CONTENTS
- Principal's Column
- Schoolwide News
- German International Stream
- English International Stream
- Highlights of the Week
Connect with GSIS
Our Y13 leavers took to the roof for a friendly, yet competitive, football match ⚽ against a team of cross-stream faculty. There were goals and tackles, but most importantly, laughter and handshakes all around. Best of luck to our Y13 final-year students as their journey in Secondary soon comes to an end.
#GSIS #GermanSwissInternationalSchool #InternationalSchool #HongKong #EducationalExcellence
GSIS Gazette – Issue #95
3rd March 2023Principal's Column
Dear School Community
Sometimes it is nice to report that the school is operating as it should and that students, teachers and staff are playing their part in optimising the lessons and any special events.
… There was only a false fire alarm.
Nevertheless, last Friday, before the start of school, we had a spectacular delay to the typical school day. Unfortunately, a small group of students accidentally set off the fire alarm in a careless act. However, the benefit of this incident was that the escape route and plan could be tested for sustainability. In collaboration with the student body and the Administration Team, the prefects and teachers ensured the process was smooth and everyone was back in their classroom just after 8 am. We will unlikely beat the time of evacuation, attendance taking, analysis and return to the school in the future.
The end of the mask mandate
With great relief, I welcomed the news of the end of the mask mandate in Hong Kong. It was a fantastic experience to see the students' faces and perceive all the facial expressions for the first time. With the help of modern science and vaccinations, the risk of infection is now minimal. Nevertheless, I would ask all school community members who have had direct contact with an infected person to wear a mask on the school premises.
With best regards
| Dr Dirk Bennhardt Principal |
Schoolwide News
A Community of Giving
Corporate Philanthropy
In addition to personal donations where we continue to welcome your generosity, alternative ways to show your support is by incorporating a GSIS education into your corporate philanthropy efforts. Many community members have successful careers, and we ask that you join us in this shared commitment to help raise money for the school. We are looking for partners in any of the following ways:
- Corporate Donations - cash or in-kind donations of goods or services which would go towards fundraising initiatives
- Giving Campaign - a percentage on service or retail products to go to the school
- School Grant - proceeds to help upgrade the facilities
- Scholarship Programme - support children in need financially to enable a GSIS education
Please reach out to the Advancement team at advancement@gsis.edu.hk or 2825 8116.
GSIS Dragon Boat Team
The Board of the GSIS Association would like to revive the GSIS dragon boat team and see who would be interested in training, competing and showing school pride. Y12/13, K11/12, employees and alumni are invited to sign-up for this tradition once again, representing GSIS at competitions across Hong Kong in 2023!
Click here if you are interested!
60 Years Goethe-Institut Hong Kong & 10% Discount
The Goethe-Institut Hong Kong opened its doors in 1963 as the official German cultural institute in Hong Kong. This year, the Institut celebrates its 60 years of cultural exchange and collaboration between Germany and Hong Kong. To mark this important milestone, they have, together with our long-term supportive partners, prepared a full range of cultural programmes for the general public, and we cordially invite you to join them in the year-long celebration in 2023! Find out more on their website!
10% Discount for GSIS Students
The Goethe-Institut Hong Kong is now offering new German language courses for children and teens in the coming term. All current GSIS students can enjoy a 10% discount for any of their German courses.
Read More
Wellbeing Week 2023
Last week we celebrated Wellbeing Week / Wohlfühlwoche, with a focus on reconnecting with one another and building healthy relationships. The week contained many special experiences designed to enhance connections, inspire joy and tune into personal wellbeing in all its forms.
A highlight in the primary was the amazing dance classes led by the Ballroom Bees. Their positive energy was infectious. It had everyone in the Upper Building moving their feet and swinging their arms to the latest musical hits. In secondary, students enjoyed a variety of wellbeing-related activities such as yoga, k-pop, drumming, and capoeira, along with mental health workshops on self-compassion and positive psychology.
Another highlight from the week was the cross-stream and cross-department team-building activities where much laughter and cheering could be heard. Students left these experiences knowing more names, recognising more faces, and feeling more connected to our GSIS community.
Check out these photos for a closer glimpse into Wellbeing Week 2023. A huge thank you to all the workshop facilitators, and to students and staff for their enthusiasm and openness in embracing the spirit of Wellbeing Week.
|
Paige Marquard EPD School Counsellor |
Easter Camps 2023 - Enrollment Open
GSIS EASTER CAMP 2023
When: 3, 4 and 6 April 2023, 9:00 am to 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: Until Friday, 10 March 2023
Please book here or contact ecacoordinator@gsis.edu.hk, afternoonactivities@gsis.edu.hk or +852 2180 0506. Siblings of GSIS, please contact our Student Services Team regarding booking.
EASTER SWIMMING CAMP (BY JET WAVE SOLUTION)
In addition to the GSIS Easter Camp, we are excited to offer an 'Easter Swimming Camp (by Jet Wave Solution)' at the GSIS from 11 to 14 April 2023 for GSIS students and their siblings from 5-11 years (Y01-Y06 / DVOR-K05). For more information and camp fees, please scan the QR code or contact jetwavesolution2021@gmail.com.
EASTER CAMP ‘Voice Acting & Sound Effects, Comedy Edition’ (BY BABEL FILM WORKSHOP LIMITED)
When: Tuesday, 11 April to Friday, 14 April 2023, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (total 10 hours)
Course Fee: HK$ 3,500 per person
Min/Max participants number: 6/12
Year groups: K03-K05 and Y04-Y06
How are the voices and sounds created for animated movie characters? Many students have seen animations from Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks before, but only some can claim to have made their own voices and sounds for them. In this Easter camp, students will learn to bring comedic animated characters to life using their own voices and sounds.
Please book via SchoolsBuddy or contact ecacoordinator@gsis.edu.hk, afternoonactivities@gsis.edu.hk or +852 2180 0506.
Please find more details about all events here.
|
Angelin, Emily, Minerva and Conny STUDENT SERVICES TEAM |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSIS-Easter-Camp-2023_daily-schedule-example.pdf, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Easter-Camp-Babel-Film-Workshop_2023-1.pdf
A Letter from the University Guidance Team
ADMISSION INFORMATION SESSIONS
1) ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA: STUDY IN AUSTRIA
2) UCL PSYCHOLOGY TASTER LECTURE
3) DURHAM AND MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY VISIT
4) FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY: STUDY IN GERMANY I
5) EDUCATION SUISSE: STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
6) GERMAN CONSULATE GENERAL HONG KONG: STUDY IN GERMANY II
More details about the above events, organised by the University Counselling Team, can be found here. Please visit this page regularly to stay updated.
7) FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITÄT ERLANGEN-NÜRNBERG- ‘CLEAN ENERGY PROCESSES’ DEGREE PROGRAMS
Applications are open from April 9, 2023, and Zoom information sessions are available for more information. To know more please click here.
ENRICHMENT & ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
1) UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (WEBINAR)
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2023
Please click here to register.
2) US WOMEN'S COLLEGES ALUMNAE PANEL BY CDNIS
Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2023, 6:00 pm
Venue: Leo Lee Arts Centre (LLAC)
3) JUSTICE CENTRE - LAWYER FOR A DAY: MOCK TRIAL EXPERIENCE 2023
Dates: 3 and 6 April 2023
Please click here to register.
4) JUSTICE CENTRE - YOUNG ADVOCATES SUMMER CAMP
Dates: Between Jun-Aug 2023.
For more information please contact events@justicecentre.org.hk.
5) UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK PRE-UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL
Dates: 18-28 Jul 2023
To apply please click here.
More details about the above events can be found in the attached PDF.
 Claire Wilkins |
 Beatrice Ugolini |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CEP-flyer.pdf, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Womens-Colleges-Panel-by-CDNIS.pdf, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/University-Guidance-Events.pdf
World Book Day - Special Bookazine Offer
To celebrate World Book Day in the UK and International World and Copyright Day, Bookazine offers a special rate for the GSIS community. Parents, students and staff may use the promo code GSIS15 to enjoy a 15% discount for purchases at the online shop https://bookazine.com.hk.
Validity period: 2-12 March 2023 and 21-30 April 2023. The offer is not applicable for fixed-price items and valid for online purchases only.
| Caroline Chan |
Kinderspiel Jenga Offer
The Kinderspiel Positive Affirmation Jenga comes with encouraging phrases engraved on blocks to inspire positivity and builds fine motor skills. 20% of all purchases will be donated to GSIS (valid until 31 December 2023).
German International Stream
From Head of Stream
Dear parents
Last week was all about mindfulness and wellbeing for the students at the Peak Campus. Our traditional Wellbeing Week could finally take place in person again with an exciting programme on offer that the Primary and Secondary Department students enjoyed thoroughly. During lessons and breaks, colleagues addressed different topics and offered various activities that promote children's mental health and wellbeing. I want to take the opportunity to thank the entire Faculty who once again supported the Wellbeing Week with fantastic commitment and care. I want to say a very special thank you to the Health and Wellbeing Group for the comprehensive and successful organisation, and to Ms. Dellinger and Ms. Neumann-Hillebrand for their dynamic engagement with all the classes during the week.
The departments will hold their second Parent Information Day in the coming weeks. As usual, our colleagues will be available to you to have a trusting conversation and give feedback about your child's learning journey.
| Grit Cichon Deputy Principal / Head of German International Stream |
Kindergarten Corner
On 1 March, the Hong Kong Government ended the mask mandate, and the Kindergarten children and staff members welcomed this with great joy. The social interaction can finally now return to normal. Our children will significantly benefit, especially in language development.
Our Sports Day and 2nd Parents' Information Days are on the agenda in March. We will send you more detailed information regarding both events via email shortly.
Please continue with the daily RATest until March 15 inclusive. Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy your first maskless weekend in Hong Kong.
 Sophie Burdel |
 Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
Wellbeing week
It was a successful week where many new connections and experiences were made through cross-stream and cross-department activities. Unfortunately, the lessons with Amber, "Mindfulness and Yoga", had to be postponed until after the Easter break. We thank all the students who shared kind notes generously to friends, teachers and family.
Sports Days
We look forward to welcoming you to the Primary Sports Days on Thursday, 9 March (Y01-Y03 & DVOR-K02) and Friday, 10 March (Y04-Y06 & K03-K04). Both days will begin at 8:45 am and finish at 1:00 pm, students must be picked up from Stanley Ho Sports Ground. Children should dress in their house shirts/colours and parents are encouraged to do the same.
Please remember to complete the Google forms below with details of who is collecting your child.
Parent Information Days
In the school weeks of 13-24 March, you can learn more about your child's progress at school. Please book your appointment via Calendly.
Chinese New Year Donation
We are delighted to announce that with our Chinese New Year Lai See collection, we raised HKD 37,020, which will benefit the "The Hong Kong Student Aid Society Limited". We thank you and your children very much for your generosity towards this worthy cause. The donations will help children and youth with less fortunate backgrounds.
 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
Departmental News and Announcements
English International Stream
Kindergarten Corner
On 1 March, the Hong Kong Government ended the mask mandate, and the Kindergarten children and staff members welcomed this with great joy. The social interaction can finally now return to normal. Our children will significantly benefit, especially in language development.
Our Sports Day and 2nd Parents' Information Days are on the agenda in March. We will send you more detailed information regarding both events via email shortly.
Please continue with the daily RATest until March 15 inclusive. Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy your first maskless weekend in Hong Kong.
|
Sophie Burdel |
Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
Wellbeing week
Last week we celebrated a successful wellbeing week with many opportunities to strengthen connections between streams and departments. We particularly enjoyed having secondary and Y01 students working with children in the upper building. It was an excellent chance for the Y01s to meet their new Y05 buddies and for Y03 to reconnect with their Y07 buddies!
Other highlights of the week included the excellent 'Ballroom Bees' dancing session and children writing kindness notes to friends, teachers and family. Please see your child's class site for photos of the week.
Hong Kong Young Writers Awards
We received lots of entries for the HKYWA writing and artwork competition. Thank you to all those who participated. Congratulations to Isabella Sun (Y06), who has been shortlisted for the cover art competition. Congratulations to William Ho and Ziya Chadha (Y03), and Jasmine Pun (Y05), who have been shortlisted for the writing competition.
Chinese New Year Charity Donations
We are delighted to announce that with our Chinese New Year Lai See collection, we raised HKD 37,020, which will benefit the "The Hong Kong Student Aid Society Limited". We thank you and your children very much for your generosity in this worthy cause.
Soloist Concert
We have so many talented musicians in school, and it was wonderful to see them perform for live audiences again this week. We were treated to everything from singing to string instruments, and we congratulate all children for their excellent performances. Thank you to Mrs. McLachlan for organising the events and to parents for your support.
Coming Up:
Sports Days
We look forward to welcoming you to the Primary Sports Days on Thursday, 9 March (Y01-Y03 & DVOR-K02) and Friday, 10 March (Y04-Y06 & K03-K04). Both days will begin at 8:45 am and finish at 1:00 pm, students must be picked up from Stanley Ho Sports Ground. Children should dress in their house shirts/colours and parents are encouraged to do the same.
Please remember to complete the Google forms below with details of who is collecting your child.
Parents Information Days
These will take place from 13 - 24 March to discuss the progress children have made this year. Full details and Calendly booking links were emailed on Wednesday - please remember to sign up!
 Donna Morley |
 Eleanor Cowling |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
