COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We believe Community and Environmental Projects really contribute to the development of our students, creating a greater awareness of the needs of others, compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves, and understanding and a sense of responsibility for the environmental impact our actions can have. All of which will be vital for a successful society in the future.
As part of the IB Diploma Programme, one of the requirements is for students to complete a CAS course that includes three essential elements: Creativity, Activity and Service. Students are expected to design projects and meet certain learning goals that demonstrate creative and critical thinking, challenge them physically and encourage voluntary service to others. Teachers act as advisors for these projects that are designed and directed by students.
At ISBe, we are known for our focus on environment, community and service. These concepts extend throughout the school not only within the curriculum but also via the House system and Student Council. Through the House system, the students have organised activities for the local community as well as fundraising for organisations worldwide. These included Coins for Kenya, bake sales and a bottle top collection for recycling. The focus for the Student Council this year will involve leadership of events that include theme days like Space Day and a teacher/student swap roles day; establishing a sustainable school garden, working with an environmental charity, an art and drawing competition and building an internal buddy system to strengthen our school community.
The whole school was also involved in a food bank drive. The children donated food from home. These were then given to a local food bank at Moeders voor Moeders. We collected for several weeks and the pile of food built up nicely. It was all very gratefully received at the time and followed up with a letter of thanks. Here you can see one of our students helping with the delivery.
Before Christmas all the children in the Primary school made a Christmas card for every member of a local old people’s care home, Zonnewende in Aartselaar. The student council, accompanied by some teachers, then went to the home to deliver them. The event became very festive when the children performed some Christmas songs for the residents. The children felt very welcome, answered lots of questions and now look forward to returning often in the years ahead.