Dear WIS Community,
As the news was just shared of my upcoming move to Keystone Academy in Beijing next August, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary nature of international schools and the privilege of serving as a school leader within them.
The role of a Principal in an international school is a unique blend of instructional leadership, community building, and cultural stewardship. At its core, it's about creating what is called a "learner-friendly culture" – an environment where everyone, from our youngest students to our most experienced teachers, can flourish. This means fostering spaces where risk-taking is encouraged, where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and where growth is seen as a continuous journey rather than a destination.
In value-driven schools such as ours, the Principal's role extends beyond administrative leadership. It's about creating conditions where innovation thrives, where teachers feel supported to take risks in their practice, and where students develop not just knowledge, but character. This means walking alongside community members as they navigate their own learning journeys, celebrating their successes, and supporting them through challenges.
My own journey in international education began as a child born to Dutch parents in the UK, then raised across the world, navigating different cultures and languages from an early age. International schools became my natural habitat – places where diversity wasn't just accepted but celebrated, where having multiple cultural identities was the norm rather than the exception. This personal experience evolved into a professional passion, leading me from teaching to school leadership. Through 27 years in international schools, I've experienced firsthand how strong leadership, united under clear values, creates the conditions for growth and innovation that benefit entire school communities. These schools have been more than just workplaces; they've been spaces where I've found my truest sense of belonging, understanding that 'home' isn't necessarily a place, but a feeling of connection within a diverse, globally-minded community.
Brené Brown's words, "Cool is lonely. Stay awkward, brave and kind," capture the essence of what makes international schools special. They're places where authenticity is valued over perfection, where diverse perspectives enrich our understanding, and where kindness and empathy are as important as academic achievement.
The privilege of serving in international education lies not just in what we can teach, but in what we learn from each other every day. Whether supporting a teacher trying a new approach, celebrating a student's breakthrough moment, or engaging in deep discussions with parents about their hopes for their children's education, each interaction reinforces the transformative power of learning communities.
WIS has been such a community for me. While I am sad to leave such an extraordinary group of educators who have inspired me daily with their dedication, creativity, and care for our students, I take with me countless moments of joy, innovation, and shared purpose that have defined our time together.
Warm regards,
Marcelle van Leenen | Primary School Principal
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