Thanking and bidding farewell to Ian Clayton
Dear FIS community,
In this issue, you will be able to read Ian Clayton’s words of goodbye after ten years at FIS.
What I wrote last summer when announcing Ian’s departure still holds true: Since joining FIS in August 2014, Ian has been an invaluable asset to the growth and development of our international stream that went from 540 to over 1200 students, a testament to Ian’s leadership and vision. One of Ian’s most significant achievements was his participation in the successful opening of TKO, a campus that has greatly contributed to the school’s growth. Under his guidance, we have prioritised the professional development of our teachers, ensuring you have the necessary support and resources to excel in your roles. But above all, Ian takes great pride in our students’ accomplishments and the positive impact they are making in the world. It is clear that his dedication to our students’ growth and well-being has left a lasting impression on all of us who have had the privilege of being a part of this journey. It is telling that Ian’s latest achievement was crowned at this week’s board meeting, his last, when the Board unanimously voted to adopt the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, the development of which was led by Ian throughout this year.
The change of governance to a headship of the entire school as #OneFIS did not warrant Ian’s replacement in his current role of Head of International stream (we do not have a “Head of French stream”). As is the case in the French stream, our two gifted International stream principals will now be reporting directly to me as the Head of School, and to my successors who will have been recruited with the prerequisite of a fluency in both our educational programs. This is a positive move for FIS, one Ian Clayton made possible by bringing the International stream to the place it holds in our school today.
I know you will be joining me in wishing Ian the best for his promotional move to the headship of the British School in Tokyo. And, as we like to say in France, “ce n’est qu’un au revoir!”.
