Leading Your International School

In the Leading Your International School Principal’s Blog #175, John S. D. Devadoss, Director of Boarding, Raffles American School, Malaysia, writes about:

‘The Midnight Mission Statement of Residential Life’

This blog talks about the invisible, midnight world of international boarding schools, the raw, unscripted human moments that happen long after the classroom lights go out and the glossy prospectuses are put away.

While many know John as a dual Level 4 (ABSA & BSA) Boarding Practitioner, his life outside residential care is a vibrant mix of global adventures, community service, and energetic hobbies!

A seasoned traveler who has visited more than 40 countries (Venice remains his absolute favourite!), he also professionally holds a certification as an IATA International Travel Consultant from Geneva.

Guided by a deep calling to serve others, he is an ordained pastor dedicated to global children's ministry and has been an active Rotarian with a passion for community welfare. At the centre of his 30-year journey in international schools is his wife, Rebecca - an IBDP/AP Biology teacher and his steadfast pillar of support.

Fun Facts About John:

🍴John craves authentic Sri Lankan spicy food.

🪳He isn't afraid of snakes, but flying cockroaches will make him retreat.

♟️John keeps his energy high playing chess, squash, and cricket, cheering on rugby matches, or relaxing to his favourite music.

Oh, and if he looks familiar, it’s probably because he’s been mistaken for Indian movie stars in public - twice!

To read John’s upcoming blog and previous blogs, go to:
https://sl1nk.com/4iyjf9v

No hierarchy.

No status games.

A really diverse group of people from different cultural backgrounds - mission and integrity bring us together.

Join 150+ international school leaders and educators who understand the complexity of your role because they live it too.

participants call it "community over conference”, and they mean it.

Join , find your people: https://forms.gle/yvPVuQYhUYhCptvA8

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS), March 12-14, 2027

3 Days. 3 Levels. 1 Mission.

What does hashtag look like?

✅ Personal Mission – Clarifying your own leadership identity.
What does your mission integrity look like?

✅ School Mission – Closing the gap between stated values and daily practice. How do you embed integrity across your whole campus?

✅System Mission – Moving beyond your campus.
How do you sustain and advocate for mission integrity across the wider community?

Instead of another similar event, hashtag is building a movement for leaders who want to lead with mission integrity for a better future!

Join us at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS) from 12–14 March 2027, where leadership practice meets mission integrity.

Secure your place:

https://forms.gle/EFgNRJfPPkA3oicc6

Tag a colleague who needs to be here!

Join us in the upcoming Your International School Library course!

2-day In-Person Library Leadership Course, hosted by

📍Keystone Academy, Beijing | 6-7 November 2026

Following successful courses in Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, Strothoff International School Frankfurt, Dulwich College (Singapore), The International School @ ParkCity Kuala Lumpur, we're now delighted to welcome back Dr Sarah Pavey, a globally recognised library leadership expert with 25+ years of experience across all educational levels.

What you'll gain:

🔹 Strategies for creating dynamic, welcoming library spaces
🔹 Navigate the evolving digital landscape, including generative AI
🔹 Combat misinformation and strengthen information literacy
🔹 Practical tools to enhance student engagement and reading motivation
🔹 Connection with passionate library leaders from around the world

Whether you're new to library leadership or a seasoned professional, this immersive two-day course offers the confidence, knowledge, and community to reimagine your impact.

Do share with your colleague librarians who will benefit from this course.

Sign up now:
https://forms.gle/tWyUw1svEshiDhEM6

You answered their questions. You just didn't answer their real ones.

Becoming an international school principal involves demonstrating the judgement, integrity, self-awareness and strategic leadership that boards, owners and governors are really looking for.

The reality is that international school leadership is complex. It demands far more than educational expertise alone. You'll navigate diverse cultures, lead through uncertainty, make difficult decisions, recruit exceptional people, build sustainable schools and inspire learning communities around a shared purpose.

That's why we created the LYIS-Q.

Our qualification goes way beyond preparation for your next interview and prepares you for the realities of international school leadership.

When you choose Leading Your International School, you're choosing to support our mission and 'Level up international school leadership'.

As an LYIS-Q participant, you'll gain:

✔ A global community of ambitious and supportive school leaders.
✔ Access to our international conference and leadership events.
✔ Mentoring and coaching from experienced international principals.
✔ Opportunities to contribute to research, publications and podcasts.
✔ Practical leadership experiences that stretch, challenge and accelerate your growth.
✔ A professional network that will continue to support you long after you've completed the qualification.

Leadership should never be in isolation, and the LYIS-Q brings with it the challenge, opportunities for reflection, ongoing opportunities for your leadership to flourish, alongside a community like no other.

If you're serious about becoming an international school principal, prepare for the responsibility.

Confidence comes from knowing you're ready for the questions they don't ask.

🔗 Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey:

https://forms.gle/ERQzFLJrF3G6r9zp9

is now on sale to the general public.

From 12 to 14 March 2027, will bring international school leaders together in Phnom Penh to explore the fundamental question:

How do we lead with integrity whilst remaining true to the mission and values that define our schools?

The theme for , Leading with Mission Integrity, will challenge delegates to reflect on how values show up in practice, in decision-making, recruitment, governance, curriculum design, safeguarding, culture and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence. Practical workshops, panel discussions, research reviews and live leadership experiences will ensure attendees leave with strategies and ideas they can apply immediately within their own context.

LYIS exists to redefine international school leadership: who leads, how they lead and what leadership stands for. Built on a commitment to ethical practice with genuine opportunity and sustainable thinking, it is a community that believes more diverse pathways into leadership make the profession stronger for everyone.

Hosted by Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS), a school renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation, this third LYIS conference delivers three days of meaningful dialogue and professional challenge, leading to genuine connection among its attendees.

Designed as a conference where every voice matters, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional professional learning events. Delegates can expect courageous conversations, practical insights and a strong sense of community, all centred on improving outcomes for students, staff and schools.

Continuing its commitment to social responsibility, the conference will also raise funds for Raising Futures Kenya, with a target of exceeding $2,000.

Do register and secure your hashtag Ticket: https://forms.gle/BnW1Y4bBvTWWR8qM9

International school leaders are some of the most adaptable, culturally aware, quietly exhausted and deeply committed people we know.

This community exists for them. 🌍

To learn more about LYIS, what we do, and how we support the growth of both aspiring and established international school principals, head to leadingyourinternationalschool.com, or drop us a message.

TO CONVENE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LEADERS IN CAMBODIA FOR A LANDMARK CONVERSATION ON MISSION INTEGRITY AND IMPACT
Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 12–14 March 2027

From 12 to 14 March 2027, hashtag will bring international school leaders together in Phnom Penh to explore the fundamental question:

How do we lead with integrity whilst remaining true to the mission and values that define our schools?

The theme for hashtag , Leading with Mission Integrity, will challenge delegates to reflect on how values show up in practice, in decision-making, recruitment, governance, curriculum design, safeguarding, culture and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence. Practical workshops, panel discussions, research reviews and live leadership experiences will ensure attendees leave with strategies and ideas they can apply immediately within their own context.

LYIS exists to redefine international school leadership: who leads, how they lead and what leadership stands for. Built on a commitment to ethical practice with genuine opportunity and sustainable thinking, it is a community that believes more diverse pathways into leadership make the profession stronger for everyone.

Hosted by Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS), a school renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation, this third LYIS conference delivers three days of meaningful dialogue and professional challenge, leading to genuine connection among its attendees.

"Hosting LYIS is about investing in our staff and bringing together educators who share a passion for learning, leadership and service," said Howard Stribbell, PhD, Board Member of CIS Phnom Penh and Founder of Hive Schools International.

Designed as a conference where every voice matters, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional professional learning events. Delegates can expect courageous conversations, practical insights and a strong sense of community, all centred on improving outcomes for students, staff and schools.

"We are creating the conversation our community needs," said Event Director Amy Zhang张远远 LYIS Founder André Double 安德烈 杜布勒 added, "This is the place where international school leadership is levelled up, and we invite you to be part of that process."

Continuing its commitment to social responsibility, the conference will also raise funds for Raising Futures Kenya, with a target of exceeding $2,000.

Tickets are now on sale to LYIS Members and go on sale to the general public from 24 June.

Register to purchase hashtag Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gTEsy6rQ

For further information, event sponsorship and partnership opportunities, group bookings or registration details, please contact:

[email protected]

Leading Your International School (LYIS)