
Wellbeing

Guiding students for today and tomorrow
At ISB, our Vision 2030 places wellbeing at the heart of our mission, fostering social, mental, physical, and emotional fulfillment.
By supporting the whole child, we aim to nurture not only academic success but also their social, emotional, and physical development, empowering them to flourish and make a positive impact on the world.
Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning

Student wellbeing is at the heart of our teaching and learning approach, ensuring a supportive and balanced environment for personal growth and emotional health. We embrace the widely-recognised SEE Learning Framework to fostering a compassionate and ethical learning environment.

Age-Appropriate Approaches
At ISB, we are dedicated to helping students develop essential skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, empathy, and respect. These skills are not only beneficial in their current stage of life but will also support them in their future endeavors.
Junior School
Building a Strong Foundation

In Junior School, we create a nurturing environment where students, teachers, and parents work together to foster a strong sense of community. Our approach ensures that every child can thrive in a safe and supportive setting. Students are encouraged to build trusting relationships with adults and are taught essential skills like decision-making and emotional regulation through engaging visuals such as "What Would Gus Do?"
Key Focus Areas
Curriculum Support & Guidance
- Proactive guidance program to promote social and emotional learning
- Integration of wellbeing within the curriculum
- Classroom sessions in collaboration with homeroom teachers
Indirect System Support
- Referrals to outside services and agencies
- Parent and teacher consultation, workshops, and communications
- Active contribution to ISB culture and community spirit
Responsive Services
- Individual and small group counselling
- Restorative intervention
- Crisis response services
Individual Student Planning
- Guidance to support student’s personal, academic, social and emotional development
- Strengths-based approach to guide students in managing their own goals
- Support students in their developing interests, abilities, skills and plans for the future
Meet our Counsellors
Our team of dedicated School Counsellors is here to support the social and emotional wellbeing of all our students, providing guidance and care to help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Steven Ayling
Titles:
Middle School Counsellor
Locations:
Fiechten
Email:
Biography:
Steve Ayling, originally from Birmingham, UK, earned his B.Ed. (Hons) in 1999 from Exeter University and his Masters (MSc) from the State University of New York in 2010.
He earned his Certification of International School Counselling through the Counsellor Training Center (CTC) Program and spent fifteen years at IS Manila, Philippines in both ES and MS classrooms prior to successfully transitioning into High School and then Junior School counselling.

Jillian Dingrando
Titles:
Junior School Counsellor
Locations:
Aesch
Email:
Biography:
As a seasoned educator, I bring nearly 20 years of extensive experience in the field of education. Originally from Michigan, USA, I have spent the last 17 years abroad, gaining valuable experience in diverse educational settings. I hold a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Education, as well as a Counseling Certification. My time at International School Manila spanned 13 years, where I served as a Classroom Teacher, Grade Level Program Leader, certified EAL Teacher, and Wellbeing Teacher. Driven by my passion for student wellbeing, I transitioned into counselling and have been a dedicated part-time member of the Junior School Counselling Team at ISB for the past two years.
I am committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for students, parents, and teachers at ISB. Please feel free to contact me or visit my office to introduce yourself. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and providing support to individuals throughout our community.

Evanthia Drakousis
Titles:
Junior School Counsellor
Locations:
Aesch
Email:
Biography:
Evanthia has been in the field of education for over 20 years, having first started out as a classroom teacher and transitioned to offering wellbeing and mental health support to school communities. She holds an undergraduate degree in Education, a Master’s Degree in Counselling and is a licensed mental health counsellor. She has practiced in various school and clinical settings in the United States and in the international world where she worked as a counsellor for the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong.
Evanthia holds a vested interest in child and adolescent development and in cultivating strength, compassion and safety within school communities.

Emma Marchal-Jones
Titles:
Senior School Counsellor
Locations:
Reinach
Email:
Biography:
Emma is a qualified psychologist and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist. She has worked at the University of Basel psychotherapy clinic for the last 10 years, supporting adolescents and their families from international communities in the area. Emma has recently graduated with a PhD in psychological interventions. Her research focuses on TCK well-being.
Emma is established with her family which includes her husband, three children and two dogs, just across the border in France.

Hayley Milner
Titles:
Middle School Counsellor
Locations:
Aesch
Email:
Biography:
Hayley Milner has been working for the past fifteen years in schools across Australia, Thailand and Switzerland. Her education background includes a BA in Applied Theatre, a graduate degree in Education (Secondary Drama & English) and Masters in Counselling.
Her passion lies in the development of the whole child ensuring their health and well-being in and outside of the classroom. She is looking forward to building relationships with students, parents and community while collaborating with Steve Ayling to support our middle school students.

Jo Storrar
Titles:
Senior School Counsellor
Locations:
Reinach
Email:
Biography:
Jo is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist who brings over 12 years of experience working in community mental health services (CAMHS) in Scotland. She has a solid reputation of building relationships with young people and their families and is trained in many therapeutic interventions and international parenting programmes. She has lectured at a number of Scottish Universities on child and adolescent development and psychological theory.
Additionally, Jo is a yoga teacher and fitness instructor, passionate about considering individuals holistically and contributing to their overall resilience and well-being.
Parent Involvement in Student Wellbeing
Parents at ISB take an active role in ensuring students wellbeing and they are regularly invited to interactive workshops with experts from ISB and elsewhere.
Navigating Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of great change and development. Whilst exciting, young people face a number of challenges with their physical, mental, sexual and emotional health and keeping calm during these stressful times can prove difficult.
Understanding & Supporting Adolescent Development
- The Current Challenges Facing Our Children and Young People
- Adolescent Psychosocial and Neurological Development
- Differentiating Between Normal Adolescence and Mental Health Concerns
- Building a Strong Relationship with Your Teenager
Sexual Health Education in Middle & Senior School
This section provides an overview of the curriculum content on sexual health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) taught throughout the Middle and Senior School. We will share the key information covered with students and discuss the resources available in the Basel area to support students and families. Additionally, we will explain how to access these resources for further guidance and support.
Supporting Healthy Relationships with Food & Body Image
In a world filled with confusing messages about food, bodies, and health, it's important to understand the impact these messages can have on children and teens. This session explores the connection between food, eating, and body image, emphasizing why positive body image and non-diet approaches to food and exercise are vital for a child's well-being. Parents will learn practical strategies to help their children develop a healthy body image and foster positive behaviours related to food and exercise. This relaxed, informal session is designed for parents seeking a refreshing perspective from a nutrition professional.
Building Your Positive Parenting Toolkit
A positive parenting toolkit is a collection of strategies, resources, and tools that help parents support their children's growth in a nurturing and effective way. It includes techniques for communication, resilience-building, managing challenges, and fostering a balanced, supportive environment. This adaptable toolkit evolves to meet the changing needs of both parents and children.
Raising Resilient Global Citizens
Growing up as an international child, often referred to as a Third-Culture Kid (TCK) or Cross-Culture Kid (CCK), comes with a unique set of challenges and emotional experiences. In this session, we will explore what it looks and feels like to navigate global transitions, discussing practical strategies for raising resilient TCKs. Join us for an opportunity to share your thoughts, tips, and experiences with other parents in the ISB community.
Navigating Digital Wellbeing: A Guide for Parents
Our Digital Wellbeing session will help you define your family’s values regarding technology and the digital world. Through thought-provoking questions and discussions, we’ll guide you in reflecting on your role as a digital parent and the habits you’re cultivating around technology and social media. You’ll receive practical advice for establishing Digital Media Agreements with your family, focusing on safety, digital citizenship, and media balance. We’ll also cover online safeguarding strategies and how to adjust device settings to protect your child from accessing sensitive content. Additionally, we’ll share resources to help you become a digitally informed parent.
Understanding Swiss Juvenile Law and Substance Abuse: A Guide for Parents
This workshop focuses on the Swiss legal system, specifically juvenile crime law and the liability of children and teenagers. It will explore substance abuse among young people, risky behaviors, and commonly used substances in Basel. Aimed at providing practical, locally relevant advice, the session encourages parent engagement and open discussions to address concerns and questions.
Middle School
Navigating Challenges with Support

Middle School Counsellors offer a supportive space for students, helping them navigate challenges while promoting their overall wellbeing. Working closely with teachers and families, the Counsellors provide personalized guidance to address individual needs, helping students develop resilience. Additionally, they host workshops and coffee mornings for parents, focusing on key topics related to adolescence and personal growth.
Senior School
Empowering Students for the Future

In Senior School, students participate in regular Wellbeing classes that cover physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Topics include peer relationships, mental health, diversity, sexual education, substance use, career planning, first aid, and study skills. These classes equip students to better understand themselves and others, fostering informed decision-making for both now and in the future.
New students are supported by Student Ambassadors, who help with orientation and peer connections. Both students and parents have access to two Senior School Counsellors, who offer counseling, consultations, and referrals to external resources. The Counsellors also regularly hold workshops for parents on relevant topics related to adolescent development.

Latest News
No post to display.