Ensuring our students are “future-ready” is a critical component of our vision and mission to nurture highly successful, spirited, and socially responsible global citizens. Our success in preparing students for their future depends on how well we support them in developing 21st-century skills today. In a world where self-directedness, the ability to think creatively, reason critically, and communicate effectively, are essential for success, one of our most important roles here at ISKL is to guide, mentor, and support students to become effective leaders. Building their leadership capacity today is one of the greatest attributes we can provide them with in preparation for the future.
Reflecting on the great leaders that make our world a better place, it is evident they are people who have a clear vision, model by example, and inspire others to follow them. Author, Sheryl Sandberg describes leadership as “making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” I believe our role at ISKL is to build this capacity in our students, to nurture their growth, and to help develop their leadership skills, so they too can ultimately contribute to making the world a better place.
We have many examples school-wide where these skills are nurtured and cultivated: programs such as the Red Hats and Peer Helpers, service-learning and sustainability initiatives, student-led clubs, and co-curricular activities all provide opportunities for students to learn, develop, and practice the skills of leadership; how to inspire others, create consensus, identify goals and work collaboratively towards achieving them. One such group is our Student Leadership Team (SLT) and it was my great honor to learn about the work of the SLT at a recent weekend workshop where this impressive group of 24 High School students put their leadership skills into practice to shape a new mission, redefine their purpose, and develop their plans for the future. It was inspiring to see these young leaders work together to create an exciting program designed to support our mission, have long term impact, and contribute to making ISKL an even better place.
Yours in collaboration and learning,
Rami Madani
Head of School
