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The Bells That Still Ring
As the school year came to a close, I found myself returning to a photograph taken during a student trip to the Himalayas and to a line from Leonard Cohen’s Anthem: “Ring the bells that still can ring.” The photograph and the lyric prompted me to think about community, imperfection, loss, hope, and the importance…
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The Quiet Work of Understanding
One of the things I appreciate most about education is that, despite our different contexts, we often find ourselves wrestling with similar questions, challenges, and opportunities. Whether in schools, organisations, or communities, many of the conversations I encounter seem to return to a common challenge: how to remain thoughtful, grounded, and connected to one another…
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Moments of Joy
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Learning Beyond the Classroom: Reflections from the Himalayas
This September, I had the privilege of spending nine days in the Himalayas with nineteen ISZL students and three teachers as part of our Personal Development Week (PDW). What unfolded was not simply a trip, but a journey into history, culture, resilience, and, above all, human connection. From walking the ancient trails of the Silk…
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The Privilege of Letting Go
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…