Dear ISB Students, Families, Staff and Friends,

As we begin a new year, we do so in a world that continues to face a lot of turbulence and uncertainty, on many levels. In such times, the role of high-quality education—education that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, clear communication—is more important than ever.

At the International School of Brno, we are entering a significant and exciting time in our journey. This March, we will undergo the final authorization visit as part of our transition to becoming an IB Continuum School. This milestone is one we are deeply proud of. It brings greater coherence and consistency across our programmes and strengthens a shared educational vision that supports students in achieving their full potential while prioritizing their well-being—not only during their years at school, but as a foundation for life.

Over the past 17 years, ISB has evolved from a school established to meet the essential needs of expatriate families into a high-quality educational institution with IB and CIS accreditation, recognized within the region and beyond. With this growth comes a profound responsibility. Our community’s expectations are no longer defined by local or regional benchmarks, but by the standards of leading international schools worldwide.

Meeting these expectations requires ongoing commitment: differentiating learning to support individual student growth, ensuring transparent and meaningful formative and summative assessment practices, staying aligned with developments in modern education, and providing students with opportunities to excel in areas they are passionate about. These are long-term goals that guide our daily conversations, decisions, and actions—and we trust that their impact is, and will continue to be, evident in our classrooms and school culture.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and shared belief in the power of education.

Wishing you and your families a healthy, inspiring, and successful 2026.

Warm regards,

Jan Švihálek
Head of School

Early Years students enjoyed a hands-on science experience by creating pretend snowballs using baking soda, salt, detergent, and vinegar. They carefully mixed the materials and observed the exciting reactions as part of their inquiry-led learning. The snowballs were then used to build creative and playful snowmen. Throughout the activity, students collaborated, shared ideas, and asked thoughtful questions. This engaging experience supported curiosity, creativity, and learning through play in a PYP-friendly way.

Early Years students engaged in an authentic writing experience by creating letters for loved ones around the world. Through this inquiry-based activity, students developed their communication skills and explored the purpose of writing. A visit to the local post office helped them understand how letters travel and how communities support connection. Students demonstrated the PYP learner profile attributes of Communicators and Caring as they shared thoughtful messages. This meaningful experience supported language development, global awareness, and real-world learning.

Students explored the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the Planet by learning about the importance of water as a precious resource. Through the Water Buddies initiative, students inquired into simple ways they can save water at school and at home. They developed an understanding of responsibility and sustainability by making thoughtful choices about water use. Students demonstrated the PYP learner profile attributes of Principled and Caring as they took action to protect the Earth. This learning experience encouraged students to become responsible global citizens from an early age.

Students focusing on minimal food waste took part in a meaningful visit to a local zero-waste shop, where they inquired into sustainable choices and responsible consumption. They learned how reducing packaging and food waste supports a healthier planet. The visit continued at the town Christmas markets, where students explored how supporting local vendors helps the local economy. Through real-world experiences, students developed an understanding of community, sustainability, and economic responsibility. This PYP-friendly learning experience encouraged students to be Inquirers, Principled, and Caring members of their community.

Leading up to the Christmas holidays, it’s best to get into the spirit of the season. While exploring Ratio and Proportion, Year 7 students solved problems with Christmas cookies. There’s nothing like festive mathematics to make learning memorable.

A big day for the Secondary/HS Student Council and Arts Committee in December: our first major multi-station event! From lantern-making to Christmas pop up card making, sustainable gift wrapping, crystal-ornament science, cookie decorating, and Blooket trivia battles, students participated in activities of their choosing. With guidance from the Sustainability Club, global thinking and mindful choices were woven into the fun. A warm thank-you to all teachers who supervised and helped make this learning-through-doing moment possible.

In December, ISB students participated in their first Model United Nations Conference. Model United Nations gives students the chance to think critically about global issues, collaborate with others, and communicate their ideas with confidence and clarity. By researching perspectives beyond their own and engaging in respectful debate, students develop key IB Learner Profile attributes such as being knowledgeable, open-minded, principled, reflective, and effective communicators. It helps them grow as internationally minded learners who understand their role in shaping a better, more peaceful world. Thank you to Ms. Correa for getting MUN started at ISB!

When starting a project, it is important to try and identify the crucial sequence of tasks that must be completed in order to be done on time. IB DP Business Management students have been calculating the critical path of a project, identifying which activities are essential and which have flexibility. Understanding the critical path supports smarter planning, efficiency, and successful project outcomes.

December is always a joyful and busy month, filled with activities both in and out of school. With so much happening, our well-being lessons focused on slowing down and staying present by integrating practices of mindfulness. Students explored mindful thoughts, words, and actions, with a special emphasis on gratitude and kindness. Through these lessons, students were encouraged to recognize their own emotions, show empathy toward others, and understand how small, intentional actions can have a positive impact on their daily lives and school community. By practicing mindfulness and reflecting on gratitude, students developed greater self-awareness and learned practical strategies for managing busy moments and transitions.

The holiday season naturally reflects themes of unity, community, and giving back, and our students embraced these values through various activities that highlighted compassion, connection, and care for others. As we move into January, we are feeling excited and hopeful for the year ahead. Our well-being focus will shift toward goal setting, while also exploring the important themes of resilience and determination, supporting students as they reflect on challenges, build perseverance, and set meaningful intentions for personal growth.

We hope you all had a lovely holiday season, spent with family and loved ones, and we wish you a very happy and healthy New Year.

• Primary Ski Trip