Motivational Speaker and Coach, Luke Staton, visits ISR
Motivational Speaker and Coach, Luke Staton, visits ISR
Tuesday, November 12th
The past Tuesday, we welcomed a very special guest to our ISR Campus in Neuss – motivational Speaker and coach, Luke Staton! Luke delivered a series of inspiring lectures to our students from Grades 5 – 11, sharing his remarkable life story and leaving a lasting impression on our students.
Hailing from England, Luke travels the world visiting schools, leading workshops, and speaking at conferences. We were very excited that ISR had the honor of being his first school visit in Germany!
From the moment he began speaking, Luke captivated our students with his engaging and interactive approach. He encouraged them to actively participate, sharing their own dreams and aspirations throughout the sessions. Luke recounted his humble beginnings in England, where financial struggles were part of his daily life – his father once used black tape to repair his football boots. A great opportunity came when his head teacher, Mr. Spencer, invited him on a class trip to Wembley Stadium in London. Though money was tight, Luke’s parents managed to gather enough for the ticket. It wasn’t until years later that Luke learned Mr. Spencer had quietly paid for his ticket himself, believing it would be a life-changing opportunity for him.
Standing in Wembley Stadium for the first time, Luke was awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the venue. It was there that Mr. Spencer spoke six simple but life-altering words: “That could be you one day.” Those words ignited a fire in Luke, propelling him toward a career in football that eventually led him to the Champions League. When his professional career came to an end, Luke found a new calling—motivating others just as Mr. Spencer had once inspired him.
During his lectures, our students asked thoughtful questions and shared stories about their own dreams. One of our Grade 11 students summed up his experience: “Listening to Luke share his journey and the valuable life lessons he’s learned throughout his career was both inspiring and eye-opening. His words motivated me to pursue my goals with more dedication and to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles I might face.”
After each session, Luke generously took time to sign books and football gloves, pose for photos, and answer questions from our students.
At ISR, we are committed not only to academic excellence but also to fostering our students’ wellbeing. Luke’s visit perfectly aligned with this philosophy, providing our students with invaluable lessons on resilience and motivation for reaching their goals – no matter the circumstances.
The day concluded with an equally inspiring session at the International English Library, led by Melanie Schuth.
We are immensely proud to have provided our students with such a memorable and motivating experience. Luke’s motto, “Inspiring The Next Generation,” truly came to life at ISR, leaving our students ready to chase their dreams.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Luke for his time and valuable insights during his visit!
International Peace Poster Contest by Lions Club
International Peace Poster Contest by the Lions Club: ISR Participates as the Only School from Neuss
Thursday, November 14th
A special recognition ceremony took place at ISR today. Twenty-four artistically inclined students participated in the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest. This globally recognized competition, supported by the Lions Club for over three decades, invites schools and youth groups to explore the theme of peace through art, offering children the opportunity to express their visions of peace through art and inspire the world.
Bettina Schulenberg, President of the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, introduced the project to ISR, making ISR the only school from Neuss to participate in this international competition. Under the guidance of ISR Art Teacher, Ms. Schulz, the students diligently worked on their interpretations of this year’s theme: Boundless Peace. Yesterday, all artworks were presented, and ISR faculty and staff had the chance to select their favorites among posters created by 11, 12, and 13-year-old students. This proved to be a challenging task, as all posters were thoughtfully conceived and artistically valuable.
Ultimately, three exceptional posters stood out: Arjun (11 years old), Mian (12 years old), and Anna-Maria (13 years old) prevailed in the jury’s evaluation. Their works will now advance to the next stage of the competition, where they will be reviewed by the District Governor and the Council Chairperson of the Lions Club Novaesia before being submitted to the international competition. The second and third-place winners in each age category also received recognition awards from the Lions Club, while all participants will be presented with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding contributions.
We extend our gratitude to the Lions Club Novaesia for bringing this remarkable project to ISR, to Ms. Schulz for her excellent implementation, and to all students for their interpretation of Boundless Peace – a theme that resonates deeply in today’s world. The creativity and passion displayed in these posters truly embody our motto at ISR: It’s cool to be good!
All artworks will be displayed at next year’s ISR Art Evening and the ISR International Spring Festival
Quotes from our winning participants:
There are infinite ways to find peace. For example, respecting one another irrespective of gender, color, race, etc. Using the available resources with care. Hence, my peace dove is carrying a ribbon that looks like infinity. – Arjun, Age 11
Peace means love, freedom, and the candles never go off, as the candles stand for people and all countries in the world. – Mian, Age 12
Frieden ist ein Ausgleich zwischen zwei verschiedenen Meinungen. – Anna-Maria, Age 13
ISR Artificial Intelligence Spotlight
ISR Artificial Intelligence Monthly Spotlight
Our ISR Artificial Intelligence Monthly Spotlight is an exciting initiative that showcases innovative AI projects led by our esteemed teachers and staff members at ISR. Each month, we highlight a different project that demonstrates how our students are engaging with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies and exploring their impact on education and beyond. Through these spotlights, we not only celebrate our students’ achievements, but also provide insights into how AI is shaping the future of learning and innovation at ISR.
AI Spotlight June 2026
This month, our ISR AI Spotlight highlights a creative project from our AI Math Innovators Club, led by our teacher Mr. Nisic. This year, the club had the privilege of designing the back side of the yearbook cover, offering students a unique opportunity to express what ISR means to them through the use of AI. What began last year as a simple idea has now become a wonderful tradition within the club.
Each year, our students are invited to create their own version of a yearbook cover using AI, guided by one simple question: How do you see our school? From there, everything is shaped by the students’ own ideas, imagination, and perspectives.
At ISR, our students come from all over the world and bring with them a rich variety of cultures, languages, and experiences. In this project, many of the designs reflected exactly that: a school community where differences are valued, connections are built across cultures, and students grow together. These images beautifully captured the spirit of ISR as a place of learning, belonging, and shared experience.
Other students focused on the future and what comes after ISR. Their designs explored themes such as journeys, choices, and possibilities, showing a strong understanding that every student leaves ISR with a different path ahead, but with the confidence and knowledge to follow it. Some students took a more imaginative approach, using AI to create futuristic, abstract, and surreal worlds. These designs demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment – all important qualities we aim to encourage in our students.
Throughout the process, students shared their ideas, discussed their work, and supported each other in refining their designs. This project was not only about generating images, but also about thinking critically, communicating ideas clearly, and expressing identity through creativity. The final selection represents a wide range of student voices and artistic interpretations.
We are proud of our students and proud to be able to offer them this opportunity. We also wish to thank Mr. Nisic for his dedication, commitment, and support in guiding this project and making it such a valuable experience for the students. One of the cover designs will be featured as the final yearbook cover and will be revealed soon, when the yearbook becomes available soon – so stay tuned!
AI Spotlight April 2026
This month, our ISR AI Spotlight highlights the usage of AI in our French classes. Our French Teacher, Ms. Chanal, has been actively integrating AI tools to enhance language learning. Since the beginning of the school year, she has introduced her students to self-correcting exercises on platforms such as Linguolia, LanguaTalk, and francaisfacile.fr. These interactive tools provide instant feedback, enabling students to practice grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure efficiently and independently.
With LanguaTalk, students can do much more than grammar exercises – they can expand their vocabulary using flashcards, learn French idioms, listen to podcasts, and even engage in debates and conversations with AI in French. This interactive element allows them to strengthen their speaking and writing skills.
Ms. Chanal also encourages her students to continue practising their strengths and addressing their weaknesses through these tools outside of class. After lessons, she assigns additional self-correcting activities online and follows up with handouts and book exercises for deeper understanding. She notes that AI-based tools have made learning more individualized, efficient, and motivating for students.
Thanks to the support of Mr. Ellis, Head of Secondary Computing, Ms. Chanal also explored using AI to create customized reading and listening comprehension questions. She then generated a QR code so students could easily access answer keys and track their own progress.
Our students have shared positive feedback about these methods: “Artificial intelligence can be helpful for language learning because it gives us a way to practice and get quick feedback. It helps test things like vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. You can immediately see your mistakes and learn from them, which makes progress faster.”
While AI greatly supports and enriches learning, it will never replace a teacher – rather, it serves as a valuable complement that enhances both teaching and learning at ISR. We are proud to continue integrating innovative tools that empower our students and make their learning journeys even more effective.
We wish to thank Ms. Chanal for her creativity, dedication, and passion for innovation in language teaching. Through these initiatives, we at ISR are proud to support our students’ learning pathways and provide them with opportunities to explore how AI can positively shape their educational experiences!
AI Spotlight February 2026
This month, our ISR AI Spotlight features an inspiring initiative from the Social Involvement Department of our student organization, SLC. At ISR, we are incredibly proud of our students’ engagement and creativity as they tackle real-world challenges through this project.
Our student, Diba, the Head of the Social Involvement Department, is the driving force behind this project. Her leadership has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.
Our Social Involvement Team plans monthly themed projects, and this month they have focused on how artificial intelligence will shape future jobs – a timely and widely discussed topic. The poster our Social Involvement Team created illustrates how rapid technological change is transforming industries. While AI and automation are replacing repetitive tasks, they also enable businesses to operate faster, cut costs, and minimize errors – making companies more productive and competitive.
At the same time, AI creates exciting new opportunities in fields like AI maintenance, data analysis, and collaboration with intelligent machines. This makes lifelong learning and the development of digital skills more essential than ever.
The project also thoughtfully addresses AI’s challenges, including job inequality, displacement risks, and the danger of some countries falling behind in technology adoption. Ultimately, whether AI becomes a threat or an ally depends on our perspective – whether we see it as replacing humans or empowering them to work together.
We thank Diba and her team for their thoughtful ideas, dedication, and work on this project. At ISR, we are proud to have students like Diba across different areas who engage so thoughtfully with AI topics, exploring its impact on our world.
AI Spotlight January 2026
At ISR, we embrace artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to enhance learning outcomes for our students. Equally important, however, is that students adhere to clear guidelines to ensure ethical use and uphold academic integrity. To that end, two members of our IT Department – our Head of IT, Mr. Aloof, and IT Administrator, Mr. Kallosh – present these policies as part of this month’s ISR Artificial Intelligence Spotlight.
Following the introduction, two of our students, Louis from Grade 10 and Carl from Grade 11, reflect on how AI can support more effective studying. Louis illustrates how artificial intelligence can assist with challenging topics, for example in Mathematics and Science, while Carl emphasizes the importance of verifying AI-generated information to ensure its reliability. Both students also highlight the necessity of maintaining academic integrity when using AI. They discuss what constitutes inappropriate use – such as submitting AI-generated work as one’s own – and explain why this undermines the ISR honor pledge.
We sincerely thank Mr. Aloof, Mr. Kallosh, Louis, and Carl for sharing their valuable insights and perspectives. ISR takes pride in leading with cutting-edge technology, fostering responsible AI use, and delivering the best possible learning experience for our students. Enjoy watching the interview!
AI Spotlight December 2025
In this month’s AI Spotlight, our ISR Mathematics Teacher, Mr. Nišić, shares insights into the diverse learning platforms used by our students at ISR. He introduces Google for Education, a comprehensive suite of tools designed to support teaching and learning – which will soon be implemented at ISR. This platform allows teachers to upload all ISR materials in one centralized place, fully controlled by our school with no data collection or ads, while encouraging creativity, reflection, and deeper learning through features such as automatically generating flashcards for students, creating interactive quizzes, and providing detailed explanations of why answers are correct or incorrect – among many other tools that enhance personalized and efficient learning. These functions help students review independently, receive instant feedback, and better understand their mistakes, making their study time more focused and effective.
Mr. Nišić emphasizes the importance of using AI responsibly as a study aid. He highlights that AI can never replace a teacher’s role or a student’s own effort, underscoring its role as a supportive tool rather than a substitute.
We thank Mr. Nišić for introducing Google for Education alongside our other AI tools at ISR! We are proud to offer our students such great opportunities to study better, learn smarter, and prepare for their futures with the support of advanced technologies.
AI Spotlight November 2025
For our latest #AI Spotlight, we are excited to announce that #ISR has begun integrating a new AI Pilot Program in collaboration with Google for #Education, featuring Gemini for Education, Google Classroom, and Notebook LM. This pilot is currently being tested by our Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, along with several ISR staff members, who are helping us explore how these innovative tools can best support teaching and learning across our school.
The platform offers a range of powerful, education-focused features: students can generate photos, audio overviews, video lessons, quizzes, and flashcards, all tailored to their individual learning needs. They can even turn a book chapter into an interactive audio lesson, create personalized video lessons on specific topics, and generate adaptive quizzes that explain why an answer is incorrect and guide them toward the correct solution.
Gemini for Learning is designed exclusively for educational environments and can only be licensed through schools, ensuring strong data protection and safeguarding both students and the organization. All activity remains within a secure, school-managed environment, supporting safe and responsible use of AI in education.
We look forward to gathering feedback from students and staff as we continue exploring how AI can enhance #learning at ISR, marking another step forward in preparing our students with the digital skills they need for the future.
A special thank-you to Mr. Nisic for organizing this pilot! We are proud to be one of the first schools in Germany to receive this test license and excited to see our students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools that help them learn more efficiently and make the most of their academic journey.
AI Spotlight October 2025
Our new AI Spotlight shines on an exciting project from our dedicated German teacher, Mr. Kroenke, and his Grade 9 Regular class, where our students embarked on an exciting journey with Franz Kafka’s short parable “Kleine Fabel.” They brought the story to life by turning the parable into a comic strip, first by sketching their own visual interpretations and then using ChatGPT to elevate their artwork – sharpening lines and adding vibrant colors while keeping the essence of their original ideas and layout intact.
This project invited our students to dive deeper into Kafka’s parable, encouraging thoughtful reflection on its meaning, tone, and symbolism. Through translating words into images with the help of AI, learning became a dynamic blend of creativity and critical thinking.
We thank Mr. Kroenke for inspiring this innovative project, and we are proud of such initiatives at ISR that nurture creativity and empower our students to engage thoughtfully with literature and technology!
AI Spotlight July 2025
This week’s ISR AI Spotlight highlights an inspiring collaboration with Vodafone, as two IT specialists visited our Grade 3 students to introduce an exciting new way to present projects for Science and Social Studies by using a virtual cube.
This innovative tool allowed our students to switch between ready-made educational templates, designed by experts, and their own imaginative creations. Whether students chose to present their work as a vibrant poster or an interactive 3D experience, they were able to showcase what they had learned in class, through independent or group research, and even explore insights generated by AI-enhanced reality. Our students were incredibly excited to work with the virtual cube, eagerly exploring its features and embracing the opportunity to present their ideas in such a creative and interactive way.
We sincerely thank Vodafone for their visit and for bringing this exciting technology to our students!
AI Spotlight June 2025
In this month’s ISR AI Spotlight video, our students share their positive experiences using Khan Academy, especially in Mathematics. They explain how the platform helps them study for exams and deepen their understanding of challenging topics. Our Mathematics Teacher, Mr. Nišić, not only demonstrates how Khan Academy uses artificial intelligence to assign personalized tasks and support each student’s learning journey but also showcases the many different features and tools the platform offers. We implemented Khan Academy at ISR last year, and it has quickly become an integral part of our learning environment. The video also features a practical example of a student working directly with Khan Academy, giving viewers an inside look at how the platform is integrated into our classrooms.
Khan Academy is a free, world-class online learning platform that empowers learners of all ages to study at their own pace, both in and out of the classroom. With practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard, Khan Academy focuses on skill mastery and individualized support. By utilizing artificial intelligence—such as with its AI-powered tutor, Khanmigo—the platform delivers tailored guidance, feedback, and assignments that adapt to each student’s needs, making learning more effective and engaging.
We are proud to offer our students such great opportunities to study better, learn smarter, and prepare for their futures with the support of advanced technologies.
AI Spotlight May 2025
In this AI Spotlight, we are thrilled to introduce you to a very special member of our team – Nao, our humanoid robot! Working closely with our IT Department, Nao brings technology to life and makes learning an exciting adventure for our students at ISR!
In this engaging interview, Nao shares what it loves about being part of an international school community and how it supports students with their projects. From breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps to sparking creativity, Nao combines a sharp mind with a great sense of humor to keep the classroom atmosphere light and inspiring.
Don’t miss this captivating and fun conversation with Nao – we are sure you will enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it!
AI Spotlight April 2025
This month’s AI Spotlight highlights the creative project in our SEA Robotics Class, led by our teacher Mr. Nisic, where students worked collaboratively to design the back cover for this year’s ISR Yearbook. Using ChatGPT, the students explored innovative ways to generate images, showcasing their creativity and technical skills while engaging in a structured, step-by-step process.
The students worked individually on their computers, crafting back cover concepts by using prompts in ChatGPT. This approach emphasized the importance of prompt optimization, allowing them to experiment with AI-generated visuals and progressively build their designs layer by layer. Each step involved critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling students to better understand how AI tools can be used for creative projects.
While you can see the initial designs, the final cover has not yet been revealed. Over the next few weeks, the students will continue refining their work in collaboration with ChatGPT, ensuring that the final design represents ISR’s values and creativity. This ongoing process demonstrates how AI can be used not only to create stunning visuals but also to foster teamwork and innovation among students.
This initiative underscores how artificial intelligence is transforming traditional tasks into dynamic learning experiences. We eagerly await the unveiling of the final back cover design and commend Mr. Nisic for his dedication and guidance throughout this project!
AI Spotlight March 2025
This month’s ISR AI Spotlight highlights an exciting fusion of art and artificial intelligence in our Grade 11 Art classes. The project is part of a Printmaking Block. Our students have been exploring AI-driven image generation to generate and refine imagery to help create imagery for linocut printmaking projects, seamlessly merging traditional artistic techniques with cutting-edge technology.
Linocut printing is a relief printmaking technique where an image is carefully carved into a sheet of linoleum using specialized tools. The raised, uncarved areas of the block are then coated with ink and pressed onto paper or fabric to create a print. This method allows for striking contrasts, intricate details, and bold artistic expression, making it a unique and highly creative medium.
Through hands-on experimentation, our students delved into AI-powered tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, Canva, Aiease.ai, Bing Co-Pilot, and Craiyon to generate and refine artistic prompts. Our students began by brainstorming metaphors for their personal characteristics- a different kind of self-portrait. They experimented with the same prompt using different ai generation tools to see which worked best for their needs. With these ideas in mind, they applied fundamental artistic principles, focusing on composition, symbolic color use, and light sources.
Once they had their AI-generated designs, our students carefully refined them to ensure they were well-suited for linocut printing. To deepen their understanding, they explored the work of renowned linocut artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and M.C. Escher, using their techniques as inspiration for their own creative processes.
This project not only enhanced their critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, but also encouraged them to reflect on how AI can be a tool for artistic expression while preserving a personal, human touch.
Congratulations to our Grade 11 students on their outstanding work, and a heartfelt thank you to our Arts teacher, Ms. Henebry, for her dedication in bringing this innovative project to life!
AI Spotlight January 2025
This month, we are excited to share insights from three of our students, who participated in our popular ISR Summer Robotics Camps – led by our Head of IT at ISR, Mr. Aloof.
Our interviewees reflected on their time during the summer camp over the years, describing how it enhanced their understanding of robotics and its real-world applications. They discussed the impact the camp had on their academic journey and highlighted specific skills and knowledge they gained that remain valuable to this day. The students also shared their views on how AI and robotics are shaping the future of education, work, and daily life. They emphasized the importance of young people learning about these technologies and offered advice to those considering joining an ISR Robotics Camp.
A key theme that emerged from the interviews was the profound influence the Robotics Camp had on the students’ perception of AI and its potential. They expressed enthusiasm about the rapid advancements in the field and the opportunities it presents for future innovations. As you may have noticed – ISR’s Robot Nao also joined the interview in the background!
At ISR, we’re proud to offer this unique learning experience to our students. The ISR Robotics Camp not only provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology but also encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity – skills that are essential in our increasingly AI-driven world.
We’re excited to announce that information about this year’s ISR Robotics Camp will be shared soon. Please feel free to pre-register your child/children for our ISR Robotics Camp during the summer break if they are interested in participating by following this link: https://www.isr-school.de/isr-summer-program-overview/.
December 2024
Another month, another ISR Artificial Intelligence Spotlight!
We are excited to share another AI project at ISR with you today. Twelve students from our German Class in Grade seven came together and focused on enhancing their argumentation skills in a fun and interactive way. As argumentation competence is a crucial component of oral communication, this project aimed to develop students’ abilities to defend their own viewpoints, empathize with different perspectives, understand others’ motivations, and anticipate counter-arguments.
For this project, one of ISR’s German teachers, Mr. Heller, utilized ArguMentor, an innovative AI tool, which he personalized for this project. This interactive platform simulates competitive debates, allowing students to practice their argumentation skills against AI on various topics. In this instance, our students engaged in a debate about microtransactions in in-game shops, with AI advocating for their benefits while the students had to argue against the program.
The lesson was the conclusion of a four-week teaching unit on the topic of argumentation. Those who performed best in the final exam qualified to participate in the project. Six students from each of the two regular German classes were selected. The project involved three groups of four students. The participants collaboratively developed their arguments and then presented them against the AI’s counterpoints. The AI tool responded to each argument and provided an evaluation, adding an extra layer of learning to the exercise.
At the conclusion of the debate, the AI tool provided a thorough evaluation for each group, including a point system and the selection of a winning team based on the strength of their arguments. Additionally, the AI offered improvement suggestions for each team’s arguments, providing immediate and valuable feedback for future debates. Throughout the process, Mr. Heller was always present to moderate the discussion, ensuring that the AI’s insights were integrated effectively and that the students received comprehensive guidance.
The students’ response to this project was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the interactive nature of the exercise and the immediate feedback provided by the AI. However, it’s crucial to note that while AI tools like ArguMentor enhance the learning process, they do not replace the role of teachers. The students themselves recognized this, emphasizing that AI complements rather than substitutes traditional teaching methods.
You can learn more about this exciting project by watching our video, which provides a closer look at the debate simulation and its outcomes!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Heller for developing and guiding this innovative project at ISR, which has provided a significant and entertaining learning experience for our students. At ISR, we take pride in our ability to implement such innovative projects and tools that enrich our students’ learning experience and prepare them for the future.
November 2024
In our first ISR Artificial Intelligence Monthly Spotlight, we are proud to highlight a recently completed 4-week project that exemplified ISR’s commitment to integrating AI into our daily learning methods. Our Grade 9 students embarked on an exciting journey that combined creativity, technology, and critical thinking under the guidance of our German teacher, Mr. Heller.
In the course of this project, our students worked in expert groups to create presentations on various AI-related topics, including cybernetics, robotics, social media, avatars, the future of online shopping, medicine, the automotive industry and more.
Using the creative platform Canva, our students crafted creative and impressive presentations, flyers, and posters. The project extended beyond visual creation, as our students also utilized cutting-edge AI tools. They generated images with ChatGPT, utilized Canva’s AI for animations, and explored AI image generators to incorporate these images into their presentations and brochures.
We are incredibly proud of our Grade 9 students for embracing this innovative approach to learning in their German class. Their enthusiasm and creativity throughout this project set a high standard for future AI initiatives at ISR. As we continue our ISR AI Monthly Spotlight series, we look forward to sharing more exciting projects that demonstrate our commitment to preparing students for a future where Artificial Intelligence plays an increasingly significant role.
Vox - Safe Interaction with Dogs: An Educational Day for ISR Students
VOX – Safe Interaction with Dogs: An Educational Day for ISR Students
Monday, June 3rd, 2024
How does one learn to safely interact with dogs, pet them correctly, and behave when a dog approaches? These important questions were the focus of a special morning at ISR. Eleven students from grades 2 to 6 had the unique opportunity to participate in VOX’s “Hund, Katze, Maus” (Dog, Cat, Mouse) format, gaining valuable experience in dog interaction.
Five dogs and their three dedicated owners visited ISR to teach the children proper dog handling through practical exercises. The students learned how to approach a dog cautiously by observing its body language and asking the owner’s permission. They practiced petting dogs correctly, first allowing the dogs to sniff their hands. A key aspect of the training was learning appropriate behavior when a dog approaches. Children were taught to remain calm, not run away, and keep the dog in sight to assess its reaction.
The children visibly enjoyed the learning experience, exploring their natural curiosity in a safe environment. This hands-on approach helped them build confidence in interacting with dogs while respecting the animals’ needs and boundaries.
We extend our gratitude to the entire Fressnapf team and “Helfer auf vier Pfoten” (Helpers on Four Paws) for this special and educational day at ISR. Such experiences are invaluable for developing responsible and empathetic relationships with animals.
Our special thanks go to our enthusiastic participating students: Yves, Lori, Muya, Jasmin, Lena, Elias, Awdepp, Carl, Ludwig, Felicia, and Lizzy. Their enthusiasm and openness made this day a great success!
The video can be found here: https://www.vox.de/cms/sendungen/hundkatzemaus/hundkatzemaus-videos.html
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mathild
Spotlight On Our Student Mathild
This week, we are delighted to spotlight our second-grader, Mathild.
Mathild joined ISR’s Kindergarten in 2022 and has since blossomed into a remarkable student in our Elementary School. From the very beginning, she has demonstrated a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, which has only grown stronger over time. Now, as a diligent and conscientious student, Mathild not only excels academically but also brings joy to those around her with her kindness and positive attitude. She is a wonderful example of ISR’s core values, embodying respect, responsibility, and integrity in everything she does.
Mathild was nominated for this recognition by her teacher, Ms. Hartmann, who shares, “Mathild is such a friendly student, always polite and with a smile on her face. She is a hard-working student, and it is a pleasure to have her in class. Every day, Mathild shows kindness to others, follows instructions, is respectful and polite, and in general reflects all of ISR’s ethos. I am very grateful to be her teacher this year and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.”
Her former Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Lambertz, also has fond memories of Mathild. “Mathild was in my class two years ago in KG2A with Ms. Sarah. She was friendly, kind, well-behaved, and always fashionable! Add to this her love for dancing and singing, she truly shines in everything she does. Keep it up, Mathild! You are such a wonderful girl.”
Ms. Ghica, the Academic Coordinator for Grades 2 and 3, adds, “I’ve had the joy of knowing Mathild since Grade 1 when she was a bit shy. Watching her grow into the bright, confident star she is today has been an incredible journey! Her hard work, curiosity, and kindness light up our classroom every day. Mathild, you are truly inspiring, and I’m so proud of you! Keep shining!”
We are very proud to spotlight Mathild, 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
A Spooktacular Halloween at ISR!
A Spooktacular Halloween at ISR!
Thursday, October 31st
The most spook-tacular time of the year is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! From creative costumes to delicious treats, Halloween time to embrace fun, creativity, and a little bit of fright. Today at ISR, we had an absolute blast with a day full of fun and spooky activities!
The spooky day kicked off with a delightful parade of our kindergarten children! Dressed in their cutest and creepiest costumes, they eagerly filled their baskets with goodies from each station – a true joy for our little ones! Later in the afternoon they gathered once again to sing songs and celebrate Halloween with a special party in the Kindergarten!
Next up, Grades 1 through 6 took part in our beloved Trunk or Treat event, organized by our amazing ISR Parent Network. The students had a ghoulishly good time visiting each spookily decorated car, collecting delicious candy from the creatively adorned trunks. The cars were decked out in everything giant spiderwebs to friendly ghosts – what a sight!
Our Student Leadership Council also joined in on the Halloween fun by organizing a thrilling Halloween Party in the cafeteria for our Grade 5 to 8 students. The decorations were awesome, and everyone had a good time dancing and celebrating together!
It was a fantastic day for all, filled with laughter, candy, and Halloween magic. Whether you’re trick-or-treating tonight or soaking up the festive spirit at home, we wish you all a Happy Halloween!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Kiki
Spotlight On Our Student Kiki
This week, we are delighted to spotlight our seventh-grader, Kiki. Since joining ISR this past August, Kiki has truly impressed her teachers with her intelligence, polite and friendly demeanor, and strong work ethic.
Kiki was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Megal, who shared: “Kiki is a teacher’s dream. She is responsible, polite, shows respect towards others, and brightens everyone’s day with her constant smile and positive attitude. She is clearly a global citizen who will make the world a better place. Additionally, she takes care of the classroom plants, which thrive under her care, and maintains the notice board beautifully every day.”
Her Mathematics teacher, Ms. Chroni, also praises Kiki: “Kiki has quickly become an invaluable part of our school community. She is consistently polite and responsible, demonstrating exceptional mathematical skills. Kiki tackles challenging problems from advanced competitions like the AMC, and we are eager to see her future participation and achievements. Her dedication to training makes her a standout member and one of the MVPs of our Math Advanced Club.”
Ms. Adamczyk, Kiki’s German teacher, echoes these sentiments: “Kiki is a dedicated and inquisitive student with a great attitude towards learning. She is always eager to learn new content and achieves high scores in German classes. She has shown exceptional ability in learning a new language. Kiki always embraces new challenges, strives for new experiences, comes well-prepared, and is enthusiastic every day. It is a great pleasure to teach Kiki.”
Since starting the school year with us at ISR, Kiki has excelled in her studies and seamlessly integrated into our community. Her positive and enthusiastic attitude is appreciated by both her teachers and fellow students. We are thrilled to have her with us and look forward to watching her grow and succeed!
We are very proud to spotlight Kiki, 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
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
