Dear Mark Twain International School Community,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying your summer break. As I begin my journey as the new General Director and Head of School at Mark Twain International School, I am filled with a sense of excitement and deep responsibility. This transition marks a significant moment in MTIS's history, and I'm honored to be entrusted with guiding this exceptional institution into its next chapter of excellence.

First and foremost, I want to recognize the extraordinary legacy of Anca and Dan Macovei Vlăsceanu. For 29 years, they have poured their hearts and souls into building MTIS from a dream into the thriving, internationally recognized school it is today. Their vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment have touched countless lives. As they step into their new roles as Founding Directors, I am grateful for their support during this transition. Their passion for education and love for this school community will always be an integral part of MTIS's core values.

As I wholeheartedly settle into my new role, I want to acknowledge my commitment to honoring the rich traditions and values that have defined MTIS, while also expressing a strong passion for exploring new and compelling opportunities for growth and innovation! We will move forward thoughtfully and deliberately, ensuring that every step we take is the result of careful consideration and collaboration with all stakeholders- students, parents, teachers, staff, and our founders. Since the school’s inception, the “Twainian voices and perspectives” have always been crucial in shaping the future of this school, and will forever remain heard and encouraged!

I look forward to meeting each of you, listening to your stories, and learning about your hopes for our school's future. Your engagement is crucial as we work together to build upon the strong foundation laid by our beloved founders. Together, we will honor our school's rich history while embracing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, always moving forward with careful consideration and respect for our community's diverse perspectives.

In the coming months, you will see me actively engaging with all aspects of school life. I'll be in classrooms, attending events, and creating opportunities for open dialogue with students, parents, and staff. I believe that the strength of our school lies in the collective wisdom and passion of our entire community.

As both an educator and a new MTIS parent, I am deeply invested in fostering an environment where every student can thrive. My commitment extends to nurturing a school culture that celebrates diversity, encourages innovation, and prepares our students to be compassionate global citizens. Particularly exciting is our upcoming International Baccalaureate Multi-Programme Evaluation Visit in November. This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the excellence of our IB programmes and reaffirm our commitment to providing a world-class education.

Thank you for your heartfelt welcome and trust. I am truly excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to work alongside each of you in building upon the remarkable legacy of Mark Twain International School.

I wish you a restful remainder of the summer and look forward to greeting you all when we begin the new school year in September. Until then, I can be reached at [email protected] and I'm also available to connect on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/matthew-wilkens-head-of-school

With warmest regards,

Matthew D. Wilkens, PhD
General Director and Head of School