Welcome to Elementary School

Dear ICS Elementary Families,

Welcome to a brand-new school year at the International Community School of Addis Ababa!

As a third-culture kid (TCK) raised in Africa and Asia, I am pleased to serve as your Elementary Principal. My background spans elementary education, instructional coaching, and school leadership—passions that align directly with the rich, multicultural and community spirit of ICS. My wife, Jenny, our children, Dylan and Sam and I are thrilled to be a part of this incredible community.

Grounded in Strong Leadership

I am joined by a remarkable leadership team dedicated to nurturing a safe, thriving environment for every child:

• Ms. Yodit Hizekiel (Deputy Elementary Principal, Upper Elementary Grade 2-5)

• Ms. Mei-Lyn Freeman (Deputy Elementary Principal, Lower Elementary EY3-Grade 1)

As Deputy Elementary Principals, Ms. Yodit and Ms. Mei-Lyn lead and support teachers and students, ensuring a strong, personalized learning culture and a smooth transition throughout.

• Ms. Chantelle Love (PYP Coordinator): Ms. Chantelle leads the Primary Years Programme (PYP), ensuring our inquiry-based learning directly reflects International Baccalaureate (IB)  standards and practices.

• Ms. Sarah Begashaw (Learning Coach): Ms. Sarah serves as a Learning Coach, partnering directly with teachers and teams to design personalized, inquiry-based learning experiences.

• Ms. Sheilah Curtis (MTSS Coordinator): Ms. Sheilah leads the implementation and alignment of multi-tiered systems of support to ensure personalized academic, social, and emotional interventions for every student.

• Ms. Esther Ossai (Upper Elementary Counselor - Grade 2-5)

• Ms. Ivana Bagini (Lower Elementary Counselor - EY3-Grade 1)

Ms. Esther and Ms. Ivana serve as the Elementary Counselors, providing tailored social-emotional support, student advocacy, and counseling guidance for Upper (Grades 2–5) and Lower (EY3–Grade 1) Elementary students.

Driven by Inquiry & Personalization

At ICS, we celebrate the absolute variability of our students. We know that children do not learn in a "one-size-fits-all" mold. As an authorized IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, our commitment is to provide a deeply personalized, progressive learning journey. You will see choice, voice and vibrant environments designed for agency and curiosity.

Partnering with You

A strong, trusting relationship between home and school is the heart of a healthy learning culture. We encourage you to be active partners in your child’s educational journey:

• Engage in the Inquiry: Ask open-ended questions about what your child is exploring, creating, or testing at school.

• Stay Connected: Keep an eye out for classroom newsletters and posts on Toddle for regular glimpses into learning stories and milestones.

• Read Together: Even minutes spent reading or wondering aloud with your child each day builds critical mental fitness and a lifelong love of learning.

Together, we are building one of the world's premier IB international schools—a place where every student is known, cherished, and empowered to excel.

I look forward to connecting with each of you in the coming days and weeks. Welcome to the new school year!

Warmly,

Colin Powell, Elementary School Principal