Why Leadership Matters in an IB World School

"Global mindedness begins with curiosity. When students learn to ask thoughtful questions, appreciate different perspectives, and see themselves as part of a larger world, they're developing skills that will serve them for a lifetime." - Samantha Lyke, PYP Coordinator

When families visit Seven Peaks School, they often notice the joyful classrooms, engaged students, and thoughtful questions filling the hallways. What they may not immediately see is the intentional leadership that helps make those experiences possible every day.

Behind every thriving International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a dedicated instructional leader who works alongside teachers to ensure learning remains authentic, inquiry-driven, and deeply connected to the IB mission.

For the past four years, that leader has been Samantha "Sammy" Lyke.

After relocating to Bend from Linz, Austria, Sammy brought extensive experience with the International Baccalaureate and a global perspective shaped by working within international education. Since joining Seven Peaks School, she has helped strengthen our PYP in ways that reach every classroom, every teacher, and ultimately, every student.

Supporting Teachers to Inspire Students

One of the greatest strengths of the IB Primary Years Programme is that it is designed to evolve. Teachers continually reflect, collaborate, and refine their practice to create meaningful learning experiences that help students develop both academically and personally.

As PYP Coordinator, Sammy serves as a coach, mentor, and thought partner for our faculty.

She works closely with teachers to:

• Strengthen inquiry-based instruction
• Design meaningful Units of Inquiry
• Integrate subjects through authentic learning experiences
• Deepen understanding of the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning
• Foster collaboration across grade levels
• Reflect on student learning to continuously improve teaching practices

This collaborative approach ensures that every classroom reflects the shared vision of an IB education while allowing teachers the flexibility to meet the unique needs of their students.

Building a Culture of Inquiry

At Seven Peaks School, learning begins with curiosity.

Rather than simply memorizing facts, students investigate big ideas, ask meaningful questions, and make connections across disciplines. This approach encourages children to become confident thinkers who are comfortable exploring complex ideas and developing their own understanding.

That culture does not happen by accident.

It is cultivated through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and ongoing professional learning. Sammy has helped strengthen that culture by supporting teachers as they design experiences that invite students to wonder, investigate, create, and reflect.

The result is classrooms where curiosity is celebrated and learning becomes an active process rather than a passive one.

Global Mindedness Begins Close to Home

Perhaps one of the most meaningful contributions Sammy has brought to our community is her belief that global-mindedness is essential for today's learners.

Having lived and worked internationally, she understands firsthand that preparing students for the future means helping them appreciate different perspectives, communicate across cultures, and recognize the interconnectedness of our world.

Global-mindedness is not simply about geography or learning about other countries.

It is about developing empathy.

It is about listening with curiosity.

It is about understanding that different perspectives enrich our own thinking.

Whether students are collaborating with classmates, studying global issues, exploring environmental sustainability, or taking action within their local community, they are developing the habits of internationally minded citizens who understand that even small actions can create meaningful change.

A Faculty United by Purpose

One of the hallmarks of an exceptional school is a faculty that shares a common vision.