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!


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Joshua

Spotlight On Our Student Joshua

This week, we spotlight our third-grader Joshua, who joined ISR in Kindergarten. Joshua is a very kind, friendly, and open-minded student. He is always happy and very eager to learn, as his homeroom teacher Ms. Hartmann confirms. “Joshua is always thirsty for knowledge and very inquisitive. He is a great friend to his classmates. Having Joshua in my class is wonderful.” In addition to his academic achievements, he also shows great skills in sports and enjoys the lessons. “Joshua is well-mannered and a polite young man. He is very enthusiastic about sports and performs to a strong level in relation to his coordination, fitness, teamwork, and skill application. He is a joy to teach”, as his PE teacher Mr. Small adds.

In addition, Joshua is extremely attentive and compassionate towards those around him. He enjoys his time at ISR and stands out because of his positive nature. His music teacher, Ms. Bucher, adds “Joshua is such a bright boy. He notices lots of details that most people don’t see. And he has great suggestions for the class on how to remember things we learn.  He also asks terrific questions that demonstrate higher-order thinking. I have also loved having Joshua in choir this year and getting more time with him.”

We are very proud to spotlight Joshua, one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

Every Friday, our Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our outstanding students who, in line with this year’s theme, is striving for “extraordinary achievements” on a daily basis. No matter if it is academic success, special commitment or outstanding character traits – we look forward to sharing each of these success stories.


Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Nicholas

Spotlight On Our Student Nicholas

This week, we will spotlight our seventh-grader Nicholas, who joined ISR two years ago. “Nicholas is a vibrant student who brings life and positivity to the classroom. He is known for his polite and caring nature, always showing kindness to his friends. With a great sense of humor and a hint of sarcasm, a testament to his self-awareness, Nicholas has the ability to navigate life with a lighthearted perspective. As his math teacher for the past 2 years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his incredible personality and positive impact on our school community.” as his teacher, Ms. Chroni, says about him. Nicholas is also a new member of Junior MUN this school year, and participated in conferences at Nelly Sachs Gymnasium and ISS Stuttgart. In his role, he is well-spoken, energetic, and intelligent. “We expect him to contribute greatly to our Model United Nations activity in the future.”, adds Ms. McGee, Head of Upper School. “Model United Nations”, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation and/or academic competition in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. MUN involves and teaches researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

In addition, one of Nicholas’ passions is acting, and he excels in this creative pursuit with his undeniable talent and unwavering dedication. Recently, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills with his ISR Drama Company at the ISR Arts Evening, where he left a lasting impression on the audience. His performance was not only captivating but also convincing, displaying his ability to embody various characters with remarkable authenticity. Ms. McLeod, Head of Middle School says; “Nicholas is a bright ray of sunshine in the Middle School, I don’t think there has been a day where I haven’t seen him smiling and spreading his positive energy to his classmates. He is kind, empathetic, and cares about his peers. I am so proud to watch him continue to grow and shine during his last year in Middle School!”

We are very proud to spotlight Nicholas, one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

Every Friday, our Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our outstanding students who, in line with this year’s theme, is striving for “extraordinary achievements” on a daily basis. No matter if it is academic success, special commitment or outstanding character traits – we look forward to sharing each of these success stories.