District Championships in School Chess 2026 at ISR

District Championships in School Chess 2026 at ISR

ISR once again proudly hosted the District Championships in School Chess, organized by the Department for School Sports of the Rhein-Kreis Neuss in cooperation with the Chess Youth NRW. This marked the sixth time that we had the pleasure of welcoming this exciting tournament to our school.

More than 250 participants from various schools across the region took part in the competition. The tournament followed the individual rapid chess format using the Swiss system, with each player competing in seven matches.

ISR was represented with teams in the categories of Elementary School, WK IV (Grades 5 to 6), and WK II (Grades 7 to 9). Our Elementary School Team proudly achieved 1st place, while both the WK IV and WK II teams secured 2nd place in their divisions—an outstanding success for all participants! Every student received a medal, and the Elementary School Team additionally took home the coveted challenge trophy.

A special congratulations goes to Mustafa (Grade 4) and Sai Ritvik (Grade 9), both of whom impressively won all seven of their matches! With these excellent results, all three ISR Teams have now qualified for the NRW State Finals, which will take place on April 27th, 2026, in Hamm. We are very proud of our talented students and wish them the best of luck for the next round in April. They are further proof of ISR’s motto: It’s cool to be good!


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Aika

Spotlight On Our Student Aika

This week, we are proud to spotlight our third-grader, Aika, who joined ISR’s Kindergarten Neuss in 2021. She is now in the third grade and was enthusiastically nominated for the Student Spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 2 & 3, Ms. Ghica, who shares:

“A special shout-out to Aika, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing since Grade 1. Over the years, she has consistently impressed us with her academic strength, her ability to ask deep and thoughtful questions, and her natural curiosity, which drives her to truly challenge ideas and situations in order to understand what lies beneath the surface. Beyond her intellectual abilities, Aika stands out for her kindness and respect toward both classmates and teachers. She is a wonderful role model, and it is no surprise that her teachers absolutely love her. We are very proud of the young person she has become!”

Ms. Hartmann, Aika’s second grade homeroom teacher, recalls:

“Aika was such a joy to teach in Grade 2. She came to class each day with a bright smile and a positive attitude that lifted everyone around her. She is a kind and helpful student, always ready to support her classmates. Aika is also an excellent reader, and her creativity truly shines through in her beautiful artwork. I miss having her in class and feel so proud of all she has accomplished. I wish her every happiness and success in the future.”

Aika’s current homeroom teacher, Ms. Spring, adds:

“Aika is a really cool student who is not only a kind, supportive, clever, and smart kid but also an incredible learner! She works hard, tries her best, always goes the extra mile, and brings fabulous ideas to important classroom discussions. I am very lucky to be her teacher this year!”

Ms. Schmitz, Aika’s German teacher, explains:

“Aika is a friendly and respectful student. She always tries her best, participates actively in class activities, and has shown continuous progress throughout the year. Her positive attitude brings joy into the classroom. We are incredibly proud of Aika!”

We are proud to spotlight Aika as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

 

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!


UCC Insights at Rochusclub: University Paths After School

UCC Insights at Rochusclub: University Paths After School

For several years, we have been proud partners of the renowned Rochusclub, one of Düsseldorf’s most traditional and prestigious tennis clubs, known for its long history of top-level tennis and its vibrant members’ community.

As part of this successful cooperation, our University & Career Counseling (UCC) Team visits the club annually to offer a special presentation titled “Wie geht es nach der Schule weiter?”. This past Sunday, Ms. Ulricke Wacker and Dr. Jill Corbin met with Rochusclub members to discuss university options after high school. Attendees aged 15 to18, together with their parents, explored a variety of academic paths and potential study destinations. Ms. Wacker delivered an informative presentation covering common course choices, popular universities, and practical tips for preparing successful applications. Following the presentation, the UCC team met individually with attendees to address specific questions about studying in Germany, as well as opportunities abroad and international study pathways.

We are delighted to provide this service to our long-standing partner, Rochusclub, and extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated UCC Team and to the Rochusclub – especially Mr. Dohmen, the Club Manager – for the kind invitation and excellent organization of this annual event!


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jan

Spotlight On Our Student Jan

This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth-grader, Jan, who joined ISR in 2018. He was enthusiastically nominated for the Student Spotlight by Ms. McGowan, who shares:

“I am thrilled that Jan has been chosen for the Student Spotlight – he deserves to be incredibly proud of the significant progress he has made, and the goals he has achieved in English over the last two years. His enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and it is reflected in his consistently thoughtful contributions to class discussions. A question from Jan never fails to make me think, and I am grateful to him for always sharing and pursuing such interesting lines of inquiry. Jan demonstrates this positivity outside of the classroom as well, and I will miss our daily catch-ups outside his locker! For me, Jan is a student who truly embodies the IB Learner Attributes, and I look forward to hearing about all he is set to achieve in the next chapter of his academic journey beyond ISR.”

Ms. McGee, ISR’s Student Leadership Council Advisor, also recognizes Jan’s contributions and explains:

“I would like to recognize Jan for his outstanding leadership of the Magazine and Yearbook Team last school year. With a truly magnanimous spirit, he inspired SLC prefects to join him on a creative journey of writing and graphic design as he successfully relaunched our school magazine, the ISR Insight. His energy, positivity, and ever-present smile set the tone for the entire team, and his impact is still felt and talked about this year. We wish him every success as he goes for gold in the IB!”

Mr. McGowan, Jan’s Homeroom teacher, adds:

“Jan is an exemplary student and a marvellous young person as well. He has a great sense of humour, is dedicated to his studies, and takes an active part in Homeroom and in school life as a whole. It may be cool to be good, but I think it must also be pretty cool to be Jan.”

Ms. Freise, Jan’s former English teacher, fondly recalls:

“When I first met Jan, he was a brand-new student at ISR in Grade 5. He was, and I believe still is, very funny, witty, and kind. It was a pleasure teaching him, as he was a great team player and eager learner.

He acquired English very quickly and moved through the ESL program in no time. Even today, it is very nice to strike up a small conversation with Jan and learn about his exciting future. Students of his caliber leave a lasting impact and will be remembered positively at ISR.”

Jan’s former German teacher, Ms. Herda, also shares:

“Jan is one of the most creative students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. I have known him since 8th Grade in German class. He is very motivated and participates wonderfully in class. The best thing about being a teacher is watching students like Jan develop and mature, and yet still fondly remember little things from back then – like our ‘dative case song’ – and still enjoy singing it. All the best, Jan, and keep being you!”

Dr. Mitchell, the Academic Head of Grades 7 & 8, adds succinctly:

“Jan is always a positive, engaged, and happy student.”

Finally, Ms. Chanal, expresses how impressed she is with Jan’s involvement in the CAS Big Brother and Big Sister program, stating:

“Jan is a wonderful big brother to our Elementary School students. We are lucky to have him participate in the program.”

We are proud to spotlight Jan as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

 

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Emily

Spotlight On Our Student Emily

This week, we are proud to spotlight our eighth grader, Emily, who joined ISR in 2020. Emily was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her French teacher, Ms. Chanal, who notes:

“Emily approaches learning with remarkable dedication. For instance, she asked if she could repeat the weather forecast exercise in French, eager for feedback to ensure her diction was absolutely perfect. Her enthusiasm and commitment to giving her best are truly inspiring.”

Emily’s mathematics teacher, Mr. Nisic, shares:

“Emily is a kind and polite student who consistently performs at a high level. Her questions are always thoughtful, and I am very pleased with the progress she has made in mathematics.”

In addition, Ms. Freise, Emily’s former English teacher, recalls:

“I taught Emily in Grade 6 English. She is a very bright and creative student, amazing at writing imaginative and original stories. When she becomes enthralled by a novel, she dives deeply into the analysis. All in all, it was a pleasure to have her in class and to be surprised by her wit on a daily basis.”

Finally, Emily’s PE teacher, Ms. Racheva, says:

“As Emily’s PE teacher, I can honestly say she is a true light in our school. She is kind, respectful, and thoughtful, always showing consideration for her classmates and teachers alike. She approaches every sport lesson with care, focus, and a genuine desire to improve. Her determination and consistent effort do not go unnoticed – whether learning a new skill or participating in team activities, she gives her best every time. Emily’s positive attitude, quiet confidence, and willingness to persevere make her a pleasure to teach. I truly admire the dedication and care she brings to every lesson. She is an excellent example of a student who balances kindness, effort, and respect in everything she does.”

We are proud to spotlight Emily as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

 

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!


Indian Harvest Fest at ISR

Indian Harvest Fest at ISR

Last Saturday, our vibrant Indian Community once again generously shared their rich culture and traditions with us at ISR!

This time, we celebrated the Indian Harvest Festival – a joyful thanksgiving for the annual harvest – under the dedicated leadership of our Indian Community Representative, Shubhi.

Hundreds of guests joined us from Düsseldorf, Neuss, and far beyond, including many international families, to enjoy the festivities together. The event featured 10 lively food stalls showcasing cuisines from regions across India, alongside stands presenting art, traditional clothing, and fun children’s activities like face painting. Our dedicated SLC students added to the culinary delights with delicious drinks and freshly popped popcorn.

The stage program was truly one of a kind, featuring captivating dance performances, singing, and a highlight heritage walk in which our Indian Community proudly showcased diverse clothing and dances from across their country – even inviting international students to join in the finale with their warm and welcoming spirit. A special thank you goes to Sayantika from the Indian Community for her wonderful organization of the stage performances. The celebration came to a joyful close with the rhythmic beats of traditional Dhol drummers, as everyone danced together around a glowing bonfire.

We sincerely thank our ISR Indian Community for sharing this beautiful tradition with our international school family and guests.

Special thanks goes to Shubhi and Sayantika for their outstanding organization, as well as to every member of our ISR Indian Community for making this event so memorable!