SPOTLIGHT: March 2024

ISCC and ELC 

This month the ISCC and ELC have been busy preparing for the Spring and Easter celebrations. Some of the ELC groups have been involved in art showcases which have served as excellent inspiration for their upcoming displays. The Foxes group have been busy creating for their wood art display, while the Bears group have added some new pieces for their soon to be unveiled art display. Childcare participants have been involved in sensory activities and enjoyed a variety of Easter-themed baking and egg painting activities. The toddlers also improved their understanding of human anatomy and expanded their vocabulary to better express their wellbeing.

An exciting field trip took the Foxes group to the Zurich Zoo, where they had an amazing day. Their exploration of local wildlife continued with studies of forest animals and a research trip to a pond to learn more about frogs.

Primary

March has been yet another busy month in Primary. Some of our educators had the privilege to attend the annual SGIS (Swiss Group of International Schools) conference, where they immersed themselves in various educational topics and observed their implementation across international schools in Switzerland. Part of the Primary team also ventured onto a foxtrail adventure in Zurich HB exploring its potential benefits for our students. Our Grade 5 students have been navigating their Exhibition journey which we are going to have the opportunity to celebrate on April 10. Additionally, they delved into the world of Middle School English lessons for a couple of periods.The Grade 4s explored life beyond our planet with a visit to the Planetarium, and they visited the Grade 5 Exhibition at ICS Zurich, as a preview of what is expected of them next year. In our Grade 3 Science pilot, students are immersed in the wonders of science, exploring different concepts and natural phenomena. Through interactive experiments and dynamic lessons, this initiative cultivates a deep curiosity and lays the foundation for understanding key scientific principles.During a forest class, our Grade 2 students encountered an unexpected and fascinating discovery: frog eggs. This serendipitous find sparked an extensive investigation into the world of tadpoles, including their habitats, dietary habits, and lifecycle, providing a rich opportunity for inquiry and learning. This contagious enthusiasm has now spread throughout the entire Primary school, with students across various grades delving into diverse scientific inquiries. In a delightful display of communication skills and enthusiasm, Grade 1 students shared their memory boxes with the Primary school community and their parents, showcasing their efforts in assembling and presenting them.

As a vibrant learning community, our teachers and students have embraced a multitude of experiences this month. This week, parents also had the chance to engage in collaborative learning about the positive use of technology. With involvement from all stakeholders, we continue to foster a dynamic learning environment at ISSH.

Secondary

This month has been a hive of activity and excitement at our secondary school. Highlights have included celebrating the arrival of the new stage in our assembly hall and the installation of the chemistry lab, which will greatly enhance our teaching and learning environment. Following the distribution of interim reports, we look forward to engaging discussions at Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday 8 March and Wednesday 10 March, for which separate registration details will be sent to parents.

A culmination of creative expression this month was the art exhibition featuring the work of students in Years 7 to 10. The exhibition was a showcase of collaborative art and design efforts, with students tasked with the ultimate goal of creating framed portraits of artists or artwork of their choice, highlighting their interpretive and artistic skills.

The month also saw our community enjoy an invigorating day of skiing and participate in festive activities organised by the Student Council for St. Patrick’s Day, including a memorable gold coin hunt. Another notable event was the friendly basketball match in which our Secondary students proudly triumphed over the ISSH teachers. Our DP students also took an important step towards their graduation by participating in a photo shoot in their formal attire.

In addition, an important meeting was held for Year 10 parents, welcoming Year 9 parents who wish to attend, to discuss important IBDP information and to support a smooth transition to High School next year. With such a varied and vibrant series of events and updates, it’s clear that ISSH continues to be a dynamic and thriving community of learners and educators.