March 15, 2024

Paula Cano Appointed as New Head of Early Childhood

Dear ISP Community,

As the temperatures start to rise and the sun begins to shine, I am thrilled to announce that Paula Cano has been selected as our new Head of Early Childhood after a thorough, inclusive, and rigorous selection process! Many of you already know Paula as our Primary Years Program Coordinator and also a parent of a student in the Japanese Kindergarten.  Starting in July, Paula will succeed Maria Abad, who has been the rock of our program for almost thirty years. Maria’s legacy will remain at ISP, and no one will ever be just like her. However, we are excited about what Paula will bring to ISP in the next thirty years! 

Originally from Colombia, Paula brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position. She received her Masters in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and she has dedicated herself to studying all she can about progressive, play-based teaching and learning. Throughout the interview process, Paula consistently demonstrated her love for ISP and her deep understanding of our school’s curriculum, particularly in the areas of the Primary Years Programme and play-based learning. Her experience as a PYP coordinator has equipped her with valuable insights into how to engaging and inclusive learning environments that foster curiosity and inquiry.

One of the key qualities that stood out about Paula is her unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Her dedication to promoting justice within our curriculum and her active involvement in our community’s EDI initiatives align perfectly with our school’s values and mission. Additionally, Paula’s passion for community building and her excellent communication skills will undoubtedly foster strong relationships among staff, families, and students. Her collaborative approach and genuine care for each member of our community make her the ideal candidate to lead our Early Childhood forward.

We are confident that our Early Childhood program will continue to thrive under her leadership and inspire our students to become conscientious global citizens. Please join me in congratulating Paula on her new role and offering her your full support as she embarks on this exciting journey with us.

 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our amazing school. 

Best,

Bodo Heiliger