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The December holidays bring a welcome break from the school calendar and the excitement of holiday gifting. Yet, this season also creates a predictable tension point concerning children's digital engagement. Research shows that Christmas is one of the times of years when families tend to buy new technology (smartphones, smartwatches, gaming consoles, and other devices) the most. This influx of novelty combined with the absence of regular school structure frequently means a significant surge in device use, often manifesting as increased social media scrolling, intensive gaming sessions, and other potentially problematic digital habits. This shift can negatively impact sleep cycles, heighten familial conflict, and reduce opportunities for quality, in-person family connection - all of which students can bring back into the new semester and your classroom. To learn what you and other educators can do to support your students and parents over the holidays take a look at the new virtual panel talk by our partner Kigumi Group, “Parent's Guide: Setting Healthy Screen Time Limits for Kids Over the Holiday Break”, featuring child psychologist Lorraine Sin and positive parenting coach Bharati Lachmandas. We’ve pulled out 3 quick tips from the talk below. Forward it to your parenting association or counsellor to share with your parents and start this holiday season differently. Tip 1: Set the Stage Early with Family Agreements  Don't wait until the problems arise : Sit down before the break to openly discuss screen usage. Cover key questions like: "How much are we going to use the screens?" "What times of the day are appropriate?" and "What screens are we going to use?". Build Buy-In and Autonomy:  The goal is collaborative "compassionate collaboration,"  not parental enforcement. Listen to your children's desires and take their perspective into consideration to find a middle ground. Give Developmentally Appropriate Reasons:  When setting a limit, always give reasons for why you’re setting a screen or tech related limit, rule or boundary.. For example: "The phone needs to stay in the living room after 8 PM because the blue light makes it hard for your brain to slow down, and we want to protect your sleep". Introducing logic, medical evidence and respect for them as rational thinkers can start quite early. Or: “We’ve had a number of discussions now about how you want Instagram because your friends do. I hear that you feel it’s important to you to have the same things as them. But I think we still see that the risks are still too big for you right now. And I’d rather talk about what’s the most important thing to your friendships - having the same things or spending time together?”  Tip 2: Prepare for Transitions Ahead of Time Use Visual Reminders (Especially for Younger Kids):  For children under eight and neurodiverse kids, visual reminders are essential. Print out the agreed-upon plan and put it on the fridge or wall at the child's eye level. Use a visual timer, such as a round clock with a colored-in section that "runs out," or a sand timer. Physical reminders are better than relying on the parent to manually take the device away, which can trigger a fight-or-flight response. Give Timely Warnings:  Prepare your child for the "cliff". Give them a five-minute warning, then a three-minute, and a two-minute warning before the time is up. This prevents the sudden emotional upset that comes from an immediate cutoff. Reframe the Discussion:  Instead of battling over a specific amount of screen time, zoom out. Discuss how their body and brain feel when they have a certain balance or proportion of different activities  throughout the day. Encourage hobbies and interests that are not screen-based. Tip 3: Practice Emotional Regulation Before entering a high-strung conversation or moment of conflict, parents must first recenter and ground themselves. Take a Break and Ground Yourself:  It is okay to take a break and tell your child, "I'm feeling very frustrated. I just need a minute to calm down. I'll be back in five minutes when I feel a little more ready to talk". Always come back to the conversation. Use Simple Breathing Techniques:  Breathing exercises trigger the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, to calm the body. Box Breathing:  Inhale for four seconds (up one side of the box), hold for four seconds (across the top), exhale for four seconds (down the next side), and hold for four seconds (across the bottom). Use the Five Senses (5-4-3-2-1):  When overwhelmed, focus on simple senses to ground yourself. Name five things you can see ; four things you can hear ; three things you can smell ; two things you can taste ; one thing you can feel . Model Emotional Awareness:  Show your children that it’s okay to be overwhelmed and that you are using tools to calm down. Simply being aware of your own internal emotional flux is a huge step. For those based in Thailand, Kigumi Group founder and CEO, Mila Devenport, is leading a workshop entitled Moving from Digital Literacy to Digital Wellbeing for School Leaders . Learn more on the event website .

Learn more about AI Process Journals and try out Kigumi’s automated AI Process Journal to equip your students to become AI-literate at edSummit Bangkok 2026 , taking place at Bangkok Patana School 23-24 January 2026. Register now >> What is an AI Process Journal? An AI Process Journal is a single document (word, pdf, etc.) that learners submit to their teachers or instructors when they use one or more AI tools (including LLMs, coding agents, image generators, or other AI tools) to complete or generate an assignment or deliverable (including a research paper, essay, visual presentation, visual/art project, coding assignment, etc.). The AI Process Journal should always be submitted alongside with the original assignment or deliverable.  The best way to think about an AI Process Journal is as a scaffold for your learners to think critically about their AI-use in specific tasks. Eventually, after a period of intensive and repetitive use of AI Process Journals, a mature AI-user will rely on the template less and less, and integrate the reflexive questions into their own thinking processes, at which point you can begin extending the Process Journal design into other PBL experiences.  How Do I Use an AI Process Journal as a Teacher? You should set the expectation for students that any assignment they use AI  on should be automatically accompanied by an AI Process Journal when it gets submitted to you. When you receive them, you (or the instructors / graders) should read through each student’s individual Journal in parallel to their original assignment.  The idea is to read them together and have these two works be in conversation with each other, to understand how the student arrived at their end deliverable.  Try out Kigumi’s virtual AI Process Journal for free for 2 months (unlimited number of assignments) when you sign up for one of our products before 25 January 2025: KiguLab, K-12 digital wellbeing e-learning platform  Digital Parenting Kit Virtual Student & Family Digital Wellbeing Diagnostic Tests All products available in Eng, Chinese, Thai and other languages available upon request. What is the point of an AI Process Journal? AI Process Journals benefit both learners and teachers in both the short- and long-term. Benefits for Learners : At their core, AI Process Journals teach AI-users of all ages (including employees, interns, secondary school students and even upper primary students) how to become responsible AI-users who have the judgment and nuance to make balanced AI decisions for the long-term. They also act as a quality control process for potential plagiarism and other issues, helping learners to catch potential mistakes or inaccuracies early, before submitting an assignment or deliverable. Benefits for Teachers/Managers : By acting as a “worksheet” for research or other assignments, AI Process Journals can incentivise students to check their own learning process while it’s happening, and make better decisions in real-time. Journals can also allow students to review their thinking after an assignment is completed and make corrections to implement their learning next time on similar assignments.  Another benefit of AI Process Journals is that they can help to weed out potential cases of academic dishonesty, by allowing teachers to scan through and judge the level of effort a student put in. What age is right for an AI Process Journal? AI Process Journals are not strictly tied to grade levels, but rather to your students’ maturity and access to AI tools at school and at home. If you have students submitting assignments (in writing, presentation, art or any other subject) who are heavy or automatic users of AI but who don’t have the training to track or reflect on their use, an AI Process Journal (or a similar format) is something you should consider. Likewise, if you Our Kigumi AI Process Journal is made for secondary school students (middle school and up) through tertiary level (university). Where can I find or make an AI Process Journal? Many dedicated teachers in high-resource schools already have made their own AI Process Journals for the students and grades they serve. If you have a digital literacy lead, instructional tech coach, or any colleague who is very motivated and a pro-AI early adopter, ask them first if they’ve created anything that they’re willing to share with you that you can adapt for your own kids.  What we find is that: Adapting or customising your own template  can be the best option if you have a low student:teacher ratio in your secondary school, if your school has a clearly communicated and consistent AI use policy and rubric (or you have one for your own classroom) and if your teachers already have the confidence and literacy to create and adapt the AI use policy and rubric into specific academic areas. Custom templates also work best if you, the teacher, have a work structure that enables you to take the time to spend reading through each student’s individual Journal response in parallel to their assignment (since the idea is to read them together, or in conversation with each other, to understand how the student arrived at their end deliverable). Using a pre-built template  can be the best option if you don’t have the time everyday to manually read through each student’s Journal. If you have a student:teacher ratio that requires you to prioritise which kids to help first, using an automated template like Kigumi’s may help you to quickly scan which Journals need the most attention first (i.e. which are “higher risk” for AI misuse versus “medium” or “low risk”) and quickly keep tabs on which students are in positions to teach others while you work with the high-need students. An automated template also makes it less of a chore to students, meaning easier buy-in from them. Finally, an automated template can save you grading time by highlighting salient features or areas for improvement for each student to work on, including automatic “action items” suggested to scaffold each student’s personalised need.  Think about the quality of the rubric and research that the AI Process Journal template is based on , since your grading and judgment of high, medium and low risk will be influenced by the rubric. If you’re creating your own template, do your research to make sure the rubric or learning progression you’re basing it off of is something you can stand behind and feel comfortable implementing with your students. Kigumi’s AI Process Journal and teacher dashboard are based on our AI Quotient Framework for AI literacy, developed with academic advisors in computer science, linguistics and AI ethics from the University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, and other institutions.

Insights from Project Vivify’s Singapore International Schools Administrative Support Course (SISAS 2026) International school operations have never been more complex — shifting parent expectations, rapid technological change, new compliance requirements, and the daily realities of running dynamic, multicultural campuses. Administrative and support staff are often the ones holding those moving parts together. In 2026, the Singapore International Schools Administrative Support Course (SISAS) returns with a revised, modernised program designed to help support personnel, aspiring middle managers, and emerging leaders develop the capabilities schools need most. Created and facilitated by Andrew Coller of Project Vivify, the course focuses not just on skills, but on mindset, confidence, and relational strength. 1. Relational Leadership — the quiet engine of school culture At the heart of effective administration is the ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and navigate delicate moments with empathy. SISAS places relational leadership at the centre of its curriculum because administrative staff are often the first and last human touchpoints for students, colleagues, and families. Organiser and facilitator Andrew Coller believes the real transformation begins when people deepen their understanding of themselves and each other. “Diving into our emotional intelligence can feel confronting at first, but the reward is remarkable. When we expand our self-awareness, we break down the internal barriers that tell us we ‘can’t’ and instead begin to imagine what could be.” Participants examine their own leadership style and explore the everyday habits that build or erode trust. It is, at its core, about understanding how communication and presence shape workplace culture. 2. Personal Resilience — the capacity to handle complexity with calm Administrative roles require calm under pressure: enrolment surges, timetable disruptions, urgent parent issues, staffing changes, and cross-departmental communication breakdowns often land first on the desks of support staff. SISAS tackles resilience not as a buzzword but as a practical leadership tool — helping participants recognise stress triggers, understand decision-making under pressure, and establish healthy boundaries. As Andrew puts it: “When we truly listen to others in a way that says, ‘I care what you think and feel,’ we create trust. And trust inspires people to step up, contribute, and grow.” This trust is the foundation of resilient teams — and resilient individuals. Andrew sees resilience as something built not in isolation, but through reflective dialogue, shared experience, and a willingness to re-examine assumptions. 3. Strategic Agility — seeing the bigger picture The most effective administrators are not only responsive but anticipatory. They notice patterns, understand the ‘why’ behind processes, and collaborate across departments to improve systems rather than simply maintain them. SISAS participants work on practical, real-world tasks such as: Designing meaningful induction programs Understanding and applying SOPs Mapping workflows Using AI tools to streamline administrative tasks Communicating change in ways that build trust rather than resistance These aren’t just technical tasks; they are exercises in strategic thinking and influence — core capacities for anyone stepping into or aspiring toward middle management. Andrew summarises this beautifully: effective administration is not just operational work, but collaborative leadership. A shared learning journey for Singapore’s international school community Perhaps the greatest strength of SISAS is the community it builds. Colleagues from across Singapore’s international school network join in high-trust, interactive sessions, sharing challenges, insights, and practical approaches that transcend individual schools. The course is delivered in two parts: 📍 Session 1: 9–10 February 2026 at Dulwich College Singapore 📍 Session 2: 23–24 March 2026 (Venue TBA)💰 Fee: SGD $975 Whether you are an established administrator, a support staff member looking to grow, or an aspiring middle leader ready for the next step, SISAS 2026 offers a rare opportunity to sharpen your leadership, deepen your resilience, and reimagine your impact. Learn more and register on EdEvents.

Bangkok Patana School is the host of edSummit Bangkok 2026 The first-ever edSummit Bangkok takes place on 23–24 January 2026 , bringing a simple, high-impact two-part format to the international school community in Thailand. Friday 23 Jan  – A relaxed, community-focused evening featuring short talks, idea sharing, and networking. Tickets are just 10 SGD , making it an easy entry point for educators across the city. Saturday 24 Jan  – A focused morning of practical, high-quality 2-hour workshops designed to give educators, leaders, and EdTech professionals tools they can use immediately in their schools. Below is a spotlight on the three Saturday workshops , each running 10:00am–12:00pm and priced at 99 SGD . 1. AI Next Steps for Educators with Andrew Mowat, Co-founder, EduSpark | 99 SGD AI has moved beyond the experimental phase — and classrooms are already shifting.This 2-hour practical workshop is built for educators who want clarity, confidence, and concrete next steps. Andrew guides participants through: The essential skills teachers now need when working with AI Real classroom examples across subjects and year levels What’s possible today — and what’s coming next How to embed AI into daily teaching without creating extra workload A session for teachers who want to be competent, current, and classroom-ready . 2. Building Community Through Conversations with Stephanie Lill, Founder & Teacher, Mindful Sparks10:00–12:00 | 99 SGD Schools thrive when conversations deepen connection. In this reflective and human-centred workshop, Stephanie helps educators understand how mindful communication reshapes relationships with students, colleagues, and families. Participants will explore: How to pause, notice, and understand their Inner Landscape The impact of intention on how we speak and listen How to replace reactive patterns with thoughtful responses Simple, effective tools for empathy-driven communication This is the workshop for anyone who wants a calmer, kinder, more connected school culture . 3. From Digital Literacy to Digital Wellbeing (for School Leaders) with Mila Devenport, Founder & Chief Education Officer, Kigumi Group | 99 SGD International schools are now navigating the shift from Can students use technology? to Are students and staff thriving in a digital world? Drawing on Kigumi’s extensive work in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, Mila’s workshop helps leaders: Distinguish digital literacy from true digital wellbeing Understand how AI ethics and SEL link to healthy digital habits Build sustainable, mindful digital cultures across whole schools Implement frameworks that support wellbeing without overwhelming staff or budgets A must-attend for Heads of School, EdTech directors, and pastoral leaders driving the next stage of digital strategy. Join Us in Bangkok If you’re in Thailand (or nearby), this is a brilliant way to start 2026 with clarity, inspiration, and professional connection. Workshops are capped for quality — early booking strongly recommended. Visit the edSummit BKK website | Get tickets

As student well-being continues to shape the global education landscape, the Korea International School Counselor Association  ( KISCA ) stands at the forefront of advancing this vital dialogue in East Asia. This November, KISCA will host its annual conference, Whole Hearts, Clear Paths: Empowering Student Well-Being and Purpose , at Dwight School Seoul, located in the Digital Media City (DMC) of Sangam-dong, Seoul, South Korea. The two-day event—scheduled for November 28–29, 2025—will gather international school counselors, psychologists, and higher education professionals for a powerful program centered on student wellness, purpose, and connection. As the only regional conference uniting both social-emotional learning (SEL) and university and career counselors, KISCA provides a unique space where professionals who guide students’ emotional and academic journeys can collaborate and learn together. The 2025 theme, Whole Hearts, Clear Paths , embodies KISCA’s commitment to helping educators foster balance, resilience, and meaning in the lives of the young people they serve. The conference opens on Friday, November 28 , with a Pre-Conference Day  designed to offer in-depth professional learning and regional engagement opportunities for counselors across specializations. In the morning, university and career counselors will participate in the Korea University Bus Tour , featuring a visit to Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) —Korea’s first and oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1398. The tour provides an exclusive opportunity to explore SKKU’s historical and modern campuses and engage with admissions teams while deepening understanding of Korea’s higher education landscape. Past conferences have always been well attended, providing a great opportunity to meet with so many colleagues. In the afternoon, Nancy Conner  will lead an extended SEL Pre-Conference Workshop  for social-emotional and student support counselors. With over 40 years of experience as an educator and counselor across the U.S. and Asia, Nancy has devoted her career to building compassionate, trauma-informed school communities. Certified as a trainer of trainers in “Trauma-Informed Schools” and “Restorative Practices,” she brings a wealth of practical insight on fostering care, connection, and belonging. Her interactive session will guide participants through trauma-informed frameworks and restorative strategies that can strengthen counseling programs and school-wide well-being initiatives. The Main Conference Day , held on Saturday, November 29 , will feature a keynote address by Dr. Rana Cheatwood , a seasoned clinical counselor, educator, and researcher with more than 25 years of experience in international schools. Dr. Cheatwood’s keynote will explore how schools can create ecosystems that nurture purpose and well-being for both students and educators. The main day will also include counselor-led and expert-led sessions, job-alike meetings, and collaborative workshops covering a range of topics—from program design and mental health practices to family engagement and global admissions trends . Since its inception, KISCA has become a cornerstone professional gathering for the region’s counseling community—bringing together educators from across Korea, and beyond. The conference is recognized for its blend of professional rigor, cultural insight, and collegial warmth, creating a networked environment where meaningful collaboration thrives. “ Whole Hearts, Clear Paths  is both an invitation and a mission,”  say the KISCA Committee organizers. “Our goal is to help counselors create environments where students feel seen, supported, and purposeful—because when students have clear paths guided by whole hearts, they thrive both academically and emotionally.” Registration for the 2025 KISCA Conference closes on November 8, 2025, with limited spots available for both the pre-conference and the university tour. For more information, including sponsorship and registration details, visit the conference website.

Diana Osagie will be leading a pre-conference masterclass, workshop and keynote at EdInspire Singapore 2025. We are thrilled to welcome Diana Osagie, founder of the Courageous Leadership Consultancy and the Academy of Women’s Leadership, to EdInspire Singapore 2025. A seasoned headteacher, consultant, coach, and author, Diana is internationally recognised for her ability to cut through the noise and speak with truth, humour, and deep wisdom about the realities of leadership. About Diana Osagie With over 26 years of experience in education, Diana has led schools through some of the most challenging circumstances. She served as a London secondary school headteacher and later an executive head, establishing her reputation as a resilient and highly effective leader. For nearly a decade, Diana also worked as an OFSTED inspector, scrutinising leadership and operational systems across schools. This background gives her an unparalleled insight into what effective leadership looks like — and how to build it in practice. Her passion for empowering leaders led her to found the Academy of Women’s Leadership, where she supports women to strengthen organisational cultures and flourish as confident leaders. Diana has also authored four books on leadership, each offering practical, unvarnished lessons on leading with courage, humour, and strength. Meet Diana Osagie, keynote presenter, workshop and pre-conference masterclass leader at EdInspire. Pre-Conference Masterclass: Courageous Leadership 📍 Friday, 7 November | Morning 8:30–11:30 AM OR Afternoon 1:00–4:00 PM Why does leadership seem so effortless for some, whilst others struggle? In this 3-hour masterclass, Diana will demystify the “secrets” of courageous leadership. Whether you’re a new leader looking for practical tactics, or a seasoned leader seeking a refresh, this session delivers the real, hard-won insights you can’t just Google. Through three interactive modules, participants will explore how to handle the pressures of leadership with clarity, confidence, and courage — leaving with tools and methods that make leadership not only more effective but more sustainable. Workshop: Practical Strategies to Create Psychologically Safe Teams 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 10:00 – 11:00 AM Teams that feel safe are teams that perform. In this hands-on workshop, Diana will outline the four stages of building psychological safety and show leaders how to create cultures where people can bring their best selves to the table. Expect practical strategies, relatable stories, and even a visit from the “well-being dog.” Participants will leave not just with theory, but with the beginnings of a concrete action plan to implement in their own schools. Plenary: Confidence is NOT a Feeling 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 16:00 – 16:30 | Main Stage In this closing plenary, Diana will challenge assumptions about confidence, offering a transformative insight: “If my confidence is predicated on how I feel, I will never accomplish anything. How I feel changes with the wind.” In just 30 minutes, she will equip attendees with a mindset shift that positions confidence as a superpower — one that fuels innovation, leadership, and self-esteem regardless of circumstance. Why Attend? Diana Osagie doesn’t just talk about leadership — she’s lived it in the most demanding contexts and distilled her lessons into practical strategies leaders can use immediately. Whether you attend her Friday masterclass, join her Saturday workshop, or hear her plenary on confidence, you will walk away with renewed courage, clarity, and conviction. 👉 Be part of Diana Osagie’s sessions at EdInspire Singapore, 7–8 November 2025, and discover what it means to lead with courage. VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE: https://www.ed-inspire.com/ SECURE YOUR TICKET: https://www.ed-inspire.com/tickets

Dan Haesler will be leading a pre-conference masterclass, providing the opening keynote and leading a workshop at EdInspire Singapore 2025. This November at EdInspire Singapore, we are delighted to welcome Dan Haesler, Director of Cut Through Coaching, as both a keynote speaker and masterclass facilitator. Known for his work at the intersection of performance, mindset, and leadership, Dan has inspired some of the world’s best athletes, corporate leaders, and educators — and now he brings that expertise to the international school community. About Dan Haesler Dan Haesler is a performance and leadership coach who specialises in mindset, mental skills, and leadership. His work spans sport, business, and education. In elite sport, he has coached members of the Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams, and serves as the Performance & Leadership Coach for the Penrith Panthers (four-time NRL Premiers) and the NSW Swifts in Super Netball. He also works with athletes from the Wallabies, the Socceroos, and many others at the peak of their fields. As Director of Cut Through Coaching, Dan advises leading organisations across the Asia Pacific including Boston Consulting Group, Roche Diagnostics, CHEP, People’s Choice, and Boston Scientific. In education, Dan draws on his own experience as a teacher in the UK and Australia, combined with years of working alongside school leaders to strengthen culture, wellbeing, and performance. Dan is also a best-selling author. His book, The Act of Leadership , has been described by Legacy author James Kerr as a book that will “change your life.” He also hosts the popular podcast The Habits of Leadership, engaging global experts, researchers, and practitioners in conversations that cut to the heart of what it means to lead effectively. Meet EdInspire Keynote presenter and masterclass leader, Dan Haesler. EdInspire Keynote: Better Together 📍 Main Stage | Saturday, 8 November | 09:10 – 09:45 In high-performing teams, talent is important — but culture is everything. In this keynote, Dan will unpack what it takes, both individually and collectively, to build thriving education teams. Drawing on lessons from elite athletes, corporate leaders, and his own classroom experience, Dan will explore how mindset and psychological safety underpin sustainable success. All attendees will walk away with insights into how to create cultures where teachers and students alike can perform at their best. Workshop: The 5Cs of a High-Performing Culture 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 10:00 – 11:00 At the heart of every thriving culture is a set of shared behaviours and beliefs. In this workshop, Dan introduces his 5Cs Framework — Connection, Clarity, Commitment, Consistency, and Challenge — as the foundation for high-performing teams. Rooted in research and tested in high-performance environments, this framework provides a practical, actionable blueprint for school leaders who want to strengthen engagement and create cultures where people thrive. Masterclass: High Performance in Leadership & Life 📍 Friday, 7 November | Morning 8:30–11:30 AM OR Afternoon 1:00–4:00 PM Before his keynote, Dan will lead a half-day masterclass designed specifically for school leaders and aspiring leaders. Education is demanding, and leaders often prioritise everyone else — teachers, students, parents — before themselves. This masterclass invites participants to pause, reflect, and focus on their own leadership and wellbeing. Dan will share practical tools and techniques to help leaders enhance the quality of their professional and personal lives, strengthening their relationships both at school and at home. Delivered in an intimate setting, this session offers the chance to go deeper with one of Australia’s most sought-after performance coaches. Why Attend? Whether you’re attending the Friday masterclass for an immersive, personal learning experience, or joining the Saturday keynote and workshop to inspire your whole team, Dan Haesler brings a unique perspective that bridges education, sport, and business. His message is clear: high performance is not just about results — it’s about people, culture, and leadership on a human level. 👉 Don’t miss your chance to learn with Dan at EdInspire Singapore, 7–8 November 2025. VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE: https://www.ed-inspire.com/ SECURE YOUR TICKET: https://www.ed.events/event-details/edinspire-singapore-2025

Ceci Gomez-Galvez will be leading a workshop and presenting the closing keynote at EdInspire Singapore 2025 At EdInspire Singapore 2025, we are proud to feature Ceci Gomez-Galvez, ES EAL Coordinator at Saigon South International School, whose work is dedicated to ensuring equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for multilingual learners. As both a practitioner and advocate, Ceci brings a wealth of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep empathy to her sessions. About Ceci Gomez-Galvez Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a bilingual household where languages were equally cherished — a value instilled by her family that continues to guide her work today. With extensive experience in international schools, she has developed a reputation as a collaborator, coach, and advocate for multilingual education. Ceci leads educators in designing programs that prioritise culturally responsive teaching and ensure equitable access for all learners. Her passion lies in helping schools embrace linguistic and cultural diversity not as a challenge, but as a source of strength and opportunity. Meet Ceci Gomez-Galvez, ES EAL Coordinator at Saigon South International School. Workshop: Translanguaging in Action – Practical Strategies for International Educators 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 10:00 – 11:00 AM In this interactive workshop, Ceci will guide participants through the principles and practices of translanguaging — intentionally using and valuing students’ full linguistic repertoires to support learning. Through classroom examples and hands-on activities, educators will: Learn practical ways to incorporate translanguaging in lesson planning and instruction. Discover strategies for inclusive text selection and multilingual project design. Develop an action plan to advocate for linguistic equity in their own school contexts. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to immediately celebrate and support multilingual learners. Keynote: Embracing Linguistic Diversity – Inspiring Mindset Shifts for Equitable Classrooms 📍 Saturday, 8 November | 16:30 – 16:50 | Main Stage In this closing plenary, Ceci will inspire educators to see multilingualism as an asset to be celebrated, not a barrier to be managed. Sharing powerful stories from her own journey and research-backed practices, she will challenge educators to reframe their approach to linguistic diversity. Attendees will walk away motivated to foster classrooms where every student’s language and identity are valued, creating spaces of joy, inclusion, and opportunity. Why Attend? Ceci Gomez-Galvez is more than an EAL specialist — she is a champion of equity. Her sessions will equip educators with practical tools and mindset shifts to ensure multilingual learners thrive. Whether in her hands-on workshop or her inspirational plenary, Ceci’s message is clear: when schools embrace linguistic diversity, they unlock the full potential of every student. 👉 Learn more at: www.ed-inspire.com 👉 Get tickets: https://www.ed-inspire.com/tickets

The K25 edSummit, held last week at Dwight School Seoul, offered educators a chance to connect and learn in a focused yet relaxed setting. Friday evening set the tone with a relaxed showcase and social event. Short talks from educators sparked ideas and conversations, which then carried on over food and drinks. The informal atmosphere gave participants the space to connect across schools in a way that felt easy and genuine. Natural way to expand network with various colleagues. Brief presentations, kept interest! - Friday attendee. Saturday provided a selective programme of workshops, giving teachers and leaders the chance to choose from a range of focused professional learning opportunities. Each session stood on its own, offering practical insights that participants could bring back to their schools. "It was very informative. I learned that I can use AI in my Grade 2 classroom, and I also discovered ways to be more efficient and productive with my workload." - Saturday attendee of " Pi-oneering Efficiency" workshop. The combination of a relaxed Friday night and a selective Saturday of learning created a balance of connection and growth. Feedback from participants highlighted a strong desire to see more networking opportunities across Korea, suggesting that the edSummit model fills a valuable gap in the professional learning landscape. The Friday night social. If you are based in Korea and would like to become involved in an effort to strengthen community and networking in South Korea, please contact David Burke: dave@ed.events

Andrew Mowat leading an AI workshop at International Community School Singapore. International Community School (ICS) Singapore recently hosted an engaging professional development workshop, AI for Non-Teaching Staff and Community Partners, led by author, speaker, and educational leader Andrew Mowat. The event welcomed over 30 participants from a wide range of international schools across Singapore, making it a vibrant afternoon of shared learning and collaboration. Attendees explored how artificial intelligence can support operations, administration, and community engagement in schools, highlighting the vital role non-teaching staff play in the education ecosystem. ICS was a wonderful host, providing both a warm environment for learning and a much-appreciated afternoon tea that gave participants time to connect and network. The atmosphere throughout was collegial, open, and highly practical - reflecting the spirit of professional growth that underpins the Singapore Professional Development (SGPD) network. Workshops like this underline the international school community’s ongoing commitment to working together in support of one another. They also provide host schools with the opportunity to showcase their support for professional learning within the wider schools community. Professional development opportunities for all staff - both teaching and non-teaching - are essential in ensuring schools continue to provide the best possible service to their students and communities. The afternoon was a great success, leaving attendees inspired with new ideas to implement in their work at schools. If your school is interested in hosting an AI workshop led by Andrew Mowat, please contact info@ed.events

EdInspire is a major international schools conference taking place at Dulwich College (Singapore). The international education community will gather in Singapore this November for EdInspire 2025, a landmark event bringing together more than 300 educators, leaders, and innovators from across the region. Taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025 at Dulwich College (with pre-conference masterclasses on Friday, 7 November), EdInspire is the first major conference designed specifically for international educators in Singapore. Presenters are joining from around the world, making it a truly global platform for collaboration and learning. Under the theme “Connect, Innovate, Thrive,” the event will showcase an unprecedented range of professional learning opportunities – from inspiring keynote speakers like Dan Haesler, Diana Osagie and Ceci Gomez-Galvez to a diverse program of workshops across seven learning streams. Participants will also have access to a dynamic main stage pass, providing even more ways to engage with thought leaders and colleagues. “We are thrilled to introduce a brand new conference for international educators from Singapore and beyond: EdInspire 2025. There’s so much choice in the workshop streams, there really is something for everyone,” said Sarah Aldous, co-founder of The Bright Side Coaching and Training. In addition to the learning program, EdInspire will feature an expo of solutions providers, connecting schools with the latest innovations and services tailored for international and local education. “EdInspire is about elevating professional learning and creating a space where educators can build connections, explore new ideas, and take practical strategies back to their schools,” said David Burke, Founder of EdEvents. “It’s a conference designed to inspire, but also to empower action.” The strong response from the international education community has also been reflected in the number of presenters keen to be involved. “We were overwhelmed by the interest to present. It's going to be a wonderful day to welcome so many people to the Singapore international schools scene,” said Flora Xu, co-founder of The Bright Side Coaching and Training. The conference is organised by EdEvents in partnership with The Bright Side Coaching and Training and supported by the Singapore Professional Development Network (SGPD) . Registration Early Bird tickets are available until 17 September 2025. Visit www.ed-inspire.com for more information and to register.

A new initiative to celebrate innovation and excellence in international education across Southeast Asia will launch next year with the inaugural ASEAN School Awards. The event will take place on 8 May 2026 in Bangkok, recognising schools, educators, and education service providers from across the 10 ASEAN countries. Organised by 21st Century Learning (21CL), the awards are the first regional programme dedicated to highlighting outstanding contributions in teaching, learning, and school development. Submissions are now open, with entries closing on 15 December 2025. Celebrating regional innovation The awards feature 21 categories, covering areas such as EdTech, STEAM, diversity and inclusion, wellness, leadership, arts, athletics, student agency, and innovative facilities. A Public Choice Award will also be determined through online voting in January 2026. Winners and finalists will gain regional recognition, opportunities to share best practice, and increased visibility among educators and decision-makers. Justin Hardman, CEO & Founder of 21C Learning, said the awards are an opportunity for schools and providers to gain recognition and inspire further progress across the region: “We invite schools and companies from the 10 ASEAN countries to showcase their innovation— to gain recognition, share best practices, and inspire progress across the education scene in the region.” Part of a wider programme The awards ceremony will be co-located with two major professional learning events at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit (8–9 May 2026): Lead to Succeed Summit (L2SS): Focused on developing leadership capacity in international schools. International School Marketing & Admissions Conference: A new gathering for marketing and admissions professionals to strengthen strategy and community engagement. Key details Deadline for submissions: 15 December 2025 Public voting: January 2026 Awards ceremony: 8 May 2026, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit For full details on categories and eligibility, and to submit applications, visit the ASEAN School Awards website or contact info@21c-learning.com