Welcome to the Junior School!

My name is Nathaniel Atherton, and it is a privilege to serve as Junior School Principal. With nearly 20 years of experience in international schools across Canada, Asia, and Switzerland, I care deeply about creating learning environments where students are known, challenged, supported, and empowered to grow.

At MIS, we want students to develop a strong sense of who they are, while also beginning to shape who they want to become. In the Junior School, we place a high value on helping children build confidence, agency, and resilience. We believe resilience is developed through a broad range of experiences that expose students to both challenge and success, and through learning environments where children are supported to take risks, reflect, and keep growing.

The Role of Curriculum

As a Primary Years Programme, PYP, school, inquiry is at the heart of our approach. We want students to ask meaningful questions, think deeply, make connections, and engage actively with the world around them. Our campus and outdoor spaces are an important part of this experience, giving children regular opportunities to learn, play, explore, and connect with nature as part of everyday school life.

The Role of Tech

We believe technology has an important place in learning when it is used thoughtfully, selectively, and with clear purpose. At MIS, digital tools can bring the wider world into the classroom, support timely and personalised feedback, and create meaningful opportunities for creativity, reflection, extension, and support. We use technology judiciously, where it adds value and strengthens the learning experience.

The Role of the Teacher

The single greatest factor in the success of any child is the quality of the teacher in front of them. At MIS, we are proud to have strong, reflective, and growth-oriented practitioners. We believe that when educators grow, students benefit. Our teachers work collaboratively, reflect on their practice, and strive to ensure that each child is both supported and appropriately challenged.

The Role of Community

Learning is a partnership between home and school, and these connections are vital to the success of children. We value open communication, regular opportunities to connect with families in person, and shared understanding around each child’s learning and growth. Through platforms such as Toddle, we also make learning visible in ways that help families stay informed and engaged.

Community is at the heart of the Junior School experience. When families join MIS, they become part of something larger than a school alone. The positive relationships built among students, families, and staff are the foundation of the strong sense of belonging that defines our community.

Whether you are a prospective family looking for a nurturing home for your child, a student ready to start your own "M Story," or a teacher seeking a collaborative professional home, I invite you to explore what makes our Junior School so special. Together, we can ensure that our students are ready for anything the future holds.