Welcome New Families

Dear New Awty Families,

Welcome to The Awty International School! It was my pleasure and privilege to meet many of you at the New Parent Reception. You shared thoughtful questions and meaningful ideas. The Awty community is so fortunate to have you.

As many of you know, I will not be on campus to greet you when your children start school in the fall, as I am retiring this summer. You will be in the trusted and capable hands of my successor, Dr. Heather Beck, who joined us at the New Parent Reception. Dr. Beck understands and appreciates our School’s unique culture, our spirit of inclusion, and our commitment to academic excellence. She has a clear vision for the future of education and the global environment for which we are preparing our students. She spent several years as a classroom teacher, has served as Superintendent of a highly ranked public school system, and most recently was Deputy Head of School for the Canadian International School in Singapore and Director of Academic Programs at American School in London. (As I said, capable hands.)

This New Family Guide will help you get oriented, navigate the next steps of enrollment, and answer some of your main questions about the day-to-day details of life at Awty. In addition, I’d like to leave you with a few less-tangible insights from my ten years as a member of this beloved community:

1. We truly are a community, and there is a place here for every person in your family. We will offer you many opportunities to connect with your child’s teachers, our staff, and other parents — from parent coffee talks to volunteer opportunities and major family events like Fall Fun Festival. I encourage you to get involved. Your presence here is wanted and needed.
2. Our teachers and administrators are your partners in education. We invite and appreciate your questions, feedback, and suggestions. Open communication is key to our students’ success!
3. Your family’s culture and stories will be respected, honored, and celebrated here. We are an international school in an international city, and we are proud of that. Hardly a week will pass when your child doesn’t discover a new-to-them holiday, custom, or culturally-important food!
4. An Awty education is truly one-of-a-kind. Our world-class teachers prepare students to succeed in a rigorous academic program and to be leaders in a global society. Beyond that, Awty teachers are dedicated to their own growth — continually participating in professional development programs, presenting at conferences, and exploring their varied academic interests— so they can be better prepared to teach your children.

You are joining a very special school, and I’m excited for each of you to experience the magic that is Awty. Until then, I wish you a happy and healthy summer!