ISR First Grade Ceremony 2023
ISR First Grade Ceremony 2023
Wednesday, 23 August 2023
Yesterday, we celebrated a significant milestone in the lives of our first-grade girls and boys – their First Grade Ceremony and thus their first official school day at ISR!
A multitude of parents, family members, and friends of the children were present to witness this special ceremony. Our Head of Primary School, Ms. Bodner, kicked off the ceremony with a speech in which she warmly welcomed the children and all attendees. She emphasized particularly how at ISR, we aim to individually nurture our students and through our structured curriculum, ignite their enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Subsequently, Ms. Bodner handed over the floor to our School Director, Ms. Lyons. She not only warmly welcomed the students but also underscored the special significance of this day. She expressed her joy about the expansion of our ISR Family and wished all the children success on their continued school journey.
After the festive opening speeches, Ms. Bodner moderated the ceremony and invited our seventh-grader, Hannan, onto the stage. Hannan proudly performed our ISR school song for all participants and children. Following her performance, all first-graders took to the stage to receive their traditional school cones for their first day. In this special moment, grandparents, parents, and siblings observed with pride and applauded together for each class. Following this memorable ceremony under bright sunshine, families gathered for a reception to conclude the morning over a cup of coffee.
We extend our gratitude to all participants for the successful ceremony and wish our students the very best on their educational journey at ISR – in line with our motto: “It’s good to be cool!”
A big thank you to our talented photographer, Melanie Osterried.
ISR Cooking Camp 2023
Looking back: ISR Cooking Camp 2023
Monday, 10 July 2023
Last Friday marked the exciting conclusion of an eventful week for nine children who shared a passion for cooking at our ISR Cooking Camp. The camp, organized and conducted by our in-house catering company and cooperative partner, Broich Catering, began with a get-to-know-you session and an introduction to basic rules of conduct in a commercial kitchen.
Throughout the week, the children eagerly prepared a variety of delicious meals using fresh ingredients, savoring their culinary creations afterward. Each day, the participants crafted homemade dishes such as Maultaschen, Gnocchi, Muesli, and more. Emphasizing the use of regional and fresh products, the camp aimed to teach the children how to cook healthy and tasty food.
The camp participants also had the opportunity to make an excursion and visit farmer Heinz’s farm in Meerbusch. There, they had a chance to feed chickens and beef cattle and gain insights into farm operations. Afterwards, all participants enjoyed a delicious picnic in his garden with their homemade lunch boxes, which they had prepared in advance.
The highlight of the week was the dinner on Friday, where the children invited their parents and prepared a three-course meal. Early in the morning, they diligently crafted menu cards and name tags, while also decorating the tables to create a welcoming atmosphere for their guests. The parents and camp leaders were thrilled with the final outcome. The participating children invested a lot of time and passion into the dinner preparations, culminating in a delicious meal that served as an excellent finale to the eventful week.
We express our gratitude to the Broich Team for another fantastic ISR Cooking Camp and look forward to next year’s camp.
ISR Art Camp 2023
Looking back: ISR Art Camp 2023
Monday, 3 July 2023
This year, we once again held our annual ISR Summer Art Camp during the first week of our ISR Summer Break, led by Bettina Schulenberg, mother of an ISR Alumni and long-time partner of ISR. This year, a total of 13 students participated and showcased their artistic skills.
Ms. Schulenberg organized an engaging week, filled with a variety of creative tasks that allowed the children to explore new painting techniques and work with different art materials.
The week began with introductions and icebreakers, providing the students with an opportunity to get to know each other. The participants enthusiastically experimented with diverse painting techniques, using materials such as wood, canvas, and cardboard, all while working with acrylic paint. They also explored papermaché, discovered the art of collage, engaged in recycling projects, and much more.
A highlight of each day was the communal lunch, where all participants gathered to exchange ideas and took a creative break for brainstorming. The week proved to be enjoyable for everyone involved, resulting in the creation of unique and stunning artworks throughout the camp. To conclude the camp, the participants invited their families and friends to an exhibition on the last day, proudly showcasing their creations. This exhibition served as a delightful conclusion to a successful week, celebrating the students’ accomplishments. A very special surprise this year: all participants of the sports camps came to visit to admire the fantastic results of the art camp participants!
We wish to express our gratitude to Ms. Schulenberg for organizing another great ISR Summer Art Camp, and we eagerly look forward to the next camp in the upcoming year!
ISR Sports Camp 2023
Looking back: ISR Sports Camp 2023
Monday, 3 July 2023
The first week of the ISR Summer Holidays promises an exciting time for all participants of the ISR Summer Camps and the ISR Summer School!
Today, we kicked off the sunny week with the annual ISR Sports Camp, marking the beginning of a week filled with sports activities for over 100 enthusiastic children, ranging from kindergarten to grade 8. The engaging program offers a diverse range of sports activities, striking a perfect balance between fun and skill-building. Alongside the ISR Sports Camp, the ISR Summer Art Camp also began today, catering to students with a creative interest.
We are eagerly looking forward to an eventful and enriching week as part of our comprehensive summer program. The first photos already capture the excitement!
11 Students successfully took part in the DFB Junior Coach Program
11 Students successfully took part in the DFB Junior Coach Program at ISR
Monday, 3 July 2023
Last week, under the guidance of Mr. Baumann, ISR Head of Sports, 11 students successfully took part in the DFB Junior Coach Program at ISR.
This program, which has been offered by the DFB at ISR for several years, serves as a stepping stone for students aspiring to pursue coaching careers. We are particularly proud of the continued high representation of female participants, with five of eleven students being girls!
Throughout the intensive 40-hour training week, the students not only acquired theoretical knowledge of coaching but also gained practical experience through extensive hours on the sports field. This training provides a pathway for students to embark on coaching careers. In addition to coaching skills, the students also learned about first aid for sports injuries and the legal aspects of coaching work.
The highlight of the week was the training session held on Thursday with the E-Youth Team from our neighboring sports club, Polizeipsportverein Neuss. Our young coaches had the invaluable opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a real training session.
Upon completion of the program, all participants received certificates, which were presented by Ludwig Lippold, the Youth and School Football representative of the Fußballverband Niederrhein (FVN), Ulrike Engels-Dvorak, representative of the FVN Kreis Neuss/Grevenbroich, as well as parents, club representatives, and Mr. Cete, Deputy Director at ISR.
Mr. Baumann added: “This year, we had a very heterogeneous, very good group of students together, including 5 girls. Some students already had coaching experience and others played football in top leagues, so the students could complement each other well. I am very satisfied with the training and wish all participants a good start in their coaching careers!”
We extend our sincere appreciation to all the participants for their remarkable efforts during this successful week. Each individual demonstrated their utmost dedication and invested significant time and energy into the program, resulting in outstanding achievements – and successful coaches!
End of Grade 4 Celebration
End of Grade 4 Celebration
Friday, 23 June 2023
More than 100 families gathered to celebrate a truly special moment for our nearly 100 students: their last day of ISR Primary School. The atmosphere was filled with festivity as Ms. Bodner, the Head of the Primary School, opened the ceremony by welcoming families, siblings, teachers, and staff. Continuing the program, Ms. Ghica, Academic Head of grades three and four, took the stage and shared heartfelt memories with all the esteemed guests in attendance.
Following that, the class teachers of grade four, accompanied by a select group of students, stepped forward to share beautiful memories of their time together. After the inspiring words, all the guests came together to enjoy delicious canapés and refreshing beverages, creating a delightful conclusion to the last day of school.
We extend our sincerest wishes to our nearly 100 former fourth graders as a new and exciting chapter lies ahead. We know for sure that they will thrive in our ISR Middle School and will exemplify the spirit of our motto, “It’s cool to be good.”
ISR End of Middle School Celebration
ISR End of Middle School Celebration
Friday, 23 June 2023
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of celebrating something truly remarkable at ISR. Around 120 guests gathered on our campus to commemorate the achievements of our Grade 8 students, who will soon be transitioning to our ISR Upper School. It was a joyous occasion as Ms. McLeod, Head of Middle School, Ms. Brand, Academic Head for Grades 5 & 6, along with our dedicated teachers and staff members, came together to warmly welcome 65 students and celebrate the End of Middle School!
Ms. McLeod said “We are so proud of the entire grade eight class and are equally grateful that we could be a part of their school journey. We are all already excited to see how they will continue to develop and thankfully, only one floor separates us. So many young talents as well as bright minds – all the best to you!”
Following the ceremony, all attendees had the opportunity to connect and mingle, while savouring delightful canapés and refreshing beverages. It was a moment of camaraderie and celebration, cherishing the successes of our students and the strong community we have fostered at ISR!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Grade 8 students and wish them continued success as they embark on their journey at our ISR Upper School. They are all further proof of the great minds and strong characters being built here at the school – our guiding principle at ISR!
DIE FAMILIENUNTERNEHMER at ISR
DIE FAMILIENUNTERNEHMER at ISR
Wednesday, 21 June 2023
Yesterday, we had the great pleasure of welcoming members of DIE FAMILIENUNTERNEHMER to ISR.
As part of a presentation, Mr. Soliman, Proprietor of ISR, had the opportunity to introduce our educational institutions in Neuss, Düsseldorf and Meerbusch, his motivation, and his vision for the future of the ISR Education Group. Following that, Ms. Wacker, Head of the University & Career Counseling (UCC) Department, and Mr. Cete, Deputy Director at ISR, presented some updates on the university landscape and how application processes differ from country to country.
We were especially delighted to have our ISR Alumna, Caroline, and her parents present to supplement the talk with their positive experiences. Caroline is currently studying successfully at the University of Miami and was able to share her ISR and university experiences with the interested guests. Her brother, Marc, is also pursuing his studies successfully at the Georgia Tech H. Milton Stewart School of ISyE and began his journey at ISR in Kindergarten.
We wish to extend our gratitude to Mr. Odendahl, the organizer of the evening on behalf of “Die Familien Unternehmer,” as well as Mr. van der Meer, Chairman of the Regional Group Niederrhein, for this special opportunity. Furthermore, we wish to thank all the members who took the time to visit ISR during the event, and we look forward to continued collaboration!
Please read an article here.
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2023
ISR Graduation Ceremony
Friday, 16 June 2023
Last Friday marked a momentous occasion as we celebrated the ISR Graduation Ceremony 2023. Filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, 50 ISR students representing 20 different nationalities gathered at the picturesque Haus Meer Park to receive their well-deserved ISR High School Diplomas.
The ceremony commenced with our graduates proudly walking through a balloon arch and taking their seats. Ms. McGee, Head of the ISR Upper School, gracefully led the proceedings as the Master of Ceremony. The event began with heartfelt words and congratulations from School Director Ms. Lyons, followed by inspiring remarks from proprietor Mr. Soliman and charming words from Deputy Director Mr. Cete. Ms. McGee then introduced Keynote Speaker Dagmar Wandt, Head of the Office for Schools and Education, who conveyed congratulations to our graduates on behalf of the City of Düsseldorf. In her speech, she emphasized the significance of ISR as an educational institution for Düsseldorf and its surroundings and expressed confidence in the ability of our graduates to make a positive impact in the world.
Subsequently, our talented students Hannan, Lukas, Yuckichiyo, Soji, Lara, and Kaylee took the stage, enchanting the audience with their musical interlude. With their exceptional singing abilities and instrumental prowess, they delivered captivating performances of two songs.
Dr. Lucie Rauch, our esteemed Parent Speaker and now mother of three ISR Alumni, addressed our graduates and guests, delivering a heartfelt speech filled with congratulations and cherished memories. Following Dr. Rauch, our valedictorian, Wenqi, and salutatorian, Nicolas, confidently stepped forward to deliver a joint speech that touched the hearts of their former classmates, families, and esteemed guests. Their words resonated deeply, combining sincerity, humor, and charm.
The ceremony reached its pinnacle as each student was called to receive their well-deserved ISR High School Diploma, marking a truly extraordinary moment for all in attendance. The ceremony was enriched by esteemed guests of honor, including Ms. Wandt, Head of the Office for Schools and Education, Chinese Consul General Du, Chinese Consul He, School Director of the Japanese International School, Ms. Teramura, as well as our Advisory Board Chairman, Mr. Fuchs, and Advisory Board Member, Mr. Eichler.
Following the official part of the ISR Graduation Ceremony, everyone gathered on the other side of the venue in bright sunshine and enjoyed a delightful get-together. Of course, the ceremonial cutting of the cake stood out as one of the highlights of the festivities!
We are delighted to have witnessed yet another successful ISR Graduation Ceremony, honoring 50 dedicated, bright, and ambitious graduates who now embark on a new chapter in their lives with great minds and strong characters. We wholeheartedly wish you the very best for your future endeavors and are confident that our paths will cross again in the near future!
You – and your families – will always remain an integral part of our ISR Family!
Successful ISR Arts Evening
Successful ISR Arts Evening
Thursday, 1 June 2023
Yesterday, we witnessed a new tradition that will inspire and captivate our ISR community for years to come; the Annual ISR Arts Evening. The Entrance Hall was transformed into a haven of creativity, showcasing the talents of our students in drama, music, and art.
Underneath our vibrant display of flags from all over the world, 20 talented students took the stage, guided by our dedicated music, drama, and art departments. With an audience of 100 guests, the event was a platform for our students to showcase their acting prowess and skillfully play various instruments, including the piano and wind instruments. In addition, an exhibition featured stunning artwork from students across all grade levels left lasting impressions on our guests. The exhibition can still be admired today in our school foyer.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the parents and students who joined us in celebrating this special evening. Your support and presence added to the magic of the event. We would also like to express our appreciation to our ISR Parent Network, whose unwavering support helped make this event possible, as well as to our dedicated SLO students. A sincere thanks to Ms. Bucher, Ms. Henebry, Ms. Ewing, Mr. Perez, and Mr. Sinclair – our music, art, and drama teachers – who lovingly prepared our students for this event.
A special acknowledgment goes to Ms. Gander, our Head of Creative Arts & Student Life Coordinator, whose vision, leadership and drive brought the Annual ISR Arts Evening to life!
Once again, we are reminded of our motto: It’s Cool to be Good at ISR! The ISR Arts Evening stands as yet another testament to the exceptional talents nurtured within our ISR Community.
