At St. John’s International School in Waterloo teachers and parents alike are proud of their efforts to build a strong sense of community.

Anyone who has ever been part of it knows that the world of international schools is a special one. Take St. John’s International School in Waterloo, for example, where 900 students between the ages of 3 and 19 receive an education that enables them to develop into global citizens.

“We are very proud of the school’s strong sense of community,” says school director Dr. Joe Doenges. “Children experience so many wonderful moments during their time here, which they will cherish the rest of their lives. We work hard to ensure children enjoy and appreciate the unique opportunities and experiences that this multi-cultural environment offers them.”

Teachers and students are used to new children arriving throughout the year from all over the world. New students get a “buddy” assigned, someone who helps them find their way around the school. The school also has a Welcome Committee, consisting of mothers of current students. These moms will contact each of the 150 new families that arrive each summer and try to help them settle in. The Committee has put together a handbook with helpful hints and practical recommendations, including lists of physicians and dentists in the area. The group organizes several events once families have arrived in Belgium, including a Welcome Coffee where new families can meet each other and get to know the relevant people at the school.

 “We have many stories of moms who dreaded coming to Belgium, but who were devastated to leave after three years,” says Monique Varin, who runs the Welcome Committee. Mrs. Varin is a South African/Swiss mom of two graduates and one 8th grader at the school. “The community at the school is quite unique and we have many parents who get involved in the school. It truly is a unique experience to be part of the St. John’s family. A lot of families stay in touch once they move and tell us they never found the same sense of community in other schools. We are proud to contribute to this caring environment where children can flourish in a new environment and feel welcome, safe and happy.”

Students hail from more than 60 different countries and most have a parent who works in a multinational company or international organization. Nevertheless, Belgium is in the top 5 of nations represented at the school with more than 70 students, along with Sweden, the United Kingdom, France and the United States.

“I feel so priviliged that my children can grow up in such a caring and multi-cultural environment” says mother-of-three Elisabeth Valentin from Sweden, who was supposed to stay in Belgium for only three years but is still here after 18 years. “It is remarkable in today’s world to see children from all different countries, religions and backgrounds get along and learn from each other.”

 (St. John's School 2007)