Since the beginning of July, we have a new Executive Director, Benjamin Bilteryst. Where does he come from, what is his background? We wanted to know more about his experience, his personality, and of course, his objectives.
I feel great and enthusiastic to celebrate a new school year, and a new excellent education at the LFS.
I want to say I am particularly serene now. Throughout the summertime, our educational and administrative teams remained focused to ensure a smooth back-to-school in the best possible conditions. This intensive preparation enables us to guarantee an optimal environment for our students.
Moreover, I feel reassured and extremely optimistic regarding the attractivity of the LFS. We have welcomed 100 students more compared to last year, which is a proof of trust given by the parents. We also have had the luck to welcome 39 new employees. I can say with certainty that the LFS team is exceptional and perfectly prepared to welcome our 1350 students. This is a promising year, and we look forward to sharing it with you and your children.
Before joining the LFS, my professional background had been varied and enriching. I landed in Shanghai in 1998, and from then, I occupied leadership roles within large industrial groups, as well as brands in the luxury industry. My experience has allowed me to develop an expertise in management.
More recently, I oriented my career towards training and strategic coaching, focusing on the luxury industry, while getting involved in higher education. These different aspects of my background have given me a deep understanding of educational issues and the professional sphere.
Being engaged in associations has also always taken a big part of my life. Before joining the LFS Board of Directors in September 2022, I volunteered within several associations like the Rotary Club, the FLAM (French Mother Tongue), and the CCIFC (French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China). This engagement reflects my desire to actively contribute to the community and participate in everyone’s well-being.
My background is varied and my engagement in the community has prepared me to assume my role as LFS executive director. My main mission is to execute the LFS strategy and supervise the daily management of the school, to create an optimal and flourishing environment for our school community.
I am committed to contribute to the development of our school, following the guideline of the Board of Directors. This includes:
– Reinforcing the attractivity of the LFS for families and students.
– Ensuring the financial stability of the school to guarantee an education of quality.
– Overseeing the families’ satisfaction by meeting their needs and expectations.
– Favouring the flourishing of our students by offering a stimulating and kind educative environment.
– Supporting the professional and personal development of our employees.
With the Board of Directors and school leadership, we are preparing a new strategic plan. This plan aims at accelerating the development and influence of the LFS, with the ambitious objective to reach 2000 students by 2030!
Together, we will actively work to meet these objectives and guarantee an exceptional educative experience at the LFS. We cannot wait to be sharing this adventure with your and your children throughout the school year.
Excellence is the one value that in my opinion has a particular importance, whether on a personal or professional level. This value is crucial for several reasons:
– Our school is engaged in offering an education of quality, preparing our students to become competent and responsible citizens of the world. Education excellence is key to prepare them to take on challenges in a modern world.
– Excellence is a constant source of motivation. It pushes us to go beyond, to seek continuous progress and to aim at excelling in everything we do, in our educational practices, our operations or school management.
– Excellence must also be reflected in our operations, security, and school management. It is a proof of quality and trust for parents and our school community.
We are determined not only to maintain this tradition of excellence, but also to amplify it. By working together as a school community, we can continue to elevate the norms and offer our students an exceptional education. Excellence is the foundation on which our school rests, and I am determined to do what I can to promote and reinforce it.
Responsible, curious, and positive.
Being responsible, being curious, and adopting a positive attitude are precious qualities that have helped me navigating life, interacting with others, and reaching my goals.
The ideal weekend consists of spending time with my family, exploring new spots. I also appreciate taking the time to see friends, practice sports, and continue perfecting my Chinese. Balancing these activities allows me to fully enjoy my free time and recharge my batteries.
I wish to remind all our families that our school is more than just a school. It is a place where cultures meet, where ideas are shared, and where minds flourish. Together, parents, students, teachers and administrative staff, we form a dynamic community made richer by our diversity in Shanghai.
We are enthusiastic to welcome all our students to start a new school year placed under the sign of success for all. Your implication and support are essential for the success of our school, and we encourage you to actively invest in our community.
The fantastic journey ahead of us has just begun, and we are determined to work together to offer our students the best educational experience possible. May this back-to-school be a synonym of discoveries, enriching learning, and memorable moments.
Happy back-to-school!