ROARSPRING 2018

Interview with new Head of School St. John’s Bye Bye Birdie International School Senior interviews A momentous year ahead Dear readers, continuation of an ambitious are currently being remodelled multi-year building and campus to accommodate our visual Welcome to the spring issue renovation program that is a key art needs for the future, with of ROAR. part of Inspired’s strategy for the PAC becoming the V-PAC. 2018 is proving to be a St. John’s. The three areas of The visual arts will no longer pretty momentous year in focus for the building projects be left in isolation outside the our school’s development. are: creation of boarding facilities, main campus, but will be fully As from August 2018, St. rehousing of the art facilities and integrated within. John’s will have a new renovation of the Grade 1 and 2 The Grades 1 and 2 project will Head of School, Ms. Elaine corridor areas and classrooms. mark the beginning of the multi- Purves, who will lead the With the creation of boarding year classroom enrichment school through the next facilities for High School students, development where the aim years of development. An we shall join five other schools in will be to develop a consistent introductory interview with the Inspired network with such tone for ambiance of the Elaine is included in this issue. facilities, and this opens up a host classrooms, regarding color So what is happening to me, of further possibilities. These hues and furnishings, that will you might ask. I have accepted include: weekly boarding for be appropriate to the ages of the a new role within the Inspired students in Belgium; full boarding students. An interior designer, organization which focusses for students within and outside who has worked on previous upon the integrating of newly the EU; boarding for St. John’s projects in other Inspired acquired schools into the students whose parents are schools, is advising us as to Inspired group. I shall still be having to leave Belgium but who what will work best for our type working out of Waterloo, and want their children to finish their of building layout as well as indeed shall have an office in studies in our school; hosting classroom shapes and sizes. St. John’s. However, a rather of vacation residential trips for As you read through this edition, extensive travel commitment students in other Inspired schools; you will come across interviews will be an integral part of the and residential possibilities for our with seniors, stories about alumni, work ahead. I am delighted to new summer camps which will class activities and more. I invite keep this very tangible link with be activated in 2019. you to read on! St. John’s, and I am very happy Our second building project indeed that my daughter shall Best wishes, and may the spring is aimed at giving a greater continue to be a student in this and summer months bring you coherency to our Visual and wonderful school of ours. much joy, success and happiness, Performing Arts program by We have a very interesting have all subject areas within Ray Holliday-Bersegeay building program ahead of us the same building. The scene Head of School in the next few months as a shop and other extended areas

ROAR appears twice a year. Please make sure On the cover To submit articles, please e-mail the unformatted text in a Microsoft we have your Word document to the editor. correct mailing and Editor: Marcia De Wolf e-mail addresses. [email protected] Please send your contact A view of the campus with the Graphic designer: Gregory Parker information via e-mail enhancements to the sports field to Marcia De Wolf at and playgrounds [email protected] St. John’s International School Drève Richelle 146 1410 Waterloo, Belgium Please like us on Facebook: Tel. 02/352 06 10 www.facebook.com/ 025COM-1718/2-18 stjohnsinternationalschool ©2018 a.s.b.l. St. John’s International School F.C.J. ROAR SPRING 2018

Boarding at St. John’s ...... 2

Student interviews the new Head of School ...... 3

Middle School art show ...... 4

St. John’s students inducted into the National Honor Society ...... 5

Seniors plan their future ...... 6

Taking curiosity to the next level ...... 16

Finding the fil rouge in life ...... 18

Rock Extravaganza ...... 19 1

Grade 2 buddies ...... 19

Bye Bye Birdie ...... 20

Where are they now? Judith Hoskins, Erik Wouters...... 22

Alumnus runs from Norway to Spain ...... 24

What else is happening?...... 25

Mane Events...... 25 Boarding at St. John’s St. John’s is delighted to have boarding facilities, and be much closer to the Elementary announce two exciting we shall be taking advantage School classrooms. The Middle developments for our campus that of the accrued knowledge and and High School rooms will be will be in place for the beginning experience in these schools located in the PAC, thus bringing of the 2018/19 academic year: to develop the St. John’s a greater coherency to our the addition of a boarding unit boarding experience. This work campus with all of the Arts being and art facilities relocation. will begin in April onwards. in the same building. The building will be renamed the V-PAC (Visual Boarding unit Art facilities relocation and Performing Arts Centre). The An international boarding unit As you know, the current art exact location of the rooms will be will be created in the current art facilities are outside the main behind the theatre in the “scene facilities building for approximately campus and involve quite a shop” and surrounding spaces. 30 students. The initial intention journey for students, thus causing is that this will be for High School a substantial accumulated loss of The art rehousing will be the first students from both within and academic time due to the journey. development, and the building of outside of Belgium. There will The intention is to rehouse within the classrooms will begin during be the possibility of both a the campus, much closer to the February so as to allow the Art 2 seven-day or five-day boarding section classrooms. Elementary Building to be vacated by the end agreement. St. John’s is one School art will relocate to the of April. of several Inspired schools to St. Luke’s building, and in this way Student interviews the new Head of School Recently, Ms. Elaine Purves, heritage, reputation, the direction who will replace Mr. Holliday in it is currently taking and, most of the coming school year, visited all, the global outlook which it has. the school for the second time. To her, the IB is a wonderful basis She was born in Scotland, but for allowing students to have has lived all over the world many opportunities to develop. and visited many countries. She finds that through the IB Ms. Purves chose to come and its variety of extracurricular work at St. John’s because activities, St. John’s is succeeding she enjoyed the “feel of the in sparking interest in the school” and truly has a passion students which will ignite passion for international education. as they complete their schooling and go on to lead their lives. She In High School, Ms. Purves also believes that expanding to enjoyed all her subjects including a boarding school will bring in math, physics, languages, music, different perspectives through Pet peeve: Grammar and English and art, which is why more types of students. Her spelling mistakes, especially in she sees the importance in all experience at a variety of schools 3 newspapers (hopefully she does subjects and values them equally. all over Europe and dedication to not find one in this article) It is this same appreciation for international education are what such a wide range of subjects that will make her a wonderful addition Extracurriculars she did in allows her to foster the diversity to the St. John’s community. High School: School orchestra, in education that international choir, tuba, violin, pottery, schools so greatly need. Now for some fun facts ceramics, photography and some Books or TV? Books, as she Ms. Purves left university with no sports (including field hockey) does not really watch TV. clear idea of the path she wanted Where does Ms. Purves to take. Instead, she explored Favorite book: A Room of education as well as other career One’s Own by Virginia Woolf see St. John’s going in paths including working for the future? corporations. She volunteered Last book she read: Cleverlands She would not like to say just yet, at many schools and eventually by Lucy Crehan (It is a book about as she would like to wait until she found this was what she truly international education.) gets to know the school better, enjoyed, but never planned on but believes that it has “fantastic Favorite movie: Cinema Paradiso working in private education. potential.” She hopes that “Fate” just happened to bring her Favorite type of music: St. John’s will continue to be a there through a series of events Uplifting, such as music from place where students can pursue that led to her job at a public musicals all of their interests and become school no longer being viable. well-rounded people through an Once she had begun working in What she enjoys outside of abundance of opportunities, as private education, she continued school: Spending time with this will help them to cope with all to get jobs in the same sector, her family (including caddying aspects of life. She sees a rosy, which eventually led her here, on golf courses as her kids positive future where St. John’s to St. John’s. What attracted very much enjoy golf), being reputation will build and grow in her was St. John’s educational outdoors and cooking the international community of schools that make up Inspired. Middle School art show

4 St. John’s students inducted into the National Honor Society

Recently, 20 St. John’s Grade 11 and 12 students were inducted 5 into the National Honor Society (NHS). NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Students who meet the academic requirements can apply with a letter of motivation. A faculty council reviews the applications to determine which students show leadership, are involved in service for the betterment of the community and activities that demonstrate character through actions of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

The new students were inducted by the 19 current NHS members. Congratulations to the new members on their achievement! Seniors plan their future We asked all the seniors about their plans for the future. Below are the responses from the seniors who shared their ambitions.

especially apparent in sports and extracurricular activities in which the younger grades look up to us, the seniors. This is not something I had been expecting, considering that previously I had not really noticed the effect that the seniors had in these activities.

What makes St. John’s special for you? The community of St. John’s is most special for me. No matter who you are or where you are from, you are always accepted. Thijs Boekema After some time at the school Tarcísio Buanahagi you begin to know everyone, and they begin to get to know you; this is something that I had not How long have you experienced anywhere else. How long have you been at St. John’s? been at St. John’s? 6 Since Grade 6. Are you involved in the I have been at St. John’s for just athletics and arts programs? over a year and a half, since the Please tell us about I am involved in the basketball and beginning of Grade 11. your background. football teams, and I had been for I am originally from the the previous three years. Please tell us about Netherlands; however, I have your background. only lived there for a year when What are your plans for I’m a Mozambican that has I was born and since then I have university and beyond? lived in Mozambique three lived (in order) in Belgium, Hong I plan to study international times, in Zimbabwe, Sweden Kong, Spain, the UK and Belgium business administration in the and now Belgium. I’m 100% again. I have an older brother at Netherlands next year, as this is Mozambican and so is my university and a younger brother what most interests me. I have family, although for some reason in Grade 8. often considered what I want to my last name is Arabic. do and more importantly who I Can you briefly describe want to be in the future, however Can you briefly describe your senior year? not all have been very feasible. your senior year? My senior year up to now has My main goal in the future is to My senior year is obviously been an enjoyable and challenging enjoy and be successful in what different from all other High School period. One of the main reasons I am doing and being surrounded years as there’s a lot of emphasis for this compared to previous by people I love. on graduating as that’s the end High School years has been the goal. Seeing the finish line at the workload and the deadlines— What advice do you have for end somehow makes life go slower especially because of the sport younger students at St. John’s? and work to mount up, but it’s a activities I am doing at the I would advise all of them to stay beauty knowing the end is worth it. same time, which means that I on track with their work by starting really have to manage my time early and continue to do what What makes St. John’s and have none of it to waste. they want to do as this makes special for you? Another major difference for everything down the line a lot St. John’s is special due to it me is the responsibility of being more enjoyable. Furthermore, don’t being my final year, so it’s a the oldest in school which is forget to have fun from time to time. memory I shall cherish forever. have a lot of emphasis on them, but here everybody is so supportive of all the concerts and shows, congratulating all the participants for days afterwards! The arts faculty have a beautiful way of making you feel like a star no matter your role and really work towards cultivating your own talents.

Are you involved in the athletics and arts programs? I am involved in a lot of arts- related activities such as choirs, musicals and plays. Ceola Daly What are your plans for university and beyond? I am planning to study a joint How long have you degree in English and Theatre Are you involved in the been at St. John’s? in Dublin. athletics and arts programs? I arrived at St. John’s at the start 7 I’m involved in the varsity of Grade 11. What advice do you have for football team. younger students at St. John’s? Please tell us about I would recommend that you learn What are your plans for your background. what you need in an environment. university and beyond? I am Irish but have lived in By this I mean that after moving I intend to go study law in Hungary, Belgium, Australia, around so much, I have finally university and later on specialize, Sri Lanka and now Belgium again. learned that you can’t wait around however I’m not sure in what. to find the perfect place for you, Currently, I’m more inclined Can you briefly describe you need to learn it! Work hard so towards human rights law but your senior year? that you can relax and do some of who knows what can happen My senior year has been the amazing things that Belgium in a few years. unbelievably fun. I use the word has to offer. St. John’s is such a “unbelievably” because I had the wonderful experience if you make What advice do you have for impression that your senior year yourself known to it. younger students at St. John’s? was nothing but hard work, sweat For the younger students, I would and tears, and although this may like to remind that you need to be true to some degree, I have balance work and social life. also finally learned to balance Regardless of the age, you need my hobbies, friends and work to to create a habit of balancing the create an environment that works two to remain healthy mentally. best for me. Along with that, enjoy High School. It’s a final period of your What makes St. John’s pre-university education, so make special for you? it worthwhile. My favorite thing about St. John’s is the amazing performing arts facility. In my old schools, the arts did not What are your plans for year because you get to finally university and beyond? experience the fruits of these I am planning on taking a gap year hard years of work. Seeing and then attending university in yourself and your friends applying Madrid. After that, I hope to see for universities, looking forward myself working in the field of to the future creates a special something I am passionate about, atmosphere of excitement. finance and/or sports. Furthermore, you really get to feel that the work you produce What advice do you have for in these two last years of younger students at St. John’s? school represents your own The advice I have for the younger achievement. You do not work for students first of all is make your teachers; you start to work the most of the opportunities with your teachers and that is a you are given. Also, when major change. Matthieu De Wolf you reach the IB, do all your assignments early on rather than What makes St. John’s waiting for the last minute! special for you? St. John’s is special to me How long have you because the teachers are been at St. John’s? incredibly passionate about what This is my 11th year, I came in they teach and each class is a Grade 2. new adventure. You are never Please tell us about left alone if you are in need of your background. help and you truly feel cared I am both Canadian and Dutch for, especially during such an and before coming to St. John’s important time in your life. I lived in Atlanta. What are your plans for 8 Can you briefly describe university and beyond? your senior year? Personally, I have decided to My senior year has been quite follow the academic path of different from other years in psychology and neuroscience the fact it feels like more and Raphaelle Delpech in the UK. Through my less work than in others. While experience at St. John’s, I we have had to do IAs, TOK have also grown an interest in and EE, we have had quite a teaching, so who knows if it lot of time to do this, and this How long have you will figure in my future plans? I feel has led to the notion that been at St. John’s? What advice do you have for we don’t have as much work. I have been at St. John’s since younger students at St. John’s? I am enjoying it so far though. Grade 8, so five years in total. Having the opportunity to be at What makes St. John’s Please tell us about St. John’s during your final school special for you? your background. years is immense. Make sure you What makes St. John’s special I was born in France but half use all the resources which are for me is how tight-knit the of my family comes from made available to you in order community feels. I feel like we Finland, therefore you could to grow your interests, find your seniors are all quite close but say I am a bit of both in terms passions and connect with others. also we all have friends in grades of nationality. I have lived in Do not be afraid to start a club, below us and had friends in the many places around the world start debates and discussions, grades above ours. like Tokyo, Shanghai and Paris construct your opinions! It is most before coming to Belgium. certainly the best way to engage Are you involved in the in self-development and build your athletics and arts programs? Can you briefly describe very own system of beliefs. I am involved in the athletics your senior year? program as I play soccer and Senior year can be very stressful, am a member of the track and of course, but it is also a unique field team. What advice do you have for have had in my life, and I will younger students at St. John’s? probably remember them forever, My advice for younger students if not keep in touch. at St. John’s is to be organized with school work but not to What are your plans for forget to have fun and cherish university and beyond? the time at St. John’s. My plans for university are to study economics along with mathematics. I hope to go to Warwick and study there for the next three years of my life.

What advice do you have for younger students at St. John’s? My advice for younger students Josefine Droste would have to be to enjoy every year at St. John’s. It goes by insanely fast, and I really regret not engaging in activities I was either How long have you scared of or not interested in. been at St. John’s? I have been at St. John’s for six years. Anusha Gupta Please tell us about your background. I am German and only ever lived in Germany before I moved How long have you to Belgium. been at St. John’s? I have been at St. John’s since 9 Can you briefly describe I was five years old. I joined in your senior year? Kindergarten in 2006 and have Senior year is much more work been here ever since. than the previous years, but I think that I have also grown a lot Please tell us about as a person which is making me your background. able to cope with the stress. I am Indian, Canadian and Belgian. John Jennings I lived in Canada and India before I What makes St. John’s came to Belgium. My family consists special for you? of my mother, sister and father. St. John’s is special because, How long have you unlike most other schools, it has Can you briefly describe been at St. John’s? such a good sense of community. your senior year? I have been at St. John’s since I think that the friends I have My senior year is perhaps the best Grade 11. made are what make St. John’s year yet. I have made more friends so memorable. than ever, and I quite frankly enjoy Please tell us about the pressure of deadlines because, your background. Are you involved in the although it is exasperating to I am Polish and an American athletics and arts programs? complete them, looking back at citizen. I am from Kansas City, I was on the basketball and cross the finished result really boosts my Missouri, and immigrated to country teams. confidence and helps me achieve Belgium from KC 12 years ago personal growth. to be with family. I have lived in What are your plans for Belgium these whole 12 years university and beyond? What makes St. John’s and have been going to St. John’s I want to study either in the special for you? for the last two years, before I UK or the Netherlands and St. John’s is special for me was in the Belgian system. While ensure that I will remain in an because of my friends. I love how several in my family have acquired international environment. deep of an impact some friends or considered Belgian citizenship, I consider myself international. Can you briefly describe I also aspire to finish my studies What are your plans for your senior year? with a postgraduate degree in university and beyond? This year has been very different Developmental Studies at the Go to university and get my than any other school year I have University of London S.O.A.S. degree, do a Masters while gone through as I have finally (even if it will be on my own dime). playing basketball, get a job and wrapped my head around the From there I aspire to pursue a live a happy life. internal workings of St. John’s, career in the field of development but I now have to figure out and work with developing What advice do you have for the IB and plan my adult life countries to be self-sufficient. younger students at St. John’s? simultaneously while not having a Play sports. It helps you create clear path or place cut out for me. What advice do you have for better bonds with new people and younger students at St. John’s? is a great way to make friends, What makes St. John’s Make sure you are well-informed keep fit and control your stress. special for you? about the courses you intend I highly advise Grade 9 and 10 St. John’s is special for me, as I to choose for your IB as students to take advantage of their have always been envious of kids the wrong choice can free time by doing sports, as it helps who were able to attend St. John’s jeopardize your ambitions. for all aspects of life in High School. since a younger age and for me to be here now still seems surreal to me, as I felt trapped in a system that worked against me at my previous school. The fact that I am able to choose subjects of interest and my courses being taught in English is really special for me as I was a native English speaker, in a French speaking system which combined with xenophobic 10 attitudes towards Anglophones only made studying in French more discouraging for me. Another important thing for me is that at St. John’s the resources Adam Knight Matthias Langer to be creative through different mediums is what enabled me to keep developing as a person. How long have you How long have you Are you involved in the been at St. John’s? been at St. John’s? athletics and arts programs? Six years. I have been at St. John’s since I have been in the music scene Grade 7, so this is my sixth year. at St. John’s since day 1, in Please tell us about bands with friends or in school- your background. Please tell us about organized bands such as Jazz I am British, like my family, and your background. Band. I have also been involved in I used to live in France before I am Danish, Brazilian and Belgian. the theatre, being an IB Theatre coming to St. John’s. I have always lived in Belgium. student. I also participated in the school volleyball team. Can you briefly describe Can you briefly describe your your senior year? senior year? What are your plans for The workload shifts from homework Senior year is very different from university and beyond? and tests to IB work like IA, EE every other year at St. John’s. I plan to study sustainable and past papers for practice. Previous years have been great development or anthropology and challenging, but the workload and politics in Scotland for my What makes St. John’s doesn’t compare. This year we undergraduate studies. My plan is special for you? have a lot more work and many to enjoy a year abroad during that The Athletic Department. deadlines to meet. Being the time and go back to the U.S. or Are you involved in the oldest students in the school feels be with close friends in Canada. athletics and arts programs? strange as well. We are learning a Volleyball and basketball. lot, and I also find it very enjoyable. What makes St. John’s Please tell us about special for you? your background. St. John’s is special for me because I am half Dutch and half Polish. this is where I learned to speak Before I moved to St. John’s, I English, a language which will lived in Italy for a little bit more be useful for my entire life. I also than two years. I have family learned to be more open-minded, living in The Netherlands, Poland, and I have met great friends here. Italy and Canada. I have no siblings, but I am great with being Are you involved in the an only child. athletics and arts programs? I played soccer in Grade 10 Can you briefly describe and really enjoyed it—not this your senior year? year though. Senior year … in one word is weird. I noticed a huge change What are your plans for from not only myself but as well Eva Morris university and beyond? of the whole grade. It seemed I plan on going to university next that over the summer we might year and study engineering, have become more mature, even probably in the UK. though that is still debatable. How long have you been at St. John’s? What advice do you have for This is not the only reason, as now all of us have to think about I have been a part of the St. John’s younger students at St. John’s? community for seven years. Enjoy the sports and arts programs our future. That is probably the the school offers now that you hardest part because before I just Please tell us about have more time on your hands. had to worry about my next High your background. Work hard and enjoy your time School year, now I need to think While I have grown up and lived in here. Also, try reading a lot of about my career to some extent. Belgium my whole life, I consider books on topics you’re interested But overall it has been more fun myself both Irish and English. in; it will play to your advantage in than expected. 11 Grade 12 and beyond. Can you briefly describe What makes St. John’s your senior year? special for you? Despite the workload, I have It is a school in which someone appreciated this year more than is able to grow up to the person any other at St. John’s. I have they always wanted to be. been lucky to have a great set of Are you involved in the friends who know how to bring athletics and arts programs? out the best in me and have I am involved in the basketball had an unbelievable amount of team, the Model United Nations, support from my teachers at Giraffe Project and, for the first every stage of the IB. I have time, senior choir. come to realize that this is a year full of experiences and one which What are your plans for has really required a great level of university and beyond? commitment and focus. First, I am going to major in International Law, after that I want What makes St. John’s Emma Leeuwenhoek special for you? to obtain my right to become a Dutch lawyer and after that I want The teaching and support to become an international lawyer. that has given me greater I am pretty excited for the future. confidence in myself, the How long have you unique St. John’s community been at St. John’s? What advice do you have for that welcomes newcomers; I have been attending St. John’s younger students at St. John’s? and the extracurricular activities since Grade 10, and it has been Honestly, just don’t care and try to that enable students to have an lots of fun. do things for yourself even if your opportunity to explore different friends don’t want to do it. interests and meet new people. Are you involved in the Can you briefly describe Please tell us about athletics and arts programs? your senior year? your background. I have always been involved in the Senior year has been my favorite I am half British and half German. St. John’s arts program, music year because of the leadership Before I came to St. John’s, and drama productions, which opportunities available, and I went to European School have been truly a highlight for me because of how well I have gotten Brussels 1, for 10 years. I have a but have also been lucky to join to know some of the students in younger sister who still goes to the tennis ISST team. my year and years below. the European school.

What are your plans for What makes St. John’s Can you briefly describe university and beyond? special for you? your senior year? I am hoping to read law in the UK. The international community My senior year was eventful. and the open-mindedness of What advice do you have for everyone in it. What makes St. John’s younger students at St. John’s? special for you? The more involved you are, the Are you involved in the What makes St. John’s special for greater the St. John’s experience athletics and arts programs? me is all the opportunities it has is. Sometimes it is hard to move I have been a part of the given me while being here, and out of our comfort zone and soccer, basketball and track the people who made me feel try out for sports or theatre teams for five years, and I welcome and accepted. productions. However, you will participate in visual arts. never regret getting involved. Are you involved in the What are your plans for athletics and arts programs? university and beyond? I am involved in the Arts, I am attending university in the US. specifically doing tech (lights, sound) for various shows and What advice do you have for events throughout the school year. younger students at St. John’s? Participate in as many clubs What are your plans for 12 and groups as possible; it is a university and beyond? great way to meet people with At university, I am going to study similar passions. technical theatre and stage- management.

What advice do you have for younger students at St. John’s? Do things that make you happy and are fulfilling to you. Karolina Rhenman

How long have you been at St. John’s? For four years.

Please tell us about your background. I am Swedish, but I was born in Ellen Schanz Belgium. I lived here for 1 year and then moved to the U.S. for 11 years before returning to Belgium. I have an older sister and brother How long have you who both graduated from been at St. John’s? St. John’s, and a twin brother. I have been at St. John’s since Grade 10. I cannot see them every day, but this gives me the perfect opportunity to visit my family and come back to my home country as I still do miss them a lot.

Can you briefly describe your senior year? I think that a lot of people tell stories that senior year will be hard, that you will struggle, that you will have too many assignments. And those people are absolutely right. Senior year has been hard, a lot of work, a Joseph Strasser Marysia Szarzynska lot of stress and many sleepless nights ... BUT for me it has been a year for realizations. In truth, it is BECAUSE of all these How long have you How long have you hardships, that you can find who been at St. John’s? been at St. John’s? you are, you can discover your I have been at St. John’s since I have been at St. John’s for six true friends, find comfort and Grade 10, so for three years. years now; from Grade 7 to 12. help from teachers, grow your Please tell us about Please tell us about confidence, nurture your talents your background. your background. and even realize that you have I’m Austrian and went to the I am proud to be of Polish many other passions in life than European School of Brussels nationality, born in Warsaw, you ever thought! Yes, the year Ixelles, EEB3, for nine years. Poland. Despite it being my home is demanding, but it is so many Before that I lived in Austria. country, however, two years after other things as well. 13 my birth, my family moved to What makes St. John’s Can you briefly describe Copenhagen, Denmark, where your senior year? special for you? my first brother was born. After What makes St. John’s special The senior year is very stressful four years there, we moved to but at the same time it’s really for me is the connections that I Nebusice, Czech Republic, where have made with certain people exciting to finally see the end of my second brother was born. school in sight. and certain teachers. I think that We stayed in Czech Republic for the most important aspect of this What makes St. John’s about three years, and I attended school is that no matter what, special for you? an international school for the first you can always find at least one Coming from a huge school time in my life. Then, we moved person that will make all the to St. John’s, probably the to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, difference. And in this community, community. in the US. We stayed there for with an ever-changing population, five years and I attended a public genuine and fruitful connections Are you involved in the school. My best friends, Bulgarian can change everything. athletics and arts programs? and French, made those five Yes, I was on the volleyball team. years unforgettable and to this Are you involved in the day we stay in touch. We then athletics and arts programs? What are your plans for moved to Waterloo, Belgium, and I have played for the St. John’s university and beyond? I started going to St. John’s. volleyball teams (Middle and High To study law, either in the UK, School) for the past six years, and Spain or Austria. Both my parents are from I am lucky enough to be able to Poland. Even though my family What advice do you have for say that in my senior year I was has moved quite a lot, my Team Captain of the High School younger students at St. John’s? grandparents, aunts, uncles and For those not in the IB yet, enjoy team. Playing for these teams cousins are all still living in Poland. has really taught me a lot about life as long as you can. For those In a way, they are far away and in IB1; do your IB work already but myself and working with others don’t worry too much yet. as well as how to be critical yet environment that I will miss. Over constructive in the things that I the years, I have made life-long point out to myself and others. friends and friendships that I will cherish forever. I also take IB art and have taken art as an elective for as long as it Are you involved in the has been allowed to choose. athletics and arts programs? During my time at St. John’s, What are your plans for I was very involved in the university and beyond? athletics programs. I participated My ultimate goal in life after in group sports such as track High School is to get into my and field and soccer. dream school Bocconi in Milan, Italy. I want to go there to study What are your plans for economics and management in university and beyond? arts, culture and communications Megan Taylor After graduating from St. John’s, and continue on by finding a job I plan on attending university in and doing what I love; perhaps the UK and attaining a law degree. maybe even open my own successful business. However, How long have you What advice do you have for after living 18 years on this planet, been at St. John’s? younger students at St. John’s? I know that things do not always This year is my 15th year Take the opportunities that work out just as you would attending St. John’s. St. John’s offers to you. hope they do and that’s OK. Participate in school activities and All that I hope for in the future Please tell us about sports teams to help you make is that I will be able to deepen your background. friends and grow as a person. my knowledge and passion I am half Irish and English. The for business, positively inspire majority of my life has been people around me and ultimately spent at St. John’s. I was born in 14 leave a mark on this world in Wales and shortly after moved to a way that’s for the better. Germany where I lived for three years. After Germany, I moved to What advice do you have for Belgium, and have been here ever younger students at St. John’s? since. I have two older siblings, I know this may sound cliched to both of whom attended St. John’s. many, but my advice: follow your dreams! This school provides Can you briefly describe you with the tools, support and your senior year? opportunities to find and follow Senior year has required me your passions! Don’t be afraid to be far more disciplined as a to talk to people, make good student and individual. It has been contacts with your teachers far more pressure compared to Chloe Tardivat (this one is important for those previous years, as it’s all about in Grade 11 going into Grade meeting deadlines and studying 12 soon). Probably the most for the final exams. Senior important piece of advice that I year also required us to make How long have you can give anyone is ask for help. If important decisions regarding our been at St. John’s? you need help, ask for it, even if futures. Despite the work, it’s also At the end of senior year it is you are afraid. Don’t think you will been an important time to make going to be six years that I’ve make a deadline? Ask. Struggling memories with friends. been studying at St. John’s. with homework assignments? What makes St. John’s Ask. The people in the school are Please tell us about special for you? your background. here to educate and help you so St. John’s has been a very don’t be afraid to ask for it. :) I am half Belgian, half French. I’ve special part of my life, having always been living in Waterloo spent 15 years in the same place. but I have attended three other St. John’s has always been a schools before St. John’s. I have very welcoming and friendly a brother that was in St. John’s What makes St. John’s since Grade 1 up to his IB. special for you? I have been at St. John’s for Can you briefly describe 12 years now, and I think your senior year? the community in itself is I feel that senior year has been quite unlike any other school. quite stressful because of the Teachers are very supportive workload and all the side activities and understanding if you are in parallel. It is a lot different struggling a little, and I think that because it makes us face has helped me personally get difficulties that will afterwards through all my academic years help us for our further studies. in St. John’s.

What makes St. John’s Are you involved in the special for you? athletics and arts programs? For me, St. John’s is really Annabel Thomas I used to be involved with special because it helped me athletics and art programs, but academically with all the support I solely wanted to focus on my they have to make us succeed. work for senior year. It also helped me to learn about How long have you new, different cultures and open been at St. John’s? What are your plans for my eyes on the world. I have attended St. John’s since university and beyond? Grade 1. I plan on attending university Are you involved in the in the UK for psychology, and athletics and arts programs? Please tell us about perhaps one day I would like to Since I’ve been a part of your background. become a psychologist. St. John’s, I have participated in I am originally from the UK, but I cross country, swimming, soccer, was born and raised in Belgium. What advice do you have for track and field, and I’m currently I have three other siblings, Adrian, younger students at St. John’s? thinking of doing tennis for the Abigail and Aaron, who attended I think the most useful information 15 second year and manage IB work St. John’s before me. for younger students going into with sports. the IB and they are going to be Can you briefly describe seniors next year is that it is What are your plans for your senior year? crucial that you can get as much university and beyond? I feel that senior year is much more work as possible before the due I will be going to a hospitality different than the other years, date, whenever you have the school in Switzerland to study because you are a lot more busy time. In senior year, there are hospitality management in three and stressed over assignments, so many build-ups on work that different continents and then with IB and coursework, and it you have to do, that when you specialize in event managing. does put a lot of pressure on you, slack off on one piece of work, but once you get it finished it feels What advice do you have for it becomes very stressful and very accomplishing and achieving. sometimes quite overbearing to younger students at St. John’s? However, I do feel a lot freer to I’d tell them to enjoy the chances handle, so just make sure you’re finish my work, and teachers are on top with your work and try they have, to also explore and be quite lenient when handing in your able to talk to a lot of people from not to over stress with the minor work late, because they understand assignments for class. all around the world. the stress you’re going through. Taking curiosity to the next level theoretical (in the UK university firm called HiQ and moved away environment) and business and from sales temporarily and was practical (in the US university responsible for coordinating environment). The difference was 30–50 test developers who never more clearly displayed than tested Sony Ericsson mobile by the fact that the UK professors phones. With my international wanted a 1,500 word essay and school experience I was also the US counterparts wanted a given responsibility for the 1 page plan. I graduated with a coordination of teams in China. 2:1 honors and in my final year of university joined a student Following a year there, I decided organization called AIESEC that to move to the UK and to London helped find work placements for in 2008 and follow a dream students abroad. of working in sports event management. It was perhaps not I moved to Bratislava, Slovakia, a the best timing to quit my job and year after they had joined the EU move to another country as it was and started work at a PR company the start of the recession, and I 16 We caught up with as an assistant project manager. spent nine months volunteering at Richard Strom to find It was a cultural experience with events like the London Triathlon other “trainees” from Ireland, UK, and other industry events, all out about his life path Denmark, Holland, Aruba, Poland, with the goal of working for the after St. John’s. Germany, Colombia, Spain, London Olympics. Portugal, Finland, etc. which mirrored my international school Following nine months of trying, Please tell us about I decided to try to get back into your life after St. John’s. experiences. I was forced to learn a basic level of Slovak and got an technology and found a sales I graduated from St. John’s in job selling IT services to small 2000 having spent my junior and insight into the rapidly growing economies of Central Europe. and medium sized businesses. senior year in Waterloo. This job at Purple Matrix was my I received a place at the After one year there, I moved “vacuum cleaner door-to-door” Manchester Business school at back to Malmö, Sweden, for sales job where I was told no and University of Manchester Institute the first time since I was three. told to get lost more often than of Science and Technology This was probably the biggest I care to remember, but also a (UMIST) after screening. I was cultural shock yet, as although few yeses. It gave me a reality one of 20 lucky students who I am Swedish, I had not lived in check, and after six months I was made it onto the IMABS program Sweden my entire life. I quickly approached about an opportunity (International Management with needed to improve my written at an American start up social American Business Studies) and spoken Swedish and learn technology company called that allowed me to spend one things about my “home” country Bazaarvoice where I would use year as an exchange student at that everyone else living there my Swedish language skills to a top American business school took for granted. Following several help build up the market in the and I chose Emory University in months of searching, I joined a Nordics from the London office. Atlanta, Georgia. My university tech company called Appium in a marketing role. They moved I met a great mentor, Tony education was a brilliant Markovski, who gave me blend between academic and me into a sales role. After three years, I joined an IT consultancy confidence and taught me a great deal about life, and when he left I that is instilled in us by motivated, Which teachers/adults took the position vacated by him intelligent teachers and by being at St. John’s positively as Sales Director. forced to meet new people with influenced you most? interesting, different backgrounds There are too many to mention Following over three very stands us in good stead for the to be fair, however here are a successful years at Bazaarvoice, I rest of our lives. The incredible few that stick out. Mrs. Woods moved to Spredfast as the second extra-curricular activities we are (Dickens) in History is a great employee in Europe (first had exposed to from sport, to theatre storyteller, and I felt as though been there a week longer than to model UN, to math clubs gives she really cared that I learn and I had) and the 150th employee us a very rounded personality challenge myself. Mrs. Stefan globally. I’m still here in a senior and the ability to interact with really brought out the creative sales role, and the company is lots of different people. I also thinking from the classics and set now nearer 600 people with 40 in think St. John’s instilled a healthy a platform for great collaborative the London office. balance between competitiveness learning from class discussions. What do you currently do? and the pursuit of continuous Mathematics was never my I’m a Strategic Sales Director. improvement, with a sense that strongest, however Ms. Heinen That means I’m responsible you can only do your best and really pushed me and made me for managing the commercial that you shouldn’t take yourself challenge my inhibitions and relationship with some of our too seriously. Finally, I believe the allowed me to improve greatly. 17 largest global customers including IB is probably one of the most I also thoroughly enjoyed the BBC, Burberry, Premier League, difficult but rewarding things I structure and content of Dr. Blok’s British Airways, Lego, the have ever had to do, especially Philosophy class and the thought Olympics and Opel/Vauxhall. given how challenging it is, how provoking topics and discussions Ultimately it’s my job to keep and important it is and how relatively of TOK with Mr. Silcock. In later grow our customers. Spredfast young one still is. life I realize just how much of an impact the teachers had on me, is a social media technology What did you learn at company that gives companies and I am so thankful for the time St. John’s that has proven and effort they put in to make the tools to plan, manage, helpful in your career? organize, respond to, report on, me grow. I would love for any old As mentioned above, I think one teachers who remember me to analyze and gain insights from of the best things a person can all social media networks in one reach out. I met with Mr. Silcock be is curious, and throughout in Manchester two years ago and central place. We work with the activities and lessons we over 600 of the world’s largest would love to meet more when I learned at St. John’s we were get the chance. organizations, and it’s a fun, encouraged to be curious. This dynamic and young environment. may be because we were put in What makes St. John’s special? How did St. John’s prepare so many different situations to The people, the teachers, the you for adulthood? test ourselves and learn. I also opportunities it presents you with There are so many ways that generally realized that there is at an early age and the numerous, St. John’s prepared me for future more than one way to look at any varying ways with which it allows life that I’ll struggle to include situation, especially as we were you to develop and grow. them all here. We take for granted forced to understand other people who were different and came What advice do you have growing up in international for current St. John’s schools that everyone is as from different backgrounds than ourselves. students with big dreams? curious and accepting of different Be yourself, be infinitely curious, cultures as we are. The curiosity be patient and work harder than anyone else. Finding the fil rouge in life

with global headquarters in another. In particular, I would like London. Since then, I have also to highlight Mme. de Cock, our become Chairman of Younique, French teacher, who beyond her a US-based company where we passion and dedication, allowed bought a 60% stake last year. me to develop a unique skill which was to understand the core of any On a personal basis, I got married, text (article, book, message … have three boys aged 15, 13 and 9, finding the famous “fil rouge”). a dog and live in Wimbledon. I This skill has been invaluable play football and tennis regularly throughout my life in various and support (of course) Rafael aspects: in studying for exams, in Nadal and Real Madrid. My presenting at important meetings, brother (Manuel, Class of ’90) also in summarizing critical situations in happens to live in London with a concise, factual basis. I sent her his family and my sister (Paula) is a letter of gratitude a couple years living in Madrid, while my parents ago as I owe her a lot. As well are back in Zaragoza. as Ms. Heinen, an unbelievable Mathematics teacher, who pushed We caught up with What do you currently do? I work for Coty where I am SVP, us all to limits beyond what we Alejandro Vicente to Global Head of M&A and am thought we could even reach find out about his life also the Chairman of Younique, ourselves. She seemed tough but a company where Coty invested she cared deeply for us all, and I path after St. John’s. 60% last year. managed to get her to smile and laugh a couple of times which I 18 Please tell us about How did St. John’s prepare was very proud of as one of my your life after St. John’s. you for adulthood? achievements at St. John’s. After St. John’s, I graduated St. John’s was key to prepare from Universite of Louvain (LLN) me for adulthood as I attended What makes St. John’s special? where I did an exchange program St. John’s during my teenage For me, St. John’s was a very at Georgetown during my senior years—as a Spaniard raised in special place as it had the perfect year. Thereafter, I started my France and living in Belgium, it mix of ingredients to raise and professional career at Procter allowed me to open my eyes to educate students to the best of & Gamble in the European the whole world vs. Europe. The their potential; the blend included Headquarters in Brussels where I diversity of people I met from the leadership at the school, the worked for four years in finance, all continents, the intellectual staff, the facilities, the values and mainly in European projects. I challenge of pushing myself to do the diversity of the students. The then joined J.P.Morgan in London the best I could (and not compare friends I made at St. John’s will working in investment banking, myself vs. others) as well as the always be special. where I ended up working for values that would drive my adult What advice do you have 17 years, becoming a Managing life were all critical aspects where for current St. John’s Director and being the Head St. John’s contributed greatly. students with big dreams? of Consumer Goods sector What did you learn at Just go for it—whatever it is you Investment Banking for the EMEA want to do. region and then globally. All was St. John’s that has proven going very well, but I decided to helpful in your career? You are young and have every have a career change and joined Do the best you can every day; right to reach out to anyone (no one of my clients, JAB (which the rest will work itself out. matter how senior you think they is a family office run by senior Which teachers/adults may be or that they will never successful FMCG executives at St. John’s positively answer to you), anywhere (the investing in consumer goods influenced you most? world is yours to conquer) and companies, a bit a la Warren A number of teachers had a very ask for help or advice or a job or Buffet in US and 3G in Latam), as positive influence, and I would whatever it is you need. Global Head of M&A for Coty, a like to thank all of them as they And, never ever stop learning … publicly quoted beauty company all contributed in one way or rock:extravaganza 19 20 Bye Bye Birdie

21 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Judith Hoskins Do you have any unusual student stories to share from your many years of teaching? Ah, internationalism. Once, during a quiet class in January, a student from Africa, Denia Kuwani, stood silently, walked over to the window of C-10, her eyes wide with wonder. I looked out at what she saw. “Is this your first snowfall, Denia?” I queried. The whole class shared in the thrill of the blizzard-like whiteness that blurred out the red brick house next door. (The Performing Arts building did not yet exist.)

We asked Judith a PowerPoint presentation. At Another special moment was Hoskins about her the end of this she asked the kids watching Nepalese students in (swinging their legs in the audience) life in retirement. traditional dress parading through for questions. One child said, “Why the gym at the International does that boy wear a shirt with a What do you currently do? Festival. It was their time to show hole in it?” Maggy replied, “That’s Retirement is busy, as busy with pride what they treasured all he has to wear.” Another boy as a full time job at St. John’s. most about their home country. I 22 went home to his parents and Staying at home is not so much felt so happy that they had their said, ”Mom, I want to work to fun because you see a messy chance to shine. earn some money.” “Ah,”, replied house and feel obligated to the Mom, “and what will you do Indeed, the school was organize it. However, there are with this money?” His answer, “I international and ecumenical. When other more interesting activities want to give it to Maggy for the Monica O’Brien Smith organized, out there. For one, teaching Burundian orphans.” He worked not a science fair, but a religion two grandchildren to speak and gave over €200 to Maison fair—it made me proud to be a part and read English. Watching the Shalom. I have been associated of St. John’s “world” view of life. children develop is as fascinating with this NGO since then, wrote a Each student in her classes chose as looking at your students in book about Maggy, Hummingbird, a religion not his/her own, but class for almost 30 years. Why Am I Here. I traveled with one they knew little about. Each What else do I do? Maggy in the U.S. to help with her prepared a document and gathered Some years ago, a wonderful English. A movie was premiered artifacts/items which pertained St. John’s mom, Mrs. Mairlot, about her in Hollywood. (I got to that religion. Parents and phoned and asked me to organize to go with her!) I also helped at teachers were invited to participate. a speaker for the students. Duke University, Fordham and Studies of our differences Mrs. Mairlot’s enthusiasm was other places where she received brought families together. honorary degrees. I manage some unstoppable. So, Marguerite What makes St. John’s special? of the Maison Shalom archives. Barankitse (Maggy), a Burundian The desire to instill a world walked onto St. John’s stage four But age has stepped in, and view through education, but times one day. She spoke about the doc says to slow down. especially through specific her NGO, Maison Shalom, where Don’t like that. efforts in the classes to foster she had created trade schools, a not tolerance but appreciation primary school, and was helping Life is good, and I am grateful of the other and compassion. over 30,000 orphans of war to to St. John’s for opening up the survive. When she spoke to the world to me. Grade 1 and 2 students, she used Erik Wouters I worked at St. John’s from Please tell us about All of a sudden he could not 1966 to 2006. During this time, your life after you retired stand the cigarette anymore, I worked mainly in the Elementary from St. John’s? so he flipped out his hand School but also did some teaching After I left St. John’s, we sold our and he was embarrassed in the Middle and High Schools. house in Hoeilaart and moved to that I caught him smoking. the town called Haacht (famous I was the first coach of the Lions for its brewery). This way, we I told him off, but the good thing volleyball team and did this for were much closer to our son was that he stopped smoking and more than 10 years. and daughter, and our three I think he never smoked again. So I helped him to stop smoking. I was Athletic Director for two granddaughters. We could babysit years. The Athletic Director before for them after school, and this What makes St. John’s special? me was Rome Campbell, and the way I got involved in the school What makes St. John’s special to Athletic Director after me was of my two eldest granddaughters. me is the professionalism from Brother Cletus after which Marc I became a volunteer swimming the staff, the great variety of Vansteenbeeck took over. teacher in that school. students and nationalities with different customs. I served five years on the school Furthermore, I took line board as a teacher representative. dance classes and became When a new staff member came a line dance instructor in to the school, she asked me to I went on several ski trips with Zaventem and Diegem. define St. John’s. I simply said Grade 5 and several trips with Currently, we frequently make city that whether you like it or not, you Grades 3 and 4 to the Ardennes get involved. and Brittany, France. trips in Belgium (we don’t know Belgium enough and there are I was so involved that I had I started the St. John’s summer beautiful cities other than Bruges to come to the school at least 23 camps and sports camps in the and Brussels). once every week during the holidays. The large trampoline that different holidays because I the PE Department was still using We just went on a great New Years cruise on the river Danube, missed the atmosphere and when I left in 2006 was bought the students and colleagues. after the first summer camp from so we enjoy our retirement. the profit in 1971. Do you have any unusual What advice do you have student stories to share from for current St. John’s I started the St. John’s swimming students with big dreams? program and team. your many years of teaching? When I was coaching the To current students, my only When I started in 1966, the volleyball team, we had the ISST advice is: do everything possible school was located in Avenue tournament in Frankfurt. The to fulfill your dreams, even if it Montjoie in Uccle, and we used coaches’ hotel was very close to takes a lot of energy and sweat. the campus of a Belgian school the school in which we played. where St. John’s was able to do sports either on the playground On the Friday morning, I left the or in the basement of a school hotel to go to the games when building. This basement was so I saw one of my players who low that I could touch the ceiling was smoking secretly a cigarette while standing up. (which he could not do). When he saw me, I saw him hide the On Tuesdays we took a bus and cigarette in his pants pocket. I drove to Rixensart where we went to him and started to talk to were able to swim in a private him, and I could see that he was pool of a St. John’s father’s house very annoyed with me standing and we could also do basketball in there talking to him because I the same domain. could see that the cigarette was starting to hurt him and burn him. Alumnus runs from Norway to Spain Ralph Mesquita and crew managed to break the record for the fastest known time from Nordkapp to Spain by over 123 days—a total of 5,300 km in 72 days. More importantly, they managed to raise over €11,500 from crowdfunding and have a media impact of over 11,000,000 people worldwide. What he holds most dearly was to be able to run with over 200 people from different countries and hear their stories along the way.

Why did you decide to do this project? I decided I wanted to run this project “Eurocross for a cause” because at the time a lot of 24 Americans were trying to beat their “coast-to-coast” record (from California to New York— about the same distance), and a lot of people were getting good social media coverage of their events. So I thought that it would be amazing to have someone do something like this in Europe. Since no one was doing this, I again, but bigger—more people secretaries and principals at the figured I could maybe give it a try. and logistics involved and to try time, they were always so open, In no way did I even imagine it to bring more awareness to the welcoming and doing their best being feasible in the beginning. cause. 2) People are amazing and to channel my best self. I loved will go a long way to help you. St. John’s for so many reasons; What do you hope people they were the best school years take away from your What do you remember most of my life. I regret having to leave successful endeavor? about your time at St. John’s? every time I think about it. It’s extremely hard to describe I left St. John’s in the end of everything I felt throughout Grade 8. I was one of the worst the trip. There were so trouble makers in the school at many emotions, lessons and the time. I saw that even with all experiences I discovered and the troubles I gave the teachers, others I figured out I had all along. The most important things I think I can take away from the experience is that: 1) I would definitely do something like that What else has been happening? Mane Events

April 2–13 Easter break (no school)

Timbertops students enjoy opera workshop May The Opera Workshop 21–22 ISST golf was so much fun. We organized 24–27 ISST tennis, this workshop, together with track and field, opera singer Diana, to support our softball, basketball learning during our Unit of Inquiry “How We Express Ourselves.” 27 Family Day 3 The Timbertops children have been learning to tell stories in and immediately seemed to different ways. First, the children understand the emotion and story June were fascinated by the visual behind the music. We chose 9 Graduation of all the pictures of characters pictures inspired by the music, we 21 Last day for students and settings that we put up danced and sang together at the as a “stage area.” They loved end. The children had funny and the beautiful harp and Diana’s insightful questions, and Diana princess dress! When she is proud to say she might have sang, they were mesmerized caught some future opera lovers!

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