Culture of Care and Connection

Our morning routines are filled with grounding rituals that set the stage for the day ahead. While these routines are important for us as adults, they are especially critical for children, playing a key role in their emotional and developmental well-being.

Among my favourite moments each morning – and I confess that I am a “morning person” – is the drop-off routine with my children. As with any family, finding meaningful time to spend with our children can be challenging, so I have intentionally made our cherished morning rituals a consistent moment to connect whenever possible.

For our 7-year-old daughter, this includes an audiobook on the drive to school, currently, the Magic Tree House series, sparking thoughtful questions and conversations. This is followed by a cheerful walk to her classroom and a moment of connection, whether through a hug, kind words, or a simple pause, before she eagerly starts her day.

For our 4-year-old son, a small but meaningful ritual has become essential. As we enter his classroom, he often hands me a marker, asking for a heart to be drawn on the back of his hand. Once the heart is drawn, he hugs me and begins his day.

I sense that this simple gesture holds a deeper meaning for him — a bridge between home and school, a reassurance that carries him through the day. It is a tangible reminder of our connection, offering comfort and security as he transitions into his first activity. This routine seems to bring him a sense of predictability and grounding, both essential for children to feel emotionally ready to embrace their day.

This small act also reflects a much deeper value we hold as an ISZL community: the belief that emotional well-being and psychological safety are foundational to thriving as a learner. A commitment to a culture of care, where every student feels seen, supported, and valued, is at the core of our mission. 

Those seemingly minor but deeply impactful rituals – whether a warm greeting from a bus driver, a teacher’s welcome, journaling quietly, connecting with friends, or even drawing a heart – anchor children emotionally, preparing them to engage in their learning. These routines and acts of connection are simple yet powerful, fostering confidence and readiness to embrace the day’s opportunities.

For my son, the heart on his hand also expresses feelings that are still too complex to put into words. As he develops emotionally, this symbol helps him communicate his need for reassurance in a way he understands. At ISZL, we strive to create inclusive environments where students of all ages can express themselves openly and feel supported as they navigate their growth and learning journeys.

These personal moments of care align with our shared values. Strong relationships and a sense of belonging are essential for effective learning. When students feel emotionally secure, they are more likely to take risks, explore new ideas, and immerse themselves fully in their experiences. Moments of care, whether a heart or a smile, form the foundation for their success in school and beyond.

As 2025 begins to take shape, I wish you a year filled with meaningful rituals that bring joy, well-being, and a deep sense of fulfilment.

Barry Dequanne

Afterword: The “heart on hand” morning ritual was initiated by my son, a gesture that brought him comfort and connection. Now, as he grows more independent and requests it less frequently, I find myself cherishing these moments even more. I have come to realise that this small act not only supports his transition into the day but also grounds me, reminding me of the importance of connection, care, and shared rituals to start my own day with intention and gratitude.

The Transformative Power of Stories

Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of reading to several classes as part of our ISZL Reads community initiative. Sitting with students, exploring stories together, and witnessing their reactions has been, as always, a profoundly moving experience. It is a reminder that the power of stories extends far beyond the words on the page. These shared moments spark imaginations, encourage curiosity, and create opportunities to connect across ages and perspectives.

One story that perfectly captures this transformative power is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister — a tale I often read to my own young children. Through the story of a fish who learns to share his shimmering scales, it teaches that happiness comes from generosity and building meaningful connections. As the Rainbow Fish discovers, sharing doesn’t diminish what we have — it enriches our relationships and strengthens our community. Similar themes of empathy, kindness, courage, and the power of integrity are explored through age-appropriate books in the Middle and High Schools.

These messages resonate deeply with ISZL’s mission to make the world a better, kinder place, and turn learning into action. Just as the Rainbow Fish learns that sharing enriches relationships, ISZL students — and adults — are encouraged to share their time, talents, and kindness to create a positive impact. At ISZL, the stories we read inspire the actions we take, and together, these moments strengthen a community dedicated to making a difference.

Barry

Our Strategic Direction

We remain dedicated to advancing ISZL with a clear and purposeful focus, driven by our Mission and Vision, which are central to everything we do. These core principles shape our Objectives and Key Results (OKR) strategy, enabling us to adapt swiftly to rapid changes in technology, education, and society. 

Developed through community feedback last year, here is an overview of ISZL’s four Objectives that will guide our strategic efforts this year:

The first and critical objective is to Improve Individual and Collective Responsibility and Accountability for Learning. This reflects our belief that learning is a shared journey. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where staff actively engage in professional growth, deepen conceptual understanding across all subjects, and enhance our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure every student succeeds.

Our second key focus is to Implement Effective Practices to Innovate for a Sustainable Organisation. This involves ensuring ISZL operates as an organisation with maximum efficiency and resilience. This year, our goals include refining key policies, streamlining digital systems, and further securing ISZL’s long-term future.

We are also proud of our third objective: Position ISZL at the Forefront of Environmental Sustainability. Driven by our students’ passion and advocacy, this objective holds us accountable for leading by example and inspiring future global citizens. Initiatives this year include transitioning our high school campus to solar energy and establishing a comprehensive sustainability plan.

Lastly, the objective to Foster Human-Centred Principles underscores our belief that learning is a social endeavour and how our community is our greatest strength.

Guided by our mission and strategy, I look forward to partnering with you this year to advance our efforts to realise ISZL’s vision of supporting our students’ holistic development. We are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that we become a little better every day.

A Season of Gratitude and Light

Celebrating Our Global Community

Our students, parents, and staff bring an extraordinary range of celebrations, from Chuseok in Korea and the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Erntedankfest, Räbeliechtli-Umzug, Kwanzaa, and Sukkot in Europe, Africa, and North America, among others. Each tradition is an opportunity to honour and celebrate our ISZL community. As we celebrate traditions of light — from Diwali’s diyas in India to the candles of Santa Lucia in Sweden and other Nordic countries, Hanukkah’s menorah, and Thailand’s Loi Krathong lanterns — we are reminded of the journey from darkness to light, a shared strength that unites us across cultures.

At ISZL, each tradition adds a unique perspective, broadening our understanding of the world and strengthening our connections across cultures. Our students have the invaluable opportunity to learn directly from one another, building a strong foundation of intercultural understanding and mutual respect. Through these diverse ways of finding meaning and connection, we come together as a community and enrich the experience of all.

In this upcoming season, we celebrate each other. Together, we are a diverse community defined by respect, curiosity, and shared joy — an international family here in Zug and beyond, and a beautiful place to belong. May we embrace this season with deep gratitude, hope in the light we share, and inspiration to further ISZL’s mission “to make the world, or our corner of it, a kinder, better place.”

We look forward to our upcoming ISZL Community Festival to celebrate our shared cultural heritage and traditions. This special day will bring families and staff together to share a meal, connect as a community, and celebrate the season with gratitude and unity.

Celebrating New Beginnings

The first day of school is always a momentous occasion, and today was no exception. As the first rays of dawn illuminated our campuses this morning, they also ushered in the promise of fresh beginnings. With the arrival of our students, ISZL’s once quiet halls and open spaces were instantly transformed, infused with the vibrant energy of excited voices, laughter, and the joy of reconnecting with friends, old and new. These moments truly bring our school to life—a celebration of our community uniting to embark on another year of shared growth and discovery.

The morning has been filled with awe, wonder, and renewal, perfectly capturing the essence of hope embodied by our young learners. I have always felt that the cyclical nature of a school year is profoundly motivating and a unique privilege, offering us a fresh start with each new chapter and an opportunity to dream bigger, strive further, and achieve more than we ever imagined.

Today’s culminating and transformative morning would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and commitment of our talented ISZL staff and the partnership with our families. It is this shared, human endeavour that embodies the spirit of ISZL, setting the stage for this exciting new chapter.

One of ISZL’s greatest strengths is the remarkable sense of community that unites us all—students, staff, and families alike. Our school is a place where care, kindness, and mutual respect are not merely ideals but the foundation of our shared journey. With more than 60 nationalities, we take pride in our rich diversity, celebrating each member’s unique perspectives and experiences in our community.

Together, we will continue to build a school where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a positive impact—a place where learning is turned into meaningful action, and where we are all committed to making the world, or at least our corner of it, a better, kinder place.

Wishing everyone all the very best for an inspiring and successful 2024-2025 school year!

With gratitude,

Barry

Nikau (Therapy Dog) and Eddie the ISZL Eagle

Bidding Goodnight to Our School Year

Today marked our last meeting of the year together as a staff, which always prompts a moment of reflection. As children’s books provide poignant life lessons, I will defer to one of my favourites, Goodnight Moon, which I have often read to my own children in recent years.

While written for young children, Goodnight Moon also serves as a beautiful metaphor for celebrating the conclusion of our 2023-2024 school year at ISZL. Just as the book gently bids goodnight to each cherished object, we, too, bid farewell to a year filled with growth, learning, connection, and community. 

Each page of “Goodnight Moon” reminds us to appreciate the small details in our surroundings and to be present in the moment. The soothing rhythm of expressing gratitude for the meaningful objects in our room (or what is meaningful in our lives) is calming and reassuring.

Each page echoes the warmth and security we feel within our school, a place of inclusion, care, and a sense of belonging. The book reminds us to find joy in simple pleasures. Bidding goodnight to the world reminds us of the importance of rest and self-care, and the opportunity to start a new day, or in our case, a new year, fresh and rejuvenated. 

As we wish our school year a “good night”, we acknowledge the accomplishments and memories we have created together. This restful slumber symbolises a well-deserved break for our community, allowing us to rejuvenate and reflect. 

With the dawn of the school year ahead, we look forward to new beginnings, continued learning, and the promise of further fostering our vibrant ISZL community. 

Let’s embrace this transition from one year to the next with the same gentle, hopeful spirit found in “Goodnight Moon,” ready to awaken refreshed and inspired for the journey ahead.

ISZL’s Bel Canto Choir, led by David Smith, performed a beautiful rendition of Goodnight Moon, adding a melodious touch to our farewell and setting a harmonious tone for the coming year.

We can’t forget that ISZL’s Eddie the Eagle also joined us in bidding goodnight to our 2023-2024 school year.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the book Goodnight Moon, the podcast from https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/goodnight-nobody/ is fascinating (Thank you, Valerie Koch for sharing).

Feature Photo Credit: AI Generated

The Precious Gift of Time

The following are my opening words at ISZL’s 2024 Graduation Ceremony.

Grüezi mitenand. Good Afternoon. To our honoured attendees: ISZL’s Board of Trustees, Teachers and Staff, Families and Friends, and all those watching from around the world via live stream video, welcome to our commencement ceremony. 

It is my utmost privilege to present ISZL’s Class of 2024. Today, we gather to celebrate you, our students, in a myriad of ways by a community that not only admires but also deeply cares for you. Congratulations, students, your accomplishments have filled us with pride.

I stand before you with immense gratitude, deeply honoured to serve this exceptional community. Living in Switzerland and being part of ISZL is a privilege I cherish each day. One of the daily delights I appreciate is my evening stroll by the lake with our dogs. 

This week, I noticed some of our seniors on a park bench, leisurely enjoying the evening together. We recognised each other, but I did not want to interrupt their special moment. I imagined their joy, having finished exams and savouring the last days of high school. 

At this week’s Senior Seminar, I spoke with one of the students I had seen the previous evening. He shared how he suddenly had an abundance of free time and felt uncertain about how to fill it. I immediately responded, “Free time, what a gift!”.

Graduates, as you sit here on the brink of a new journey, I want to share a profound truth: Time is a non-renewable resource. Once passed, time cannot be reclaimed. It is a precious gift, and how you choose to spend it will shape the course of your life.

A life journey is one of self-discovery through exploration and learning from mistakes. Each experience, whether a triumph or a misstep, shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. Time, as an irreplaceable resource, underscores the importance of deliberate action and reflection. 

As adults, we gain wisdom and good judgment beyond that of our children by having had the time to make more mistakes and to learn from them. In other words,  “Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from learning from bad judgment.” While parents naturally want to shield their children from errors, some lessons can only be learned through personal experience. Knowing ourselves is the beginning of all wisdom, and how we spend our time pursuing knowledge, adventure, and growth defines the richness of our life’s journey.

To put the value of time into perspective, consider this: As a Canadian male, my average life expectancy is about 82 years. While I hope to live well beyond that, this means I may only have 26 more summers to enjoy, 26 more trips around the sun to read those books on my wishlist, explore new destinations, run that special marathon, complete an advanced degree, and savour a moonlit night sitting on a park bench with dear friends. 

…I may only have 26 more occasions to celebrate my children’s birthdays. 

We all experience the unrelenting march of time, a profound reminder of our humanity, emphasising the finite nature of our existence. This awareness imbues our lives with meaning, as we recognise that each beautiful moment is unique and unrepeatable. It is this finiteness that compels us to make the most of our time, while treasuring our tapestry of memories graced by family and friends who cherish us and bring joy to our lives. The poet Mary Oliver famously asked, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

As you transition today from ISZL students to alumni, we hope you continue to use your time to embody ISZL’s vision to turn your learning into action, stretch yourself further and achieve more than you ever thought possible. Each moment of time is invaluable to be carefully managed and fiercely protected, whether it is preparing for exams, relishing today’s ceremony with your family and friends, working towards personal and professional goals, or simply sharing an evening on a park bench by the lake with friends. 

In closing, remember that time is fleeting, but its impact is enduring. May you continue to use your time to create, inspire, and make a difference. The world needs your brilliance, your compassion, and your courage. Congratulations, Class of 2024. I wish you all the best as you brighten the world with your light, fulfilling ISZL’s mission to make the world, or your corner of it, a better, kinder place.  Thank you.

Barry Dequanne

Photo: Family hike with friends in Höhenweg Hoch Ybrig, Illgau, Switzerland (Ladybug Trail)

A Better, Kinder Place in 2024

The breaks in our school calendar offer us the privilege to pause, reflect, and consolidate learning at individual and institutional levels. Then, with renewed zeal, we return to classes, embracing our ISZL journey, steered by our commitment to learning, community building, and fostering belonging in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic. 

In this context, Margaret Wheatley’s “Islands of Sanity in a chaotic world” concept (Wheatley, 2023) resonates with our efforts at ISZL to ensure an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute their best. Her focus on generosity, creativity, and kindness echoes our mission to cultivate these traits in our students and ourselves as adults.

Wheatley encourages us to believe in the inherent goodness and potential of people, a belief mirrored daily at ISZL through our students’ curiosity, our staff’s dedication, and our community’s united efforts. These experiences have enriched our learning, strengthened our connections, and underscored the transformative power of education.

The ability to turn learning into action was exemplified yesterday as our High School students hosted a parent Youth Forum Switzerland (YFS) Climate and Sustainability evening featuring exceptional local and international speakers. It was an inspiring event, reinforcing how the Islands of Sanity we have created through common purpose, interconnectedness, and hard work have resulted in impactful learning experiences and outcomes, as evidenced, for example, by our students’ Himalayas Climate Action Expedition video.

This was a precursor to tomorrow’s Youth Forum Switzerland event when more than 1,000 students and adults from ISZL and worldwide will converge at our High School campus. The day, designed by ISZL students, for students, ensures that young people’s voices are amplified and heard on the issues that will impact their future. You can watch the event live on the YFS Website.

Looking ahead to 2024, ISZL aims to continue serving as an ‘Island of Sanity’ – a nurturing space for personal development, creativity, and diversity. At a time when there are so many global challenges and crises, our unwavering commitment is to a path forward of continued collective growth, embracing generosity, creativity, and empathy.

Reference:

Wheatley, M. (2023). The work of sane leadership. Leader to Leader.  https://doi.org/10.1002/ltl.20781

Better Together

Reflecting on the state of world affairs and the challenges we have been facing, from a worldwide pandemic to historical political events to social injustice, among other critical issues, it would be easy to understand the impulse to have consigned 2020 to the local Ökihof (Swiss recycling centre) for recycling and become a distant memory. However, as difficult as the past year has been, and without diminishing in any way the immeasurable losses experienced by so many of our community members, 2020 has also taught us many lessons and forced us to learn more about ourselves, our work, and our communities. As 2021 is continuing to unfold, and many of the same challenges remain, I am hopeful that the experiences from both 2020 and 2021 to date will serve to provide a constructive and insightful pathway forward for our time ahead.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, The Fellowship of the Ring (a personal favourite), there is a lament from the main character wishing the challenges they were facing did not happen during their time. Gandalf replies, “So do I, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”. 

What our community of international schools has done with this time has led to so many inspiring stories about innovation, reinvention, and the learning of new skills. The importance of community, relationships, health, and well-being, and our ability to be present have all come to the forefront. We have been moved and buoyed by the kindness, compassion, and empathy extended by friends and strangers alike. There is no longer any doubt (if there ever was any) that learning is a social endeavour, and through our need to connect, we are reminded that our diversity and differences are among our greatest strengths. 

Perhaps the most enduring response during these challenging times has been the collective bolstering of our international community’s esprit de corps, from which we have emerged more aligned and unified. Borrowing from the wisdom young children often convey to adults, my three-year-old’s recent declaration may best summarise what has buoyed us: “We are better together”. I feel a profound sense of gratitude to be part of our International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL) community and our larger collection of international schools and organizations as we work through challenges, seek positives, and embrace the new opportunities that have emerged from these difficult times. 

These are not pollyannish declarations; the pandemic has reminded us of how central schools can be towards uniting communities, achieving more together, supporting our collective well-being, and realizing our potential. It is also during these times when our schools’ missions are perhaps most relevant. In our context here at ISZL, I am grateful to be serving at a school with a mission in which we are committed to being a “community of learners determined to make the world – or our corner of it – a better, kinder place.” And, similar to schools around the globe, it is this very commitment that leads to the realization of our vision to help every student turn their learning into action, creating opportunities to stretch themselves further and achieve more than they believe possible.

Featured Photo Credit: ISZL Communications Team

Photo Below: Me, a cellphone, and a fortunate moment

Our three-year-old reminding me that we are all “better together”