The 10 Best International Schools in Central Europe

T
H
E
NOWLEDGEREVIEW
Education. Innovation. Success
TM
10
THE
BEST
INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOLS IN
CENTRAL
EUROPE
VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 02 | 2020
WWW.THEKNOWLEDGEREVIEW.COM
THE AMERICAN
INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL · VIENNA (AIS)
FOSTERING A PASSION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

EDITOR’S NOTE
HOLISTIC
EDUCATION IN A
MULTI-CULTURAL
ENVIRONMENT
nowy peaks, pristine rivers and lakes, historic, artistic and
Scultural presence, breath-taking landscapes renowned
to the world over for tourism Europe has much more to
offer than its scenic beauty.
Quality education, for instance, is an important facet of this
continent known for its consistency in delivering the best.
When relocating to a new city or country parents are often
concerned about finding the right school for their children. But
when in Europe you can rest your worries aside.
Besides the astounding beauty of this small continent, there
are a many good international schools to choose from.
Schooling plays an important role in creating and supporting a
civil society. Europe realised it long before any of the
continents thought of it. It is not just a for a civil society but also
to sustain democracy. Europe has expended tremendous
energy in education reforms. The end result is for all to see.

Choosing the right school for your child may not be
that difficult for international families. International
schools in Central Europe provide world class, holistic
education in a multi-cultural environment. Since
studying a foreign language in Europe is compulsory,
most of the Europeans speak more than one language.
The same is applicable to the international students.
If you believe only the best is good for your child, then
you are scrolling through the right edition. We have
traversed across Central Europe to hand pick the best
international schools nestled in this beautiful continent.
School that is committed to provide life-oriented and
value education along with a focus on academic
excellence.
Do read the CXO point of view and articles penned
down by our in-house editorial team.
Have an insightful reading! T R
On the cover, we have The American International
School - Vienna (AIS) that is known for its family
environment in a state-of-the-art infrastructure, global
education and a string of achievements. The other
schools that have found a place in this edition are –
Chartwell International School that is known to
promote balanced growth, Japanese School of Paris
that believes in the philosophy of friendship even while
imparting education and St John’s International
Sumita Sarkar
sumita@theknowledgereview.com

Contents
Cover Story
10
THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL · VIENNA (AIS)
FOSTERING A PASSION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
34
CXO
SYMBIOTIC LEARNING
THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE
TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIP

24
CHARTWELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
PROVIDING A CARING ENVIRONMENT
FOR BALANCED GROWTH
08 30
JAPANESE SCHOOL OF PARIS
NURTURING THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFELONG
LEARNING THROUGH FRIENDSHIPS
36
ST. JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NURTURING
COMPASSIONATE & RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS OF THE WORLD
ARTICLE
20
ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY
THE SPIRIT OF EDUCATION
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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St. Petersburg Collegiate
High Schools
Nurturing
today’s learners
and tomorrow’s
leaders
St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools offer a
supportive educational experience with all the
benefits of both high school and college. Students
thrive at SPCHS and graduate with their high school
diploma, an Associate in Arts degree, and the skills
for continued success.
• A Florida “A” School of Excellence and
High Performing Charter School
• Small school setting with a family-like
atmosphere
• 100% high school graduation rate
• Top ranked by Newsweek,
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World Report
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGIATE HIGH
SCHOOL
Two locations: St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs, Florida
ST. PETERSBURG
Learn more at spchs.spcollege.edu

THE 10 BEST
INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOLS
IN CENTRAL
EUROPE
Name of the Institution
URL
Brief
Antwerp International
School
www.ais-antwerp.be
Providing holistic and personalised touch to
teaching
British School of Brussels
www.britishschool.be
The only school in Belgium to offer three pre-
University routes
Chartwell
International School
chartwell.edu.rs
Focusing on quality education and balanced
development
Chavanges
International College
www.chavagnes.org/
en_gb
Committed to a broad education alongside
sport, arts and choral music
Ermitage International
School of France
www.ermitage.fr
Cherishes curiosity for excellence in
academics and supports untapped potential
of multi-cultural students
Institut Montana
Zugerberg AG
www.montana-zug.ch/en
Teaching young students to build a peaceful
world along with excellence in education
Japanese School of Paris
www.parinichi.com
The only Japanese school in France that has
been approved by the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology
St. Gilgen International
School
www.stgis.at/en
Helping students explore their talents and
offering comprehensive and professional
instruction and coaching
St. John's
International School
www.stjohns.be
Has an outstanding reputation for pastoral
care and a superb range of extra-curricular
activities to extend and challenge students.
The American International
School · Vienna
www.ais.at
Nurturing students in an inclusive school
environment, challenging them to strive for
personal excellence through exploration of
their passions

Cover Story
THE AMERICAN INTERNATIO
SCHOOL · VIENNA (

• The 10 Best International Schools in Central Europe
NAL
AIS) FOSTERING A PASSION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

We at the Knowledge
Review are always on
the quest to find
institutions that have made a
lasting impact on the educational
sphere. This time, our motive of
providing our readers with insights
on exceptional educational
institutions led us to Central
Europe. One particular institution,
nestled in the pristine city of
Vienna, has set a benchmark for
bestowing exceptional education
on its students of diverse
nationalities.
This institution strives to empower
students to find their hidden
potential and guide them in their
endeavors so that they can find the
best ways to shine. Allow us to
introduce you to The American
International School · Vienna
(AIS), one of the most remarkable
educational institutions in Central
Europe and across the globe. AIS
offers a unique combination of a
nurturing family atmosphere with
a challenging educational
environment backed by its history
of academic achievements.
Established in September 1959, AIS
is the oldest English-language
school in Austria. Initially, 234
students representing 17
nationalities enrolled in the school.
Over the years, the school grew
and became one of the finest
institutions for delivering
education in the English language
curriculum. Today, AIS serves
nearly 800 students with over 60
nationalities from
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade
12 (IB Diploma or American
Diploma).
‘
WE BALANCE AN
ACADEMICALLY
ENGAGING PROGRAM
WITH
CO-CURRICULAR
OPPORTUNITIES TO
EMPOWER STUDENTS
FOR SUCCESS NOW
AND BEYOND AIS.
‘
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Set in the Neustift-am-Walde area
of Vienna, adjacent to the famous
Vienna Woods, AIS provides an
instructional setting in the midst of
the surrounding hills, forest, and
countryside. There are seven
interconnected buildings housing
Elementary, Middle and High
Schools within its 11-acre premise.
Overall, there are more than 70
classrooms, seven science labs, art
studios, music rooms, two libraries,
a theatre, an outdoor classroom,
two gyms, a sports field, a fun
court, a cafeteria, health unit, and a
separate sports hall (which houses
three indoor tennis courts, two
basketball courts, or ten
badminton courts). The school also
has offices for counseling, the
International Baccalaureate
program, division offices,
technology, curriculum, and
faculty departments. For students'
physical well-being, the school has
built exterior facilities that include:
a soccer field, a running track, an
elementary playground, an
outdoor fun court, and an outdoor
amphitheater.
At AIS, computers are seen as a
necessary tool for teaching and
learning. Hence, through its 1:1
laptop program, all students in
Grades 4 through 12 have been
provided with a take-home
personal computer. All classrooms
have ceiling-mounted video
projectors and interactive
whiteboards- touch-sensitive
screens that replace the traditional
chalkboard and facilitate digital
manipulation of images and text.
Strong Foundations
Being a school that embraces

‘
WE HOLD MANY
EVENTS THAT HELP
OUR COMMUNITY
COME TOGETHER AS
ONE BIG FAMILY
THAT CELEBRATES
OUR DIVERSITY.
‘
diversity, AIS’s journey to its
present success has required
plenty of hard work. To sustain its
ascendancy and work towards AIS’
long-term strategic vision, the
school has an Executive Board. The
board has ten members, eight of
whom are elected by the Parents’
Association that sponsors the
School, one is appointed by the U.S.
Ambassador, and one is the
Director (ex-officio) of the school.
All the members in the Parents’
Association are automatically
conferred on the parents or
guardians of children enrolled in
the School.
These members' efforts have
helped AIS to be accredited by the
Council of International Schools
and the Middle State Association of
Colleges and Schools, enabled AIS
to get recognition by the Austrian
Ministry of Education, and helped
AIS to become an IB World School.
A Holistic Ambiance
Within the rich cultural context of
Austria, AIS Vienna Nurtures an
Inclusive learning community,
Challenges students to strive for
personal excellence and to explore
their passion, and fosters Respect

through compassion for others and
the world. These core values guide
the school to craft programs that
not only focus on the students’
academics but also on the
development of students’ creative
and leadership abilities and
emotional intelligence.
To ensure every child is receiving
the required care and attention,
AIS has kept its class sizes limited
to 20 students, with many classes
considerably smaller. Widely, the
school’s size is considered ‘just
right’ and big enough to offer
diverse and stimulating artistic,
athletic, and academic
opportunities, while still small
enough to maintain a strong sense
of community. This allows the
school’s educators to nurture each

WHEN ASKED ABOUT
WHAT MAKES AIS SPECIAL,
LONG-TIME ALUMNI AND
NEWCOMERS TODAY ALL
‘MENTION ‘THE FAMILY’
pupil with an American spirit and
help them achieve their personal
best. Whether a PhD in
mathematics or support in
Kindergarten, members of AIS
faculty provide the creative
nudges, structure and room to
experiment – in the classroom, on
the playing field, among friends,
and in life.
Home Away from Home
‘
AIS takes great pride in providing a
sense of belonging to not only its
students and staff but also their
families. Every time they step into
the school’s campus, they
experience a powerful feeling of
closeness to its welcoming,
supportive, and diverse
community. AIS’s internationallytrained
faculty serves its
multicultural families working in
the diplomatic and corporate
sectors, in the arts, academia,
professional sports, and private
business. They take extra effort to
ensure families not only adjust to a
new environment but are also
given the care and attention to feel
the acceptance in their new world.
Unleashing Potential
AIS offers the AIS After School
Activity Program in
which students get
the opportunity to
participate in guided,
engaging activities
that complement
and enhance the
curriculum which
guides their daily
education. These
activities are
inclusive of athletics
programs with ten
competitive sports of
varying levels across
three athletic seasons, plus
comprehensive clubs and programs
including arts, music, language,
service-learning, and technological
opportunities. Such activities allow
students to interact with friends
and students from different grade
levels while participating in an
extensive range of activities. When
the school day ends at 3:15 p.m., a
new extracurricular world begins.
Since 1959, AIS has offered
opportunities for students to
take part in activities and travel
beyond the borders of its host
city and country. Now, 60 years
later, this is just one of the many
ways the school continues to
supplement its curriculum with
athletic and educational activities,
allowing for learning to take place
well beyond the traditional
classroom walls.
Preparing for Tomorrow
AIS recognizes individual learning
styles. It takes extra efforts to
differentiate instruction and
enable students to reach their full
potential in different areas, be it
academics, athletics or in visual
and performing arts. This approach
strengthens the foundation for
students for higher education.
Students who graduate from AIS
Vienna regularly attend the
world’s top universities. The school
has designed a curriculum that
prepares its students for pursuing
education at such institutions.
Additionally, the school hosts
many university visits that allow
its students access to information
and help them make the right
choice for themselves. AIS also
hosts a career fair for its HS
students to help them discover
new career paths they might not
yet have considered. All these
initiatives help AIS to develop
individuals who will become
tomorrow’s responsible citizens
and will eagerly take on real-world
challenges to serve humanity.
Benchmarks of Quality Education
Under its roof, AIS has developed
and nurtured some of the most
remarkable leaders of the world.
Their contribution to society has
been immense. Some of the notable
personalities of AIS are:
Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and Jane
Lauder
They are granddaughters of Estée
and Joseph Lauder, founders of the
cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. In the
1980s, the sisters attended AIS –
with Aerin graduating in 1988 – as
their family moved to Vienna as a

result of their father’s
Ambassadorship to Austria.
Afterwards, Aerin studied at the
Annenberg School for
Communication and Jane
graduated from Stanford
University. Jane now manages
several major Lauder-owned
brands, while Aerin serves as the
company’s style and image
director. Vienna appears to have
left an impression on their family.
Her father co-founded New York’s
Neue Galerie, and Aerin, too, has
never been shy to profess her love
for Vienna.
Lucija Stojevic
An emerging director and
producer who was part of AIS’
Class of 1999. The young filmmaker
had her big break in 2017
with the critically acclaimed
documentary “La Chana,” which
follows the legendary flamenco
dancer and received the audience
award at the International
Documentary Film Festival,
Amsterdam. The fluent German
speaker has been working in the
film industry for over a decade and
has produced a number of short
documentaries for The New York
Times and The Guardian.
Nathan Meltzer
Became the youngest-ever
winner of the prestigious Windsor
Festival International String
Competition in 2017 at only 17
years of age. The young American,
who also picked up that year’s
audience prize, is considered to be
one of the world’s leading
violinists. And while he now
studies at Juilliard Pre-College
under the esteemed Itzhak
Perlman and Li Lin, Meltzer’s
passion for performing started in
second-grade orchestra class in AIS.
Exhibiting Distinction
“AIS has given me an appreciation
for the diversity of cultures and
people that I was able to grow up
with. Still being in contact with
people from all over the world is
something unique to having gone
to an international school. AIS was
very inclusive. You didn’t feel left
out when you were new because
everyone had experienced that at
one point or another. It was like
being accepted into a new family.”
- Lydia Bergen Allen, Class of ‘79
“We came because we cared. We
bonded in a way that I can only
describe as deep and meaningful,
we formed attachments that
survived the test of time and
distance; we were exposed to an
educational environment that
taught us to think big, think deep
and think wide. Cultures, cities,
languages, ways of thinking –
civilizations were our bread and
butter, and our playground knew
no borders.”
- Jane C. Goffman, Class of ´80
“The education I received at AIS
not only prepared me for and
helped me to achieve a Harvard
degree, but it also prepared me for
a career in global business.”
- Thomas Stemberg, Founder
Staples Inc., Class of ‘67 T R
For a glimpse of this majestic
school, visit: https://www.ais.at/
‘
WE ARE WELL KNOWN IN
OUR COUNTRY AND REGION
FOR OFFERING DIVERSE
OPPORTUNITIES WITH AN
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
CURRICULUM.
‘

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Environment Friendly
20
DECEMBER 2020

THE
SPIRIT OF
EDUCATION
FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
DECEMBER 2020 21

lobalisation and digitization connects the
Gworld. As the multitude of cultures mix, the
economies grow and communication speeds
up, the world becomes increasingly complex and
uncertain.
Additionally, human race is affecting the planet’s
climate, animals and landscapes in unprecedented
ways, and threatening all life on earth. We have entered
the Anthropocene era – a new geological age shaped
by humanity.
Given these major developments, the concept of
sustainable development emerged as a response to
the growing concern about human impact on the
natural environment.
Education for sustainable development
The conceptual definition of education for sustainable
development is - the education that encourages
changes in knowledge, skills, value systems, and
attitudes to enable a more sustainable and just society.
Education for sustainable development provides an
innovative vision of an interdisciplinary and holistic way
to empower students with the intention of advancing a
pro-social and environmental agenda.
ESD is highly engaging and transformational education
process which requires effective inclusion of learning
content and outcomes, pedagogy, and the learning
environment. It achieves its purpose by transforming
the society as a whole.
Learning content
Important issues such as climate change, biodiversity,
bio-preservation, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and
sustainable consumption and production (SCP),
should be integrated into the educational curriculum.
Pedagogy
Designing teaching and learning with an interactive,
learner-centred approach that enables exploratory,
high-engagement learner experience. Re-imagining
learning environments – physical as well as virtual
(online) to inspire learners to act in the interest of
sustainability.
Societal transformation
Empowering people to be ‘global citizens.’ To think for
the welfare of not just how Earth is right now, but how it
would survive in the future by assuming active roles,
both locally and globally, to face and to resolve global
challenges. And ultimately inspiring people to
participate in the creation of a more just and peaceful
world with values of tolerance, inclusivity, security and
sustainable development.
Providing young learners with the knowledge and skills
to transform not only themselves, but also the society
that they live in, and enabling a smoother transition to
greener economies and societies.
Inception
The Brundtland Commission first conceived
sustainable development. The definition is:
development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.
ESD was a United Nations (UN) program. Agenda 21
was the first codified international document that
realised the goal of achieving sustainable development
through the tool of education.
To promote ESD, the United Nations Decade of
Education for Sustainable Development (DESD)
2005-2014, was adopted by the UN General Assembly
with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation) were designated as the
propagators of this educational ideology for the
decade.
The decade pursues a global vision ‘of a world where
everyone has the opportunity to benefit from quality
education and learn the values, behaviour and lifestyles
required for a sustainable future and for a positive
societal transformation’ as per UNESCO. T R
22
DECEMBER 2020

• The 10 Best International Schools in Central Europe
Every child needs proper
attention in their growing
years. Attention does not just
mean the physical presence of an elder,
but being attended to emotionally and
academically as well. At any given
time, young kids have a million
questions running in their minds which
they need answers to and turn to the
elders present around them for the
same.
When elders nurture their
inquisitiveness, children grow into
reasonable, bright individuals who are
curious to learn, explore, and find
solutions that ultimately add value to
society. Such children, who have been
encouraged and motivated when
young, grow up as responsible adults
and give the same kind treatment to
others.
24
CHARTWELL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
PROVIDING A CARING ENVIRONMENT FOR BALANCED GROWTH
Such are the values inculcated in its
students by Chartwell International
School, Belgrade. The school has
implemented the Cambridge
International Education Program,
based on the British National
curriculum, the key-words of which are
the balance between skills and
knowledge, creativity, community
engagement, and environmental
awareness.
Exhibiting Educational Distinction
The school campus is laid out in the
beautiful, quiet, residential area of
Belgrade, the overwhelming view of
which can be enjoyed from its spacious
bright classrooms. Its park-like gardens
encompass not only quiet shady areas
where the hot spring and summer days
can be enjoyed but also many sports
fields and a swimming pool.
For more than 20 years, the campus
has lived up to its international title,
providing education from ages 2 to 18
and guiding its students in their
aspiration to become global citizens. It
immerses them in a world of multiple
languages and cultures, inspiring them
to learn through inquiry.
Spread across seven spacious facilities
combining the highest standard
education traditions with most
DECEMBER 2020

When our students
leave here, they do
so with excellent
academic rankings
and qualifications
that are
recognized and
valued by
prestigious
Universities
worldwide.
contemporary top quality teaching
equipment, Chartwell provides a safe
and caring environment for all its
students. With its sports fields,
recreational areas, libraries, labs,
Chartwell is a place where students
come to more than study – Chartwell is
a home away from home.
Beyond Education
In a tight-knit establishment that
celebrates cultural diversity, the
unifying factor is the accreditation
from Cambridge University, which
recognizes Chartwell as an
international school and the
registration by the Serbian Ministry
of Education. Academic standards
in Chartwell International School
are keenly monitored, with class
sizes small enough with a ratio of
even 1 to 3, tailored to suit the
academic needs, interest, and
potential of each child including
additional personalized tuition, if
needed.
A wide range of subjects is offered
throughout the school – from
foundation to secondary, designed to
stretch and challenge every individual,
providing everyone with the
opportunity to discover and examine
their particular interests and talents.
Contemporary methods of learning are
applied with an interdisciplinary
approach to subjects.
Realizing that education encompasses
much more than the academic program
a lot of emphasis is placed on
extracurricular activities that are
offered daily and range from sports to
fencing, dance, drama, languages.
Chartwell students are involved in the
life of the community as well by
attending workshops, visiting
exhibitions, theatres as well as taking
part in humanitarian activities, helping
orphaned and disadvantaged Serbian
children through their traditional
project Something for Everyone –
Children to Children. A group of pupils
visited the Royal Palace in Belgrade as
part of the charity appeal, supported by
the Royal Family. The students get
really involved, organizing their own
fundraising projects. It is important
that they understand there is a world
out there that is not like their own.
Celebrating Life as One Big Family
In Chartwell International School
DECEMBER 2020 25

Nenad Gazikalovic
Founder
TEACHERS – THE PILLARS
Although the Chartwell management
team (Owner, Heads of Schools,
Coordinators, Finance officers, etc.) lead
the way, the success and the heart of the
school are Chartwell teachers. They
come from a variety of backgrounds and
experiences, but what they all have in
common is a love of teaching, empathy
with their students, and a commitment
to their education. All are well qualified
for the role that they play.
“The essential task of a school is to teach
the child to learn, to seek independence,
and find the knowledge and skills that it
needs in all of life’s situations. To do this,
it must develop a love of learning in the
child, and enthusiasm for enquiry that
spills over from school into all aspects of
the child’s life. Encouragement and
motivation are keywords in Chartwell’s
teaching philosophy”, shares the
Founder, Nenad Gazikalovic
lessons are taught in English
but a variety of world languages
are offered alongside. Cultural
diversity is very important in
Chartwell. The school traditionally
celebrates UN Day, promoting
tolerance and respect. Poetry and
music evenings are organized
where children recite poems and
sing in their mother tongues
and languages taught at school.
British traditions are respected
celebrating Valentine’s Day,
Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s
Day, Easter, Christmas, and Chartwell
26
DECEMBER 2020

is the only school in Belgrade to
celebrate Bonfire Night.
Chartwell fosters a strong family
atmosphere. Chartwell School is not
governed by rules, but rather by
respect for others and common sense.
This is what makes the school unique,
a tension-free environment where
students and teachers chat during
breaks, play sports together, resolve
problems, and participate together in
various projects. Regardless of their
many cultural differences, students and
teachers respect each other and work
closely to achieve the best possible
results.
Equipped for Tomorrow
Having grown up alongside pupils
from Japan to Jaipur, Chartwell’s
students have an attuned understanding
of what the world at large offers
them. With strong, fully accredited
academic results and a firm sense
of self and responsibility, the
school’s alumni leave their “little
world” in Belgrade equipped to meet
the challenges they will face in a
rapidly globalizing and competitive
world.
“Our graduating students leave us to
go to universities around the globe and
they achieve good results. We are of
course very proud of them. However,
most importantly, we are proud that
they have become good people. People
with the right values, who respect
themselves and deserve to do so, but
also people who have learned to
respect those around them regardless
of the differences”, concludes Nenad. T R
DECEMBER 2020 27

“
We focus on developing
global human resources
who can play an
active role in the world
“
Japanese
School of Paris
Nurturing the Philosophy of Lifelong Learning through Friendships
30
DECEMBER 2020

The 10 Best International Schools in Central Europe
earning is a continuous process and it is very
Limportant to consider who your teachers are going
to be in life. Good teachers are found everywhere if
you harbor a tendency of self-learning while observing
others or shadowing what the other person is doing.
Sometimes it is more evident in people who are close to us.
We try to emulate our elders and do what they are doing in
order to satiate the curiosity within. Most of the times we
might not enjoy it or we might not end up with the situation
we thought at first. But the important thing to take away
from such experiences is that there is always one thing or
the other that we learn from it. We imbibe gestures, actions,
and expressions through the people around us.
People who we have grown up with and their behavior
shape our image in the society. Friends that we make on the
way create the most profound impact on our lives. Friends
influence our lives in such a dynamic way, that it redefines
our lifestyle and molds us into something we were never
before. That too, for the better or worse.
There is one such institution motivating the philosophy of
friendship and inculcating the same in its process of
imparting knowledge called the Japanese School of Paris.
Institut Culturel Franco-Japonais - Ecole Japonaise de Paris
(French-Japanese Cultural Institute) also known as the JSP
is a Japanese International School located in Montigny-le-
Bretonneux, France, in the Paris Metropolitan Area. It is
located near Versailles.
Excellence Redefined
The school is approved by the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, in accordance
with the School Education Law of Japan and related laws
and regulations aligned with elementary and middle
schools. JSP promotes cultural and educational exchanges
between Japan and the French Republic and focuses on
educational activities to deepen mutual understanding. “We
are committed to the spirit of respect for human beings, and
we are working to expand the infinite possibilities of each
child,” states the staff of JSP.
This school is the only Japanese school in France that has
been approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science, and Technology for conducting a
curriculum based on the Japanese curricular guidelines.
Students can take French classes in the school even though
the primary language of instruction is Japanese. Its goal is
to educate children who return to Japan after several years
of living in France. It also helps the students who live long
DECEMBER 2020 31

educational exchange’ in France. Japanese School of Paris
was established on October 1, 1973 with just 101 students.
There are now 217 students in the school as of February
2020. The Principal of JSP, Takashi Onoe is
commissioned by the Board of Directors for ‘school
management,’ ‘budget execution,’ and ‘personnel affairs for
faculty and staff.’ The current Chairman of the Board is
Takeshi Goto (Paris Branch Manager, Mizuho Bank).
Takashi Onoe
Principal
enough in the country under various circumstances and
various positions and do a back and forth from Japan to
France.
JSP educates the students of the age group 6 to 15 years.
Marie Conte-Holm, author of The Japanese and Europe:
Economic and Cultural Encounters, wrote that “the bus
route to and from the school ‘essentially determines’ where
Japanese families with children are settled in Greater Paris.
She adds, “While some Japanese children attend local
schools for a proportion of their time in France, even the
more internationally minded Japanese parents will transfer
their offspring to the Japanese School for reorientation
during the latter part of their stay.”
Cultural Diagram of JSP
JSP has been approved as a ‘cultural activity organization’
for the purpose of ‘Japanese-French cultural and
“Our school has no school rules,” says Mr. Onoe. The
children judge their behavior on their own and act as the
model students of the school. The classrooms are full of
gentle air with gentle voices and compassion for children.
JSP is an institution where each and every student has a
dream and it grows while learning with their friends. It is a
school that values friendships beyond the geographical
boundaries and helps students in deciding who are the
people that can make a home in their heart with the goal of
being ‘bright, friendly, and strong.’
“Many children leave our school every year and move out
without waiting for graduation,” shares Mr. Onoe. Still,
there are many students who come to the school later, and
all of them show a peaceful expression to the atmosphere of
the institute prevailing at that time. This story tells a lot
about the children who always accept the forthcoming
students warmly. The feeling is the same when the students
move out and part with a smile, believing that they will
someday be able to meet somewhere else in the world. “We
hope that these children will remain school friends for a
lifetime,” adds Mr. Onoe.
JSP’s Dynamics
Based on the significance and value of living in France, JSP
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DECEMBER 2020

is promoting cultural and educational exchanges between Japan
and France. By doing this, it is enhancing educational activities
with an emphasis on mutual understanding.
Starting from the first grade of elementary school, French and
English conversation classes have been introduced. In junior high
school, the number of English lessons has been increased with a
particular emphasis on teaching foreign languages. There are
regular exchanges with several local schools every year.
Moreover, to promote local understanding, JSP is actively
conducting extracurricular activities in the local Saint-Quentin
area, in Paris, and widely in France. In the first semester, children
from elementary school upper grades to junior high schools
engage in hands-on learning and lodging learning with
accommodation in the western and southern French areas.
In the fall of this year, the elementary school will take an
excursion to the Palace of Versailles, visit the Orangery, Rodin,
Pompidou and Orsay museums. There is a tour. Various events are
also held inside the school, but the three major events that standout
the most are athletic meet in June, the presentation of the
Japanese School in Paris in October, and the Japanese School
Festival in Paris.
Also, ‘Exploration time’ is provided as a place for children to
learn about their own problems and solve them. This is a trial
method of learning that combines learning programs such as IB
(International Baccalaureate), PYP, and MYP. “We are also
focusing on ICT education, such as tablets and electronic
blackboards, to promote collaborative learning,” explains Mr.
Onoe. T R
A memoir of a Junior High
Schoolgirl describes her journey in
the school in an exquisite way.
She says, “I came to France for the rst
time in the fall of May. It was my rst
overseas trip ever. I was nervous in the
beginning and felt that it was becoming
too difcult to maintain a smile while
talking to others. I attended the entrance
ceremony in April and received greetings
from the freshman representative of the
school. This greeting proved to be a big
step for me in becoming a new self.
Later, through active learning, I was able
to deepen my bonds with juniors as well
as seniors.
During the sports meet, I was able to gel
with seniors who were active sports
players and it also helped me in
speaking with the staff members,
inevitably maintaining good
communication with all the bodies of the
school. The Paris Day presentation was
my best memory. In this course of activity,
I worked very hard to become a leader
while organizing team members. I
wanted to make use of the leadership
skills that I acquired along the way
through this experience in Japan.
Also, the drama and chorus project that I
collaborated on with my seniors also
made me come up with ideas that
helped me in delivering a very good
presentation. I spent about two years in
France and made a lot of memories
there at the Japanese School in Paris. It's
a miracle and I feel happy to be able to
meet friends who can't be found in Japan
or who never met in Japan. I am
sincerely glad that I came to France and
to JSP.”
DECEMBER 2020 33

Symbiotic Learning
The Importance of
POSITIVE
TEACHER-STUDENT
RELATIONSHIP
On average, a student spends almost 2000 hours per
year in school. That is a significant amount of time
that should be utilized well in order to ignite a
student's lifetime love for learning. It is also a significant
part of a student’s life, not to be wasted on unhealthy
teacher-student interactions. Experts argue that a good
teacher-student relationship is critically important to the
direction a kid’s future takes.
Some of the ways through which a teacher can build
healthy relationship with each student in the classroom
include communicating positive expectations, being fair
when implementing rules and regulations, being caring,
providing all learners with reasonably fair assessment, and
developing classroom pride. Educators can also leverage
strong relationships with their students to make teaching
fun and effective.
Healthy relationship between teachers and students can
significantly boost a kid’s self-esteem, especially for the
kids who are not fortunate enough to have supportive
families. Here are four more benefits of establishing
positive student-teacher relationship:
1. Overcoming behavioral issues
Most behavioral problems in the classroom result from kids
feeling alienated from the community around them. It is
normal for a young kid to hate school, but it is not okay
when their dislike of school starts to affect their academic
record and spoils the classroom environment for other kids.
You can prevent this by relating at a personal level with
every kid and understanding why the problem kids behave
in the manner they do. Being friendly, calm, and
approachable will help you understand the socio-economic
34
background of every kid, so you will know how to
approach every problem kid without igniting the resistance
in him/her. Building a strong relationship with learners
helps the kids feel like they belong - like they are a part of a
bigger group and a bigger purpose.
2. Boosting academic success
Part of this is the precipitation of good behavior. When you
make a kid feel like at home and want to be a part of a
greater purpose than just being naughty, the kid is able to
repurpose his energy from being rebellious to working hard
in the classroom. That will more often than not translate to
academic success.
Having a strong bond with your students also helps you to
clearly communicate your expectations to and for each
student. You are able to motivate struggling students to
work hard and the bright students to outscore their current
score. In this context, you can motivate them to take
additional training classes such as assertiveness training
that can help them improve the overall interpersonal skills
and gain more self-respect. On their part, the students trust
in your ability to help them, so they listen to you more and
respect your orders without any resistance. They are also
very comfortable consulting you whenever they encounter a
hitch in their coursework. All these factors combined boosts
the students’ performance. If you are working remotely, that
means that you will be sending a lot of academic materials
online. Thus, make sure that the students understand the
technicalities of sending emails, sharing files, and
converting files into pdf, and the likes. Having a holistic
understanding of such technicalities will evade them being
discouraged, and actually focus on mastering the material,
and succeeding academically.
DECEMBER 2020

About the author
Tringa Bells is a physical
therapist student and loves
everything related to
exercising and outdoor
activities. She loves
spending time with her
family, her friends, loves
traveling and coding. Her
hobby is writing, and she
loves to express herself
through words. In her free
time, she loves to take care
of kids and works as a
nanny.
3. Enhancing students’ social maturation
The nature of rapport a kid has with the adults in his/her life
determines how well his social maturation process pans out.
A teacher is the non-parental authority figure the kid spends
most time with. If you create a positive environment where
they can grow their emotional and social intelligence, they
are able to mature well in time. Remember that these kids
trust and respect you when you are friendly with them, so
they will always feel privileged to have such a wonderful
adult in their lives. They will want to emulate you and grow
into as responsible and caring as you.
4. Improving students’ mental health
Healthy student-teacher relationships translate into reduced
stress and anxiety, especially for the students who come
from poor socioeconomic backgrounds and who experience
any disorder. One such problem would be children with
speech disorders, who because of their problem can be
marginalized from their peers, which in turn can cause
problems in their mental health. In such cases, teachers
should support them in their speech therapy and help them
get integrated into the class. Such kids might be living in
neighborhoods filled with hate and crime, meaning that you
could be their only source of protection they know besides
their parents. Kids who suffer from learning difficulties, on
the other hand, usually suffer from low self-esteem. Your
love and care will help them develop a sense of self-worth;
a sense of pride. That is good for their mental health.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon for teachers to have challenging
relationships with their students, especially when the kid is
rebellious and poorly behaved. However, a bad relationship
only exacerbates the problem. The kids continue being
rebellious, the teacher finds more reasons not to like the
kids, and the kids find more reasons to not like the teacher.
In the end, your career stagnates and your dreams of
changing lives through teaching are shattered. You must
start looking for ways to engage each one of your students
in a positive way.
DECEMBER 2020 35

The 10 Best International Schools in Central Europe
St. John’s International
School
:
An International Community Nurturing
Compassionate & Responsible Citizens of the World
he early years of a student’s
Tlife are the most crucial, as it is
the rapid phase of his/her
growth and development. The
foundation of cognitive skills,
creativity, social, and emotional skills
are developed during these years of a
student’s life. Such outcomes require a
stimulating and positive atmosphere at
both home and school. With the
potential of instilling predominant
skills for life, a child’s school plays a
significant role in its holistic
development.
The basis of education is incorporating
meaningful activities that elevate
motivation, creativity, perseverance
and of course, learning. And St. John’s
International School has it all. At St.
John’s, curriculum and learning
engagements are geared towards
fostering a positive classroom
environment, where student-centred
learning takes place in a stimulating
learning environment.
Pioneering Progressive Curriculum
St. John’s International School - is a
private, international, and non-profit
school located in Brussels - the capital
of Belgium. The sprawling campus of
over twelve acres lies in the beautiful,
leafy suburban town of Waterloo, just
15 kilometres from Brussels.
Since its founding in 1964, the school
has provided young citizens the best
curriculum, pedagogy, facilities, and
security. St. John’s strives to develop
internationally minded students who
are equipped with the right skills to be
able to confront the challenges posed
by the growing highly competitive
global environment.
This international school, with more
than 50 years of experience in
education, is devoted to offering
holistic, life-oriented and value
education with a well-defined focus on
academic excellence. It is not
surprising that St. John’s students are
in demand across the world and are
sought after by the world’s best
universities.
In 2016, the school joined the
‘Inspired’ group of schools, a global
premium group of over 50+ schools.
This exciting step in the school's
history has opened a wealth of
opportunities for students and staff to
collaborate and share best practices
across the world.
St. John’s Values
• Companionship- the gentleness to
befriend and strength to accompany.
• Integrity- being true to ourselves, to
each other, and to our world.
• Respect- the appreciation of diversity
amongst people, languages, cultures
and beliefs.
St. John’s Unique Curriculum
St. John’s is a prestigious member of
Elaine Purves, Head of school
the International Baccalaureate
Organization (IBO)- an elite group
providing an internationally recognised
outstanding education where inquirybased
teaching and learning is key. St.
John’s offers programmes for students
from the age of two and a half years,
up to 18 years.
The IB Middle Years Programme
(MYP) from Grades 6-10 and then the
IB Diploma Programme (DP) taught in
Grades 11 and 12 ensure that our
Middle and High School students are
taught internationally benchmarked
and assessed curriculum.
In Grade 11, many students also
choose to take Advanced Placement
(AP) exams in a range of subjects,
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DECEMBER 2020

DECEMBER 2020 37

which give St John’s seniors the edge
in their applications to North American
Colleges and Universities.
Our graduates are understandably
sought after by leading Higher
Education institutions globally,
including: Oxbridge, MIT, Bocconi,
McGill, and Maastricht.
IB at the Forefront
The International Baccalaureate is a
curriculum that has always been
available at St John’s. Unlike other
more traditional systems, the IB
teaches students for understanding in a
hands-on, inquiry-based way. It
includes a wide range of skills and
approaches that will help them serve
better both in the workplace and in life.
The IB, besides being coupled with
important concepts and content to learn
in its curriculum, greatly emphasizes
on understanding how students know
what they know and utilising that
wisdom to achieve deep understanding
and stimulate deeper inquiry. The IB
curriculum is dynamic and creates
agile and critical learners with the
ability to make connections between
subjects and disciplines.
Recently, St. John’s achieved
accreditation for the IB Middle Year’s
Programme (MYP) as well, making the
school an IB World School offering the
three programmes, PYP, MYP and DP.
The school is also accredited by the
Council of International Schools (CIS)
and the Middle States Association
(MSA).
Extracurricular Activities
Along with its rigorous academic
programs, St. John’s also encourages
physical fitness and a healthy balanced
lifestyle. St John’s sports teams
compete throughout Belgium and
Europe in a variety of sports that are
offered to cater to the students’
interests.
The strength of St. John’s sports and
arts programs manifests itself in
students attaining top sports
scholarships in the US, and several
students realising their dreams in the
arts.
Students are encouraged to harness a
wide range of tools and experiences to
support their learning, including
technology, libraries, guest speakers,
and field trips. Students are encouraged
to navigate technology-driven research
with a careful and practical academic
approach.
Inspirational leaders at St. John’s
The Senior leaders at St. John’s
International School define
international education as a
commitment to guiding their students
to reach their best. They abide by the
IB’s term “internationally-minded
people,” who, “recognizing their
common humanity and shared
guardianship of the planet, help to
create a better and more peaceful
world.”
Head of school, Elaine Purves is
transforming the school since she
joined St. John’s. Elaine possesses a
deep acumen in both developing and
growing schools. She has been heading
the school with commitment and
dedication.
She is leading St. John’s in a totally
unique way embracing the
foundational principles of the school.
The principles have played a
significant role in moulding the
students, boosting the teachers, and
building a unique space besides
competition. Her decision for the
betterment of the school are taken
keeping in mind its:
• Vision: Learning that empowers,
perspectives that inspire, a
community that cares and excels.
• Mission: The international education
is student-centred and holistic,
encouraging personal excellence in
Academics, Arts, and Sports. They
celebrate diversity and instil in
students the open-mindedness to
think globally.
Simon Vanderkelen, the Middle and
High School Principal, has a long
history of serving international schools
in Australia, Singapore, and Germany.
Mr Vanderkelen has been leading the
Middle and High School of St John’s
since 2017 after serving as a Secondary
Principal at Bonn International School
for four years. He brings with him a
strong commitment to helping students
reach their potential.
Simon is a strong supporter of the IB
Programmes and has many IB
connections around the world. He also
sees the huge benefit to our students in
engaging in our outstanding Arts and
Sports programmes alongside
academic endeavours.
Joanna Havenhand, the Primary
School Principal is an experienced
school principal with a proven track
record of working in international
schools around the globe, including
Belgium, France, South Korea,
Switzerland, and India.
She is an excellent education
professional with a PGCE from
Canterbury Christ Church University.
She completed her BA(Hons) in
Geography and Economics from
Anglia Ruskin University and MEd in
international primary education from
38
DECEMBER 2020

the College of New Jersey, USA. As an IB Educator, she
is also a seasoned school visitor and Consultant for the
Primary Years Program (PYP)
The inspirational leaders of the school envision learning
that empowers, perspectives that inspire, and drive a
community that cares and excels. These leaders at St.
John’s promote individual responsibility for life-long
learning, service and achievement.
Enlightening Future Ambitions
As a member of ‘Inspired’, the leaders are constantly
enhancing the programs and are currently launching an
exciting partnership with the Berklee College of Music
in New York. The pioneering move with the college of
music includes an innovative arts curriculum and artistsin-residence
in school.
Making a perfect choice for your child is certainly not
easy, but it is an exciting task for the family. St. John’s
International School can completely transform your
child’s learning experience.
So, plan your visit today and see why so many students
and their families have chosen to make St. John’s
International School such an important part of their
lives. T R
DECEMBER 2020 39