At the International School of Belgrade (ISB), wellness is more than just a concept—it is an integral part of our culture, touching the lives of students, staff, and families alike. Wellness at ISB is rooted in the belief that a healthy community is built on a foundation of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. By promoting balance and growth in these areas, ISB ensures that every individual in our school feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.
As Secondary Principal Erik Lutley explains, “Wellness at ISB is about creating an environment where every person feels a deep sense of belonging and worth. Our goal is to ensure that students are engaged and empowered, contributing to their personal growth.” This approach is reflected in our Homeroom Programme, which includes daily check-ins and weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes. With a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio, this program builds strong relationships and offers meaningful support. Assemblies and positive behavior reports further promote a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
At the Primary Campus, Dr. Zalba, our primary school principal, echoes a similar belief: “Wellness is about having a balanced lifestyle where students, teachers, and staff can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.” Morning meetings, brain breaks, and mindfulness activities help staff and students express their emotions, and a full-time counselor is available to provide additional support. “Mental health is supported by our strong, collaborative teams, and we’ve even implemented policies to reduce emails after school hours, giving teachers time to recharge,” she adds.
At both the Primary and Secondary Campuses, mental and emotional well-being are prioritized. ISB recognizes that emotional health extends beyond academic success, and a sense of community is fostered through events such as International Day, arts festivals, and welcome barbecues. These gatherings help students, families, and staff celebrate their uniqueness and shared experiences, strengthening the emotional well-being of the entire community.
In the classroom, emotional wellness is built into everyday interactions. In the primary school, social skills are intentionally taught, with teachers guiding students in understanding emotions, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy. “Social skills are an integral part of our curriculum,” explains Dr. Zalba. “We constantly teach students how to be good friends and advocate for themselves.”
Physical wellness is also a priority at ISB. Students have ample opportunities for physical activity through structured PE classes, after-school sports, and community events like the Fall Run. The recently installed primary playground promotes physical development with activities that encourage balance, climbing, and teamwork. Healthy eating is equally important, with a revamped lunch service offering diverse, nutritious options, and initiatives like “Fruit Friday” encouraging healthy habits.
Mr. Lutley highlights how these initiatives connect to the school’s wellness goals: “We’ve taken a proactive stance on nutrition and physical activity. Our revamped lunch service and initiatives like ‘Fruit Friday’ further promote healthy eating among both students and staff.”
Wellness at ISB also extends to staff and families. The Sunshine Committee plays a vital role in building morale through events like birthday celebrations, weekend getaways, and book clubs. These activities strengthen relationships and foster a supportive atmosphere among colleagues. “Families are key to the wellness of our community,” says Mr. Lutley. “By participating in events and volunteering, they help create a warm and inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.”
During stressful times, such as exam periods, ISB ensures that mental health remains a priority. Assessments are spaced out to minimize pressure, and students receive "brain food" during exams—a small gesture that shows the school’s commitment to their well-being.
ISB regularly measures the effectiveness of its wellness initiatives by analyzing behavior, attendance, and academic data. This ensures that programs remain responsive to the needs of the community. “We constantly review how our wellness programs are working, making adjustments to better support our students and staff,” says Mr. Lutley.
Professional learning for staff is also integral to wellness at ISB. Teachers receive training in emotional intelligence and restorative practices, equipping them with the skills to support students and each other. “We hire teachers with experience in Social-Emotional Learning and emotional intelligence,” shares Dr. Zalba. “Our focus is always on creating an environment where everyone feels supported, trusted, and cared for.”
Ultimately, promoting wellness at ISB is about creating a culture of care, trust, and connection. As Dr. Zalba concludes, “A caring school is a good place to learn.” By focusing on wellness, ISB ensures that its community remains happy, healthy, and thriving.