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News | 10 February 2025

Aaron Wallace Steps into the Role of Principal at IES Sigtuna

Aaron Wallace takes on the role of principal, focusing on connection, community, and student growth.

Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new principal of IES Sigtuna. My name is Aaron Wallace, and I come from the rocky coast of Maine, a place known for its rugged beauty and strong communities. Sweden has been my home since 2011, and I have been part of the Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) family since 2012. Now, stepping into this role, I bring with me not only experience but also a deep passion for education and community-building.

For me, connection always comes first—in fact, my personal motto is "Connect, first!" I truly believe that a school thrives when we prioritize relationships—between students, staff, and families. Learning happens best when students feel seen, heard, and supported, and that starts with meaningful connections.

A Bit About Me

Outside of school, I love cooking for my family, watching old movies, and having midafternoon dance parties with my daughter—who, even at 15 months old, is already a better dancer than I am. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, watching birds, and appreciating nature. Whether in the kitchen, on the dance floor (aka the living room), or out in the fresh air, I find joy in simple, meaningful moments—something I hope to bring into our school environment as well.

Helping Students Connect to the Moment

In a world full of distractions, I believe that schools should provide children with genuine, meaningful experiences—the kinds of moments that help them grow, focus, and thrive. Education isn’t just about academics; it’s about helping students develop the skills and habits that keep them healthy, happy, and engaged with the world around them.

At IES Sigtuna, we want to create an environment where students can:

• Be present in the moment—whether in class, on the playground, or at home.
• Develop healthy routines that support well-being, including movement, curiosity, and creativity.
• Build real connections with peers and teachers that foster trust, belonging, and resilience.
• Engage in fundamental experiences—from teamwork and hands-on learning to time spent outdoors—that help them develop both academically and personally.

By focusing on these essentials, we are creating a school where students feel grounded, supported, and empowered to learn and grow.

A Passion for Reading & Literacy

I also have a deep love for reading and literacy, as I believe they are essential tools for lifelong learning, curiosity, and personal growth. Books have the power to inspire, challenge, and guide us—not just as educators and parents, but as individuals navigating an ever-changing world. For guardians looking for insightful perspectives on parenting, education, and fostering a love of learning, I highly recommend:

• Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy – A compassionate guide to parenting with understanding and connection.
• Lost at School by Ross Greene – A must-read on helping children who struggle with behavior challenges.
• Reconnect by Doug Lemov – A fantastic book on rebuilding relationships with children in a digital world.
• The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud – A powerful look at fostering resilience and independence in young people.
• The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson – A beautifully written book about inspiring curiosity, appreciation for nature, and a lifelong love of learning in children.

My Focus as Principal

This belief in learning and growth will guide my work as principal, particularly in four key areas:

• Stronger communication with guardians—ensuring families feel informed and involved, with more personalized contact, including calls home from me.
• Building our school community—expanding on wonderful traditions like our Christmas market and Lucia pageant, while introducing more ways for us to connect as a school.
• Enhancing our SEN support—so that we engage every student pedagogically, meeting their needs and helping them reach their full potential.
• Creating a safe, calm, and welcoming learning environment—because real learning happens when students feel connected, secure, and valued.

Many of these initiatives are already in motion, and I am eager to see our efforts bear fruit. My commitment to "Connect, first!" extends to all of you—students, staff, and families—and I look forward to working together to make IES Sigtuna an even stronger community.

Join Me for Coffee & Conversation!

To help foster these connections, I invite all guardians to a Drop-Off Meet & Greet starting next Friday. I will be outside during morning drop-off with coffee provided, and I hope you’ll stop by for a quick cup and a conversation. My goal is to make this a weekly tradition, a simple but meaningful way for us to stay connected.

Let’s Build This Together

I also welcome your thoughts, ideas, and feedback on how we can continue to grow as a school. If you ever have a suggestion, a concern, or just want to share something, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We build the best school when we do it together!

My door is always open, and I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and book recommendations too!

Here’s to a great future!

Warm regards,
Aaron Wallace