Transformative Reset: ICS Hosts Its 2026 Staff Bootcamp
From Tuesday, 18th to Saturday, 22nd August 2026, staff of International Community School (ICS) gathered at the Accra Campus of the school for the annual ICS Staff Bootcamp, marking five days of learning, reflection, connection and professional development as preparations intensified for the new academic year.
The five-day programme also saw the introduction and integration of new members of staff into the wider ICS community, providing an opportunity for both new and existing staff to connect, build relationships and align around the values and priorities that will guide the 2026/2027 academic year.
Held annually ahead of the reopening of school, the Staff Bootcamp is an important part of ICS’s preparations for the new academic year. It provides staff with the opportunity to pause, reflect on the year ahead, strengthen their professional practice and reconnect with the shared purpose of the school.
This year’s bootcamp was organised under the theme, “Relationship, Compassion and Kindness: Resetting the Agenda for Better School Outcomes.” Over the five days, staff participated in a range of sessions and activities designed to strengthen professional practice, promote staff wellbeing and reinforce the importance of meaningful relationships in achieving better outcomes across the school community.
The bootcamp officially opened with a keynote address delivered by Dr Charles Yeboah, Managing Director and Co-Founder of ICS. His presentation set the tone for the week by exploring the role of relationships, kindness and compassion in education and school culture. Before beginning his presentation, Dr Yeboah asked staff to turn to a colleague and say, “I see you. You matter,” setting the tone for a week centred on the importance of seeing, supporting and valuing one another.
Dr Yeboah introduced the concept of the “warm demander”—an educator who combines high expectations with high levels of support and care. He encouraged staff to recognise that kindness and compassion do not mean lowering standards, but rather creating the relationships and supportive environments that enable students and colleagues to thrive.
The keynote provided a strong foundation for the days that followed, reinforcing the importance of a school culture in which both students and staff feel seen, supported and valued.
External Facilitators Bring the Theme to Life
A key feature of this year’s bootcamp was the contribution of external facilitators, who addressed important areas of staff development and wellbeing.
Elder Amos Annan led a session on “Building a Culture of Care: How Restorative Practices Turn Kindness Into Action.” His presentation introduced staff to restorative practices and their role in strengthening relationships, addressing conflict and encouraging accountability. The session explored how approaches centred on dialogue and understanding can help create a more connected and supportive school environment.
Staff also participated in “Paycheck to Peace of Mind: Financial Wellness for Educators,” facilitated by William Nana Danso Abeam, Country Head of Products, Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ecobank Ghana PLC. The session focused on practical financial wellbeing, including budgeting, saving and building greater financial security.
The week also featured “Burnout to Balance: Self-Care for Educators,” presented by Dr Isaac Newman Arthur, Medical Director and Clinical Psychologist at UPSA and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Psychological Association. His session addressed the importance of self-care and provided practical strategies to help staff manage stress and maintain their overall wellbeing.
Together, these sessions highlighted the importance of caring for the people who care for and support students every day.
A Week of Learning, Leadership and Growth
Beyond the keynote and external facilitation sessions, the five-day bootcamp featured targeted professional development sessions for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
Teaching staff participated in sessions focused on areas such as tiered intervention, behaviour for learning, instructional excellence and practical applications of AI tools, including MagicSchool. These sessions were designed to equip staff with practical strategies and resources for the academic year ahead.
Non-teaching staff also engaged in dedicated sessions relevant to their various roles. Topics included “Brand Ambassadors: How Every Staff Member Represents Our School” as well as safeguarding, reinforcing the understanding that every employee has a role to play in protecting students and shaping the ICS experience.
The programme also included wellness-focused sessions and opportunities for staff to engage, reflect and connect outside the usual work environment.
Day 5: Beyond Departments
The bootcamp concluded with a Staff Day Out themed “Beyond Departments: A Day of Kindness, Connection and Community.”
The final day created an opportunity for staff to step away from their usual workspaces and interact with colleagues across departments and teams. Through activities, games and shared experiences, staff strengthened relationships and built new connections, bringing the theme of the bootcamp to life in a practical and memorable way.
It was a fitting conclusion to a week that placed relationships at the centre of the ICS experience and reminded staff that a strong school community is built not only through policies and professional development, but also through genuine human connection.
Looking Ahead
We would like to say a big thank you to Peeva Mineral Water and Beverages for keeping us refreshed throughout this year’s Staff Bootcamp. As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026/2027 academic year, staff leave the bootcamp renewed, better connected and ready to put the lessons from the week into action. With relationships, compassion and kindness at the heart of the agenda, ICS looks forward to a new year of stronger connections and better outcomes for all.
