Today, we had a special assembly to celebrate our Grade 12 students who are now in full exam preparation mode. They are another very special group of Chinthes and this is a summary of my message to them. 

Class of 2025. Congratulations. You are compassionate global citizens.

I just wanted to clarify our intentions behind all this compassion and service learning and connection and community building. And I wanted to thank you for all you have done to build our community up.

Yes we want compassionate people who will make the world a better place – I’d like to think everyone does. But that is not the only reason why we create opportunities for you to serve and connect with others. We also do it to make you competitive in a very competitive and rapidly changing world.

As a school, we are not responsible for the whole world but we are responsible for our little piece and everyone in it. We are responsible to you (and your families) to make sure you feel connected and capable and as prepared as you possibly can be for what is an uncertain and unknown future. 

We want you to succeed as individuals – ultimately it is up to you what you will do with your success – whether you will make the world a better place or not. I know that you will. Just like you made our school a better place.

In your future, in the age of AI, your success or your competitive edge will lie in areas where machines struggle to replicate human qualities. Your success will be determined by the following human characteristics or attributes:

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): AI can process data, but it can’t connect emotionally. You’re competitive because you have empathy, compassion, and the ability to build trust and strong relationships.
   
2. Creativity & Innovation: AI can optimize processes, but humans can think creatively, make intuitive leaps, and combine ideas in new ways. You’re competitive because you’re creative.
   
3. Ethical Judgment: AI follows rules, but humans navigate complex ethical decisions based on culture, values, and long-term consequences. You’re competitive because you can distinguish right from wrong.
   
4. Complex Problem Solving: AI solves defined problems, but humans tackle complex and ambiguous challenges with critical thinking and adaptability. You’re competitive because you can identify and solve problems – not just answer questions.
   
5. Collaboration & Leadership: AI assists decisions, but true leadership—motivating and inspiring others—relies on human qualities. You’re competitive because you can collaborate and lead.
   
6. Soft Skills: Communication, persuasion, and conflict resolution are areas where AI falls short. You’re competitive because you excel at connecting with and influencing others. 
7. Lifelong Learning & Adaptability: AI automates tasks, but humans adapt and reinvent themselves. You’re competitive because you can keep learning and adapting.

It isn’t my opinion or our school’s opinion that these things will make you competitive. It is the opinion of those academics and researchers who write for the Harvard Business Review and the World Economic Forum and the MIT Technology Review.

Your grades are important – very important and that is why we push you so hard academically. But your grades alone will not get you to where you want to be. There is always someone with the same or better grades than you applying for the same place that thousands of others had applied for. But you are so much more than your grades. You have proved that time and again in the way you served our community and interacted with everyone here.

You stand out because you have all those things that I have just mentioned. 

So that is the intent behind all that service learning and connection and community building. To give you the opportunity to develop and prove that you have all these skills that are not reflected in your transcript. To make you competitive. 

Keep studying and working hard – get the best grades you can. Always find ways to serve and connect with others in ways that are meaningful to you. Double down on all those skills that make you stand out as a good human. And you are all good humans. Some of the very best I have worked with. And that is your competitive edge.

Activities & Athletics

Here is a link to Ms.Rebekka Jensen’s Athletics and Activities Blog for up-to-date information regarding Activities and Athletics at ISY.

Toiletries Drive

If you are staying at a hotel during the break, please bring back any unused complimentary toiletries that we can donate to our Chinthe Fund partners.

Upcoming Events

• April 22: Grade 12 Check In After Thingyan
• April 25: Earth Day Celebration: Chinthe Communities Trashion Show!
• April 28: IB Exams Start (for ISY Grade 12 students)
• May 5-9: AAPPL Testing (Grades 6 to 10 Languages)
• May 19-23: Grade 11 Exams
• May 21: IB Exams Finish
• May 24: High School Prom
• May 27: Graduation
• May 28-30: Grade 9 & 10 Exams
• June 4: Quarter 4 / Semester 2 Report Cards live on Powerschool
• June 6: Last Day of School (11:30am dismissal)

Join Us for Tuesday Talks – Your Guide to University Admissions!

Are you starting to think about university applications? Join us for Tuesday Talks, a series of informative presentations designed to help students and families navigate the university admissions process.

When: Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
Where: MPR

Each week, we’ll explore key topics, including university admissions in different countries, scholarships, and career pathways. This is a great opportunity to gain insider tips and get your questions answered!

On Tuesday, April 29 we will provide an overview of scholarships – what they are and how to access them.

ISY Legacy Page

This dedicated page showcases our rich history, key milestones, and the incredible stories that make ISY the vibrant community it is today. Take a moment to explore the page and join us in celebrating our legacy.

Let’s honor our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future together! Visit the page here: ISY Legacy Page

HELPFUL TIPS FOR DISCUSSING THE EARTHQUAKE

Last Friday’s earthquake has affected everyone in our community in some way—some more directly and profoundly than others.  During times of crisis, children often look to their parents for comfort, safety, and reassurance. Navigating these conversations can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips for discussing the earthquake with your child.

Connect: Begin by understanding what your child knows and how they are feeling. Use calm, age-appropriate language and share simple, accurate facts to help them process what happened. This approach builds trust and provides comfort.

Role Model: Children often mirror the emotions of trusted adults. Speak calmly, be mindful of your body language, and share your concerns with other adults rather than your child. Demonstrating calmness helps them feel secure.

Validate: Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. Let them know that whatever they are feeling is natural. Avoid minimizing or dismissing their emotions, as feeling heard and understood is crucial for their sense of safety.

Check In Regularly: In the days and weeks ahead, create space for your child to share their feelings and ask questions. Monitor their media exposure to ensure they are accessing information that is age-appropriate and presented in manageable amounts.

Serve & Get Involved: Encourage your child to channel their energy into positive actions. Participating in recovery efforts, supporting local relief initiatives, or engaging in school activities can be empowering and healing.

Your guidance and presence can make a tremendous difference. By providing a calm, caring environment, you help your child feel secure and supported during this challenging time.

The ISY Counseling Department is here to support you and your family.  If you have any questions or concerns or feel your child may need extra support, please contact Mr. A-G at mamundson-geisel@isyedu.org or Ms. Patty at escouselor@isyedu.org. 

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