Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki

This week, we celebrate Grade 7 student Mitsuki, whose curiosity, kindness and determination shine across his subjects. He joined ISR in 2025.

His positive energy stands out in Japanese. Ms. Hirano shares: “Mitsuki is a polite, thoughtful, and hardworking student. He brings positive energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. His steady progress reflects his commitment to learning. His cheerful attitude and willingness to do his best make him a valued member of the classroom.”

His confidence is growing, too. Our English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds: “Mitsuki brings genuine enthusiasm and endless curiosity to every English lesson. He is an impressively reflective learner who is growing in confidence when taking on academic challenges. He never leaves a lesson without saying ‘thank you’, showing what a thoughtful and respectful student he is.”

That thoughtfulness also shines in Mathematics. Ms. Chroni notes: “Although I have known Mitsuki for less than two months, he has already made a very positive impression. He is polite, respectful, and genuinely engaged. He always takes the time to thank us after each lesson, giving teachers an extra boost to keep doing their best.”

His former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, recalls his willingness to learn: “Mitsuki is polite, funny, inquisitive, and a joy to teach. In my EAL class last year, he took feedback seriously, applied it to his learning, and showed steady growth. His enthusiasm, kindness, and positive outlook made him a wonderful member of the class.”

His creativity is equally evident. His Art teacher, Ms. Schultz, shares: “One of Mitsuki’s impressive artworks was a piece inspired by Osaka Castle. Its detail and careful observation reflected strong thinking skills and wonderful artistic talent. His hard work is always evident.”

Mr. Edwards, Mitsuki’s Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher last year, praises his team spirit: “Mitsuki is a wonderful learner who is always curious and eager to expand his knowledge. He approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. He is an absolute team player, showing kindness, respect, and support to his classmates.”

We are proud to spotlight Mitsuki 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin

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!

Spotlight On Our Student Lilly

This week, we are proud to spotlight our fourth-grader, Lilly, who joined ISR in 2023. She was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Ghica, who writes:

“I have known Lilly since she first started in Grade 1, and over the years I have had the privilege of watching her grow, develop, and become the wonderful young person she is today.

It has been such a pleasure to see Lilly progress through her years at school with confidence, curiosity, and a positive attitude. She has continued to grow both academically and personally, always supported by her teachers and surrounded by a caring school community.

For me personally, one of the most beautiful things to see was how happy Lilly is. She has built wonderful friendships, found a strong sense of belonging, and genuinely enjoys her time at ISR.

Lilly, I hope you know how proud we are of you. It has been a joy to watch you grow over the years, and you should be very proud of everything you have achieved. Keep believing in yourself, keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep being you!”

Lilly’s third grade teacher, Ms. Vittin, shares:

“Lilly is a bright and enthusiastic student who constantly strives to do her very best. She always takes her time in order to produce quality work and is motivated to do her best. She is a funny and kind learner, who works well with others and genuinely enjoys school. She was a joy to have in class and I miss her dearly. Congratulations, Lilly! This nomination is well deserved.”

Finally, Lilly’s current Grade 4 teacher, Ms. Sayers, remarks:

“Lilly is a hardworking and enthusiastic member of our class. She is well-liked by her peers and willingly contributes to class discussions and activities. Lilly brings a positive attitude to lessons and approaches her learning with a cheerful and willing mindset. She is a pleasure to have in the classroom and consistently makes a positive contribution to the class environment. I look forward to what the rest of the year will bring!”

We are proud to spotlight Lilly 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Henry

This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Henry, who joined ISR in 2022. He was nominated for the Spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 5–6, Ms. Schmidt, who writes:

“Henry is an incredible young man and a true inspiration to those around him. He consistently demonstrates what it means to be hardworking, dedicated, and determined. No matter what challenges come his way, Henry approaches them with perseverance and a positive attitude. He understands that success does not always come easily, but he never gives up and continues to work hard to reach his goals.

Henry is also a wonderfully well-mannered and respectful young man who sets a positive example for others. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and great attitude make him a pleasure to be around. As a friend and teammate, Henry is someone others can count on. He is supportive, and always willing to help those around him. He understands the importance of working together and makes a valuable contribution to every team he is part of.

One of Henry’s most admirable qualities is that he always tries his best. Whether he is learning something new, facing a difficult challenge, or working toward a goal, Henry gives his all. His dedication and perseverance remind us that growth comes from hard work, and a willingness to keep going even when things become difficult.

Henry truly embodies the idea that ‘it’s cool to be good.’ He shows that being kind, respectful, hardworking, and supportive of others are qualities to be proud of. His positive example inspires those around him and makes him an outstanding member of our community.”

Henry’s former German teacher, Ms. Sahin, shares:

“Henry was a pleasure to have in class. He brings creativity, commitment, and a kind attitude to the classroom. He approaches new challenges with confidence and contributes positively to the learning environment. It was a pleasure having Henry in class.”

Henry’s English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds:

“Henry has made a fantastic impression during his first few weeks of Grade 7! I have been very impressed with his dedication in English lessons and his clear focus on making progress. He is a wonderful public speaker, sharing his ideas articulately and convincingly, and he has a great vocabulary which he puts to good use in his English work. Above all, Henry is a kind, thoughtful and helpful student who goes out of his way to support his peers. He really is a pleasure to teach and I’m excited to see all he will achieve this year.”

Finally, Henry’s Spanish teacher, Ms. Gadea Corrales, remarks:

“Henry is a very intelligent student. He enjoys being an active part of the learning process. He always shows a great attitude, and he always has something kind to say to his peers. He also adds a fun component to the Spanish classes. He is an embodiment of our school’s motto with his great attitude and his readiness to learn and help others.”

We are proud to spotlight Henry 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Elisa

This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth-grader, Elisa, who joined ISR in 2020. She was nominated for the Spotlight by her Homeroom and IB English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who writes:

“I count myself very lucky to be both Elisa’s Homeroom teacher and her IB English teacher. She is a mature, hardworking student who always takes genuine care and pride in her work and who, over the course of the IB, has really developed both academically and personally. Elisa is a kind, caring and considerate student who I can always rely on to be organized and helpful – including on the occasions when she helps keep me on track! Indeed, Elisa is a student who makes teaching feel particularly rewarding and I look forward to continuing to support her as she starts her all-important final year with us as ISR.”

Mr. O’Brien, Head of Science, shares:

“Elisa consistently demonstrates maturity and determination when facing challenging tasks. She takes responsibility for her learning, consistently using feedback to improve her work and demonstrating strong reflective skills in line with the IB Learner Profile.”

Elisa’s former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, adds:

“When Elisa first joined, she was still developing her English skills. She quickly began acquiring the language, making remarkable progress both academically and socially. Elisa advanced through the EAL levels at an impressive pace and consistently succeeded in her classes. She also formed friendships quickly, which played an important role in supporting her language acquisition journey. It was a pleasure teaching her and watching her grow in confidence and ability.”

Finally, Ms. McGee, MUN Advisor, remarks:

“From the Model United Nations Advisors and Secretary-General’s perspective, Elisa has demonstrated strong growth, reliability, and commitment throughout her involvement in MUN. During her time in the Logistics Department last school year, she was consistently punctual, dependable, and dedicated to supporting the team. She is now continuing her development by supporting the Administration Team this school year, where she can build upon her experience and make a valuable contribution to the continued success of our MUN program. Thank you, Elisa!”

We are proud to spotlight Elisa 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Miel

This week, we are proud to spotlight our fifth grader, Miel, who joined ISR in 2021. She was nominated for the spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 5–6, Ms. Schmidt, who writes:

“Miel makes a positive difference in our school every day. She approaches learning with enthusiasm and determination and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her studies. She works hard in all areas of the curriculum and consistently strives to do her best. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude enable her to overcome challenges and continue growing as a learner.

Beyond her academic efforts, Miel is a thoughtful and supportive member of our school community. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to classmates and shows genuine kindness to those around her. Her actions reflect important values such as respect, responsibility, and compassion. Miel understands the importance of treating others with kindness and leads by example through her everyday actions.

Teachers and peers alike appreciate Miel for the care she shows and the effort she puts into everything she does. We are grateful to have her as part of our school community, and we look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the future. Congratulations, Miel!”

Ms. Sahin, Miel’s German language teacher, shares:

“With her creative thinking, dedication, and friendly demeanor, Miel makes a positive impact in the classroom. She embraces challenges with confidence and perseverance. I thoroughly enjoy having her as a student.”

Miel’s Grade 4 homeroom teacher, Ms. Smith, explains:

“Miel personifies our school motto: ‘It’s Cool to Be Good’. I was delighted to be her Grade 4 teacher last year, as she brought so much positivity, resilience, and enthusiasm to the class. She has made remarkable progress during her time at the ISR, and I love how she still bounces up to me in the hallway to tell me how well she is doing in Grade 5. Miel, keep being you, you superstar!”

Ms. Bucher, Miel’s music teacher, adds:

“Miel’s head is always in the lesson!  She is a very insightful contributor to our discussions and always offers thoughtful feedback to her classmates.  An excellent communicator, Miel is also very empathic and has a quick wit.  I’ve known her since Grade 1 and have always noticed that she’s very adept at engaging in conversations and making meaningful connections.  She will undoubtedly accomplish anything she sets her mind to because she is hardworking, determined, intelligent, and, even in Grade 5, has already mastered the essential soft skills that will serve her well throughout life.”

We are proud to spotlight Miel 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Naohiro 

This week, we are proud to spotlight our fourth-grader, Naohiro, who joined ISR in 2023! He was nominated for the Spotlight by Mr. Rowan, the Head of Elementary School and Academic Head of Grade 4. He explains:  

“Naohiro is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, a great sense of humour, and a positive attitude towards learning. He truly embodies the “It’s Cool to Be Good” motto through his kindness, effort, and excellent example to others.” 

Naohiro’s Grade 4 homeroom teacher, Ms. Sayers, shares:  

“It is a pleasure to recognize Naohiro’s achievements. He is a genuinely kind and thoughtful young man who always shows consideration for those around him, willingly lending a helping hand in the classroom. Naohiro approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Whether participating in extracurricular activities, helping to organize his peer group, or tackling his academic studies, he gives his very best in everything he does. One achievement that particularly stands out is the effort he put into learning Italian for his Social Studies presentation on Marco Polo. This was a wonderful example of his curiosity, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile to make his work truly special. 

Naohiro should be incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished. It has been a privilege to watch him grow and succeed, and I have no doubt that his hard work, kindness, and determination will continue to bring him success in the future. We wish him every success and look forward to seeing all that he achieves!” 

Ms. Bucher, Naohiro’s music teacher, remarks:  

“Naohiro is a very conscientious student who takes responsibility for his own learning. He has a very strong drive to be the best he can be every day. He also happily shares his strategies for studying with others. I remember that he once gave the class a tip in Music on how to use a mnemonic device to help recall particular facts about instruments and instrument families that they needed to know. Naohiro was also one of our presenters at the Grade 4 Spring Concert. He memorized his text and presented beautifully – with lots of expression and care! Naohiro is also very polite, outgoing, and funny. It’s great to have Naohiro at ISR!” 

Finally, Ms. Ghica, the Academic Head for Grades 2 & 3, adds:  

 “Naohiro, thank you for being part of our ISR community! At the beginning of the school year, your confidence in English was still developing, but it was wonderful to see how much progress you made over time. In SEL, you contributed thoughtful ideas and showed a solid ability to build arguments on different topics. Your reflections demonstrated a good understanding of teamwork and of how a growth mindset can support personal development and wellbeing. I wish you all the best for the future!” 

 We are proud to spotlight Naohiro 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Clara

This week, we are proud to spotlight our eleventh grader, Clara, who joined ISR in 2025. She was nominated for the spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 11–12, Mr. Kheir, who writes:

“Clara joined ISR at the start of this school year and transitioned seamlessly from the German school system to our international IB environment. Her academic excellence, reliability, and positive attitude have made her a valued member of our school community. Always prepared and punctual, she quickly built strong friendships and has proven herself to be a truly outstanding student.”

Clara’s homeroom teacher, Ms. McGowan, also praises her work ethic and her ability to balance multiple commitments:

“Clara is a kind, thoughtful, and articulate student who deserves to be incredibly proud of her first year at ISR. She is hardworking and dedicated and has absolutely embraced the challenges of the IB, balancing them with a range of other commitments and interests. It was amazing to see Clara share her musical talent at the recent Arts Evening – a truly outstanding performance – and I can’t wait to see what more she achieves in Grade 12. Well done, Clara!”

Mr. Davis, Clara’s English Literature teacher, adds:

“Clara is great fun in English Lit and always cheerful, hardworking, and prepared to contribute ideas, argue her point and perform a role in class debates and discussions; her performance as a literary critic arguing that poetry was ‘filth’ on a TV chat show in Term 1 was particularly memorable! She makes a huge contribution to the class and manages to bring out the best in others.”

Clara’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, shares:

“Clara is an exceptional Year 11 student. She joined us this year and has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic ability, dedication, and maturity. Her commitment to learning is evident in the consistently high standard of work she produces across all components of the subject.  Her curiosity and resilience are inspiring. She is kind, respectful, and considerate. She displays excellent leadership qualities and integrity. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, cultural sensibility, and genuine character make her a valued member of our school and an excellent role model. It is an honor to be part of her musical journey.”

Ms. Baker Jackson, Clara’s, English Writing Workshop teacher, remarks:

“Clara is a shining star in the IB English Writers’ Workshop. She is always willing to engage and share her ideas on topics we are analyzing in the workshop. She is thoughtful and discerning in her responses and often challenges her classmates to look at a text or idea through a different lens.”

Clara’s CAS Advisor, Mr. Urban, shares:

“Clara is a remarkably positive, determined, and engaging student who is always a pleasure to speak with. In CAS, she has demonstrated exceptional initiative and commitment, actively supporting and promoting an international youth exchange programme and playing a key role in the organization of ISR’s first TEDxYouth event.

A highly creative individual, Clara expresses herself through both music and writing. Her talents were recently recognized when she earned first place in a literature competition. Clara approaches CAS with a proactive, can-do attitude that I greatly admire.

Finally, Dr. Corbin, Clara’s University and Career Counselor, writes:

“Collaborating with Clara in the UCC classroom has been a genuine pleasure over the past year. She is actively engaged in discussions about course options and university destinations and approaches the process with a sincere commitment to her future goals. Clara is thoughtful, consistent, and purposeful in her work, approaching each assignment with confidence and poise. She is kind, positive, and always wears a smile, making her a valued member of the ISR community. While she has already achieved so much, I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the years ahead.”

We are proud to spotlight Clara 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Rex

This week, we are proud to spotlight our ninth-grader, Rex, who joined ISR in 2025. He was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Chanal, his French teacher, who shares:

“Rex is a hardworking student who is committed to learning and is not afraid to ask for help when needed. He has shown determination in catching up on material missed at his previous school. Rex is also creative, energetic, and brings enthusiasm to the classroom.”

Mr. Davis, Rex’s English teacher, explains:

“I believe Rex only joined us this year, but you would never know it. He is a wonderful student to have in class, as he is always willing to answer questions, share his opinions, try new things, and take on challenges. He is consistently hardworking, polite, and good-humoured, and is always ready to help others when they find something challenging. I appreciate his thoughtful contributions, well-considered responses, and the positive attitude he brings to everything he does.”

Rex’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, notes:

“Rex is a joy to teach. Although he joined us this year, he has already demonstrated remarkable dedication and discipline. He is polite, respectful, and trustworthy. More than anything, it is so inspiring to see how many friends he has made and how he cares for others. A remarkable gem of our community!”

Ms. Bowien, Rex’s mathematics teacher, writes:

“Rex is a wonderful member of our mathematics class! He always works hard and gives his best effort. He has a fantastic personality and is always willing to make others smile with a corny joke and a great sense of humor. His dedication, kindness, and ability to bring positivity to the classroom make him a perfect example of why it’s cool to be good.”

Finally, Ms. Murray, the Academic Head of Grade 9, states:

“Rex is a creative, kind, and incredibly talented student who joined ISR this academic year. His ability to lead, adapt, and his dedication to his studies are why Rex is an excellent representative of our motto: ‘It’s Cool to Be Good.’ He approaches all tasks with humor, a smile, and a thorough approach to being the best he can be!”

We are proud to spotlight Rex 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Owen

This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Owen, who joined ISR in 2024. He was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Chroni, his mathematics teacher. She explains:  

“Owen is an exceptionally polite, humble, and respectful student whose character shines just as brightly as his outstanding mathematical ability. This year, he placed in the top 1% internationally in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) for Grades 7 and 8 and earned 1st Prize in the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. He also challenged himself by participating in the Canadian Fryer Mathematics Competition for Grade 9 students, and we would not be surprised to see him earn another award. He is one of those students who leave you wondering which is more outstanding, his mathematics or his character.” 

Owen’s Grade 6 mathematics teacher, Mr. Sotorilli, shares: “I was Owen’s mathematics teacher for one term in sixth grade and also had the opportunity to cover a few substitute classes this year. Owen consistently impressed me with his sharp logical reasoning and natural ability to tackle mathematical challenges with confidence and creativity. What stands out even more is his patience and maturity. He is always willing to clearly explain his thinking and share his problem-solving process with others, while also remaining open to guidance whenever needed. This balance of confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn is truly commendable. I am certain that Owen will continue to achieve great success throughout his academic journey and will keep standing out through his sharp mathematical mind and thoughtful character.” 

Ms. Hautz, Owen’s Spanish teacher and Head of the Spanish Department, remarks: “Owen is an extremely kind and respectful student. He works diligently and always completes his work in a neat and thorough manner. He has a sharp mind and a talent for languages, perhaps due to his inquisitive nature and excellent listening skills. Owen is an asset and a pleasure to have in my lessons.” 

Owen’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, adds: “Owen has been an outstanding student since he joined our community. He is quiet but attentive, observant but proactive when required. He is extremely polite, respectful, honest and trustworthy. It is a privilege to have him in class, and I am sure he will shine in everything he does.” 

We are proud to spotlight Owen 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!