Klimawandel in Düsseldorf: Zusammenarbeit DEG und ISR - Klimaneutralität
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Zach
Spotlight On Our Student Zach
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our seventh-grader, Zach, who joined ISR in 2018 and has been a valued member of our school community ever since.
Zach was nominated for the Student Spotlight by his Social Studies teacher, Dr. Mitchell, who has been consistently impressed with his performance in her class. She says, “Zach is very excited about Social Studies and expresses a lot of interesting ideas about the topics in the course. He knows a lot about history and finds it engaging. He is always trying to perfect his written work and build good arguments. We look forward to seeing him excel in the future!”
Ms. Freise, Zach’s sixth-grade English teacher, has fond memories of her former student. She says, “Zach is a lively and engaging student who brings great energy to the classroom. His creativity and sense of humor make him enjoyable in class. He has a natural ability to express ideas in an interesting way. He is talkative and always eager to participate in discussions, which adds to the dynamic of the class. Zach is a pleasure to teach, and I look forward to seeing his continued growth.”
Zach also made a lasting impression on Ms. Morris, our Academic Head for Grades 4 and 5, when he joined ISR. She says, “I met Zach when he started at ISR in 2018, and his enthusiasm for learning was present from the start. Zach has a brilliant mind, and his unique perspectives always added to our class conversations. His personality and huge smile continue to light up any room he enters, and his kindness and willingness to help others embody our motto, “It’s cool to be good!”
Zach’s enthusiasm for learning, creativity, and ability to inspire those around him with his positivity and unique perspectives truly sets him apart.
We are proud to spotlight Zach 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!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR Student has the highest IGCSE International Chemistry score in Germany
ISR student has the highest IGCSE International Chemistry score in Germany
Monday, February 10th, 2025
The academic success at ISR continues: Our student Yara achieved the highest score in Germany in the subject IGCSE Chemistry. Proud members of the ISR Secondary School Leadership Team, including Mr. Cete, Mr. Kheir, and Mr. May, as well as our School Director Ms. Lyons and Yara’s teacher Mr. Gottlin, surprised Yara last Friday with a ceremonial presentation of her award! Yara was overjoyed and accepted the special honor with great gratitude.
Her achievement is further proof of the excellent education at ISR, Yara’s passion for science, and her commitment to academic excellence!
We are all incredibly proud to add another award to ISR’s success story with Yara’s outstanding result!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student George
Spotlight On Our Student George
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our ninth-grader, George, who joined ISR at the start of the current school year. According to his teachers, George exemplifies a strong work ethic, consistently demonstrates polite and respectful behavior, and approaches learning with curiosity and enthusiasm.
George was nominated for the Spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 9 – 10, Mr. Kheir, who shares, “George joined ISR this year and has demonstrated remarkable dedication and effort in his academic journey to reach his current level of achievement. He is highly motivated, committed to his studies, and consistently displays a polite and respectful demeanor”.
Mr. O’Brien, George’s Science teacher echoes this praise, stating, “George has worked extremely hard this year and demonstrated great maturity and determination in improving his science grades. Keep up the great work!”
George’s Computing teacher, Mr. Ellis, also commends his efforts: “In Computing, George has made great strides with his work ethic and commitment in our computing class. He has also demonstrated a proactive attitude and commitment to learning that has distinguished him from others. George has a genuine interest in computing and frequently asks questions to deepen his understanding of complex topics, always contributing actively to the discussion.
George’s dedication and positive attitude reflect the values we strive to cultivate at ISR.
We are proud to spotlight George 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!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR Student has the highest IGCSE International Mathematics score in Germany
ISR student has the highest IGCSE International Mathematics score in Germany
Thursday, February 6th, 2025
Yesterday, there was a very special surprise at ISR for our student, Piotr. Our school director, Ms. Lyons; his Academic Coordinator, Mr. Kheir; the Head of the Science Department at ISR, Mr. O’Brien; and his proud Mathematics Teacher, Mr. Sanchez, came together to formally inform Piotr that he scored the highest in Germany for IGCSE International Mathematics and was among the best-performing learners in Germany in the June 2024 IGCSE Examination series.
Piotr was visibly delighted with his achievement and emphasized, “I was inspired by Dan who received the certificate last year at ISR, so I wanted to do it this year!” In the future, he plans to study Computer Science and is currently working hard to gain admission to one of the best universities, aiming to keep all options open for his future career!
This outstanding performance continues ISR’s tradition of excellence in mathematics, marking the third time an ISR student has achieved top marks in this subject. Piotr’s success not only highlights his individual talent but also reflects the high-quality education provided at ISR.
We sincerely congratulate Piotr on this remarkable achievement and for embodying our motto at ISR: It’s cool to be good!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Kaylee
Spotlight On Our Student Kaylee
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eighth-grader, Kaylee, who joined ISR in 2021. Kaylee consistently exemplifies leadership, collaboration, and a dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for her peers.
Mr. Nisic, Kaylee’s Mathematics teacher nominated her for the Spotlight, saying, “Kaylee is not just a great student she is a remarkable leader and an even better person. Throughout her time in my class, she consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of mathematics, but what truly set her apart was her willingness to help others. Whether explaining a tricky concept to a classmate or offering encouragement during challenging lessons, she always stepped up to support those around her. Her ability to lead with kindness and patience made a significant impact on the classroom dynamic, creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable learning. Kaylee’s dedication to both her own growth and the success of her peers is something I deeply admire, and I have no doubt that her leadership skills will take her far in life”.
Kaylee has also impressed Ms. McGee, her Social Studies teacher, who also works with her in Model UN. Ms. McGee says, “Kaylee is a wonderful student to work with. She not only enjoys our social studies curriculum but also stands out as a curious, engaged, and kind individual. Through class discussions, it’s clear that she is eager to learn across all subjects and continuously seeks ways to improve her skills. In Junior MUN, she actively works on developing her leadership abilities, bringing thoughtfulness and enthusiasm to our research, collaboration, and debates. I am very proud of her!”
Ms. Welz, Kaylee’s German teacher cheerfully adds, “Kaylee is a joy to work with. She is always motivated, focused, prepared for class, and ready to learn. Kaylee has a positive attitude towards learning and demonstrates maturity beyond her years. In class, she regularly participates in discussions, she gets along well with others, and she demonstrates a strong interest in improving her German.”
We are proud to spotlight Kaylee 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!
Our Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Vivian
Spotlight On Our Student Vivian
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fifth-grader, Vivian, a student who exemplifies creativity, curiosity, and dedication. Since joining ISR in 2021, Vivian has become a valued member of our school community, known for her enthusiasm for learning and her remarkable talents. Most recently, she was recognized for her exceptional writing skills and intellectual curiosity, earning a Commendation Award for her essay submission to the prestigious John Locke Institute’s Junior Essay Writing Competition.
Vivian was nominated for the Student Spotlight by her second-grade teacher, Ms. Duenas, who worked closely with Vivian on her essay submission. Reflecting on this achievement, Ms. Duenas shares: “I am thrilled to recognize Vivian, a standout writer and curious thinker, for her recent achievement. She received a Commendation Award for her great effort. Vivian has always exhibited a passion for writing, and we are proud to share that she submitted an essay to the prestigious John Locke Institute’s Junior Essay Writing Competition. Her essay, titled ‘Is There Life After Death?’, explores profound philosophical questions with maturity and insight beyond her years.”
Vivian took the initiative to submit her essay independently, with support from Ms. Duenas and Ms. Sayers. Her dedication to both her craft and intellectual growth is truly inspiring and reflects her commitment to excellence.
Vivian’s current homeroom teacher, Ms. Codina, echoes these sentiments, saying:
“Vivian is the kind of student who views every challenge as an opportunity, every new topic as an adventure, and every new skill or task as a chance to exceed expectations. She is witty, often making clever jokes far beyond her years. She is a beautiful writer, creating stories with vivid imagery that transports the reader to new worlds.
She is respectful, kind, and always behaves as a role model to her peers. Her maturity and intelligence are commendable, and I believe Vivian will accomplish great things in her future.”
We wholeheartedly congratulate Vivian on her hard work and encourage her to continue pursuing her passion for writing and critical thinking. Her achievements so far are just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey!
We are proud to spotlight Vivian 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!
Our Student Spotlights
Beim Career Talk an der ISR International School on the Rhine gibt die stellvertretende Landrätin Katharina Reinhold den Jugendlichen Tipps für beruflichen Erfolg und wirbt für kontroverse politische Debatten mit Gleichaltrigen
Beim Career Talk an der ISR International School on the Rhine gibt die stellvertretende Landrätin Katharina Reinhold den Jugendlichen Tipps für beruflichen Erfolg und wirbt für kontroverse politische Debatten mit Gleichaltrigen
Die Erste stellvertretende Landrätin des Rhein-Kreis Neuss, Katharina Reinhold, berichtete im Rahmen der Career Talk-Serie der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss den Schülerinnen und Schülern über ihren Karriereweg, ihren beruflichen Alltag und ihr Engagement in der Politik. Im Mittelpunkt standen dabei die Aufgaben und Herausforderungen, die mit der Tätigkeit einer Kommunalpolitikerin verbunden sind. Sie gab den Jugendlichen zudem Tipps, auf welche Aspekte sie bei Entscheidungen bezüglich ihrer beruflichen Zukunft vor allem achten sollten.
Da die Jugendlichen der Klassenstufen 10 und 11, die an der Diskussionsrunde teilnahmen, aktuell intensiv über Studien- und Karrieremöglichkeiten nachdenken, berichtete Katharina Reinhold anschaulich von ihren Studienjahren in Marburg, Münster und im französischen Poitiers. Dies sei ihr dank eines Erasmus-Stipendiums ermöglicht worden. Die internationale Erfahrung sei toll gewesen. Davon profitiere sie beruflich und persönlich bis zum heutigen Tag.
Reinhold berichtete beim Career Talk, wie sie ihr Interesse an der Politik entdeckte. 1994 hatte sie als 19-jährige für sechs Wochen einen Abgeordneten im Kreis Olpe im Wahlkampf unterstützt und diese Zeit sei so spannend gewesen, dass sie sich weiter in diesem Bereich engagierte. Anschließend habe sich ihr Interesse automatisch weiterentwickelt. „Es ist spannend, abwechslungsreich und erfüllend, sich politisch zu engagieren und Gutes für das Gemeinwohl zu bewirken. Man sieht die Ergebnisse seines Engagements unmittelbar und erhält oft positives Feedback von den Menschen, für die man sich einsetzt. Gerade dieser Austausch ist zusätzlich motivierend und bestärkt mich in meinem täglichen Einsatz“, betonte Katharina Reinhold.
Reinhold ermutigte die Schülerinnen und Schüler, sich politische Abläufe und Institutionen genau anzuschauen. Das sei alles andere als langweilig. Hier mehr junge Leute zu motivieren, mit Kindern und Jugendlichen über Demokratie zu reden und ihnen zu verdeutlichen, wie wichtig das Thema ist, macht Reinhold besondere Freude. Die jungen Leute sollten sich zudem trauen – auch in kontroversen Diskussionen im Freundes- und Bekanntenkreis – für demokratische Prozesse und Meinungsfindung zu streiten. Das solle man nicht aussparen, nur weil es anstrengender ist als der übliche Small-Talk. Das sei gerade aktuell eminent wichtig für die Gesellschaft.
Reinhold schilderte, wie es ihr zur Zeit gelingt, mehrere Tätigkeiten zu vereinbaren -die Arbeit als stellvertretende Landrätin, im Kreistag und als freiberufliche Rechtsanwältin und Mediatorin. Das führte zu angeregten Diskussionen mit den Schülerinnen und Schülern der ISR und Nachfragen nach Tipps, wie man ein großes Pensum bewältigt und keinen Bereich vernachlässigt.
Die Diskussion mit der Ersten stellvertretende Landrätin setzte eine erfolgreiche Veranstaltungsreihe der ISR International School on the Rhine fort, in der Persönlichkeiten aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft den Schülerinnen und Schülern über ihren beruflichen und ehrenamtlichen Alltag berichten. „Das ist im Rahmen unserer schulinternen Universitäts- und Karriereberatung ein wichtiger Baustein“, sagt Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR: „Um die jungen Menschen auf die Berufswelt vorzubereiten, sollen sie sich intensiv mit vielen Leuten aus den unterschiedlichsten Bereichen austauschen und auch Persönliches und Hintergründiges erfahren, was bei den üblichen Veranstaltungen nicht unbedingt Thema ist. Doch solche Infos wecken Neugier für Berufswege, die auch mal etwas vom Üblichen abweichen.“
Disclaimer
Die ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH mit Sitz in Neuss ist eine privat geführte internationale Ganztagsschule. Über 1.000 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 weltweilt. 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. In Naher Zukunft eröffnet darüber hinaus eine weitere internationale Grundschule der ISR in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel. Anfragen zu Kindergarten, Grundschule und weiterführender Schule werden ganzjährig entgegengenommen: admissions@isr-school.de.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Azra
Spotlight On Our Student Azra
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fourth-grader, Azra. Azra joined ISR in 2023 and has continuously made a lasting impression on her teachers with her positive attitude, dedication, and cheerful personality. She is not only a diligent student but also a kind-hearted and creative individual who brings joy to those around her.
Azra was nominated for the Student Spotlight by her music teacher, Ms. Bucher, who shares: “Azra is a student who not only cares about doing her work well and has a love of learning, but she also has a great sense of humor. She is cheerful and friendly and is a great asset to the class. She brings sunshine to every Music lesson!”
Ms. Schultz, Azra’s Art teacher, also has wonderful things to say: “Azra is a very talented young artist. I am astonished by how refined her colors are, how detailed her motifs are, and how creatively she expresses herself. I am very impressed every time Azra completes her artwork beyond the level of her age.”
Azra’s past teachers remember her fondly as well. Her third-grade teacher, Ms. Vittin, says: “Azra is a joyful and happy learner who genuinely enjoys school and spending time with her classmates. She is respectful, kind, and has a big heart. In addition, Azra is a very funny student who enjoys making others laugh with her jokes and funny expressions. She is a joy to have in class, and I could not be prouder that she has been nominated.”
Azra’s second-grade teacher, Ms. Jennings, adds: “Azra always treated other students with respect and empathy and could easily work with any student I paired her with. I know she will accomplish great achievements in the future because of her positive attitude! It was such a privilege to teach her, and I always look back on that year with fond memories”.
We are proud to spotlight Azra 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!
Our Student Spotlights
Learning from the Past: WWII Eyewitness Mr. Hüllen Visits ISR to Share His Story and Life Lessons
Learning from the Past: WWII Eyewitness Mr. Hüllen Visits ISR to Share His Story and Life Lessons
Thursday, January 16th
Yesterday, we had the honor of welcoming Mr. Hüllen, a World War II eyewitness, at ISR. Mr. Hüllen shared his experiences as a child before, during, and after the war with our Grade 9 and 10 students. The students had prepared numerous questions for Mr. Hüllen. He provided a unique perspective on life during this historic period, offering insights into the daily challenges and fears faced by civilians during the time. Mr. Hüllen strongly emphasized the importance of democracy, drawing from his personal experiences and the contrast between life under totalitarian rule and in a free society. It was an engaging, emotional, and educational lecture and all students listened attentively.
Mr. Hüllen, along with other eyewitnesses, have visited over 500 schools across Germany already; sharing their experiences with younger generations. Their goal is to ensure that the lessons of World War II are not forgotten and to foster a deeper understanding of the consequences of war and the value of peace.
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Hüllen for his time and for sharing his personal experiences with our students. As one ISR Parent mentioned after the lecture: “These life experiences are an incredible privilege for our kids — not just academically, as they tie into their program, but also as meaningful life lessons.”
By hearing from those who lived through these events, our students gained a more intricate and empathetic understanding of the past, which is crucial for shaping a better future.
At ISR, we are proud to offer our students such learning experiences!
