“Life skills they will carry with them forever…” – Meet the International School of Lausanne’s Student Support Services team – in their own words.

In our previous two blogs, Empowering Every Learner: Expansion of Student Support Services at the International School of Lausanne, and, Why is a robust Learning Support important in the holistic development of children?, we have shared the philosophy behind the International School of Lausanne’s exciting expansion of our Student Support Services (SSS) department; in our final blog of the series, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the team itself – in their own words, these highly experienced, dedicated, and passionate teachers and counsellors have shared what they bring to the learning experience of the students of ISL, and celebrated some of the highlights of their role.

It is important, however, to also share a reflection from one of our ISL learners themselves, and so we would like to begin with the following reflection from one of our Year 13 students, who has worked with the Student Support Services team since joining the school in Year 10.

Year 13 Student Testimony – “Knowing that there are people who are advocating for you is a very positive feeling.”

I have worked with learning support and the counsellors since my arrival at the International School of Lausanne in Year 10. I have learning needs in maths, reading, writing, and attention, and I also have anxiety.

Working with learning support and the counsellors has been a positive experience for me both as a learner and as a person: it has given me greater confidence in myself and my abilities; a better understanding of how I learn and ways that I can advocate for myself; and, I now feel empowered to teach others about learning needs and mental health, in hopes to remove the stigma associated with both.

The teachers and counsellors have always made me feel that I am listened to, and this is the most important thing for any student – and especially one who needs accommodations (like me). Knowing that there are people who are advocating for you is a very positive feeling.

I used to have a negative view of my learning needs (especially the way others viewed me) and now I feel empowered because I understand myself. Learning needs and needing support are very common and important and I want more people to understand that.

Support is always important but even more so when you have learning needs or accommodations. My positive experience with Student Support Services has helped me have an overall positive experience in school. My teachers have helped me grow and understand myself and I know this will help me even when I leave ISL.

Developing resilience – over the course of a series of Wellbeing lessons, ISL students acquired the challenging skill of learning to juggle.

MEET THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LAUSANNE STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES TEAM: IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

Ms Mullins (Student Support Services Coordinator) – “Witnessing our students’ resilience, advocacy, and development, is such an amazing experience.”

I have worked as a learning support teacher for 13 years and have had the privilege to lead the Student Support Services team for the last 4 years.

Working in Student Support Services is incredibly rewarding. I constantly feel motivated by the collective expertise in the team and can honestly say that I learn from my colleagues on a daily basis.

The students are the real MVPs, though! Witnessing their resilience, advocacy, and development, is such an amazing experience.

Ms Hansen (Student Counsellor) “I am a passionate proponent for holistic student health, and skill-building for personal and academic success.”

I am a devoted school counsellor and dynamic educator with 20 years of school experience within Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and the U.S. Dedicated to promoting student wellbeing, and inclusive social and emotional learning, I am a passionate proponent for holistic student health and skill-building for personal and academic success. 

I specialise in working with adolescents to navigate their daily lives and to find solutions to their challenges within the context of school life. 

As part of the SSS team at the International School of Lausanne for the past three years, my mission to support students is enhanced through a collaborative team approach that draws on the variety of expertise from our team. We work together to provide an individualised program of support for our students.

It is inspirational to work with our students, whose academic results and testimonials reflect their personal growth and show promise for a bright future.

At ISL, the Student Support Services class sizes are small, and in pleasant, purpose-built spaces.

Ms Caggiari (Student Counsellor) – “Our world is moving fast, and to be able to stay relevant and in tune with our students, it is important for us to move with it.”

I have been a school counsellor within International Schools for over 10 years.  I speak four languages and I am specialised in the development of emerging adults, as well as couples’ dynamics. The combination of the two allows me to bring to the table a link between student support and parent support. 

Through the lens of CBT work, I approach counselling sessions with a practical outlook, hoping to give each student a feeling of hope and relief.  I believe in continual development and the need to be aware of new research and effective methodologies.  Our world is moving fast, and to be able to stay relevant and in tune with our students, it is important for us to move with it. 

Being part of the SSS department means looking at student support from a holistic standpoint.  My colleagues are continually raising the bar and enlightening my work with their perspectives and expertise.  Together we are committed to the support, care, and development of each child.  

And when the time comes for students to graduate, it is a point of great pride to see those that have struggled, stand up and succeed; in many ways stronger and more aware, thanks to the things they have learned through the tough moments.  These are life skills they will carry with them forever.  

Mr Silva (Student Counsellor) “I do my best to approach every student through a humanistic lens, helping them to build bridges to reach their dreams and goals.”

As a primary school counsellor, I am deeply devoted to connections with the children and families I support, as well as their teachers. I am passionate about creating strong relationships where people can feel seen and heard, without judgement or preconceived notions of growth and healing.

In my role as a primary school counsellor at ISL, I teach wellbeing classes throughout the primary school, where we discuss character values, as well as develop life and social skills that can help children build healthy relationships with those around them.

I do my best to approach every student through a humanistic lens, focusing on their strengths and personal glimmers, as well as preventing risks and helping them to build bridges to reach their dreams and goals. I see and understand psychological counselling as a process that is done in community, overarching and accessible to all.

Ms Araneta (Teacher of Wellbeing) “Social and emotional learning is so important for the students, both now and for their future selves.”

“Find the verb” – A primary student works with their teacher to form words, before heading off on a classroom verb hunt, to find the words hidden around the room.

This is now my third year at the International School of Lausanne teaching a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, after working for 15 years in Asia, where I focused on pastoral care and student wellbeing.

After completing studies in positive psychology, I used the research and understanding to form the SEL program at ISL. Teaching students about themselves, emotions, their relationships and how they communicate within these, and, ultimately, about their place in wider communities, is so important for both now and for their future selves.

Ms Wodarczyk (Teacher of Learning Support) “Taking the time to understand my students and their unique needs is a priority for me.”

I have been teaching full time for over 11 years now. My journey began as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Academic English instructor, and currently, I teach Learning Support. Taking the time to understand my students and their unique needs is a priority for me. It brings me immense pride when they feel comfortable trusting me with their everyday challenges.

Ms Mlodynia-Zink (Shadow Learning Support Assistant) “I am fortunate to be learning every day from colleagues and students.”

I have been a part of the Student Support Services team for two years as a Shadow and One-to-One support. This department is a wonderful place to be. Working with children one-on-one and seeing their growth is incredibly rewarding and inspiring. I am fortunate to be learning every day from colleagues and students. 

Ms Gundogan (Teacher of EAL, One-to-One, Shadow Learning Support Assistant) – “Being part of the Student Support Services team is more than a profession; it's joining a great family.”

I'm your “go-to” person for English as an Additional Language (EAL) expertise, individualised One-to-One support, and your dedicated Shadow Learning Support Assistant. With 18 years of teaching experience, I’m passionate about fostering language skills and creating tailored learning experiences; I find joy in making every educational journey unique, engaging, and impactful. Being part of the Student Support Services team is more than a profession; it's joining a great family. The SSS team is a fantastic community where collaboration thrives, and support is paramount.

Primary English as an Additional Language students end a lesson with a fun learning game, supporting one another in both French and English.

Ms Aimee (Teacher of Learning Support) – “Connecting with my students, assisting them in realising their strengths and supporting their areas of growth, is the reason why I come to work every day.”

Each day is a new and exciting day in the life and times of a Learning Support teacher! I bring over 30 years of teaching experience to this profession, 7 years of which have been spent at the International School of Lausanne, and the reason I have stayed in this career is that it is forever changing.

Connecting with my students, assisting them in realising their strengths and supporting their areas of growth, is the reason why I come to work every day.

If I can help to build confidence, expand understanding and enrich my students’ learning, then I have done my job. With that, my SSS colleagues are supportive and collaborative, making us a strong and essential team to the school.

Ms Wills (Teacher of Learning Support) – “I have learnt so many new things - both from truly inspirational colleagues and the conscientious, engaging, and resilient students that I work with.”

I began my teaching career 23 years ago in a school in SW London and am currently working at the International School of Lausanne as a maternity cover in primary learning support. In that time, I have had the joy of working with every single age group in primary and being part of curriculum development.

I cannot express how much I have enjoyed being part of the SSS team at ISL. I have learnt so many new things - both from truly inspirational colleagues and the conscientious, engaging, and resilient students that I work with.

Every day is different, and nothing makes me happier than when I hear about both the big and small successes that our students are experiencing - and their and their families’ gratitude to SSS for providing them with the tools and strategies that suit their style of learning.

“Find the verb” – A primary student works with Ms Wills to form words, before heading off on a classroom verb hunt, to find the words hidden around the room.

Ms Tesaury (Teacher of Learning Support and EAL) – “One of the most satisfying parts of being a teacher in the SSS department is contributing to the success and wellbeing that a student can hold in themself and share with others.”

Click!  When you can see that moment when it connects for a student you’re working with, it is the most beautiful experience for them and for you.  They’ve got it, they will remember it for life, and they are ready for the next challenge!

I have worked as both a learning support (LS) teacher and classroom teacher for over twenty years.  Rejoining LS this year, after being a homeroom teacher for the past few years, to work with the Early Years, was a welcome opportunity. 

Being part of the LS team is inspiring; and one of the most satisfying parts of being a teacher in the Student Support Services Department, is the ability to foster a positive and supportive learning environment, making a lasting impact on the lives of students, and contributing to the overall success and well-being that they can hold in themselves and share with others.

Ms Preston (Head of Early Childhood, Early Intervention Teacher) – “My favourite moment is seeing students I have been working with gain confidence to use their new English vocabulary for the first time in class.”

Working with our youngest students and being able to witness the moment when they reach an important milestone is such a privilege.

Having worked as a Specialist Speech and Language consultant in the UK, I have a passion for language development, and being able to use this knowledge to support our Early Childhood (EC) learners is a rewarding part of my role.

My favourite moment is seeing students I have been working with gain confidence to use their new English vocabulary for the first time in class.

The International School of Lausanne’s Early Childhood Atelier space is a warm and welcoming environment for our youngest learners.

Ms Williams (Year 7 Level Leader, Teacher of English as an Additional Language) – “Students conserving and continuing their learning of home or other languages is a great passion of mine, and I strive to incorporate this into my teaching and their learning.”

Working as an EAL teacher at the International School of Lausanne for the last 8 years has been a great privilege.

The small classes have a focused but warm atmosphere. I enjoy thinking about and planning how best to teach the individual students in my classes to maximise their learning in all subjects.

We are in the position to get to know our students well and this means we don’t only support them academically but emotionally and socially too. Being an EAL learner can challenge all of those facets and I have great respect and admiration for the resilience that these students demonstrate every day.

Students conserving and continuing their learning of home or other languages is a great passion of mine and I strive to incorporate this into my teaching and their learning.

Nurturing the culture and identity associated with these languages is not only important for maintaining them, but for having a greater understanding of and connection to new languages.  

Ms Potter (Acting Year 7 Level Leader, Teacher of Learning Support, Teacher of EAL) – “Watching students grow in confidence, ability and resilience throughout the year is what makes this job so rewarding.”

2024 marks my third academic year at the International School of Lausanne. I started as an EAL teacher, and my role has evolved to now teaching both EAL and LS in the Secondary School.

The ISL Student Support Services team is warm, encouraging, and knowledgeable. It is wonderful to know that I will learn something new every day, whether it be from my fantastic colleagues or students.

As an EAL teacher, I strive to foster a positive learning environment and include students’ home languages and cultures in the classroom to connect with their diverse life experiences.

In my LS classroom, my goal is to play to each student’s unique strengths and profiles, while providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Watching students grow in confidence, ability and resilience throughout the year is what makes this job so rewarding.

Each day is new and exciting which is why I love being a part of the SSS team. I learn as much from my students as I hope they learn from me.

Ms Weaver (Primary School Assistant Principal, Teacher of EAL, DSL) – “The most satisfying part of my role is witnessing the ‘Aha!’ moments when students grasp a challenging concept or achieve a breakthrough.”

Being a part of the Student Support Services team feels incredibly rewarding. It is a privilege to contribute to students' growth and witness their journey to success.

This department plays a vital role at the International School of Lausanne by providing crucial support, guidance and resources tailored to individual student needs, while fostering a nurturing environment for their academic and personal development.

The most satisfying part of my role is witnessing the "Aha!" moments when students grasp a challenging concept or achieve a breakthrough. Supporting their growth and seeing their confidence soar is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, collaborating with a dedicated team committed to student success is extremely rewarding. 

One of our ISL students faced significant challenges in social-emotional learning. Through tailored support, additional resources and personalized guidance, this student not only began to excel in this area but also began mentoring other students who found self-management and relationship skills challenging.

Witnessing their transformation has been inspiring and is a testament to the effectiveness of our support system here at ISL.

“I find joy in making every educational journey unique, engaging, and impactful.” – EAL Teacher, Ms Gundogan, and some Year 6 students enjoy a game at the end of a lesson.

Ms Low (Teacher of EAL) – “The challenge and excitement that this diversity brings is what makes this role so fascinating.”

I am currently in my nineth year at the International School of Lausanne as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher. My multilingual background has fuelled a lifelong interest in understanding the intricacies of languages, how they are similar, and how they differ from each other.

As a teacher of EAL, every day is different, as we work towards meeting the specific language needs each student brings. The challenge and excitement that this diversity brings is what makes this role so fascinating.

I am grateful to be part of such an encouraging and dynamic SSS team at ISL!

The International School of Lausanne would like to thank the members of our Student Support Services team for taking the time to share these words. We are also pleased to announce that we are currently in the process of appointing additional educational specialists, and look forward to introducing these new members of our team in the near future!