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WELCOME FROM SUZANNA JEMSBY

In summer 2024 I was particularly well positioned to enjoy watching the Olympics. I had finished my travels, but my family members were still scattered. The events and meetings that fill my calendar during the school year had not yet commenced. So I settled in with my beloved four-legged companion (Aska, pictured with me above, who never argued with my viewing choices) to enjoy the competitions.

Retrospectively I find myself thinking about the connections (and disconnects) between WIS and the Olympics. The most obvious is that the Olympics are indeed global in reach, as WIS strives to be. WIth 108 nations represented in our parent/student/staff community, WIS lags a bit behind the number of nations that competed in the games. But, had we gathered the entire community together for a watch party, it would have been quite impressive to see how many different athletes were supported by a WIS community member.

What I found myself drawn to the most were the track and field events. They offer the broadest potential for participation (no need for expensive equipment and pricey lessons), and are the least subjective in the results. I very much hope — and I think our teachers strive for — an environment that invites participation from all. We try to create classrooms that cater to diverse learning styles, and our curriculum is intentionally designed to avoid reflecting a “home country” perspective.

As a former sprinter, I can understand why the lack of ambiguity in track and field resonates with my life experience. But I’m pleased to say that many subjects taught at WIS probably align more closely with a subjective Olympic sport (gymnastics, perhaps). We celebrate the process of learning and inquiring, and revel in the fact that there are multiple interpretations of what represents the “best” in scholarship and thinking. In fact, the IB Diploma Program includes a course called Theory of Knowledge, which invites students to delve into "knowing" and discover that it's quite messy and personal.

All told, I believe we have an exemplary team here at WIS. I hope you enjoy meeting them here online, and perhaps at some point on our campuses.

Head's Welcome

WELCOME FROM SUZANNA JEMSBY

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