Last week, on 7 September, the International School Groningen celebrated the opening of its new building. The opening itself was presented by Cor Visscher, the former director of Industrial projects & facilities at Philips, Drachten, Karin van Oort, chair of the Carmel College Foundation and Ton Schoor, responsible for education in the municipality of Groningen. Mike Weston, director of the International School, brought representatives from the business community, education and the municipality together for this landmark event in the progress of the international school Groningen.

Up to now the ISG did not have the quality of accommodation that is expected for international education. Mike Weston: “We have always provided excellent education. We have always had excellent students. We have always had excellent teachers. Now we also have the right facility to support this”.

The new building is a good representation of a multicultural school. To celebrate the opening and under the supervision of professional artists, students of the school have created two works of art. A swallow, also found in the logo of the school, and a deer. The swallow symbolizes family and cooperation, the cohesive community that forms students, parents and staff of the ISG. The swallow is a migratory bird, which can cover enormous distances. On these trips, the birds must rely on their instincts and on their travel companions. At the ISG, students are given the skills and knowledge and, of course, encouraged to solve problems themselves under the guidance of the teachers and through collaboration with their classmates. The deer symbolizes strength, determination and overcoming problems.

The new building supports the rapid growth of the ISG and offers a pleasant and inspiring working environment. A building with seven full size classrooms, a common room and a new identity for the school within the campus of the Maartenscollege.