ISG Superintendent's Message
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Dear ISG Community,
During Week Without Walls, students can be tourists but more importantly they are active learners. Exposure to different countries allows them to challenge their assumptions, enhance their global understanding, and build skills in communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. This immersive experience helps students grow both academically and personally, equipping them with a broader worldview that will serve them as they move through their lives. Additionally, participating in activities like hiking, cooking, and traditional arts introduces them to the richness of the world’s cultural diversity in an engaging and dynamic way.
Service learning is also a key focus during Week Without Walls. Last year, ISG students took part in a variety of meaningful service opportunities, working hand in hand with local communities. They engaged in environmental projects, such as beach cleanups, and participated in educational initiatives by helping to teach younger children in underserved areas. These projects not only provided opportunities for students to give back but also instilled a sense of responsibility and compassion that will stay with them for life.
Through service experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of the social issues faced by different communities around the world. The impact of their contributions extends beyond the immediate benefits of their work, fostering a long-lasting commitment to making a positive difference. Week Without Walls empowers students to become active global citizens, prepared to contribute to and learn from the world around them in meaningful ways.
We are very excited about the opportunities that will be available to our students. Please expect to receive information about the trips over the next few weeks.
For students who prefer not to travel during Week Without Walls, we offer a dynamic program of on-campus activities designed to provide equally enriching experiences. During this week, regular classes are paused, giving students the chance to step out of their usual academic routines and engage in hands-on, creative, and skill-building projects. From interactive workshops to team-based challenges, students will have the opportunity to explore new interests and work collaboratively with their peers, ensuring that their Week Without Walls is filled with discovery and growth.
Last year, students on campus took part in the ISG Innovation Challenge, an exciting event that encouraged them to develop creative solutions to real-world problems. Working in teams, students brainstormed, designed, and presented innovative ideas across various themes, such as sustainability, technology, and community development. The challenge fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity, providing a platform for students to showcase their talents. For a look back at the incredible work our students produced, you can watch the ISG Innovation Challenge recap video here.
CONNECTING ISG STUDENTS WITH GLOBAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At ISG, we are committed to supporting our students' academic journeys and preparing them for a future filled with exciting career opportunities that meet their interests and talents . As part of this commitment, we would like to share about the upcoming university fairs and college planning opportunities, which will connect our students with representatives from renowned universities worldwide, including Ivy League and Red Brick institutions and assist them in their college planning journeys.
The most updated information about University Events can be found here on the ISG Student and Parent Hub.
University fairs are designed to give students an opportunity to explore various higher education options and learn about different academic paths that align with their goals. Whether students aspire to attend prestigious institutions or explore specialized programs, the fairs will feature a diverse range of universities to help each student shape their unique graduate profile and connect with options that are right for them.. Representatives from top-tier schools will provide insights into their admissions processes, academic offerings, and campus life, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future.
In addition to exploring universities, students will gain valuable information about potential career opportunities linked to their fields of interest. By interacting with Ivy League and Red Brick representatives, students can gain a competitive edge in planning their higher education and career pathways, ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen fields. ISG remains dedicated to supporting our students as they take their next steps toward becoming global citizens and leaders in their industries.
In addition to the university fairs, ISG provides comprehensive college and university planning sessions delivered by our experienced counselors. These sessions are designed to guide students through every step of the higher education application process, from selecting the right universities to apply to to preparing standout applications. Our counselors work closely with students to align their interests, strengths and aspirations with academic programs that will help shape their graduate profile. With personalized advice and support, students are better equipped to navigate admissions requirements, financial aid options and scholarship opportunities, ensuring they make informed choices about their academic and career paths.
EMBRACING LEARNING THROUGH SWIMMING: ISG WELCOMES AP RACE SWIMMING ACADEMY & ADAM PEATY
At International Schools Group (ISG), we are always on the lookout for innovative ways to enrich our students’ educational experiences. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with the AP Race Swimming Academy and renowned Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, bringing a unique blend of learning, physical skill and fitness, and sportsmanship to our school community. This collaboration underscores the importance of sports in personal development and offers exciting new opportunities for our students.
Adam Peaty’s inspiring story of perseverance and success in the world of competitive swimming served as a powerful message and motivator during the recent sessions he spent with ISG students. His achievements and insights into the world of swimming highlight the profound impact that dedication, discipline, and hard work can have on one’s personal and professional life. By sharing his journey, Peaty has provided our students with a firsthand look at the value of setting goals and striving for excellence—lessons that extend far beyond the pool.
We were thrilled to welcome parents to the sessions, showcasing the integral role that sports play in our students’ education. Swimming, in particular, offers numerous benefits, including physical fitness, mental resilience, and teamwork. Through this partnership with AP Race Swimming Academy, ISG is excited to offer our students not only advanced training techniques but also valuable life lessons that will help them succeed in all areas of life. By integrating sports into our curriculum, we aim to foster a well-rounded approach to learning, where academic achievements and athletic excellence go hand in hand.
SAUDI NATIONAL DAY HOLIDAY
We are fortunate to live in a host country with rich culture and history as well as unique experiences. To support our host country in celebrating their heritage, I would like to remind you that all ISG schools will be closed on September 22 and 23 for the Saudi National Day holiday. We hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends.
SAVE THE DATES
As parent partners, please see the upcoming opportunities to connect with ISG below:
- September 24: ISG Dammam Parent Council Meeting
- September 24: BSD Year 7 Coffee Morning
- September 25: BSD Year 8 & 9 Coffee Morning
- September 28: ISG Dammam Parent University Information Session
- September 29: BSD Coffee Morning - Positive Education
- October 1: ISG Dammam Coffee Talks (MS/HS)
CELEBRATING SAUDI NATIONAL DAY: A REFLECTION OF ISG’S CORE VALUE OF RESPECT
As we celebrate Saudi National Day, International Schools Group (ISG) takes this opportunity to honor the rich heritage, culture and achievements of Saudi Arabia. This day is not only a time for national pride but also a moment for us to reflect on how our core values at ISG, particularly Respect, align with the spirit of this significant occasion.
Saudi National Day represents the unity, progress and diversity of the Kingdom, reflecting the deep respect for cultural traditions and national identity that is fundamental to the Saudi ethos. At ISG, we embrace these values through our commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding among our diverse community of different nationalities. Our respect for different cultures, traditions and backgrounds is integral to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard.
In line with the spirit of Saudi National Day, ISG encourages students, staff and families to engage in activities that celebrate and honor the local culture. By participating in cultural events, learning about Saudi history and sharing in the joy of the nation’s achievements, we reinforce our dedication to respect and appreciation for the cultural richness that surrounds us. This celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and valuing the traditions that shape our community and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our school.
As we join in the festivities, let us remember that the core value of Respect at ISG is not just about acknowledging different cultures, but actively embracing and celebrating them. Happy Saudi National Day to all, and may we continue to foster an environment where respect, acceptance and appreciation for each other’s heritage thrive.
HOW ISG RECRUITS TOP TALENT: A LOOK AT OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
At ISG, we pride ourselves on attracting, developing, and retaining a highly skilled workforce that meets the diverse needs of our students and our unique learning environment. Our recruitment strategy is centered on hiring qualified international staff, highly skilled dependent-hire staff and uniquely experienced and local hired staff to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of learning across our schools.
ISG approaches recruiting through multiple strategies balancing hiring between international and local talent. The annual cycle of educator recruiting usually begins early Fall with international recruitment, where we seek out dedicated and experienced teachers from around the world who are passionate about engaging and contributing to a top-tier and unique learning environment. We engage in rigorous selection procedures for the recruiting of all positions, benchmarking ISG locally across the education sector as well as regionally using regional international school benchmarking as a guide to ensure competitive global standards.
Our commitment is to recruit top talent. For ISG, we are fortunate to have highly-skilled dependent-hire and local Saudi staff as a part of our team. ISG recognizes and values the contributions that are made by these staff members who often possess unique qualifications and bring specialized skills to our school. At international schools like ISG, the goal is to bring together individuals who complement one another further enhancing the school experience for our students.
By hiring educators and support staff who bring not only qualifications but also a wealth of international and culturally diverse experiences, we enrich our learning environment with diverse perspectives and teaching methods. In our hiring, we are seeking to bring rich diversity and perspectives.
We understand that attracting the best talent requires offering competitive pay that reflects the expertise and dedication of our staff. ISG remains committed to ensuring our compensation packages are aligned with industry standards, using North Eastern South Asia (NESA) benchmarking to maintain an equitable, fair and competitive offer for all positions.
Through this comprehensive approach, ISG ensures that our schools are staffed with educators and professionals who are not only qualified but also deeply committed to delivering an exceptional learning experience for our students.
PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES: FEEDBACK & UNDERSTANDING ISG’S ROLE IN TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
At ISG, we highly value feedback from our families and encourage open communication regarding all areas related to the student experience. Whether it's about academics, extracurricular activities or general school operations, your input is crucial in helping us continuously improve. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions, and we strive to address concerns you may have in a timely and effective manner.
We have been engaging with our community this year in one of the services that many of our families utilize and that is bus transportation. ISG's involvement in transportation services role is to facilitate communication and share any feedback or concerns with the transportation company that we become aware of, and ensure they are aware of expectations for transportation on campus as well as issues that arise. It is important to note that while ISG works closely with the service provider, we do not have direct control over the scheduling or management of these services.
Therefore, we encourage families to continue sharing their feedback with their transportation provider as well as ISG, and we will do our best to advocate for improvements while recognizing the limitations of our direct influence over transportation logistics.
MINIMUM DAY & INNOVATION
The next scheduled minimum day for ISG is October 7, 2024.
Minimum days are an essential part of the learning plan at our school. Based on educational research, the quality of teaching is closely linked with student success and educational quality. In this research, professional development (PD) has been shown to provide enduring impacts on student achievement, particularly continuous learning for adults in our organization.
At ISG, we value the critical role that PD plays in a strong academic experience for students as well as the opportunity PD provides In creating innovative learning opportunities consistent with our Mission. In ongoing PD, like that provided through the ISG minimum day, educators and staff connect to share perspectives, refine teaching practice and create and reflect upon new learning opportunities for student.s The minimum day PD experiences for educators ensures that student learning continues to be relevant and forward thinking for our students.
SCHOOL UPDATES
ASD
National Honor Society Kicks Off the School Year with Enthusiasm.
Launching Week Without Walls: Excitement for Travel and Enriching On-Campus Learning.
BSD
Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience: Adam Peaty Shares His Inspiring Story of Dedication with BSD Students.
Exploring the Intersection of Art and Technology: Highlights from the BSD Senior Parent Meeting.
ISG Dammam
ISG Dammam Launches Exciting After-School Activities for Grades 1-12.
ISG Dammam Hosts College Clinic for UCAS System Guiding Our Future Scholars.
Inaugural Student Council Meeting Kicks Off with Excitement and Innovation.
ISG Jubail
Warm wishes,
Rhonda Norris
ISG Superintendent