By James Penstone, Secondary Principal
13 December 2024
Over the past six and a half years, I’ve often reflected on what makes ICS special. There is no single answer, but one word always stands out: community. It’s at the heart of who we are and sits at the centre of our name.
Our core value of being welcoming captures this beautifully. I still remember arriving in August 2018 and experiencing the extraordinary effort from others to make me feel part of the school. That same spirit of openness is something I believe most new members of our community feel.
To be welcoming is a way of being; a series of intentional, habitual efforts to ensure everyone feels respected, valued, and seen for who they are. It is both a declaration of who we are and an aspiration of who we strive to be.
As adults, we have a shared responsibility to model this value for our students, enshrining it as a collective habit that grows stronger over time.
Interestingly, while we often speak of welcoming others into our community, there’s no clear verb for how we see someone off. Yet, I believe we approach departures with the same warmth, care, and generosity with which we welcome.
These strengths set ICS apart as a remarkable community, with the potential to grow even further.
As I prepare to leave, I want to express my profound gratitude to every adult who has worked alongside me to uphold and nurture our welcoming community — parents, staff, and the Board of Trustees. Whether through close collaboration or shared alignment with our purpose, values, and aspirations, your contributions have ultimately served the best interests of our young learners. I leave confident that this spirit of openness and care will continue to grow, ensuring ICS remains welcoming for years to come.
Kind regards,
James Penstone
Secondary Principal