From the Head of School

Farewell

At the beginning of our lives, we spend a decade and a half at school then college.  Some of us go on to work in them; others take a break a few years before, in turn, sending their children to them.  It is easy to forget how unusual they are.  

Schools are divided into clear years, their own time zones, independent of everyone else’s January to December calendar.  Not many organisations have these annual ‘ends’, followed two months later by a new start.  

Those of us in the middle of it can forget what a privilege it is to have such marked time.  June is our season of goodbyes, and on Saturday we will have our Grade 12 graduation.  But we also say goodbye to students in other grades, and to Adam Coutts, Lisa Nicole, Elaine Knowles, and Don and Jane Newbury.

It is always sad to say goodbye but it is also an opportunity to reflect with pride of what has been achieved.  For the Grade 12s this is far more than getting through their recent exams, but also a recognition of their contribution to the school and wider community - their becoming global citizens.

Don and Jane Newbury joined when ISA was ASA (the American school) and based in Milltimber.  LIke Elaine Knowles who joined in 1996, they are taking a well earned rest and retiring from teaching.  Adam Coutts and Lisa Nicol, who are both moving to other countries, haven’t been at ISA quite so long; but all five have embodied ISA’s commitment to “every child, every opportunity” and will be greatly missed.

On the other side of these yearly endings is, after a period of rest, new beginnings. School always offers a chance of renewal, to put in place the learning of one year to face the challenges of the next.

Wherever you are in August, we wish you all the best and a great rest in the meantime.