Sept 26th, 2025 / ISSUE #5
WHOLE SCHOOL
Dear IICS Community,
This coming Monday, September 29, will be a professional development day for our faculty and staff, and there will be no classes for students. On this day, our teams will be working with consultants to continue advancing our strategic plan and vision, with a focus on UDL and math practices.
We look forward to welcoming all of our students back on Tuesday, September 30. A special welcome goes to our secondary students returning from their class trips. We want to extend our gratitude to the staff members who chaperoned these experiences and a huge thank you to our students for making the trips such a meaningful and memorable part of their learning journey.
Warm regards,
Nicolaas Mostert
Head of School
To access the school's Google Calendar, please visit Google Calendar.
Monday, Sept 29: PD Day for Teachers (No School for Students)
Sept 30 - Oct 3: Primary MAP Testing Week 2
Friday, Oct 3: Canadian & UK University Fair @ 13:00-15:00
Oct 3 - 4: TISL MS Football Tournament @ IICS
Saturday, Oct 4: CIS Education Day in Istanbul (Registration Link)
SAT Test
Oct 7 - 9: Grade Ephesus Trip
Friday, Oct 10: Primary CCA Season 1 Ends
Oct 13 - 19: October Break (No School)
Oct 20 - 31: Secondary MAP Testing 1
Monday, Oct 20: Secondary Mid Semester 1 Reports Published
Thursday, Oct 23: Primary Sports Day (Grade 1 - 5)
Secondary Learning Conferences (Face2Face)
Oct 24 - 25: TISL HS Football Tournament @ IICS
Saturday, Oct 25: TISL Cross Country Meet at BISI
Oct 27 - 31: Secondary MAP Testing 2
Turkish Republic Week
Tuesday, Oct 28: Republic Eve (1/2 day)
Early Dismissal Day For Students @ 13:00
Early Dismissal Day For Faculty & Staff @ 13:15
Wednesday, Oct 29: Republic Day (No School)
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
Hisar Picnic
What an absolutely lovely day at Hisar! ☀️ So much joy, laughter, and community spirit shared between parents, students, and teachers. Truly special!
Senior Sleepover
What a night! ✨ Our Senior Sleepover for the Class of 2026 was everything we dreamed of and more. From those stunning sunset views to late-night pizza and bonfire chats, these memories are officially etched in our hearts forever! 🎉
Grade 3 - Culture Jar
Our Grade 3 artists have painted a picture of global unity! These Culture Jars are not just pretty to look at; they're a heartwarming reminder of the rich tapestry of traditions we share. Absolutely brilliant!🌍✨
Robotics
Beyond the finish line, it's the gears turning in our minds and the solutions we build together that truly define success in robotics! 🤖✨
Primary ASAs
Beyond the classroom, beyond the books! 📚 Our CCA programme is in full swing, offering brilliant new ways for students to discover their talents and connect with what they love. Come join the adventure!
Culinary Arts
Folding into fabulous! ✨ Our Culinary Arts students are perfecting the art of napkin folding, adding that extra touch of class before their cosy class picnic. Bon appétit!
PRIMARY SCHOOL
For the most up-to-date Calendar information, please see the IICS Google Community Calendar via the IICS website.
Thank you to all the participants!!!
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Click here to read the full article.
PTA
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.
Calling All IICS Parents!
Join our PTA Welcome Committee Chair, Karen Saboia, for a friendly coffee and conversation. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents, get to know Karen, and pick up valuable tips about school life and living in Istanbul. Whether you’re brand new or have been here a while, all are welcome!
📍 Location: Cafe Di Dolce, İstinye Park Mall (near Cartier, top floor)
📅 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
🔗 Sign Up: Register here
ASTRA LUMINA ISTANBUL - A MAGICAL NIGHT WALK 🌌
As we enjoy the last days of nice weather in Istanbul, we are excited to invite you to a special evening at Astra Lumina Istanbul – a magical night walk among lights, music, and wonder! ✨🎶
📍 Location: Turkcell Platinum Park
📅 Date: October 3rd, 2025
⏰ Show Time: 8:00 PM
⏰ Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Meeting Location: Turkcell Platinum Park Main Entrance
🔗 RSVP: Register here
Don’t miss out on one of our most popular events! Our final Parents Social is a great chance to connect, mingle, and enjoy good company before the break. We’ll gather in a beautiful historic building on the seaside — the perfect setting for a relaxed evening.
Limited capacity - 🔗 RSVP now: Register here
🗓️ When: Saturday, October 4, 6–9 PM
📍 Where: Bebek Arnavutköy Caddesi No. 18
👗 Dress Code: Business casual — dress to impress
👥 Who: Open to all grade-level parents
🍽️ Details: Finger food & BYOB
JOIN THE NEW IICS COMMUNITY GROUPS! 🌟
We’re excited to announce the launch of our IICS Community Social Groups on WhatsApp 🎉. These groups are designed to help parents connect around shared interests, neighborhoods, and activities.
👉 Why join?
Events and meet-ups in each group will kick off next week, so now is the perfect time to jump in!
✨ Connect, share, and be part of our vibrant school community.
📲 Join here: IICS by PTA WhatsApp Community
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