A Spooktacular Halloween Celebration at ISR with the American International Women's Club
A Spooktacular Halloween Celebration at ISR with the American International Women’s Club
Sunday, October 27th
On Sunday, our hallways were filled with little ghosts, eerie comic book characters, and a myriad of creative costumes as the American International Women’s Club and ISR once again hosted their traditional Kids’ Charity Halloween Party!
Hundreds of guests gathered to participate in numerous spooky games and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at ISR. As always, the Haunted Hallway was a major highlight! Along the ISR Elementary School corridor, children were first greeted by a witch, then navigated a thrilling obstacle course before entering the laboratory of our mad professor. There, the excited youngsters were introduced to the professor’s latest invention: a living robot! The fun continued as children reached into Frankenstein’s nose and marveled at the professor’s fascinating experiments – a delightful experience for the whole family!
All proceeds from this charitable event will benefit the SOS Children’s Village in Düsseldorf, supporting their vital work with children.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the American International Women’s Club, our long-standing partner, for organizing yet another unique Halloween celebration that brought joy to so many children. A special recognition goes to our dedicated CAS students who contributed enthusiastically to the day’s success – from portraying a mad scientist, robot, and witch to running the exciting Halloween games. Their involvement was crucial in making this event a resounding success!
This event not only provided a day of fun and excitement for children while supporting a worthy cause, but it also served as an important opportunity to share traditions from all over the world at ISR – making the kindergarten and school a home away from home for our international communities.
As we look forward to our upcoming Halloween celebration at ISR on Thursday, we’re grateful for the opportunity to share this American tradition once again with our international families!
Diwali Mela Celebration
Diwali Mela Celebration
Saturday, October 26th
On Saturday, ISR was transformed into a vibrant sea of colors, traditional Indian attire, and enticing aromas. Hundreds of visitors gathered for Diwali Mela to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, – organized by our unique Indian Community at ISR!
The diverse program offered something for everyone: from captivating Bollywood dances and enchanting songs to a lovingly narrated story of Diwali that introduced international guests to the festival’s significance. A highlight was the impressive Heritage Walk, showcasing various regions of India through their traditional wears, dances, and music. Alongside the engaging stage program, numerous food stalls tempted visitors with a wide array of Indian cuisine, demonstrating the country’s culinary diversity. Additionally, stalls featuring henna art, handicrafts, Indian garments, paintings, jewelry, and more invited guests to immerse themselves in Indian culture.
A beautifully crafted Rangoli, prepared by our Indian Community at ISR, provided the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. We are confident that this day will remain a cherished memory for all participants, with or without photographs!
Our heartfelt thanks go to our Indian Community, the Indian Community Representatives Mrs. Raja and Mrs. Verma, as well as Mrs. Sharma, ISR’s External Exams Coordinator, for sharing their unique culture and the beautiful meaning of the Diwali Festival.
At ISR, we consider it a privilege to have 60 different nationalities as part of our kindergarten and school community. It is all the more significant that various traditions and cultures are celebrated, allowing children to appreciate the value of this internationality at ISR from an early age.
We are already looking forward to many more festivals with our Indian Community at ISR and wish all our Indian families and friends a Happy Diwali.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Tsubasa
Spotlight On Our Student Tsubasa
This week, we are excited to spotlight our second-grader, Tsubasa. Tsubasa joined ISR’s Kindergarten in 2022 and has made a lasting impact on our community.
Tsubasa was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Jennings, who shared, “Tsubasa has shown incredible leadership this year and never hesitates to help other students. Her kindness, patience, and perseverance will help her be successful as she continues her academic journey. She is always willing to try new learning tasks and shows great detail and creativity in all of her work. Next Friday is her last day at ISR before she moves to Japan, and we will miss her dearly. We wish her all the best and success in her new adventure!”
Her first-grade teacher from last school year, Ms. Vosters, also has wonderful things to say about Tsubasa: “I taught Tsubasa in Grade 1 last year. She is a kind little girl who always helps others. She is a special friend and loves to play and be with her circle of friends. She works so hard and neatly, and it was a privilege to teach her.”
Ms. Ghica, ISR’s Academic Head of Grades 2 and 3, echoes these sentiments: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tsubasa since Grade 1, and now she’s shining even brighter in Grade 2! Hardworking, kind, and always eager to learn—keep up the amazing work, Tsubasa! You’re an inspiration to everyone around you. I hope you’ll enjoy your time in Japan, your home country, and we all hope you come back to ISR soon!”
Tsubasa’s presence has enriched our community, and while we will miss her greatly, we are excited for the new adventures that await her in Japan. We wish Tsubasa and her family all the best as they embark on this exciting chapter of their lives!
We are very proud to spotlight Tsubasa, 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!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR Open House 2024
ISR Open House 2024
Saturday, October 12th
On Saturday, we celebrated our ISR Open House 2024, welcoming numerous guests, ISR Cooperation Partners, families and team members from our locations in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch, along with many interested visitors. The event showcased once again the unique ISR Community and our commitment to academic excellence!
The day began with informative presentations for interested families, providing a comprehensive overview of ISR and our educational approach. Our SLC students led guided tours in various languages, allowing guests to explore our expansive ISR campus. The event featured engaging presentations and demo lessons across various subjects and grade levels. Visitors had the opportunity to explore our Language Hallway, where our Spanish, Japanese, French, and Chinese teachers showcased their interesting materials and projects. Our University and Career Counseling Department offered individual counseling sessions, highlighting how we support our students at ISR for reaching a successful and fulfilling future after graduating from ISR. Additionally, we hosted various science fairs in our hallways and science rooms, showcasing different student projects and interactive demonstrations. We also invited our Kindergarten families from our branches in Meerbusch and Düsseldorf to attend a presentation by our Academic Head of Kindergarten and Grade 1, Ms. Vrem-Ydstie. She provided valuable insights into the transition to Grade 1 and introduced our enriching international curriculum. The families were also greeted by our Class Representatives from KG2 and Grade 1 to build connections and to further ease the transition process.
A highlight of the day was the visit of the First Deputy District Administrator, Ms. Katharina Reinhold, who graciously took the time to explore ISR. During her visit, she acquainted herself with the charity projects of our CAS and SLC students. Furthermore, she observed several exciting projects in the Science Lab, providing our proud students with the opportunity to explain their work in detail.
Meanwhile, our IT Department once again captivated young and older visitors with immersive Virtual Reality experiences, enabling children to explore underwater worlds and outer space. We also introduced our AI Robot Nao, which was a standout attraction for many of our visitors. Additionally, our team demonstrated how AI is seamlessly integrated into our classrooms to enrich our students’ learning experiences.
Our dedicated Music Department organized captivating performances by our grades 1–3 and grades 4–6 Choirs in the entrance hall, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. The children had a great time performing their songs. To conclude the event, our ISR and Oxana Musicbox Band, who also performed at the Sonnenblumenfest in Meerbusch two weeks ago, delivered impressive musical performances in our cafeteria.
Furthermore, our students once again demonstrated their commitment to charitable causes! SLC students offered handmade charity bracelets that children could create on-site to raise funds for women’s shelters in Düsseldorf. In addition, one of our Grade 7 students sold beautiful handmade floral hairbands, with all proceeds donated to UNICEF. Our dedicated CAS students organized a charity photo project, selling handmade postcards and offering a photo printing service. The money raised will be donated to the Gutenachtbus in Düsseldorf.
To refresh our visitors, our dedicated ISR Parent Network organized a delightful cake buffet, while our school caterer, Broich, provided a variety of food options and refreshing beverages. Adding to the community efforts, SLC students held a delicious popcorn sale. Guests could also enjoy delicious Italian specialty coffees from Coffee Bar Bacio é Amore and were able to get some delicious Ice Cream from Angelo Franciamore.
The action continued in our modern triple sports hall, where children were welcomed by our sports team. Students were able to demonstrate their skills at various sports stations, adding to the fun of the event!
We extend our heartfelt thank you to our teachers and staff, our exceptional ISR Parent Network, and all our families for making this ISR Open House a memorable and inspiring event. It truly reflected our school’s spirit and the strength of the ISR Community!
A huge thank you to our valued partners who were on-site: Musicbox Oxana, Broich Catering, Kunst am Platz, The British Women’s Club Düsseldorf, The American International Women’s Club of Düsseldorf, The International English Library, Eckehard Adams Wohnungsbau GmbH, Rochusclub, and Engel & Völkers.
Another huge thank you to our dedicated ISR Parent Network Events Team – Diler, Yuiko, Rania, and Maria – for all their efforts in organizing and supporting this important event. We also wish to thank our ISR Parent Network Leadership Team: Caroline, Aicha, and Cristy, for their continued support and loyalty. As the PN motto states: Good schools are made of students – great schools are made of families!
We are delighted with the success of this year’s ISR Open House and are looking forward to many more enriching Community Events this year!
Photos by Sarah Maria Photography
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Chentong
Spotlight On Our Student Chentong
ISR Student Spotlight: Chentong
This week, we are thrilled to spotlight our eighth-grader, Chentong. Since joining ISR in September, Chentong has quickly made a significant impression on her teachers. She is self-disciplined, diligent, and making the most of her start at ISR.
Chentong’s homeroom teacher, Mr. Krönke, shares, “Since joining our school about a month ago, Chentong has become a valued member of our community. She immediately made new friends and has demonstrated impressive academic achievements. In German class, for instance, she participates with enthusiasm, balancing humility with a willingness to step forward and contribute. Outside of school, she enjoys swimming, reading—most recently Tintenherz by Cornelia Funke—and playing the piano. One of the things she appreciates most about our school is the morning homeroom, where students ease into the day together before starting classes. Her current favorite subjects are Math and German.”
Chentong has also adjusted well in her French class. Her teacher, Ms. Chanal, notes, “Chentong recently joined my French class, and I can already say that she has a very good aptitude for French. She’s thoughtful, tries to structure her words carefully, and always gives her best.”
In addition to her academic success, Chentong is an accomplished swimmer. She recently won two silver medals in the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter medley events, as well as two bronze medals in the 200-meter backstroke and 100-meter backstroke at the Swim District Rhine-Wupper e.V. last weekend. Impressively, she is ranked 5th in her age group in NRW!
We are very proud to spotlight Chentong, 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!
Our Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Amanda
Spotlight On Our Student Amanda
ISR Student Spotlight: Amanda
This week, we are delighted to spotlight our remarkable ninth-grader, Amanda. Since joining ISR’s Kindergarten in 2015, Amanda has blossomed into a remarkable student and a valued member of our community. Now a part of our ISR Secondary School, she continues to leave a positive impression on her teachers.
Ms. Lambertz, who works in our kindergarten, fondly recalls Amanda’s early years: “I remember her in my KG2 class with Ms. Corulas. She always wore lovely dresses and was impeccably neat. She was smart and quite shy back then. Look at her now – she’s so confident and as beautiful as ever. Keep it up, Amanda. You are a shining star!”
Amanda has truly come full circle by taking on the role of Kindergarten Prefect, a responsibility she approaches with great dedication. The children adore her and are thrilled to see her, benefiting from her positive attitude.
Amanda has made a significant and highly valued impact on our school community. Ms. McLeod, Head of ISR’s Elementary School praises Amanda: “Amanda has been a cherished member of our school community for many years. Known for her ever-present smile and positive attitude, Amanda is a beacon of kindness and support to everyone around her. Her willingness to help others and her friendly demeanor make her an invaluable part of our school. Thank you, Amanda, for being such a wonderful role model and for your unwavering commitment to making ISR a better place for all!
In addition to her prefect duties, Amanda is an active member of our SLC School Spirit Department, helping organize popular Spirit Days. Recently, she volunteered at the Meerbusch Sonnenblumenfest with fellow SLC students, impressing everyone with her excellent face painting skills. SLC Coordinator Ms. Bennet says of Amanda: “Amanda is a joy to have on our team. She knows the school well and is eager to participate in our SLC initiatives. She is creative, helpful, and a joy to work with. Amanda has so much to offer, and we are grateful to have her on our team!”
We are very proud to spotlight Amanda, 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!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR at the Sunflower Festival in Meerbusch
ISR at the Sunflower Festival in Meerbusch
Sunday, September 29th
Hundreds of yellow sunflowers, joyful visitors, and an exuberant atmosphere – this year’s Sunflower Festival in Meerbusch was once again a resounding success!
Our booth was represented by enthusiastic staff members from all three of our branches—Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch—who warmly welcomed families. Our dedicated SLC students managed the children’s program. They offered face painting, crafting of small sunflower pots and demonstrating how we utilize virtual reality headsets in ISR classrooms to the curious young visitors. Our in-house music school, Musicbox Oxana, provided entertainment with excellent music performances, bringing much joy to the visitors.
A major highlight of the event was the performance by our talented ISR Band. The children took the stage in front of several hundred guests, who cheered enthusiastically. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hannan, Brent, and Gian for their incredible representation of ISR! Equally, we are deeply grateful to Oxana and her Musicbox Oxana team for supporting and preparing the children for this highly commendable performance, as well as to Daniel, who skillfully accompanied our ISR students on the drums.
The event not only showcased our students’ talents but also strengthened community bonds. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about our innovative educational approaches, including how we integrate technology into learning. The event exemplified ISR’s commitment to holistic education, blending academic excellence with great musical talents and community engagement. We are already looking forward to celebrating next year’s Sonnenblumenfest!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lisa
Spotlight On Our Student Lisa
ISR Student Spotlight: Lisa
This week, we are delighted to spotlight our exceptional third-grader, Lisa. Since joining ISR in 2021, Lisa has consistently impressed her teachers with her confident demeanor, positive attitude, and dedication to her schoolwork.
Lisa was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her teacher, Ms. Duenas, who praises her as a remarkable role model both in and out of the classroom. Ms. Duenas notes, “Lisa participates actively in class and expresses herself clearly and confidently. She is always eager to learn and stays focused on her tasks. Her kindness towards others and exemplary behavior makes her a joy to teach. She is respectful and always wears a smile.”
Lisa’s second-grade teacher, Ms. Albanese, echoes this sentiment: “Lisa is a dedicated student and a sweet, caring person. She works hard and has a genuine love for learning. Her brilliance shines through in her creative problem-solving and determination. I enjoyed reading her incredible stories and texts, filled with special details and original ideas. She relishes challenges and has a real passion for math and solving complex questions. Additionally, Lisa is very artistic, taking great care with her drawings and paying attention to detail.”
“Above all, Lisa is incredibly caring and humble. She is always ready to help others and is friendly and kind to everyone around her. Her presence exudes calmness and happiness, making it a joy to spend time with her”
Ms. Kilian, Lisa’s first-grade teacher, adds: “Lisa was a kind and helpful child who always came to school with a smile. She was a dedicated learner with an admirable work ethic, making her a true role model in the classroom. Teaching her was a pleasure. She loved solving math problems and was always willing to help others.”
Our Elementary School management team also holds Lisa in high regard. Ms. Ghica, Head of Grades 2 and 3, highlights Lisa’s exceptional qualities: “Lisa consistently demonstrates creativity and innovation in problem-solving. Her unique perspective allows her to tackle challenges thoughtfully and impressively. Her dedication combined with critical thinking skills makes her a standout student.”
Ms. Morris, Head of Grades 4 and 5, adds: “Lisa is a shining star both in and out of the classroom. She contributes insightful perspectives during group discussions and treats her peers with kindness and respect. She embodies our motto, ‘it’s cool to be good!’”
Lisa’s music teacher, Ms. Ewing, remarks: “Lisa is hardworking, kind, and smart—a fantastic role model who respects everyone in class.”
Finally, her sports teacher, Mr. Hoste, shares: “Teaching Lisa in PE has been a pleasure since last year. She is motivated, polite, takes initiative, shows great sportsmanship, and is a real team player!”
We are very proud to spotlight Lisa, 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!
Our Student Spotlights
Internationale Ausstellung an der ISR International School Neuss
Internationale Ausstellung an der ISR International School Neuss beeindruckt mit 40 renommierten Künstlerinnen und Künstlern aus China bei Vernissage mit Live-Performances
Die zeitgenössischen Kunstwerke reichen von chinesischer Kalligraphie und Malerei über Skulpturen und Keramik aus dem Land der Mitte bis hin zu Zisha-Teekannen / Ursula Platen lobt als Neusser Dezernentin für Schule, Bildung und Kultur als Basis für eine globale Zusammenarbeit / Der Chinesische Generalkonsul Chunguo Du betont die völkerverbindende Wirkung von Kunst / Besonderes Angebot für Kunstinteressierte in der Region sowie ein Stück kultureller Heimat für die mehr als 100 chinesischen Familien an der ISR
40 renommierte chinesische Künstlerinnen und Künstler präsentieren an der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss eine vielfältige Auswahl an Kunststilen aus dem Reich der Mitte. Die Ausstellung zeitgenössischer Kunst wurde am Mittwoch mit einer umfangreichen Vernissage eröffnet. Gezeigt wurden Werke, die von traditioneller chinesischer Kalligraphie und Malerei über Skulpturen und Keramik bis hin zu Zisha-Teekannen aus der Region Yixing reichen. Zu den bekanntesten Teilnehmenden der ISR-Ausstellung gehören Ning Qinzhen, einer der international bekanntesten Keramikkünstler Chinas und der preisgekrönte Öl-Maler Wei Guoyin.
Rund 20, und damit die Hälfte dieser Künstlerinnen und Künstler, waren extra aus China für die Vernissage angereist. Im Rahmen der Veranstaltung schufen einige Künstlerinnen und Künstler in einer Live-Performance ganz neue Werke. Zudem überreichten sieben der Kunstschaffenden der ISR feierlich ihre Kunstwerke als Geschenk, um an dieses besondere Ereignis zu erinnern.
Die in Neuss vertretenen Künstlerinnen und Künstler präsentierten ihre Werke bereits auf der ganzen Welt. In Europa beispielsweise gab es bisher etwa die Ausstellungen in Florenz, Mailand, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Kiew oder Brüssel. „Dass sich in diese Auflistung namhafter Kunst-Städte auch der Ausstellungsort Neuss einreihen kann und wir Interessierten aus der Region einen ganz besonderen Genuss ermöglichen, freut uns sehr. Denn in Deutschland war diese Ausstellung ausschließlich in Neuss zu sehen“, betont Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR: „Möglich wurde das durch unsere intensive Kooperation mit dem chinesischen Generalkonsulat sowie der Deutsch-Chinesischen Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kultur NRW e.V. sowie durch den großen Anteil von über 100 chinesischen Familien an der ISR und ihren Standorten Neuss, Düsseldorf und Meerbusch.“
Für das Chinesische Generalkonsulat in Düsseldorf ist eine solche Ausstellung extrem wichtig für das gegenseitige Verständnis: „Mit diesen Kunstwerken wird der Betrachter oder die Betrachterin noch mehr verstehen, was eine andere Kultur bewegt und was für die Menschen wichtig ist“, betont Generalkonsul Chunguo Du: „Gerade die Vielfalt und Unterschiedlichkeit der Kunstwerke ermöglicht bei dieser Ausstellung einen umfassenden Einblick.“
Ursula Platen, Dezernentin für Schule, Bildung und Kultur der Stadt Neuss, sieht vielfältige Vorteile im interkulturellen Dialog: „Solche Veranstaltungen wie hier an der ISR sind eine wichtige Basis, wenn man eine globale, offene, und friedliche Gemeinschaft schaffen möchte.“ Durch aktuelle politische Diskussionen dürfe man dieses große Ziel nicht aus dem Auge verlieren. „Vor allem, wenn man sich zu den großen Herausforderungen wie dem Klimawandel und Menschenrechten über Landesgrenzen hinweg verständigen will, sind solche Veranstaltungen wie hier in Neuss besonders wichtig“, so Platen.
Yuan Ching Hu, Vorsitzender der gemeinnützigen Deutsch-Chinesischen Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kultur NRW e.V., betont: „Wir unterstützen diese Ausstellung, weil wir über Kultur und Bildung die Deutsch-Chinesische Zusammenarbeit auf allen Ebenen verbessern und vertiefen möchten. Wir wollen auch losgelöst von wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen vernetzen, fördern und den Austausch voranbringen“. Rund 60.000 Chinesinnen und Chinesen, schätzt Hu, leben derzeit in NRW; die größte Community in Düsseldorf/Neuss und dem Ruhrgebiet: „Es sind mittlerweile viele deutsche Bürgerinnen und Bürger mit chinesischen Wurzeln, zweiter, dritter oder gar vierter Generation hier in der Region, denen die Traditionen ihrer Vorfahren nicht verloren gehen sollen“, erläutert Hu: „Da kann eine solche Ausstellung einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten“.
Für Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR, ist die Ausstellung deshalb nicht nur ein tolles Angebot für alle Kunst-Interessierten aus der Region, sondern auch ein Stück kultureller Heimat für die mehr als 100 chinesischen Familien an der Schule. „Wir haben seit vielen Jahren eine große chinesische Community an der ISR, auf die wir sehr stolz sind. So können wir mit solchen Ausstellungen und unserer vielfältigen Schulgemeinschaft einen erheblichen Beitrag zum gegenseitigen Verständnis leisten, weit über den Schulalltag hinaus. Denn alle der über 1.200 Familien aus den Standorten in Neuss, Düsseldorf, und Meerbusch sind herzlich zu der Vernissage eingeladen worden und erleben die Kunst heute und auch in den kommenden Tagen hautnah.“
Neben der großen chinesischen Community sind noch 59 weitere Nationen unter den ISR-Familien vertreten.
Disclaimer
Die ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH mit den drei Standorten in Neuss, Düsseldorf und Meerbusch ist eine privat geführte internationale Ganztagsschule. Mehr als 1.000 Schülerinnen und Schüler aus der Region und aus aktuell 60 Ländern 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.
