, combining historical accuracy with her creativity and sewing skills.

36 Career Preparation Program: Fostering Passion Through Process

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Career Preparation Program: Fostering Passion Through Process 10th Grade students stepped onto Google’s sprawling campus, where vibrant murals, open workspaces, and cutting-edge technology set the stage for ingenuity and ideation. Fresh from honing their aspirations in the Career Preparation Program, our students navigated the tech giant’s halls marveling at the blend of creativity and precision in action. This immersive field trip was more than just a tour; it was a firsthand glimpse into the possibilities of future careers, sparking inspiration to connect classroom learning to the dynamic world of professional innovation.

The Career Preparation Program helps students develop real world skills and connect with professionals as they explore potential career paths. Led by career counseling consultant and INTL parent Amanda Irani, the program blends self-reflection, mentorship, and hands-on learning to help students refine their aspirations.

Beginning in 9th Grade, students participate in activities like personality tests, vision boards, and exploratory exercises designed to identify their interests and build a foundation for their career journey.

“9th Graders are super responsive, and their vision boards are a fun and visual representation of their personalities. This is a starting point to then work on their elevator pitch, which helps them grow in self-awareness and confidence.”

Amanda explained.

In 10th Grade, the focus shifts to practical career skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, and networking. Students create LinkedIn profiles, practice mock interviews, and refine their resumes. These activities prepare them to make a strong impression in professional settings.

Mentorship is a standout element of the program, pairing students with professionals who provide insights into their chosen fields. Mentors, who may be parents, alumni, or other supportive community members, offer experiences ranging from informational interviews to job shadowing. The visit to Google was one such memorable experience, organized by INTL parent David Ruiz Fernandez.

“This program is unique because most schools don’t have anything like it in their curriculum,” Amanda said. “It gives students the confidence and connections they need to explore their passions and see how they can turn those into careers.”

Athletics on the Rise Upper School athletics continues to thrive, offering students diverse opportunities to engage in friendly and inclusive athletic competitions.

From the court to the field, to the course, and the trail, our student-athletes build camaraderie, teamwork, and a love for physical activity, embracing the values of sportsmanship and lifelong wellness.

Our athletics program is growing, and this year, we are excited to offer an expanded program of sports to choose from with more teams and opportunities for students to participate in. Go Dragons!

38 Meet Our High School Students

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Meet Our High School Students Soledad Y. French Program 9th Grade

A natural diplomat and leader, Soledad’s ability to share ideas, perspectives, and inspire others stands out at INTL. As a bilingual student in the French Program, she blends her language skills and cultural agility to examine tough topics through different lenses.

As part of the High School Model United Nations team, Soledad used these skill sets to her advantage.

Taking to heart the characteristics of what makes a top-tier Model UN delegate, she took home Honorable Mention at Stanford University’s Model United Nations Conference at her first high school event!

Her language fluency coupled with her talent for collaboration and understanding multiple perspectives helped her to form alliances, negotiate agreements, and ultimately, present her country’s position in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

Soledad’s achievements in Model UN, alongside her leadership roles as a former Class Council Delegate and now Class Ambassador are just the beginning.

With her unique blend of bilingualism, critical thinking, and diplomatic acumen, she is poised to make a significant impact on a local or global stage.

“My favorite things about INTL are my classmates and friends. We have grown up together and truly been through it all: the laughs, the tears, the drama, and the experiences. We have stuck together across grades and campuses, and I believe that we have a genuinely special connection.”

Logan L.

Chinese Program 9th Grade

Logan is known by faculty and students for his ability to express himself through written and spoken language.

Thoughtful and innovative, he is a natural leader with the courage to bring fresh ideas to discussions and activities. In class, Logan’s excellence is clear—he quickly masters complex topics and leads discussions, inspiring peers with his insight and enthusiasm.

His talents shine in student journalism. As last year’s Co-Editor-in-Chief of the INTL Inquirer, Logan guided his team to produce high-quality articles while fostering collaboration. This year, as Non-Written Content Manager for The International Times, he has spearheaded multimedia projects, redefining storytelling with a modern edge.

Beyond academics, Logan balances fitness with artistic pursuits. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, he has been mastering the guitar, showcasing creativity and discipline. Whether setting a fitness milestone or perfecting a chord, Logan puts his all into everything, striving for growth daily.

Logan’s curiosity and determination are boundless.

He embraces challenges, reflects on experiences, and pushes creative boundaries. As he continues through high school, Logan will leave a lasting mark on how INTL students tell their stories.

“INTL has challenged me personally and academically in a variety of ways that allowed me to come out as a better person. On top of that, the international community has given me so much. I have been able to form close and long lasting bonds with old friends, as well as create fresh friendships with newcomers to the High School.”

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Clea L.

German Program 10th Grade

Clea is a driving force for positive change and community spirit at INTL. As a valued member of the Student Council, Clea uses her voice to represent her peers and champion impactful initiatives to enhance the school experience for everyone. Her leadership is both inspiring and forward-thinking, making her a key contributor to the INTL community.

Clea’s passion for service doesn’t stop on campus. She’s enthusiastically involved with Save the Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting San Francisco Bay’s natural habitat. Through her work with this organization, Clea is making a tangible difference in preserving the environment for future generations.

Beyond leadership and service, Clea thrives in every corner of school life. Whether she’s diving into class discussions, excelling in her studies, or hitting the court with the High School volleyball team, she tackles every challenge with determination and a spirit of teamwork.

With her dedication to service, personal growth, and community involvement, Clea leads with compassion and care, making an impact today while laying the foundation for meaningful change tomorrow.

“INTL is like a big family to me, from the teachers and staff to the students.

Everybody is so kind and friendly. It honestly makes me look forward to coming to school every day. I wouldn’t trade this community for any other.”

Riaan S.

USLA Program 10th Grade

Riaan embodies dedication and curiosity in all he pursues. After building a strong academic foundation in both French and German in Middle School, Riaan now focuses on French, thriving through hard work, a passion for learning, and an inquisitive mindset.

Recognized in 8th Grade with a Leadership Award for the inspiration and guidance he provided to other students, Riaan continues to serve as a positive role model and dependable source of support in High School. Whether representing INTL in Model UN or participating in service projects like packing meals with Rising Against Hunger, Riaan demonstrates his commitment to global citizenship and making a difference.

Riaan’s talents extend to the basketball court, where he consistently demonstrates excellence in teamwork and determination, both as a player and as a referee for younger teams, showcasing his commitment to fostering community spirit.

Riaan’s drive, leadership, and well-rounded strengths are strikingly evident in his efforts to uplift and support those around him, creating a stronger and more connected community.

“When I first visited INTL, it was just a school to me. But, over these past four years, this community has become so much more. Every person is like a childhood friend that you can honestly talk to for hours, from the 8th Graders, to the seniors, to the teachers. It really is like a family that supports you every step of the way.”

Silja F.

German Program 11th Grade

A native of Germany, Silja embodies the essence of a true worldly individual, holding four different citizenships adding French, Swiss, and American to her German heritage. With a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, she brings a worldly perspective to her education at INTL. Silja has embraced every opportunity offered by INTL to expand her horizons, including transformative adventures studying abroad in Japan as well as taking part in the high school’s experiential learning trip to Guatemala. These experiences have not only strengthened her language skills but also shaped her into an adaptable, reflective, and insightful individual.

Her global perspective flourishes in her leadership roles. As an award-winning member of Model UN, Silja uses her experiences to guide meaningful discussions on global issues. She is also deeply involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a program that challenges her to excel in areas of public service, skill-building, and outdoor exploration. Currently working on the Gold award, the highest achievement in the program, Silja has dedicated herself to promoting diversity through community service, advancing her language skills, and undertaking athletic projects such as cycling, which pushes her physical and mental limits. Her commitment to this prestigious program highlights her resilience, drive, and dedication to personal growth.

Silja’s integration of global experiences with her academic and extracurricular achievements lay the groundwork to make a meaningful impact on the world for years to come.

“INTL is much more than just a school to me; it’s a place where I get to let my curiosity run wild and laugh with friends and teachers alike every day. Our tight-knit community makes everyone feel supported in their journeys. The classes and environment challenge me to think critically and explore the world. Being part of INTL has shaped me into a more confident, open-minded person, for which I’m incredibly grateful.”

Zander P. Chinese Program 11th Grade

Zander has been part of the INTL community since Preschool, growing into a well-rounded student who adeptly balances academics, athletics, and leadership. Having spent over a decade in INTL’s Chinese Program, Zander has developed a strong connection to the language and culture, using his creativity and curiosity to explore meaningful ideas in his studies.

In the classroom, Zander’s talent for writing and problem-solving sets him apart. In Chinese Language and Literature, he crafts thoughtful, engaging work, using metaphors and analogies to convey sophisticated ideas. His analytical mindset also thrives in science, where he tackles challenging questions with enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit.

Outside the classroom, Zander channels his energy into competitive rowing, an endeavor that has honed his resilience and self-discipline. The grueling training regimen not only pushes his physical limits but also shapes his approach to challenges in other areas of life. Through his involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Zander exemplifies a well-rounded commitment to self-improvement and community impact, seamlessly blending outdoor adventures with meaningful service.

Zander’s blend of academic rigor, athletic dedication, and leadership qualities positions him to succeed in whatever challenges lie ahead. Through his passion for learning and personal growth, Zander is shaping a future that reflects his commitment to excellence and achievement.

“I am so thankful for the bilingual education that I have been able to receive here. It has provided me with the ability to communicate with half of the world. Our school has an environment rich in ambition, hard work and friendliness. The connections I have made here will remain a part of me for the rest of my life, I am sure of it.”

Cevan O. French Program 12th Grade

Cevan, a lifelong INTL student, has harnessed his creativity and passion for storytelling throughout his academic journey. His love for film has been a driving force, inspiring him to explore the art of filmmaking and television production in a deep and meaningful way.

As a 10th Grader, Cevan took his passion to the next level by crafting a seven-minute film for his Personal Project, showcasing his ability to bring a story to life.

He has continued to build on this focus in his Extended Essay, where he examines the portrayal of Asian male stereotypes in the television show Beef, demonstrating his knack for analyzing complex narratives with thoughtful insight.

Beyond his academic work, Cevan co-founded a film club, providing a platform for him to share his passion for filmmaking with others in the school community.

An individual with diverse talents, Cevan is also a star athlete on the basketball court and a skilled cellist.

Cevan’s journey at INTL reflects a perfect balance of creativity, intellectual growth, and service which has taken full advantage of INTL’s focus on student agency and inquiry. Cevan’s ability to create, share, and connect with others will not only shape narratives but will also draw people in to explore the thoughtful perspectives he so aptly brings to life.

“I have been at INTL for 15 years. There is a reason that I have stayed so long; INTL has not only provided me with a world-class education but also lifelong friendships with my peers and teachers. I am truly blessed that INTL has been so thoughtful with how they’ve treated me—sending me to Kenya, Costa Rica, and Guatemala to expand my understanding of different global perspectives, giving me individualized attention from the teachers, and helping me develop into a good-hearted individual. I am truly grateful for how this school has contributed to my life and I am proud to consider it a home.”

Sahir S.

USLA Program 12th Grade

Sahir stands out for his dedication to academic and athletic excellence. As a competitive swimmer, he thrives under the pressures of a demanding schedule, mastering the art of focus and time management. Sahir’s ability to balance the rigor of training with his studies reflects his determination and drive to excel in every pursuit he undertakes.

At INTL, Sahir thrives in solving complicated problems, demonstrating his passion for technology by being one of the first to tackle the challenges of Artificial Intelligence. He completed the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence course and an advanced Machine Learning course, pushing the boundaries of his knowledge. For his Extended Essay, Sahir is exploring the intricate field of aerodynamics, showcasing his critical thinking skills and deep curiosity.

Outside of academics, Sahir is committed to giving back to his community. He mentors young swimmers and takes on leadership roles to foster inclusivity within the school, demonstrating his drive to create positive change.

Sahir’s ability to master complex subjects, combined with his passion for technological exploration, equips him to navigate the pressing and emerging challenges of the future.

“My favorite thing about my time at INTL is the special connections I have made with my teachers. The small class sizes and genuine care that the teachers have for us has allowed for amazing learning, even past our curriculums. This really makes me excited to go to school every day.”

42 From the Parent-Teacher Association

From the Parent-Teacher Association Dear Silicon Valley International Community, What an exhilarating year 2024-2025 has been so far! We’ve witnessed many fantastic events, and there are more to come, fostering a stronger sense of community. The Beach Day in the fall was a hit, providing families with an opportunity to connect and have fun; we’re committed to continuing this tradition!

We had the Moon Festival and Laternenfest, two cross-cultural events hosted by our dedicated Chinese and German teachers, respectively. The outdoor Movie Night, with starlit pizza and popcorn, was a success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our Upper School students. Skate Night remains a favorite, consistently selling out with eager kids and parents ready to hit the ice! Food and fun were had by all. The Taste Day Lunch during la Semaine du Goût (Taste Week) was a hit with the students.

In November, we thanked our teachers and staff with a delightful Boba Day, allowing everyone to design their own tea. After winter break, the students were treated to Galette des Rois, which offered a chance for your child to become King or Queen for the day! Lunar New Year celebrations were enjoyed on both campuses, as we welcomed the Year of the Snake.

We held a bowling event specifically for High School students and their parents in December, which was a fantastic opportunity for bonding and fun. Looking ahead, we are excited about our spring event, Dragon Bowl-n-Roll! This event will provide another chance for families to enjoy an evening of friendly competition and connection through bowling.

Look forward to another Skate Night in spring, along with our cherished Teacher-Staff Appreciation Lunch. Don’t forget our Great America Day set for early June—last year’s event was a big hit with all the students. And of course the End of Year BBQ! These events play a crucial role in upholding our school traditions, and their success relies heavily on the dedicated support of our parents and volunteers. We encourage every parent to get involved—whether through small gestures or larger commitments—to help us maintain this vibrant, multicultural community. Your participation is essential! Please reach out with your support or share your ideas as we continue to come together and celebrate our diverse cultures.

As we go through the rest of the year, we will continue to bring you as many community events—old and new—as we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at pta@svintl.org.

Sincerely, Your PTA Officers Erich Sonnberger, President Charisma Canlas, Vice President Olivier Crémel, Treasurer Ying Wang, Secretary

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From the Chief Advancement Officer Patricia Colin As we start anew in 2025, there is change in the air at Silicon Valley International School —a renewed sense of optimism and momentum.

I am thrilled to see the school not only moving forward but thriving, thanks to the steadfast commitment of each member of our INTL family.

As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, I reflect on how far we’ve come.

This anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to honor our past while looking ahead to the future with confidence. This October, our German families invited us to a lively Oktoberfest celebration, bringing the community together with music, laughter, and tradition. These events for our anniversary also allow us to bring back cherished figures from our school’s past. In January, we hosted the delectable cooking demonstration of

Martin Yan, celebrated host of Yan Can Cook. In March, there was the powerful, poetic performances of Geneviève Charlot, a “chanteuse à texte” whose artistry celebrates the beauty of the French language. These events are more than gatherings; they showcase our community’s resilience and a celebration of the enduring ties that unite us.

Our 45th year is also a time to refocus on excellence in everything we do—academic achievement, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. The excellence of Silicon Valley International School shines brightly through our students’ accomplishments, the dedication of our educators, and the enduring support of our alumni and parents.

As we look toward the next chapter, we warmly invite you to consider supporting our mission.

Whether by volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, or contributing financially. Every gesture makes a meaningful impact.

Thank you for standing with us through every season and for helping us shape the next era of excellence at Silicon Valley International School.

Together, we look forward to another year of growth and success.

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44 Alumni Parent Events

Celebrating the Lifelong Connections Built in Our School Community INTL is more than just a school— it’s a vibrant international community that fosters deep, lasting relationships. Each year, families from diverse cultures and languages come together, building bonds that often feel like an extended family and last well beyond graduation.

Our Alumni Parent Gatherings rekindle these connections, uniting guests through shared memories and introducing parents from different years who share a welcoming mindset. At our dinner meet-up in November, recent alumni parent Anda Shi and her seatmate Maggie Fazah shared that they were “thrilled to see familiar faces and welcome new ones.” Parents shared how their children’s language skills opened doors to international internships and cultural immersion.

Mike Murray, a former Annual Fund Champion, highlighted how his daughter Elizabeth, an alumna of the Chinese Program, secured an internship in college in Taiwan at National Taiwan University. This underscores the lifelong value of multilingualism and cultural understanding.

A UNIQUE CONNECTION Whether families spend a few years or over a decade at INTL, the shared journey creates enduring memories: attending Red Carpet events, celebrating the Moon Festival, volunteering at Arts Night, or sharing crêpes at Skate Night. These moments are the foundation of a unique connection tied to shared values, a love of cultural diversity, and a mutual commitment to our children’s success and well-being.

JOIN US AND REKINDLE THE BONDS The friendships formed here become a vital support system, helping families navigate challenges and celebrate joys.

Even after years have passed, the warmth of this community endures. School staff remembers your name, ask about your children’s adventures, and celebrate your milestones. Events like the Annual Alumni Summer Gathering or Alumni Parent Dinners offer opportunities to rekindle these bonds and revisit cherished memories.

We encourage you to stay connected.

Let’s celebrate enduring friendships, revisit cherished memories, and continue supporting each other—no matter where life takes us.

After all, this is more than a school; it’s a family. And it’s a gift worth keeping for a lifetime.

Alumni Events & INTL Connect INTL SUMMER GATHERING Save the Date!

Friday, June 6, 2025 @ 6:00pm on Cohn Campus Don’t miss the Annual Alumni Summer Gathering—a perfect opportunity to celebrate, reconnect, and make new memories! Alumni and alumni parents from INTL, Alto, ISTP, GAIS, DAS, and PFAS are all invited to join. Enjoy delicious food, thrilling raffle prizes, and the warmth of our vibrant international community. Plus, Head of School Barbara Greiner will be there to join in the festivities. We can’t wait to see you at this special event!

INTL CONNECT NETWORKING EVENT Save the Date!

Sunday, August 17, 2025 @ 5:00pm Calling all alumni, former parents, current parents, and friends—join us for the INTL Connect Networking Event!

This is your chance to make valuable, in-person connections across diverse careers, industries, and expertise. Don’t miss this dynamic opportunity to expand your network, share experiences, and open doors to new collaborations!

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Alumni Events & INTL Connect 45

46 Events Celebrating Our 45 Years

Events Celebrating Our 45 Years This year marks a significant milestone for our school as we celebrate 45 years of excellence.

This anniversary provides an opportunity to honor our school’s history, reflect on its journey, and look forward to its future.

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SOIRÉE DU VIN We launched the year in style with our 19th Annual Soirée du Vin, a dazzling evening that united parents, faculty, and alumni in celebration of the maturation of our school over the decades. The theme, “Aged to Perfection,” beautifully paralleled the refinement of fine wine with INTL’s evolution.

Held under sunny skies at Fremont Hills Country Club in September, the Soirée was unforgettable.

Guests savored exceptional wines and gourmet cuisine while engaging in spirited conversations.

Guest speakers Sam and Jen Lando from LANDO Wines captivated attendees with stories and passion for winemaking, perfectly complementing the celebratory spirit of the evening.

Midway through the event, a delightful surprise unfolded as servers brought out cakes adorned with a single candle. One guest at each table lit the candles, and the gathering joined in singing Happy Birthday to INTL celebrating its remarkable 45year journey.

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Events Celebrating Our 45 Years 47

48 Events Celebrating Our 45 Years

45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENTS The festivities continued in October with a lively Oktoberfest hosted in the parklike grounds of an INTL family’s residence in Atherton. From the cheerful strains of German folk music to the laughter shared across the tables, Oktoberfest brought together parents, faculty, and staff for an afternoon of heartfelt camaraderie.

A favorite from years past, Martin Yan, host of Yan Can Cook, came back to campus in January after first bringing his kitchen to life at school in 2004. 20 years later, the smash hit returned as attendees experienced Martin’s culinary magic up close, along with a live Q&A. Many were lucky enough to take a piece of the experience home by purchasing an autographed cookbook and a set of his highquality cooking utensils.

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In February, we gathered leaders from the school’s past to recognize their extraordinary contributions to the school at the 45th Anniversary Leaders Event. From the school’s founders and parents of the very first class (1979) to Board Members and Heads of School, the night was filled with touching reunions and swapping of fond memories.

Later in the month, students commemorated the anniversary with vibrant celebrations inspired by the French festive season, Carnival. Students shared food, sang, and danced amidst confetti and streamers, embracing the festive delight as we celebrated our school’s remarkable 45 years.

Another highlight of the celebrations was the enchanting evening with Geneviève Charlot who returned in March to perform a concert celebrating the beauty of the French language and culture.

Whether through grand evenings like the Soirée du Vin or joyful gatherings like Oktoberfest and Carnival, each event embodied the spirit of INTL. Together, we celebrated our school’s extraordinary 45-year journey and the vibrant community that makes INTL a place of connection, culture, and excellence.

Alumni Return to INTL 2024 was filled with memorable INTL alumni moments, including Arts Night, the INTL Connect Networking Event, alumni panels, the summer reunion in Paris, and even a few alumni joining current students on a recent trip to Washington, D.C.! We’re always delighted to welcome our talented alumni back to campus and other school events, where we get to learn more about their journeys beyond INTL. We were also thrilled to welcome alumni back for internships last summer, as well as two alumni who have joined our INTL family as members of our faculty and staff. It’s truly special to see them transition from students to colleagues, and we couldn’t be more proud to have them contribute their talents to our community. Their ongoing connection to INTL reflects the strong, supportive environment we’ve created, and we’re truly grateful to have them with us, along with others who share our passion for nurturing and growing this wonderful community!

Alumni Summer Gathering (Left) Margot B., Isabel K., Alix B.

Alumni Paris Reunion (Clockwise from the bottom left) Patrick Boustiha, Raphaël B., Simon C., Sophia F., Jules M., Alizée M., Mel H., Anne Leyrat, Barbara Greiner, Clémentine Bonneville, Luciana M.

INTL Connect (Left) Victor M., Arthur M.

INTL Faculty and Staff (Left) Axel Clavier, Sarah Hamidi

Arts Night (Left) Chloe C., Monika P., Teague W.

8th Grade Field Trip to DC (Left) Arsène C., Vadim C., Siddarth M., Milli M.

Alumni Panel (12/19) (Left) Anna Y., Tristan O., Mia O., Samantha P.

“One World” Spirit, An Arts Night 45 Years in the Making

Spring 2025

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Once a year, the Cohn Campus transforms into a breathtaking gallery celebrating student creativity and cultural heritage. Arts Night is a testament to our school’s community spirit and collective effort. This year’s theme, “One World,” highlighted the diversity and unity that have defined our school for 45 years.

Attending for the first time often leaves a lasting impression. Families like the Bonnets and Dia-Andronics were initially invited as prospective parents, awed by the event before their children’s artwork was ever featured. Inspired by the experience, they have remained part of the dedicated volunteer team to this day, continuing to help bring this collaborative masterpiece to life.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE More than 100 volunteers, including parents, students, and alumni, worked tirelessly to make Arts Night a reality. Planning began months in advance, with art teachers and Early Years teachers leading projects alongside volunteers who devoted hundreds of hours. Volunteers met weekly, cutting, gluing, and mounting artwork to transform the Cohn Campus into a lovely gallery.

THE FINAL PREPARATIONS The day before the event, the school closed early to allow a team of volunteers to rearrange classrooms, adjust lighting, and complete final touches. Each piece was meticulously displayed, from the grand entrance to themed installations. Meanwhile, other parents prepared a buffet showcasing the school’s cultural diversity. Families contributed homemade dishes that reflected their heritage, creating a culinary journey that matched the global theme and the community of the school.

A LASTING IMPRESSION When the exhibition opened, the school was no longer a place for classes and lessons; it was a gallery that shined with the collective talent and spirit of our students and community. Volunteers contributed over 500 hours, transforming the school and inspiring students to take pride in their creativity.

Ultimately, like alumna Jasleen Pelia-Lutzker said, “Arts Night is for the students. It’s a chance for them to see their work displayed and celebrated, to take pride in their creativity and share their accomplishment with their parents, and to be inspired by their peers.”

Arts Night is more than an event; it’s a tradition that unites and inspires, showcasing the extraordinary impact of collective effort.

Silicon Valley International School was proud to recognize alumnus Karl Yost with the 2024 INTL Alumni Award at the Annual Gala & Auction last spring. This award honored Karl for his exceptional educational accomplishments and for embodying the transformative power of INTL’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

Karl’s journey with INTL began in Kindergarten, marked by learning, embracing challenges, and seizing opportunities. He graduated as part of the school’s first High School class in 2020, earning the IB Bilingual Diploma in German and English.

His story embodies the school’s commitment to fostering holistic development and academic excellence.

Integral to Karl’s success is INTL’s renowned IB Programme and immersive bilingual curriculum, which broadened his worldview and his approach to learning.

“It’s become second nature to look at things from a broader context,” Karl noted. “I came into college with others not having the same IB background as me, and I’ve realized that I have a good ability to put things into perspective and a real-world context that other schools aren’t focused on.”

Alumni Award Recipient Karl Yost

Karl credited his 11th Grade Chemistry teacher, Mr. Weston, who inspired him to pursue Biochemistry.

“Mr. Weston really helped me get into Biochemistry because he taught me that you can still be a cool person and study science at the same time. That message from him really resonated with me on a personal level.”

After saying farewell to INTL, Karl continued his academic journey at UCLA where he earned a degree in Biochemistry in 2024.

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“What drew me to UCLA was because of the fit. From the very beginning, I could really see myself fitting in with the school and being successful. In addition, UCLA is a more renowned school with a lot of opportunities available. It also felt like a great balance between work hard and play hard, which is positive for the mental health side of education.”

“The IB Programme really teaches you how to be independent and resourceful,” Karl recalled. “This was a really helpful skill for me to learn for college since you’re on your own a lot of the time and can’t always rely on the professor to help you every step of the way.”

Speaking about the interconnectedness of learning, he added, “I think that learning is something that is super interdisciplinary. Like how history is connected to philosophy and how philosophy is connected to science, like a web that ties everything together. I think that the IB really helps students understand the interconnectedness of education and cultivates a perspective about how learning can be something that is cool and can shape your view on the world.”

At UCLA, Karl dedicated countless hours to research, focusing on fungi and their therapeutic applications. “Most people don’t know this, but a lot of common antibiotics like Penicillin have ingredients that originate from nature. So in the lab, we were trying to figure out how certain fungi can be used to create therapeutic remedies.”

you did in High School, I do think that going to INTL helped me explore opportunities in college, which in turn helped me get into a Ph.D. program. Even though it is not strictly related, INTL helped me acquire skills and pursue my passions while in college.”

Beyond academia, Karl envisions a career in venture capital, aiming to blend his vast skill set and invaluable qualities.

“After my Ph.D. program, I am hoping to pursue a career in venture capital because I want to be able to mix my research skills with my communication and people skills. Science is also a very underfunded field that needs resources to help people. So I think that venture capital will help effectively branch out the scientific issues that I am interested in into the real world,” Karl affirmed.

In celebrating Karl Yost’s journey, we celebrate the essence of INTL—nurturing students to become not only scholars but also passionate, innovative contributors to the world. Karl’s story highlights the power of INTL and the enduring impact of an education that values curiosity, a passion for learning, and the dedication to making our planet a better, more positive place for everyone. We look forward to witnessing Karl’s continued success as a Ph.D. student and the positive mark he will undoubtedly leave on the world.

Looking towards the future, Karl set his sights on a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. As of this fall, Karl began studying at Harvard University.

“Although Ph.D. schools don’t ask about what

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54 Annual Giving Donors

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Annual Giving Donors Donations as of February 11, 2025 Anonymous (54) Anne Aaron & Benjamin Pracht Noura Abul Husn & Chris Borunda Grace & Nicolas Adiba Alexandria Adkins May Allam & Hani Abdelazim Daniel Anderson Sara Araghi & Reza Afkham-Ebrahimi Hnin Yu Aung & Adrien Pinard Ting Bai & Hong Chen Smita Bakshi & Brian Alleyne Janine Batal-Hakim Marie Bathiche & Marc Suidan Katia Belghadid & Guillaume Calas Sylvie Berthet-Hertzberg & Eric

Hertzberg Lin Mi & Jiaying Bi Simone Bishop Natascha Bock & Adam Brown Mariko Boivineau Onuki & Andre Boivineau Louise Bozec Denise Brohm Vivienne Bu & David Du Mirella Bucci & George Baxter Lauren & Alex Bullitt Briana Bunn & Tim Ranisavljevic Élise Cadoch & Pierre-Etienne Cherière Onaiza & Patrick Cadoret-Manier Xinzhu Cai & Ge Gao Carla Carvalho & John Ratliff Aura Castillo Daza & Javier Nieto Sanchez Annabel Chang & Jon Wright Ben Chang Connie Chang & Maurizio Chinchio HsiaoYu Chang Jessica Chang & Evan Pickett Lily & Bill Chang Linda Chang Natalie Chang & Cedric Fraces Ya-Ching Chang & Shih-Wei Yen Portia Chang-Yang Lynn Chao & Krishna Koundinya Pidaparthi Kelly & Vince Chauvin Ada Chen & Sachin Rekhi Angel Chen & Peter Chao Angela Chen & Tushar Jain Ava Chen & Bruce Yang Jing Chen & Qing Liu Linda & Mike Chen Yihui Chen & Jason Jia Yuxia & Xianjie Chen Lily Cheng & David Fedor Lisa Cheng & Henry Lem Tracy Cheng YeeChieh Chew & Liam MacDermed Maria & Michael Chojnacki Donna Chong & Robert Wong James Christian Katherine Cinq-Mars & John Muir Axel Clavier Debbie Cole

Patricia Colin & Nick Groleau Ana Çorrales & Anthony Moreland Jane Correia & Ravi Iyer Xiomara Cruz Liping Cui & David Li Yichen Dai & Lue Xiong Nelly Daniel & Edouard Rosseel Michelle & Steven Davis-Lee Charlotte de Géry Madeleine DeCorwin & Denis Martin Hank DeGreef Géraldine Delorme & Kemal El Moujahid Sophie & Hervé-Patrick Desveaux Amaelle Dia & Liviu Andronic Savannah Dickson Kara & Kevin Doherty Zélie Doherty Bernard Donohue Jordan Duffy Samantha Edgington & Brian Hoffman Kate Elsley & Tanya Washburn Laurence & Hakim Erhili Linda Ericson Luca Espinosa Jenny Eu & Adam Bozanich Alice Fan & Howard Lee Christina Fan & Gordon Wan Fei Fang & Francois Pepin Mathieu Farrugia Agnès Fleury-Gazet Khrystyna & David Flynn Cindy Foo-Irissou Erin & Jake Foxcurran Michelle & Brian Frank Bill Friedman Eileen Fu Mei Lin Fung & Ross Casley Min Gao Julie & Andy Garlikov Valérie & Blaise Gassend Tyler Gates Grace & Patrick Gengoux Olga & Guillaume Gérardin Franco Gerber Valérie Gesbert Jennifer & Nathan Gilbert Idil & Alex Girard Gina & Ludovic Godet Barbara & Jon Greiner Claudia Gruber Shuang Guan & Tengyu Sun Sandra Guo & Richard Spillane Alicia Gutierrez & Philip Martin Ayda & Onder Guven Karen & Omar Hafez Hongkham Nathalie Hang & Bertrand Denel Lara & Ross Hangebrauck Tania & Stéphane Hauradou Peishan He & Gang Li Yuka Hishida & John Chen Morgan Ho & Benjamin Piiru Yi-Kuang Ho

Lara Hoffman & Nishad Chande Martina Howe Chemin & Nathan Howe Annie Hu & Ranger Qi Diana Hu & Yanglin Li Meilin Huang & Etienne Ackermann Siya Huang & Tengchou Yang Anna Hung Crystal Hung & Ronald Ho Nicole Hwang & Barry Chang Katharine Ip & Ryan White Christina Jain & Jimmy Kittiyachavalit Fyza & Cherif Jazra Iman Jeddi & Mohammad Javanbakht Lu Jiang & Nick Inchausti Anna & Oliver Karmann Estella & Andras Kavalecz Stephanie & Gerrit Kazmaier Tala Khalaf & Ismail Bustany Reema & Haroon Khan Erin Kim & Brian Lee Theodora Kipers & Kyle Merino Maggie & Dave Koonce Maria Korobitsyna & Andrey Korobitsyn Mandy & Sean Korphi Ela Kozera & Stan Lewandowski Amruta Kulkarni & Akshay Bandiwdekar Maya Kumar & Ross Metzger Sathish Kuttan Amy Kwong Celeste Lai & Mark Sin Thriven Lai & Philip Lee LiMin Lam & Tony Huie Gaëlle Lamande & Greg Leclercq Laurie & Jon Lamb Rachel Land Mélanie Laporte Pilar & Will Law Agnes Le & Antonio Varas Sabine Le Saux & Miguel Saggu Linda Lee & Richard Goulding Patti & Danny Lee Samantha Lee & Yindar Chuo Yulin & Peter Lee Kristen Leep Ling Lei & Andreas Behm Lina Lemaire & Hannes Verlinde Amelia Lemionet & Jean Paul Montant Monica & Alexandre Lenart Elisabeth & Arnaud Lepert Sheryl & Ed Leung Karolina & Philip Lewer Andrea Li & Olivier Crémel Jessica Li & Ben Chui Connie Li & Daniel Olmedilla Jingjing Li & Rong Xiang Lili & Charles Zhang Linda Li & Weijian Yang Mischa Li & Wenxi Chen Molly Li Yunpu & Jian Li Ruihuan Liang Ying Liang & Khinghou Li Jasmin & Paul Limbrey Anna Lin & Jason Chang

Spring 2025

Lydia Lin & Patrick Jamp Chang Liu & Shengzhe Yao Claire Liu & James Yin Fang Liu & Shutong Yu Katherine Liu & Scott Monosoff Mengyang Liu Nan Liu & John On Qiru & Yu Liu Ran Liu & Reza Ziaei Rong Liu & Chen Li Sherry Liu & Mark Ge Yifei Liu & Xuhui Feng Yihua Liu & Tingfan Wu Caroline & David Lo Jessica & Felix Lo Zhenni Long & Michael Luo Jing Lu Marianne Lu & Nic Verzeni Zoe Luhtala & Bob Cohn Liz & Ryan Maas Jean-Marie MacDonell & Martin Carnoy Charlene Marini & Cyril Gaillard Alexandra Martin-Laws & Shad Laws Mac McCaskill Hannah Mclaughlin Tess McNamara & Julian Ibarz Jeffrey Mehanna Rashi Mehta & Tarun Raisoni Karen Melchior Véronique Merckling Rania & Elias Mhanna Eunice Miao & Haifan Wang Felicity Miao & Kenneth Kang Lindi & Tai Minh Eunice & Xevi Miro Bruix Eva & Lionel Mohri Jon Molayem Tanya Monga & Aris Bernasconi Olivier Monteil Martin Morales Rodriguez Hassnaa Moustafa Yehia & Sami Yehia Rhonda & Michael Murray Margaret Musick & Steven Yee Sujata & Sanjiv Narayan Elsa Ndiaye-Dulac & Paul Dulac Doris Ngai & Samuel Lellouche Xiao Niu & Yannong Li Mansoureh Norouzi Rad & Siamak Tazari Suma Nulu & Manish Singhal Wenda & James O’Reilly Jovi & Matt Olson Rebecca & Brad Osgood Judy Ou & Dan Yao Carol Ozawa & Bob Burns Faliz Pac Julie Pan Victoria Pan & John Oyler Praise-El Pelemo Christine Pépin & Bertrand Mérigot Katie & Marc Pfenninger Dai Pham & P.A. Masse Martine Pierres Lorene Poinsot & Chris Chedeau Katja Priess Stephanie Puk Cade Pustelnik Rongni Qi & Fei Gao Li Qiu & Brahim Elbouchikhi Navaline Quach & Laurent Kitzinger Anne & Vincent Rérolle Valérie Ribo

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Lulu & Eric Roberts Julie Rocher Cécile & Matthieu Roques Ralf Rotter Sofya & George Salah Catherine Sallenave Rita & Ajit Sancheti Allison Sanders & Bastian Lehmann Anna & Pedro Santos Melanie & Michael Schallehn Kristin Schmidt & Thomas Weiss Rémi Seddigh Anna Sedello & Fernando Ugarte Sarah Selig & Harry Robertson Maryam Shabani Cherry Shen & Cheng Bao Jennifer Shen & Shane Combest Julie & David Shen Kelly Shen & Ji Su Tonia Shen & Gordon MacDonald Coco Shi & Reynold Xin Natalia Shmoilova Maike Silver Juhi Singh & Varun Madan Miranda Sissons & Nigel Snoad Nicolas Smiricky Sybille & Gregory Smith Qi Song & Teng Jin Edda Spiekerkoetter & Hans Deurer Tatiana Srebrodolskaya & Tony Sarathchandra Jennifer & Emanuel Strauss Jacek Suliga Zhiying Sun & Wei Chang Katia Szerer & Alon Laniado Caroline Tabet & Georges Smine Shu-Chun Tai & Shou-Hung Tang Nicole Taliaferro Ariel & Dennis Tam Guillaume Tapon Linda & Dirk Thomas Alex Tran & Patrick Nguyen Emily Tsai & Yan Ting Sarah & Al Tsang Shou-Pei Tsung & Chen-Ping Yu Powen Tu & Eric Yang Susan Tu Sandra Tung Yeliz Turgut Noto & Tom Noto Jennifer & Matthew Tyler Ceylan & Cenk Undey Jing Valente Clément Valet Anne Vanhove & Thornton Jacobs Alice Vergne Radhika Vullikanti & Bipul Sinha Rebecca Wahl & Thom Phan Lianlian Wan & Xiaodong Li Amanda Wang Bijun Wang & Yiting Li Christina & Hao Wang Haihong Wang & Willie Liao Hongmei Wang Jia Wang & Adam Toh Jodie Wang & Peiran Gong Linda Wang & Albert Huntington Lisa Wang & Jichao Qian Lu Wang & Chen Guo Min Wang Ning Dong & Qiqi Wang Samantha Wang & Christophe Mallard

Wei Wang & Morris Yueh Xi Wang & Kejia Wu Xiaolin Wang & Tanji Hu Yan Yan Wang & David Chen Ying Wang & Roy Grant Alison & Brett Weinstein Laney & Rudy Wen Mallory Whisenhunt Anastasia & Marc Wimmershoff Isaac Wolkerstorfer Joan Wolkerstorfer Sandra Wong & Bryan Chan Tiffany Wong & Minh Truong Uyen & David Wong Angela Wu Fangfang Wu & Boyan Li Huitzu Wu & Tsuwu Chiang Julie Wu & Calvin Yang Julie Wu & Ellick Butt Lauren Wu & Dave Liu Sara Xi Xiaolin Xi & Hui Miao Junyan Xie & Wenbo Zhang Lily Xu Shuguo Xu & Frank Yu Olga Yakovenko Yuko Yamao & Rick Gottscho Xing Yan Cathy Yang Haiying Yang & Olivier Rozay Irene Yang & Wei Guo Jeannette Yang Tracy Yang & Jeff Wieland Barbara Yang-Attig & Michael Attig Mafang Yao & Xiongjun Liang Ann Ming Yeh & Kevin Chao Estelle & Sinclair Yeh Yi-Hsin Yeh & Baykal Cakici Julie Yen & Steve Marks Isadora Yi & Byungkap Do Xi Yin & Wenxi Liao Claire Ying & Yang Wu Marie & Bryson Young Sarah Young & Klaus Bachmann Ge Yu & Xishuo Liu Joyce Yu & Johnny Zhang Jue Yu & Jinghai Rao Jenny Yuan & Liang Fang KK Yuan & Eric Hoogvliet Hoyos Jacey Zhang & Ray Guang Kate Zhang & Roger Chen Wangshu Zhang & Yili Zhao Lulu Zhang Li & Nan Zhang Ashlee Zheng & Ken Chan Alison Zhong & Xin Wu Wenli Zhou Feiran Zhuang & Xi Zhang Xiaotong Zhuang & Yuan Zong

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The Silicon Valley International School community extends beyond our current families, faculty, and staff— it also includes our littlest members! If you are expecting or have recently welcomed a new addition to your family, please let us know at alumni@svintl.org.

We’d love to send you a “Future Global Thinker” bib and share your exciting news with the community.

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Spring 2025

57

Colleges and Universities List 2024 graduates This list includes the college and university matriculation of all INTL alumni in 2024. * denotes the college and university matriculation of INTL High School’s 2024 graduates

Northeastern University (5)* Ohio State University

Brown University (2)

Purdue University

California Polytechnic State University

Queensland University of Technology

San Luis Obispo

Rice University

California Polytechnic State University Pomona

San Diego State University

California State University Fullerton

Santa Clara University*

Cañada College

Southern Methodist University (2)

Carnegie Mellon University (2)

Swarthmore College

Chapman University

The New School

Colby College

University of British Columbia

College of San Mateo

University of California Berkeley (3)

Constructor University*

University of California Davis (2)

Dartmouth College (2)

University of California Irvine (3)

ESSEC Business School & CentraleSupélec

University of California Los Angeles

Frankfurt School

University of California San Diego*

George Washington University

University of Colorado Boulder

Georgetown University

University of Geneva

Harvard University (2)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Johns Hopkins University

University of Oregon

McGill University (2)

University of Redlands

New York University

University of Texas Washington University in St. Louis

151 Laura Lane, Palo Alto, CA 94303 +1 (650) 251-8500 www.siliconvalleyinternational.org

Our Mission Silicon Valley International School’s focus on inquiry and bilingualism empowers young minds to embrace complexity, think critically from multiple perspectives, and demonstrate integrity and sensitivity across cultures.