PTA Newsroom

Dear Parents, 

What a wonderful week it has been at BISB as we celebrated International Week - a time when our school truly shines as an international community. It has been a beautiful reminder of the incredible diversity that makes our school so special.  

Wishing all our families a wonderful and restful half term! 

Enjoy the break and have a fantastic holiday, you’ve all earned it! 

1. International Week 

It has been an amazing showcase of our community spirit. It was wonderful to see parents contribute their time, energy, and national dishes to make International Week so special. The students were also lucky to have parents visit classrooms to share their different cultures: from stories and traditions to music and activities. It’s great to see how we continue to build understanding, appreciation, and tolerance for different cultures. 

Both Primary and Secondary students enjoyed their own international breakfasts, filled with flavours from around the world, a tasty way to celebrate culture and togetherness. 

The week concluded with the International Week Concert, a joyful finale featuring performances from children, parents, and staff. From colourful displays and amazing dances to crowd-favourite singing and engaging activities, it was a wonderful celebration of global connection. 

More photos and details from this fantastic event will be shared after the half term. 

2. Stone Painting and Flag Decorations

The Stone Painting Activity has been brought to life and kept going by Gabi over the past few years, and it always brings great fun and joy to the children. This much-loved International Week tradition continues to unite students and parents through colour, creativity, and community spirit. 

Over three days, Early Years and Primary students, joined by some enthusiastic Secondary participants, painted their country flags on stones, later arranged into a heart-shaped display celebrating the diversity and unity of our BISB community.

Gabi shared that she was deeply grateful to all the parents who signed up and helped make this event possible for the children, as well as to the staff members who supported it every step of the way. An extra big thank you goes to Lívia Kovács and Tímea Héjjáné, who stayed for all three days with endless enthusiasm and energy — without them, this event could not have been the success it was.

Please see the full message from Gabi below for awesome photos and her lovely reflections on the project.

3. Flag Parade

A highlight of the week was the colourful Flag Parade, attended by many proud parents. It was inspiring to see students walking together under a mix of different flags, not just their own, as a symbol of friendship and unity. It was a heart-warming reminder of what makes BISB such a strong and connected community.

4. Halloween Preparations and Update 

Halloween excitement is building, and organisation is well underway. Volunteers play a key role in making this event magical, every activity is designed for the children to have a fun, safe, and memorable time. We’ll have mini-games, a spooky maze, and year-by-year visits for all to enjoy. Our Secondary students are also preparing some fantastic new ideas, and we’d love more volunteers to join in and help bring them to life.

Without volunteers, we simply couldn’t make this event possible for the children, so if you can spare even a little time, please do get involved, it truly makes a difference.

Halloween Update: Get your costumes ready! 

Secondary Halloween Programme: Thursday, 30 October 
Primary Celebrations: Friday, 31 October 

Activities to look forward to: 
Guess the treats in the jars – running from 28–30 October 
Pumpkin carving competition – Primary, 31 October 
Themed bake sale at pick-up time 
Trick-or-treat games and fun activities throughout the day 

We are still looking for helpers to assist with decorating and running the games. 
Join us for some Halloween fun and sign up here: 

5. Christmas Fair 

It’s hard to believe, but planning for our Christmas Fair has already begun. This much-loved event will feature a mix of student-led activities, including Changemakers Creations, chess games, and of course, a visit from Santa. 

If you have an idea, craft, or festive stall that could add to the Christmas spirit, pleaseget in touch.

6. Full personal message from Gabi on the Stone painting and Flag decorations 

Two names: Lívia Kovács and Tímea Héjjáné. 

If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to write this post now, because without their help this event could never have taken place. 

These two amazing Moms worked tirelessly for three days, with endless enthusiasm and incredible flexibility, to make the entire Stone Painting Activity event happen. They helped with preparations even on weekends and evenings, were always available, and faced every challenge, vis maior, and difficulty with grace.

And when there was nothing left to do — although, as we all know, for a mom that concept doesn’t really exist — they said with sparkling eyes: “All right then, let’s hang the flag garlands around the school!” 

Thank you, Ladies, for putting up with me and thank you for your friendship! 

I’m happy to say that we left no stone unturned and every effort was worth it during the Stone Painting Activity! 

For three days in a row, Early Years and Primary students came to the Pavilion during breaks, with big smiles and eager eyes, to paint flags on stones. It was a wonderful experience to meet Secondary Students who joined in as well and such a delight to see that some of them feel it’s not “uncool” to stay a little bit of a kid, even at their age.  

From the many beautifully painted stones, a heart-shaped installation was created, symbolizing the diversity and beauty of our community. Starting Thursday afternoon, the children will be able to take their own stones home. 

Many master volunteers also contributed to this effort, just like the little stones that together form a heart. 

Parents: Andi Újhelyi, Andrea Bácskai, Andrea Lőw, Chiara Rossi, Eszter Kálovics, Irina Vizer, Kata Kárpáti, Szandra Kárpáti, Krishna Rajesh, Judit Buzás, Lissa Berlouis, Lívia Kovács, Petra Puskás, Renata Sakin, Samantha Byrd-Fulbright, Susan Liu, Szilvia Mándy-Simon, Szonja Szántó, Tímea Héjjáné, Violeta Remitti, Wetinee Matsathit, Zsolt Pozvai. 

Special thanks to Mrs. Louise Russell, who was always ready to provide immediate help and support with anything to make this project happen! We truly appreciate her flexibility and positivity. 

Helpers from the school: Eszter Betlendi, Mr Béla Juhász, Mr Craig Brown, Mrs Renata Brown, Orsolya Csollák, Mrs Louise Russell. 

And those who are always there for us in the background: 

Bus Drivers – Helping collect the stones for the kids by bus. 

Cleaning Department - The constant kindness and helpfulness.  

Kitchen Department - We always get delicious food and lots of goofing around. 

Maintenance Department - They always bring everything. 

Security Guards — The Jolly Jokers, anywhere, anytime. 

Thank you for everything! 

I’ve come away with so many great memories and new friendships. I hope you have too! 

Hugs,

Gabriella Petrovits (Gabi)