One of the highlights was a presentation by Maha Sousak, BSD computer science teacher and technology coordinator, on Student Safety in the Age of AI. Maha shared practical strategies for helping students navigate artificial intelligence responsibly, including the importance of digital citizenship, online safety and turning digital mistakes into opportunities for learning.

Members of our EdTech team also spent time connecting with educational technology providers and participating in professional learning sessions. These opportunities help us stay informed about what is emerging in education while also asking an important question: Does this technology genuinely improve learning for our students?

That question is central to our approach at ISG. Technology is a powerful tool, but it should never become the purpose of education. Our goal is to create a culture where technology supports great teaching, strengthens learning and helps prepare students to navigate an increasingly digital world thoughtfully and responsibly.

I’m grateful to Maha for representing ISG at GESS and to our EdTech team for continuing to learn, question and bring new ideas back to our schools.

This recognition reflects the work happening in our primary school to help students develop the knowledge, skills and habits they need to navigate an increasingly digital world safely and responsibly. It is especially meaningful to see this work extending beyond our classrooms as well, including the recent workshop led by BSD Computer Science Teacher and Technology Coordinator Maha Sousak at GESS Saudi Arabia.

Congratulations to Maha and the BSD team for this achievement and for their continued focus on helping our students become thoughtful and responsible digital citizens.

We are also working toward renewing Common Sense Media recognition for our other schools and achieving a district recognition for ISG. Our goal is to build a consistent approach to digital citizenship across the organization while allowing each school to respond to the needs of its own students and community.

Technology will continue to be an important part of our students’ lives and education. Our responsibility is to make sure they have not only the technical skills to use it, but also the judgment, awareness and sense of responsibility to use it well.

We began by exploring what it means to represent student voice well. Effective student leadership is not simply about gathering opinions. It requires listening carefully, looking for patterns, communicating what we hear and, importantly, closing the feedback loop so students know what happened with their ideas.

Students also connected ISG’s core values to the leadership and advisory skills they will need as they represent their campuses and contribute to positive school culture, relationships and student wellbeing.

The students then provided valuable feedback on our upcoming Student Pulse Check Survey, which will launch across all campuses soon. Their perspective will help us make sure the survey asks the right questions and gives students meaningful opportunities to share their experiences.

I’m looking forward to working with the SSAC this year and learning from our students as we continue to strengthen student voice across ISG.

Whether your child is taking their first steps in Kindergarten or preparing for high school graduation, starting the day with the right fuel directly impacts how they learn, behave and feel. After 8 to 10 hours of sleep, the body and brain are running on empty. Without a morning refresh, children often experience a mid-morning energy dip, making it harder to focus, retain information and process complex ideas.

What Makes a "Healthy" Breakfast?

Not all breakfasts are created equal. High-sugar cereals, pastries, and sweet drinks cause a rapid spike in blood sugar followed by a sharp crash, leaving kids feeling tired and hungry before lunch.

Aim for a combination of complex carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats:

• • Complex Carbohydrates: Provide steady, long-lasting energy. (Oatmeal, whole-grain bread, whole-wheat wraps, berries, bananas)

  • Protein & Healthy Fats: Keep kids feeling full and support brain health. (Eggs, yogurt, nut or seed butters, cheese, seeds, foul, labneh)

Making It Work in Your House

• • Prep the Night Before: Hard-boil eggs, chop fruit, or set out bowl and spoon setups before heading to bed.

  • Keep It Simple: If time is tight, even a quick banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter or a slice of cheese with a whole-wheat slice of bread makes a difference.

  • Model the Habit: Kids mimic what they see. Sitting down—or grabbing a healthy bite on the go—together sets a strong standard for the whole family.

By prioritizing a balanced meal every morning, you're giving your child the energy, confidence and focus they need to make the most of every school day.

Schools across the NESA region face complex challenges—including ongoing conflict, rapid change and rising wellbeing concerns—requiring us to balance uncertainty with hope and strength. This online learning series invites educators, parents, counselors, staff and leaders to explore staying grounded, connected and purposeful in difficult times.

Referencing learning sciences, developmental psychology and resilience studies, "The Pedagogy of Hope" delivers practical, research-backed strategies for immediate use in homes, classrooms and communities. Further details can be found here on the NESA website.

Attendance at the sessions is free for all ISG community members. We look forward to engaging and learning with you all.