ISG Superintendent's Message
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NURTURING A CULTURE OF BELONGING AT ISG
At ISG, belonging is more than just a feeling—it is a commitment woven into the fabric of our schools. We recognize that when students, staff and families feel truly valued and supported, they thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Through initiatives focused on taking care of people, we prioritize mental health and wellbeing support, ensuring that each member of our community has access to the resources they need. At BSD and SV, for example, our pastoral care program provides guidance and encouragement, helping students navigate challenges while developing strong, lifelong coping skills. At ASD, ISG Dammam and ISG Jubail, our counselors provide students with social and emotional support providing guidance and encouragement for students as they navigate their day-to-day lives as well as milestone events.
By fostering belonging in our interactions inside and outside of the classroom, we create an environment empowerment supporting each individual to reach their maximum potential.
Beyond the classroom, community events and extracurricular programs play a vital role in strengthening our sense of connection. Our After-School Activities (ASA) programs encourage students to explore their passions, develop new skills and form lasting friendships. Whether through sports, robotics or the arts, these experiences contribute to life satisfaction and stress management, ensuring a well-balanced life. Balance is an ISG graduate profile characteristic. Events that celebrate our diverse backgrounds, such as cultural festivals and student-led initiatives, also serve as powerful reminders that our differences make us stronger and more united as a community.
As we continue to prioritize global citizenship and compassionate action, our students engage in opportunities to build the values of empathy, responsibility and service. From environmental clubs focused on sustainability to charitable efforts that support those in need, our students learn that true belonging comes not only from being accepted as an individual but also from taking action to support others.
By nurturing a school culture where health, happiness and individual success are at the forefront, we ensure that ISG remains a place where individuals feel respected, included and inspired to grow.
RE-ENROLLMENT HAS BEGUN AT ISG
Last week, we shared the ISG re-enrollment timeline with our community. Re-enrollment for returning students has begun on all our campuses as of February 10.
Please check the email associated with your OpenApply account for a letter from your school outlining the steps for re-enrollment.
The deadline for submitting re-enrollment decisions is March 10, 2025. ISG is fortunate to be able to provide high quality learning valued by the families in our extended community resulting in high enrollment demand through our ongoing admissions. Therefore, out of respect for families, we are unable to offer re-enrollment extensions, as it is essential for us to determine available spaces for new families immediately after providing an opportunity for existing students to re-enroll. We encourage all families to prioritize this process to ensure your child(ren) has a reserved space at ISG as the SChool will not be able to guarantee seats for next year for students who have not re-enrolled by the deadline.
You may wish to visit our Tuition and Fees page to view our 2025-26 Terms of Service, which reflect payment and refund terms applicable to all our campuses. This information has been enhanced with clarifications for parents based on feedback from our family community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the ISG enrollment team at [email protected].
We thank you for choosing ISG for the education and care of your child(ren), and we look forward to continuing to partner with parents and welcoming students back for 2025-26.
LEARNING SUPPORT RETREAT
Over the past 10 to 15 years, ISG has had varying levels of learning support for students in our community based on evolving demographic and student needs.
Our recent efforts have included an educator committee last year that researched current best practices and current research allowing ISG to validate and confirm the level of support that can be provided by our Schools.
As a part of implementing these refined programs, we have appointed Sarah Dugan, currently the Principal at ISG Jubail, as the Head of Student Support Services for all campuses starting in the 2025-26 school year. In addition, our teams in student support services, ie..learning support, counseling, multilingual learning, are engaged in ongoing professional development.
On Monday, February 10, our dedicated Student Support Services team—our learning support teachers and counselors—came together for a day of collaboration and shared learning.
The conversations strategically focused on how their roles connect to support students in every aspect of their growth—academically, socially and emotionally, each day. Student success is multifaceted, and through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, the team reinforced and refined the essential role counselors and learning support teachers play in collaboration to help our students thrive.
The discussions deepened our shared understanding, solidified our approaches and strategies, and strengthened our commitment to ensuring every student across all ISG campuses feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
REMINDER: VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The ISG Board anticipates trustee vacancies for the 2025-26 school year and warmly invites interested parents to submit nominations.
Serving as a trustee is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of ISG and support the continued success of our schools. Trustees play a vital role in shaping policies, ensuring academic excellence and strengthening our school community.
If you are passionate about education and eager to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to consider this opportunity.
We look forward to welcoming nominations from dedicated individuals who are committed to the growth and advancement of ISG.
Please see this letter from Mr. Andrew Law, ISG Board Chair, for more information on the nominations process.
ASD INDUCTS 27 STUDENTS INTO THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
We are incredibly proud to announce that 27 outstanding students from American School Dhahran have been inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS)—a prestigious organization that recognizes students who exemplify excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and character.
The NHS is more than an honor; it is a commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic and personal integrity. These four pillars serve as the foundation for students who not only strive for academic success but also demonstrate a dedication to serving others, leading by example and upholding strong moral character.
The induction ceremony was a meaningful and inspiring event, as students took the NHS oath, pledging to continue their journey of excellence and service. The symbolic lighting of candles represented the guiding values of the society—scholarship, leadership, service and character—each a beacon of responsibility and dedication.
Congratulations to our newest NHS members! Your hard work and commitment set a shining example for our school community. We look forward to seeing all that you will contribute and accomplish as leaders and changemakers.
ISG DAMMAM SPRING CARNIVAL
At ISG, we deeply value our partnership with parents and the opportunities we have to come together as a community. One of the highlights of the year at ISG Dammam is the International Day Carnival, a long-standing tradition that truly embodies the heart of our school.
On Wednesday, February 12, students, staff, families and friends gathered to celebrate our vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. Students proudly organized game and activity booths, each representing a different country, and took the stage to perform traditional dances from cultures around the world, including the Philippines, Korea, India, Spain and the Middle East.
This year’s event was even more special with the official launch of the ISG Dammam mascot, the Leopard, a symbol of school spirit and unity. The excitement and pride from our students were truly inspiring as we introduced this new addition to our community.
With more than 600 ISG Dammam family and friends in attendance, it was a day filled with joy, connection and cultural appreciation.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event such a meaningful and memorable experience—your dedication and enthusiasm continue to make ISG a truly special place to learn and grow.
ENGAGING EXPERIENCES PLANNED FOR WEEK WITHOUT WALLS ON ISG CAMPUSES
Next week, our students will step beyond the traditional classroom experience as we launch Week Without Walls—a unique opportunity for exploration, growth and hands-on learning. Some students will be traveling to exciting destinations, immersing themselves in new cultures and environments. Meanwhile, those staying on campus will engage in a range of enriching activities designed to foster creativity, teamwork and real-world problem-solving.
At ASD, high school students will embark on off-campus trips, while elementary students will dive into a variety of engaging activities, including art projects, innovation challenges, eco initiatives, nature walks, classroom campouts, pizza parties and much more. They’ll also enjoy local field trips that bring learning to life beyond the classroom.
At BSD, senior school students will take part in BSD Olympics Week, where each day will feature competitive, team-based challenges centered around four exciting themes. The week will culminate in a final showcase, highlighting teamwork, strategy and school spirit.
At ISG Dammam, elementary students have several field trips planned, while middle and high school students will explore passion classes—a chance to dive into hands-on activities like crochet, cooking and more, alongside their academic studies. These sessions are designed to spark curiosity and creativity beyond the traditional classroom setting. There are also two field trips planned where students will enjoy desert camping and have the opportunity to learn about the environmental impact pollution has on our ecosystem.
At ISG Jubail, elementary teachers will lead engaging extracurricular sessions, offering students a chance to explore new interests in two one-hour sessions each afternoon. The week will conclude with celebrations for International Day and Saudi Founding Day, featuring a special Saudi drum performance. For middle and high school students, the schedule will include rotating extracurricular sessions and two dedicated assemblies—one for elementary and one for MSHS—where students will take the stage with cultural performances.
Across all our schools, Week Without Walls promises to be a time of exploration, collaboration and learning beyond the ordinary. All students will have the chance to develop new skills, build meaningful connections, and engage with learning in a whole new way.
SAVE THE DATES
Important Dates:
- February 10 - Re-enrollment begins
- February 21-27 - Spring break
- March 2 - Ramadan hours begin
- March 10 - Re-enrollment due
College and University Visits:
We are pleased to provide support for our students in a range of counseling services including college and university. You can see the latest information here.
SCHOOL UPDATES
American School Dhahran
Annual ASD Speakathon Celebrates 20 Years of Inspiring Voices.
ASD U19 Basketball Teams Shine at NESAC Tournament in Kuwait.
British School Dhahran
BSD Primary Students Visit Ithra and Explore The Science Behind Sounds.
BSD Senior School Biology Students Explore the Medical Field at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital.
ISG Dammam
ISG Dammam Celebrates International Day and Launches New Mascot.
ISG Dammam U16 Badminton Teams Place 3rd in SAIKAC Tournament.
ISG Jubail
Exploring Knowledge at the ISG Jubail High School TOK Exhibition.
ISG Jubail Elementary Students Connect History to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
ISG Jubail High School Students Participate in Critical Thinking Scavenger Hunt.
SVS HOSTS MEMORABLE BAE JAMBOREE
This past week, Sara Village School had the privilege of hosting the annual BAE Schools Jamboree, welcoming students and staff from Al Majmaah, Tabuk and Taif for an unforgettable four-day adventure.
From camping on the beach and testing their archery skills to playing beach volleyball and football, students embraced every opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and create lasting memories.
The event was filled with team scavenger hunts, STEAM challenges, talent showcases and even marshmallow creations, all designed to foster friendship, teamwork and personal growth. The excitement was evident, and as the students said their goodbyes on Wednesday morning, there were both smiles and tears, a testament to the connections made during the event.
An event of this scale would not be possible without the incredible support of so many with logistics, security, accommodations and meals to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all. Special thanks to the SVS staff, who volunteered their time, energy and dedication to make this event such a success.
It was truly an unforgettable experience for all!