Mabuhay, Class of 2028! Welcome to High School at ISM!

I am Onur Gündoğdu, a physics teacher and former STEM Club advisor, now in my fifth year at ISM. I come from Türkiye, where East meets West both geographically and culturally. When I'm not solving physics problems or planning fun investigations for my students, I enjoy reading, movies, music, and one of the most amazing activities to do in the Philippines: scuba diving. I’m also a foodie who loves trying new flavors, whether on my travels or at home, where my talented wife, Chef Dany, experiments with new recipes.

I’m thrilled for the new adventures that await you in high school and to be your Grade Level Coordinator (GLC). I still remember how pleasantly surprised I was when I entered the Little Theater and lofthouse to see your AFC (Advocating for Change) presentations at the end of your Grade 8 year. You were all focused and motivated to advocate for change! Now, I encourage you to continue dreaming big during your high school years.

Your HS administrators, advisors, counselors, teachers, council, and I are here to support you in becoming the best version of yourselves, making a positive impact in our ISM community, and becoming changemakers within the Philippines and beyond.

ISM is globally one of the most unique and exciting places to be for a high school student. We have students and faculty from nearly 100 countries and almost 100 clubs, societies, sports teams, and councils. Turn your head in any direction, and you’ll find inspiring people with incredible skills, abilities, and experiences.

I’m excited to see how you and your batch will enrich our beautiful culture at ISM, and I can’t wait to experience the Grade 9 Retreat and Battle of the Bearcats with you soon.

Mr. Onur Gündoğdu

Grade 9 Level Coordinator

Welcome, batch of 2027!

We are Kathryn Govier, a geography teacher and touch rugby coach, and Bilal Khan, English teacher extraordinaire and Bamboo Telegraph advisor. Ms. Govier is very grounded and strives to live sustainably and educate others on how to help our world flourish indefinitely. She has a passion for travel and understanding more about our beautiful earth. Mr. Khan lives in his head, loving the written word and cherishing the intangible values and the boundless aesthetic beauty that art, literature, and music bring into our lives. 

We are both incredibly excited to be your Grade Level Coordinators (GLCs) and to get to know you all as the Freshman class, the batch of 2027. 

This year is going to be a big year. Your first year in High School is where you will need to navigate new spaces, new teachers and new friends. This transition can be challenging, but it will be invigorating to start fresh. Beyond the classroom, our school community thrives on tradition, innovation, and a commitment to fostering holistic growth. You will find that the High School at ISM is not just a place of learning but a home where you can nurture your talents, forge lasting friendships, and embark on a transformative journey.

In the spirit of embracing change and the pursuit of knowledge, let us come together as a community that values curiosity, embraces diversity, and seeks to make a positive impact in the world. The class of 2027 holds within it the potential to shape the future, and we are eager to embark on this incredible voyage with each and every one of you.

So, as we set sail into the uncharted waters of high school, we encourage you to open your hearts and minds to the wonders of learning, to discover the beauty in the world around you, and to seize every opportunity for growth and self-discovery. 

Welcome to this remarkable journey, Freshman class of 2027, and may your time here be filled with inspiration, growth, and the pursuit of all things beautiful and meaningful.

Please do not hesitate to reach out in person or by email ( khanb@ismanila.org). 

Here’s to a spectacular year, batch of 2027!

Mr. Bilal Khan

Grade 10 Grade Level Coordinator

Welcome, Class of 2025.

This is it, your senior year!

You’ve spent years building up to this moment. You’ve accumulated incredible experiences, gained insightful knowledge, developed skills and built a foundation that will help you succeed. Now, it is time to put these into action.

Although, as you are already finding out as you build up to something you have long awaited, the experience is often nothing like you expected. So, in your final year of high school, I urge you to embrace the unknown. There will be unexpected twists and turns along the way to walking the stage on graduation in May. These will help you become more resilient and prepared for life after school. Embrace them.

Remember, you will not be able to do it alone this year. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Turning to trusted friends, family, counselors and teachers during times of difficulty is a sign of strength. Ask for help when you need it and celebrate successes with those who matter to you.

So, seniors, you are equipped for the journey ahead, embrace it with an open heart and look after those around you.

--

Mr. Mike Kramer

High School Social Studies Teacher

Grade 12 Level Coordinator