History

International Community School Singapore (ICS) was established in 1993 to serve expat families looking for a quality Christian education in an international environment. Today ICS is home to 350 students from 25 countries and is well known in the region for being a leading Christian international school. ICS is one of the 14 schools in the Network of International Christian Schools. 

Background

A few months ago I connected with a fellow Atlantic Canadian, Darryl Harding, ICS’ Head of School. By the time we made it to Singapore on our Adventure Year, Daryl was away on a recruitment trip, so he showed me some Maritime Canadian hospitality by connecting me with Karla Cienfuegos ICS’ Director of Teaching and Learning. Karla is a highly relational leader with a love for curriculum that she developed throughout her career in Singapore, South Korea, and the USA. Karla kindly showed me around ICS, shared about the school’s history, and upcoming initiatives.  

Highlights

ICS is a school that knows its identity. ICS’ leadership understands and works within their niche as the leading Christian international school in Singapore. As a result, they focus on three key elements – quality Christian education, community, and academics. 

ICS celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, at that time they decorated one of their hallways with nice branding which tells the school’s story. Does your school tell a story to visitors? Stories are so powerful! Looking forward to seeing how they celebrate their 35th in a few years. 

One of the ways ICS builds community is by creating a welcoming environment for students as they arrive on campus. Not one, not two, but three members of the senior leadership team greet students as they arrive on campus. This shows a heart of care and connection. It shows that no work is more important than a purposeful start to the day for each student. 

The leadership at ICS understands a strong connection with its parents builds culture. The head of the PTA painted a multifaceted art piece about the journey of life and learning with Jesus as the guide at each stage. Recently the PTA noticed the staff lounge could use some upgrades, so they blessed their teachers by refurbishing the lounge. Bringing parents onto campus doesn’t have to be rocket science, but it can strengthen your school culture if it’s done right. 

3 Key Takeaways

• Cultivate a Culture of Learning: Supporting staff in developing as professionals is one of the primary ways for leaders to improve school culture. What are your school’s areas of focus for teaching and learning this year? 
• The Power of Parent Partnership: Fostering strong relationships with parents enriches the school community. What project can you entrust to your parent committee this year which will uplift your school?
• Weed the Garden: Teachers are like gardens, if you make a garden too crowded by overplanting, nothing will grow. If you’re asking more of your teachers, make sure to remove something from their role to make room for the new. Which part of the role can you remove from your teachers to free up time for strategic initiatives? 

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

Next international school visit – Saigon South International School!

Peace & Blessings, 

– Josiah