Panel:James MacDonald, Director, International School of BrusselsDr David Willows, Director of Advancement, International School of BrusselsHost: Fiona Murchie, Managing Editor, Relocate magazine & Relocate Global

Webinar Summary

Covid-19 has not only changed the way in which schools are operating, but has opened up a new conversation about what school is for, both now and in the future. Drawing upon their experience at the International School of Brussels, James and David will discuss the changing face of international education in Belgium, lessons learned over the past 12 months, as well as suggest how the current disruption is shifting their thinking about the future of learning for children of globally mobile families moving to Belgium.During this lively discussion our prestigious panel will explore:

• How ISB and the families it has served have changed over the last 15 years
• What it was like to take up a new leadership role at the school in the middle of the pandemic
• Have families changed their priorities when looking for a school
• As ISB reaches its 70^th anniversary, what does this milestone mean
• What is most striking about moving to Belgium from other parts of the world

Biographies

James MacDonald is Director at the International School of Brussels, Belgium. An international educator for most of his career, he has worked in his native Canada, as well as in Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the UAE and Belgium. James began his career as a classroom teacher before moving into leadership roles, and was the head of school at Yokohama International School and in Japan and NIST International School in Thailand. Before moving to Brussels, James worked in the UAE overseeing a large group of IB and American curriculum schools. James is also a published author, workshop presenter, and has served on numerous boards including being the Chair of the IB Regional Council in Asia Pacific. James lives in Brussels with his wife Corry, who is an Art Therapist, and James’ two sons attend ISB.Dr David Willows is Director of Advancement at the International School of Brussels, Belgium. He is also a regular presenter & trainer at international events and author of several books and articles in the field of international school branding, innovation, admissions, marketing and communications. Today, he is considered a leading practitioner in the fields of Enrollment Management & Advancement and continues to be involved in several global network organisations, helping to shape and define the future of the learning business. Read his blog at www.fragments2.com.Fiona Murchie has over 25 years’ experience in management and HR publishing and global mobility. From this unique perspective, she combines understanding of the HR and global mobility market with knowledge of business drivers and an appreciation of management thinking. Relocate Global has become the leading multimedia for international managers, HR, global mobility and relocation professionals, with a growing international reputation for thought leadership, innovation and people support. The Great International Education & Schools’ Fair was introduced in November 2020 and Spring 2021 to coincide with the admissions cycle.

Who Should Listen To This Webinar and Why?

International parents from around the world of pre-school to Grade 12 children looking for the right school for their child in Brussels and BelgiumParents looking for a school offering  Grade 10 to Grade 12 (Ages 15 to 18) offering - ISB diploma, US High School Diploma, IBDP, BTEC Level 3 DiplomaEmployers needing to know what to look for in a school in the area/region for their employees on assignment with childrenHR and mobility professionals to understand the value of a first­-class education to support talent engagement, retention and recruitment and their talent pipeline in the futureHeads, leadership teams and educationists to understand trends in admissions, leadership and communications in the international schools’ marketRelocation professionals to provide insights on a top school in Brussels to support their clients and source school places for them now and in the future

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