FRIDAY FLASH

Oct 10th, 2025 / ISSUE #7

WHOLE SCHOOL

SECONDARY PRINCIPAL 2026-27!!!

Dear IICS Staff, Parents, and Students,

The IICS Leadership Team is pleased to share that we have concluded the search for our next Secondary School Principal, who will join IICS for the 2026–2027 school year.

We were fortunate to receive a large number of applications for this position. Each candidate was evaluated against the expectations of the role, their ability to complement the Secondary Division leadership team, and how they could support the evolving needs of the school.

The final decision was made after careful review of the feedback provided by members of our IICS community. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the process as we searched for the best fit for IICS, the Secondary Division, and our students.

We are pleased to announce that Zarmina Hotaki has been appointed as the next Secondary School Principal and will join IICS in early August 2026.

Zarmina Hotaki is currently serving as a Secondary School Principal in Dubai. She brings a wealth of experience in secondary education as well as college level, having worked in Dubai, Qatar and Washington DC in the United States. She has expressed her enthusiasm about joining the IICS community and will visit our campus before the end of the current school year (date to be confirmed).

Please join us in welcoming Zarmina Hotaki to the Istanbul International Community School.

Warm regards,

IICS Leadership Team

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Dear IICS Parents,

The Refugee Outreach Comittee is holding their annual Winter Clothing Drive. The purpose of this drive is to gather warm clothing as winter approaches to help Refugees around us. We are requesting that you send your children with winter clothing that can be in womens’ sizes, mens’ sizes and children’s sizes. The clothes can’t have holes, they need to be washed before they’re donated. The clothing can be pants, hats, jackets, sweaters, blankets, scarves, ear muffs, gloves, and any other neccesity for the winter. The drive will be held from the 22nd October to the 3rd of November. Please note that on the 1st of November there will be the Fall Fun Run, and you cna bring the clothes then if you are participating.

Thank you,

ROC

To access the school's Google Calendar, please visit Google Calendar.

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.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

POLICY COMMITTEE

CELEBRATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Championship vibes are strong! 💪 So proud to have hosted the MS TISL Football Tournament and witness such fantastic talent. A massive congratulations to our very own Dolphins for seizing the title! ⚽ Shout out to all the teams who joined for an epic day on the pitch.

Uğur Öker.MOV

Consultancy Class

A privilege to host Football Organisational Executive, Uğur Öker, at our recent IICS Consultancy class! Our students gained invaluable insights into the dynamic world of sports management and professional football. A truly inspiring session.

Our EY Explores

Adventure, curiosity, and a whole lot of learning! Our EY5 students had an incredible time exploring the wonders of the Discovery Museum. They truly embraced every hands-on experience! 🔍💖

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Peek of the Week

October 20 - 24 is Digital Citizenship Week!

Students at IICS will engage in learning about how to be their best selves with technology. On Oct. 22 please wear orange, red, or yellow to show that we stand up against cyberbullying. Parents, part of being a good digital citizen is being connected with people beyond screens, check out this fun “podcast” to help prompt fun conversation among families.

Please read this parents letter for more information.

If you have questions, please connect with Bas Kienhuis @ Marmara (bkienhuis@iics.k12.tr) or Soctt Cupito @ Hisar (scupito@iics.k12.tr)

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

Please read this parent letter for more information.

Sign-ups are open on Schools Buddy until Nov. 1.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Click here to read the full article.

PTA

🍁 FALL FESTIVAL & FUN RUN🍁

Friday, Nov 1 at the Marmara Campus!

Mark your calendars! The Fall Festival & Fun Run brings contests, a costume parade, Trunk-or-Treat, live music, and great food. Open to all families and grade levels—come celebrate together!

COSTUME PARADE

Strut your stuff at the Fall Festival Costume Parade! Categories include Best Group, Duo, Student, Parent, Staff, Most Creative, Funniest, Scariest, Best Homemade, and even Best Pet. Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 at Marmara Campus. Open to all families — guests welcome!

PUMPKIN & JACK-o' - LANTERN CONTEST

Carve or decorate your masterpiece and enter to win (Most Creative, Scariest, Funniest, Most Artistic, Best Overall). Pumpkin drop-off deadline: Thursday, Oct 30, 2025 at your campus. Winners announced at the Fall Festival. Open to all families and grade levels!

TRUNK - OR - TREAT

Parents by grade level team up to transform car trunks into spooky, fun, or wildly creative displays—festival visitors collect treats and vote for favorites. Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 at Marmara Campus. Connect with your room parent to get involved!

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