ISR International School on the Rhine

This month, our ISR AI Spotlight highlights a creative project from our AI Math Innovators Club, led by our teacher Mr. Nisic. This year, the club had the privilege of designing the back side of the yearbook cover, offering students a unique opportunity to express what ISR means to them through the use of AI. What began last year as a simple idea has now become a wonderful tradition within the club.

Each year, our students are invited to create their own version of a yearbook cover using AI, guided by one simple question: How do you see our school? From there, everything is shaped by the students’ own ideas, imagination, and perspectives.
At ISR, our students come from all over the world and bring with them a rich variety of cultures, languages, and experiences. In this project, many of the designs reflected exactly that: a school community where differences are valued, connections are built across cultures, and students grow together. These images beautifully captured the spirit of ISR as a place of learning, belonging, and shared experience.

Other students focused on the future and what comes after ISR. Their designs explored themes such as journeys, choices, and possibilities, showing a strong understanding that every student leaves ISR with a different path ahead, but with the confidence and knowledge to follow it. Some students took a more imaginative approach, using AI to create futuristic, abstract, and surreal worlds. These designs demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment - all important qualities we aim to encourage in our students.

Throughout the process, students shared their ideas, discussed their work, and supported each other in refining their designs. This project was not only about generating images, but also about thinking critically, communicating ideas clearly, and expressing identity through creativity. The final selection represents a wide range of student voices and artistic interpretations.

We are proud of our students and proud to be able to offer them this opportunity. We also wish to thank Mr. Nisic for his dedication, commitment, and support in guiding this project and making it such a valuable experience for the students. One of the cover designs will be featured as the final yearbook cover and will be revealed soon, when the yearbook becomes available soon - so stay tuned!

This week, we are proud to spotlight our eleventh grader, Clara, who joined ISR in 2025. She was nominated for the spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 11–12, Mr. Kheir, who writes:

“Clara joined ISR at the start of this school year and transitioned seamlessly from the German school system to our international IB environment. Her academic excellence, reliability, and positive attitude have made her a valued member of our school community. Always prepared and punctual, she quickly built strong friendships and has proven herself to be a truly outstanding student.”
Clara’s homeroom teacher, Ms. McGowan, also praises her work ethic and her ability to balance multiple commitments:

“Clara is a kind, thoughtful, and articulate student who deserves to be incredibly proud of her first year at ISR. She is hardworking and dedicated and has absolutely embraced the challenges of the IB, balancing them with a range of other commitments and interests. It was amazing to see Clara share her musical talent at the recent Arts Evening – a truly outstanding performance – and I can't wait to see what more she achieves in Grade 12. Well done, Clara!”

Mr. Davis, Clara’s English Literature teacher, adds:
“Clara is great fun in English Lit and always cheerful, hardworking, and prepared to contribute ideas, argue her point and perform a role in class debates and discussions; her performance as a literary critic arguing that poetry was ‘filth’ on a TV chat show in Term 1 was particularly memorable! She makes a huge contribution to the class and manages to bring out the best in others.”

Clara’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, shares:
“Clara is an exceptional Year 11 student. She joined us this year and has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic ability, dedication, and maturity. Her commitment to learning is evident in the consistently high standard of work she produces across all components of the subject. Her curiosity and resilience are inspiring. She is kind, respectful, and considerate. She displays excellent leadership qualities and integrity. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, cultural sensibility, and genuine character make her a valued member of our school and an excellent role model. It is an honor to be part of her musical journey.”

Ms. Baker Jackson, Clara’s, English Writing Workshop teacher, remarks:
“Clara is a shining star in the IB English Writers’ Workshop. She is always willing to engage and share her ideas on topics we are analyzing in the workshop. She is thoughtful and discerning in her responses and often challenges her classmates to look at a text or idea through a different lens.”

Clara’s CAS Advisor, Mr. Urban, shares:
“Clara is a remarkably positive, determined, and engaging student who is always a pleasure to speak with. In CAS, she has demonstrated exceptional initiative and commitment, actively supporting and promoting an international youth exchange programme and playing a key role in the organization of ISR’s first TEDxYouth event.

A highly creative individual, Clara expresses herself through both music and writing. Her talents were recently recognized when she earned first place in a literature competition. Clara approaches CAS with a proactive, can-do attitude that I greatly admire.

Finally, Dr. Corbin, Clara’s University and Career Counselor, writes:
“Collaborating with Clara in the UCC classroom has been a genuine pleasure over the past year. She is actively engaged in discussions about course options and university destinations and approaches the process with a sincere commitment to her future goals. Clara is thoughtful, consistent, and purposeful in her work, approaching each assignment with confidence and poise. She is kind, positive, and always wears a smile, making her a valued member of the ISR community. While she has already achieved so much, I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the years ahead.”

We are proud to spotlight Clara as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

Yesterday, we celebrated a truly special and emotional milestone at during our End-of-Year .

Our is an important student-led organization at ISR, giving students the opportunity to take on leadership roles, support school life, organize initiatives and events, and make a meaningful contribution to our .

The ceremony was opened by our SLC Head Prefects, Hannah and Lucy, who reflected on their journey and shared that SLC has been “one of the best things that has ever happened to them.” They spoke about the leadership they developed, the meaningful connections they built, and the formed along the way. Following their speeches, the Head Leaders of each SLC Department reflected on the year, shared their experiences, and recognized the achievements of their . Our students received in recognition of their dedication and contributions, and we also celebrated our and SLC students. A fun Superlatives segment honored our Grade 11 SLC students with special titles highlighting their personalities, contributions, and team spirit. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt SLC recap video, followed by a moving speech from Ms. McGee, our SLC , who shared how proud she is of every student and reflected on their growth, maturity, and development throughout the year.

We were also delighted to introduce our new SLC Head Prefects for the upcoming school year: 10 students Gian and Diba. Congratulations to both of them - we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make as they lead SLC into another successful year.

This year, 133 students from 5 to 11 across eight departments contributed to SLC, making a lasting impact on our and school community. Through SLC, students gain valuable leadership experience and develop important soft skills such as teamwork, communication, responsibility, event organization, and team leadership.

A very special thank you goes to Ms. McGee for her dedication, guidance, and commitment. Without her, SLC would not be what it is today!

ISR Student Spotlight

This week, we are proud to spotlight our ninth-grader, Rex, who joined ISR in 2025. He was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Chanal, his French teacher, who shares:
“Rex is a hardworking student who is committed to learning and is not afraid to ask for help when needed. He has shown determination in catching up on material missed at his previous school. Rex is also creative, energetic, and brings enthusiasm to the classroom.”

Mr. Davis, Rex’s English teacher, explains:
“I believe Rex only joined us this year, but you would never know it. He is a wonderful student to have in class, as he is always willing to answer questions, share his opinions, try new things, and take on challenges. He is consistently hardworking, polite, and good-humored, and is always ready to help others when they find something challenging. I appreciate his thoughtful contributions, well-considered responses, and the positive attitude he brings to everything he does.”

Rex’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, notes:
“Rex is a joy to teach. Although he joined us this year, he has already demonstrated remarkable dedication and discipline. He is polite, respectful, and trustworthy. More than anything, it is so inspiring to see how many friends he has made and how he cares for others. A remarkable gem of our community!”

Ms. Bowien, Rex’s mathematics teacher, writes:
“Rex is a wonderful member of our mathematics class! He always works hard and gives his best effort. He has a fantastic personality and is always willing to make others smile with a corny joke and a great sense of humor. His dedication, kindness, and ability to bring positivity to the classroom make him a perfect example of why it's cool to be good.”

Finally, Ms. Murray, the Academic Head of Grade 9, states:
“Rex is a creative, kind, and incredibly talented student who joined ISR this academic year. His ability to lead, adapt, and his dedication to his studies are why Rex is an excellent representative of our motto: ‘It's Cool to Be Good.’ He approaches all tasks with humor, a smile, and a thorough approach to being the best he can be!”

We are proud to spotlight Rex as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Owen, who joined ISR in 2024. He was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Chroni, his mathematics teacher. She explains: “Owen is an exceptionally polite, humble, and respectful student whose character shines just as brightly as his outstanding mathematical ability. This year, he placed in the top 1% internationally in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) for Grades 7 and 8 and earned 1st Prize in the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. He also challenged himself by participating in the Canadian Fryer Mathematics Competition for Grade 9 students, and we would not be surprised to see him earn another award. He is one of those students who leave you wondering which is more outstanding, his mathematics or his character.”

Owen’s Grade 6 mathematics teacher, Mr. Sotorilli, shares: “I was Owen’s mathematics teacher for one term in sixth grade and also had the opportunity to cover a few substitute classes this year. Owen consistently impressed me with his sharp logical reasoning and natural ability to tackle mathematical challenges with confidence and creativity. What stands out even more is his patience and maturity. He is always willing to clearly explain his thinking and share his problem-solving process with others, while also remaining open to guidance whenever needed. This balance of confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn is truly commendable. I am certain that Owen will continue to achieve great success throughout his academic journey and will keep standing out through his sharp mathematical mind and thoughtful character.”

Ms. Hautz, Owen’s Spanish teacher and Head of the Spanish Department, remarks: “Owen is an extremely kind and respectful student. He works diligently and always completes his work in a neat and thorough manner. He has a sharp mind and a talent for languages, perhaps due to his inquisitive nature and excellent listening skills. Owen is an asset and a pleasure to have in my lessons.”

Owen’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, adds: “Owen has been an outstanding student since he joined our community. He is quiet but attentive, observant but proactive when required. He is extremely polite, respectful, honest and trustworthy. It is a privilege to have him in class, and I am sure he will shine in everything he does.”

We are proud to spotlight Owen as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

After recently highlighting Linus and his dedicated work at the Armenküche, as well as Hannah, Lucy, Luna, Pink, and Diba, who sell handmade bracelets for charity, we are proud to celebrate another inspiring example of student initiative and social responsibility.

Our ISR Secondary School student Leonard has launched a fundraising project to support the construction of new school toilets in Cameroon. His project, “Leo – Healthy Children Project,” aims to build a sanitary facility with running water at a school in the village of Toulouse-Ndizong. The plan includes five new toilets: two for girls, two for boys, and one for the teaching staff.

Leonard’s motivation is deeply personal. His uncle began a toilet construction project in Africa 15 years ago, and through him Leonard learned that many schools still only have very basic pit latrines. He was especially moved by the fact that this can prevent girls from attending school during menstruation. Realizing that a lack of proper toilets can stand in the way of education made a lasting impression on him. When he later had to choose a social project as part of a school program, he decided to follow his uncle’s example and take action himself.

The project is supported through close family and school connections. Leonard’s family has known Dr. Raoul Cheuteu, an ophthalmologist in Cameroon and medical partner of the Korschenbroich-based association Augenhilfe Afrika, for many years. Around three years ago, Dr. Cheuteu, with the help of Augenhilfe Afrika, helped build a drinking water point at the Catholic school in Toulouse-Ndizong. Even then, the school had expressed how urgently toilets were needed. Leonard’s fundraising campaign now aims to make this possible through Augenhilfe Afrika and under the guidance of Dr. Cheuteu.

Leonard plans to continue collecting donations until the end of June and will accompany the construction work on site in Cameroon during the summer holidays. At ISR, we are very proud to see our students using their idea to support others. We warmly congratulate Leonard on this impressive initiative and hope that many members of our community will be inspired by his example!

An interesting article about his project can be found here: https://rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/neuss/neuss-schueler-sammelt-spenden-fuer-schultoiletten-in-kamerun_aid-148577999

We are excited to share another student success story this week!

One of our Grade 9 students, Chengtong, competed in the North Rhine-Westphalia Age Group Swimming Championships in Dortmund. Chengtong took part in the 100-meter butterfly event in the 2010 age group, and we are extremely proud to announce that she achieved 3rd place and won the bronze medal!

In addition to this outstanding achievement, Chengtong also beat her own personal best, setting a new personal record of 1:08.80 minutes.

Chengtong is a wonderful example of our motto at ISR: “It’s cool to be good!” She demonstrates that it is possible to be successful both in school and beyond the classroom.

Keep up the great work, Chengtong! We wish you continued success in the future.

Last week, from 11–15 May, fourteen Grade 11 students participated in ISR’s annual university exploration trip to London, accompanied by University & Career Counselor Dr. Jill Corbin and mathematics teacher Mr. Felipe Eboli Sotorilli.

During the five-day program, students visited six leading institutions: London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford (including Balliol College), University College London, King's College London, Hult International Business School, and Imperial College London.

Each year, careful consideration is given to selecting the universities visited. The institutions are chosen based on student interests, historical application trends among ISR students, and the desire to provide exposure to a variety of campus environments, including private and public institutions, as well as large and small campuses in both urban and suburban settings.

Students participated in guided campus tours and attended in-depth admissions presentations at LSE, Oxford, and King’s College London, gaining valuable insight into university life, application expectations, and academic opportunities in the United Kingdom. At Hult International Business School, students also participated in an engaging entrepreneurship masterclass led by Professor Nikhil Soi.

The group also had the opportunity to meet with a former ISR student to learn more about the transition from high school to university life and how the ISR IB Diploma Program prepared them for the academic demands of university study.

In addition to the university visits, students explored several of London’s most renowned cultural institutions, including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum. Free time activities included viewing Big Ben and landmarks along the Thames, attending Hamilton, visiting Hyde Park, and enjoying traditional British fare such as fish and chips.

The trip provided students with an invaluable opportunity to experience university environments firsthand, engage directly with admissions professionals and faculty members, and further develop their academic and career aspirations within one of the world’s leading educational cities.

ISR Student Spotlight

This week, we are proud to spotlight our eighth grader, Soha, who joined ISR in 2016. She was nominated for the spotlight by her mathematics teacher, Ms. Chroni, who explains:

“Soha is a diligent, humble, and positive student who always works hard and does her best in school. In mathematics, she is consistently a top achiever. She works in a responsible and independent way, completing her tasks carefully and with confidence. She is polite and respectful to both teachers and classmates, and she often encourages those around her, showing real joy when others succeed as well.”
Soha’s homeroom and German teacher, Mr. Kroenke, also praises her reliability and kindness:

“Soha is one of those students teachers never really have to worry about. Whether it’s first period in the morning or Period 8 at the end of the day, she always shows up focused, prepared, and ready to contribute in German class. She is incredibly reliable and does an amazing job as a Homeroom representative. If Soha says something will get done, it gets done.

What really stands out about her, though, is her big heart. Her classmates know they can always count on her, and she is the kind of person who quietly makes the class a better place to be everyday. On top of that, she has a wonderfully quick wit and has delivered more than a few clever and genuinely funny comments in class that caught even me off guard.”

Highlighting Soha’s enthusiasm and creativity in the classroom, Ms. Moloney, her English teacher, shares:

“This year, in English, Soha showcases her dedicated approach to learning in a variety of ways. Whether she is leading a group project, creating poetry, or taking the stage to perform a monologue, Soha’s enthusiastic attitude is contagious. She is always willing to participate in discussions and debates, expressing thoughtful ideas and sharing valuable insights with the class. Soha is a wonderful member of our Grade 8 English class.”

Soha’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, reflects proudly on her growth over the years:
“From being a somewhat reserved keyboard player in Rock Band to becoming the confident speaker she is now, I feel so privileged to have had Soha in my music class for the last four years. She has grown so much in every skill: leadership, time management, communication, organisation, and team building, to name a few. She is an exemplar student, and I am sure she will achieve greatness in everything she does!”

Her motivation and initiative have also left a strong impression on her French teacher, Ms. Chanal:

“Soha not only participated in the “weather forecast” project but also contributed to the ISR International Spring Festival by submitting not one but two posters on her own initiative. Her goal: to get the highest grade in the class.”

Soha’s sports teacher, Ms. Racheva, commends both her positive attitude and personal development:

“It has been a pleasure teaching Soha over the past several years as part of the ISR community and watching her grow into such a wonderful young person. She is an excellent Grade 8 student who consistently brings enthusiasm, energy, and positivity to every PE lesson. Soha always participates with a smile on her face and approaches all activities with determination, confidence, and a positive attitude.
Over the years, I have seen her develop not only her physical skills but also her maturity, teamwork, and perseverance. She puts great effort into everything she does and always encourages those around her. Soha is a caring and supportive friend who contributes greatly to the positive atmosphere in class. Her respectful attitude, strong work ethic, and cheerful personality make her a valued member of the ISR community. I am very proud of the progress she has made and look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the future.”

Even teachers who knew Soha during her earliest years at ISR remember her fondly. Ms. Vrem, the Head of ISR Kindergarten Neuss, recalls:

“Soha started at ISR in Kindergarten. She is a curious, creative, friendly, and very intelligent child. She quickly made many friends, and her teachers appreciated her thoughtful contributions to the group.”

Soha’s former teacher, Ms. Smith, fondly reflects on teaching her several years ago:

“Soha was in my very first class at the ISR. That was nearly 5 years ago. She was so kind and thoughtful with her classmates, as well as being enthusiastic and curious about her learning. Since then, I have watched her grow into an awesome learner and can see from her attitude and manner around the school that she is still as dedicated to her education as she was all those years ago. Soha, you are definitely cool and definitely good; you are a great ambassador for ISR, and we are all so proud of you even after you have left our classroom nests.”

Another former teacher, Ms. Hartmann, shares similar sentiments:

Soha is an amazing student – smart, kind-hearted, witty, and truly a ray of sunshine. I absolutely loved being her German teacher in Grade 3, and it has been so wonderful to watch her grow and flourish. I am incredibly proud of her progress and amazed by the thoughtful, confident young person she is becoming.

Mr. Urban, Soha’s former social studies teacher, also remembers her very positively:

“Soha is very eager to learn, well-mannered, and always friendly. It was a pleasure to have her in my social studies classes for two years, and she consistently achieved very good scores.

These days, I really enjoy having her participate in study trips such as Sicily and Strasbourg.”

Finally, Ms. Freise, Soha’s former English teacher, highlights the lasting impression she has made both academically and personally:

“At ISR, we are proud to celebrate students who not only achieve academically but also contribute positively to the classroom environment.

I taught Soha in Grade 6, and from the very beginning of the year, she stood out for her kind and welcoming nature. She consistently demonstrated a warm, friendly attitude toward her classmates, making an effort to include others and build strong, respectful relationships. Her ability to get along with everyone has made her a valued member of the class community and a positive influence on those around her.

In addition to her interpersonal strengths, Soha is an incredibly hardworking and reliable student. She approaches every task with determination and care, always striving to do her best. Whether it was completing assignments, participating in discussions, or working on group projects, Soha consistently proved that she could be counted on to give her full effort.

What truly sets Soha apart is her inner drive and motivation. She is highly focused on achieving strong results and is always eager to improve. Her commitment to earning good grades is evident in the attention and dedication she brings to her work. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, Soha embraces them as opportunities to grow, showing maturity beyond her years.

Teachers appreciate Soha not only for her academic commitment but also for her positive attitude toward learning. She listens attentively, engages thoughtfully, and always comes prepared. Her enthusiasm for succeeding inspires her peers and contributes to a productive, supportive classroom atmosphere."

We are proud to spotlight Soha as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!