CONTENTS
- Principal's Column
- Schoolwide News
- German International Stream
- English International Stream
- Student Achievements & Initiatives
- Highlights of the Week
Connect with GSIS
Hip, hip, hooray! Congratulations to our IBDP Class of 2023 🎓! Last Thursday marked a milestone in the lives of 58 students from our English International Stream as they marched down the stage in the IB Hall. Family and friends were gathered to celebrate this memorable moment. We wish all our graduates the very best as they embark on their next adventure!
#GSIS #GermanSwissInternationalSchool #InternationalSchool #HongKong #EducationalExcellence #InternationalBaccalaureate #IBDP #GraduationDay
Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊
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GSIS Gazette – Issue #92
13th January 2023Principal's Column
Dear school community
In Germany, we say that festivals should be celebrated as festivals fall, meaning that one should take every opportunity to celebrate. In Hong Kong, the New Year is celebrated based on two different cultural origins. I wish you all a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year on both cultural occasions.
Greetings from the Principal's Conference in Berlin
While you are reading my column, I am not in Hong Kong but in Berlin at this year's Principal's Conference of German Schools Abroad. On this occasion, about 140 principals of the German Schools Abroad meet with the German authorities to discuss the different schools work for the coming year. Social networks are established and sometimes decisions are made. For me, this is the first business trip outside Hong Kong and the first opportunity to meet the principals of the German schools in our region in person. - I send you warm greetings from Berlin as the representative of the GSIS.
A sad beginning
The year started on a very sad and shocking note. Our highly regarded colleague Mr. Charles Yorke passed away unexpectedly on 3 January 2023. On behalf of the entire GSIS community, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family once again. Mr. Charles Yorke was an outstanding teacher and a valued colleague. I would like to thank both the students, colleagues, and parents for their respectful way of saying goodbye.
I wish everyone a productive last week in school.
| Dr Dirk Bennhardt Principal |
Schoolwide News
A letter from the University Counselling Office
Virtual Coffee Mornings
The University Counselling Team is looking forward to offering the upcoming series of Virtual Coffee Mornings, where we will focus on university destinations. All parents who would like to know more about these destinations are encouraged to attend, though the sessions will be most relevant to those in Y10-Y12 (K9-K11). Though there may be some small updates from previous destination sessions, much of the content will be similar to that of last year.
These sessions are a great way to understand the pros and cons of applying to different countries, and what is involved in the preparation and application processes. Though we may not offer a Virtual Coffee Morning for all possible destinations, we do have experience in supporting students in making applications around the world, and are happy to meet with families individually to discuss destinations that aren't covered in a larger session i.e. Australia, China etc.
Dates:
1 February 2023 - Destination US
1 March 2023 - Destination UK
3 May 2023 - Destination Canada / Hong Kong
In addition, along with Mr. Jentsch from the GSD, we will be organising some information sessions / workshops over the semester for those interested in more information about universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as information on the Kaplan Business & Accountancy School - German Business Faculty. More information to come after CNY. We look forward to speaking with you at these upcoming events.
Think Cambridge (Online)
Think Cambridge is a three-week long series of webinars to inspire Year 11 (S4/NI/Y12/International Grade 10) and 12 (S5/Lower Sixth/International Grade 11) students to apply to Cambridge.
More information available here.
 Claire Wilkins |
 Beatrice Ugolini |
When we lose someone close to us
Grief is a natural human response to the loss of a loved one, and an experience that at some point we all encounter in life. It can present itself across a wave of different emotions. There are some ways for managing grief and loss:
- Writing a letter to the deceased loved one. Expressing your feelings through a letter. Writing a message about your emotions can be cathartic and aid with coping.
- Journaling about positive memories and experiences with that significant person will help you focus on the good times and the joy your shared together.
- Talk to someone. Sometimes speaking about your feelings may seem extremely challenging. People may feel safer shutting everyone else out during a time of grief. Try and resist that urge and find a confidant to share with.
- Understand that grief affects everybody. Grief is not age-specific, children, teens and adults all grieve. Everyone also has their own unique form of grieving.
- Lend a supportive ear to others. Maybe someone else’s grief doesn’t affect you in the same way or much at all. It’s still important to support your loved ones during this grieving process. Be there to listen and comfort them. This will help them to work through the process.
- Sometimes creative expression can help. We could make a ‘memory bracelet’ that reflects the different emotions we are feeling. You may have heard the term ‘worry beads / Komboloi’. Worry beads traditionally have been used by the Greeks and other cultures for meditation, prayer, and reflection. We wear them in a variety of colours that reflect our mood and emotions, for example yellow for happiness, blue for sadness. We could also wear them in that person’s favourite colour, or to represent their personality, their favourite sports team or an attribute about them which has personal meaning to them and you. How to make your own: gather all your supplies. Cut the ribbon into small strips (about 4-6 inches) to wear each day and decorate it with beads or accessories of choice. Next week if you’d like to drop by the counselling room L405, over a break time, there’ll be an opportunity to make your own with us in in school.
- Meditation (described as compassionate mind-control) can also guide us through the process.
There are a variety of podcasts to choose from that offer a walk through guide on how to process feelings and cultivate a calm and meditative mind. If you would like to talk with someone, please contact your counsellors at ESD_Counsellor@gsis.edu.hk and jdellinger@gsis.edu.hk.
| Dominique Talebli |
Easter Camp 2023 - Open for Enrollment
The GSIS Easter Camp is a wonderful opportunity for GSIS students and siblings to participate in sport and intellectual activities to discover their own strengths and find new interests. We offer a fun-filled Easter break with qualified teachers and a secure environment in our Peak Primary school campus.
Our camp director, Mr. Davidson (Head of Individual Needs and Data Management), along with his team, welcome all students between 5 and 11 years (Y01-Y06 / DVOR-K05) to participate in physical activities (e.g. football, yoga) as well as other fun-filled daily activities (e.g. cooking, arts & crafts, and team trivia challenges).
The GSIS Easter Camp will be held in both English and German, with Mr. Budwill running bilingual sports activities.
| When | 3, 4 and 6 April 2023, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Age Range | 5-11 Years (Y01-Y06 / DVOR-K05) |
| Camp Location | German Swiss International School, 11 Guildford Road, The Peak |
| Camp Fee | HKD 3,500 (GSIS students)
HKD 3,700 (GSIS students’ siblings) |
| Camp Registration | From 13 January 2023 until Friday, 10 March 2023 |
 GSIS Students Book HereSiblings of GSIS, please contact our Student Services Team regarding booking. |
Additional Notes:
- Parents are responsible for the transport to and from the Easter Camp.
- Children must bring their own food and drinks - lunch will NOT be provided by the school.
- Terms & conditions
Find out more on our website!
If any questions please contact our Student Services Team by email at ecacoordinator@gsis.edu.hk or afternoonactivities@gsis.edu.hk or by phone on (852) 2180 0506.
|
Angelin, Emily, Minerva and Conny Student Services Team |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GSIS-Easter-Camp-2023_daily-schedule-example.pdf
German International Stream
Kindergarten Corner
As we are fast approaching the Lunar New Year, we look forward to our Chinese New Year Assembly and the Lion Dance at PFL on Thursday, 19 January 2023. Please dress your child in something red or a Chinese outfit to celebrate the festivities for the day.
Upcoming events:
Thursday, 2 February 2023 - Outing to Safety Town (GKG, Maxi-children)
Friday, 17 February 2023 - Fasching
We are all looking forward to the Chinese New Year Holidays, from 20 to 27 January 2023 and we would like to wish you good health, joy, peace and prosperity in the Year of the Water Rabbit. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
 Sophie Burdel |
 Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
We have had a wonderful start to the New Year, the children came back excited about their travels and celebrations over Christmas and very keen to get stuck into their learning again.
Book Drive
Thank you to everyone who has sent in books for the Human Kind Book Drive organised by our secondary students You still have time until 19 January 2023 to send in your books. More information below.
Chinese New Year charity donations
We will be able to hold our Assembly and Lion Dance with the students again this year on 19 January 2023. We always ask our students to think of others by making Lai See donations to Hong Kong Student Aid Society. We will send a red packet and information home with the children so that they can bring in their donations after the break. More information here.
Covid updates
- Immediately: All children, regardless of vaccination status, will be able to take masks off for PE lessons and sports ECAs/AAs.
- After CNY: All students will again be able to use the Guildford Road entrance. We will no longer use the Watford road entrance before or after school - all pick-ups will be from Guildford Road.
Wohlfühlbuch
In the last school year, we created a wellbeing booklet in German. This book invites children to write down how their day went. It also includes activities to relax (e.g.,. breathing activities, recipes and self-awareness activities) as well as tips for managing emotions such as anger. The children of the K01 class of this year helped demonstrate some of these exercises. Should you be interested in the book you may order a copy directly from Photobook. If you are interested in the book, please fill out this Google Form.
Monika Tavernier
Class homepages
Please have a look at your child's class homepage. Here you will find some updates and many photos.
 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
Half Year Reports
On 19 January, the GSD students will receive their reports for the first half-year of 2022/23. The results reflect the written and oral performances on average for the whole term.
In K05–K09, the reports further reflect the student's work attitude and motivation as well as their social competences such as team spirit and behaviour with their classmates. This information will be integrated in the report via the known student evaluation forms.
We hope that the feedback on the report card will be cause for joy. Should you have questions regarding your child's performance please contact the respective subject teacher(s).
You are also most welcome to contact our counselling & support team, Mrs. Dellinger (School Counsellor / JDellinger@gsis.edu.hk) and Mrs. Jaeschke (Learning Support Teacher / Ljaeschke@gsis.edu.hk).
 Udo Krebs |
 Arnold Leitner |
Departmental News and Announcements
English International Stream
From Head of Stream
In loving memory
Charles Yorke 1972 - 2023
It was with tremendous sadness that we learnt of the passing of Charles Yorke last Tuesday.
Charles had been a teacher at GSIS since 2008 and made a wonderful contribution to the school as a teacher of Mathematics, Theory of Knowledge Coordinator, Head of Tiger House, leader of many Discovery Week trips and dedicated Ball Hockey coach. He was admired by colleagues and students as an outstanding mathematician, a caring teacher, a friendly and supportive co-worker and inspirational coach.
Charles would not have appreciated all this focus on him, but we know that he cared deeply about his work at GSIS and the students he taught as well as the many he did not teach directly. He was always concerned about students’ wellbeing and worked hard to maintain a calm, positive learning environment.
The last time I saw Charles was on the final day of the school year. He was dressed in a Santa Claus costume in support of the Tiger House basketball teams competing in the end-of-year competition. Charles was passionate about building school spirit and would do all he could to nourish it, including service in the Tiger House tug-of-war team.
Charles was a dedicated Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey fan and was a decent player himself in his time. Charles channeled this enthusiasm and expertise into starting the ball hockey team at GSIS and establishing the inaugural ball hockey league in Hong Kong. The ball hockey team soon became a tight-knit group who were dedicated to their coach. We received the following memory from one of the ball hockey league’s referees that sums up Charles’ connection with the team:
During the last full ball hockey season 2020, Charles was so proud of both the ball hockey teams and was always talking about how much they had developed, players he had trained over the past three years. He had the team humming along and was able to get a team buy-in that I had not witnessed in all my years of refereeing this league. Unfortunately, Covid struck and the playoffs were cancelled; I felt both the mixed and girls teams was destined for championship gold. This type of camaraderie among team mates and coach is rare but when it does take place is a sight to behold.
Charles’ room has been taken off the timetable since last week so that students and staff can sign a Book of Remembrance that will be bound and presented to Charles’ wife, Manus. Students have left many messages, flowers and origami gifts in Charles’ memory.
Parents are invited to email me their own messages of condolence over the next week so that these can be included in the book.
After Chinese New Year, we are planning a celebration assembly of Charles’ life and contribution to the school and in order to acknowledge Charles’ unique sense of style, on that day the whole school will be invited to wear the colour purple. We will also mark his memory with an academic award in perpetuity.
It is appropriate to conclude with some words from a former student that sums up what Charles Yorke meant to so many students
Thank you for seeing the potential in us and pushing us to do our best. You brought so much
light and joy into the lives of those who knew you, and we will always be thankful for that.
Rest easy, coach.
Charles is survived by his wife, Manus, mother, Brenda, and brother, Jamie as well as his beloved dogs Jay Jay and Kyle. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
If individuals would like to make a donation to Charles’ family, particularly to help with funeral expenses, please follow the link below:
https://gogetfunding.com/donate-in-memory-of-charles-yorke/
| Simon Misso-Veness Deputy Principal / Head of English International Stream |
Kindergarten Corner
As we are fast approaching the Lunar New Year, we look forward to our Chinese New Year Assembly and the Lion Dance at PFL on Thursday, 19 January 2023. Please dress your child in something red or a Chinese outfit to celebrate the festivities for the day.
Upcoming events:
Thursday, 2 February 2023 - Outing to Safety Town (GKG, Maxi-children)
Friday, 17 February 2023 - Fasching
We are all looking forward to the Chinese New Year Holidays, from 20 to 27 January 2023 and we would like to wish you good health, joy, peace and prosperity in the Year of the Water Rabbit. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
|
Sophie Burdel |
Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
We have had a wonderful start to the New Year, the children came back excited about their travels and celebrations over Christmas and very keen to get stuck into their learning again.
Book Drive
Thank you to everyone who has sent in books for the Human Kind Book Drive organised by our secondary students You still have time until 19 January 2023 to send in your books. More information below.
Chinese New Year charity donations
We will be able to hold our Assembly and Lion Dance with the students again this year on 19 January 2023. We always ask our students to think of others by making Lai See donations to Hong Kong Student Aid Society. We will send a red packet and information home with the children so that they can bring in their donations after the break. More information here.
Covid updates
- Immediately: All children, regardless of vaccination status, will be able to take masks off for PE lessons and sports ECAs/AAs.
- After CNY: All students will again be able to use the Guildford Road entrance. We will no longer use the Watford road entrance before or after school - all pick-ups will be from Guildford Road.
Reports
The Term 1 progress and target reports will be published in Veracross on the last school day. There will be no printed report. You will receive an email on 19 January 2023 with instructions on how to access, download and save the reports.
Staffing update
Jessica Varty will start her maternity leave at the end of January and her class will be taken over for the rest of the year by Jaime-lee Cunningham. She has already been working closely with Y02C and this will be a very smooth transition for the children as they already know her so well. Eura Kim will join us as Y2/3 teaching assistant for the remainder of the school year.
We wish all of our families a happy, healthy and prosperous year of the Rabbit.
 Donna Morley |
 Eleanor Cowling |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GSIS-Book-Drive-Infosheet-1-1.pdf
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Looking for what's been going on in class this week?
Secondary Corner
The start of the school year has unfortunately been dominated by the sad news of Mr. Yorke's sudden and tragic passing. Please refer to Mr. Misso-Veness' article for more details on how we are, and will continue to, commemorate Mr. Yorke. Anyone who worked with, or was taught by, or who simply knew Mr. Yorke will know that we have not only lost a caring and dedicated educator, but also one of the kindest and most generous men we will ever meet.
I would like to thank all parents, students and alumni for their messages of support, sympathy and condolence. This devastating news has brought out the best in our community and I wish to express our thanks for all your support.
Please be assured that any students who were taught by Mr. Yorke will be cared for, both pastorally through our counsellors, class teachers and heads of year, and academically by our other maths and ToK teachers. Students in Y10 and above have been re-allocated to other Maths or ToK groups for the short term at least, and Mr. McGuiggan and Mrs. Tai have kindly stepped in to teach the Y09 and Y07 classes respectively.
Please reach out if you have any concerns.
On other matters:
In the next few days, Y09 and Y11 parents will receive (via email) information on the options process for the IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes which begin in August 2023. You may like to peruse the GSIS website for some details (IGCSE / IB).
Next Thursday, 19 January 2023, parents in Y07-10 and Y12 will receive the first half-year report for their children. As always, the hard copy will travel home with your child, and an electronic copy will be available through Veracross.
Please take the time to read the report comments carefully and to discuss these with your son or daughter. Often, it is easy to focus on the grades themselves, but it is worth noting that all grades at this stage in the various courses are parts of a learning journey that takes at least one more year, and in most cases many years to complete. Y11/13 reports are issued in a few weeks, allowing sufficient time to process and analyse performance in the ongoing mock examinations.
Have a good week - Kung Hei Fat Choi!
 Ken Stevenson |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Student Achievements & Initiatives
Reading Contest K06
Veronika Fehse (Head of Music, Music Teacher, German Teacher)
As every year, this year's reading contest of the K06 classes was held on 9 December 2022 (K06A Mrs. Fehse / K06B Mr. Hahn) in the library forum. Before, two winners were elected from each class. During the contest, the contestants had to read a book of their own choice in the first round, and an unknown text in the second round. All readers have read very engaged, hence the decision for the judges (Mrs. Wrobel / Mrs. Cox) was not easy. The winners were Tobin Sastrawan (K06A) and the runner-up Lilian Xia (K06B). Both are now eligible to participate at the worldwide reading contest of K06 classes - congratulations!
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20221209_111507-scaled.jpg, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20221209_112321-scaled.jpg, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20221209_113228-scaled.jpg
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