Recently, the ISZN Chess Tournament brought together students, parents, and coaches for a morning of focused play and respectful competition. Students competed across two groups (Grades 1–6 and Grades 7–12 alongside parents) completing seven rounds of closely contested games.

From the start, the atmosphere was calm and purposeful. Students remained quiet, focused, and fully engaged throughout the tournament. Compared to previous events, players took more time to think through their moves, showing a stronger understanding that good decisions in chess come from patience and reflection. In both groups, the competition remained close until the final round, with several players still within reach of the top positions.

One moment that stood out during the tournament was how Jaden handled a challenging final round. After a closely contested game, he was understandably disappointed. However, he chose to return and complete the tournament, showing maturity, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.

His response reflected the ability to manage emotions under pressure and to stay committed even when things do not go as planned. These qualities are an important part of learning, both in competition and in the classroom.

Student reflections echoed this mindset. One shared:

“I focus on the positives from my wins and think about how I can improve from each game I lose. During breaks, I reflect on how I could move my pieces better next time. I try not to dwell too much on losing and instead concentrate on doing my best and remembering that I am still learning.”

Throughout the day, students demonstrated skills that extend beyond the chessboard. They showed sustained focus, problem-solving, and the ability to plan ahead. They followed official tournament rules carefully, waited patiently between rounds, and treated opponents with respect. Parents and coaches supported this positive environment by modelling strong sportsmanship and offering calm guidance and encouragement.

The Chess Club Süci coaches played an important role throughout the tournament, supporting both learning and confidence. The event highlighted pride in participation, respect for others, and confidence built through effort.

Events like the ISZN Chess Tournament reflect the school’s commitment to developing focused, resilient learners who approach challenges with care, respect, and perseverance.