Our Guiding Statements
Our guiding statements define the purpose and direction of our school, and are used to guide our strategic plan and decision making.
Who we are
We are an international community, challenging students through a holistic, inquiry-driven program to nurture resilient, globally-minded learners.
Our vision Who we aspire to be
Inclusive - Collaborative - Empowered -
Our values Our core beliefs
Student voice and advocacy are integral to our school culture.
Learning cognitive, creative, physical, social, and emotional skills while also having fun is critical for a balanced learning experience.
Integrity, honesty, empathy, and trust are fundamental.
Respect for ourselves, others, and our environment guides our thoughts, actions and relationships.
We all benefit from a diverse community where everyone is safe, appreciated, and feels free to be themselves
Creativity, curiosity, and adaptability equip us to pursue our passions and thrive in a challenging world.
A strong community is built through positive participation, communication, and collaboration.
Contributing positively to society and caring for the environment is our responsibility.
The courage to face challenges, take risks, and make mistakes is essential for growth.
Parameters Our direction
- Provide an independent and not for profit Pre K-12 education.
- Deliver the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and Diploma programmes and maintain international accreditation.
- Maintain the international identity of the school while celebrating Latvian culture.
- Recruit, develop, and retain qualified staff that embrace the values, mission, and vision of ISL.
- Have English as the language of instruction while celebrating mother languages.
- Approve and maintain only those programs that are consistent with the strategic direction, are financially justified, and provide for professional development and assessment.
- Ensure that enrollment, resources and capacity are aligned, sustainable and balanced with our school’s needs.
- Maintain a strategic plan with a systematic process of reflection, feedback, and community engagement.
- Not tolerate behavior that is detrimental to the health, safety, integrity, well-being, or dignity of any individual, or violates the school’s values.
Definition Of Learning How we learn together
ISL, as an IB World School, defines learning as a holistic, inquiry-based, and learner centered process. ISL values meaningful and transferable learning where we construct understanding by developing and applying knowledge, skills and attitudes. As learners, we develop and show our understanding when we:
- Apply our learning to new situations
- Inquire to extend our learning
- Create solutions
- Communicate our learning effectively to others
- Make connections across our learning
- Reflect critically on our learning
Internationally Minded How we model a global community
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
At ISL we strive to model the IB learner profile and develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
We are an inclusive community, seeking to create an environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported and valued. We wish to make our community a place where all members can thrive and where we understand that ‘other people with their differences, can also be right’ (IB Mission Statement).
At ISL, we believe that a positive, and collaborative relationship between all community members including staff, students, parents and visitors is essential to the fulfillment of the School’s Mission. We do not tolerate behavior that is detrimental to the safety, integrity, or dignity of any individual or group.
Strategic Goals How we continue to grow
To develop engaged and motivated learners who are challenged and supported to reach their full potential relevant to their lives, interests, and ambitions.
Learning is differentiated, flexible in pacing and informed by where students are.
Learners will be engaged and motivated to pursue challenges and build resilience.
To develop a community which is truly inclusive, collaborative, engaged and international.
All community members will understand that each individual is unique and valued, and that their actions and beliefs have an impact on others.
Learning will be designed to develop respect, collaboration, effective communication, and international mindedness including diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
To hire, develop and retain the best possible employees who are engaged, motivated and inspired to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
Develop systems and structures and protocols to support continual growth, retention, and the well-being of all employees.
Employees feel valued, supported and that they have a voice in critical issues that affect them.
To develop a climate where student voice, choice and ownership for learning are valued and practiced.
Learners will take a proactive role in designing and evaluating their learning.
Learners feel valued, that they have a voice in critical issues that affect them and have support in voicing and acting upon things that they value.
Positive Common Community Expectations At ISL we believe that students are most successful in a trusting, supportive and inclusive environment
AS AN ISL STAFF WE AGREE TO:
• share collective ownership for the care of ISL students at all times
• take an active role in caring for all students
• be present, visible role models
• practice positive reinforcement of positive behaviour
• model respect for ourselves, each other and our environment
AS AN ISL COMMUNITY WE BELIEVE THAT:
• there is value in diversity and all members deserve respect regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual identity, ability
• all community members are empowered to uphold and stand up for our community values
• we actively seek to understand and value the feelings and perspectives of others
• all community members have collective engagement, ownership, and responsibility in creating a positive, caring environment
• all community members strive to build humility, compassion, empathy and trust in their relationships with each other
Strategic Plan Timeline
-
March-September 2021We met with over 250 ISL stakeholders to capture feedback about where ISL should be heading in the futureOctober 2021Students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the School Council developed strategic documents to guide our future directionNovember 2021:These strategic documents were adopted by the Council and used as the foundation to create goals and prioritize objectives
December 2021:The Council approved the goals, parameters and objectives that will be used to create action plansFebruary 2022:The leadership team created ACTION MAPS to help guide our objectives.March-May 2022:Students, parents, teachers, staff and administration met in focus groups to complete action plans.
