Dear Parents,
As a school accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), I was recently invited to participate in the CIS School and University Leaders’ Summit, which was an event that created space for cross-sector dialogue specifically about the transition of students from international schools to universities. This Summit brought together 40 educational leaders representing international schools and global universities from 19 countries. During the summit, through a series of provocations, our transition working group:
Articulated the key skills and attributes that international students require for a successful transition.
We shared ways that we build schools that value inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism.
Suggested ways that CIS could further build connections and collaboration between the secondary and higher education sectors.
Made recommendations for a peer review system to improve international student support services in higher education institutions.
Provided feedback on the draft model (set image below), which sets out key elements for schools and universities to focus on when supporting international students in their transition.
It was a pleasure to be able to build on the work that has already been accomplished by our transitions working group since 2021, for example:
Students' recommendations on how schools and universities can better support international school students with their cross-cultural transitions to university.
Establish a youth advisory board so the group can co-construct the model with students.
Development of a range of resources (accessed through the CIS Portal) that will accompany the model. These include:
A self-audit tool for schools,
a checklist for schools and universities setting out key steps involved in implementing effective transition-care and support,
A list of questions that students can ask universities to gauge the level of support they provide to international students.
To learn more about the work we undertook as part of the CIS School and University Leaders’ Summit, the concepts of transition and how this connects to actions we take at ISHCMC to ensure transition-care please refer to the Thought Leadership Article on Transition on the Rhino Hub.
An added highlight whilst attending the CIS School and University Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne was connecting with our Alumni from 2009, 2020 and 2021 and faculty from 2005 and 2022. It was great to share stories and experiences. Once a Rhino - Always a Rhino.
In kindness,
Kim Green, Head of School
