Voices (ISL Stories)

Meet Heather Baker

Meet ISL parent and Teaching Assistant for the Arts Team, Heather Baker.

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

Our family is from Seattle, Washington and we moved to Luxembourg in July 2019.  My husband, Brian, works for Amazon and we have two children. I recently started working in the lower school as the Teaching Assistant for the Arts Team.

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

Currently we have one child at ISL. Olivia is in Grade 11 and our oldest, Colin, graduated in 2022.

How long have you been a parent at ISL?

I have been a parent at ISL since the beginning of the 2019/2020 school 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 looking for an English speaking school and ISL was recommended by many expat contacts.

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

No, ISL is our first international school.

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

The IB program, though challenging, has given our children critical study and problem solving skills preparing them for university and the future.   Also, ISL has given our children the opportunity to interact with students of many different nationalities.

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

Take the opportunity to attend school activities and functions to meet other parents/families. When we first arrived, I really enjoyed the Friday walks exploring Luxembourg City and meeting new people. The group is also a wealth of information for any expat new to Luxembourg.

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

Yes, I have been a member of the DEIJ committee for the last four years and have enjoyed volunteering in the upper school library and other areas. Volunteering is another way to meet new people and make great friends.

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

I feel there are a lot of opportunities for the parents to be involved at ISL. No matter your schedule, parents can be involved from a an afternoon/evening event to a reoccurring commitment.

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

The strong academic programs ISL provides.

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

Global, Challenging, Excellence, Growth & Innovative

 

  • Parent
  • Staff Member