The week of October 7th was a vibrant celebration of cultural and linguistic diversity at IBS, with a packed schedule of events that showcased the rich variety of traditions and languages represented in our community.
The festivities began on Monday with an inspiring exhibition on “French Explorers,” which invited students to discover the fascinating journeys and achievements of key figures in French history.
On Tuesday, the creativity of our students took center stage during the English Story Contest. Participants impressed the audience with their imaginative tales, making it a memorable event.
Wednesday brought the delicious International Goodies Bake Sale, organized by the PIBS Parent Committee. With a wide array of treats from around the world, the sale raised €400, which will go towards funding Teacher Appreciation Week.
On Thursday, the IBS community came together in celebration by wearing traditional costumes, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of students and staff. In addition, an exhibition of National Costumes was held in the Lobby on both Thursday and Friday, featuring a beautiful collection of costumes lent by teachers and parents. The Photobooth, creatively designed by students, allowed everyone to capture their cultural pride in style.
The week continued on Friday with a hands-on Arabic and Chinese Calligraphy Workshop, offered by Arabic teacher Anna Proust and Chinese teacher Anqi Lin. Students eagerly took part in this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of these ancient writing systems.
A highlight of the week was the series of conferences designed for different grade levels:
For 3ème, Amélie Devaux, a specialist in multicultural communication and co-founder of LeadershipCQ, led a thought-provoking session on “Cultural Intelligence.”
4ème and 5ème students delved into “Writing Systems in the World’s Languages”, presented by Julia Sharipova, a linguist and coordinator of the IBS Modern Languages Department.
For 6ème, Ms. Sharipova also led an engaging workshop on “The Evolution of Language,” tracing the development of languages.
The week was a tremendous success, bringing together students, teachers, and the wider IBS community to celebrate our diverse heritage and foster greater cultural understanding. It was a week full of learning, fun, and pride!
