WELCOME TO SY 2025-2026
Aug 29th, 2025 / ISSUE #1
WHOLE SCHOOL
WELCOME BACK TO SY 2025-26
A WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
Dear IICS Community,
As we open the doors to a new academic year, it is a joy to welcome back our students, families, and staff to both campuses. The energy and enthusiasm of our community remind us why IICS is such a special place to learn, grow, and connect.
This year promises to be full of opportunities for discovery, achievement, and meaningful experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and vibrant environment where every student is inspired to reach their full potential.
Also, the safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority at IICS.
To ensure readiness, we conduct monthly emergency drills so that students and staff can respond calmly and effectively in any situation. Both the Marmara and Hisar campuses are fully equipped with essential supplies including water, food, tents, sleeping bags, and medical equipment to support the community for 3–5 days if necessary. We will also provide regular updates throughout the school year to keep you informed.
Transportation & Emergency Procedures
Babaoglu is proud to provide safe, high-quality transportation services for our community. Our Transportation Coordinator, Mr. Bedirhan Dere, is based at the Marmara Campus and is available in person or by phone to answer any questions.
You may also view the Transportation Emergency Procedures here and Transportation Emergency Flow Chart here.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we look forward to a safe and successful school year ahead.
Warm regards,
Nicolaas Mostert
Head of School
Dear IICS Community,
As we begin a new academic year, we are proud to share the Annual Report SY 2024-25 highlighting the achievements and milestones of our school community. The report also includes the results of the Parent Survey.
We remain committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and challenging environment, and we greatly value your partnership as we support our students together.
Thank you for your continued trust and dedication to IICS. We hope you enjoy reflecting on last year’s accomplishments as we look forward to the year ahead.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2025-26
Dear IICS Community,
Please use our Google Calendar to stay up to date with school events, activities, and important dates. The calendar is updated in real time, ensuring you always have the most accurate information at hand.
If you need any assistance accessing it, please contact the IT Office.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Dear IICS Community,
For security reasons, all important school news and announcements are shared through our Community Portal. To stay informed and connected, please follow the steps below to log in:
Community Portal Instructions:
Go to Community Portal (under the Community section on the main page).
Enter the email address you provided to the Admissions Team.
Create a username and password.
Enter the invitation code: 89d98d524m
Click “Sign Up!”
When redirected to the sign-in page, enter your login details.
Check the “Remember me” box.
Click “Login.”
We hope the Community Portal and website provide you with everything you need. Should you require additional information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’re happy to help.
To access the school's Google Calendar, please visit Google Calendar.
Monday, Sept 1: Secondary Fall Season Starts
Wednesday, Sept 3: Primary Welcome Assembly @ Marmara
Friday, Sept 5: Primary Welcome Assembly @ Hisar
Monday, Sept 8: Primary CCA Season 1 Starts & Primary Sports - Basketball Starts
Wednesday, Sept 10: Primary Marmara Back to School Day
Friday, Sept 12: Primary Hisar Back to School Day
Sept 15 - 19: School Photos Week @ Marmara
Thursday, Sept 18: Secondary Back to School Day
Sept 22 - 23: School Photos @ Hisar
Sept 22 - 26: Primary MAP Testing Week 1
Sept 23 - 26: Secondary Gr 7-11 Class Trips
Wednesday, Sept 24: Hisar Picnic
Monday, Sept 29: PD Day for Teachers (No School for Students)
Sept 30 - Oct 3: Primary MAP Testing Week 2
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
For any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Figen Underdown, Board Secretary. She will be pleased to assist with your inquiries. Additional information, including Board meeting minutes, is available on the Community Portal .
Those interested in joining a Board Committee are kindly asked to submit their CV and committee preference to Ms. Underdown, Board Secretary.
CELEBRATIONS
Alisha Muir
Individuals & Societies
Amanda Galvao
Science
Cameron Smith
Individuals & Societies
Hannah Dickie
Primary Student Support Teacher & Coordinator
Jurie Hwang
Language Acquisition
Kari Blassing
EY 3/4, Marmara
Katie Flutey
Grade 5
Madha Mahdik
Maths
Mayada El-Sabah
Psychology
Nil Inal
Teaching Assistant
Yeliz Ayhan
EY 5, Marmara
We are pleased to present a collection of photographs from the first day of school, a milestone that reflects the beginning of another year of growth, learning, and shared achievements within our community. The day was marked with enthusiasm, optimism, and a strong sense of purpose as our students commenced the new academic year.
The photo albums may be accessed through the following links:
We remain grateful for your continued support and partnership as we work together to provide an exceptional educational experience. We look forward to the year ahead with great anticipation.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
For the most up-to-date Calendar information, please see the IICS Google Community Calendar via the IICS website.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Welcome back Dolphins!
We would like to inform you that our secondary Fall season will start on Monday, September 1. At the end of the day today, sign ups will be closed on the SchoolsBuddy platform but if you need any assistance with the selection process, please stop by the activities office.
Our student-led club meetings will also start on Monday, September 1. Please check with your club officers and advisors where and when the meetings will take place.
Have a fantastic season! GO DOLPHINS!!!
PTA
JOIN OUR PTA – MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY!
Now welcoming new members for the 2025-2026 school year.
Are you a parent who wants to:
• Help shape school community events and programs?
• Connect with other families?
• Bring new ideas to our vibrant community?
Then we’d love to welcome you to the PTA!
We meet monthly (at Marmara, near Hisar or online), share ideas, plan exciting tours and events, fundraisers, and of course the International Day – all while building friendships and contributing to making our school a better place for the whole community.
No experience needed – just your heart and your time!
JOIN US TODAY for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dear Families,
Are you ready for a new adventure?
What about joining us for a challenge to know Istanbul and Turkish Culture better while bonding with other members of our community?
Meeting Point: In Front of Haghia Sophia
Meeting Time: 10:30am
Date: September 30th, 2025
More information can be found here.
To register please use this link.
CONNECT WITH US
Nicolaas Mostert, Head of School, (whole school) ext:118
Secondary Principal, (Secondary school related) ext: 408
Figen Underdown, Executive Assistant to the HoS & Board Secretary (Head of School and Board of Trustees contact) ext: 113
Greta Hazlett, Primary Principal (Primary school related) ext: 202
Sare Sahin, Primary Principal Assistant (Marmara Primary students' absences) ext: 205
Alexis Redmond, Primary Vice Principal (Hisar Campus related)
Ayse Ozdemir, Hisar Office Manager, (Hisar students' absences)
Omer Kipmen, Secondary Vice Principal (Secondary school related) ext: 408
Nagihan Yalman, Secondary Principal Assistant (Secondary students' absences) ext: 203
Zeliha Ozturk, Director of Admissions (Enrollment, student certificate) ext: 215
Eser Romano, Operations Coordinator (Tuition fee collection) ext: 122
Ivan Atanaskovic, Director of Athletics & Activities (Athletics and Activities) ext: 206
Serpil Celebi, Nurse (Health related @ Marmara) ext: 112
Cemre Demir, Nurse, (Health related @ Hisar)
Ibrahim Gokmen, Babaoglu Bus Service Rep. (Transportation)
Hisar Campus Phone: + 90 212 287 2770
Marmara Campus Phone: +90 212 857 8264
QUICK LINKS