At the heart of an International Baccalaureate education is the mission to develop internationally minded people. However in some schools, "international mindedness" can sometimes feel like a grand concept discussed in staff meetings. In reality, it boils down to two very simple, human things: inclusion and belonging. It’s the feeling of walking into a room, or a playground, or a science lab, and knowing that not only are you welcome, but your specific, unique story is exactly what makes the space complete.
This week, our Middle and High School student leaders have taken that mission and run with it. They are tackling the vital, often difficult issues around prejudice with a level of maturity, empathy and creativity that makes my own teenage years look rather uncoordinated by comparison. They aren’t just talking about diversity; they are actively building a school culture where "belonging" is a verb, not just a noun.
Celebrating our host culture
Speaking of uncoordinated movements (mostly mine), we cannot look back at the last week without mentioning the High School Ceilidh last Friday. Organised brilliantly by our National Honors Society (NHS) students, it was a fantastic example of how we, as an international school, embrace and appreciate the traditions of our host culture. Watching students from all over the world attempt the Gay Gordon was a joy. It serves as a reminder that while we celebrate our global roots, we are also deeply rooted in the community around us. There is something uniquely bonding about being equally confused by footwork while laughing together in a Highland swirl.
Identity on centre stage
Our Middle School assembly this week continued this theme of cultural expression. We moved beyond theory and into the heart of what makes our students special. We were treated to a beautiful ballad by Anna, whose voice managed to silence a room of hundreds of middle schoolers (a feat I usually achieve so quickly only by mentioning chips not being on the menu anymore). This was followed by Leshmithaa, who played the flute with such grace that I’m fairly certain several of us forgot we had important emails to answer.
These performances weren't just "entertainment"; they were a masterclass in the IB ‘Risk-taker’ profile. By sharing their talents and their heritage through music, they reminded us that inclusion starts when we stop trying to blend in and start celebrating what makes us stand out. On that note, if your child has a talent, a story, or a piece of their heritage they would like to share in a future assembly, please do encourage them to step forward and let us know. We want our stage to be a revolving door of different voices; whether it’s music, spoken word, or a presentation on a topic they are passionate about. Drop their Heads of Grade a quick message and we will find a way to showcase their passions.
The house challenge & global eats
Building on that momentum, the Student Presidents unveiled a super new House Challenge. Every student has been invited to create a visual representation of their own unique identity. I’ve been told that my own proposed entry (a charcoal sketch of a few stick figures and aeroplane) lacks the "depth and cultural resonance" required for House points. I’m sure our students will do better. By making our identities visible, we ensure that every member of our community is seen and respected for exactly who they are.
And because no celebration of identity is complete without food, the student leaders have been busy "consulting" (read: giving a very long shopping list and menu plan to) our catering team. They’ve designed a bespoke menu for Wellbeing Wednesdays, featuring dishes from every region of the world which hopefully will be starting soon. The students feel strongly that food is a universal language that builds even deeper bridges between us. They believe (and I agree) that celebrating our unique identities through global flavours is a wonderful way to reinforce the respect and curiosity our students already show one another. By sharing the "taste of home" with our peers, we are proactively championing the values of anti-racism through joy, connection, and a very good curry.
As an IB community, we strive to be Open-Minded and Caring. Seeing our student leaders take such proactive, thoughtful, and tuneful steps to ensure everyone feels they belong makes me immensely proud. I look forward to seeing the identity displays around the corridors and sampling the global flavours on Wednesday. I will be joining your kids in the lunch queue, and no doubt be the one asking for second helpings "in the name of global citizenship."
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