About Us

UPPER SCHOOL

Principal's Message

As Principal of the Upper School at CDNIS, it's a pleasure for me to welcome you to a place of great enthusiasm, energy and promise.

The Upper School years span Grade 7 through to Grade 12 and in some ways represents a passage from adolescence into adulthood. Students in this age bracket have acquired a sense of personal identity and self-esteem. They are very inquisitive, eager to stretch intellectually, interested in sorting out their full potential and quite willing to assume some form of independence.

We address the curriculum in a manner that is relevant and developmentally appropriate where learning skills, problem solving, communication and critical thinking are of paramount importance. We strive to focus our energies on guiding students to become powerfully literate, well rounded academically and responsible to themselves and to our school community. We also keep a close eye on their emotional, social and physical needs and development.

The Upper School offers a healthy array of extra-curricular programs in the arts and sports and encourages participation in a wide assortment of clubs and other activities including Environmental, Newspaper, Yearbook, Amnesty International, Model UN, Drama, Band, Interact, Student Council and others.

Wherever it is advantageous and appropriate we take education outside of the classroom to involve students in experiential learning. The more intensive activities of this nature include the annual weeklong China Trips for students in Grades 7 and 8 and Experience Week for students in Grades 9 – 12. Various Experience Week trips are conducted throughout SE Asia and provide students with a choice of community service, adventure or historical/cultural options. With all trips of this nature, significant emphasis in placed on developing leadership and communication skills in students, as well as self-reliance, compassion and cross-cultural understanding.

As an educator, I would argue that the Upper School at CDNIS is a terrific place to call home for the better part of each and every day. I say that because our teachers are a dedicated and collaborative group who engage students in the learning process in an exemplary manner. I also say that because our students are very talented, respectful, fun to be with and individuals that we are proud to be associated with.

John Jalsevac
Upper School Principal