ISG Superintendent's Message
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A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY LEARNING AT ISG
Our ISG mission ‘we inspire innovation and compassionate action’ as we prepare our students to thrive in a changing world. Our commitment is to grounded our discussions, planning, decision making, and action in our mission to provide an outstanding education in a nurturing environment—and that begins with offering a quality learning experience for every student, every day.
A Well-Rounded Learning Program
Academic excellence coupled with nurturing the whole student are hallmarks of the ISG learning experience. We create opportunities for growth across academics, athletics and the arts and areas of unique interest to our students. Our students explore their interests, build their strengths and discover new passions through programs in theater, music and visual arts, as well as competitive sports and extra-curricular activities that develop leadership. ISG is also building opportunities for our students to expand their learning environment through community partnerships.
With the guidance of our dedicated counselors and wellbeing teams, we strive to ensure every student feels supported in their personal and academic journey. Our robust College and Career Program prepares students for life beyond graduation by helping them explore real world experiences and future pathways, navigate university applications, and make informed decisions about their next steps that fit with their chosen future. Through tailored support and guidance, we empower students to take ownership of their goals and aspirations.
Additionally, our Career Pathways program will provide students with early exposure to fields of interest through experiential learning, mentorship and real-world application. Whether their ambitions lie in STEM, the arts, business or beyond, ISG’s graduate profile supports students graduating with the confidence and tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Wellbeing That Makes a Difference
We are proud to offer robust wellbeing support tailored to the unique needs of each school. At our American schools, our professional counselors provide individual and group support, ensuring students have the emotional tools they need to succeed. At the British schools, pastoral care is embedded in every aspect of the student experience, supporting students to build strong relationships and a deep sense of community.
After-School Activities That Inspire
Beyond the classroom, our after-school activities (ASA) programs offer countless opportunities for enrichment, exploration and fun. From engineering, music and debate, to compassion clubs, eco clubs, Best Buddies, MUN, National Honor Society and the Duke of Edinburgh, our students find purpose, interest, and passion in activities that stretch their thinking and strengthen their character, while also building their bodies. Whether it's athletics or the arts, clubs or competitions, our ASAs help students develop skills, confidence and lifelong friendships.
The Student Physical Experience
We believe that a student’s physical environment plays a vital role in shaping their daily experience. That’s why ISG is committed to having designated spaces for learning, sports, play and the arts.
We also remain diligent in maintaining and upgrading our campuses in the interest of the most relevant learning spaces. From ongoing building monitoring and regular maintenance to replacing items that are worn or broken, our facilities teams work tirelessly to ensure our learning spaces remain safe as well as welcoming and functional to optimize learning for ISG students. In ISG Dammam, we are especially proud of our upcoming upgrade to the food facilities that will offer students nutritious and appealing options throughout the day.
The Digital and Virtual Experience
In today’s world, access to digital tools is no longer optional—it’s essential. At ISG, we ensure our students are equipped with the technology and technology programs they need to learn, collaborate and create. This includes our schools being prepared to switch seamlessly to virtual learning when needed, and our teaching teams are committed to providing consistent communication and support through the tools we have in place. Whether learning in person or online, students at ISG remain connected, engaged and empowered to minimize any disruptions in learning.
A Collaborative Community
At ISG, we believe that strong learning environments are built on connection and collaboration. Our schools thrive because of the meaningful relationships we cultivate—with students, staff, parents and our wider community. We are especially proud of the vital role our parents play in school life. Through active participation in Parent-Teacher Groups and Campus Councils, parents serve as valued partners, helping shape the school experience and ensuring our decisions reflect the needs and values of our families.
Beyond the school walls, ISG regularly engages in community outreach to connect learning with the real world. Through experiential learning opportunities, our students visit local organizations, engage with professionals in a variety of fields, and gain first-hand experience that brings classroom concepts to life. These moments of real-world observation and interaction are not only inspiring—they create meaningful connections for students between classroom academics and the communities they live in.
When students, teachers, families and community members work together, education becomes more than a process—it becomes a shared journey that benefits each student. At ISG, we are proud to be building that journey together.
Looking Ahead
We are always evolving to meet the needs of our community. As we continue to explore future program development, our focus remains on creating meaningful experiences that prepare students not only for the next step—but for life. Our students are thriving because they are supported, challenged and celebrated. They are discovering who they are and who they want to become.
If you or your organization has an interest in partnering with ISG to engage in support of student learning, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Lewars so we can explore options.
At ISG, we are proud to offer more than an education—we offer a foundation for a bright future. Thank you for your continued partnership as we shape a learning experience where every student can thrive.
ASD’S STUDENT-LED STEMLINGUAL INITIATIVE CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION THROUGH LANGUAGE
At ISG, we are continually inspired by the creativity, leadership and heart our students bring to their learning journeys. One remarkable example is STEMlingual—a student-led initiative at ASD that began as an International Baccalaureate (IB) CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project and has since grown into a global effort to make STEM education more inclusive and accessible.
What sets STEMlingual apart is its mission to bridge the language gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by offering free, multilingual STEM content—created by students, for students. With lessons currently available in five languages, this platform ensures that learners from a variety of backgrounds can engage with STEM in a way that is both culturally meaningful and linguistically relevant.
This initiative is a powerful example of what can happen when we empower students to take ownership of their own learning through acting on their ideas and using their talents to serve others. Through STEMlingual, our students are not only deepening their own understanding of STEM, but they are also making a lasting impact on the global learning community.
At ISG, we believe in nurturing innovation, leadership and global citizenship. I am incredibly proud of Celine, Vida and Jumanah, the students behind STEMlingual and the faculty who support and mentor them. Their work exemplifies our commitment to creating a school culture where curiosity and creativity are celebrated, service is central, and every student is encouraged to lead with purpose.
ASD’s COMPASSION ACTION CLUB STUDENTS SHARE THEIR VOICES IN A PODCAST
Our Grade 6 and 7 students from ASD are living proof that leadership can begin with empathy. In this inspiring podcast episode, student members of the Compassion Club share their journey of helping younger peers, spreading kindness, and building a culture of care in their school community.
Under the guidance of Consultant Ivy Yan, a passionate advocate for compassion and wellbeing, these young changemakers reflect on why compassion matters, how it feels to make a positive impact, and what they’ve learned about themselves along the way. The students' energy is infectious — and their words are a powerful reminder of the importance of belonging and connection in schools.
Listeners will hear how the ripple effect of kindness has not only shaped their peers’ experiences but also caught the attention of adults who’ve remarked, “I wish we had something like this when I was in school.”
As they look ahead, the students are already planning for next year, focusing on continuity and ensuring that compassion remains a cornerstone of school life. Tune in to hear from these remarkable students — leaders who are not just shaping their school, but also growing into thoughtful, resilient human beings.
ISG EDUCATORS LEAD AT NESA 2025 LEARNING FUTURES SUMMIT IN ATHENS
A group of passionate and dedicated educators from the International Schools Group (ISG) recently participated in the NESA 2025 Learning Futures Summit, held April 5-6 at the American Community Schools of Athens, Greece. This year’s event centered around two powerful themes—Conscious Citizenship and Digital Literacy—inviting educators from across the region to explore how schools can adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners.
ISG colleagues made their mark on the international stage by leading transformational workshops and attending intensive professional development.
Leading Learning and Collaboration
Uzma Ahmed, ISG’s Professional Development Facilitator, and Marissa Archie, ASD Elementary Assistant Principal, attended the Advanced Adaptive Schools Seminar—a deep-dive experience that helps educational leaders develop resilient, collaborative school communities. Both educators explored advanced strategies to strengthen communication, build collective efficacy and lead adaptive change across their learning environments.
In addition to participating in the seminar, Uzma led a compelling virtual workshop series titled “Inspiring Excellence: Specialist-led Collaborative Meetings for Administrative Assistants and Support Staff.”
Running from January through March, the series brought together school support staff from NESA schools to build community, share challenges and discover ways to align daily tasks with broader school goals. Uzma’s sessions provided valuable strategies for building capacity, improving operations and recognizing the vital contributions of support staff in shaping school culture.
Elevating Conversations Around AI and Wellbeing
Raazia Ali, Head of Mathematics and Middle School Teacher at American School Dhahran, presented her forward-thinking session, “Future-Ready Teaching: Leveraging AI for Holistic Education.”
In this hands-on workshop, Raazia demonstrated how educators can harness the power of artificial intelligence—combined with familiar Google Suite tools—to streamline workflows, foster creativity and support student wellbeing. With her deep background in data science, IB education and mathematics instruction, Raazia inspired attendees to explore how technology can drive critical thinking and more personalized learning experiences.
Meanwhile, Eimear McDaid, Year 5 Class Teacher and Pastoral Lead at British School Dhahran, led a powerful session titled “Igniting Conscious Citizenship – Empowering Students Through Positive Psychology.”
Drawing on her expertise in applied positive psychology and wellbeing coaching, Eimear guided participants through strategies to boost student agency, resilience and civic engagement. Her workshop offered practical approaches to help educators foster compassion, confidence, hope and social responsibility in their students—core elements of developing future-ready global citizens.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The NESA 2025 Learning Futures Summit was more than a professional gathering—it was a space where educators connected, reflected and reimagined what school could be. ISG’s presence in both learning and leadership roles reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering educators, inspiring innovation and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We are proud of our colleagues for representing ISG with such excellence and for continuing to lead the way in transforming learning across borders.
SAVE THE DATES
Graduation Dates:
- May 22: ASD Graduation
- May 24: BSD Graduation
- May 27: BSD Y6 Leavers Ceremony
- May 28: ISG Jubail Graduation
- May 29: ISG Dammam Graduation
- May 29: SVS Leavers Ceremony
Important Dates:
- June 3: Last day for students
- June 4: Last day for staff
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
ASD’s IB Biology Students Explore Sustainable Farming at Fresco Hydroponics Farm.
ASD’s Student-Led STEMlingual Initiative Champions Inclusive Education Through Language.
Best Buddies Promotes Inclusion With “Spread the Word to End the Word” Campaign at ASD.
ISG Students Compete in Saudi Arabian Interprovince Debates.
ASD’s Raazia Ali Leads Transformational Workshop at NESA 2025 Learning Futures Summit.
ASD Vocal Ensemble Performs at U.S. Consulate National Day Celebration.
British School Dhahran
ISG Dammam
ISG Jubail
ISG Jubail Athletes Bring Jaguar Spirit to Riyadh Track and Field.
ISG Jubail Celebrates Winter SAIKAC Sports and Activities Awards.
ISG Jubail’s PTG Brings the Community Together at Jaguar Jubilee.
Sara Village School
SVS Community Celebrates Eid in a Spirit of Togetherness
On Thursday, April 10, Sara Village School celebrated Eid with the wider Sara Village community in a joyful gathering filled with food, festivities and a spirit of togetherness. Families from across the compound were warmly invited to join the school in marking this special occasion, which brought students, staff and parents together in celebration.
SVS would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Leech and Mrs. Yonis for their exceptional planning and organization of this much-loved annual event. Their efforts helped create a memorable experience for everyone involved, highlighting the strong sense of community and cultural appreciation that defines SVS.
Year 6 Assembly - Macbeth in 15 minutes
On Wednesday April 16, SVS was treated to an exceptional performance of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. The play, originally performed in 1606, was abridged to a 15 minutes rendition by the year 6 class. Parents joined the whole school as the audience watched the inevitable tragedy unfold before our eyes. The students did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, turning complex dialogue into palpable emotion on the stage.
Thank you to Mrs Westwood and Mrs Yonis for their planning and efforts in crafting these performances.