The ISD Parent Update is emailed to the ISD Community once a month. The Parent Update contains a collection of stories from the various classes and departments within the school. Enjoy the read!
Message from the Leadership Team
Dear Parents,
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Autumn holiday and is well rested for the next term. We are proud to share Primary had a very positive review from the IB evaluation team. In the online visitation we were able to display our inquiry based program and really show our strengths as IB world school. We also received great feedback on where to further develop our school in the next 5 years until we are being evaluated again.
We want to say thank you to all children, parents and everyone in the community who contributed to this.
Just before the holiday we celebrated Diwali with a lot of activities throughout the school. This week we combined Halloween celebrations with the Mexican celebration of “Dia de los Muertos”. We had a wonderful parent group decorating the school on Monday.
Next week are our parent - teacher conferences. This provides a nice opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and to discuss de progress and development. Time slots have been sent out through Social Schools.
At Secondary, we started the half term with a full inset day for all staff on the implementation of the IB Diploma and the authorization process. It proved to be a very useful day full of learning and teambuilding. It has provided the teaching staff additional skills to prepare for the IB diploma authorization. In the upcoming weeks we will have more meetings and information sessions on the IB DP authorization. Of course, we are also preparing for the Parent-teacher- student progress meetings where we look forward to welcome you live at school. This first session will give an indication of the progress made by the students up to now.
I would also like to use this space to congratulate the Primary School on their successful PYP evaluation.
ISD Secondary
11 November: reports send out
15 November: Teacher student and parent meetings
21 November: MYP 4 info session 16:30-17:30
22 November: Primary and prospective parents evening 19:30-20:30
Eco-school Green Flag Certification
Contribution by Ms Miros Silva-Ordaz
We started the eco-school journey in January 2020 and have enjoyed a couple of exciting years working hard at reaching our eco-goals in both our primary and secondary schools.
On 3 October, we celebrated the Green Flag certification. Spirits were high and so went the flags and the nice green caps in the air! We have a great team of students, teachers and parents.
As a whole school, we are collaborating to learn about and develop ways of creating sustainable futures using the eco-school framework. You can follow this link to find out more https://eco-schools.nl/en/
This is our eco-school website and we will keep working with the eco-team to share this journey with our school community. You can follow this link to see our website
PYP6 went on class camp to Domburg and stayed in a beautiful old castle. We spent the first day exploring the beautiful grounds of the castle and beach combing and were even rewarded with a sea lion popping its head up near the beach! Terra Maris, a Zeeland natural history museum in the castle grounds was engaging and the gift shop a hit.
The castle hosted a super enjoyable talent show- featuring an amazingly talented and courageous group- from stand up and dance to magic and song. Afterwards we settled down to a good night's sleep.
We arose early for an adventurous start- a morning jog to the beach before sunrise.
After breakfast we enjoyed a great morning of activity: scootering around the nature trails, building a catapult and ending with a game of archery attack. Following lunch on our own island we headed to the beach for a refreshing dip in the North Sea, games and more beach combing, adding new shells to our collections. After mysterious tales of dancing wolves we slept well.
Early riser began the second morning with a morning walk, stretch and tree climb. Luckily, we rewarded with sights of a family of deer in the forest.
We ended our time in Domburg with a fresh nature walk to the village.
We can highly recommend a trip to Domburg!
We were tired out but at the same time refreshed by the Zeeland breeze!
On our return we reflected on the camp experience, and we chose words to describe the class:
As you can see- the experience was memory full, rewarding and super positive.
The class, Mr Lars, Miss Georgina and Mr Mark are ready for the next adventure.
Nurturing creativity in the PYP 7 music lesson
Contribution by Ms Ilein Bermudez
The idea for this unit on ancient civilizations was to make a monochord1 using the following materials: a thick piece of cardboard, elastic bands, paper fastener split pins, glue tack and cork stoppers. Instead of following a list of instructions to complete the task, students were given the freedom to come up with their own ideas to make the monochord. The only requirement was that the elastic band had to be tense enough to produce an audible tone.
Students were invited to embark on a journey of trial and error. The goal was to explore how to make their monochord sound best by gathering information on what works and what doesn’t. As Canadian educator Sylvia Woodworth points out, the road to achieving success is like an iceberg. Success involves treading a path that will take us through failures, disappointment, hard work, dedication, persistence.
While making the monochord, broken elastic bands or wobbly cork stoppers turned out to be like messages telling students what they needed to do differently, what they needed to change. By using previous or new knowledge and using critical thinking skills, PYP7 students came up with great ideas to make a monochord following their own design, e.g., grooves on the bridge, two monochords in one, or different ways of holding the elastic band.
1 An instrument of ancient origin that consists of a single string stretched over a sound box and a movable bridge.
Lantern Lit Walk - garden season close
Contribution by Mr Mark Shillitoe
The gardening season has come to an end. We had a special season, with a very dry spring and a very long warm and dry summer. We had to carry a lot of watering cans of water, but because of all these beautiful days but we also had a special harvest. This year the children were able to take home a lot of tomatoes, but also cucumbers and all kinds of delicious vegetables. We closed the garden season with a lantern procession.
Gathering at the De Boterbloem children's garden as it slowly came dark, we walked through the neighbourhood accompanied by the volunteers. Brothers, sisters and parents joined the walk together with their bright lanterns guiding the way.
After the walk we returned to the garden where coffee and tea ad delicious hot, homemade soup. In addition, there was a lucky dip and locally made honey for sale. What a super season- PYP6 are already looking forward to the next!
Contribution by Ms Irene Alkemade
On Thursday 20 October, we hosted the Portuguese and Indian languages and culture lunches. We had a wonderful turn out of enthusiastic parents and children of all ages, dressed in their national colours and insignia. These communities also brought amazing foods to share. Thank you to the parents who hosted these special gatherings; it was gratifying receiving feedback regarding how connected it made them feel - to meet and chat with others in their home languages, in the Netherlands. Thank you to the parents for sharing your treats with other interested students and staff who also joined your festivities and for spreading the joy.
ISD Primary: Diwali celebrations
Contribution by Ms Renu Ochai
We had a wonderful primary school Diwali Assembly on Wednesday, 19th October for our students.
At the start of the assembly, ISD's string quartet performed a lovely Indian tune. The children really enjoyed this experience as they appreciated and loved listening to and performing a cultural song from India. PYP 7A students performed a small Diwali story and dance. The story also links to ancient civilizations which is the current unit being taught in PYP 7. At the end of the assembly a few ISD parents helped distribute Indian sweets.
On 20th, Thursday PYP 7B students organised Diwali workshops for the children.
Workshops included - Bollywood dancing, Rangoli - designing coloured rice powder patterns, Mehndi * and Lantern making. We are thankful to our ISD mums for helping with the Mehndi and Rangoli workshops and for making a beautiful Diwali display in the gym.
Early years children loved making beautiful clay lamps (diyas) and took part in Diwali festivities all week.
Children and staff at ISD really enjoyed the Diwali festivities!
Our best,
Diwali Team
ISD Secondary - MYP 5 Academic Writing workshop
Contribution by Ms Gina Ruocco On Monday, 17 October, MYP 5 students participated in the second Academic Writing Workshop, which was led by Ms. Ruocco and Ms. Hall. During this session, students learned various methods for embedding quotes into the body of their personal projects; additionally, they were given direct instruction on how to create an MLA-style bibliography and how to use the Google Docs citation tool to help with this process. These are useful academic writing skills that can be applied not only to the personal project, but across content areas.
Guest visit TU Delft
Contribution by Ms Miros Silva Ordaz
On 13 October, MYP 3 students had a special visitor during their design lesson. Prof. Mathieu Gielen, is specialized in Design for children’s play. He works at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at TU Delft. He came to share some of his design knowledge and to answer some of the questions the students had about designing toys for refugees.
Their main questions were:
What is the most successful toy you've ever made?
Do you have sketching tips?
How do you know that the children will like the toy?
What are the most common materials for your design?
How do you attach different pieces to the designs?
What is the best value of a toy for children 5 to 9 years old?
When did you start making toys?
What are the fundamental problems to making toys?
What type of toys have you made so far?
He described that the main feature of his work as researcher and toy designer focus on ambiguity and simplicity. These characteristics give the opportunity to create other purposes for the same toys or games.
He explained that prioritising these two elements provides the opportunity to open ended interpretations of the design and to create other purposes for the same toys or games. For example, in the next image we can see one of his favourite designs. He explained that putting together different materials and textures gave more opportunity for creative thinking while having a design with lots of possibilities and not one answer.
Mathieu summarised that the creative process of each design should also consider things like the production, durability and resistance of material, but most importantly, the body, mind, soul and joy that the design could possibly bring to the end user.
MYP 3 is currently designing a toy for refugees in Design class. Noah and Filippo from MYP 3A shared the design concept and sketches of their design. Mathieu gave then some insightful feedback and suggestions on how they can improve their sketch to solve their design problem.
We appreciate the inspiring lecture that Mathieu gave to our students and look forward to future collaborations.
MYP 4 Humanities trip to Rotterdam
Contribution by Ms Sofia Raptopoulou
As a part of our unit, World War II, the first trip of the year in the humanities department took place in Rotterdam. Rotterdam was heavily bombed during WWII. A few buildings were left standing together with the Laurens Kerk. Students had the opportunity to walk the famous Fireline and see the city and its landmarks through engaging activities. Our final stop was at the Museum 40'-45', where the students experienced the bombing through an interactive film and had the chance to see the stories and objects of the museum via some activities.
Credits to Mr. Van den Boom, Ms. Medinilla, and Mr. Fobelets for helping in the trip's success.
Halloween Science class
Contribution by Ms Gabriella Aneglin Texeira
MYP1 students made an experiment where they had to use different types of mixture to make a “spider” to float. In this way students learned that emulsion is a mixture of two liquids which do not combine. Such a nice activity shows that science doesn’t have to be dreary, especially when we mix it with Halloween fun!
MYP 5's Love Story: Romeo & Juliet Contribution by Ms Nané Paraiso
On Thursday 7 October Phileas Fogg Theatre Company visited ISD. Our MYP5 students played William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Not only did all of them play the part of either a Montague or a Capulet with infectious enthusiasm, but also with a wonderful touch of drama and humor. The students impressed teachers and parents by bringing a powerful yet toxic love story of “a madness most discreet “ to life.
ISD Secondary - Monitoring Student Progress
Contribution by Ms Elize Burgess
At ISD secondary we have developed a way to monitor student progress on different levels and subjects. To do this, we combine data from lessons, summative assessments, and standarised tests. This last part falls under the responsibility of the Student Support department. We will use the following tests this school year:
Progress test maths and Progress test English: These tests assess students’ knowledge, understanding and application in these core subjects. This takes place either at the end of PYP7 for ISD students or at the beginning of MYP1 for students who are new to ISD. Then we repeat this at the end of MYP1 for all students to check their progress in this important first year.
CAT4: An assessment of developed abilities in areas known to make a difference to learning and achievement – namely verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning. It provides an accurate analysis of potential student achievement. This will take place in December for MYP2 and 5.
PASS: A tool that measures pupils’ wellbeing in learning and offers practical next steps. We do this for all year groups around February.
We use all the gathered information to track student well-being and progress as a whole and occasionally also individually. When a student’s outcomes are concerning, we look at it with the mentor and involve parents. If you have any questions about the information above, feel free to contact ElizeBurgess at e.burgess@internationalschooldelft.org.
ISD Secondary: Rock & Water program
During the PHE lessons MYP 1 & 2 have started the Rock & Water program. Before the summer holidays Ms. Bekkers and Ms. van Diemen completed a 3-day Rock & Water course and are now delivering the program once a week in PHE.
The Rock and Water program provides the students a pathway to self-awareness, and increased self-confidence and social functioning. The program focuses on awareness of one's own strength and capabilities and one's ability to play together, work together and respect each other.
A series of exercises and games are practised to develop confidence and self-reflection. The games are diverse, active and many have a martial arts origin. Students learn to stand strong, negotiate using “rock” or “water” verbal approaches, walk away from trouble, consider alternatives to aggression, and develop understandings about who they are, their intuitive feelings and their personal direction. Besides standing up for themselves, students learn how to recognise bullying in class and how to deal with it when they see it or when it happens to them. The students have been participating actively and are working hard to create a positive class atmosphere.
Nice to meet you - new staff members
ISD Primary
My name is Joanna Oduber and I come from the beautiful Island Aruba. I lived in the US for one year when I was 15 and went to the Cardinal Gibbons High School. I am very happy to be part of the ISD primary team as an Admin officer and I work from Monday till Thursday. I live in The Hague with my partner and 3 kids. In my free time I love to spend time with my family and friends.
ISD Secondary
Hello, my name is Noémie Massol, I come from the south of France and I have lived in the Netherlands for 11 years. I live together with my Dutch husband and our 2 boys (1 and 4 years old).
I have just joined the International School Delft Secondary as Admin and Admissions assistant, and I am happy to be part of the team. I am looking forward to meeting with the whole ISD community. I have previously worked as Admissions officer at the Erasmus university in Rotterdam.
I spend my time off with my family and friends; love being outdoors, in the nature, and exploring new places. My hobbies are cycling or hiking, cooking, traveling.
Information & contact
For more information about our school, the enrolment and contact options, please visit our website: www.internationalschooldelft.com
On Monday, 17 October, MYP 5 students participated in the second Academic Writing Workshop, which was led by Ms. Ruocco and Ms. Hall. During this session, students learned various methods for embedding quotes into the body of their personal projects; additionally, they were given direct instruction on how to create an MLA-style bibliography and how to use the Google Docs citation tool to help with this process. These are useful academic writing skills that can be applied not only to the personal project, but across content areas. 
MYP1 students made an experiment where they had to use different types of mixture to make a “spider” to float. In this way students learned that emulsion is a mixture of two liquids which do not combine. Such a nice activity shows that science doesn’t have to be dreary, especially when we mix it with Halloween fun! 
My name is Joanna Oduber and I come from the beautiful Island Aruba. I lived in the US for one year when I was 15 and went to the Cardinal Gibbons High School. I am very happy to be part of the ISD primary team as an Admin officer and I work from Monday till Thursday. I live in The Hague with my partner and 3 kids. In my free time I love to spend time with my family and friends.
Hello, my name is Noémie Massol, I come from the south of France and I have lived in the Netherlands for 11 years. I live together with my Dutch husband and our 2 boys (1 and 4 years old). 
