Dear BISC South Loop Families,
I am delighted to be joining the British International School of Chicago, South Loop as the new Principal.
Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to spend time at your school, visiting classrooms, meeting families, talking with staff, and getting to know your community. Every visit has left me feeling inspired and even more excited about becoming part of this remarkable school. There is a genuine warmth about BISC South Loop, a sense of belonging, ambition, and care that is immediatelyevident when you walk through the doors.
What struck me most was the strength of the relationships across the school. Students are engaged and enthusiastic, staff are deeply committed to helping every child succeed, and families play such an important role in the life of the community. It is clear that BISC-SL is a place where people care deeply about learning, about one another, and about helping every student succeed.
I am joining a school with an incredibly strong foundation. The commitment to high-quality, personalized learning is evident, ensuring that every child is known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to achieve their very best. I am excited to build on this success while continuing to strengthen the student experience and helping young people develop the confidence, curiosity, and resilience they need to flourish in a rapidly changing world.
At the heart of my approach as a school leader is a belief that great schools are built on strong relationships and a positive culture. I want every student, member of staff, and family to feel valued, supported, and connected to the community around them. When children feel safe and confident, they are more willing to take risks in their learning, embrace challenges, and view mistakes as an important part of the learning process. Creating that kind of environment will always be a priority for me.
I am also passionate about bringing people together. Schools should be places where we celebrate not only academic achievement, but also personal growth, creativity, character, and the everyday successes that make each child unique. I look forward to creating even more opportunities for families, students, and staff to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the many successes across our community.
A further priority for me is student voice. I believe young people should have a meaningful role not only in shaping their school experience, but also in contributing to the wider community. I look forward to listening carefully and creating opportunities for students to lead, take action, and engage with causes that matter to them.
On a more personal note, my wife, Mary, and I, along with our dog, are very much looking forward to making Chicago our home and exploring everything this incredible city has to offer. I am a passionate sports fan and am excited to immerse myself in the city's rich sports culture. One of the first decisions I need to make is which baseball team to support. Being a long-suffering fan of Derby County FC, I am no stranger to resilience, patience, and the occasional sports heartbreak, so I would welcome any recommendations on which team might be the right fit!
I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead and feel privileged to be joining such a special school community. Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the months ahead and working together to ensure every student has an exceptional experience at BISC-SL.
With warmest regards,
Jimmy Frawley
