Dear CEESA Community,

As another school year comes to a close, we want to pause and thank you for the care, energy, and professionalism you have brought to your schools and to the CEESA community this year.

Across the region, you have opened your doors, shared your practice, joined conversations, supported colleagues, and continued the steady work of helping students learn and grow. That kind of commitment is what makes this community strong.

We hope the weeks ahead bring you time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy a well-deserved summer break. Thank you for being part of CEESA. We look forward to continuing the work together in the new school year.

Kind regards, CEESA Team

A note from Rob

It has been an incredible year of growth and learning for me and, I think for CEESA as a whole.  

As I am in Croatia, I’ll put it in coastal terms.  

I feel I have gone from years of helming a series of power yachts through various waters to now having to guide a dynamic small sailing craft through the eye of the storm.  And I think we are beginning to catch the wind, so people had best hike out and hold on tight!  We are looking to truly cut through the waters ahead.

But, before we begin to catch the winds of change, I hope that you all enjoy some calm over the summer as we all drop the sails and enjoy some rest.  It is well earned and very much deserved.  Enjoy the sunshine and relaxation.

My thanks to my CEESA Team, our CEESA Executive and Board, Directors, Educators, Staff, Students, Partners and friends.  And, of course, my wife Cindy.  You have made this transition incredible.

Enjoy the summer, Rob

(and my very special thanks to Iva for her friendship, her innovation, and all that she has done for CEESA over the years, and a warm welcome to Megi as she brings talents all her own.)

 A note from Iva

This June newsletter is a little different for me.

After nine years with CEESA, I am writing to share that I will be stepping away from my role. It is difficult to put nine years of work, learning, travel, emails, events, friendships, and shared purpose into a few short paragraphs. What stays with me most is not one conference, one project, or one school year. It is the people.

I have had the privilege of working with educators, leaders, counselors, staff, partners, and friends across this region who care deeply about schools and the students they serve. I have seen the CEESA community show up for one another in practical, generous, and often quiet ways: sharing ideas, opening school doors, offering support, asking good questions, and helping each other keep moving forward.

I am leaving with more than I came with: more perspective, more gratitude, and friendships I genuinely treasure. CEESA has shaped me in ways I will carry with me long after my last official day.

Thank you for trusting me, teaching me, challenging me, and letting me be part of this work for so many years.

It has been an honor.

Iva

Welcome, Megi

We are pleased to welcome Megi to the CEESA team as our new Communication and Events Lead.

Based in Zagreb, Megi brings a strong background in marketing and events, along with valuable experience in creating clear communication and well-organized experiences for communities. She joins CEESA at an important moment as we prepare for a new school year, a growing professional learning calendar, and continued work to strengthen how we support our member schools and partner organizations.

Please join us in giving Megi a warm welcome. We are excited to have her as part of the CEESA community.