Barry Dequanne

Category: Service

  • The Bells That Still Ring

    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…

  • Learning Beyond the Classroom: Reflections from the Himalayas

    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…

  • Fourteen Years of Life, Love, and Lessons

    Fourteen Years of Life, Love, and Lessons

    For fourteen years, Vida filled our lives with joy, loyalty, and love. She taught us to live in the moment, to love without judgment, and to greet each day with joy. While her leash now hangs empty, her presence and lessons remain forever in our hearts.

  • The Privilege of Letting Go

    The Privilege of Letting Go

    Parenting and teaching are acts of deep care and quiet courage. As a new school year begins, the privilege of walking beside young people comes into focus, along with the quiet strength it takes to let go, trust, and hope. Each step forward marks a leap toward growth, independence, and becoming.

  • Youth Forum Switzerland

    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…

  • Celebrating New Beginnings

    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…

  • Journeys and Transitions

    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…

  • Transformative Competencies

    Transformative Competencies

    The Future of Education and Skills 2030, published by the OECD, identifies three “transformative competencies” that students need to contribute to and thrive in our world. The first competency is about creating new value and our commitment to innovate and “think outside the box” to shape better lives. This focus integrates a sense of purpose…

  • Até Logo, EAB

    Até Logo, EAB

    “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”  ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer Dear EAB Community, It is with a heavy heart that I write this final communication in my role as Head of School. Serving EAB for…

  • Students Helping Students

    Students Helping Students

      What does it feel like to be mentored by a national champion who is ranked among the best in the world? To find out, you are invited to visit the American School of Brasilia’s afterschool chess club. Meilin Hoshino (Grade 6) and her sister Karen (Grade 10) are considered to be elite chess players…