Dear FIS Community,
As we reach the last day before the Fall break, it feels like a good moment to pause and reflect on these first months of the school year.
We began the year by welcoming new students, their families, and new teachers into our FIS community. Our September Barbecue was blessed with beautiful weather, and it was great to see so many of you reconnecting and forming new friendships. We have hosted several information nights, coffee mornings, our first Primary Learning Walks of the year for parents, and yesterday’s conferences – all of which continue to strengthen the sense of Home School Partnership that makes the FIS special.
In the Secondary School, most classes embarked on their field trips – to Southern Bavaria, South Tyrol, Berlin, and even to Oviedo, where our Grade 9 Spanish students met their exchange partners. These experiences outside the classroom are valuable for building trust and mutual understanding – both among students and between students and teachers. A heartfelt thank you goes to all teachers who chaperoned and made these learning adventures possible.
Last week, many members of the FIS leadership team attended the IB Global Conference in The Hague. It wasn’t just another conference filled with updates on the PYP, MYP, and DP programmes, it was the conference that challenged us to think deeply about what education means in 2025 and beyond. The emphasis on wellbeing, inclusion, and the informed use of artificial intelligence felt especially relevant in a world that is changing faster than ever before.
The conference theme, “Our Humanity, Connected,” captured an important message. It was a reminder that education is not only about academic achievements but a role schools play in preparing young people to thrive in a complex, often polarized world. One memorable moment involved a keynote speaker referencing Nelson Mandela’s famous quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Interestingly, that single word – weapon – sparked an intense debate among delegates. It was a moment that captured the paradox of our times: how even words that once inspired unity can now ignite division. It also reaffirmed our shared responsibility – as educators and as parents – to nurture empathy, resilience, and creativity in our children, helping them face the future with confidence. How do we raise critical thinkers who can disagree respectfully? How do we balance digital fluency with humanity? How do we help our children use knowledge not as a weapon, but as a bridge? These are not easy questions. But they are the right ones to be asking.
At the FIS, our commitment remains clear: to provide a safe, caring, and forward-thinking environment where our students can grow not just in knowledge, but in character. This sense of emotional safety and belonging is not a luxury, it is a foundation of meaningful learning. It allows students to take risks, to fail forward, and to discover who they are becoming.
We know this is especially true for our Grade 12 students, who are currently navigating an intense period of deadlines and final assignments. We encourage them – and the adults around them – to stay focused but find moments of balance and laughter amid deadlines. Learning how to manage challenges with grace is one of life’s greatest lessons.
Looking ahead, we have exciting weeks to come. A sincere thank you to all who contributed to the recent survey on our Guiding Statements. In November, the FIS Extended Leadership Team and the Board of Directors will meet with consultant Abbi Delessio from Triangle Associates to review your input and begin shaping renewed Guiding Statements for the FIS. This isn’t just a strategic exercise, it is a moment to pause and ask ourselves: Who are we as a school today, and who do we want to become? While our mission and vision may evolve, our core values – caring, curiosity, respect, integrity and belonging – remain constants that shape every interaction and every decision. We look forward to sharing updates and continuing this process of reflection and development together – with open minds, courageous conversations and your partnership.
Finally, with our Spooky Fun Day of creative costumes and much laughter now behind us, I wish all of you a relaxing Fall break. Enjoy this time with your families and friends, and I look forward to seeing everyone back at school on November 10.
Warm regards and HAPPY HALLOWEEN 😉
Petra Niemczyk
Head of School
