Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding

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At the International School of Nice, our student's well-being is the foundation of our success.

An open-minded, caring and supportive community is at the heart of our identity. We strongly believe that students who feel happy and comfortable with who they are, will grow and develop into lifelong learners.

Led by the Director of Student Life and Safeguarding, our team provides a complete education on well-being and mental health for our students, preparing them not only for post-secondary education, but also for life.

"Every student deserves to feel safe at school, and needs to know that they will be understood and supported whatever happens." Victor Fernandez, Director of Student Life and Safeguarding.

Our Programme Includes:

The Essentials Curriculum

L'écouterie

L'écouterie is a safe space for our students at our international school to meet with our school counsellor, to talk in confidence anytime they need some help, advice or coping strategies. As a school we are working hard to change attitudes towards discussing mental health, and we are proud that are students speak openly about visiting L'écouterie, and encourage their peers to seek help if they need it too.

School Events

Throughout the year, the school organises many events related to mental health and well-being that foster community spirit. For example, during our annual 'random acts of kindness' week, students are encouraged to undertake good deeds around the school. The purpose is to make them feel the benefits of gratitude, as after all, kindness is free, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Community Projects

Student Facilitators

CAS Pastoral Team

A great number of our Grade 11 and 12 CAS students (Creativity, Activity, Service) are part of the CAS pastoral team. They are involved in many different community projects related to well-being and mental health.

They give presentations and talk with younger students during Essentials classes, giving their perspective on certain topics. This helps some of our students feel more comfortable asking questions or sharing a worry, as they are talking to someone closer in age.

Ludothèque

ISN SAFEGUARDING POLICY

ISN WELLBEING POLICY

Our parents say:

“Being a parent of two children educated at International School of Nice for several years, we believe that well-being at school is the key for a smooth access to knowledge and learning. From our experience we can attest that, thanks to the school's framework and to the kindness of the staff, our children can always find someone to support them and to listen to them at ISN. The creation of a pastoral care programme was essential to work in this direction and allows a personalised follow-up for each of our children. Thank you!" Sandrine

“Our children joined ISN at the beginning of the current school year. The change was daunting: new country, new school, and change in language of instruction. Integration and forming new friendships was always going to be a challenge. The pastoral care department at the school has played a key role in integrating our children into ISN school life. At the outset Mr. Fernandez took the time to meet with each child individually to understand their concerns regarding integration. After this meeting he arranged specific activities to aid with integration, has proactively followed up on their well-being and kept an open door to hear about concerns. Both our children speak very highly of how pastoral care has assisted with their integration at ISN" Parent, ISN

Our students say:

“I really liked that we discuss our ideas and emotions. I also realised that, thanks to The Essentials course, I can help other people when they're in need."

“I like The Essentials because I can learn something different, that we need in life and that is important for our future.”

“I liked learning about new things that I would otherwise not have done. It helps to learn without having the pressure of any tests or homework.”

Meet Victor

A teacher and student walk down the corridor together in school

Victor Fernandez is our Director of Pastoral Care.

Victor is responsable for the strategic direction, leadership, and management of pastoral care structures and practices across the school.

Our Essentials Programme (ISN's Personal, Social, Health and Emotional education curriculum), addresses 21st century questions and gives concrete non-academic knowledge and strategies to give ISN students develop positive self image, and manage internal and external pressures on both their school and personal lives.

Victor works closely with Mel Curtis, our School Director and Lois, our school counsellor, and the facilitators, homeroom teachers and our safeguarding leaders to ensure that students feel safe and supported every single day.

At our school, we believe that academic success can only be achieved when every pupil feels heard, valued, and supported. Our wellbeing policy is built on a holistic approach that embraces the emotional, social, physical, and mental dimensions of a child’s development.

To support this commitment, we have put several key initiatives in place:

Educational programmes that foster empathy, cooperation, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
Dedicated spaces and moments for dialogue, giving pupils the opportunity to express themselves freely and receive support when needed.
A teaching team trained in active listening, identifying signs of distress, and providing caring and compassionate guidance.
Initiatives focused on physical activity, life balance, and raising awareness around healthy habits.

We also place great importance on creating a positive school climate. Promoting respect, tolerance, diversity, and positive relationships is central to our approach. This work is carried out in close partnership with families to ensure consistent support aligned with each child’s needs.

Our goal is simple: to offer every pupil a calm, stimulating, and deeply human learning environment in which they can grow, learn, and truly flourish.

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