CONTENTS
- Principal's Column
- Schoolwide News
- German International Stream
- English International Stream
- Student Achievements & Initiatives
- Wellbeing Corner
- 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
It is open for public for registration？
GSIS Gazette – Issue #77
8th April 2022Principal's Column
Dear School Community
Time is flying by. Today marks the last school day before our Easter break, after which we enter the final phase of this academic year. These last few months are of special importance for our students as once again they have to demonstrate the full scope of their capabilities during this time. Some will do this during their normal school day and others in the form of final examinations. Our graduating students in particular, I wish great success in their final examinations.
School resumption after the break
Whilst our staff and students have been doing very well with online teaching and learning, I am pleased about the announcement of face-to-face lessons after the break. At GSIS, we will implement face-to-face lessons in all year groups to the maximum extent feasible. According to latest information, we are to expect a staggered resumption of face-to-face lessons by year groups on a half-day basis, and we look forward to receiving specific information applying to international schools soon. Based on these concrete specifics, the GSIS departments will be working on suitable concepts for face-to-face teaching, which we will communicate as early as possible after Easter. It might be advisable for families to stock up on RAT kits, as school attendance will be much safer for everyone with regular testing. At school we will take all possible measures to make an infection as unlikely as possible. Of course, a high vaccination rate among our students also contributes to this. I very much look forward to seeing our students back in school.
Staff changes at GSIS
Besides the pandemic-related updates, I am happy to share positive personnel news with you. On 1 April, Mr Stefan Tüger joined GSIS as our new Deputy Director of Advancement and has quickly proven to be an excellent addition to our team. I extend a warm welcome to Stefan and look forward to our future collaboration.
A personnel decision was also made in the Human Resources Department. It is good to see long-serving staff develop and qualify for senior positions. Ms Denise McNeill has been with GSIS for 10 years and will be Ms Maneesha Kanwar’s successor as Director of Human Resources effective 12 May. I sincerely wish Maneesha all the best and a lot of quality time with her family – and Denise an excellent working relationship with all GSIS colleagues.
Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that, thanks to intensive efforts of the Board, the position of Chief Administrative Officer will soon be filled by a highly qualified individual. This will allow us to start the new academic year with a well-staffed management team.
Easter Greetings
All GSIS staff have done an excellent job over the past few months and I wish everyone a good rest over the Easter holiday. Likewise, after working hard in their online learning, our students really deserve a break. I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday.
See you after the break in face-to-face classes.
Kind regards and a happy Easter
| Dr Dirk Bennhardt Principal |
Schoolwide News
University Guidance: Upcoming Events (External)
The following events are suitable and available to students and parents of students in Y10-Y12 and K09-K11:
GERMANY: JACOBS UNIVERSITY
Web Sessions
At Jacobs University Bremen students from over 110 nations study in an English-speaking, close-knit campus community. Our top-ranked study programs, individual academic advising, and early research involvement prepare you for a successful international career. Explore Jacobs University online from the comfort of your home and get guidance along the application process.
Join our web sessions, all of which will be followed by a Q&A. After you registered, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to join the web session on Zoom before the start of each session. Even if the time does not suit you, register to get a recording of the sessions.
Participation is open to students from grades 10 and above, it is free of charge. Participants will be awarded a participation certificate.
The following sessions will be offered:
- Biomedicine: Importance of enzymes in cancer therapy – Thursday 21 April 3:00pm CET (9:00pm HKT)
- Geoscience: Is deep-sea mining a sustainable alternative? – Thursday 21 April 4:00pm CET (10:00pm HKT)
- Information Technology: Shannon's information theory – Monday 25 April 3:00pm CET (9:00pm HKT)
- Method from Procurement Logistics – Tuesday 26 April 6:00pm CET (Wednesday 27 April 12:00am HKT)
- Insta Live: Life in Bremen and Around – Thursday 28 April 3:00pm CET (9:00pm HKT)
For registration and more information about the content, click here.
HK: THE CENTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GIFTED AND TALENTED, HKUST
Enrichment Program for Gifted Learners (EPGL) – Online Summer Program 2022
This program offered by The Center for the Development of the Gifted and Talented (CDGT), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology will commence in coming July and August, and is now open for online application.
EPGL offers workshops and short courses in Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities & Arts, Life Science, Mathematics and Physics. Students will have the chance to explore the area they are interested in under the guidance of professional instructors and have a taste of the learning and teaching style of a university. All EPGL courses will adopt online teaching and learning mode this summer.
Students can apply for the course(s) by themselves. For application procedures, more details of individual courses and financial assistance, please visit:
cdgt.hkust.edu.hk/eng/EPGL (English)
cdgt.hkust.edu.hk/chi/EPGL (Traditional Chinese)
Deadline for application: 29 April
HK: HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (HKUST)
HKUST Summer Institute 2022 for Senior Secondary School Students – Online Teaching Mode
HKUST Summer Institute aims at providing an opportunity for high school students to experience learning and teaching at HKUST and prepare them for future study. More than 4,500 senior secondary school students have participated in our Institute since 2012. We are eager to extend this inspiring and enjoyable summer experience to high school students who are interested in experiencing life at HKUST.
A wide range of credit-bearing courses are offered and delivered by our faculty members from the Schools of Science, Engineering, Business and Management, as well as Humanities and Social Science. In addition to learning new scopes of knowledge, students can broaden their perspectives, and develop their social and professional networks through our online courses. Aspiring students are welcome to apply and the course credit(s) earned can be counted towards their undergraduate studies at HKUST in the future.
Program Period: 15 – 22 August
Course Period: 15 – 20 August
Morning Session: 9:30am – 11:40am; Afternoon Session: 1:00pm – 3:10pm
Final Assessment Day: 22 August
Application commences on 31 March through 19 May. An early bird discount is available to successful applications submitted on or before 14 April.
For details about courses offered, please click here.
UK: FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Robotics & Computing Taster Session
Monday 11 April 6:00pm HKT
Join Computing Lecturer, Matt Watkins, for a lively and immersive introduction to robotics and computing at Falmouth University. Broadcasting live from Falmouth’s robotics lab, this taster session will include a virtual tour of Falmouth’s cutting-edge facilities, an introduction to the different subjects available and even some live demos from current students of their latest projects…
This is a fantastic opportunity for students considering their options to get a real taste of what it’s like to study these subjects at degree level. The registration deadline for this session is on Friday 8 April 11:55pm UKT (Saturday 9 April 6:55am HKT).
UK: NEW COLLEGE OF THE HUMANITIES
Accelerate London: Summer School 2022
25-29 July
Taking part in a summer school is an excellent way to learn new skills, increase your intercultural understanding, and build diverse networks. Try something new or challenge yourself to rise to a higher level in an existing area of interest.
NCH London’s Accelerate Summer Schools are designed for talented students in their penultimate year of secondary education (Year 12 in the English education system) who have a high calibre of academic potential, a passion for their chosen field, and who want to give themselves an edge in their university application.
Pick your Summer School:
Sustainability, Technology, and the Future: Perspectives from Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Find out more and apply here.
Law
Find out more and apply here.
UK: UNIVERSITY OF BATH
International Summer School
1-5 August
This is a one-week programme that aims to provide prospective international students with an insight into studying and student life at the University of Bath. This is a free, online programme focusing on five course areas offered at the University, consisting of a programme of academic activities, general sessions on applying to and studying in the UK and having contact with current students at the University. You will also be able to engage with your peers looking to studying a similar course to you.
Applications are now open and will close on 31 May. This is an invaluable opportunity for students aiming to enrol in university in 2023 to get a guaranteed conditional offer from Bath.
Please see more details and apply here.
Engineering Taster Lectures
These are exclusively for Hong Kong students.
- Civil Engineering – Intelligent materials: The example of biomimetic self-healing concrete
Friday 8 April 7:00pm-8:00pm HKT
- Student Life Panel: Engineering students share their experiences
Thursday 28 April 7:00pm-8:00pm HKT
- Mechanical Engineering: What is Mechanical Engineering?
Thursday 5 May 7:00pm-8:00pm HKT
USA: BATES, CLAREMONT MCKENNA, COLGATE, WESLEYAN
Bates College, Claremont McKenna College, Colgate University, and Wesleyan University are hosting a series of virtual offerings designed specifically for international audiences.
Beginning this month, our six virtual programs will include topics like the liberal arts and sciences; holistic admission process and standardized testing; financial aid and early decision; and a panels featuring current students and recent alumni from all of our institutions.
Please see more information about each program and register here.
 Claire Wilkins |
 Beatrice Ugolini |
German International Stream
From Head of Stream
Dear Parents
Easter is just around the corner, and we are going into a well-deserved holiday. Many of us will probably spend this time in Hong Kong, as we did in the past two years, and once again intensively explore the city and its surroundings. But perhaps there will also be good rest and relaxation on the agenda, as we leave behind ten to eleven weeks of online learning and, on top of that, written and oral examinations in our upper Secondary Department. It is once again admirable how everyone – the students, the teachers as well as the parents - have faced the various difficulties of the past weeks and overcome the school challenges together.
Ahead of us now lies the reasonable hope of the return to face-to-face teaching. The next few days will certainly bring more clarity on the guidelines for teaching after the holidays, which will influence our scenarios for reopening the school. Of course, we will keep you informed and do our utmost to end the school year with the maximum extent of face-to-face teaching.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mrs Dellinger back to our GSD team. Returning from her maternity leave of a few months, she has resumed the school counselling work in the German Secondary this week. Welcome back! At the same time, I would like to thank Mrs Neumann-Hillebrand for stepping in for Mrs Dellinger over the past months and for always being a competent and thoughtful supporter to our students in all matters of well-being. After the Easter holidays, Mrs Neumann-Hillebrand will focus on the Kindergarten and Primary Department again and will be available to advise our youngest students.
I wish you all a happy Easter and look forward to the children returning to Pok Fu Lam and the Peak soon.
| Grit Cichon Deputy Principal / Head of German International Stream |
Kindergarten Corner
Dear Parents
Easter is just around the corner, and we are all looking forward to this well-deserved Easter holiday with the hope of an end to online lessons. You may have heard that the School resumption will be staggered but we still do not have an official confirmation yet. We will contact you as soon as we have news regarding the opening of Kindergarten.
After the Easter holidays, we are happy to welcome two new staff members to our Kindergarten. Ms Jane Kuehne will be a Floating Teaching Assistant in the German International Stream, and Ms Georgina D'Souza a Teaching Assistant with Ladybirds in the English International Stream. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Ms Sophie Blackburn today, as she will be joining the Australian International School as a Primary Teacher.
The Kindergarten team would like to convey their warmest thoughts to you and your family during this festive season. Have a joyous celebration with your family, and Happy Easter.
 Sophie Burdel |
 Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
Dear Parents
We have made it to a well deserved Easter break with wonderful weather in the week ahead! Our students and teachers have worked very hard this past nine weeks and have done a fantastic job with their online learning. We do hope that we will all be able to return to campus after the break.
Unfortunately, we do not have any further guidelines from the EDB/CHP on the resumption of face to face learning. Therefore, we ask for your patience, as we anticipate receiving the guidelines next week. After their receipt, we will then refine our plans. Please look for an email from us during the second week of our holidays with all of the necessary information regarding the resumption of face to face learning.
We wish you all a wonderful Easter break and hope to see you all in person again.
 Priska Erni |
 Beate Weinhardt |
Departmental News and Announcements
Looking for what's been going on in class this month?
Secondary Corner
Departmental News and Announcements
English International Stream
Kindergarten Corner
Dear Parents
Easter is just around the corner, and we are all looking forward to this well-deserved Easter holiday with the hope of an end to online lessons. You may have heard that the School resumption will be staggered but we still do not have an official confirmation yet. We will contact you as soon as we have news regarding the opening of Kindergarten.
After the Easter holidays, we are happy to welcome two new staff members to our Kindergarten. Ms Jane Kuehne will be a Floating Teaching Assistant in the German International Stream, and Ms Georgina D'Souza a Teaching Assistant with Ladybirds in the English International Stream. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Ms Sophie Blackburn today, as she will be joining the Australian International School as a Primary Teacher.
The Kindergarten team would like to convey their warmest thoughts to you and your family during this festive season. Have a joyous celebration with your family, and Happy Easter.
|
Sophie Burdel |
Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
Dear Parents
We have made it to a well deserved Easter break with wonderful weather in the week ahead! Our students and teachers have worked very hard this past nine weeks and have done a fantastic job with their online learning. We do hope that we will all be able to return to campus after the break.
Unfortunately, we do not have any further guidelines from the EDB/CHP on the resumption of face to face learning. Therefore, we ask for your patience, as we anticipate receiving the guidelines next week. After their receipt, we will then refine our plans. Please look for an email from us during the second week of our holidays with all of the necessary information regarding the resumption of face to face learning.
 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
Student Achievements & Initiatives
Winner of 24-Hour Race
Alexis Lee (Year 11)
Congratulations to the Knight Runners from Y11 GSIS for coming in First Place in the 24 Hour Race Event organized by "Running To Stop The Traffik (RTST)". RTST is a student-run charity initiative aiming to raise awareness around the world about human trafficking and slavery through an endurance type sports event.
The team won First Place for both total funds raised (HK$39,100) and distance covered (742.18km) in the run from March 25 - 27, by a big margin (Second place at HK$20,900 and 480.9km).
The Knight Runners Team from Y11 GSIS:
- Alexis, Camille, Charlotte, David (missing from photo), Declan, Edgar, Mattias and Soracha -
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Knight-Runners-2.jpg
(Click thumbnail/s to enlarge image)
Wellbeing Corner
The Power of Words
From heartbreak to happiness, poetry has helped people heal and connect over common human experiences. To coincide with spring, we leave you with a selection of poems celebrating renewal and hope, as well as a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
We wish you a restful holiday and look forward to the positive changes ahead.
Excerpt from A Prayer in Spring by Robert Frost
Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.
Excerpt from To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donoghue
This is the time to be slow,
Lie low to the wall
Until the bitter weather passes.
Try, as best you can, not to let
The wire brush of doubt
Scrape from your heart
All sense of yourself
And your hesitant light.
If you remain generous,
Time will come good;
And you will find your feet
Again on fresh pastures of promise,
Where the air will be kind
And blushed with beginning.
The Orange by Wendy Cope
At lunchtime I bought a huge orange
The size of it made us all laugh.
I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave—
They got quarters and I had a half.
And that orange it made me so happy,
As ordinary things often do
Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park
This is peace and contentment. It’s new.
The rest of the day was quite easy.
I did all my jobs on my list
And enjoyed them and had some time over.
I love you. I’m glad I exist.
Untitled by Kitty O'Meara
And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.
And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.
Your School Counsellors
