Category: Culture

Celebrating International Mother Language Day

At ISZL, language is more than communication—it is a bridge to identity, culture, and understanding. Multilingualism enhances cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and memory. Learning in one’s mother tongue fosters deeper comprehension and academic success, supporting additional language acquisition.

Language plays a crucial role in shaping experiences and interactions in our diverse and multilingual community. ISZL is home to approximately 800 families representing 58 nationalities, with nearly 50 first languages spoken across the student body. While English is most common (47%), German (9%), Spanish (6%), Dutch (5%), Russian (5%), and French (4%) are also widely spoken. Danish, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Hebrew, and Hindi each contribute to our rich linguistic tapestry, with over 30 additional languages spoken by smaller segments of our community. Additionally, more than 50% of ISZL families identify English as not being their native language, highlighting the importance of effective and thoughtful communication in building strong partnerships and a connected school community.

This linguistic richness is not only an asset but also a daily reality for many ISZL families. Children naturally navigate multiple languages, seamlessly shifting between them depending on context and audience. At our home, we speak English and Portuguese, while our children also learn German through school and daily life in Zug. One memorable personal example of this effortless code-switching happened when our daughter, at a very young age, was reminded in Portuguese, “Por favor, não se esqueça de dizer ‘obrigado'” (Please don’t forget to say ‘thank you’), after receiving a gift from her Canadian grandmother. Without hesitation, she turned and said, “Thank you, Mémère,”  instinctively transitioning from Portuguese to English, recognising one of her grandmother’s native languages. We know that our families share similar experiences, reflecting our dynamic, multilingual world.

At ISZL, we witness such moments daily. Our diverse community values linguistic diversity as a strength, creating an inclusive environment where students’ home languages are nurtured alongside new ones. As Jacob Huckle emphasises, “celebrating diversity is not enough.” We must go beyond recognition and work intentionally to embed multilingualism in our teaching and curriculum, ensuring that all languages are valued as essential to identity and learning.

Research also consistently underscores the cognitive and social benefits of multilingualism. Antoniou (2019) found that bilingual and multilingual individuals exhibit enhanced cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and stronger executive function, all of which contribute to academic success and global competence. UNESCO’s theme, Multilingual Education – A Necessity to Transform Education, challenges us to reimagine how we integrate language into education. By embracing multilingualism not only as a tool for communication but as a foundation for deeper learning and inclusion, ISZL prepares students to be empathetic, globally minded citizens equipped with the skills to navigate an interconnected world.

Language is also central to belonging, and at ISZL, we strive to create a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and heard. As we reflect on the significance of International Mother Language Day, we are reminded of our broader mission—to build a kinder, better world. Through multilingualism, we strengthen our collective sense of community, ensuring that ISZL remains a place where every voice matters.

To quote Nelson Mandela, “If you talk to a person in a language they understand, that goes to their head. If you talk to them in their language, that goes to their heart.” This principle guides our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and meaningful connection. At ISZL, we do not simply teach languages—we foster a culture where language is a source of strength, identity, and unity. Through this shared commitment, we continue to build bridges, cultivate understanding, and reinforce the values that define our school community.

With kind regards,

Barry Dequanne

Director

References

• Antoniou, K. (2019). The advantages of bilingualism: Cognitive and social development in multilingual individuals. Journal of Multilingual Development, 36(4), 455-471.

• Huckle, J. (2023). Transforming education through multilingual education: Going beyond celebration for International Mother Language Day. The International Educator (TIE Online). Retrieved from https://www.tieonline.com/

• Mandela, N. (1994). Long walk to freedom: The autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Little, Brown and Company. UNESCO. (2023). Multilingual education – A necessity to transform education. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org/

A Hanbok, a Friendship, and a Cultural Connection

I am grateful to be part of a community where our daughter comes home from school, inspired by her friends and teachers, eager to celebrate Lunar New Year. Yesterday, she reminded us of its importance and asked us to wear the beautiful hanbok her Korean classmate gifted her last year—a heartwarming reminder of the connections and cultural appreciation that make a community so special.

Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! Wishing you prosperity, strength, and health in the Year of the Snake.

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

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.