From the Director

What does it mean to belong? No doubt all our new students have been pondering that question – and as a fellow newbie, so have I! All of us, at some point, will experience that feeling of being new in any setting. And it can be a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn from those who form the community we have joined.

Indeed, joining ZIS as its new Director is a great honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. To me, that responsibility centers on ensuring that our students are learning, our employees are thriving, our parents see themselves in our actions and words, and our alumni and partners remain connected to this incredible place of learning. Belonging – and the critical role that psychological safety plays in that – is crucial for all these things.

In many ways, belonging starts with the simplest gestures – a student being invited to join a lunch table, a teacher’s voice being valued, a parent hearing their language and culture reflected. As Geoffrey L. Cohen writes: “Belonging is the feeling of being at home in a setting.” At ZIS, belonging means creating spaces where all community members feel recognized, valued and safe enough to show up as themselves. This psychological safety is the bedrock of every great learning environment: a place where we encourage risk, treat mistakes with understanding, and see every individual as a unique contributor.

So when we talk about ‘psychological safety’ at ZIS, we mean creating an environment where everyone feels secure to voice ideas, share experiences, and even express their vulnerabilities without fear of judgement. This safety is essential for fostering true belonging. As Cohen notes: “A sense of belonging not only shapes our self-perception but also impacts how we approach

challenges.” When our students, employees, families and alumni know they can speak up and be heard, they feel valued and respected, which deepens their connection to ZIS.

Psychological safety also enables a culture of risk-taking:

the essence of meaningful learning and growth. We encourage students to step beyond their comfort zones, knowing they have a supportive community to catch them if they stumble. For teachers, this safety opens the door to experimenting with new teaching methods, ideas and collaborations, knowing that their contributions will be respected.

When we feel safe enough to take these risks, innovation naturally follows. In an atmosphere that encourages creativity and exploration, new ideas can flourish: enriching us as individuals but also strengthening the entire ZIS community. Our students learn to be curious, resilient thinkers; our teachers inspire one another and deepen their impact; and our families become partners in an educational journey that values their perspectives and experiences. I’m excited to see where it takes us.