Isla Gordon Director General (Ad Interim) CHA 1987
Isla Gordon
La Châtaigneraie, 1987
Director General (Ad Interim)
Switzerland
Find out more about me:
Creativity and learning how to work effectively as part of a team were central to my Ecolint education, and these skills have stayed with me throughout my career.
Funnily enough, after living in the UK, France, and Kenya following my departure from Ecolint in 1985, I now live just down the road from La Châtaigneraie! I am currently the Primary School and Campus Principal at Ecolint’s Campus des Nations and one of the three tripartite Director Generals this year. Back as a student, I would not have guessed that I would now be having the privilege to serve in an institution that played such an important role in my own education.
I think that some of my favourite Ecolint memories have to be the field trips that took place at the start of the school year each September. I remember in particular the Year 7 one to Apt in the Provence - singing around the campfire, getting lost up the Luberon, and visiting the ochre cliffs and local market. These trips offered not just rich cultural and geographical experiences, but more importantly, they created lasting memories. Looking back now, I realise just how unique and special Ecolint’s sense of community truly was.
I have always loved working on projects, especially in collaboration with others. Creativity and learning how to work effectively as part of a team were central to my Ecolint education, and these skills have stayed with me throughout my career. They are particularly relevant in my role today, where collaboration, shared leadership, and creative problem-solving are essential to supporting a diverse and dynamic school community.
If I had to do it all over again, I would dedicate more time to the sciences and have greater confidence in learning chemistry! Looking back, I see how valuable scientific thinking and curiosity can be, regardless of one’s career path.
My “words of wisdom” for today’s Ecolint students, be comfortable with who you are, keep your options open when choosing what to study, and take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Seek out what gives you a sense of excitement and wonder, and let that curiosity and intuition guide your learning and choices.
My legacy: Kindness and compassion sit at the centre of my moral compass, with respect for all beings, no matter how big or small. If I can help foster a community where empathy, care, and respect guide our actions, that would be the legacy I hope to leave.