Meet Chris Ferris 

Learn more about Chris Ferris, Parent Ambassador and volunteer

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

My wife Joanne and I are Australians. Our eldest son John was born in the Netherlands and his younger brother Patrick was born in the UK. We lived in Ireland for eight years before moving from Dublin to Luxembourg at the height of the Pandemic in 2020. Joanne works in the financial services industry and I stay at home to look after the boys and the house.

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

John is in Grade 9 and Patrick is in Grade 8 at ISL

How long have you been a parent at ISL?

This is our fourth year.

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

We were keen to find a caring and supportive environment for our boys. We wanted a school that promoted resilience and a love of learning. Our ‘due diligence’ suggested that ISL would provide these qualities.

Have you had any previous experience with international schools before ISL? If so, could you share what sets ISL apart from other schools?

No, our boys attended a boys only school in Dublin.

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

Our boys have become much more self reliant than they were. They have learnt to work with girls and with natives of many other cultures. They are also accelerating their mastery of languages other than English.

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

It is important to ‘buy in’ to the school mission of developing resilience, a passion for learning and a global outlook. It is also important to get involved to show your child how important you think their schooling is. Some parents are able to be more involved than others but there are many opportunities for occasional involvement so search them out.

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

I am in the fortunate position of having time on my hands so I am involved in a number of activities. I am a class parent and the grade parent liaison person for year 9. I am a Learning Assistance Program (LAP) volunteer and I assist with the Nature Based Learning program which is being developed by Mrs Keech in the Lower School. I am a Parent Ambassador and a member of the Audit Committee of the School Board.

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

There is plenty of scope for parent involvement within ISL I think that the school does a good job of promoting these opportunities. Perhaps a little more emphasis on the range of these and, in particular, a highlighting of ‘one off’ short duration volunteering jobs for the terminally busy could encourage time poor people to consider volunteering.

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

Its diversity in the staff and student body.

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

Care, growth, diversity, fun and excellence.