As we continue to engage in a joint CIS/NEASC accreditation this year with a focus on Wellbeing for Lifelong Learning, we are proud to be working with Jacinta Williams, founder of EdLiberate Consulting and expert in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategies. Jacinta has worked with schools and organisations across various contexts to create spaces where everyone knows they belong, can meaningfully contribute, and thrive. She brings a thoughtful, engaging, and interactive approach to DEIB work, and we’re excited to bring that experience to our community.
Building on the important work of our Deep Dive committee, Jacinta led a session with staff and faculty designed to start building on the foundations of our DEIB work. They explored what it means to create a true sense of belonging within our school community, reflected on how we can each contribute to fostering an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, treated fairly, and protected, and begin to identify some of the challenges that can get in the way of connection. They also learned strategies for speaking up and practised how to address harm.
During the session, we learned the benefits of DEIB. When students feel like they belong, they trust their teachers and peers more, are more motivated and engaged, respond more adaptively to critical feedback, and have higher academic performance and overall well-being.
Dr. Bernadette Carmody, ISA Director, shared that “what particularly resonated with me was the importance of addressing harmful comments directly and immediately, even if it feels uncomfortable.’ I encourage everyone to reflect on the Speak Up Strategies as we strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a meaningful; and impactful journey for each one of us.”
Looking ahead, Grade Level Coordinators and Counsellors in the Upper School, along with Counsellors in the Lower School, will be trained on how to facilitate Student Listening Circles. These individuals will then train Homeroom teachers and Advisors, ensuring they are equipped to host and facilitate student listening circles. We look forward to hearing from students on how they perceive belonging at ISA.
Grade 2 teacher and Lower School Green Team Coordinator, Marta van der Meer, has nurtured ISA’s relationship with Room to Read over the past twelve years. Reflecting on the impact of the Book Sale, Marta emphasises its ability to transcend age and language barriers within the ISA community and instil empathy and global citizenship in our students.
“The Room-to-Read Book Sale is an event that truly crosses all ages in all parts of our community. It embraces the variety of different languages in our community and it allows us to come together to foster not only a love for reading in our students but also for empathy and for helping. The Book Sale fosters a culture of learning and empathy within the ISA community while directly supporting education and literacy initiatives in developing countries. Each sale makes a meaningful impact on education for those in need.”
Grade 3 student Ellie enjoyed her experience of volunteering every day at the book sale to help everyone have a chance to learn in the future.
“I like to help out because it helps people go to school and I think it is important to learn. If you don’t go to school you don’t have good learning, and if you don’t have good learning, you don’t create a positive impact when you grow up.”
