A New Chapter Begins: ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026

On August 28th, we celebrated a very special milestone — our ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026!

The ISR Sports Hall was filled with over 350 guests, all there to celebrate our new Grade 1 students as they began their first year in ISR Elementary School. The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Colm Rowan, Head of ISR Elementary School, who spoke about the values that make ISR such a special place — kindness, hard work, and looking out for one another — and how each child’s everyday choices help shape our community for the better.

Ms. Eileen Lyons, ISR School Director, followed with words on how meaningful this day is for the children and their families.

A musical highlight of the ceremony was a lovely performance of our school song, “Ode to ISR,” presented by 5th grader Maya. Ms. Joanna Metcalfe, Head of Grades 1 & 2, then introduced the Grade 1 teachers, who will guide and support our newest students throughout this exciting first school year.

The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived with the presentation of the traditional “Schultüten,” handed to the children by their Grade 1 teachers. This symbolic gesture marked the true start of their school journey and brought plenty of excitement and happy smiles.

After the ceremony, families gathered for a Welcome Get-Together, where parents and staff connected over refreshments and celebrated this joyful new beginning together.

We are proud to welcome our new first graders into the ISR Family and cannot wait for the year ahead!