The Last Word: Mr. Gazeau on His Three-Decade Journey at FIS
On May 1st, 1995, M. Olivier Gazeau first walked through our school gates. Today, after 30 incredible years, he leaves a legacy etched into the very heart of our community.
From shaping daily life in Vie Scolaire, to guiding students as Dean, to leading with vision as Vice Principal—he didn't just hold roles; he inspired generations. His dedication is a permanent blueprint on our school's history.
We sat down with him one last time before his departure.
Take us back to the 90s. What are your very first memories of arriving at the school thirty years ago? How would you describe FIS in the 90s?
FIS of the 90s was a different era, almost a different scholastic world. My first memories are of a smaller, more family-like school, where everyone knew each other by name and you’d see the same faces in the playground every day. The atmosphere was both demanding and profoundly warm: fewer screens, more conversations in the hallways, piles of paper on desks, and a slower, more human sense of time.
I remember the great balancing act—sometimes quite acrobatic!—juggling between kindergarten children who spent their time emptying their backpacks in the playground and the senior students who would play with BB guns in the corridors.
Is there a particular moment, anecdote, or encounter that defined your journey here and that you will always carry with you?
There’s always a moment that crystallises an entire journey. For me, it could be the very first back-to-school, watching the students flood in and realising I now shared the responsibility for their successes, their doubts, and their struggles. Or the encounters with students in difficulty who, years later, would return to thank the team for never giving up on them.
What is the project or achievement you are most proud of from these three decades?
Over thirty years, achievements accumulate, but some hold a special place. Notably, the implementation of support systems for students facing challenges, innovative pedagogical projects, and above all, the evolution of student life which has fostered a more serene and caring school climate. My greatest pride, however, remains having contributed to making FIS a place where students feel seen, heard, and respected.
Of all the changes you’ve witnessed at FIS over the years (pedagogical, technological, human, structural…), which has struck you the most, and why?
Pedagogical and technological changes have profoundly transformed daily life. The shift from overhead projectors to digital whiteboards, the arrival of online learning platforms, tablets, and video conferences have changed how we teach, communicate, and monitor students. But the most significant change is perhaps human: a greater focus on well-being, inclusion, and diverse pathways, which has altered how we view each student.
Is there a school event or tradition you wish would make a comeback?
In a school's memory, certain traditions leave a particular mark. I think of simpler but very convivial end-of-year celebrations, sports or cultural days where the entire community would come together, or more intimate, handcrafted graduation ceremonies that were deeply moving. The wish would be to see a return of that spirit of joyful simplicity, where the essential thing was connection, not spectacle.
How do you see the future unfolding for the school?
FIS faces challenges and beautiful opportunities ahead. The challenges likely lie in maintaining a strong identity, academic rigour, and a quality human environment in a world of constant change. The opportunities reside in international outreach, interdisciplinary projects, leveraging educational technology for deeper learning, and building an even more supportive community. The arrival of AI will, without a doubt, be a real challenge where everyone must feel both protected and open to change.
After 30 years here, how do you envision your daily life? Is there a project, dream, or passion you’ll finally be able to explore?
After thirty years in the same school, daily life will inevitably change pace. There are undoubtedly long-postponed projects. The Cuban poet José MARTÍ said, "To succeed in life, a man must father a child, write a book, and plant a tree." I’m two-thirds of the way there.
But I also, and above all, plan to take time for my family and for myself. This new chapter feels less like an end and more like a transition towards a freer life, yet one nourished by everything experienced at FIS.
A final word for those who have accompanied you over these years ?
My final word would undoubtedly be one of gratitude. Gratitude to my colleagues for their trust, our debates, our constructive disagreements, and the shared laughter in moments of tension. Gratitude to the students, past and present, for their energy, their questions, their mistakes, and their successes, which give this profession its entire meaning. And one wish: that everyone continues to make FIS a place of excellence, kindness, and hope for generations to come.
Thank you, M. Gazeau, for 30 years of unwavering commitment. Your impact will resonate long after the gate closes behind you. We will miss you.
