We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Elenor, an exceptional student at ISR who has been accepted to study at Western Washington University. In this interview, Elenor shares thoughts about this exciting opportunity and reflects on the impactful role ISR played in shaping her academic and personal journey.

1. The Opportunity Ahead:

Elenor expresses her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from ISR throughout the challenging university application process. From navigating essays to managing stress, the guidance of teachers and staff has been invaluable.

“I felt very supported throughout this process for a while. From the very start, my teachers and other staff were very supportive of how stressful it is to apply for university on top of all of our school work, especially IAs and the Extended Essay,” Elenar says.

2. Shaping the Educational Path:

Reflecting on her academic journey, Elenor credits ISR teachers for not only imparting academic knowledge but also for fostering a safe and supportive environment. 

“I have always generally enjoyed school, and this is partly because of my teachers being amazing role models and their efforts to help me with my studies. They were also supportive regarding my mental health and were very understanding and patient which was very helpful.”

The relationships she built with teachers at ISR contributed significantly to her sense of security and belonging.

3. The Excitement of a New Country:

Moving to the United States holds a special place in Elenor’s heart, particularly the Pacific Northwest. She shares her enthusiasm for the social and physical environment of the campus, anticipating a seamless blend with the region she grew up in.

4. Contributions to a Diverse Community:

Having been in a diverse environment since early life, Elenor looks forward to integrating with the inclusive community at Western Washington University. She emphasizes the importance of valuing diversity, a principle deeply instilled in her upbringing.

5. Coping with Change:

Addressing the emotional aspect of leaving home for education, Elenor acknowledges the inevitability of homesickness. Drawing on past experiences, she shares her coping mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of communication, adaptability, and the ability to find home in different places.

6. ISR’s Unique Preparation:

Elenor attributes her readiness for university life to ISR’s unique experiences, such as World Scholars and Model United Nations. These experiences equipped her with debating skills, adaptability, and a global perspective—enhancing her academic, social, and life skills.

7. Personal and Professional Goals:

Elenor sets personal goals for her time at the university. These goals include focusing on experiencing the natural beauty of the region, building independence, and embracing new opportunities for personal growth and cultural enrichment.

8. Contributions to the Campus Community:

With a background rich in global experiences, Elenor believes her open-mindedness and eagerness to learn will contribute positively to the campus community. She looks forward to sharing her international perspective and learning from the diverse experiences of her peers.

9. Advice for Aspiring International Students:

Elenor advises prospective international students to consider not only academic aspects but also the location of their prospective university. She emphasizes the importance of finding motivation in the physical environment. As for pre-college experiences, she encourages living in the moment, trying new things, and not letting the anticipation of the future overshadow the present.

A final word from Elenar: “I have always enjoyed learning new things and now I get to somewhat dictate what I learn for years to come. I also enjoy that I could possibly get credits before I even go to the university due to IB and how the school works with the scores I get.”

As Elenor embarks on this exciting journey, her story serves as an inspiration for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. We wish her the very best in her endeavors at Western Washington University and we’re confident that her ISR education has prepared her well for the adventures that lie ahead of her.

We are excited to accept registrations for the International School of Riga SUMMER DAY CAMPS for youngsters in age groups 3-12 (Early Years – Grade 6)! ?

Programs consist of developmentally appropriate activities, including inquiry learning ✨, intensive English language practice ?, sports ⛹?, games ?, outdoor exploration ?, field trips ?, art?, & cultural experiences. ?

This is great fun for our students, as well as a unique opportunity for people outside of ISR to explore our school and its learning methods, get to know our staff members, and practice English! ?

The Summer Day Camp will run for 3 weeks:
⭕️ Week one: June 28 – July 2 “Busy Bees Art Week”
⭕️ Week two: July 5 – July 9 “Time Travel”
⭕️ Week three: July 12 – July 17 “Express Yourself”

Summer camps will take place in ISR Primary Campus and a safe environment is guaranteed, according to recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

The cost of Summer Day Camp is 250€ for ISR members per week (per child) and 350€ for non-ISR members per week (per child). Sibling discount: 10% for the second and subsequent child(ren). The price includes lunch and all activities.

For more info and registration, please see https://isriga.lv/services/summer-camp/, or contact our Admissions office through e-mail admissions@isriga.lv or call +371 6789 3641!

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See you at the Summer Camp 2021! ?

Middle School students of the International School of Riga are stunning with this year’s Spring Project! Over the two weeks before spring break, the students completed a project on a passion of their choice.

This website is an exhibition of their results: https://sites.google.com/isriga.lv/isr-middle-school-spring-proje/home?fbclid=IwAR2XA-HerLteVoxe_4KI0WtCqbiNcCrInTKeXI9e1yleUB_VHoOn_hCZrFI

Teachers facilitated multi-grade level communities of learners. Students planned their days, reflected daily, attended community meetings, and exhibited self-management, research, creation, and communication skills. This included completing research and producing a product or outcome. Each student’s work is their own.

Please enjoy their passions by reading the website, where you will see projects of discovery, projects completed in the kitchen, as well as arts and crafts, fashion and photography, the literary corner, and fitness and health!

Thank you for supporting The Spring Project!

Dear ISR community, ISR will be hosting an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday, December 16th at 6:00 pm.
The meeting will be virtual and accessible via the Zoom link you received in your email.
The EGM is being called at this time with an agenda of three items:

1. Approval of the changes to the Articles of Association (Voting item);
2. Election of the School Council (Voting item);
3. Director’s Report.

Voting item #1) A vote will be taken to approve the changes in the Articles of Association.
Voting item #2) A vote will be taken for the election of the School Council.

All information on Voting items #1 and #2 was sent in three languages on Friday, November 27th and can be accessed in that mail.
Preliminary voting will take place starting on 15th December from 8 am to midnight and voting will be open 16th December during the EGM meeting. A voting link will come as a separate email from ElectionBuddy.

Questions may be asked prior to the EGM and submitted via email to info@isriga.lv or during the EGM by writing the questions into the Zoom platform Chatbox.

Your online presence at this EGM would be greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing as many of you on the day as possible!
In case you cannot participate in the online meeting on 16th December, please make sure to participate in the preliminary voting on 15th December – as every vote is important to reach the required quorum for the General Meeting’s decisions.

By Alise Podniece, Marketing and Advancement Manager
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ISR prides itself on hiring strong individuals with big hearts who are committed to carrying out the ISR mission. For the school year 2020/2021, are delighted to welcome 9 experienced educators to join the ISR team!

LAUREN FENATO – Secondary Geography/Humanities Teacher, who previously worked at The Canadian International School in Vietnam. Lauren is really good at designing activities and games to engage students. She is always open to individual opinions and needs. 

In your opinion, what’s the best part about teaching? 

The best part about teaching is that you constantly learn from your students and their perspectives on world issues. It’s the ah-ha moments and the real sense of discovery and moments when students feel comfortable to take risks and challenge one another that I love most.

Lauren’s motto: “I Touch the Future. I Teach.” /Christa McAuliffe/

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IAN WINDSOR – Kindergarten Teacher, who previously worked at the Dubai American Academy in the United Arab Emirates. Ian always greets his students and colleagues with a smile. It seems that no storm could distract his calmness. For Ian, the most fulfilling part of teaching is when students discover the joy of their achievement and are keen to achieve more, developing their independent work skills and building their confidence. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I worked at KFC for 8 years to earn money to put myself through university.

I enjoy spending time outdoors and love to hike but knee pain sometimes keeps me from going on hikes that are too strenuous. On a trip to New Zealand, my wife wanted to go on a day hike that sounded difficult. I wasn’t sure if I could make the 19.4 km Tongariro Alpine Crossing and was reluctant to go. However, I decided in the end to take the challenge and I am so happy that I did.

Ian’s motto: “Treat others with kindness and be happy.”

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ELIZABETH WINDSOR – Primary Teacher (Grade 5), who previously worked at the Dubai American Academy in the United Arab Emirates. She strongly believes in the abilities of her students and is excited to help them to gain confidence and even more to lead a new group of students through the Exhibition. She believes that being a positive role model is one of the most essential parts of teaching. 

What’s your teaching style? 

I enjoy teaching from the sidelines. I set up interesting activities that allow students to ask questions, discuss ideas, and inquire into. Then, I ask questions that encourage students to think about ideas from a variety of perspectives, support thinking, and model strategies that help students to become independent learners.

Elizabeth’s motto: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” /The Dalai Lama/

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TASHA STEPHENSON – EAL Primary Teacher, who previously worked in Rabat American School in Morocco. Tasha is seeking to understand and nurture people around her and she celebrates mistakes as a sign of growth and possibility for finding new solutions.  Tasha is the one you’ll want to talk to with if you ever want to see the world differently.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? 

Here are a few recent accomplishments that bring a smile:

 – finding Google image translate so I can read some signs here in Latvia
 – working with our nervous family dog to help her trust her new fellow canines here in Latvia

Tasha’s motto: Wherever you go, there you are.” /Jon Kabat-Zinn/
“You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop.” /Rumi/

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DANIEL DODGE – Middle School English and Social Studies Teacher, Grade 7 advisor, who previously worked in Rabat American School in Morocco.  

Patience, Contemporary Connections to World Events, Personalized Attention and Flexibility for Students are what characterizes Daniel as a teacher. The latest restrictions around the world make Daniel proud of his family moving and adapting to Latvia after 7 years in North Africa. 

Daniel’s motto: “Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.” /Kahlil Gibran/

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LAIMA DIMANTA, Primary Music teacher. Though Laima is a professional musician, she also loves teaching. Laima believes that learning that experiencing is the best approach for all – students and grownups. She celebrates her achievements – her solo album “Mieram” and many other musical creations as outcomes of her own life lessons.

In your opinion, what’s the best part about teaching? And the hardest?

The best part about teaching is growing. Every day is interesting. New adventures and challenges. Happy, students. Also great co-workers who brighten every day. 

The hardest part I think is the stress that teachers go through. Finding paths that work for everyone without burning out. 

Laima’s motto: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” /Oscar Wilde/

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KATHRYN KIDDELL – Primary Teacher (Grade 3), who previously worked at Keystone Academy in China. Kathryn strives to build up an environment where  students can feel safe, so they are more likely to take risks with their learning. Her strengths as a teacher all stem from building those relationships throughout the year.

In your opinion, what’s the best part about teaching? And the hardest?

The best parts of teaching are watching your students apply their learning by helping each other and discovering new knowledge through inquiry. The hardest part of teaching is saying goodbye to my students at the end of each year.

Kathryn’s motto:

“So if the eyes are shining, you know you’re doing it. If the eyes are not shining, you get to ask a question. And this is the question: who am I being that my players’ eyes are not shining? We can do that with our children, too. Who am I being, that my children’s eyes are not shining? That’s a totally different world.” /Benjamin Zander/

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MELANIE KELLS – Secondary Chemistry Teacher, who previously worked in Canadian International School of Hong Kong.

Melanie is excited to join the ISR community and to build the IB Chemistry program and Experiential Learning within the community. Melanie has very a broad working experience from an IGCSE Coordinator, Dean of Studies to becoming an Apple Distinguished Educator- and leading a school to become an Apple Distinguished School. 

What’s your teaching style? 

Guided Inquiry Learning. I believe strongly in making connections with students, therefore I promote learning with PBL (Project Based Learning), and recognize the profound impact of building social-emotional learning skills together with teachers and students. I’m also excited to see our Mission and Service program in action.

Melanie’s motto: “Learn to do by doing”
…is the motto of 4-H, a youth organization I was actively involved in from age nine to twenty-one. It is my philosophy of teaching, too. I believe that modelling what you would like others to do is the best way to achieve results, whether with students or colleagues. I make mistakes, I admit them, and I hope that my students would do the same.

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RŪDOLFS KRĒSLIŅŠ, Secondary Music teacher. Rudolfs trained to become a football player as a child but ended up as a Music teacher following his passion. 

Following his passion for choir music, Rudolfs obtained his higher education in choir conducting at the Latvian Academy of Music.  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

There is no bigger or smaller accomplishment. Every day I try to do something better than yesterday in my job and my life. 

Rūdolfs’s motto: “Train your mind to see the good in every situation.
We can’t wait to see all the wonderful things they achieve with their students this year and we wish them a genuinely wonderful time at ISR.”