Turtle Talk

As we reach 70% completion of the 2024-25 school year, our Grade 12 students are busy submitting their IB Internal Assessments (IAs), and the final season of the After School Activity Program has begun. With the hot season upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on our school.

The strength of ISO lies in our genuine care for each student as an individual. Our teachers provide a rigorous education that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression. Every day, students leave feeling included and valued, and when issues arise, parents are able to work directly with teachers to find solutions.

ISO offers high-quality education, with Mr. Jex and I regularly observing inspiring lessons across all grade levels. Students are challenged to ask questions, reason critically, and express their ideas clearly in speech, writing, and the arts. We’ve renewed our commitment to the ISO Code of Conduct, promoting respect for oneself and others, and teaching effective collaboration for future success.

While our students strive for good grades, we emphasize the importance of curiosity and inquiry. From Prekindergarten to Grade 12, ISO provides an excellent education, and our teachers are dedicated to high standards and student growth.

Your children are fortunate to be engaged in deep learning at ISO. Mr. Jex, the faculty, and I will continue supporting students who need extra help, encouraging them to seek assistance before or after school, and providing emotional support. The whole faculty believes in their potential and are committed to inspiring them to reach for their goals!

ISO is also an intimate school -- we are like family. This year's marketing of the school reflects that. We are offering interested families to meet with Mr. Jex and I to learn about our program and to then allow their children to experience A Day at ISO!

Next Monday, eight (8) prospective students will join us on campus to follow an ISO buddy for the day. Seven are in the elementary school, and we are excited to host them. If your friends have considered ISO, please connect them to Mr. Johnnathan so that their children can have A Day at ISO, too!

ISO's Mission Statement emphasizes cultivating diversity, respect, knowledge, and character, aiming to develop global citizens who contribute to a more peaceful world. During the observance of both Lent and Ramadan, ISO teachers have been highlighting the common threads of diversity within our community, teaching students to uphold their principles while respecting differing perspectives. We thank our teachers for fostering this awareness, strengthening our community.

ISO also nurtures appreciation for diversity in every subject, from math and science to the IB Diploma’s Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Teachers encourage students to explore multiple solutions, moving beyond the idea of one "right" answer. In today’s world, collaboration and diverse perspectives are key to solving complex problems.

To support this, we create a secure and nurturing environment for everyone to share ideas—including our parent community. I invite you to join me for Coffee with the Director next Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. to share your thoughts on how we can make ISO even stronger.

I wish those of you who are observing Ramadan and Lent a meaningful time of reflection, and I hope to see all of you soon.

— Ms. Myna Anderson, ISO Director

• 🍽️ Eat balanced meals 🥑🥖, drink water 💧, avoid caffeine & salty food 🚫.
• ☀️ During the Fast: Rest 😴, stay cool ❄️, listen to your body ⚠️.
• 🌅 End of day: Start with dates & water 🥤, eat light 🍲, avoid heavy & fried foods 🍟🚫.

💡 Tips: Sleep well 😴, stay active 🚶, consult a doctor if needed 🏥. Your health comes first! 🙏

Wishing you a blessed Ramadan! 🌟✨😊

Get more information with Mr. Luc Congo: l.congo@iso.bf to form your teams!

Go Stallions!

Market simulation activity: students act as buyers, sellers, and tax collectors. They had to make decisions about pricing, purchasing, and budgeting while considering the impact of taxes.

IB Economics student-driven inquiry-based research projects. Taking big risks, flexing their international mindedness, and communicating effectively!

Art Class Repeating a Lesson to "help to see how much they have learned".

Space presentations in G5.

Great to see students citing and learning how to cite sources before they hit upper school.

Creating a mind map with relevant information is one way to learn better and also share what we learn.

Code of Conduct poster!

IBDP THEATRE TO FESPACO

Our IBDP Theatre students recently participated in an enriching educational trip to the International Film Festival “FESPACO” under the supervision of Mrs. Lala, where they had the opportunity to watch a compelling documentary about the life of artist Boujemaa. Following the screening, the students met with the film's organizer and producer, Mohammed Latrèche, from France-Algeria, for an insightful Q&A session. This interaction allowed our students to ask thought-provoking questions and delve deeper into the biographical story of Boujemaa, gaining a unique perspective on the artist's journey and creative process. The experience proved to be both educational and inspiring for all involved.