To our valued parents and ISBe community members,
Welcome back to Term 2, dear parents, students, and faculty members! We hope you all had a rejuvenating winter vacation, filled with joy and quality time spent with friends and family. Despite the return to cold temperatures, there’s a palpable sense of warmth and excitement in the air as we kick off the new year.
As we embrace the opportunities of 2024, our students return with a renewed spirit, ready to tackle challenges and set ambitious goals for personal and academic growth. The start of the year is an ideal time for them to make New Year’s resolutions, fostering a culture of reflection and determination.
In other exciting news, our secondary school has achieved a significant milestone! We proudly submitted our Self-Study Report for IB accreditation, showcasing our commitment to excellence. This comprehensive report is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our educators, staff, and students. The self-study process is a crucial step in elevating the quality of education at our school. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming stages of the accreditation process, eager to gain valuable insights. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling journey toward educational excellence!
The positive buzz around the school is not just about the return from vacation. We are gearing up for some significant events, including mock exams for class 10 IGCSE and 12 IBDP in the coming weeks. These exams mark a crucial stage in our students’ academic journey as they prepare for their final external exams in April.
We are thrilled to share the joyous news of Ms. Nichols’ return to our school community, taking on the role of the French teacher for Class 6. Her re-entry into the classroom has been nothing short of seamless, and the students of Class 6 have been eagerly soaking up the enriching French lessons she provides.
On another front, Class 9 and 11 recently explored Umicore, a global materials tech and recycling giant. This hands-on trip bridged textbook concepts with real-world applications. Students delved into cutting-edge technologies, witnessing sustainable practices in action. The visit enriched Class 9’s materials tech studies and deepened Class 11’s grasp of advanced scientific principles. Thanks to Umicore for this impactful experience!
Class 10 conducted thought-provoking workshops during PSHE, addressing crucial topics. Discussions included (mis)representation in the media, the influence of beauty standards on casting decisions, the impact of social and cultural norms on poverty cycle escape, and the effect of culture on teenage alienation. These engaging sessions sparked insightful conversations and reflections, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.
Some students, starting from Class 8 and upwards, have successfully participated in the Belgian Maths Olympiad. Their dedication and mathematical prowess were truly commendable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their hard work and commitment. As we await the results, let’s celebrate the valuable experience and knowledge gained through this challenging competition.
This week we also celebrated House Pride Day on January 10th, where students came together in their respective houses, chanting and fostering a sense of unity and pride. Establishing this house camaraderie early in the term sets a positive tone for the months to come.
As we navigate through the challenges and celebrations of the new year, let’s continue to support and inspire each other. Together, we’ll make 2024 a year of growth, achievement, and lasting memories. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling Term 2!
This week, C9 and C11 visited a neighboring company, Umicore, whose
core business is recycling metals from urban waste. This trip provided
support of both IGCSE and IB syllabi and helped students visualise
recycling and extraction of valuable metals on an industrial scale.
Some C11 students have created a Haiku (Japanese poem) to describe the trip.
We went on a trip
Urban mining recycling
That is Umicore
Rare precious metals
And collector metals too
Like lead and copper
Not just memories
It has gold silver and more
They are in your phone
Global one in three
Catalytic convertors
Made by umicore
It’s informative
They taught us about metals
It was a fun trip
– Shrey, Rahul, Hari
Warm regards,
Tala Issa
Head of Secondary
secondaryhead@isbedu.be
+32 (0)3 271 09 43
www.isbedu.be