An article from ISL Director David J. Condon, PhD

Exposing our students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds is a vital component of a preK-12 international school experience. What are key competencies students will develop in a school embracing diversity in an international school?

Last night marked a momentous occasion as our Grade 5 students showcased their remarkable achievements through their PYP Exhibition. The air was filled with excitement, anticipation, and pride as these young learners confidently presented their projects to the school community, parents, and esteemed guests.

Congratulations to Chester Kiefer, Grade 10 student, for his great success as a racing driver. For 2023, Chester plans to continue Kart Racing at the Benelux and European Championships and possibly again at the World Championship at the end of the year. Please read his story in his own words here:

Grade 11 students were privileged to meet Cooperation Nord-Sud Founder, Roberto as well as his colleagues Simona and Dr. John Bosco. Cooperation Nord-Sud is an NGO in Luxembourg working to help support basic human rights, including the right to clean water, access to health care and education in communities in Africa. 

ISL is one of only a few international schools to offer Theatre as a specialised course in our Lower School for grades 1-5. Using the Primary Years Programme Drama Curriculum, students create theatre and drama together and learn to be critically aware audience members of performances.

Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is essentially a deep-critical-thinking course, which invites Upper School students to consider the way knowledge is produced, its relationships and values, how we communicate our beliefs and opinions, and why knowledge develops over time. The five areas of knowledge help to discover this: the Arts, History, Human Science, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences. In ToK classes, we investigate how the nature of knowledge differs in these areas. With the help of concepts such as perspective, objectivity, truth, evidence, and certainty, the students analyse real-life situations in and out of the classrooms.

ISL’s Grade 5 classes were treated to an amazing learning experience when three professional musicians including Leon Ni, the OPL’s principal trombonist came to ISL to introduce the Brass family to prospective Grade 5 Band students.

ISL's young scientists received their awards this past June at the annual “remise des prix” for Physics, Biology and Chemistry Olympiads.

A team of ISL students became the first team to represent Luxembourg at the F1 in Schools World Finals. This year the F1 in Schools event was held in the iconic heart of British Motor racing: The Silverstone track. The event was attended by hundreds of competitors and visitors all the time surrounded by the sounds of racing taking place. Teams had the opportunities to present their many challenges and achievements to everyone through their ‘Pit Displays’ and the various trips and events which took place.

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a required component of the IB Diploma Programme. CAS complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic way, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment. 

During the week of May 23, ISL celebrated the annual UNESCO International Arts Education Week in the HS, with musical and theatrical performances and visual arts and design technology presentations for students and teachers across ISL.

Swing! magazine recently interviewed Grade 11 twins Stefan and Andrew Rojas regarding their passion for golf, their dreams for their future, and the support they receive from their parents Sonia and Gerardo. 

On Wednesday 25 May, the International School of Luxembourg (ISL)’s Class of 2022 graduated at the Grand Theatre de la Ville de Luxembourg. Parents and relatives were delighted to attend the event on site for the first time since 2019, after Covid-related restrictions have been lifted.

This year Diversity Day in Luxembourg celebrates its 10th anniversary of the signing of the Luxembourg Diversity Charter of which ISL is a signatory.

At ISL different activities were planned to celebrate and embrace our differences, promote an inclusive community, and think about how we can ensure ISL is a school where everyone feels valued, appreciated and engaged.

On Thursday, 5 May, four outstanding young women were awarded the Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) award in a ceremony at the Athénée de Luxembourg. Three ISL students – Naz Erdogan, Maya Fish (participating via Zoom), Laurine Koenig – as well as Ashley Monteiro from the Athénée de Luxembourg, were celebrated in a ceremony hosted by former YWPA winner (2012) Shabnam Ahani-Kamangar.

On May 6 and 7, 40 intrepid Middle School students created theatre magic with visiting ISTA artists Anna Andresen and Emily Grant around the theme "Safe Houses and Fortresses: the different ways we protect ourselves, our communities and our personal space".

ISL was graced with the presence of film-maker May Taherzadeh on 17th March, made possible by Anne Cuvillier of the Unity Foundation. 

On Thursday 24 and Friday 25 March, ISL hosted the 16th edition of the annual Global Issues Network conference. This year again, the event was held virtually, which gave the chance to over 170 students from 20 schools to participate. 

ISL' Green Club News: Environmental knowledge week, held the week of 7th to 11th February, was a success!

As part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness on the causes and consequences of climate change, a group of students has been collaborating with Médecins Sans Frontières for the last couple of weeks on the missing map project.

As part of the Environmental Week at ISL Matthew Pye, author of ‘Plato tackles climate change’, visited the Upper School to help students to grasp a better understanding of knowledge pertaining to the climate crisis and consider why it remains largely ignored. 

The silent talk (chalk-talk) routine in Grade 1 helps students to express their thoughts about different works of art as introduction to the unit of inquiry “How we express ourselves”

In this age of ubiquitous devices and virtual connections, what does it mean to be a decent human being? Do the old rules still apply? Grade 7 students delved into these issues (and more) in performing a short vignette play by Canadian playwright Lindsay Price. 

“Stumbling stones” are brass plates, which remember the life and death of victims of Nazi persecution. What a special moment when the students of the German A class were allowed to hold a “stumbling stone” in their hands, which remembered the deportation and the death of Bernard Nussbaum, a 10 year old Jewish boy from Luxemburg.

Guest Puppeteer artist Manon Gautier has recently been working creatively with the Grade 6 theatre classes to introduce them to the wonderful world of shadow puppetry.

Grade 8 and 9 designed sculptures

This week Upper School students presented two fabulous concerts.

A cast and crew of over 40 students presented two Shakespearean classics on Thursday, 9th and Friday, 10th of December in the Upper School Auditorium.

ISL is taking part in the annual worldwide Computer Science Education week which aims to inspire students to learn Computer Science

High School students performed an amazing Broadway Musical Revue with solos and ensemble songs from multiple musicals.

The Formula 1 educational experience inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.

November 25^th marked the International Day Against Gender-Based Violence and the launch of the sixteen day 'Zonta Says NO' to Violence Against Women campaign to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls around the world.

ISL supports all learners to be global digital citizens and responsible users of digital ecosystems and environments

At ISL we believe that extra-curricular activities play an important role in the development of our students, allowing opportunities for them to learn new skills and broaden their experiences as well as providing occasions to socialize with each other and make new friends. 

At ISL we aim to inspire all students to develop their artistic literacies in positive learning environments through exploration, application, analysis and critical reflection

ISL supports all learners to be global digital citizens and responsible users of digital ecosystems and environments. 

Grade 4 French students are taking part in global digital storytelling project.

Bucket full of Kindness in Lower School

At ISL we believe learning happens in and out of the classroom:

This week the Kindergarten students took part in the 'International Fairy Tea Party' - a celebration of play and imagination that takes place globally. 

3 ISL alumni win the prize 'Best Medical Project'

Yesterday, we were thrilled to welcome students, parents and staff to the Welcome Back Festival.  

The first Lower School Blue Hats team members for this school year have received their training and started their community service. 
 

What a fabulous launch of the 'F1 in Schools' club with around 60 Upper School students.

Welcome back to our students and a very warm welcome to all new ISL families!  
We wish you all a successful and amazing year!

Learn more about Pascal Issert, ISL Chef for 16 years, retired in January 2021

Learn more about Maaret Davey, ISL Board of Governors Chair, elected December 2020

ISL student Charlotte Barberon gains the highest mark in the world for Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics in Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards

On behalf of the Board of Governors of the International School of Luxembourg (ISL), their former Board Chair and Chair of the Search Committee, Robert Deed, we are pleased to announce that DAVID J. CONDON has been appointed School Director, effective August 1, 2021.

In the December issue of TIE, ISL is featured in “Students Strike for Climate Change at International Schools Around the World”.

West Side Story (School Edition) was a HUGE success involving students from both Middle and High School.

GIN was founded 16 years ago at the International School of Luxembourg and has since become a global phenomenon with over 100,000 members spanning five continents. Over 500 GIN projects have already been implemented thanks to the grassroots idea and enthusiasm of students around the world.