ISR Elementary School Spring Concerts 2025

ISR Elementary School Spring Concerts 2025

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Last week, our ISR Elementary School Spring Concerts transformed our entrance hall into a celebration of spring! Each day featured performances by different class sections from Grade 1 to Grade 4, showcasing their musical and poetic talents under the guidance of former opera singer, Mrs. Bucher, and Mrs. Ewing. The concerts embraced themes of resilience, hope, growth, and rebirth. The concerts included a variety of songs about the spring, about Easter and bunnies, as well as engaging story and poem readings.

Grade 11 student Annica added a special touch by choreographing an original piece for the Grade 4 students on Friday, demonstrating creativity and dedication that enriched the event.

We sincerely thank Ms. Bucher and Ms. Ewing for their dedication to music education and for organizing these impressive concerts. Their efforts ensured success and created lasting memories for all involved, including the hundreds of guests who attended throughout the week! We look forward to more concerts in the future!


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Wilhelmina

Spotlight On Our Student Wilhelmina

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our first-grader, Wilhelmina, who joined ISR in 2024. Affectionately known as ‘Mina’ by her friends and teachers, she has already made a remarkable impression on our school community.

Wilhelmina was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Mr. Noomen. He shares, “Mina is a positive, young learner who understands that learning often requires dedication and effort. Each day, she gives it her all. Mina always tries her best, and when she finds something difficult, she asks the right questions to better understand new concepts. Once she has overcome these challenges, Mina is happy to share her knowledge with her peers.

Furthermore, Mina is a kind-hearted classmate who cares about the feelings of others. She values a positive classroom atmosphere, and that is evident in everything she does. Simply put, it is a joy to work together with Mina in class!”

Mr. Baumann, Mina’s Sports teacher adds, “Mina is athletic and enjoys exercise. She is eager to learn and isn’t afraid to try new sports.”

Mina’s German Booster teacher, Ms. Schumann, praises her enthusiasm and dedication: “Mina is a bright student who participates in the German Booster program with great enthusiasm and dedication. She brings not only her curiosity and joy for learning but also a big heart—always ready to support her classmates. With a smile on her face, she tackles every new task, demonstrating that learning can be fun. Her commitment and positive energy make her a true role model for everyone in the group”.

Finally, Ms. Killian, head of the Reading Rainbow Club where Mina actively participates, shares: “Wilhelmina is a pleasure to have in the Reading Rainbow Club. She is always willing to learn and ready to tackle any activity. Her dedication and perseverance during our lesson is outstanding and this is something she can be very proud of!”

We are proud to spotlight Wilhelmina 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!


ISR Student Gian Shines at Jugend forscht NRW: Special Prize for Energy Transition and Climate Protection

ISR Student Gian Shines at Jugend forscht NRW: Special Prize for Energy Transition and Climate Protection

Saturday, April 5, 2025

We are incredibly proud to share our student Gian’s outstanding accomplishments at the Jugend forscht NRW State Competition on April 5th in Essen. As the first ISR student ever to advance from the regional finals to the state level, Gian represented ISR with distinction in the Physics category.

His project, presented with exceptional depth and clarity, impressed the judges during rigorous evaluations. Gian confidently articulated his research methodology and findings, demonstrating mastery of his subject. In recognition of his scientific rigor and the project’s relevance to global challenges, he was awarded the Special Prize for Energy Transformation and Climate Protection (Sonderpreis Energiewende und Klimaschutz).

Special recognition goes to our Head of Science, Mr. Killian O’ Brien, whose unwavering mentorship and dedication – from preparation through the entire competition day – were instrumental in Gian’s success.

This milestone reflects ISR’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving – and is further proof of our motto: It’s cool to be good!

Congratulations, Gian! Your achievement inspires our entire ISR Family!


Colorful Holi Celebration at our ISR Kindergarten

Colorful Holi Celebration at our ISR Kindergarten

Friday, 4. April 2025

Last Friday, our Indian Community organized a colorful Holi celebration at our ISR Kindergarten, creating an afternoon filled with fun and activities to teach our KG and Grade 1 children about their traditions. This celebration of color, traditionally marking the arrival of spring, was made even more special by the bright sunshine that accompanied it!

The event began with a story and some edible treats to familiarize the children with the holiday. In preparation, we had asked parents to dress their children in white t-shirts, which later became colorful keepsakes of the day. After the story, all KG children and Grade 1 students gathered on the KG playground, where parents had prepared skin-friendly colors. Each child had the opportunity to decorate their faces and t-shirts, fully experiencing the festive and fun spirit of Holi!

To add to the festive atmosphere, our parents prepared an assortment of traditional Indian dishes that were shared with our children, teachers, and staff. These delicious sweet and savory treats showcased the rich culinary heritage of India.

We wish to thank our Indian Community for sharing their cultural celebration and organizing this fun and traditional Holi Festival for our international ISR Community!


Eid al-Fitr/Ramazan Bayramı Celebration at our ISR Campus in Neuss

Eid al-Fitr/Ramazan Bayramı Celebration at our ISR Campus in Neuss

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Last Tuesday, our ISR Community came together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr/Ramazan Bayramı in a joyous and memorable gathering. The event, held in our foyer, was a beautiful showcase of cultural exchange and community spirit that truly embodied what ISR stands for.

Our Muslim Community, along with other families from international communities at ISR, outdid themselves by presenting an impressive array of traditional and international delicacies. Another highlight of the celebration was an unexpected surprise that left everyone in awe. A group of traditional musicians graced the event with their presence, filling the foyer with enchanting melodies that perfectly captured the festive spirit of Eid.

The event was a true reflection of ISR’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and building a strong sense of community. Families from diverse backgrounds came together to share rich cultural traditions, and it was heartwarming to see the genuine interest and engagement from non-Muslim members of our community. They eagerly learned about Eid traditions and customs from their Muslim friends, colleagues, and other families. The shared experience of food, music, and cultural exchange left everyone with a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions of Eid al-Fitr and strengthened the unity within our diverse ISR family.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Muslim Community for organizing such a wonderful celebration and to all who attended, making it a truly memorable event at ISR!

Events like these remind us of the strength we find in coming together as one ISR Family.


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Johanna

Spotlight On Our Student Johanna

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Johanna, who joined ISR in 2016.

Johanna was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by Ms. McGee, the Student Leadership Council Advisor. She shares, “As the SLC Advisor, I am grateful for the impact Johanna has made on the School Spirit Team through her commitment and dedication to service leadership. Sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling cynical about the change we can make in the world, but Johanna’s attitude and actions serve as a reminder that those feelings of doubt are misplaced. She is the kind of leader who shows us that through quiet kindness and steadfast effort, change is possible.”

Ms. Racheva, Johanna’s former Sports teacher, echoes this sentiment: “I had the privilege of teaching Johanna and was fortunate to have her in my sports lessons. She is a remarkable young person, beautiful both inside and out. Always punctual, focused, enthusiastic, and motivated, Johanna stood out as a hardworking and gifted athlete who played with fairness and integrity. I am excited to see the path she chooses in the future, and I’m confident she will achieve great success.”

Johanna’s English teacher, Dr. McGee, adds, “As Johanna’s English teacher, I witness on a weekly basis the way she strives for perfection. She is constantly challenging herself to be better and improve her writing and thinking. What is especially great, however, is that within that challenge to herself she also consistently challenges me as her teacher to be better. It’s this trait that makes Johanna a great student for her teachers and a peer for her fellow classmates.”

Ms. Franssen, ISR Activities Coordinator, highlights Johanna’s initiative: “Johanna initiated the Baking Club as part of her CAS projects under the SEA (Service, Engagement, and Action) framework. She brought forward creative ideas such as recipe exchanges, baking competitions, and bake sales to support charitable causes. Her excellent organizational skills and enthusiasm made the club a success, showcasing how deeply students can engage in SEA activities.”

Johanna’s dedication and leadership continue to inspire those around her at ISR.

We are proud to spotlight Johanna 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!


ISR students shine at the state competition 'Jugend musiziert 2025' in Essen

ISR students shine at the state competition ‘Jugend musiziert 2025’ in Essen

Saturday, March 22nd, 2025

Last weekend, the state competition “Jugend musiziert 2025” took place at Folkwang University in Essen. Our ISR students, who are also part of our in-house partner music school, Musicbox Oxana, delivered outstanding performances and proved our motto of It’s cool to be good further!

ISR students Peter, a student of Oxana Koppers, and his duo partner Yukichiyo, a student of Yuriy Broshel, won 1st prize with the highest score of 25 points in their age group. They qualified for the national competition, where they will compete against talented young musicians from across Germany. Peter also excelled in the guitar quartet category, achieving 1st place with 24 points and qualifying for the national competition in this area! Additionally, ISR students Lara, a student of Anna Pashkovska, and her duo partner Jade Anna, a student of Christof Hilger, secured an impressive 2nd place with 22 points.

The entire Musicbox and ISR Team is incredibly proud of our talented and hardworking students. Their success reflects the quality of music education provided by our esteemed teachers and the supportive environment at ISR. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Peter, Yukichiyo, Lara, and Jade Anna, and wish them continued success in their musical endeavors!

 


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jun

Spotlight On Our Student Jun

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fifth-grader, Jun, who joined ISR in 2022.

Jun was nominated for the spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Codina, who praises her as follows: “Jun radiates energy, positivity, and happiness in everything she does. Her genuine love for learning creates a fun and engaging classroom environment for both students and teachers. She is playful and curious, always eager to explore new topics further or ask insightful questions to deepen her understanding. Jun works hard, consistently pushing herself to excel beyond her own expectations. She is the kind of student who brings me a sense of fulfillment and joy in my job, making me look forward to the joy of teaching and learning. She is a wonderful human being!”

Jun’s German teacher, Ms. Schmitz, adds, “Jun’s kindness and respect for others are truly evident. She always strives for perfection in everything she does, and her dedication and positive attitude make her a joy to have in German class.”

Ms. Barba, Jun’s English teacher, agrees, “Jun is hardworking, resilient, sweet, and kind. She consistently does her absolute best and is an amazing student.”

Ms. Morris, the Academic Head for grades 4 and 5, comments, “Jun is an incredibly bright and creative student. She always has a smile on her face and approaches new situations with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. Jun is a fantastic student both in and out of the classroom, and we are proud to have her at ISR.”

Jun also excels in sports, impressing both her sports teacher, Ms. Racheva, and her football coach, Mr. Baumann. Ms. Racheva notes, “I have been teaching Jun since 2024 and am impressed by her eagerness and dedication to her sports lessons. She is always well-prepared, on time, follows instructions, and tries her very best. She is a wonderful person and a great team player—it’s a pleasure being her PE teacher.” Mr. Baumann adds, “Jun is part of our girls’ football team. She has a lot of will and perseverance and enjoys competing even with older students. Jun is always polite and shows great team spirit!”

We are proud to spotlight Jun 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!


ISR IB Visual Art Exhibition 2025

ISR IB Visual Art Exhibition

Friday, March 21st, 2025

Last week, we opened our ISR IB Visual Art Exhibition, showcasing the artworks of our dedicated and talented students Adam, Demir, Suha, Samruddhi, Leonardo, Zimo, Felicia, Jannik, Leonard, and Arda. Ms. Henebry, the Head of the #SR Art Department, introduced the themes of each student and provided insights into their impressive works. Our School Director, Ms. Lyons, along with Mr. Cete, Head of Secondary School, and numerous ISR Teachers and Parents attended the festive Opening Ceremony. They were inspired by the creative artworks of our students who engaged with visitors and teachers, guiding them through their displays and explaining the background of their work and their perspectives.

Over the past five terms, each student developed their presentation around personalized topics, showcasing their creativity and thoughtfulness in the diverse themes on display.

We are very proud of all our students for their hard work, further proving our motto: It’s cool to be good!

We wish all of them the best of luck for their upcoming IB Exams and for their future career paths!


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Cornell

Spotlight On Our Student Cornell

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Cornell, who joined ISR in 2019. Cornell was nominated by our ISR Student Leadership Council (SLC) Advisor, Ms. McGee, who highlights his exceptional contributions.

Ms. McGee praises Cornell, saying, “As Deputy Head Prefect of the Student Leadership Council, Cornell has been invaluable. His dedication earned him this role, and we’re grateful for his skills this year.” She continues, “Cornell connects with everyone and has grown significantly in leadership and communication. He takes his responsibilities seriously, supporting our eight departments with attention to detail. Whether listening to ideas, organizing, or planning, he approaches every task with dedication. We’re delighted to have him inspire future SLC generations and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Mr. Urban, ISR’s CAS Coordinator, also commends Cornell: “He is a dedicated and hard-working student who consistently delivers. Cornell founded and leads the Debate Club and actively participates in History Club and Model United Nations, engaging in discussions on ethics, philosophy, current events, and world history.”

Mr. McGee, Cornell’s IB English teacher, adds, “Cornell is a true Renaissance man and the epitome of an IB learner. He excels in English, consistently improving his writing and demonstrating a remarkable command of vocabulary. What impresses me most is his genuine helpfulness; he offers empathetic advice and support to anyone who approaches him; and there is no doubt that it is good and useful advice!”

We are proud to spotlight Cornell 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!