International School Parent Magazine - Autumn 2019

ADVERTORIAL
International families
on the move
Transitions, no matter what kind, are at the best of times challenging. Leaving what you are
familiar with and stepping into the unknown can be overwhelming.
Recognising and responding to the challenges families face
when moving from one home to another led the Inter-
Community School Zurich to develop a comprehensive
Transition Programme for international families.
This programme was created to make new families part of the
school’s community as quickly as possible as a way to optimise
academic performance. “This is what we excel at,” says Mrs
Campbell, Head of School. “We take a strategic and systematic
approach to making the experience of ‘joining and leaving the
school’ as successful as possible to ensure a smooth and stress-free
transition for both children and their parents.”
Developing a personalised learning pathway
Preparing to welcome a student to a new school is a process of
sequential steps that starts well before the child’s first day. The
Admissions Department provides parents with resources and crucial
information while educational specialists make the appropriate
age-level preparations to develop a personalised learning pathway,
including specialised support for non-native English speakers.
Support for students
School counsellors also get in touch with families to answer
questions, discuss Secondary students’ subject choices, or simply to
allay any fears or anxieties. Student Ambassadors also reach out to
Secondary students, often during the holidays, to answer questions
or just be a friend. A Buddy Programme will go into action to
support Primary School children from their very first day at school.
Year-round support
International moves don’t necessarily coincide with school terms.
A transition programme that can quickly be put into place makes
entry possible throughout the year and helps families to quickly
adjust to the new situation.
Support for parents: ICS parents’ association
When it comes to settling down in the new community, an active
and engaged Parents’ Association is crucial to help parents cope
with the unique challenges of settling into a new culture. At ICS,
in addition to a number of welcome events, parents can sign up
for activities and clubs throughout the year and take advantage of
a network of country representatives to meet others with similar
backgrounds.
Preparation is key to success
Moving? Then, preparation is the key to success; a well organised
Transition Programme plays a role.
For ICS, the Transition Programme has proven to be vital. It not
only helps families cope with the inevitable sense of loss but also
helps them to explore and prepare for a new chapter in their lives.
www.icsz.ch
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT SPRING 2019 | 60