ISR Graduation Ceremony 2025: A Distinguished Milestone
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2025: A Distinguished Milestone
Friday, June 13th, 2025
On the previous Friday, the ISR International School on the Rhine community convened under the most favorable weather conditions for the distinguished ISR Graduation Ceremony of 2025. It is with considerable pride that we celebrated the accomplishments of a total of seventy-two graduates – a record number that signifies another milestone in the history of ISR.
Several hundred distinguished guests – comprising family members, friends, benefactors, as well as esteemed representatives from the spheres of politics, commerce, and academia – gathered within the historic Zeughaus of the city of Neuss. The historical setting provided an exceptional and dignified environment for the occasion, thereby accentuating the significance of this memorable day.
Prominent among the honored guests were Mrs. Platen, Deputy Mayor for Schools, Education, and Culture of the City of Neuss; Mayor Reiner Breuer; Mr. Fuchs, Board Chairman, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Siepe; Mr. Nickel, a valued member of our Board; and Mr. Abe, Principal of JISD.
The ceremony was formally inaugurated by Eileen Lyons, School Director at ISR; Mr. Peter Soliman, Proprietor of the institution; and Mr. Emil Cete, Head of Secondary School. In their respective addresses, they commended the outstanding achievements of the graduates and extended their gratitude to all individuals who have contributed to the success of the school – some for more than two decades. The speakers underscored the distinctive values upheld by ISR and emphasized the paramount importance of an exemplary education in shaping the future of our students.
Following the opening remarks, Mayor Reiner Breuer addressed the assembled guests. In his speech, he highlighted the pivotal role of ISR as a preeminent educational institution within the city of Neuss and lauded the dedication of the school community.
The proceedings were further elevated by a musical performance from Rubi and Jade, whose artistry captivated the audience and provided a distinguished tribute to the graduating class.
Subsequently, the Parent Speaker, Mr. Radtke – father of four ISR graduates – delivered a heartfelt address. He reflected upon years past and eloquently conveyed the profound connection between parents and the school.
The formal speeches concluded with remarks from Valedictorian Victoria and Salutatorian Nico, who addressed both the guests and their fellow graduates. Their words resonated with the sentiment that the most cherished memories will be those of the enduring bonds forged during their time at ISR -friendships spanning the globe and shared experiences that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Following the ceremonial conferral of the ISR High School Diplomas, graduates, their families, and guests assembled for a convivial reception. In an atmosphere of harmony and celebration, this notable occasion was commemorated, and the achievements of the students were duly honored.
We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated ISR Parent Network mothers – Mrs. Osterried, Mrs. Radtke, and Mrs. D’Urso – whose unwavering commitment has significantly enriched the educational experience of the twelfth-grade students. We also express our appreciation to all families who have supported their children’s academic journeys with steadfast dedication. Our special appreciation furthermore extends to all teachers and staff members, who consistently place the students at the heart of their work and, through their tireless commitment, play a vital role in shaping the vibrant school life and the ongoing success of ISR.
We remain confident that all graduates will embark upon their future endeavors with courage, inquisitiveness, and a sense of responsibility, thereby embodying the school’s guiding principle: “great minds & strong characters.”
The ISR Graduation Ceremony 2025 will be remembered by all participants as an extraordinary and unforgettable event. Above all, it has served as a powerful testament to the close bonds of friendship between the school, parents, and students, as well as the shared commitment to always strive for the very best for every child. These distinctive qualities are unique to ISR and define the exceptional sense of community that thrives within our school!
Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: 42 ISR Students Succeed in the Kangaroo Competition
Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: 42 ISR Students Succeed in the Kangaroo Competition
Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Our Mathematics Department at ISR had something to celebrate this week during a recent award ceremony, which honored the outstanding achievements of our students in the Mathematics Kangaroo Competition.
The Mathematics Kangaroo (Känguru der Mathematik) is an internationally recognized competition that encourages students from around the world to develop their problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. It is designed for various age groups and challenges participants with creative and engaging problems that go beyond standard curriculum exercises. The competition promotes a love of mathematics and inspires students to pursue excellence in this critical field.
This year’s results have surpassed all expectations. In 2024, we proudly celebrated 21 students who achieved top-three positions in their respective categories. This year, that number has doubled to an incredible 42 winners! Eleven students secured 1st place, fifteen earned 2nd place, and sixteen achieved 3rd place. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and passion of our students – and teachers! Their expert guidance, encouragement, and commitment to fostering a stimulating learning environment at ISR have played a crucial role in preparing our students for this prestigious competition.
Congratulations once again to all our winners, and a sincere thank you to everyone who made this achievement possible.
It is further proof of our motto: “It’s cool to be good!”
US-Generalkonsulin Preeti V. Shah berichtet in Neuss beim Career Talk der Internationalen Schule ISR von ihren Diplomaten-Stationen,gibt den Jugendlichen Tipps für beruflichen Erfolg und motiviert sie, nie aufzuhören, Lernende zu sein
US-Generalkonsulin Preeti V. Shah berichtet in Neuss beim Career Talk der Internationalen Schule ISR von ihren Diplomaten-Stationen,gibt den Jugendlichen Tipps für beruflichen Erfolg und motiviert sie, nie aufzuhören, Lernende zu sein
Im Rahmen der Career-Talk-Serie der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss hat US-Generalkonsulin Preeti V. Shah den Schülerinnen und Schülern der Jahrgangsstufe 11 über ihren Karriereweg und den beruflichen Alltag einer Diplomatin berichtet. Im Mittelpunkt standen dabei die besonderen Vorteile der spannenden Tätigkeit und auch die Besonderheiten. Zu diesen gehören die häufigen Umzüge. Bevor sie im August 2024 nach Düsseldorf kam, arbeitete Preeti V. Shah in den vergangenen rund 20 Jahren in Nicaragua, der Türkei, Afghanistan, Mexiko und Indonesien. „Das sind Herausforderungen, die aber den Job so reizvoll machen. Sie ermöglichen berufliche, kulturelle und persönliche Erfahrungen in den unterschiedlichsten Regionen der Welt, die man fast nur in einer solchen Position erleben kann“, so Shah.
Während der Veranstaltung an der ISR bekundeten viele Jugendliche Interesse am Diplomaten-Job, auch motiviert durch die erfolgreiche Teilnahme an den Model-United-Nations-Konferenzen (MUNs). Bei diesen Planspielen schlüpfen die Schülerinnen und Schüler erfolgreich in die Rolle von Delegierten bei den Vereinten Nationen. Sie vertreten dabei überzeugend die Interessen ihres zugewiesenen Landes, führen engagierte Debatten und treffen gemeinsam fundierte Entscheidungen zu aktuellen globalen Themen im Rahmen von MUN-Konferenzen innerhalb und außerhalb der ISR.
Preeti V. Shah gab den Jugendlichen zudem wertvolle Tipps, worauf sie bei ihren eigenen Entscheidungen im Hinblick auf die berufliche Zukunft besonders achten sollten – und was den Diplomatenberuf so reizvoll macht. Sie betonte, dass die Work-Life-Balance für viele junge Menschen heutzutage eine große Rolle spiele. Gleichzeitig hob sie hervor, dass ein abwechslungsreicher Beruf, der Freude bereitet und persönliche Erfüllung bietet, oft noch wichtiger sei. Entscheidend sei außerdem, stets offen für Neues zu bleiben, sich kontinuierlich weiterzubilden und das lebenslange Lernen als Chance zu begreifen. Nur so könne man sich sowohl fachlich als auch persönlich weiterentwickeln und den Herausforderungen einer globalisierten Welt erfolgreich begegnen – ganz unabhängig von der Berufswahl.
Für Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR, ist das Verhältnis zu den USA weiterhin von wichtiger Bedeutung: Rund 30.000 US-Bürgerinnen und Bürger leben in NRW, 1.700 US-amerikanische Unternehmen mit 200.000 Beschäftigten haben ihren Sitz im Bundesland, zu einem ganz erheblichen Teil im Rheinland. Die USA sind zudem viertgrößter NRW-Handelspartner, mit einem Volumen von 30,6 Milliarden Euro. Importen im Wert von 15,8 Milliarden Euro aus den USA stehen Exporte von 14,8 Milliarden Euro gegenüber. Das Land ist somit der wichtigste Absatzmarkt für NRW-Produkte außerhalb der EU. Auch für die ISR spielt die Beziehung zu den USA eine elementare Rolle – nicht nur durch Dutzende Familien und Mitarbeitende, die im Rheinland arbeiten und ihre Kinder an der ISR unterrichten lassen. US-amerikanische Universitäten zählen zudem nach wie vor zu den beliebtesten Zielen der ISR-Absolventinnen und -Absolventen: „Viele entscheiden sich nach dem erfolgreich absolvierten International Baccalaureate an der ISR für ein Studium in den Vereinigten Staaten, und regelmäßig erhalten sie Zusagen von renommierten US-Hochschulen wie der Princeton University, der University of Southern California oder der Boston University. Daher ist die gute Beziehung zum US-Konsulat in Düsseldorf für uns ein wichtiges Fundament für die Zukunft.“
Disclaimer
Die ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH mit Sitz in Neuss ist eine privat geführte internationale Ganztagsschule. Über 1.200 Schülerinnen und Schüler aus der Region und aus aller Welt bereiten sich gemeinsam auf international anerkannte Schulabschlüsse vor. Akademische Exzellenz und Charakterbildung stehen im Zentrum der Ausbildung und qualifizieren für ein Studium an führenden Universitäten in Deutschland und weltweit. Für jüngere Kinder bietet die ISR einen internationalen Kindergarten auf dem ISR-Campus in Neuss, in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel sowie eine deutschsprachige Dependance in Meerbusch-Büderich. Anfragen zu Kindergarten, Grundschule und weiterführender Schule werden ganzjährig entgegengenommen: admissions@isr-school.de.
Japanese Consul General of Düsseldorf visits ISR – May, 21st 2025
Japanese Consul General of Düsseldorf visits ISR
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
Today, we had the great honor of welcoming the Japanese Consul General in Düsseldorf, Mr. Tsunoda to our ISR Campus in Neuss.
Our ISR Kindergarten children warmly welcomed our guests with a handmade sign in Japanese. Following this, our talented Grade 3 choir delighted everyone by performing a traditional Japanese folk song in honor of our distinguished visitors. Afterwards, Consul General Tsunoda enjoyed a guided tour of our campus, led by two of our Japanese students, Kento and Kana from Grade 10, who proudly showcased our vibrant school community and modern campus facilities.
With over 100 Japanese families at our Neuss and Düsseldorf campuses, the visit from the Japanese Consulate holds great significance for ISR. During the kindergarten and school tour, our guests met Japanese families who are actively involved in our school community, for example, by volunteering in our library. In addition, the Consul had the opportunity to meet our Japanese Language Teachers as well as our Japanese Admissions Officer, all of whom emphasized the important role ISR plays for the Japanese Community in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area.
Today’s visit was preceded by a visit from the Japanese Consulate just two weeks ago, during which representatives from the Consulate attended our ISR International Spring Festival. As the festival is dedicated to celebrating different cultures and traditions, the Japanese Consulate delighted our guests with origami crafting activities and calligraphy demonstrations.
We sincerely thank Consul General Tsunoda for his visit and for taking the time to meet our ISR Community. Their presence highlights the strong and valued partnership between the Japanese Consulate General in Düsseldorf and ISR – a relationship we are truly proud of!
We look forward to many more opportunities for collaboration in the future!
An Unforgettable Evening of Art, Music, and Drama – ISR Arts Evening 2025
An Unforgettable Evening of Art, Music, and Drama – ISR Arts Evening 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
An evening filled with art, music, and drama – yesterday, we once again celebrated a cherished tradition at ISR: our annual ISR Arts Evening. The program featured impressive musical performances, entertaining drama acts, and a special art exhibition in our ISR Entrance Hall. The exhibition showcased outstanding pieces from students in Grades 4 to 11, including landscapes, explorations of the elements and principles of art, still lifes, “Reinvent the Classic” projects, modern and digital recreations of famous artworks, virtual exhibitions, and even AI-assisted ideas developed during brainstorming sessions.
In total, we enjoyed ten different musical performances, ranging from piano solos by our talented students Yuki, Peter, Gian, Mian, MJ, Mao, and Lara, to a lively set by our Jazz Band, and a beautiful cello performance by Anton. Our student Vikram delighted the audience with a humorous drama piece about “missing homework,” while Maxim performed a monologue by Caroline Seawell. The evening concluded with Lara on piano and Jade on clarinet.
A huge thank you goes to our dedicated Arts Team at ISR: Ms. Bucher, Ms. Henebry, Ms. Bennet, Ms. Schultz, and Dr. Perez for making this unforgettable evening possible!
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students who enriched the ISR Arts Evening with their remarkable performances, as well as to our SLC team, who thoughtfully provided delicious finger food and beverages for our families.
We are confident that everyone enjoyed the evening’s offerings and made wonderful memories during our ISR Arts Evening 2025!
ISR Talents Captivate Audience at the ‘Jugend musiziert’ State Prizewinners’ Concert in Düsseldorf
ISR Talents Captivate Audience at the ‘Jugend musiziert’ State Prizewinners’ Concert in Düsseldorf
Sunday, May 11, 2025
On May 11th, two exceptionally talented ISR students-who also study at our in-house music school, Musicbox Oxana-took to the stage at the prestigious “Jugend musiziert” State Prizewinners’ Concert in the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, captivating an enthusiastic audience.
Jugend musiziert is Germany’s most prestigious nationwide music competition for children and young people. Founded in 1963, the competition promotes young musical talent with professional ambitions through a three-stage contest: regional, state, and national levels. It features a wide array of solo and ensemble categories, covering diverse musical styles and eras, and is adjudicated by professional juries who also provide valuable feedback to participants. The Prizewinners’ Concert is a highlight event held after the state-level competitions, where the best performers present their award-winning pieces to the public.
Yukichio (saxophone, student of Yuriy Broschel) and Peter (piano, student of Oxana Koppers) delivered a stunning rendition of “Brasileira” from Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud during the Prizewinner’s Concert, leaving a lasting impression with their artistry and skill.
This memorable event was a proud moment for the entire ISR Family and stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements Yukichio and Peter, who truly embody our ISR motto: “It’s cool to be good!”
ISR International Spring Festival 2025
ISR International Spring Festival 2025
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Bathed in radiant sunshine, we celebrated our traditional ISR International Spring Festival last Saturday, May 10th, 2025, welcoming over 1,000 guests to our campus in Neuss. The entire event was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and international togetherness, reflecting the more than 60 nationalities represented at ISR across our campuses in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch.
This year’s festival featured an especially diverse and engaging program: Guests enjoyed guided tours of our kindergarten and school in various languages, face painting, and sports activities led by our athletics team. International outdoor games and a captivating stage program ensured there was truly something for everyone. A special highlight was the grand raffle, which delighted our younger guests with exciting prizes. Our students and teachers enthusiastically presented a variety of projects and invited everyone to join in creative hands-on activities. Two exceptional art exhibitions stood out, impressively demonstrating the artistic talent within our student body. An emotional highlight of the day was the official recognition of our student Arjun, whose interpretation of peace was selected as one of the 23 best entries worldwide-out of 600,000 submissions-in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. We extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Löhr, District Governor of Lions Rheinland Nord, Ms. Cruichshank, Vice District Governor, and Ms. Bettina Schulenberg, President of the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, who joined the event specially to present Arjun and his proud family with the certificate from the United States.
Culinary expectations were exceeded as well. The German, Indian, Arab, Mediterranean, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian-speaking communities of ISR presented a wealth of international delicacies. At the International Table, SLC students offered dishes from around the globe, complemented by freshly baked waffles and popcorn. Drinks and snacks from our caterer Broich, a coffee bike, and an ice cream cart rounded out the culinary experience.
The varied stage program, hosted by our SLC students Yara and Cornelius, captivated both young and old. From ballet under the direction of Claudia Pelzer, to Chinese dance and choir performances, a Japanese theater production, and energetic sets by the ISR bands, there was something for every taste. A special highlight was the performance by the banjo band featuring renowned musician Synthia Sayer from New York, whose musical talents enriched the festival.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our partners and supporters who made the ISR International Spring Festival 2025 possible: the American Women’s Club, the British Women’s Club, Kunst am Platz, Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, MusicBox Oxana, Ballet by Claudia Pelzer, Broich Catering, Zweelo, the International English Library, the Japanese Consulate General, Trampoline by Aliaksei Liubezny, AUSBLICK Immobilien, as well as Ekehard Adams Wohnungsbau and Böcker Immobilien. We are equally grateful to our international communities, the ISR Parent Network, and our SLC team, whose dedication and commitment made the festival an unforgettable experience for all our guests.
This year’s ISR International Spring Festival was a resounding success, powerfully highlighting the spirit of our international community and the dedication of the entire ISR family. We are already looking forward to the next ISR International Spring Festival!
US Consul General Preeti V. Shah Visits ISR: An Inspiring Exchange and Insightful Engagement
US Consul General Preeti V. Shah Visits ISR: An Inspiring Exchange and Insightful Engagement
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
On May 8th, 2025, we had the distinguished honor of welcoming Ms. Preeti V. Shah, who has served as the U.S. Consul General at the Consulate in Düsseldorf since August 2024, to the ISR International School on the Rhine. Consul General Shah brings extensive diplomatic experience from previous postings in Nicaragua, Turkey, Afghanistan, Mexico, and Indonesia. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director of Public Diplomacy Training at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, D.C. Her consular district encompasses the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia, a region with profound economic and cultural ties to the United States.
Her visit continues a valued tradition of U.S. consuls from North Rhine-Westphalia visiting ISR to nurture and expand the trusted collaboration between the school and the American consulate.
During a comprehensive campus tour led by our ninth graders Amanda and Gian, and accompanied by the Head of our ISR Parent Network Ms. Williams, and School Director Ms. Eileen Lyons, Ms. Shah gained an in-depth perspective on daily life at ISR. She was particularly impressed by our IT and AI teams, who demonstrated the innovative integration of AI-supported teaching at ISR. Additionally, she visited the library, where she met a group of third graders being read one of her favorite books – a passion she shared with Amanda and Gian.
A highlight of the visit was the Career Talk with our eleventh-grade students. Consul General Shah provided valuable insights into her professional journey and answered numerous questions from our engaged students. Her key message, “Never stop being a student,” left a lasting impression on the approximately 100 attendees. She emphasized the importance of openness to new experiences, readiness to embrace challenges, and the necessity of lifelong learning-values deeply embedded in ISR’s mission.
The visit concluded with a meeting between Ms. Shah and our management team to discuss current developments and further strengthen cooperation between the consulate and ISR.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Consul General Shah and the US Consulate General for this enriching afternoon, their time, and the invaluable inspiration imparted to our students.
ISR International Children’s Festival: A Day Dedicated to Children!
ISR International Children’s Festival: A Day Dedicated to Children!
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Yesterday, under bright sunshine, the International Children’s Festival took place at ISR.
Known in Turkey as 23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day), this festival has been celebrated since the 1920s and has since evolved into a significant occasion to honor children worldwide. The day’s motto is: “Our children are our future.” All children – regardless of nationality, culture, ethnicity, or religion – are invited to celebrate together, thereby sending a strong message of international solidarity and intercultural understanding.
Once again this year, numerous guests gathered at ISR for the celebrations, including Consul General Ali İhsan İzbul, Education Attaché Mrs. Gamze Bozgöz, our Turkish families, many children, teachers, and staff members. After the festive opening by Mr. Soliman, Mr. Cete – who welcomed the guests in Turkish – as well as Mrs. Vrem and Mrs. McLeod, the Consul General and the Education Attaché addressed the audience with ceremonial greetings, especially directed at the children.
The festive opening was followed by a varied stage program featuring poetry, musical performances, dance, and singing, all enthusiastically planned and rehearsed by our teachers, Mrs. Agdas and Mrs. Orhan, together with our Turkish students and supported by Mrs. Bucher, our wonderful Music Teacher at ISR. The children captivated the audience with their performances!
Afterwards, all guests enjoyed healthy snacks and drinks prepared by our SLC students. In addition, there was traditional Maraş Dondurma ice cream, organized by our Turkish Community, as well as a wide range of sporting activities supervised by our dedicated sports team – a great pleasure for all children!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for this wonderful afternoon and for making it possible to celebrate this special festival, dedicated to children, once again at ISR. Special thanks go to the Turkish Consulate General, which has maintained a close partnership with ISR for many years and supports the Children’s Festival celebrations, as well as to our Turkish Community – all students, teachers, and families who make this festival special every year and share this tradition, rooted in Turkey, with our international families from 60 nations at ISR!
ISR Elementary School Spring Concerts 2025
ISR Elementary School Spring Concerts 2025
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Last week, our ISR Elementary School Spring Concerts transformed our entrance hall into a celebration of spring! Each day featured performances by different class sections from Grade 1 to Grade 4, showcasing their musical and poetic talents under the guidance of former opera singer, Mrs. Bucher, and Mrs. Ewing. The concerts embraced themes of resilience, hope, growth, and rebirth. The concerts included a variety of songs about the spring, about Easter and bunnies, as well as engaging story and poem readings.
Grade 11 student Annica added a special touch by choreographing an original piece for the Grade 4 students on Friday, demonstrating creativity and dedication that enriched the event.
We sincerely thank Ms. Bucher and Ms. Ewing for their dedication to music education and for organizing these impressive concerts. Their efforts ensured success and created lasting memories for all involved, including the hundreds of guests who attended throughout the week! We look forward to more concerts in the future!
