ISSL celebrated International Peace Day by bringing peace closer to home. We launched our Safe School campaign with two assemblies on bullying.  Prior to the assembly, all students completed an anticipation guided about what they thought constituted bullying. The Grade 8-12 students were presented with information around bullycide. They heard stories about students who had been bullied for their weight, their physical disability or their sexual orientation. This on-going harassment took many forms including physical, verbal and cyber bullying.  They also viewed the touching story of Christina, a victim of repeated verbal and cyber bullying. After the assembly, the students went back to their anticipation guides and readdressed their responses to the statements.  Each student was then presented with a "gingerbread" figure to record personal instances of bullying.  These personal reflections are hanging in the hallway as a visual reminder to students.

In the elementary assembly the students were presented with examples of bullying that focused on name-calling and ostracizing.  The video they watched celebrated the power of standing together to make a difference.  After the assembly they also completed personal reflections which have been posted in the hallway.

The next step in our Safe School initiative will require staff, students and parents to create a set of beliefs around what constitutes a safe learning environment.  To add visual impact we are also targeting a poster campaign and each student will have the opportunity to develop a safe school poster. The campaign will be organized by the school's newly formed diversity club. 

Dear parents, students, teachers and supporters of ISSL

We would like to welcome you all back to a new and exciting school year at International School St. Lucia. As a young, established and growing educational institution, we have achieved a lot which we are proud to share with you:

The students

• 100% pass rate of our graduating class of 16 students. 12 will be going on to universities around the world. 2 will be joining the work force and 2 will be deferring University entry because of sporting commitments, all with a healthy smattering of scholarships.
• Because of our child centred ethos, all students have a voice and feel comfortable expressing their ideas. They are confident, well-supported young boys and girls with dreams and aspirations to succeed in this competitive environment.

The programme

• We are the only inspected, private education provider offering accredited programmes locally from New Brunswick
• Our graduation diploma is accepted worldwide.
• Our well rounded programme means that in order to graduate all students must complete 40 hours of community service. Our teachers work with students who may need to travel for sporting fixtures or other personal development.
• We have shown we are here for the long haul as we begin our 6^thyear of operations.

The supporting teams

• The Teachers

Our teachers are our greatest asset. They are all qualified and many are experienced in their area of speciality. They work as a team and believe in achieving the best for each child. The Ministry of Education New Brunswick must also check the suitability of our grade 11 and 12 teachers, and we have an in house liaison officer who reports between International School St. Lucia and New Brunswick.

• The Board of Governors

The Board is made up of 7 Governors with experience and knowledge across the three main disciplines of Finance, Business and Marketing. Their role is developing strategy and governance for our school and they do it with diligence and enthusiasm. If you feel you would like to be a part of this team, please let us know.

• The Principal

Mrs Charmaine Graves returns this year as Principal and we are thrilled to have her as she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Mrs Graves has many years experience as a Principal in London Ontario as well as the experience of being the Learning Supervisor of Program Services, Thames Valley District School Board, 1999 - 2008 which means she researched, developed and operationalized Board direction for Literacy K-12 across the whole district. This also meant being responsible for a budget in the multiple millions.

Mrs Graves has already spent 2 years at ISSL in the capacity of teacher, so she is very familiar with St. Lucia and ISSL, and will inform you under separate cover of all her exciting ideas for developing and making our school better.

• The administrative team

Mrs Dian St. Mark and Ms Sharnna Lewis are our bursar and receptionist respectively. They carry out the actual day-to-day business of our school and with the principal make sure everything is running smoothly. They do this with a smile and enthusiasm and genuine care for our students.

We look forward to a successful year and look forward to the continued support of parents, teachers and supporters.

All the best

Germaine Waters

Chair, Board of Governors, ISSL