Spotlight On Our Student Jan

This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth-grader, Jan, who joined ISR in 2018. He was enthusiastically nominated for the Student Spotlight by Ms. McGowan, who shares:

“I am thrilled that Jan has been chosen for the Student Spotlight – he deserves to be incredibly proud of the significant progress he has made, and the goals he has achieved in English over the last two years. His enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and it is reflected in his consistently thoughtful contributions to class discussions. A question from Jan never fails to make me think, and I am grateful to him for always sharing and pursuing such interesting lines of inquiry. Jan demonstrates this positivity outside of the classroom as well, and I will miss our daily catch-ups outside his locker! For me, Jan is a student who truly embodies the IB Learner Attributes, and I look forward to hearing about all he is set to achieve in the next chapter of his academic journey beyond ISR.”

Ms. McGee, ISR’s Student Leadership Council Advisor, also recognizes Jan’s contributions and explains:

“I would like to recognize Jan for his outstanding leadership of the Magazine and Yearbook Team last school year. With a truly magnanimous spirit, he inspired SLC prefects to join him on a creative journey of writing and graphic design as he successfully relaunched our school magazine, the ISR Insight. His energy, positivity, and ever-present smile set the tone for the entire team, and his impact is still felt and talked about this year. We wish him every success as he goes for gold in the IB!”

Mr. McGowan, Jan’s Homeroom teacher, adds:

“Jan is an exemplary student and a marvellous young person as well. He has a great sense of humour, is dedicated to his studies, and takes an active part in Homeroom and in school life as a whole. It may be cool to be good, but I think it must also be pretty cool to be Jan.”

Ms. Freise, Jan’s former English teacher, fondly recalls:

“When I first met Jan, he was a brand-new student at ISR in Grade 5. He was, and I believe still is, very funny, witty, and kind. It was a pleasure teaching him, as he was a great team player and eager learner.

He acquired English very quickly and moved through the ESL program in no time. Even today, it is very nice to strike up a small conversation with Jan and learn about his exciting future. Students of his caliber leave a lasting impact and will be remembered positively at ISR.”

Jan’s former German teacher, Ms. Herda, also shares:

“Jan is one of the most creative students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. I have known him since 8th Grade in German class. He is very motivated and participates wonderfully in class. The best thing about being a teacher is watching students like Jan develop and mature, and yet still fondly remember little things from back then – like our ‘dative case song’ – and still enjoy singing it. All the best, Jan, and keep being you!”

Dr. Mitchell, the Academic Head of Grades 7 & 8, adds succinctly:

“Jan is always a positive, engaged, and happy student.”

Finally, Ms. Chanal, expresses how impressed she is with Jan’s involvement in the CAS Big Brother and Big Sister program, stating:

“Jan is a wonderful big brother to our Elementary School students. We are lucky to have him participate in the program.”

We are proud to spotlight Jan 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!