Head of School Message – 20 November 2025

Marco Longmore
Nov 20, 2025
3 min read

Dear ISHCMC Families,

As we celebrate Teachers Day today, I want to express my sincere appreciation for our faculty. Their professionalism, care and belief in every child create the conditions in which our students grow. Thank you to all families who have taken the time to acknowledge their work. It is this shared commitment between teachers and families that allows our students to engage so confidently in the opportunities around them.

As we celebrate Teacher's Day today, I would like to express my own appreciation for our faculty. Their professionalism, care, and belief in every child create the conditions in which our students grow. Thank you to all families who have taken the time to acknowledge their work, and to all our families, your generosity and gestures of support have been quite remarkable and hugely appreciated by me and my colleagues across the school. It is in shared commitment between teachers and families that enables our students to engage so confidently in the opportunities around them. Thank you!

Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of seeing our students step into experiences that reflect the spirit of ISHCMC. Across academic inquiry, artistic expression and athletic performance, they continue to show us what happens when young people feel encouraged, supported and inspired to take part in the full life of a school.

A particular highlight this month has been the performance of our Debate Team at the SSIS Fall Public Forum Invitational. Among 16 schools and 170 teams, our students approached a complex global issue with thoughtful research and genuine curiosity. Their ability to consider multiple viewpoints and articulate their thinking with clarity reflects the heart of the IB experience. Congratulations to the entire team, with a special commendation to Elizabeth and Minh for winning the Middle School Championship.

This spirit of growth has been especially clear throughout the SISAC season. Across both Primary and Secondary, our athletes approached competition with determination, teamwork and pride in representing their school. We were delighted to celebrate several championship teams, including U19 Varsity Boys Volleyball, U15 Girls Basketball, U11 Girls A Football and U9 Girls Football. While these results are commendable, it was the integrity, collaboration and support our students showed for one another that truly defined the season. This spirit of growth has been especially clear throughout the SISAC season.

Our swimmers delivered a remarkable performance at SISAC this past Saturday, approaching each race with focus, and a deep sense of team spirit. Their collective effort led to a well-deserved overall victory for the Stingrays. What stayed with me most was the way they supported one another and carried themselves with pride throughout the meet. Go Stingrays!

Across both Primary and Secondary, our athletes approached competition with determination, teamwork and pride in representing their school. We were delighted to celebrate several championship teams, including U19 Varsity Boys Volleyball, U15 Girls Basketball, U11 Girls A Football and U9 Girls Football. While these results are commendable, it was the integrity, collaboration and support our students showed for one another that truly defined the season. Go Rhinos!

In the arts, our developing orchestral program has added a reflective and creative rhythm to this period of the year. Through practice, our young musicians are strengthening discipline, imagination and the collaborative habits that define meaningful artistic learning.

Together, these moments point to a simple truth. Students flourish when they feel known, encouraged and invited to participate fully. This shared commitment among staff, families and students continues to shape a vibrant and connected school community.

Best wishes,