FRIDAY FLASH

Sept 5th, 2025 / ISSUE #2

WHOLE SCHOOL

SECONDARY PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

Dear Secondary Parents,

We are delighted to share that as part of the selection process for our new Secondary Principal for the SY 2026-27, we will be welcoming three shortlisted candidates to our campus in the coming days. The interviews with these candidates will be conducted via Zoom. However, if you prefer to attend in person, you are very welcome to join us at the Marmara Campus, Board Room. If you plan to attend in person, kindly inform Figen in advance.

Please find the schedule and meeting details below:

John Kernis

Date: Monday, September 8

Time: 9:45-10:45

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81611542947 (Meeting ID: 816 1154 2947)

Ruth Poulsen

Date: Thursday, September 11

Time: 9:45-10:45

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87263579937 (Meeting ID: 872 6357 9937)

Zarmina Hotaki

Date: Monday, Sept 15

Time: 9:45-10:45

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88909820770 (Meeting ID: 889 0982 0770)

Your attendance at these sessions is greatly appreciated, as your feedback will play a crucial role in our decision-making process. At the end of each interview, you are kindly asked to complete the online feedback form to ensure that all perspectives are captured.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

Warm regards,
Nicolaas Mostert
Head of School

Annual Report SY 2024-25

Google Calendar

HOW TO ACCESS THE COMMUNITY PORTAL

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 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

Saturday, Sept 13: SAT Test

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.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

POLICY COMMITTEE

CELEBRATIONS

Seniors 26!

Class of 2026

The final 'first day' has arrived for our promising Class of 2026. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and ultimate achievements as they prepare to transition into their professional careers 🎓✨

Seniors 26 families and friends

Class of 2026 with Their Loved Ones

Another wave of cherished memories from our seniors' 'last first day' of school! It's truly heartwarming to see them share these special moments with their families. So much to look forward to! ❤️🎓

Club Fair

Secondary Club Fair

What a day! Our Club Fair was absolutely buzzing with energy! ✨ So incredible to see our 'dolphins' diving into new passions, from the rhythm of music to the wonders of science and everything in between. The perfect splash-off to the year! 💙🙌

cooking class reel.mp4

Class of 2026

Nothing says 'future-ready' quite like a perfectly crispy chicken and a fluffy waffle! 😋 So proud of our aspiring culinary stars honing their skills in the kitchen. Watch this space! 🧇🍗

First Day of Our Little Adventurers

Welcome aboard, little adventurers! 🎒 Our EY3 & EY4 explorers dove right into their first day at Marmara and Hisar with smiles and excitement. The future looks bright and full of learning! 🐬

PRIMARY SCHOOL

PEEK OF THE WEEK

For the most up-to-date Calendar information, please see the IICS Google Community Calendar via the IICS website.

Marmara Campus Letter (EY5 - Grade 5) Wednesday, September 10th, 8:30-1230

Hisar Campus Letter (EY5 - Grade 3) Friday, September 12th, 8:30-12:00

If you have any CCA-related questions, please reach out to:

Hisar: Ms. Beyza Sen (bsen@iics.k12.tr)

Marmara: Ms. Sare Sahin (ssahin@iics.k12.tr)

CCA Transportation Notices:

For the Marmara Campus:
Please be reminded that when students use the activity buses, the drop-off points are not their home addresses, but designated common locations. These drop-off points can be viewed through the SchoolsBuddy system. Kindly ensure that you are on time at the stop you have selected to collect your child from after school activities.

For the Hisar Campus:

The pickup location for Hisar is at the Hisar campus at the end of CCAs. Please be reminded to be on time at the HIsar campus to collect your child.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Personal Project Results

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Grade 10 Cohort!

A big congratulations to our 2024-2025 Grade 10 Cohort! In the Spring they finalized and submitted their Personal Project reports which detailed the planning, process, and outcomes of their Personal Project. Their reports were marked and submitted to the International Baccalaureate Organization, and we are proud to announce:

100% of learners were awarded an MYP Personal Project Certificate 🥳 (A grade of 3 or higher is needed to pass)
Average Grade: This cohort achieved an impressive 5.15 average grade far surpassing this year’s world-wide average of 3.94. Read more...

PTA

BYZAN TEAM CHALLENGE

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.

PTA CHARITY BOOK DRIVE

We’re excited to kick off our first charity event of the year with a meaningful initiative: strengthening the library of Kahramanmaraş Doluca Şehit Ali Can Primary and Secondary School.

Please join us by donating gently used primary and secondary level books and dropping them in the donation boxes at the Marmara Campus Lobby or Hisar Campus Entrance.

Deadline: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Our goal is to bring hope to little hearts and light to dreams—because a single book can change a child’s world.

IICS PTA PARENTS' SOCIALS

The IICS PTA is delighted to host a series of Parents' Social evenings at a beautiful Bosphorus-side venue in Arnavutköy.

Primary Parents Social (EY3/4 – Grade 4)
Friday, September 5, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Click here to reserve your spot
Grades 5–8 Parents Social
Friday, September 12, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Click here to reserve your spot
High School Parents Social
Friday, September 19, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Click here to reserve your spot

Venue: Arnavutköy, Bebek Caddesi No. 18

Join fellow IICS parents for an elegant evening in a historic building by the sea. Enjoy light bites, bring a favorite bottle to share, and connect with our school community in an intimate setting. Dress to impress: business casual.

Reservations: Capacity is limited to 50 parents per evening. Confirmations will be sent by email and WhatsApp within 24 hours. A waitlist will be created if needed.

A reminder: This Friday’s Primary Parents Social is nearly full—reservations will close at 4:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next gathering!

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