After Class

International School Dhaka:
May Highlights

Maheen Khan

On Pohela Boishakh, students as well as the staff performed. Photo courtesy: ISD

One of the most important occasions at the International School Dhaka (ISD) is the Graduation Ceremony, which was held at the Radisson's Utshab Hall on May 26, 2011. This day marks both the end as well as the beginning of a journey for the graduating students. Each and every graduate is special in their own unique ways and ISD leaves no leaf unturned in making sure that students enjoy this event, and that it remains as a fond memory for the rest of their lives. The ceremony began with the national anthem of Bangladesh, led by Jo Connor and the ISD choir. There were opening remarks by Nicholas Hazell, Head of Secondary and an address by Richard Tangye, Chief Executive Officer, ISD. Entertainment at the event was in the form of musical performances by students, arranged by Eivind Lodemel. The guest speaker for the evening was Shah Hussain Imam, Editor (Acting), The Daily Star, who delivered a motivational speech for the benefit of future leaders who were present as graduates that evening. Alisha Labiba Rahman, 2011 ISD Valedictorian, gave a delightful insight into the life of ISD and their future endeavours. The evening ended with everyone enjoying food, conversations, goodbyes and innumerable photographs.

Throughout the year, ISD's Sunshine Committee arranges events for the benefit of all employees. One such programme is the ISD Staff Cultural Night, which took place on May 6. On this occasion, keen employees performed several acts, ranging from singing, dancing as well as comedy. Similar to every year, this year's cultural night was a huge success involving a number of performances. Members of the Sunshine Committee who are to be acknowledged for their effort towards enhancing employees' facilities are Helen Salmon, Leena Kabir, Nirvana Ferdousee, Rifat Farzana, Sharmin Faruque, Maniur Rahman and Babar.

Keen employees performed several acts at the Staff Cultural Show. Photo courtesy: ISD

ISD celebrated Pohela Boishakh on April 28. The day started off with a Primary Assembly where students as well as the staff performed. There was also a Boishakhi Mela with stalls consisting mainly of Bangladeshi wear, arts and handicrafts. The day was enjoyed by the entire ISD community and the weather aptly gave in to their celebrations by bringing about a heavy shower accompanied by thunder and lightning!

Every year, students of Grade 9 attend an “Off-time Table” day at ISD, also known as “Career Day”, when they get a chance to think clearly about their future pathways. They look at areas that focus on careers, characteristics needed for certain jobs and the skills and qualifications required. Students work in their tutor groups on worksheets, practical exercises, team-building and hear guest speakers talk about their own pathways and pitfalls along the way. The concept was named, “Begin with the end in mind”. This year, it was an interesting seminar as it involved a good blend of speakers; Anahita Ahmed, BRAC University Lecturer and proprietor of Des'ree Desserts, Korvi Rakshand, Founder JAAGO and Mushfiqur Bhuiyan, Vice President, Corporate Banking, HSBC. The speakers spoke of their experiences of their journeys so far.

On June 2, ISD held a piano concert for all the students taught by Victoria Karim. The students exhibited their talents in front of an avid audience of parents, teachers, guests and friends. It was, most importantly, a treat for the ears and the eyes as the young ones put up soulful performances!