COMMUNITY UPDATE
Issue 9 - 30 January 2026
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Dear Community, Welcome to this Community Update, as we continue this exciting and purposeful start to 2026 across all sections of our school. This week our students have been engaging in a wide range of diplomatic and civic learning experiences, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing leadership and student agency, while also strengthening the bonds of the interconnected global community we foster at ISB. In the Upper School, 41 students from Grades 9-11 participated this week in THIMUN at The Hague, Europe’s largest Model United Nations conference for secondary students. This is always a highlight of the academic year, offering students an exceptional opportunity to develop their research, public speaking, and collaboration skills on an international stage. For the Lower School, as well, the schedule was full of opportunities for civic and political engagement. Last Friday, ISB welcomed a political adviser to a Member of the European Parliament, who spoke with students about the role, responsibilities, and impact of the EU Parliament. Earlier this week, our Grade 5 students visited the European Parliament, and both Grade 5 and 6 students took part in the Junior Model United Nations conference in Brussels, providing valuable experiences that encourage independence, confidence, and leadership as they prepare for the Upper School journey. Looking to our Class of 2026, it is wonderful to continue receiving positive news regarding university offers, reflecting students’ hard work and dedication. To support students and families at this important stage, our Upper School team has hosted a wide range of information sessions for the community over recent weeks, with more planned throughout the coming semester. These sessions are designed to help us work together to support our Upper School students in making informed and thoughtful decisions about their futures. We have also officially kicked off the 2026-27 admissions season. A whole-school Open Day is planned for 11 March, and for our current ISB families, re-enrolment for next year will begin next week. Please keep an eye on your mailbox for further information to confirm your child’s place for the year ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement and support. We look forward to sharing many more moments of leadership, growth, and achievement with you as the year unfolds. Best regards,
James MacDonald ISB Director