ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Welcome from the principal

Greetings.

My name is Sandy Schäfer and I am honoured and humbled to lead this school that we are proud to call IES Sigtuna!

I am a child of Africa. I was born in Zambia and grew up in South Africa and my journey to Sweden has taken me through three continents and six different countries both as a teacher and Principal of schools. This has provided me with a myriad of rich educational and multi-cultural experiences that have come to shape the teacher, Principal, and person that I am today. Along the way I have developed a deep understanding of the diversity that exists in our world today, and the many challenges that face children and young people as they strive to find their individuality and place in the world.

I first came to Sweden in 1998 where I was fortunate enough to be employed as a Teacher and Head of the Mathematics department at the very first IES school in Enskede. During this time the founder of IES, Barbara Bergström, was the Principal there. After more than ten years at both IES Enskede and IES Jarfalla, I was privileged to start up become the first Principal of IES Hasselby which opened in 2011. Between 2016 and 2020 I have spent time both in the United Kingdom experiencing the British educational system, and in Spain as a Principal of one of our IES owned schools.

My vision for IES Sigtuna is first and foremost a school which follows our IES pillars of a safe and orderly school environment, students commanding the English language and high academic expectations. This is a tried and tested recipe for success!

Further to this, IES Sigtuna has a very firm emphasis on respect and discipline. I feel that it is really important for our children to learn respect for our environment, our planet and the people and creatures that live here. We work on showing respect for ourselves and for others on a daily basis, which are visible through our daily actions.

I firmly in discipline and I believe that discipline is the cornerstone of academic achievement. Discipline and respect are attitudes that begin at home, are reinforced at school and then applied throughout life.

My commitment to the families of IES Sigtuna is that every single child will be seen and heard; that every single child will guided, supported, motivated and pushed, if necessary, to become the best versions of themselves that they can be; and that every single child will be loved, valued and accepted for who they are.

This is my pledge.

Sandy Schäfer