Dear SIS-PIK Families,

There is something very special about the start of a new school year. For me, it begins with welcoming our teachers back to SIS-PIK and, of course, welcoming a wonderful group of new colleagues into our family. We have an outstanding group of teachers joining us this year. They bring extensive experience, deep expertise in their fields and, most importantly, so much to offer our students. Our orientation programme was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect as a team, share our vision for the year ahead and remind ourselves of the privilege we have in working with young people every day.

And then came the moment I had been waiting for – the students returned!

The absolute best moment of the school year for me is seeing the smiles on that first day. The ‘welcomes’ and the ‘welcome backs’. The excitement, the energy, the stories of the holidays and the anticipation of what lies ahead. Everything we do at SIS-PIK is ultimately for our students. A school without children is like a body without a heart – it is our students who give our school its purpose, its energy and its life.

Some of our students joined us a little later than the rest because they were representing SIS-PIK at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Seoul. I am incredibly proud to report that every team was so successful that they have been invited to compete at the Tournament of Champions in New York this November. What an achievement, and what a wonderful way for our students to demonstrate their curiosity, confidence, collaboration and international-mindedness.

August also saw us celebrate Indonesian Independence Day in true SIS-PIK style. We began with a solemn and meaningful ceremony – and my apologies for any Indonesian pronunciation that may have caused a few smiles during my speech! From there, the day developed into a wonderful celebration filled with performances, games, laughter and plenty of competition. In fact, the games proved so popular that they continued considerably longer than our official dismissal time! It was a fantastic celebration of Indonesia and our community.

Student leadership has also been at its finest this month. Our STUCO team led an inspiring Hackathon, giving students the opportunity to collaborate, innovate and develop solutions to real challenges. We also held SIS-PIK’s very own TEDx event, providing our students with a platform to share their ideas, passions and perspectives. These are precisely the kinds of experiences that remind us that our students are not simply preparing for the future – they are already shaping it. They are the game-changers of tomorrow.

Another particularly proud moment came with our Grade 10 Celebration of IGCSE and BTEC results. These young people have worked incredibly hard, and they should be enormously proud of what they have achieved.

Our IGCSE results were:

• A*-A: 49%*
• A*-C: 86%*
• IGCSE pass rate: 96%

Our Pearson BTEC Level 2 students also achieved outstanding results:

• 61% of all BTEC students gained the top grade of Distinction*
• 91% achieved Merit, Distinction or Distinction*
• BTEC Performing Arts and BTEC Creative Media: 100% Distinction/Distinction*

These results reflect not only the hard work and determination of our students, but also the dedication of our teachers and the strength of the pathways we offer at SIS-PIK. Academic success means different things to different students, and I am particularly proud that our young people are finding pathways that allow them to flourish and achieve their full potential.

It has been a remarkable start to the new school year. From welcoming new colleagues and old friends, to celebrating student achievement, leadership, creativity and national pride, August has reminded me once again of what makes SIS-PIK such a special community.

You can read more about the many wonderful things that happened in August in this month’s Showcase.

Here’s to another year of learning, growth, opportunity and, most importantly, our students.

Best wishes,

Dr Dan