Looking back: ISR Sports Camp
Looking back: ISR Sports Camp 2022
Monday, 4 July 2022
We have yet another successful week of ISR Sports Camps behind us! As in the past, sports enthusiasts from Kindergarten to Grade 8 took part in the camp and had an eventful week focused on various sporting activities where the fun factor was guaranteed.
We started this year with a record number of 120 sport-loving children, who were divided into age-appropriate groups so that each group received a program tailored to their needs. Throughout the week, students were able to try their hand at a variety of physical activities and games such as tennis, taekwondo, fencing, field hockey, as well as Yoga, and Mindfulness, meaning our students had the chance to enjoy a plethora of activities both outdoors, and inside our spacious sports hall. To top off the week, the students also got the chance to participate in several excursions, such as to a trampoline park, climbing halls, and much more.
As our sports teachers know the value of strong relationships, they began the week with a round of introductions so that all participants could make new friends. All groups harmonized excellently, and the participants enjoyed the time together as well as the various sports activities. We would like to thank our entire sports team for this unforgettable week and the time and effort they put into the preparations as well as the execution. We are already looking forward to another ISR Sports Camp next year!
Looking back: ISR Summer Art Camp
Looking back: ISR Summer Art Camp 2022
Monday, 4 July 2022
Once again another successful ISR Summer Art Camp took place this year. Last week 12 participants took part in the camp organized by Bettina Schulenberg, mother and long-time partner of ISR. Ms. Schulenberg prepared a creative week for the children, in which they could experiment with new painting techniques and different materials. The week started with a round of introductions and icebreakers, but then quickly became innovative. The participants were trying out using different painting techniques and working with different materials (wood, canvas or cardboard) while using acrylic paint. They also worked with papermaché, discovered the collage technique, did some recycling art, and much more.
An essential part of the day was the joint lunch, where all participants exchanged ideas and used the creative break to come up with new ideas. All attendees highly enjoyed the week and created unique and beautiful art during the camp. As a highlight of the week, all camp participants invited their families to an exhibition on the last day. There they presented their works and all visitors were amazed by their extraordinary art work. The exhibition was a delightful way to end the successful week and celebrate the achievements of all the students.
We want to thank Ms. Schulenberg for another successful ISR Art Camp and are already looking forward to the next camp in the new year!
Looking back: DFB-Junior-Coach-Program
Looking back: DFB-Junior-Coach-Program
Monday, 4 July 2022
In cooperation with the DFB and Commerzbank AG and under the guidance of Mr. Baumann, 14 students successfully participated in the DFB Junior Coach Program last week. This program, which paves the way for the students to pursue a career in coaching, has been offered for several years. We were particularly proud of the comparatively high proportion of female participants this year, as almost a third of the participants were female.
During their 40-hour training week, the students not only learned the theory of coaching but, after many hours on the sports field, gained practical knowledge as well. The training, which has been conducted at ISR for several years, paves the way for students to pursue careers as coaches.
All participants after completing the program received their certificates, which were presented by Daniela Schur, Komission Schule & Kita vom Fußballverband Niederrhein, and from Alexander Weckauf, representative from the Commerzbank.
We would like to thank all participants for this successful week. Everyone gave their best and put a lot of time and energy into the program – with great success. Mr. Baumann added, “I am proud that I could again accompany and train 14 enthusiastic soccer students on their way this year. The relatively high proportion of female students (30%) was particularly pleasing, and I hope that even more will sign up next year. Congratulations – you’ve earned it!”.
Looking back: ISR Cooking Camp
Looking back: ISR Cooking Camp 2022
Monday, 4 July 2022
ISR hosted yet another successful Cooking Camp last week! The program was organized and led by our long-time partner, BHG. BROICHCATERING GMBH. A total of seven student participants spent a week learning about healthy eating and how to prepare healthy dishes.
To kick off the week, the Broich staff welcomed all participants through introductions and icebreakers before the students were familiarized to the workings of a commercial kitchen. Each day of camp began with a balanced and self-prepared breakfast, followed by different lessons on nutrition. During these lessons, the camp participants learned about different healthy foods and the camp leaders showed the children how to prepare them accordingly.
A highlight of the week was the excursion to a bakery, where the children were allowed to take a look behind the scenes and had the opportunity to learn about the procedures and processes of a bakery. In addition, they were even able to bake cookies themselves on site – this was a fun and informative experience for all the children! The week came to a close with a special event on Friday. All the participants invited their families to a three-course meal in the ISR cafeteria, which was festively prepared especially for the occasion. We would like to thank our long-time partner BHG. BROICHCATERING GMBH for organizing and hosting the camp.
A special thanks to Ms. Müller and Ms. Kirstein, who led the camp here on-site and prepared an unforgettable week for the children.
ISR End of Middle School Celebration
ISR End of Middle School Celebration
Wednesday, 22 June 2022
For the first time in ISR history, we held an ISR End of Middle School Ceremony to celebrate the transition of our eighth graders to upper school. Parents, as well as teachers, gathered on our school grounds to enjoy the ceremony. Ms. McLeod, our head of middle school, proudly presented our eighth graders with their certificates while parents and teachers applauded and cheered. In addition, awards were given to a few of our students for their excellent performance.
Ms. McLeod and a few teachers shared motivational words and anecdotes from their past school days together. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a gathering together as well as the delicious finger food buffet. It was bittersweet for not only the parents and the teachers, but also for the students as they realized that a new chapter in their school career was about to begin.
“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 talented and bright minds – all the best to you!”, said Ms. McLeod.
We are looking forward to welcoming all current eighth-graders back in August and are excited to see the outstanding achievements they will make in our Upper School – true to our mission statement, “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters”.
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2022
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2022
Friday, 17 June 2022
On Friday, June 17th, 2022, with great joy, we celebrated the achievements and successes of another graduating class of ISR. The ISR Graduation Ceremony was again held on the grounds of Haus Meer City Park, where our 53 graduates, accompanied by their families and specially invited guests, gathered to celebrate the end of their time at ISR with a ceremonial awarding of ISR High School Diplomas.
After the ceremonial opening speeches by Ms. Lyons, Mr. Soliman, and Mr. Cete, a speech by the Mayor of Düsseldorf, Dr. Stephan Keller, followed, that particularly emphasized ISR’s long-standing friendship with the city of Düsseldorf and the importance of an internationally oriented school education. After his speech, the U.S. Consul General of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf, Ms. Pauline Kao, addressed some inspiring words to our graduating class, highlighting the special importance of listening and empathy.
Philipp, one of our talented graduates, performed on the guitar a self-composed song, created especially for this ISR Graduation Ceremony, that explored the experience of our graduates’ school years and their pathways to success at ISR. Everyone in attendance was very moved and thrilled by his performance. Following, two graduates, Carl and Wenxi, spoke about the eventful school years of this year’s graduating class and told of numerous fond memories of the past years. In particular, the last two IB years of our graduating class were marked by the pandemic, especially in the beginning, but our graduates also overcame this challenge with flying colors and through their strong cohesion.
Our 53 graduates, coming from 14 different nations, were given a ceremonial farewell with the awarding of the ISR High School Diploma, which now opens the doors to prestigious universities worldwide.
We are extremely grateful and proud to have accompanied this year’s graduating class on their way and to have reached an important milestone in their lives together with them. Each of our graduates is a proof of our motto, “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters,” and we are convinced that the future holds only the best for them.
We wish to thank all parents, teachers as well as staff members who accompanied this year’s class of 2022 on their way and contributed significantly to the success of all of them. During the ceremony, it became clear that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Parents, faculty, staff, friends, and supporters of ISR form this village for our students – for a happy, successful, and fulfilling future.
Dear Graduates,
You gave your best at all times and can be proud to now hold your ISR High School Diploma in your hands. Keep in touch with us and have fond memories of this unforgettable time of your lives. Each of you has shaped ISR in your own way, and we are proud to be a part of your story. Our doors are always open for you and your families.
Go out and shape the world, ISR Graduates!
We sincerely thank our talented Photographer Melanie Osterried.
ISR International Spring Festival – Celebrating cultural diversity and our unique community spirit
ISR International Spring Festival – Celebrating cultural diversity and our unique community spirit
Saturday, 14 May 2022
This weekend, the weather Gods looked favorably upon our ISR International Spring Festival 2022. Over 1,000 families and guests from all over the world came together for events, music, good food from many cultures, and fun activities – and the families were finally able to meet each other and their children’s teachers again on campus.
The festival was themed: “Many cultures – one global language: Education” where we celebrated the unique international community spirit at ISR. Guests could experience numerous highlights – including ponies, sports stations of our dedicated SLO® and sports department, as well as a comprehensive stage program consisting of musical performances, theater, and a raffle for the children. In addition, visitors were able to get a comprehensive picture of various student projects in the classrooms, and children were able to experience what it means to be part of ISR through hands-on activities. Last but not least, our international “Taste of the World” buffet, which was second to none, successfully rounded off the celebration. Families came dressed in typical national clothing, proudly representing their national food.
Our ISR partners from sports, theater, arts, music, and transport were represented with booths. Many of these partners have been loyal to ISR for over a decade – and we are sure to work together for another decade going forward.
We were so thankful that we could see families and visitors coming together again campus-wide. This successful celebration was due to the great support of our dedicated ISR Parent Network, our international community, faculty, staff, and our cooperation partners.
We are looking forward to future celebrations at ISR and are especially proud to be a part of our unique ISR Family – a community unlike none other 
.
We sincerely thank our talented Photographer Melanie Osterried.
International Mathematics Competition: ISR students achieve outstanding results
International Mathematics Competition: ISR students achieve outstanding results
Tuesday, 10 May 2022
We are proud to announce that our Grade 8 students, along with a select group of students from Grades 5 & 6 performed exceptionally well in the AMC 8 Competition.
AMC is an international mathematics competition sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). It is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills.
We are ecstatic to highlight that one of our Grade 8 students, Eileen (Yixi), placed in the top 5% of participants WORLDWIDE! Congratulations to Eileen (Yixi)! We are so proud of you!
In addition to this, Grade 8 students Zongxi & Piotr tied for 2nd place and Mehul & Jacob tied for 3rd place amongst the participants at ISR.
Congratulations to all of our successful participants! You are further proof of our motto at ISR: It’s cool to be good!
ISR Students visited QIAGEN
ISR Students visited QIAGEN
Monday, 9 May 2022
End of April, eight Grade 11 biology students visited the QIAGEN laboratories in Düsseldorf. After a guided tour through the campus where they observed the working laboratories, they put on their lab coats and guided by Dr. Norbert Hochstein, Director of Research and Development at Qiagen, the students carried out a DNA extraction experiment. The latest in PCR testing equipment was on display and the students learned about how the process is becoming digitized, allowing for far faster test results.
The visit concluded with an inspiring career talk from a professional scientist, Dr. Julia Täubner, allowing the students an insight into the path taking to work for a leading provider of molecular diagnostic technologies.
We sincerely thank Qiagen for this enriching opportunity for our students!
Turkish Children's Festival at ISR
Turkish International Children’s Festival at ISR
Monday, 8 May 2023
On Friday, in bright sunshine, our ISR families came together to celebrate the Turkish Children’s Festival 23 Nisan Çocuk Bayrami on campus after school.
A joyful festival awaited the children with many special highlights such as ponies, Turkish specialties, and an exciting stage program, which was ceremoniously opened by the Turkish Consul General in Düsseldorf, Mrs. Karaarslan. Also, our Deputy Director, Mr. Cete, did not miss the opportunity to open the festival on behalf of ISR with some greetings in Turkish. We wish to thank our Turkish community, which planned and carried out the festivities with a lot of dedication and commitment.
We were especially delighted to welcome so many families here on campus again and are grateful that our international ISR community could come together again in such a festive atmosphere!
