Our New Upper Elementary: More Than a Building

The 2025–2026 school year began with celebration and pride as we officially opened our new Upper Elementary School building. Speaking on behalf of her peers, Grade 5 student Ambra reminded everyone what this milestone truly means.

“The reason I love SSIS so much is because we can choose the activities we like to do. When I see the new building, it looks so big and impressive. I’m excited to use the new facilities, especially the pool and the cafeteria,” she shared from the podium at the official opening.

While the ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by grade 4 and 5 students, the new spaces will benefit the whole community, from the city’s only air-conditioned swimming pool to a revitalized and light-filled cafeteria.

Honoring Our Foundation, Building Our Future

As the first original structure on the SSIS campus, the refurbished building is a clear and visible reminder of the importance of a strong foundation and a clear vision. 

The opening speeches by Head of School, Dr. Catriona Moran, ES Principal Melanie Sylvester, and Grade 5 student Ambra, reaffirmed our school’s values, culture, and community spirit, before the lion dance welcomed students into the new facilities! 

The transformation from the former Middle School to the Upper Elementary was led by Boho Decor, with SSIS alumn Luke Nguyen at the helm. His contribution brings the project full circle, as an SSIS graduate who has now shaped the spaces where the next generation will learn and grow.

New Opportunities for Learning and Connection

Inside the Upper Elementary, the classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration and creativity, supporting students as they explore the first SuperUnit of the year: Understanding Ourselves.

The revitalized pool brings the most up-to-date facilities for our swim program and the more than 40 students on our swim team this year! And in the beautiful new cafeteria, new food service provider, Aden, is preparing meals designed to support healthy, balanced living.

With the opening of these first-class facilities, SSIS has also welcomed Kristy Csensich, the elementary school’s new Lower Elementary Associate Principal. Ms. Kristy is dedicated to supporting our Lower Elementary students and parents and will work to strengthen alignment across divisions, just as Upper Elementary Associate Principal Mr. Ed Goldstein does for our upper elementary students.

Living Our Core Values

While new facilities provide the setting, it is the students who bring our values to life. Ambra's words set a wonderful tone for the year, celebrating not just our new spaces but also the new possibilities for connection and growth.

As we look ahead, the opening of the Upper Elementary is more than an addition to our campus. It reflects our commitment to live by our core values—Academic Excellence, Respect for All, Dedicated Service, Balance in Life, and Sense of Self—every day. It is also a moment to ask how we, as one community, can use these values for good. And how will we grow together this year?

The start of 2025–2026 has already shown us the answer. We grow by celebrating together, learning together, and continuing to build a school where every student can become their best self.