Dear FIS Community,
Following the recent state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, I did not want to miss the opportunity to address the political developments in Germany and what they may mean for us as a community via our Newsletter despite the fact that the next Head of School Update would have been planned for the Friday before fall break. I have found it difficult to find exactly the right words, as I know that political developments can evoke very different emotions and reactions.
For the first time in a state election, the AfD received the largest share of the vote. The party is classified by Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution as right-wing extremist at the federal level, while its classification varies between Germany’s individual states. Whatever our individual political views, developments such as these can understandably raise questions, concerns or strong emotions.
At times like these, our FIS values – Caring, Respect, Belonging, Curiosity and Integrity – are particularly important. They remind us of the kind of community we want the FIS to be, regardless of the political and social developments around us.
The FIS must remain a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for every student, every family and every member of staff. Everyone is entitled to their own political views, and we do not judge members of our community because of their political beliefs. At the same time, political views must never become a reason for treating another person in a way that undermines their dignity, belonging or sense of safety.
This is also an important message for our students. Creating a safe environment does not mean avoiding difficult or controversial topics. On the contrary, our students need opportunities to ask questions, encounter different perspectives, think critically and develop their own informed views. Following the election, we encouraged students to be curious, to ask questions about what is happening in Germany, to challenge ideas – including their own – and to listen when someone sees things differently from them. We also created opportunities for students to discuss the election with members of our staff, with further conversations available for those who wished to continue the dialogue.
These are challenging times in many respects. I am confident, however, that our international and diverse FIS community can navigate difficult conversations with openness, empathy and respect – and, most importantly, in a way that reflects who we are and what we stand for.
Thank you for helping us make the FIS a place where everyone belongs, everyone is respected, and everyone feels safe.
Warm regards,
Petra Niemczyk
Head of School
