EIS "HeadsUp!"
Dear EIS Community,
The beginning of this year has already been filled with energy, reflection, creativity, and so many meaningful conversations! From student-led initiatives and academic achievements to community gatherings and international dialogue — these past weeks truly reflect who we are as a school.
Here are just some of the brightest moments that shaped January and February at EIS.
Enjoy the video!
The beginning of this year has already been filled with energy, reflection, creativity, and so many meaningful conversations! From student-led initiatives and academic achievements to community gatherings and international dialogue — these past weeks truly reflect who we are as a school.
Here are just some of the brightest moments that shaped January and February at EIS.
Enjoy the video!
February Edition 2026
Artūrs Piļkēvičs
The EIS Primary Talent Show
The EIS Primary Talent Show is one of the events our learners truly look forward to each year. It gives them the opportunity to share what they enjoy beyond the classroom and step onto the stage with confidence.
This time, primary students once again presented a wide range of talents — from music, dance, and gymnastics to filmed performances such as graffiti sketching and horse riding.
Hosted by the Primary StuCo and supported by strong teamwork behind the scenes, the event ran smoothly throughout.
While the jury faced a challenging task selecting the winners, the highlight was seeing students confidently share something personal in front of their peers, teachers, and families — a true reflection of the PYP Learner Profile Trait: Risk-Taker.
The show concluded with a surprise teachers’ flash mob, adding a really joyful final touch.
We thank all our performers, teachers, staff, and families who made this event possible.
This time, primary students once again presented a wide range of talents — from music, dance, and gymnastics to filmed performances such as graffiti sketching and horse riding.
Hosted by the Primary StuCo and supported by strong teamwork behind the scenes, the event ran smoothly throughout.
While the jury faced a challenging task selecting the winners, the highlight was seeing students confidently share something personal in front of their peers, teachers, and families — a true reflection of the PYP Learner Profile Trait: Risk-Taker.
The show concluded with a surprise teachers’ flash mob, adding a really joyful final touch.
We thank all our performers, teachers, staff, and families who made this event possible.
EIS Model United Nations Conference 2026
From January 30 to February 1, 2026, Exupery International School hosted this year’s Model United Nations Conference, dedicated to the theme in an Era of Global Fragmentation.”
Students from Grades 6 to 12 from international and public Latvian schools came together to take part in this UN parliamentary simulation, debating real global challenges and practicing diplomacy in action.
This year’s MUN held a special meaning for EIS. The conference was the CAS project of G11 students Alexandra and Dāvids, while also serving as a hands-on CAS experience for the wider student organizing team, covering planning, leadership, and coordination.
Following the opening ceremony, the Ambassador of France, Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, joined the conference as a guest speaker, sharing insights into diplomacy in today’s complex global context.
Thank you to all student organizers, delegates, advisors, participating schools, and to the Ambassador of France for being part of this event. We’re glad to see the growing interest in MUN and look forward to the next conference.
Students from Grades 6 to 12 from international and public Latvian schools came together to take part in this UN parliamentary simulation, debating real global challenges and practicing diplomacy in action.
This year’s MUN held a special meaning for EIS. The conference was the CAS project of G11 students Alexandra and Dāvids, while also serving as a hands-on CAS experience for the wider student organizing team, covering planning, leadership, and coordination.
Following the opening ceremony, the Ambassador of France, Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, joined the conference as a guest speaker, sharing insights into diplomacy in today’s complex global context.
Thank you to all student organizers, delegates, advisors, participating schools, and to the Ambassador of France for being part of this event. We’re glad to see the growing interest in MUN and look forward to the next conference.
Breakfast With the Head of School
Our Coffee Morning with the Head of School has already become a warm tradition — and last week it continued in an expanded format, bringing together parents and the Academic Leadership Team for even closer collaboration.
Parents met with the principals of Preschool, Primary, and Middle & High School, as well as our Head of School, for an open and relaxed conversation. It was a real opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and talk about everyday school life in an informal setting — while also meeting one another, exchanging experiences, and strengthening connections within the EIS community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — mornings like this show how valuable open dialogue and collaboration are in building a strong, connected school environment.
Parents met with the principals of Preschool, Primary, and Middle & High School, as well as our Head of School, for an open and relaxed conversation. It was a real opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and talk about everyday school life in an informal setting — while also meeting one another, exchanging experiences, and strengthening connections within the EIS community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — mornings like this show how valuable open dialogue and collaboration are in building a strong, connected school environment.
Olympiads & Student Achievements
Over the past weeks, our students have demonstrated academic excellence across multiple disciplines at the regional level, reflecting both individual dedication and the strength of our academic programs.
The UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Competition
Our students once again demonstrated not only strong mathematical ability, but something far more important: the courage to think deeply, to question, and to persevere through challenging problems.
In G8, our students earned multiple bronze and silver awards, with Vasilisa achieving Silver and being named Best in Year. In G9, Polina M. received Bronze and was recognized as Best in Year. In G10, alongside bronze awards, Daniil achieved Gold and was named Best in School — a truly outstanding accomplishment.
Behind every great result stands great effort: hours of preparation, resilience in the face of complex questions, and the willingness to push beyond what feels comfortable.
A special thank you to our exceptional Maths team — Mr.Pedro Santana, Mr.Marcello Roberto Johnson, and Ms.Zane Latve — for their guidance, challenge, and unwavering belief in our students.
The way our students learn to think, analyze, and persist is shaped far beyond one competition or one classroom. It is the result of daily work, high expectations, and a culture that values intellectual curiosity.
Our students once again demonstrated not only strong mathematical ability, but something far more important: the courage to think deeply, to question, and to persevere through challenging problems.
In G8, our students earned multiple bronze and silver awards, with Vasilisa achieving Silver and being named Best in Year. In G9, Polina M. received Bronze and was recognized as Best in Year. In G10, alongside bronze awards, Daniil achieved Gold and was named Best in School — a truly outstanding accomplishment.
Behind every great result stands great effort: hours of preparation, resilience in the face of complex questions, and the willingness to push beyond what feels comfortable.
A special thank you to our exceptional Maths team — Mr.Pedro Santana, Mr.Marcello Roberto Johnson, and Ms.Zane Latve — for their guidance, challenge, and unwavering belief in our students.
The way our students learn to think, analyze, and persist is shaped far beyond one competition or one classroom. It is the result of daily work, high expectations, and a culture that values intellectual curiosity.
Biology
At the Regional Biology Olympiad, our G12 students achieved outstanding results. Maksimilians was awarded 1st place, and Arseniy received an honorable mention.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Science Department and to Linda Edine, Head of the Science Department and IB Biology & ESS teacher, for their consistent guidance and academic leadership.
At the Regional Biology Olympiad, our G12 students achieved outstanding results. Maksimilians was awarded 1st place, and Arseniy received an honorable mention.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Science Department and to Linda Edine, Head of the Science Department and IB Biology & ESS teacher, for their consistent guidance and academic leadership.
Physics
In Physics, Maxim (G11) secured 2nd place at the Regional Physics Olympiad for Grades 11–12 across the Ķekava, Mārupe, Olaine, and Salaspils regions.
This result highlights strong analytical reasoning and perseverance, supported by thoughtful mentorship from his teacher, Sergejs Bratarčuks, and the wider teaching team.
In Physics, Maxim (G11) secured 2nd place at the Regional Physics Olympiad for Grades 11–12 across the Ķekava, Mārupe, Olaine, and Salaspils regions.
This result highlights strong analytical reasoning and perseverance, supported by thoughtful mentorship from his teacher, Sergejs Bratarčuks, and the wider teaching team.
Economics
At the Regional Economics Olympiad, our students delivered equally impressive performances. Ivan (G11) earned 2nd place and qualified for the national round. Alexandra (G11) secured 3rd place. In G12, Mati and Luca each received 3rd place, while Maksimilians was awarded an honorable mention.
We thank our IB Economics and TOK Teacher, Armine Vekilyan for her dedicated mentorship and high academic standards that support students in achieving such results.
All these accomplishments reflect a culture of rigorous preparation, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative effort between our students and educators.
At the Regional Economics Olympiad, our students delivered equally impressive performances. Ivan (G11) earned 2nd place and qualified for the national round. Alexandra (G11) secured 3rd place. In G12, Mati and Luca each received 3rd place, while Maksimilians was awarded an honorable mention.
We thank our IB Economics and TOK Teacher, Armine Vekilyan for her dedicated mentorship and high academic standards that support students in achieving such results.
All these accomplishments reflect a culture of rigorous preparation, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative effort between our students and educators.
The 4th EIS International Student Research Conference
On January 19, the 4th EIS International Student Research Conference brought together curious minds around the theme “Reclaiming Trust in Science: Valuing the Process Over Certainty.”
The event opened with a talk by alumna Karlina Bernharde, who reflected on embracing uncertainty in research from her perspective as a Cognitive Science student.
The event opened with a talk by alumna Karlina Bernharde, who reflected on embracing uncertainty in research from her perspective as a Cognitive Science student.
Four IB students then presented original research in Economics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics, sharing their research questions, methodologies, and key findings. Most importantly, they spoke about how their trust in the scientific process has evolved.
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Dominik Garber (SSE Riga) and Anna Sidorova, exploring trust in science, the responsible use of AI, and research transparency.
The conference served as a reminder that independent research is not only about results, but about inquiry, reflection, and growth.
Thank you to all presenters, speakers, organizers, and attendees who made the event possible. Until next time!
The conference served as a reminder that independent research is not only about results, but about inquiry, reflection, and growth.
Thank you to all presenters, speakers, organizers, and attendees who made the event possible. Until next time!
An Alumni Q&A with EIS Graduates
In January, we also hosted our first Alumni Question & Answer Session — a unique gathering that brought together current Grade 10 students and EIS graduates for an open and meaningful exchange.
Ke Li, currently studying Mathematics at Pace University (USA); Giorgia, pursuing a dual degree at The New School (USA) with studies at Eugene Lang College and Parsons School of Design; and Isabella, studying Psychology and Sociology at the University of Brighton (UK), shared insights from their respective academic paths and university experiences.
The alumni reflected on their time in the IB Diploma Programme, offering practical guidance on time management, maintaining perspective, and balancing academic demands during the final years of school. They also spoke candidly about the university application process and shared advice they wish they had known themselves.
We are sincerely grateful to our alumni for their openness and for the thoughtful support they extend to current EIS students.
This event marked the beginning of our alumni programme — an important step in strengthening long-term connections within the EIS community. We look forward to creating further opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and shared experience.
Ke Li, currently studying Mathematics at Pace University (USA); Giorgia, pursuing a dual degree at The New School (USA) with studies at Eugene Lang College and Parsons School of Design; and Isabella, studying Psychology and Sociology at the University of Brighton (UK), shared insights from their respective academic paths and university experiences.
The alumni reflected on their time in the IB Diploma Programme, offering practical guidance on time management, maintaining perspective, and balancing academic demands during the final years of school. They also spoke candidly about the university application process and shared advice they wish they had known themselves.
We are sincerely grateful to our alumni for their openness and for the thoughtful support they extend to current EIS students.
This event marked the beginning of our alumni programme — an important step in strengthening long-term connections within the EIS community. We look forward to creating further opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and shared experience.
Dr. Rhonda Fisher’s Expert Session at EIS
On January 29, Exupery International School welcomed Dr. Rhonda Fisher — a highly respected and deeply valued expert whose visits are always eagerly anticipated by both students and parents.
With over 15 years of experience guiding students to universities across the globe, Dr. Fisher shared practical insights into subject selection, university pathways, and long-term decision-making. Her talk addressed the reality that students are often required to make important choices without being able to fully predict how industries and careers will evolve.
With over 15 years of experience guiding students to universities across the globe, Dr. Fisher shared practical insights into subject selection, university pathways, and long-term decision-making. Her talk addressed the reality that students are often required to make important choices without being able to fully predict how industries and careers will evolve.
The session encouraged participants to approach these decisions thoughtfully — by developing self-awareness, understanding the education systems they are entering, and focusing on skills that remain relevant across changing professional landscapes.
The evening concluded with an open Q&A, giving families the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on the next steps.
We are grateful to Dr. Fisher for her expertise and to all students and parents who joined this important conversation.
The evening concluded with an open Q&A, giving families the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on the next steps.
We are grateful to Dr. Fisher for her expertise and to all students and parents who joined this important conversation.
The Little Owl’s Story: Our Preschoolers Took Part in a Latvian Language Agency Competition
We are a rare school that offers full mother tongue support for local families — and we truly value every opportunity for our learners to celebrate Latvian language and culture.
This year, our preschool children proudly took part in the competition “The Little Owl’s Story” (Apodziņa stāsts – in Latvian) organized by the Latvian Language Agency.
The children explored the story of the pygmy owl, arranged text fragments in logical order, completed creative language tasks, and illustrated their own interpretations of the forest adventure.
Through play, discussion, and imagination, they strengthened their Latvian language skills while discovering more about Latvia’s Bird of the Year — the Eurasian pygmy owl.
We are proud of our little learners for their curiosity, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm for learning.
This year, our preschool children proudly took part in the competition “The Little Owl’s Story” (Apodziņa stāsts – in Latvian) organized by the Latvian Language Agency.
The children explored the story of the pygmy owl, arranged text fragments in logical order, completed creative language tasks, and illustrated their own interpretations of the forest adventure.
Through play, discussion, and imagination, they strengthened their Latvian language skills while discovering more about Latvia’s Bird of the Year — the Eurasian pygmy owl.
We are proud of our little learners for their curiosity, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm for learning.
EIS Languages Week
During our Annual Languages Week, EIS once again celebrated the linguistic and cultural diversity that defines our community. Students across grade levels explored how language shapes perspective, communication, and understanding.
The programme included a wide range of activities, from dress-up initiatives, karaoke, rebus challenges, and tongue twisters to workshops in cuneiform and quill writing. Students also viewed award-winning short films from different countries and participated in the “Anyone Can Become a Poet” session, where they experimented with multilingual creative writing.
Throughout the week, homerooms took part in a friendly academic tournament, answering questions related to languages, countries, and national symbols. The week concluded with a closing assembly featuring the final round of the tournament, recognition of the word puzzle winners, and multilingual poetry presented on stage.
Beyond the engaging activities, the week reinforced an essential message: languages connect people, ideas, talents, and cultures. This understanding remains central to our school’s mission and identity.
We extend our appreciation to all learners for their active participation and to the Language Department teachers for their thoughtful planning and leadership throughout the week.
The programme included a wide range of activities, from dress-up initiatives, karaoke, rebus challenges, and tongue twisters to workshops in cuneiform and quill writing. Students also viewed award-winning short films from different countries and participated in the “Anyone Can Become a Poet” session, where they experimented with multilingual creative writing.
Throughout the week, homerooms took part in a friendly academic tournament, answering questions related to languages, countries, and national symbols. The week concluded with a closing assembly featuring the final round of the tournament, recognition of the word puzzle winners, and multilingual poetry presented on stage.
Beyond the engaging activities, the week reinforced an essential message: languages connect people, ideas, talents, and cultures. This understanding remains central to our school’s mission and identity.
We extend our appreciation to all learners for their active participation and to the Language Department teachers for their thoughtful planning and leadership throughout the week.
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