An Unforgettable Evening of Art, Music, and Drama – ISR Arts Evening 2025
An Unforgettable Evening of Art, Music, and Drama – ISR Arts Evening 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
An evening filled with art, music, and drama – yesterday, we once again celebrated a cherished tradition at ISR: our annual ISR Arts Evening. The program featured impressive musical performances, entertaining drama acts, and a special art exhibition in our ISR Entrance Hall. The exhibition showcased outstanding pieces from students in Grades 4 to 11, including landscapes, explorations of the elements and principles of art, still lifes, “Reinvent the Classic” projects, modern and digital recreations of famous artworks, virtual exhibitions, and even AI-assisted ideas developed during brainstorming sessions.
In total, we enjoyed ten different musical performances, ranging from piano solos by our talented students Yuki, Peter, Gian, Mian, MJ, Mao, and Lara, to a lively set by our Jazz Band, and a beautiful cello performance by Anton. Our student Vikram delighted the audience with a humorous drama piece about “missing homework,” while Maxim performed a monologue by Caroline Seawell. The evening concluded with Lara on piano and Jade on clarinet.
A huge thank you goes to our dedicated Arts Team at ISR: Ms. Bucher, Ms. Henebry, Ms. Bennet, Ms. Schultz, and Dr. Perez for making this unforgettable evening possible!
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students who enriched the ISR Arts Evening with their remarkable performances, as well as to our SLC team, who thoughtfully provided delicious finger food and beverages for our families.
We are confident that everyone enjoyed the evening’s offerings and made wonderful memories during our ISR Arts Evening 2025!
ISR Talents Captivate Audience at the ‘Jugend musiziert’ State Prizewinners’ Concert in Düsseldorf
ISR Talents Captivate Audience at the ‘Jugend musiziert’ State Prizewinners’ Concert in Düsseldorf
Sunday, May 11, 2025
On May 11th, two exceptionally talented ISR students-who also study at our in-house music school, Musicbox Oxana-took to the stage at the prestigious “Jugend musiziert” State Prizewinners’ Concert in the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, captivating an enthusiastic audience.
Jugend musiziert is Germany’s most prestigious nationwide music competition for children and young people. Founded in 1963, the competition promotes young musical talent with professional ambitions through a three-stage contest: regional, state, and national levels. It features a wide array of solo and ensemble categories, covering diverse musical styles and eras, and is adjudicated by professional juries who also provide valuable feedback to participants. The Prizewinners’ Concert is a highlight event held after the state-level competitions, where the best performers present their award-winning pieces to the public.
Yukichio (saxophone, student of Yuriy Broschel) and Peter (piano, student of Oxana Koppers) delivered a stunning rendition of “Brasileira” from Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud during the Prizewinner’s Concert, leaving a lasting impression with their artistry and skill.
This memorable event was a proud moment for the entire ISR Family and stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements Yukichio and Peter, who truly embody our ISR motto: “It’s cool to be good!”
ISR International Spring Festival 2025
ISR International Spring Festival 2025
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Bathed in radiant sunshine, we celebrated our traditional ISR International Spring Festival last Saturday, May 10th, 2025, welcoming over 1,000 guests to our campus in Neuss. The entire event was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and international togetherness, reflecting the more than 60 nationalities represented at ISR across our campuses in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch.
This year’s festival featured an especially diverse and engaging program: Guests enjoyed guided tours of our kindergarten and school in various languages, face painting, and sports activities led by our athletics team. International outdoor games and a captivating stage program ensured there was truly something for everyone. A special highlight was the grand raffle, which delighted our younger guests with exciting prizes. Our students and teachers enthusiastically presented a variety of projects and invited everyone to join in creative hands-on activities. Two exceptional art exhibitions stood out, impressively demonstrating the artistic talent within our student body. An emotional highlight of the day was the official recognition of our student Arjun, whose interpretation of peace was selected as one of the 23 best entries worldwide-out of 600,000 submissions-in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. We extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Löhr, District Governor of Lions Rheinland Nord, Ms. Cruichshank, Vice District Governor, and Ms. Bettina Schulenberg, President of the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, who joined the event specially to present Arjun and his proud family with the certificate from the United States.
Culinary expectations were exceeded as well. The German, Indian, Arab, Mediterranean, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian-speaking communities of ISR presented a wealth of international delicacies. At the International Table, SLC students offered dishes from around the globe, complemented by freshly baked waffles and popcorn. Drinks and snacks from our caterer Broich, a coffee bike, and an ice cream cart rounded out the culinary experience.
The varied stage program, hosted by our SLC students Yara and Cornelius, captivated both young and old. From ballet under the direction of Claudia Pelzer, to Chinese dance and choir performances, a Japanese theater production, and energetic sets by the ISR bands, there was something for every taste. A special highlight was the performance by the banjo band featuring renowned musician Synthia Sayer from New York, whose musical talents enriched the festival.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our partners and supporters who made the ISR International Spring Festival 2025 possible: the American Women’s Club, the British Women’s Club, Kunst am Platz, Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, MusicBox Oxana, Ballet by Claudia Pelzer, Broich Catering, Zweelo, the International English Library, the Japanese Consulate General, Trampoline by Aliaksei Liubezny, AUSBLICK Immobilien, as well as Ekehard Adams Wohnungsbau and Böcker Immobilien. We are equally grateful to our international communities, the ISR Parent Network, and our SLC team, whose dedication and commitment made the festival an unforgettable experience for all our guests.
This year’s ISR International Spring Festival was a resounding success, powerfully highlighting the spirit of our international community and the dedication of the entire ISR family. We are already looking forward to the next ISR International Spring Festival!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Erika
Spotlight On Our Student Erika
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our ninth-grader, Erika, who joined ISR in 2020. Erika’s journey at ISR has been marked by her dedication, leadership, and positive influence on our school community.
Erika was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by our SLC Coordinator, Ms. McGee. She shares, “As a prefect of the Elementary School Department on the Student Leadership Council, Erika stands out for her extraordinary commitment to service. Over the course of this year, she has become a driving force of our team, always present at every event and campaign, supporting not only the Elementary Team but the entire council. With her remarkable dedication and bright potential, Erika is a shining example of what it means to serve with heart and lead with integrity. We are thankful for her!”.
Erika’s Economics teacher, Ms. Van Rhee adds, “Erika continues to impress with her dedication, positive attitude, and consistent effort in everything she does. It is a pleasure having Erika in class, keep up the good work”.
Ms. McGowan, Erika’s English teacher also has great things to say about her student, “Erika is a fabulous English student. She is always engaged in lessons, showing her excellent understanding through her thoughtful and insightful contributions. Her mature approach to her studies and her superb attitude to learning make her a fantastic role model for her peers. No matter the task, Erika gives it her all and she absolutely deserves to be celebrated as an outstanding member of the ISR community.”
Finally, Erika’s Science teacher, Mr. O’Brien, adds, “Erika is an outstanding student who engages actively in class and always gives her best. She is polite and respectful to her teachers and to her classmates and is always ready to help whenever she can.”
We are proud to spotlight Erika as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
US Consul General Preeti V. Shah Visits ISR: An Inspiring Exchange and Insightful Engagement
US Consul General Preeti V. Shah Visits ISR: An Inspiring Exchange and Insightful Engagement
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
On May 8th, 2025, we had the distinguished honor of welcoming Ms. Preeti V. Shah, who has served as the U.S. Consul General at the Consulate in Düsseldorf since August 2024, to the ISR International School on the Rhine. Consul General Shah brings extensive diplomatic experience from previous postings in Nicaragua, Turkey, Afghanistan, Mexico, and Indonesia. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director of Public Diplomacy Training at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, D.C. Her consular district encompasses the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia, a region with profound economic and cultural ties to the United States.
Her visit continues a valued tradition of U.S. consuls from North Rhine-Westphalia visiting ISR to nurture and expand the trusted collaboration between the school and the American consulate.
During a comprehensive campus tour led by our ninth graders Amanda and Gian, and accompanied by the Head of our ISR Parent Network Ms. Williams, and School Director Ms. Eileen Lyons, Ms. Shah gained an in-depth perspective on daily life at ISR. She was particularly impressed by our IT and AI teams, who demonstrated the innovative integration of AI-supported teaching at ISR. Additionally, she visited the library, where she met a group of third graders being read one of her favorite books – a passion she shared with Amanda and Gian.
A highlight of the visit was the Career Talk with our eleventh-grade students. Consul General Shah provided valuable insights into her professional journey and answered numerous questions from our engaged students. Her key message, “Never stop being a student,” left a lasting impression on the approximately 100 attendees. She emphasized the importance of openness to new experiences, readiness to embrace challenges, and the necessity of lifelong learning-values deeply embedded in ISR’s mission.
The visit concluded with a meeting between Ms. Shah and our management team to discuss current developments and further strengthen cooperation between the consulate and ISR.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Consul General Shah and the US Consulate General for this enriching afternoon, their time, and the invaluable inspiration imparted to our students.
ISR International Children’s Festival: A Day Dedicated to Children!
ISR International Children’s Festival: A Day Dedicated to Children!
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Yesterday, under bright sunshine, the International Children’s Festival took place at ISR.
Known in Turkey as 23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day), this festival has been celebrated since the 1920s and has since evolved into a significant occasion to honor children worldwide. The day’s motto is: “Our children are our future.” All children – regardless of nationality, culture, ethnicity, or religion – are invited to celebrate together, thereby sending a strong message of international solidarity and intercultural understanding.
Once again this year, numerous guests gathered at ISR for the celebrations, including Consul General Ali İhsan İzbul, Education Attaché Mrs. Gamze Bozgöz, our Turkish families, many children, teachers, and staff members. After the festive opening by Mr. Soliman, Mr. Cete – who welcomed the guests in Turkish – as well as Mrs. Vrem and Mrs. McLeod, the Consul General and the Education Attaché addressed the audience with ceremonial greetings, especially directed at the children.
The festive opening was followed by a varied stage program featuring poetry, musical performances, dance, and singing, all enthusiastically planned and rehearsed by our teachers, Mrs. Agdas and Mrs. Orhan, together with our Turkish students and supported by Mrs. Bucher, our wonderful Music Teacher at ISR. The children captivated the audience with their performances!
Afterwards, all guests enjoyed healthy snacks and drinks prepared by our SLC students. In addition, there was traditional Maraş Dondurma ice cream, organized by our Turkish Community, as well as a wide range of sporting activities supervised by our dedicated sports team – a great pleasure for all children!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for this wonderful afternoon and for making it possible to celebrate this special festival, dedicated to children, once again at ISR. Special thanks go to the Turkish Consulate General, which has maintained a close partnership with ISR for many years and supports the Children’s Festival celebrations, as well as to our Turkish Community – all students, teachers, and families who make this festival special every year and share this tradition, rooted in Turkey, with our international families from 60 nations at ISR!
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!
Our Student Spotlights
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!
