EIS "HeadsUp!"
November-December 2025
Artūrs Piļkēvičs
These past months have been especially memorable for all of us. They were filled not just with events, but with moments that brought us closer together — moments of celebration, learning, kindness, and genuine joy. From honoring Latvia’s Independence Day and meeting universities from across the Baltics to caring for our community, welcoming curious little visitors to Preschool, and enjoying the first winter concerts of the season, November and December reminded us how much life happens between lessons.
Each week brought something new to smile about, something to think about, or something to be proud of — as students discovered more about the world and about themselves.
Each week brought something new to smile about, something to think about, or something to be proud of — as students discovered more about the world and about themselves.
Here are just some of the moments that made this season feel warm, meaningful, and very EIS. Enjoy the video!
Latvian National Day Celebration
This year, Latvia marked 107 years since the proclamation of its independence on November 18, 1918 — and our EIS community proudly came together to honor the country we live in.
Students sang beautiful Latvian songs, learned traditional dances, and joined hands-on workshops that filled the school with a festive, meaningful atmosphere. Each moment reminded us of the values we share unity, gratitude, and respect for the culture and history that shape our everyday lives.
Students sang beautiful Latvian songs, learned traditional dances, and joined hands-on workshops that filled the school with a festive, meaningful atmosphere. Each moment reminded us of the values we share unity, gratitude, and respect for the culture and history that shape our everyday lives.
Mental Health Week at EIS
As the season grew darker and quieter, EIS lit up the days with its annual Mental Health Week — a five-day journey into emotional awareness, mindfulness, kindness, and resilience.
Each day featured a color dress code and a theme: understanding feelings, staying calm, practicing empathy, and building strength from within. Morning and lunchtime activities included mood check-ins, mindful breathing, drawing corners, affirmation spaces, and reflection boxes.
Huge thanks to Anna Sidorova, Special Needs Coordinator and IB Psychology Teacher, for leading this important initiative — and to everyone who joined, supported, and helped create such a mindful atmosphere on campus.
Each day featured a color dress code and a theme: understanding feelings, staying calm, practicing empathy, and building strength from within. Morning and lunchtime activities included mood check-ins, mindful breathing, drawing corners, affirmation spaces, and reflection boxes.
Huge thanks to Anna Sidorova, Special Needs Coordinator and IB Psychology Teacher, for leading this important initiative — and to everyone who joined, supported, and helped create such a mindful atmosphere on campus.
Baltic Universities Fair
Our Annual University Fair brought together students, their families, and plenty of guests — all eager to explore potential academic pathways.
Representatives of nine Baltic universities — the University of Latvia, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, RISEBA.lv University of Applied Sciences, Transport and Telecommunication Institute, EKA University of Applied Sciences, and BA School of Business and Finance, as well as ISM University of Management and Economics (Lithuania), LCC International University (Lithuania), and the University of Tartu (Estonia) — all of which offer English-taught bachelor’s programs, were in constant conversation mode. Students asked about admissions, scholarships, international mobility, and what everyday campus life really feels like. Many visitors even stayed longer than expected because the discussions were too engaging to walk away from.
A huge thank-you to all the participating universities for joining us, and to every student and parent who took part. We’re already looking forward to next year — and hoping it will be just as inspiring!
Representatives of nine Baltic universities — the University of Latvia, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, RISEBA.lv University of Applied Sciences, Transport and Telecommunication Institute, EKA University of Applied Sciences, and BA School of Business and Finance, as well as ISM University of Management and Economics (Lithuania), LCC International University (Lithuania), and the University of Tartu (Estonia) — all of which offer English-taught bachelor’s programs, were in constant conversation mode. Students asked about admissions, scholarships, international mobility, and what everyday campus life really feels like. Many visitors even stayed longer than expected because the discussions were too engaging to walk away from.
A huge thank-you to all the participating universities for joining us, and to every student and parent who took part. We’re already looking forward to next year — and hoping it will be just as inspiring!
Surprise at Preschool: Unusual Furry Visitors
Our preschoolers welcomed a very special group of visitors — goats, rabbits, sheep, and two wonderfully talkative roosters!
Hands-on experiences like this help children develop care, empathy, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Our young explorers were fully engaged, gently interacting with the animals, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing joy in every moment.
Thank you, balliteZOO, for such a memorable visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Hands-on experiences like this help children develop care, empathy, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Our young explorers were fully engaged, gently interacting with the animals, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing joy in every moment.
Thank you, balliteZOO, for such a memorable visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
EIS at the IWCR Christmas Bazaar
On the 23rd of November, EIS was delighted to participate in the 27th Annual Christmas Bazaar organized by the International Women’s Club of Riga.
Under the guidance of Amalia Marchand, French Teacher and PSHE Coordinator, our students prepared homemade treats, created a welcoming kids’ corner, and even took the stage to perform — all to support local charities.
The event brought together 30 embassies, 13 charities, and a generous international community, raising over €41,000 for charitable causes. We are proud that our students contributed their warmth, creativity, and spirit to this meaningful initiative.
Thank you to IWCR, our volunteers, teachers, and everyone who visited our stand.
Under the guidance of Amalia Marchand, French Teacher and PSHE Coordinator, our students prepared homemade treats, created a welcoming kids’ corner, and even took the stage to perform — all to support local charities.
The event brought together 30 embassies, 13 charities, and a generous international community, raising over €41,000 for charitable causes. We are proud that our students contributed their warmth, creativity, and spirit to this meaningful initiative.
Thank you to IWCR, our volunteers, teachers, and everyone who visited our stand.
Learning Celebration in Primary – Grade 2
At EIS, each completed PYP unit culminates in a Learning Celebration, where students share their projects publicly with teachers, classmates, and families.
This month, Grade 2 students presented projects for the Unit of Inquiry “Where We Are in Place and Time” and its central idea: “People use maps to explore the world around them.”
Students proudly introduced their 3D maps of imaginary cities, guiding guests through the landscapes they designed. These activities develop spatial awareness, communication skills, creativity, and an understanding of how maps help us navigate the world.
A heartfelt thank-you to all Grade 2 homeroom teachers — and to our hardworking students for their imagination and enthusiasm.
This month, Grade 2 students presented projects for the Unit of Inquiry “Where We Are in Place and Time” and its central idea: “People use maps to explore the world around them.”
Students proudly introduced their 3D maps of imaginary cities, guiding guests through the landscapes they designed. These activities develop spatial awareness, communication skills, creativity, and an understanding of how maps help us navigate the world.
A heartfelt thank-you to all Grade 2 homeroom teachers — and to our hardworking students for their imagination and enthusiasm.
Olympiads & Student Achievements
UKMT Mathematics Competition — Outstanding Results
Our G11–G12 students showed remarkable problem-solving skills at this year’s UK Mathematics Trust Senior Challenge.
Congratulations to all participants for their dedication, perseverance, and love of mathematics.
Regional English Language Olympiad — EIS Students Excel
Our G8–G11 learners delivered an exceptional performance:
Five 1st places,
Two invitations to the National Olympiad (the best result in the region!),
One 3rd place,
Two Honorable Mentions.
These achievements reflect not just academic strength, but resilience, curiosity, and commitment.
A huge thank-you to our English and IB English Language Teachers for nurturing a culture of confidence and excellence. We’re proud of every student — and excited for the Nationals!
Our G11–G12 students showed remarkable problem-solving skills at this year’s UK Mathematics Trust Senior Challenge.
- Dan (G11) — Gold + Best in School
- Arseniy (G12) — Gold + Best in Year
- Suhani (G12), Sofja (G12), Mati (G12) — Bronze
Congratulations to all participants for their dedication, perseverance, and love of mathematics.
Regional English Language Olympiad — EIS Students Excel
Our G8–G11 learners delivered an exceptional performance:
Five 1st places,
Two invitations to the National Olympiad (the best result in the region!),
One 3rd place,
Two Honorable Mentions.
These achievements reflect not just academic strength, but resilience, curiosity, and commitment.
A huge thank-you to our English and IB English Language Teachers for nurturing a culture of confidence and excellence. We’re proud of every student — and excited for the Nationals!
Mārupe Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2025
We are honored that Exupery International School has received the Mārupe Municipality Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2025 in the category “Contribution to Education in the Municipality.”
This recognition affirms our commitment to creating a learning environment where children grow with curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Sincere thanks to Mārupe Municipality and its chair Aivars Osītis for their trust and support — and to our students, families, teachers, and partners. This award belongs to our whole community.
This recognition affirms our commitment to creating a learning environment where children grow with curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Sincere thanks to Mārupe Municipality and its chair Aivars Osītis for their trust and support — and to our students, families, teachers, and partners. This award belongs to our whole community.
Hercules performance
Just before the winter break, our students presented Hercules—a modern interpretation of the ancient legend, brought to the stage with a strong sense of humor and references that spoke directly to today’s youth. Classic mythological ideas of strength, choice, and identity were woven together with contemporary touches that made the story feel current and engaging.
The production was developed and directed by our Drama Teacher, Stephen Walker. Middle and High School students played an active role both on stage and behind the scenes, supporting the direction and mentoring younger performers, while teachers from different subject areas collaborated on the stage design.
Thank you to Mr. Stephen, the cast, the technical team, and everyone who supported the performances at Exupery International School.
The production was developed and directed by our Drama Teacher, Stephen Walker. Middle and High School students played an active role both on stage and behind the scenes, supporting the direction and mentoring younger performers, while teachers from different subject areas collaborated on the stage design.
Thank you to Mr. Stephen, the cast, the technical team, and everyone who supported the performances at Exupery International School.
Food Drive
Our Primary students and their families collected around 750 food items — pasta, canned goods, jams, baking mixes, sweets — all donated to Latvijas Samariešu Apvienība to support festive meals for families in need.
This initiative reflects the heart of the PYP: Action — when students turn empathy into meaningful change.
Thank you to the Primary Student Council, Primary School Principal & PYP Coordinator Kristine Atrens, and Primary STUCO Advisor Ms. Bridget Clyma for leading and inspiring this effort.
This initiative reflects the heart of the PYP: Action — when students turn empathy into meaningful change.
Thank you to the Primary Student Council, Primary School Principal & PYP Coordinator Kristine Atrens, and Primary STUCO Advisor Ms. Bridget Clyma for leading and inspiring this effort.
This holiday season, Exupery International School continued its cherished Giving Tree tradition—a heartfelt initiative supporting children facing challenging life circumstances. In partnership with social services, support centres, and orphanages, we came together to share care where it was needed most.
The EIS community embraced the initiative with generosity and thoughtfulness. Gifts were carefully chosen, wrapped with love, and labeled with each child’s name and age, ensuring every present felt personal. Those unable to purchase a gift contributed through donations, helping provide additional presents and extra support.
The EIS community embraced the initiative with generosity and thoughtfulness. Gifts were carefully chosen, wrapped with love, and labeled with each child’s name and age, ensuring every present felt personal. Those unable to purchase a gift contributed through donations, helping provide additional presents and extra support.
In total, 346 gifts were collected and will soon reach children—each one a reminder that kindness, attention, and community truly matter.
Thank you to everyone who took part. Your compassion made a real difference.
Thank you to everyone who took part. Your compassion made a real difference.
Winter Concerts in Preschool and Primary School
Each year, our traditional holiday concerts take on a new theme — and this season at Exupery International School, two very different stories unfolded on stage. Preschool students transported the audience into a Magic Winter Forest, while our Primary learners presented a vibrant and playful take on a colorful circus, created especially for our families, parents, and friends.
Through movement, music, poetry, and songs in several languages, the preschool performance filled the stage with snowflakes, gingerbread scents, shimmering lights, and a sense of wonder. Scene by scene, the story of searching for fallen stars revealed itself, gently drawing the audience into a winter fairytale.
At the same time, the Primary School production brought energy and excitement, as students appeared as acrobats, singers, dancers, poets, and musicians. Together, they embarked on a shared journey to awaken the Crystal of Winter Magic.
More than festive performances, both shows carried an important message: magic doesn’t simply appear — it is created through imagination, kindness, and coming together as a community.
We are deeply grateful to our young performers for their commitment and bravery, and to our teachers, who wrote, guided, and brought both productions to life, crafting every detail and decoration by hand.
Through movement, music, poetry, and songs in several languages, the preschool performance filled the stage with snowflakes, gingerbread scents, shimmering lights, and a sense of wonder. Scene by scene, the story of searching for fallen stars revealed itself, gently drawing the audience into a winter fairytale.
At the same time, the Primary School production brought energy and excitement, as students appeared as acrobats, singers, dancers, poets, and musicians. Together, they embarked on a shared journey to awaken the Crystal of Winter Magic.
More than festive performances, both shows carried an important message: magic doesn’t simply appear — it is created through imagination, kindness, and coming together as a community.
We are deeply grateful to our young performers for their commitment and bravery, and to our teachers, who wrote, guided, and brought both productions to life, crafting every detail and decoration by hand.
Looking Ahead
As we step into the holiday season, we celebrate not only the achievements of the past months but the spirit that made them possible — the curiosity, courage, and warmth of our community.
Here’s to a joyful Christmas, a bright New Year, and the many new moments of growth, pride, and connection waiting for us in 2026!
Here’s to a joyful Christmas, a bright New Year, and the many new moments of growth, pride, and connection waiting for us in 2026!
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