A New School Year Begins with Curiosity, Community, and a Beginner’s Mindset

Before classrooms fill with students and hallways buzz with the energy of a new school year, learning has already begun at Taipei American School. 

As faculty and staff returned to campus for Launch Week, the focus extended far beyond lesson planning and classroom preparation. The week focused on translating the school's strategic vision into meaningful learning experiences. Across divisions and departments, our educators came together to reflect, collaborate, and prepare for another year of helping students grow, while embracing the idea that they, too, remain learners. 

That spirit was captured in the opening schoolwide assembly, where Head of School, Mr. David Frankenberg, challenged the community to approach the year with what he described as a “beginner’s mindset.” 

Rather than viewing the expertise as a destination, he encouraged educators to remain curious, open to new perspectives, and willing to continue learning alongside their students. 

“The commitment this year is to approach our work from a beginner's mindset to remember what it feels like to step into a space where you are learning something new, and to model that curiosity for our students every day.” 

The theme reflected a broader vision for the year ahead: one where innovation is measured not by new initiatives alone, but by the everyday experiences students have in classrooms, hallways, studios, athletic fields, and across campus. 

As Mr. Frankenberg reminded the community, “Change that doesn't manifest in the student experience has not happened. The whole idea here is bringing our large, abstract goals into the lived reality of our classrooms, our hallways, and every aspect of our school.” 

Throughout Launch Week, that question remained at the center of conversation: How will our students experience this? 

Whether discussing curriculum, instructional practices, student well-being, or campus spaces, educators focused on translating the school's strategic priorities into meaningful moments of learning, belonging, and connection. 

The opening assembly also welcomed several new members of the school's leadership team, including Deputy Head of School, Mr. Kevin Heffel, Upper School Principal, Ms. Theressa Smith, Middle School Principal, Ms. Molly Berger, and Lower School Principal, Dr. Kristen McConnell. While each brought extensive experience from schools around the world, they shared a common perspective: entering a new community begins with listening. 

Reflecting on his arrival at TAS, Mr. Heffel spoke about the importance of observing before assuming. “Some things are familiar, because school ultimately is school no matter where you are. But some things are new and unfamiliar. I find myself needing to listen differently, to observe with purpose, and to make sure I don't let my assumptions stand in for reality.” 

His reflections echoed the same learner's mindset that defined the week, one grounded in humility, curiosity, and the understanding that meaningful leadership begins by learning from the community itself. 

Beyond the opening gathering, faculty and staff spent the week engaged in professional learning designed to strengthen teaching and support every student's success. Teams collaborated on curriculum planning, instructional practices, safeguarding, Professional Pathways, and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.  

Launch Week also offered educators their first opportunity to experience several newly completed campus spaces. The refreshed Welcome Hall, the new Office of Learning, and ongoing campus improvements are part of TAS's long-term commitment to creating environments that foster collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of community. More than physical renovations, these spaces reflect the school's belief that the places where people gather can shape how they learn, connect, and work together. 

Preparing for a new school year is more than about organizing classrooms or finalizing lesson plans. It is about building a community ready to learn together. As our students return, we look forward to the conversations they'll spark, the questions they'll ask, and the everyday moments of learning that will shape the year ahead!