Director’s message 56

School Mission Statement
The International School of Ouagadougou cultivates diversity, respect, knowledge, and character, and strives to develop global citizens who contribute towards a better, more peaceful world.

November 15, 2021

RE: Welcome Back Ms. Laurence Traore (Maternity Leave)

In the second quarter of the 2021 – 2022 School Year … The International School of Ouagadougou continues to be transformed. This quarter has brought many new families and students (43) into our ever-changing community. As the International School of Ouagadougou community continues to evolve, we must also adapt and change to help meet the needs of our diverse student population during this challenging time. To that end, we are pleased that today, Ms. Laurence Traore, our social-emotional counselor, has returned from her maternity leave. Now is the perfect time to welcome her back to our school community, as we start the third week of the second quarter.

Ms. Traore has already been briefed on making sure our students live our mission statement in cultivating diversity, respect … and ensuring our students develop into global citizens who contribute towards a better, more peaceful world.

Ms. Traore, joined us originally in January of last year, and has a strong feeling towards the positive culture that we have created “together” at ISO. This year, as she continues to provide social and emotional support to our school community, her most important roles will be:

  • Helping our 43 new students fully adapt to ISO
  • Establishing an even stronger transition program for students new to both ISO and also to the English language
  • Assisting our grades 11 and 12 students in dealing with stress and extra rigor of our IB program
  • Working with individual elementary classes on Health and Wellness.

In short, Ms. Traore will continue to support our school community by conducting individual and group sessions, and teaching classes in elementary and upper school.

She will also be assisting our school community (during this challenging time) by providing information, and data, and also a good ear to help with transition and acculturation issues faced by students and families when they relocate …. be it to (or from) ISO, or upon graduation.

If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact Ms. Traore directly at l.traore@iso.bf.

Ms. Traore “welcome back,” we missed you and congratulations on your newest member to your family.

Sincerely,

Jeff Trudeau
Director