CONTENTS
- Principal's Column
- Schoolwide News
- German International Stream
- English International Stream
- Student Achievements & Initiatives
- Highlights of the Week
Connect with GSIS
📅 Save the date! Our highly anticipated annual Christmas Bazaar will take place on Saturday, 2 December 2023. 🎄 The GSIS community of students, parents, staff, alumni, and friends, will come together for this special event. It promises to be a delightful occasion filled with laughter and festive cheer to ring in the holiday season as well as support our school!
#GSIS #GermanSwissInternationalSchool #InternationalSchool #HongKong #EducationalExcellence #GSISChristmasBazaar
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GSIS Gazette – Issue #71
21st January 2022
Principal's Column
Dear Members of the School Community
As our Kindergarten and Primary students have settled into our first week of online learning, this week ends with the unfortunate news that secondary schools have to suspend their face-to-face classes as of next Monday, 24 January, as communicated to you yesterday.
We are hopeful that we can resume face-to-face classes as a whole school as soon as possible after the Chinese New Year holidays. As you may have heard, the Sinovac vaccination is available to children aged 5 to 12 as of today and the BioNTech vaccination can be booked from 9 February. I am positive that this will be a relevant development to the resumption of on-campus classes.
In Primary and Kindergarten, the transition to online learning went smoothly, and once again, our young learners and families have shown utmost resilience in adapting flexibly to the new challenge. Earlier this week, I paid the Primary classes a visit and I was very impressed to witness the engagement and close communication between both the teachers and the students during online classes.
As you are aware, it has been difficult for families to come together over the pandemic period and many have had scarce or no chance at all to visit each other for a long time. To allow for some flexibility under the quarantine regulations, we have extended our summer break by 4 days, which reflects in our 2022/23 holiday calendar, as communicated in my Gazette column of issue 69.
Of course we have provided for appropriate compensation and our new schedule is in line with the requirements of the EDB as well as our German governing body ZfA. We will convey details in our next meeting with the KPR Secretaries, for which a date will be set shortly. Following the meeting, the details of our arrangements will be shared with you via our KPR system.
Although we would have much preferred to celebrate our Chinese New Year festivities on campus together, unfortunately we cannot hold our yearly Lion Dance event next week in our usual tradition. Instead, a live-stream will be made available, so all our children can still enjoy their lions' performance. To access the link, please see our Primary section.
I wish all families a wonderful week and much strength as we navigate through this next phase. I will be in touch again next Friday in the Gazette before Chinese New Year.
All the best
| Dr Dirk Bennhardt Principal |
Schoolwide News
Further notes on the pandemic situation
Certainly, the measures taken to address the pandemic situation in Hong Kong can be judged from different perspectives. What is undeniable, however, is that, as a result of the measures, the number of deaths in Hong Kong is significantly lower compared to other parts of the world. I think there is also a large consensus that if the virus has become less dangerous, we could move to a controlled opening in the future. In any case, continued measures to control the spread of the virus are important. All members of the school community are therefore asked to observe the following measures.
- We continue to pay attention inside and outside the school campus to the wearing of masks, to hygiene measures and to any other behaviours that help to prevent the spread of the virus.
- We should get vaccinated against the virus as soon as possible or booster our existing vaccination.
- Beginning Monday, all staff and visitors on our school campuses must activate the Leave Home Safe app when on campus.
As a school, we are currently preparing a vaccination opportunity for children ages 5-11. This will begin with a survey of parents of that year group. You will find information on this and other measures in the next Gazette.
Stay cautious, optimistic and healthy.
|
Dr Dirk Bennhardt |
The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza!
The ECA Drama group is proud to present their production of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, by Don Zolidis. Directed by our student leaders together with Mr Hoskins, the entire show was filmed in break times and after school from Easter 2021 to the end of May, with the performers having to adapt quickly to an audience of one camera, since a live show was not possible. The result is a wonderful testament to their resilience, creativity and teamwork. The full show runs at 2 hours, but we have split the film in two, and there will be a 48 hour streaming service, so you can view it in more than one sitting.
Date and time: On Demand, 25th January at 7:00 pm through 27th January at 6:59 pm (Hong Kong)
Create a free account and login via: https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/Bv1nVuNCXcF0-the-greek-mythology-olympiaganza--gsis?channel=watch-now
|
Christopher Hoskins |
University Guidance: Upcoming Events (External)
The following events are suitable and available to all students and parents of students in Y10-Y13 and K09-K12:
HK: ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION HONG KONG (AMSAHK)
AMSAHK is the first and largest inter-school organisation comprising medical students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU). We would like to extend a warm invitation to students to apply and attend our annual flagship event, MedStart.
MedStart is a two-day medical school immersion programme for secondary school students who are interested in applying for medicine in Hong Kong universities. This year, our theme is “Mental Health Matters” with activities centred around mental well-being, an aspect of healthcare which is often overlooked. Through MedStart, secondary school students will be given the opportunity to experience both CUHK and HKU medical curricula, taking part in tutorials, problem-based learning, practical sessions, and campus tours. We aim to enhance students’ understanding of a medical career, allow them to experience life as a medical student, and assist them in making informed decisions about applying to medical school in the future.
The program is tentatively planned for a hybrid mode, with morning lecture sessions delivered via ZOOM and afternoon parallel sessions conducted face-to-face. The final mode of delivery of the program will be decided by 26th February.
Date: Day 1 - Saturday 26 March, Day 2 - Sunday 27 March
Time: Day 1 – 9:00am-6:00pm, Day 2 – 9:00am-6:00pm
Location: Day 1 - CUHK Yasumoto International Academic Park Lecture Theatre, Day 2 - HKU MMW Lecture Theatre
Programme Fee: HKD$550
Eligibility: HKDSE/Local Schools - Form 3 and above; IB/GCE A-Levels/International Schools - Year 10 and above
For more information please click here.
HK: JUSTICE CENTRE HONG KONG
2022 Young Advocates Programmes
Justice Centre Hong Kong is a non-profit human rights organisation working to protect the rights of Hong Kong’s most vulnerable: refugees, other people seeking protection, and survivors of torture, human trafficking and forced labour.
Our Young Advocates Programme (YAP) is a unique opportunity for students to engage with our work – providing legal support to asylum seekers and refugees, and raising awareness about the issues they face in Hong Kong. Delivered by our internationally qualified human rights lawyers and policy experts, the programme is ideal for those thinking about studying or working in law, social policy, government and politics, or human rights. Through the programme, Young Advocates will enhance their research, writing, presentation and analytical skills. They will also gain a greater awareness of human rights issues in the local community – becoming advocates for positive change. Previous participants have used their work with us as a contribution to their CAS projects for IB curricula. We have been able to run this programme, in line with government restrictions and whilst ensuring the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, clients and students throughout 2020 and 2022.
Please find attached the Young Advocates Program 2022: Information Sheet with further details about the programme and the fees.
We are hosting an Online Information Session on Thursday, 27 January, at 5:00pm. Students, parents and teachers are welcome to attend to learn more about the programme, ask questions and meet the organisers. To register, please email yap@justicecentre.org.hk with the subject ‘YAP info session’ by 12:00 noon on 27 January.
This year, we are running three programmes:
- Spring YAP: 4 – 15 April
- Summer YAP 1: 20 June – 8 July
- Summer YAP 2: 11 – 29 July
To apply, please complete this application form and send it to YAP@justicecentre.org.hk. The deadline to apply for the Spring Programme is 15 February, and applications for the Summer Programmes are due by 1 May.
UK: UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ADMISSIONS SERVICE (UCAS)
UCAS Discover Apprenticeships
Wednesday 9 February 10:00am-6:00pm UKT (6:00pm-2:00am HKT)
UCAS is a UK-based organisation whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities. As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re bringing students a day of inspiration, information, and live employers. Featuring everything you need to discover if an apprenticeship might be right for you – all packed into one day, and online. It’s your chance to explore what apprenticeship opportunities are out there right now.
- Meet big name employers
- Discover popular apprenticeships and where they can take you
- Join live interview clinics and CV workshops
- Get tips on how to decide your path
- Take part in Q&As with employers
- Hear what it’s really like from current apprentices
- Find out how to land your dream apprenticeship
UK: CAMBRIDGE AND OXFORD
The Subject Matters Webinar
Thursday 24 February 5:00pm-6:15pm UKT (Friday 25 February 1:00am-2:15am HKT)
The Subject Matters offers guidance to Year 10 and Year 11 students (or equivalent) who are considering university and want advice on which subjects to study at sixth form or college.
The post-16 subject choices that students make can have a major impact on their course and university options. Selective universities such as the University of Cambridge often consider not only the individual subjects, but also the combination of subjects because they prepare students more effectively for those courses.
Join us for a free subject advice webinar:
- for students in Year 10 and 11 (or equivalent) and their parents/supporters
- session will cover subject advice, careers and super-curricular suggestions
- opportunity to ask current Cambridge students and admissions staff questions
- recording available afterwards
Oxford and Cambridge Virtual Student Conferences
These conferences are joint, regional events for Year 12 students (or equivalent) in the UK who are studying for their A Levels/IB (or equivalent) and beginning to consider their options for study beyond sixth form. We want students to have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into what living and studying at Oxford and Cambridge is like, an understanding of how both universities assess applications and the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
The conferences will be virtual only and are taking place in the second half of March 2022. Students can book onto the conferences individually and bookings will open at the end of January 2022. There will be two sessions for international students.
We will be posting further updates and developments about the conferences on our website. Please click here for more details.
USA: BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Pre-College Summer Programmes
Next summer, we are offering five pre-college programs, each of which provides rigorous and collaborative college life experiences that will enable students to gain a strong sense of their personal and academic potential. Here is a brief overview of each:
- High School Honors is a six-week residential, commuter, or online program in which students take Boston University undergraduate courses and earn up to 8 transferable college credits. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2022.
- RISE Internship/Practicum is a six-week, non-credit residential or commuter program in which students conduct scientific research in a university lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students must be entering their senior year of high school in fall 2022.
- Academic Immersion (AIM) is a three-week, non-credit residential program for students to focus intensively on a single academic topic while experiencing life on a college campus. This summer we are offering three AIM tracks: Introduction to Experimental Psychology; Introduction to Medicine; and Creative Writing. Each track combines classroom work in the subject area with experiential learning activities. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2022.
- Summer Challenge is a two-week residential or online program in which students take two non-credit seminars of their choice and experience college life. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2022.
- Summer Preview is a one-week, non-credit residential or commuter program in which students explore one subject of interest while previewing the college experience. Students must be entering eighth grade or their freshman or sophomore year of high school in fall 2022.
For more details and registration link, please click here.
USA: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Carnegie Mellon will offer a full slate of in-person Pre-College Programs for summer of 2022, welcoming high school students to experience arts, technology or sciences on our campus.
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs mirror the undergraduate experience, giving rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore their interests and passions while receiving instruction from acclaimed Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff. We provide a holistic and robust student experience that includes academic and personal development both inside and outside of the classroom in order to prepare students for the future.
For program schedules, cost and financial aid and registration link, please click here.
USA: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
USC Summer Programs
USC Summer Programs extends a tradition of excellence to outstanding high school students through a diverse offering of 4-week summer courses. Accepted students will balance academic and campus life as they prepare for college.
USC Summer Programs’ courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals of the USC academic community. Our faculty create an engaging academic experience by combining lectures, hands-on workshops and labs, and guest speakers. Each course is designed to be more interactive, engaging and challenging than accelerated high school classes or the broad introductory courses offered by other summer pre-collegiate programs.
Online Pre-College Programs
From business to life sciences, our goal is to make sure that high school students are given access to USC’s renowned education while providing an opportunity to explore their academic interests and passions. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate of completion, add to your college applications, make new friends and peers from around the world, and gain a better understanding of who you want to become during your college experience.
 Claire Wilkins |
 Beatrice Ugolini |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Justice-Centre-Young-Advocates-Programme-2022-Information-Sheet.pdf
German International Stream
From Head of Stream
Dear Parents
We started our year 2022 hoping that in saying goodbye to 2021, we would also bid farewell to temporary school closures.
However, our wish for school stability has not been fulfilled and our Kindergarten and Primary classes already had to switch to online learning a week ago. Now, unfortunately, we will have to return to online learning in our Secondary Department next week as well in order to best prevent the further spread of the virus. Once again, this continues to present us with complex logistical challenges, but with the great commitment of our colleagues, the experience of the past online phases, and your support, especially for our younger students, we will master them this time as well. Of course, we hope to be able to return to face-to-face teaching after the CNY break.
The online phases of the past two years have proven that we can ensure learning at very high level despite physical distance. This was and is possible mainly through close cooperation, mutual support and flexibility of all members of our school community. I thank the faculty, the student body, and you, dear parents, for your outstanding commitment and cooperation during these challenging times. Stay healthy.
| Grit Cichon Deputy Principal / Head of German International Stream |
Kindergarten Corner
Dear Parents
The transition to online learning went relatively smoothly and we would like to thank all parents and caregivers who supported the children during their learning activities. We hope the children enjoyed participating in the varied activities offered by the teachers and assistants.
Please look out for the supporting resources from the school that were mailed out to the students during the week for the coming week’s activities. Please do not forget to check your mailbox.
The Chinese New Year Celebrations at PFL Campus scheduled to take place on 26th January has been postponed till after the Chinese New Year holidays, in hope that our children will be able to enjoy the festivities upon their return after the school closure and CNY holidays. The new date will be Friday, 11th February 2022. More details about this event in our next Gazette.
Have a fabulous weekend.
 Sophie Burdel |
 Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
Dear Parents
This week the online phase got off to a good start and the students are busy participating. I received a lot of feedback from the teachers that the students are doing an extraordinary job - they are well prepared and joining the Google Meets reliably and in time. While the older students will do most of the work by themselves, the younger students need a lot of support and here you are there. We thank you very much for all the support we get from you at home - it's great! I appreciate very much that the parents help to structure the days, check that everything is prepared and help with the questions. You are all doing a fantastic job.
Handout of the report card for K03/K04
Unfortunately, we cannot hand out the reports in person on 28 January. But the teacher of K03/ K04 will talk to the students about the reports in their morning sessions.
All reports will be sent home by post. However, parents and students have a chance to look at their report on the Parents Portal starting on Friday 28 January, 1 pm.
Lion Dance for Chinese New Year
To ensure that we have as much luck as possible in the Year of the Tiger, a lion dance will be held in the primary school building. Students and parents can watch the lion dance live as a end of the first term event.
Date: 28 January 2022
Time: 12.30pm
Link: https://gsis.zoom.us/j/82420591718 / Webinar ID: 824 2059 1718
I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.
 Priska Erni |
 Beate Weinhardt |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Looking for what's been going on in class this month?
Secondary Corner
Dear Parents
I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families a happy and, above off all, healthy New Year. I hope and wish for all of us that 2022 will be a much better year and that the circumstances of life, learning and work will improve significantly for us.
Our children have accomplished a great deal in the past weeks and months and now we have half-year report cards coming up before we enjoy a well-deserved holiday. Let's remember together to continue to encourage and support our children to successfully navigate through these challenging times.
The students of K12 will start their Abitur exams after the CNY break and will first take the written part. We are keeping our fingers crossed for them and wish them good luck and success.
We wish you all a happy Chinese New Year 2022 and hope that you can use the days off for relaxation and recreation.
 Frank Weinhardt |
 Arnold Leitner |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
English International Stream
From Head of Stream
Dear Parents
Earlier this week I was invited by the SCMP to participate in a panel discussion that was recorded for their Parents Newsletter. The theme was ‘Transitioning from Primary to Secondary: the do’s and don’ts for you and your child’ and will soon be uploaded to the SCMP Parents Newsletter site. The discussion was moderated by Ruth Benny from Top Schools and I was joined by Richard Vanderpyl, Head of Christian Alliance IS and Katherine Ross, Secondary Deputy Principal at Victoria Shanghai Academy. There was strong agreement between us in terms of the best way to prepare students for the transition from primary to secondary education, do give it viewing!
We all know that with any future change comes some anxiety so we aim to catch those concerns early for Year 6 pupils by arranging a visit by current Year 7 students, hopefully when we are all back in school. Our aim is to demystify what goes on ‘across the road’ and to make students feel welcome and confident about their step into secondary school. There is much that is different, going from one classroom and a few teachers to navigating many rooms and lessons over seven floors. In order to help this orientation, we will arrange for school tours in the summer term as well as some sample lessons to give the Year 6 students a flavour of secondary learning.
We continue to focus on transitions between all year groups and key stages, particularly between Year 6 and Year 7. As we reach the end of our first semester, secondary subject leaders and primary curriculum leaders will again meet to review the learning expectations for all subjects focusing not only on academic continuity but also approaches to learning.
Last term I visited all Kindergarten and Primary classrooms in the EIS, which afforded me an excellent overview of the practice and pedagogy in operation throughout the school, and it was really impressive. Particularly outstanding was the children’s engagement in lessons, whose questioning and thinking skills were tremendous, inspired and guided by our excellent teachers. We will not rest on our laurels as we encourage all staff to reflect on their practice to continuously improve the learning experience for our students.
I very much hope that online learning is going as well as it can for your families. This is certainly not our preferred mode of teaching or learning but let us hope it is not going to be for too long. Please do let us know if there is anything more we can do to support your children to remain engaged and motivated to learn.
Warm regards
| Simon Misso-Veness Deputy Principal / Head of English International Stream |
Kindergarten Corner
Dear Parents
The transition to online learning went relatively smoothly and we would like to thank all parents and caregivers who supported the children during their learning activities. We hope the children enjoyed participating in the varied activities offered by the teachers and assistants.
Please look out for the supporting resources from the school that were mailed out to the students during the week for the coming week’s activities. Please do not forget to check your mailbox.
The Chinese New Year Celebrations at PFL Campus scheduled to take place on 26th January has been postponed till after the Chinese New Year holidays, in hope that our children will be able to enjoy the festivities upon their return after the school closure and CNY holidays. The new date will be Friday, 11th February 2022. More details about this event in our next Gazette.
Have a fabulous weekend.
|
Sophie Burdel |
Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
Dear Parents
Welcome back to online learning! Thank you for assisting in keeping your child on their regular school day schedule. This enables them to participate with the class and will back the shift back to on-campus learning much easier for them. Please contact the tech department for any technology issues at onlinelearning@gsis.edu.hk. Please address the subject teacher directly for any instructional issues. We are all anxiously awaiting government updates to confirm that we will resume in-person learning on 7 February.
Coffee Morning with Ms Marquard
EPD Virtual Coffee Morning with the School Counsellor
Tuesday, 25 January 2022 @ 8:00am
This is a chance to discuss social-emotional learning, technology considerations, and how to support children with transitions and uncertainty in the primary years. Please register HERE.
Coffee Morning with the School Counsellor Link
Reports
Our Term 1 reports will be available for parents to download from Veracross next Friday afternoon, 28 January. As communicated last year, we moved from providing written feedback to families in December, April and June to the end of Term 1 and end of the year so that we are in alignment with the other departments. The format of this report has been updated to provide more information about student progress and next steps. If your family is in need of a signed copy for school applications, please contact Susanne Doemmecke at primary_secretary@gsis.edu.hk.
Lion Dance
To ensure that we have as much luck as possible in the Year of the Tiger, a lion dance will be held in the primary school building. Students, as well as parents, can watch this live, end of first term event here:
Date: 28 January 2022
Time: 12.30pm
Link: https://gsis.zoom.us/j/82420591718 / Webinar ID: 824 2059 1718
Have a nice weekend!
 Kim Cunningham |
 Donna Morley |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Looking for what's been going on in class this week?
Secondary Corner
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Student Achievements & Initiatives
Expedition to the South Pole
Torsten Indrich (Geography Teacher (GSD))
Thanks to our VR equipment and the support of the IT department, GSD students in K07a had the chance to take a trip to the South Pole. Using the school's virtual reality goggles they followed a French adventurer on his trip to the South Pole. Without leaving the classroom they not only experienced what it is like in Antarctica but also how challenging a trip to the South Pole is. They learnt about the various weather conditions and which challenges he faced, how he camped out in the middle of this icy desert and how he travelled.
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/VR-Expedition-to-the-South-Pole.jpg
(Click thumbnail/s to enlarge image)
Winner of Speed Climbing Tournament 2021
Congratulations to Louis (Y9) who won the U13 Boy 1st runner up in the National Climbing Tournament - Speed Climbing 2021 competition, which took place in early December 2021. Well done, Louis!
Louis is currently a squad climber in the Hong Kong Climbing Team.
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Louis-Speeding-Climbing-scaled.jpg, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Louis-Speed-Climbing-2.jpg
(Click thumbnail/s to enlarge image)
