History

The Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) was established in 1960, making it the oldest international school in the greater Zurich area. Being the oldest international school in the bustling Swiss banking capital, which currently boasts over a dozen international schools, is certainly a claim to fame! But that’s not all, ICS is also known for being the only IB continuum school (K-12 IB programs) in Zurich, an inclusive school, and its strong International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) results.

Background

For those who are wondering, ICS is not connected to the ICS that I served at in Thailand (International Community School, Bangkok) from 2016-2019. Community is a reasonably common moniker for international schools to use. Not to mention a smart one from a school culture perspective!  

Highlights

At ICS I had the privilege of meeting with the brilliant Gabriel Di Mauro, Senior School Principal and current ex-officio (acting) Head of School as well as his wonderful assistant, Jocelyn Kissenpfennig. 

Gabriel is a wise leader with a tremendous background in curriculum and IB implementation. Little did he know, when he began his principalship in January 2025, that he would become the ex-officio head of school a few months later while ICS entered a period of transition. Nevertheless, Gabriel is exactly the leader that ICS needs during this transition. During our time together his skill of reflection, care for faculty, and commitment to student academic progress shone through. 

ICS has a leadership blog called ICS Spotlight that is a good follow, check out this thoughtful piece that Gabriel wrote to start the school year titled “Everything Is Possible Again”. 

Jocelyn facilitated a nice tour of campus. Like so many skilled connectors, she expressed that her favorite part about serving at ICS is the relationships. Yet another example of the importance of making meaningful connections with colleagues. As we toured the various facilities, Jocelyn shared about their history. One fun story is that the athletics facility was once a horse stable, hay that’s pretty cool right! With its equine past long in the distance, it now stables the PE department, gym, dance studio, and more. All puns intended.  

During the tour we had the chance to stop by my friend, Chelsey MacLellan’s class. I met Chelsey in 2015 at the Canadian International School, Beijing during my teaching practicum for my Bachelor of Education. Since then, Chelsey has kindly shared her experience as a classroom teacher and admin with me. Including giving me a tour of Yokohama International School in 2024 while their community celebrated its 100th anniversary. Chelsey is a dynamic educator with phenomenal experience, making her a great fit at ICS. 

Those who follow ICS know that their secondary school building is under construction this year. Through a process of engineering intrigue, they’re adding a whole floor to the building to take their high quality teaching and learning to new heights. This shows their commitment to kaizen (Japanese business term for constant improvement) and willingness to undertake a year of extra logistics and unconventional spaces to benefit their community in the long run. 

ICS is one of the nicest international schools that I have had the privilege of visiting. Gabriel is a phenomenal leader who is just getting started with his impact at ICS. And he has a great team of educators who are passionate about their crafts. I’m looking forward to following their journey as a school and celebrating their continued success. 

3 Key Takeaways

1. Building More Than Buildings: School culture isn’t built by school buildings, it’s built by the intentionally loving interactions between admin, teachers, students, parents, and community. 
2. Celebrate Your Faculty: Your faculty are incredibly gifted and worth celebrating. Find meaningful ways to celebrate them. 
3. Focus On Your School’s Strengths: No school is strong in all areas, but every school has a few strengths. Determine what sets your school apart and pursue that wholeheartedly. 

Build culture, unlock potential. Visit my Connect Page or send a message on LinkedIn. 

Stay tuned for more international school visits – up next International School Zurich North!

Peace & Blessings, 

– Josiah