Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Principal Luis Mak of the Norwegian International School (NIS) to gain insights into his vision for the school and its future plans. With a passion for education and a commitment to nurturing every child’s potential, Principal Mak shared his aspirations for NIS and the transformative initiatives underway. This interview provides a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic learning environment that NIS fosters, emphasizing purpose, possibility, and a holistic approach to education.
At the Norwegian International School (NIS), we are buzzing with excitement about our plans for 2025! Our vision is all about purpose and possibility, and we’re committed to inspiring and nurturing every child who walks through our doors.
We’re focused on enhancing the entire learning experience—whether that’s achieving academic excellence, promoting international-mindedness, or creating new pathways for growth in both character and faith. Our goal is to provide a vibrant and supportive environment where our students can truly thrive.
As we celebrate our school’s 30th anniversary, we’re not just celebrating our history; we’re also deeply committed to community service and engagement. Every initiative we undertake will reflect our dedication to fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Deciding on our academic focus each year at the NIS is an exciting data-driven process. We dive deep into the information we gather from our students, along with results from the International School Assessment (ISA). This comprehensive evaluation helps us identify our students’ strengths and areas where they can grow.
Last year, we were thrilled that our ISA scores surpassed those of similar schools in 10 out of 12 categories! Our students excelled in higher-level reasoning and problem-solving, showcasing their ability to tackle complex statistical information and advanced mathematical concepts. However, we also recognise the need to strengthen foundational skills like arithmetic and geometry, which some students still need to catch up on.
Looking ahead to this year, we’re thrilled to introduce initiatives like the “Reader of the Term” program, designed to spark critical thinking and foster a love for learning. We also explore innovative technologies and creative teaching strategies to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world.
As we look toward the next five years in education, we anticipate some exciting challenges. The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and we see opportunities to navigate technological advancements, prioritise student well-being, and promote sustainability.
At NIS, we believe these challenges are stepping stones for growth. We’re committed to integrating cutting-edge technology while fostering a Christ-centered culture of care. We aim to equip students with the skills and resilience they need to thrive amidst change.
A key challenge is balancing technology use. While we recognise its importance, we also prioritise our students’ well-being. That’s why we aim to limit technology in the classroom, allowing kids to develop essential social and academic skills first. This foundation will enable them to embrace technology effectively when the time is right.
This year, we’re eager to explore innovative initiatives that enhance learning while ensuring our students remain grounded and connected.
At NIS, we believe every child is unique, and our mission is to ensure each student feels known, loved, and valued. Learning should be an adventure filled with joy and purpose! To keep our students engaged—especially those who may struggle or seem unmotivated—we focus on sparking curiosity and motivation in everything we do.
We create dynamic lessons that captivate our students’ interests and provide robust support through our Learning Support programs. We also celebrate each child’s unique talents, recognising that everyone has something special. From exciting after-school activities like gardening and drama to hands-on classroom projects, we strive to make learning not just meaningful but also incredibly fun!
NIS is committed to ensuring that every student feels welcome and has equal opportunities to succeed. Our close-knit, caring community is built on the principles of inclusivity and support. We foster an environment where every child feels seen and valued through various initiatives, including our Student Council, family events, faith-centered practices, and tailored learning support.
We believe in empowering student voices and providing the necessary tools for success. Whether through personalised learning plans or encouraging participation in school activities, we aim to help each student thrive and gain the confidence to shine.
As principal, I make it a priority to connect with our students personally. I enjoy spending time with them on the playground, playing tag or kicking a ball around. This hands-on approach helps new students feel accepted and integrated into our vibrant community immediately.
At NIS, we understand that fostering a sense of belonging is essential for academic and personal growth.
We believe that mental health is a priority, and we strive to tackle these issues promptly and effectively by fostering open communication. Instead of simply reprimanding students for bullying behaviors or overlooking their needs, we focus on understanding the root causes of the problems. This could stem from various factors, such as challenges at home or personal insecurities. By taking the time to delve into these underlying issues, we can provide the appropriate support and guidance.
Our approach emphasizes empathy and connection. We dedicate significant time to understanding each child’s unique needs, ensuring that they feel heard and valued within our community. This proactive stance not only helps in resolving conflicts but also cultivates a supportive environment where all students can thrive.
At NIS, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for every child, where they can learn to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence.
At NIS, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the essential skills they need for life after graduation. Every experience contributes to a child’s growth, which is why we emphasise a wide variety of activities throughout the school year.
In just the past month, our students have participated in soccer matches with other schools, enjoyed a captivating music performance by the Music Office Instructors’ Wind Ensemble, welcomed visits from various organisations, and even embarked on a field trip to the Zero Carbon Center at City University. These experiences not only enrich their education but also foster social interactions and teamwork—skills that are vital for their future.
We prioritise experiential learning, allowing students to engage with their peers and the broader community. While facts may fade over time, the lessons learned through these experiences stay with us forever. By encouraging our students to step outside their comfort zones, we help them develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence—qualities that will serve them well in any path they choose after graduation.
NIS parents are not just participants; they are an integral part of the NIS family. Their engagement is vital to our school’s success and vibrancy. From volunteering at events like the Viking Fair to organising the Christmas Party for our Kindergarten, parents and community members play a crucial role in enriching our school experience. These collaborations foster a strong sense of belonging and connection, creating a supportive atmosphere that nurtures not only our children but also each other.
When parents and staff work hand-in-hand, we can create an exceptional educational environment that benefits all students. At NIS, we celebrate these partnerships!
Great teachers flourish in an environment that is both supportive and collaborative. As the head of our leadership team, I strive to set a positive example by demonstrating empathy and understanding in our interactions with staff. I also prioritise open communication, always making myself available to listen to my staff’s concerns—whether they relate to school or personal matters.
One unique aspect of our community is our morning prayer time, which welcomes all staff members regardless of their religious beliefs. This shared moment fosters a sense of solidarity among us, reinforcing our commitment to one another.
At NIS, we also invest in our teachers’ professional growth through regular development opportunities, mentorship programs, and pathways to leadership. Our dedication to servant leadership ensures that every team member feels valued and inspired to contribute their best.
By creating a nurturing atmosphere where teachers can thrive, we attract exceptional talent and retain them. At NIS, we are committed to building a vibrant community where educators and students can grow together!
Absolutely! At NIS, we actively encourage our teachers to explore leadership opportunities and reach their full potential. We believe that fostering a growth culture enhances their careers and brings fresh energy and innovative ideas into our school community.
Our teachers can engage in various professional development activities, participate in leadership roles, and coordinate special projects. These experiences allow them to expand their skills and contribute meaningfully to our school environment.
By investing in our educators’ growth, we create a dynamic atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to take initiative and lead. At NIS, we are committed to nurturing a community of passionate educators who inspire our students every day!
Every after-school activity plays a vital role in a student’s holistic development. While all our programs, from Brazilian football to chess, contribute positively, in-house activities significantly impact a student’s future. These activities allow students to connect with their teachers on a personal level, fostering relationships that extend beyond academics.
Research shows that strong, meaningful connections between students and teachers lead to improved academic outcomes. This connection enhances learning and nurtures essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork—skills that are invaluable for life beyond school.
As a principal, my definition of success goes beyond academic achievements; it’s about seeing our students thrive as individuals of character, compassion, courage, and competence. Success means creating an environment where they can grow academically, physically, socially, and spiritually—ultimately becoming individuals who serve others and live purposefully.
Throughout my teaching career, I’ve encountered many students who excelled academically but struggled emotionally. These experiences have taught me how crucial it is for students to be healthy and happy in all aspects of their lives. I firmly believe that children can flourish in any situation with the right balance of support and play.
At NIS, we are dedicated to nurturing not just the minds but also the hearts of our students. Focusing on their overall well-being prepares them for a future where they can face challenges with resilience and confidence. Success, in our eyes, is when our students leave us equipped with knowledge and the skills to navigate life’s complexities and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Loving for Today, Learning for Tomorrow, Living for Eternity
Twitter
Add a Comment
Please do not post:
Thank you once again for doing your part to keep Edarabia the most trusted education source.