Creative Journeys: The Kraus’ ISZL Arts Story

The continued emphasis on expression, connection, and skills mastery within the arts at ISZL has helped each student nurture the passion they recognise in themselves today. While students at the end of their school journey benefit from hindsight as they reflect on where their love of the arts began, their artistic growth consistently points to three key influences

• The high-quality facilities and opportunities at ISZL
• The breadth and depth of exposure they experienced
• The dedicated guidance and encouragement from their teachers

The Kraus, Rohan, and Sibarium families reflect on the unique elements that shaped their children’s creative journeys — building confidence, encouraging risk-taking, and encouraging a strong sense of personal agency.

By Heather Kraus, ISZL Parent

Our family of four moved to Zug in the summer of 2017 from the United States. My husband and I grew up involved in music and performing arts, and we knew before enrolling our son Liam (Grade 4) and daughter Lily (Grade 6) that there were classes and clubs to do both. What we did not expect is how many different opportunities there would be for them and the impact those experiences would have on their education.

Classroom Arts and Presentations

At ISZL, students are highly encouraged to speak up and regularly present in their classrooms. They also take the stage during the many school assemblies to share information or their projects and interests. Some particularly fond memories were when Liam worked in his visual arts class making an underwater scene of a whale, a turtle and a dolphin for his presentation on biomes. Also during the Grade 5 Exhibition, Lily took a creative approach for one of the elements by composing, playing on the ukulele, and singing a song about inequality.

Music as a part of the core curriculum is one element of their involvement in the arts at ISZL. From Grade 4, students learn a musical instrument. Both Lily and Liam chose guitar and have progressed a lot working with teacher Mr Eon Louw. We have also enjoyed their musical performances directed by teacher Ms Kirsty Kelly.

Co-Curricular Clubs and ISZL Zug Campus Choir

Both Lily and Liam are involved in the ISZL Zug Campus Choir with teacher Mr David Smith. His high expectations teach them what is possible from discipline and hard work. He believes deeply in the potential of the students to achieve remarkable results. We love hearing them perform and are excited they have opportunities to sing in various venues locally and outside of Switzerland.

Drama Clubs Grades 4–5 and Middle School

The co-curricular drama club for Grades 4 and 5 that meets September through February culminates in a fantastic performance. The club teachers Ms Lesley Armstrong, Ms Kirsty Kelly and Ms Katherine Matthews, are particularly loved by the students and support and encourage them. Liam, who played a comedic ‘Tiny Giant’ in this year’s musical, Panto Pandemonium, would tell others to join because it is a “really fun experience and after you do it, you feel proud of yourself – like you have achieved something great.”

Lily was fortunate to be in the Grades 4 and 5 drama production last year as a Cat in the Hat. This year in the Middle School, she was in the ensemble for Addams Family young@part with teacher Ms Alexis Dahl directing. Ms Dahl’s professionalism and insights are incredible. She challenged the students to develop, connect to and express their characters.

It is a really fun musical, and we get to be active in our character building and active on stage. We also have a great director!

Earlier this school year, Lily also performed with the local English Theatre Group of Zug in a production of The Secret Garden. For this, Ms Kelly went out of her way to coach her at lunch breaks for her role. Lily felt very supported by this demonstration of concern and kindness – thanks, Ms Kelly.

Parent and Family Involvement

I too enjoy being involved in the productions and have worked on the costume committees with other parents. It gives me both the opportunity to see the rehearsal efforts along the way and work with other parents I might not have the chance to otherwise get to know – all fabulous and highly creative people! The best part is seeing the student’s faces when they put on costumes – it is symbolic of their hard work and imagination coming to life.

One downside about being in an international setting so far from home is that it is not feasible for the extended family to be here for live performances. However, ISZL helps bridge that gap by recording and posting shows online. We then send links to family back in the United States so our children can share this important part of their lives with them.

The arts are an essential and impactful part of the experience at ISZL. We love to see Lily, Liam, and their peers create and deliver compelling stories – from their classroom science project presentations to the stage. I know my children’s involvement in the arts has propelled their confidence and ability to communicate effectively. We strongly support this aspect of education at ISZL and unequivocally encourage others to get involved in the years to come.