Meet Carine Oberweis

Carine Oberweis, a Luxembourgish architect and the Honorary Consul of Ghana, brings a unique perspective to her role as an ISL parent. Passionate about creating sustainable, human-centered spaces, she also leads impactful initiatives in West Africa, turning waste into sustainable building materials while fostering local job creation. Beyond her professional work, Carine is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent and Classroom Educator, and she also inspires young people through workshops that emphasize global responsibility and sustainability. In this interview, Carine shares her insights on parenting, education, and her connection to ISL. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?

My name is Carine Oberweis, I am 43 years old, and I am an architect. I am Luxembourgish and lived here until 2000 before moving abroad. In 2014, my family and I returned to Luxembourg, and we’ve been part of the ISL community for six years. I also serve as the Honorary Consul of Ghana. 

How many children do you have at ISL, and in which grades are they currently in?

I have two children at ISL. My eldest daughter joined ISL in Grade 1 after starting her education in the Luxembourgish school system, and my youngest son started in preschool at ISL. They are now in Grade 6 and Grade 3, with my daughter recently moving up to middle school.

How did your connection to Ghana come about, and what inspired you to take on the role of Honorary Consul?

From a young age, I’ve been deeply interested in Africa, particularly Ghana. That connection grew stronger when my family and I lived there for three years after university. My children have ties to three places—Luxembourg, London, and Ghana—and we maintain strong cultural, political, and family connections with Ghana. I’ve been involved in projects there focused on creating positive social, environmental, and economic impacts. This ongoing engagement eventually led to my role as Honorary Consul, which I’ve held for about four years.

When you were looking for a school in Luxembourg, what factors or aspects of ISL made you choose it for your children?

What stood out to me about ISL was how the school socializes children and supports them as individuals. The focus isn’t on making the child fit into a system, but rather on empowering and accepting each child’s uniqueness. ISL encourages children to embrace who they are while nurturing their growth.

Another key factor was the soft start ISL provides in life, free from unnecessary academic pressure and competition at a young age. I loved the philosophy of no homework in the early years, with the “homework” instead being to spend time with your children, play, or explore nature. It’s such a beautiful approach, and I believe every school should adopt it.

Now that my daughter is in middle school, I see the contrast with more homework and academic responsibilities. I miss the connection we had during the earlier years at ISL, and we’re working to find that balance again.

Could you share some of the most important skills or experiences your children have acquired while attending ISL?

One of the most valuable things my children have learned at ISL is the ability to advocate for themselves—something I personally struggled with during my own university years. ISL’s inquiry-based approach to learning has been transformative. It’s not about knowing everything but about developing the skills to find answers, question information, and evaluate its validity.

Additionally, ISL fosters a culture where children are encouraged to ask questions without fear, embrace mistakes, and learn from them. This courage to be curious and resilient is a critical life skill that I see as a cornerstone of their education. While these lessons are also reinforced at home, ISL has played a significant role in nurturing these qualities.

What advice would you give to new families who are just starting their journey at ISL?

Trust the process and relax—ISL is doing a great job. Focus on making your children comfortable at home because at school, they are very well taken care of. In the first few months, don’t stress too much. The school has a thoughtful system in place, and from my experience, the pairing of children with teachers has always been a perfect fit for their needs.

It’s also important to find your way around the community and not be shy about asking for help. Join the parent WhatsApp groups, reach out, and ask questions if you’re unsure. ISL has multiple communication platforms—like the website, Seesaw, and email—which can feel overwhelming at first, but the community is there to support you. Don’t hesitate to connect and seek guidance—it makes the transition much smoother.

In recent years, there’s been growing concern about parent burnout due to intensive parenting. What advice would you give to help parents avoid burnout, and what works for you?

Less, less, less. For my family, we keep after-school activities to a minimum—one or two days a week—and leave the rest of the time for the kids to relax and just be at home. It’s crucial for children, especially in an international school setting, to have time to rest, connect with family, and even be bored—that’s where creativity begins.

Parents also need to avoid overloading themselves. When I was a child, my mother had more time to support a busy schedule, but today, with two working parents, it’s too much pressure. Simplify your schedule, skip packed weekends, and focus on low-key activities like seeing friends. Both parents and children need downtime to stay balanced and connected.

Do you volunteer with the school in any capacity, and if so, could you share your experiences as a volunteer?

Last year, I helped organize the Halloween event, and this year I’ve participated in the parent panel for the school director interviews. I’ve also done presentations for the younger students about architecture and materials, and I’ve supported events like International Lunch and Sports Day. There’s always something to get involved in, and I enjoy contributing to the school community.

From your perspective, do you feel there are enough opportunities for parent involvement within ISL, or do you have suggestions for improvement?

I believe there are enough opportunities for parents to get involved, but there’s always room for more engagement. When my children were younger, I enjoyed the open interactions with teachers during preschool and early grades, as well as walking my kids into school. COVID made those interactions harder, and I appreciate when the school feels open and welcoming to parents again.

For improvement, I think workshops or events involving parents could be a great addition—such as professionals sharing their expertise or cultural activities. For example, I’ve offered to help introduce Luxembourgish culture and language more actively. Parent-led after-school activities, like board games or other interests, could also be a fun way to engage the community. Of course, not every parent wants to participate, but for those who do, having these options available is important.

When recommending ISL to a new family, what first comes to your mind as the strongest reason to choose our school?

The fact that my kids are genuinely happy to go to school is the strongest reason. I’ve never had a morning where they didn’t want to go—they feel content, listened to, and treated as individuals. ISL values them as people, not just as kids, and that makes all the difference.

Can you describe ISL in five words that, in your opinion, best capture its essence and strengths?

Self-Advocacy, connection, socialization, listening, balance.