CEESA June 2024

Dear CEESA Members,

As we wrap up another incredible school year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your dedication and passion have made this year truly remarkable. As we head into the summer, we hope you enjoy a well-earned rest and return refreshed for another exciting year ahead.

This year, our community has grown stronger and more connected. We've shared countless memorable moments and stories through various events and initiatives. From professional development workshops to collaborative meetings, each event has contributed to our collective growth and success.

• Assessment Summit with Tom Schimmer: Educators gathered to deepen their understanding of assessment practices, focusing on strategies that enhance student learning and achievement.
• Governance 101 with Rick Detwiler: Board members and school leaders explored the fundamentals of effective governance, ensuring our schools are well-led and strategically managed.
• Board Governance with Marc T. Frankel: Advanced governance training helped refine our leadership skills and board practices, promoting stronger school communities.
• Security Officers Workshop with Todd Lawrence: A comprehensive workshop on school safety and security, addressing the latest strategies and protocols to keep our schools safe.
• Truman Group Counselor Workshop with Sean Truman, and James Rosow: Over the course of two days focus has been on three main areas, all of which are designed to increase the clinical skills and sophistication in participants.
• Literacy Coaching Cohort 2022-2024: An ongoing program aimed at enhancing literacy instruction through effective coaching techniques.
• DEIJ Collaborative Meetings, Student Collaborative, and Speaker Series 1-4: A series of discussions and presentations focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
• Leveraging Generative AI: Provocations for Educational Leaders with John Burns: Implications for teaching, learning and personal productivity
• Understanding, Examining, and Analysing with Ken Shelton: The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Transforming Schools with Fran Prolman: An inspiring workshop on transformative leadership and school improvement.
• Child Protection and Safeguarding (Level 1 & 2) with Debbie Downs (ICMEC): Essential training sessions to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
• 2024 CEESA Conference in Malta: Expanding Horizons: Fostering Inclusive Education through Universal Design for Learning, and Technology - conference highlights

Additionally, we held several Job-A-Likes (JAL) sessions that facilitated collaboration and shared best practices among professionals with similar roles:

• Business Managers Meeting
• IT Managers Meeting (CEESA and ECIS)
• Secondary Principals JAL
• Host Country Language and Culture Teachers' JAL
• Admission Specialists JAL
• World Language JAL
• HR Managers JAL

Farewell and Welcome

With the end of the school year, we must say goodbye to a few esteemed members of our Executive Committee and Heads of Schools. We bid farewell to Kathleen Naglee (IS Helsinki and CEESA Executive Committee Member and ex-chair) and Don Payne (IS Estonia) whose contributions have been invaluable.

Kathleen Naglee

It is with both gratitude and a touch of sadness that we bid farewell to a remarkable leader and cherished member of our community. For over 20 years, Kathleen has been an integral part of CEESA, making significant contributions that have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

Kathleen's tenure as Head of School in Helsinki and IS Estonia, along with her role as Executive Committee Chair of CEESA, has seen incredible growth and development of international schools, CEESA programs and conferences. Kathleen's leadership has not only strengthened our community but has also provided a source of wisdom, comfort, and strength throughout the entire CEESA region and beyond.

Through her work with the Aspire Leadership program, she has inspired countless women to shine brighter, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. Her legacy of inspiring leadership will continue to resonate with us for many years to come.

As Kathleen embarks on a new journey in strategic education, we want Kathleen to know how deeply she will be missed. Kathleen's vision and guidance has been invaluable, and while we are saddened to see Kathleen go, we are excited to see the new heights she will reach in this next chapter.

We wish Kathleen all the best in her future endeavors.

Thank you, Kathleen, for everything you have done for CEESA and for being such an inspiring leader and wonderful friend.

Don Payne

As we bid farewell to Don Payne, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the six wonderful years he has dedicated to CEESA as the Head of School at the International School Estonia.

Don's contributions to the CEESA Board have been invaluable. He has been a steadfast supporter, always ready to lend an ear and offer his wisdom. His active involvement on the Board has made a significant impact, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Beyond his professional contributions, Don's kindness and approachable nature have left a lasting impression on all of us. His ability to connect with people and offer support has truly set him apart as a remarkable leader and colleague.

As Don embarks on his next journey, he takes with him the appreciation and best wishes of everyone in the CEESA community.

Welcome

At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Luke Woodruff (QSI Regional Supervisor) to the CEESA Executive Committee and look forward to his insights and leadership.

Let's also give a warm welcome to our new members who are joining us - Joseph Levno (IS Estonia), Dr Mónica Gilbert-Sáez, BA(Hons), MSc, PhD, NPQH (IS Helsinki) and Jonathan Mudd (Tirana IS).

Together, we will continue to achieve great things.

Looking Ahead

The next school year promises to be filled with exciting events and opportunities for professional growth. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming CEESA events and make sure to mark your calendars. We are eager to see the incredible initiatives and collaborations that will unfold.

Join the Conversation: #CEESAstory

We invite everyone to share their unique experiences and stories on our CEESA website - #CEESAstory. Whether it's a touching classroom moment, a successful project, or an inspiring event, your stories are what make our community vibrant and dynamic. Share your #CEESAstory today!

Kind regards,

The CEESA Team