Parent Book Club: Discussing the challenges of the college application process

On Thursday, 2 February, the ISA Counselling department hosted its first book club event to explore the challenges that students and parents face when approaching colleges and universities.

The featured book Where You’ll Go is Not Who You’ll Be written by renowned New York Times journalist, Frank Bruni, investigates the ‘college admissions mania’ and provides anecdotes, advice and opinions about the value of a high-pressure university admissions and selection process, with a particular focus on the college system in the United States.

“I found it encouraging to hear parents express their support for their children choosing pathways that lead to a successful, balanced, and productive life following university” noted Upper School Counsellor Frieda Dietrich.

“Caring deeply about what they wanted most for their children, many comments focused on character attributes such as integrity, commitment, humility, ability to deal with setbacks. Things that make a difference in the long term.”

ISA is hoping to hold additional book club discussion sessions throughout the year, so if you are interested please contact Geoff Richman or Frieda Dietrich.

London ISA Alumni Reception

Everyone loves a good “catch up” with old friends and with ISA launching its new Alumni department, many of our former students had the chance to do just that.

On Sunday 22 January, ISA held its first Alumni Reception at the trendy Graphic Bar in London, with ISA students from 1973 to 2016 gathering to laugh, reminisce and reconnect over their shared experiences whilst studying at ISA.

Als­­­o in attendance were ISA Director Ed E. Greene, Heads of School Sarah Grace and Paul Sanders, Admissions & Advancement Director, Julia True and new Alumni & Advancement Officer, Matt Jasinski.

“This was the first Alumni Reception that ISA has held in London, and in fact the first event that we have done since revamping ISA’s alumni programme earlier this year. It really was great to meet so many of our community members and have them attend the event.”

Jasinski, who heads the new alumni department, is excited about the new opportunities for alumni of the school.

“This was my first chance to meet many of our alumni – and I was blown away by their kindness and appreciation at having this chance to get together. Everyone spoke fondly about their time at ISA – proving that the connections that they made while at our school are lasting.”

“I hope that those who attended felt motivated to reconnect with friends they have not spoken to in a while, and left excited over meeting new members of their ISA family. The school looks forward to hosting future events, connecting with more of our alumni, and creating more opportunities for our community to come together.”

 

Technology Planning Update

Image credit: www.securedgenetwork.com

ISA is in the process of updating its Educational Technology Plan, under the direction of Director of Educational Technology, Michael McGlade, who will be working with all community stakeholders to update, clarify and communicate clear goals for technology use at ISA, to describe how the school will meet those goals and to suggest the related expenditure needed to achieve them.

The Technology Plan is a document (or series of documents) compiled by the Director of Educational Technology, with input from staff, students and parents, to support the school’s overall strategic plan by creating clear goals for technology use, describing how the school will meet those goals and suggesting the related expenditure needed to achieve those goals.

The Tech Plan Steering committee is made up of Faculty and Staff volunteers and includes Upper and Lower School teachers, Technology integrators, tech support staff, and school administrators. The steering committee is organising the process and compiling data as well as forming smaller committees to give input. These committees will include students, parents, faculty and staff.

The previous 3-year plan is now being updated and the ISA Tech Plan Steering Committee will be looking for input through small-group discussions and feedback sessions.

Please contact Michael McGlade at techdirector@isa.nl with your questions and if you would like to volunteer your time to this process.

ISA Awarded Gold School Cafeteria Plate 2016

ISA’s cafeteria, George’s Place, has been awarded GOLD status by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum).

The Gold Plate certifies George’s Place as a cafeteria that provides healthy choices to students. “A healthy school cafeteria facilitates making healthy choices through its vibrant and healthy appearance, and by offering predominantly healthy foods.” Our thanks go to George van Rijn for initiating and completing this process with the Voedingscentrum. For further information, please click here.