Recently, our faculty and staff gathered to celebrate their learning and growth at the Showcase of Learning for our action learning teams, which was hosted on the afternoon of 23 May. It was a pleasure to engage in conversation and learn more about the many ways that our team is working collaboratively, with a focus on continuous improvement of themselves as practitioners and the improvement of our students' learning outcomes and our school.
At our Annual Service Recognition Awards, we gathered as a community to celebrate and honour everyone's dedication, loyalty, and excellence to our school. We celebrated milestone points for individuals who have crossed the 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30-year service milestones to ISHCMC. These individuals are not just members of our faculty and staff but guardians of our school's legacy. They carry the stories, traditions, and values of three generations. Their experience and wisdom serve as a guiding light for all of us, reminding us of where we come from and inspiring us to strive for excellence as we move forward. It was humbling to be able to acknowledge the 20-year service awards.
And the 30-year service award.
Over the last two weeks, the IPAA Music Recitals were expertly executed by the IPAA team, providing our students with a rich opportunity to share their talents with our community.
The Grade 12 Graduation, hosted at the Independence Palace, was a beautiful ceremony that celebrated our students’ and their parents' journeys at ISHCMC.
Through all the spaces and places our graduates travel next - unique interactions, celebrations, and obstacles will continue to unveil facets of their true selves. As they navigate the oceans ahead, they will embrace this evolution of self-discovery, for in the tapestry of their being, every shade and hue, every strength and vulnerability are essential to the masterpiece that creates their destiny.
Mark Twain said it is time to “throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails” It is time to further - Explore, Dream, Discover. And as our ISHCMC graduates stand on the ship's bow, looking into the future, preparing to let go of the familiar, they will remember that their homes (their family home and the halls of ISHCMC) transcends physical spaces; it is a state of mind that will travel with us to ensure we maintain a strong sense of identity and belonging. We know that our Class of 2024 will continue to explore every facet of their being, for within them lies a kaleidoscope of possibilities.
And finally, on a personal note, last week, the news that I will be leaving ISHCMC was shared by our Cognita Asia CEO. I would have liked to share this with each and every member of our community face-to-face. My decision to move on from ISHCMC is a ‘life’ decision, and my husband and I will begin to make our way back to our homeland. I know that the timing of the transition between myself and the new Head of School will come as a surprise however, this timing will enable the new HoS to be able to get to know the school community and be part of setting priorities and action plans before starting the 2025-26 school year. I look forward to having the opportunity to connect with you all in person. I am happy to share, discuss or answer questions. Please always feel free to reach out if you have questions or would like to seek clarification.
We only have a few short weeks before the end of the school year, and I look forward to all the different celebrations and transitions that lie ahead.
In kindness and gratitude,
Kim
Head of School
