School Council

School Council Minutes

At IPS Hilversum, our School Council plays an important role in bringing our community together. The council consists of 3 parents and 3 teachers from our two school locations, ensuring that different perspectives are heard and valued.

Together, they contribute to a strong and inclusive school environment by reviewing and approving key policy documents, such as the school guide, school plan, annual budget, and safety plans. The School Council also acts as an important voice for our community, advising school leadership on topics that matter to both parents and staff.

By working collaboratively, the council helps us stay true to our shared goal: creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where every child can grow and thrive.

The School Council meets once a month, providing a regular moment to reflect, discuss, and move our school forward together.

Jenneke Bleeker-van Weel

Parent Representative and Chair

Our family moved back to the Netherlands two years ago, after living in France and then the UK for over a decade. Our children are Dutch but were born and raised in the UK - two still attend IPS with another one recently graduated and now at ISH. I trained and worked as a teacher and am passionate about education. I am also very supportive of the IPS mission, which is to inspire all students to flourish as internationally-minded global citizens; it is very much what I wish for our children in this very complicated world. I am therefore thrilled I can now be more involved at IPS by working together with the staff and parents to ensure our children continue to thrive in a positive, inspiring, and inclusive community.

Claire Awramenko

Parent Representative

Our family moved to the Netherlands this year from Australia and we have two girls in groups 3 and 5. I am passionate about education, the important role school plays in the social and emotional wellbeing of children, and how schools foster connection in the local community. I’m looking very forward to actively supporting IPS and our wonderful community of families.

Deepti Gautam

Parent Representative

Our family relocated to the Netherlands in 2023. We have two girls, one at IPS and the other one already in ISH. Being a part of the School Council I love to stay connected with the teachers, other parents and school management. I believe that every student deserves a voice in shaping their school environment, and I am eager to contribute to making our school an even more inclusive, engaging, and positive place for everyone.
I’m especially passionate about organizing events, and advocating for mental health resources, and hope to emphasise these aspects during my time as a council member. I am committed to representing the needs and ideas of my peers, and I believe that through collaboration, we can create a school environment where every student feels supported and valued.

Gillian Martin

Teacher Representative

I am originally from Ireland and moved to Hilversum in January 2022. Before joining IPS Hilversum, I taught for 6 years in a multi-denominational school in Ireland and was a trained Montessori teacher for 7 years prior to that. I love teaching the IB curriculum because it empowers students to take charge of their learning. Through hands-on inquiry, they explore concepts in meaningful ways, developing independence and critical thinking skills. This is my first year on the school council, and I’m excited to contribute and support the school community.