Learning – Barry Dequanne

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.

Youth Forum Switzerland

Youth Forum Switzerland (YFS) 2025 at International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL):

We are filled with gratitude and pride for the 8th edition of YFS, an event that has truly embodied the power of youth to inspire change. YFS is a landmark event that amplifies youth voices and highlights their power to effect meaningful change in our world. What began eight years ago as a bold idea has grown into one of ISZL’s most extraordinary traditions, embodying the very essence of ISZL’s vision to transform learning into action.

YFS was born out of a pivotal moment when ISZL students attending the World Open Forum in Davos noticed the absence of a student voice in global conversations. With remarkable determination, they advocated for this void to be addressed, convincing the World Economic Forum to support their vision of a platform for youth. Today, YFS stands as a testament to their initiative as a vibrant platform for changemakers to address critical global issues, with many speakers attending Davos, making ISZL their first stop to engage with our students. With student leadership at its heart, this year’s forum included:
– Student-led workshops, panels, and keynote speeches,
– Inspiring discussions with local and international guest speakers,
– Unforgettable moments of collaboration, passion, and hope.

As Kurt Hahn, founder of the IB, stated: “There is more in you than you think.” YFS proves the truth of these words as ISZL students rise to meet challenges, lead with purpose, and work towards solutions that inspire hope and progress.

🙏 Thank You to Our Community:

To the more than 950 students and educators who participated, your passion and dedication to fostering connections with changemakers have been integral to the forum’s impact. This year’s group was again exceptional.
To the YFS Team student organizers, your months of diligent planning and effort have created an event that inspired meaningful learning and encouraged dialogue across generations. The legacy of your hard work will continue to resonate long after today.
To our extraordinary guest speakers, over 65 influential changemakers who generously shared their insights and stories. Your perspectives have enriched and empowered more than 950 young minds, leaving a profound impression on us all. And, a special thanks to Jaideep Bansal, who has been to all eight editions of YFS, and for his opening address.
To our High School Team and all ISZL Staff, thank you for your continued leadership, unwavering dedication, and commitment to bringing this forum to life every year.
To ISZL’s Fund for Excellence (FFE), thank you for your continued support.

💻 Couldn’t join us? Catch highlights and key sessions on the Youth Forum Switzerland website: YFS Videos

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s YFS a transformative and unforgettable experience. Together, we amplify the voices shaping a brighter future.

[Photo Credits: Ana María Torres]

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.

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.

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”

Journeys and Transitions

While the very nature of an international community is one of transience, it is important not to diminish the challenges and opportunities associated with the transitions themselves. As the departure of valued colleagues and dear friends are accompanied by the arrival of new families and the promise of new friendships, we also find ourselves managing pandemic-induced vicissitudes. But, with every challenge, we also seek to learn from our experience and embrace new opportunities.

Could anyone have imagined last semester that campuses around the world would be closed from one day to the next, that over one billion students would spend several months learning from home and connecting with teachers online? As we know, this is exactly what happened. It was remarkable to see how quickly our community transitioned to a new reality and incorporated creative, and, in several cases, better ways of doing things. It was also affirming to witness what can be accomplished when real or perceived barriers are removed.

Our life journeys will include the need to face adversity, when our character and values are tested, when we are transformed for the better. We know that real growth comes from overcoming setbacks and challenges. We tend to learn much more from our failures than our successes. We face our crucibles, learn from those experiences, and emerge transformed in a fundamental way, though transitioning through these stages is not always easy. The author, William Bridges, makes a key distinction between the impact of change and transition on our lives:

“…change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. It is not those events, but rather the inner reorientation and self-redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate any of those changes into your life. Without a transition, a change is just a rearrangement of the furniture. Unless transition happens, the change won’t work, because it doesn’t ‘take’”.

The pandemic has challenged us in ways we could not have previously imagined. And, while it has not always been easy, our families, teachers, and staff have all inspired and emboldened us. Our students have been heroic throughout this journey, showing us how to flourish with grace, class, and good humour during a time of uncertainty and change.

Looking ahead, we will continue to prepare and plan for a school year using design principles that are adaptable and flexible in nature. We are committed to embracing transitions, learning from our experiences, incorporating new opportunities, and advancing a learning programme designed to help every student turn their learning into action, and stretch themselves further and achieve more than they believe possible [ISZL Vision].

Photo Credit: Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

From One Parent to Another…

This letter to parents has been written by an ISZL Parent/Teacher:

Dear Parents,
I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Like you, I’ve just finished attempting to motivate my Primary School aged son to organise his day. He begins with eagerness but his attention is limited, and to be honest, working from home has shown me that mine can be too. It is hard to sit in front of a computer all day, without the energy and enthusiasm that comes from working in a school, especially one like ISZL. It is a challenge for teachers as much as for students. We miss working directly with children, being able to have meaningful discussions about their learning and engage in the process together.

I have been thinking about you as I try to find space in my apartment to take a Google Hangout call with my team. Every other member of my family has a virtual meeting scheduled at exactly the same time. In the end, I carve out space on the balcony, thankful for the sunshine and view. I have been thinking about you as I try to manage the never-ending requests for snacks and food from my family, while I try to find documents in Google folders of students. It can sometimes feel like they may have designed an extra special challenge for their teacher. Know that I am thinking about you as I struggle to find balance in being a teacher, parent, spouse, friend and colleague.

But know this, I am also thinking about your child. I know this situation can feel overwhelming, for you and for them. It is easy to focus on and worry about the work they are, or are not, doing. But, I also know that if we keep talking with our children and reminding them that all will be well, they have an unprecedented opportunity to learn things that cannot be taught if not without these extraordinary circumstances. As I think about my own children and my students, I am hoping they will learn to have balance, resilience and motivation to help guide their learning. If they do, this will have been time well spent. They are learning to adapt, to identify support that they need, and to think about ways to get help when a task feels hard. They may even have the time to find something new that they love. Better yet, there is time. Time to have a more relaxed start to the day.

My son has learned to make pancakes which I see as an essential life skill. Time to extend our dinners well into the evening laughing about the craziness of the situation or something funny someone saw on YouTube. Time to see our children as students, what they excel at and where they may need more support. My daughter has been coaching my son on writing a plan for the day to help organize his work, I am hopeful she is more successful at keeping him on track than I have been. I am thinking about you, my students and my family and am hopeful that we can all learn what is most important. That through all of this we were all here to support each other. This, in the end, is the most important thing we can teach them.

Yours sincerely, Parent, Teacher, Colleague and Friend.

Link: At-Home Learning

Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash

Learning Into Action

What is your mission or purpose in life? What is your vision for your personal future?

While we may not ask ourselves these questions very often, the ensuing reflections are often helpful in clarifying our values, articulating what is important to us, guiding our decisions, and determining how we focus our energy and time. As these questions are also of paramount importance to any organisation, ISZL has recently undergone an extensive community-wide process to re-articulate our school’s guiding statements.

OUR MISSION
We are a community of learners determined to make the world – or our corner of it – a better, kinder place. We reflect our values in everything we do so that we make the most of the opportunities and challenges in a spirit of enthusiastic inquiry.

The mission statement is about our school’s purpose with a focus on today and what we do to realise these aims. The words, “we are a community of learners” signify that ISZL is not just a school, but rather a community working together to positively impact the lives of others.

During Professor Yong Zhao’s recent visit to our school, his words further emphasised this key facet of our mission: We don’t just learn from others, we learn for others as well. ISZL students embody these ideals every day through our many service programmes and the recent Youth Forum Switzerland event, for example. By creating something of value, there is purpose in learning, which enhances passion, creativity, and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.

OUR VISION
We help every student turn their learning into action, creating the opportunity to stretch themselves further and achieve more than they believe possible.

A vision is designed to be bold and aspirational. It is a belief and an ethos that drives us forward to realise the school we want to become. The mission represents a constant purpose that transcends time. In contrast, the vision is what we seek for our future selves. When we begin to actually achieve our vision, then it will be time to set a new and bolder aspiration for our future.

While our mission is about what we collectively do as a community, the vision is exclusively focused on our students and how we help every student turn their learning into action, stretching themselves further and achieving more than they believe possible. This vision can only be fully achieved through the aligned efforts of all community members.

The next step in this journey is to map out how we will advance our mission and vision to achieve our goals. The critical work to establish an articulated strategy and associated projects is currently in process and will be shared out in an upcoming edition of the ISZL Bulletin.

In the meantime, I would like to again thank you for your feedback and ideas during this journey. Your contributions, particularly from the Design Lab process, have played a critical role, not only in the development of ISZL’s guiding statements, but also towards the development of strategic priorities.

Photo Credit: ISZL Communications and Public Relations Team

A Sense of Wonder

In 1974, a young boy named Harold Whittles is about to experience his world in a new and astounding way. For the first five years of his life preceding this moment, Harold has not heard the sounds around him as he has been deaf since birth. This is about to change as technological advances have led to Harold’s meeting with a doctor to be fitted with a hearing aid.

The remarkable picture below captured the moment when Harold heard for the first time and was transported from a world of silence to one filled with seemingly countless different sounds emanating around him. Harold’s eyes are wide with astonishment and wonder.

It is this sense of wonder, conveyed in an emotional and extraordinary manner through Jack Bradley’s photo, that serves as a reminder of our role to nurture the natural curiosity in our students and their exploration to understand the world around them. Our students also remind us each day that we adults should never lose a child’s sense of awe and wonder.

As we prepare for our annual community Thanksgiving celebration, I was drawn back to Harold’s story and the importance of both gratitude and wonder. In the spirit of giving thanks, I would like to convey my deep levels of gratitude to be a member of a community dedicated to ensuring a learning environment that regularly leaves students and adults in a state of wonderment.

P.S. Thank you to our talented science teacher, Stephen Boyd, for introducing me to Harold’s story.

Photo by Kristine Weilert on Unsplash: Sunrise breaking into the forest.