CONTENTS
- Principal's Column
- Schoolwide News
- German International Stream
- English International Stream
- 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 #98
28th April 2023Principal's Column
Dear School Community
The Easter Holidays were an excellent occasion for many families to spend time with immediate or extended family at home or abroad. I hope you and your children could take this time to re-energize. I also had a wonderful time with my wife.
I wish the students of Y13 and Y11 all the best in the upcoming exams and good success for the students of K12 in their preparation for the forthcoming final oral exams.
With this short update, I remain until the next Gazette.
With best regards
| Dr Dirk Bennhardt Principal |
Schoolwide News
A Message from the University Guidance Team
ADMISSION INFORMATION SESSIONS
1) NYU Student Information Session & Reception (in-person, in HK)
Date & Time: Tuesday, 2 May 2023, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Venue: Chinese International School
Please register here
2) Introduction to studying law at UCL Laws (in- person, in HK)
Date & Time: Wednesday, 3 May 2023, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Venue: United Centre
Please register here
3) NCAA EC Webinar - Student-Athlete and Families Webinar
Date & time: Sunday, 30 April 2023
Please register here
ENRICHMENT & ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
1) AI Summer Program Taught by Stanford Alumni (in-person in HK)
Date: 3 - 14 July 2023
Venue: Christian Alliance International School
Please apply here
2) HATCH Talent Development Programme - Summer Microbiome Institute for Secondary Students, CUHK (in-person, HK)
Date: 14 - 25 August 2023 (except Saturday and Sunday)
Venue: Microbiota I-Center, Hong Kong Science Park
Please register here
3) Rensselaer Architecture Career Discovery Program (in-person & online)
In-person session: 10 - 21 July 2023
Please register here
Online session: 24 July - 4 August 2023
Please register here
4) The Global Leadership Internship (GLI) (online)
Date: The tentative date for this program is 24 July - 11 August 2023
Please find the details for all events in the attached PDF.
 Claire Wilkins |
 Beatrice Ugolini |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Introduction-of-HATCH_ENG_revised.pdf, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SMI-A3-Poster.pdf, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GI_E-Brochure.pdf, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Gazette-98-PDF.pdf
House Mascots
Breaking News! These loveable, huggable house mascots have just landed on our Online Shop! Featuring each house animal, all proceeds will go to the GSIS Annual Fund to help upgrade the school's facilities and fund student programmes. Be sure to check them out!
|
Advancement Advancement |
City Nature Challenge 2023
This weekend, the City Nature Challenge 2023 is taking place! This event is an international citizen science competition where people from all over the world use photography to capture the biodiversity in their city; we encourage our students to participate and support Hong Kong in the event. The Challenge is a great opportunity for students to appreciate Hong Kong’s nature, while also learning about citizen science and biodiversity.
The City Nature Challenge operates on the iNaturalist app, a biodiversity database funded by the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic where citizen scientists upload geo-tagged observations of wildlife. This database is used by other scientists in research, for identifying interesting animals or even tracking invasive species.
Here is a link to an information sheet / directory with more information about the City Nature Challenge.
|
Simon Misso-Veness Deputy Principal, Head of English International Stream |
Preview: Musical "Kwela"
The ECA “Music Theatre” has rehearsed since the beginning of the school year with students from K05-K07 and will present the African musical “Kwela” on Wednesday, 31 May 2023 in L6/7 and L9/10. Students from K04-K08/Y05-Y09, as well as all teachers and parents, are welcome to join.
|
Veronika Fehse Head of Music, Music Teacher, German Teacher |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kwela-Plakat-Eltern.pdf
Turkey and Syria Earthquake: Appeal
Recently, Turkey and Syria have experienced a 7.8 Magnitude earthquake, killing over 57,300 people. This makes it the deadliest natural disaster in Turkey's modern history. Although it has been 2 months since the earthquake, both countries will need at least 8 months to recover from this devastating earthquake. Therefore, we will be hosting a drive to donate essential goods to Crossroads Foundation, a Hong Kong based, non-profit organisation serving global needs.
We would appreciate the donation of the following kits or individual items within the kits, and please place them in a sealed Ziploc bag or in their original packaging.
| Back To School Kit | Hygiene Kit | Miscellaneous Items |
| 3x pencils | 2x Toothbrushes | New/used Children’s library books* |
| 3x pens | 2x Toothpaste | First Aid Kit |
| 1x pencil sharpener | 2x bars of soap | Safety Pins |
| 1x ruler | 2x face cloths/small towels | Bandages |
| 3x exercise books | 1x feminine sanitary napkins | Scissors |
| 1x glue stick | 2x disposable razors | Disposable Gloves |
| 1x set of colour pens/pencils/crayons | 1x small packet of washing powder |
* in good condition
The kits can be dropped off starting Monday, 8 May 2023 at the Lower Building Reception Area (Secondary) and at the entrance of the Upper Building (Primary). Thank you in anticipation of your support.
|
Isabella Hou (Y09D) and Athena Chan (Y09C) Students |
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 and now celebrates 60 years of cultural exchange and collaboration between Germany and Hong Kong. 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. All current GSIS students can enjoy a 10% discount for any of their German courses.
Read More
Kinderspiel Jenga Offer
In partnership with Kinderspiel, take home this Positive Affirmation Jenga set which comes with encouraging phrases engraved on its blocks. Stack them in a tower and ask a player to remove a block in standard Jenga fashion, while reading and improving your self-esteem. Not only does it inspire positivity, but it also builds hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills!
Kinderspiel will generously donate 20% of the proceeds to GSIS to help upgrade the school's facilities and fund student programmes.
Available until 31 Dec 2023.
German International Stream
Kindergarten Corner
The first half of our literature festival is over. We look forward to another week of exciting stories, surprise story readers, and fantastic door decorations. Please remember to upload and share photos of your cosy and extreme reading at home, and to complete the Book Week, dress your child as their favourite book character at the Assembly Dress-up Day on Friday, 5 May 2023.
In addition to the activities already mentioned in our Parent's letter, the following author readings will also take place:
Wednesday, 1 May: Author Visit at PFL Campus, Conny Wong
Wednesday, 10 May: Online reading by German author Katja Alves (GIS only)
The preparations for the Mother's Day celebrations have also begun, and soon you, dear mothers, will receive your invitation. We wish you a relaxing long weekend.
 Sophie Burdel |
 Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
We have had an excellent start to the last school year. The children seem to have matured over the Easter holidays and are looking forward to starting their learning immediately.
Book Week
From 8 May onwards, books will again be at the centre of our learning. All classes from DVOR-K04 will participate in an online author reading. We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Katja Alves will be reading from her books. You can find more information about the book week from our library coordinators in the article.
Parents' talk - Tuesday, 9 May 2023, 8:15 to 9:15 am
"Helping Children Grow Their Bravery. Challenges and Strategies for Caregivers."
As part of the upcoming Book Week, we are pleased to invite you to a parent talk by Dr. Melissa Giglio. You have already received the invitation with registration and the opportunity to purchase her book via email this week.
We look forward to seeing you at school for the talk and another excellent week promoting and celebrating our love of literature and the joy of reading.
 Priska Erni |
 Beate Weinhardt |
Departmental News and Announcements
Looking for what's been going on in class this month?
Secondary Corner
Unlike the DFB men's team, the students of the GSD can once again report outstanding achievements, following their 1st place in the "Jugend debattiert" competition.
In the "Diercke Wissen" competition, Samuel Cheung (K10) impressively demonstrated his talent for geography. He reached the finals after several selection rounds and represented GSIS in the worldwide competition. Among all German Schools Abroad (this year, there were 36 participating schools with about 4,000 students), he came in second place, a hair's breadth behind last year's winner. An outstanding achievement! Samuel is the youngest finalist - so in the next two years, he will have the opportunity to win the golden title.
Congratulations from the entire GSD staff.
 Udo Krebs |
 Arnold Leitner |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
English International Stream
Kindergarten Corner
The first half of our literature festival is over. We look forward to another week of exciting stories, surprise story readers, and fantastic door decorations. Please remember to upload and share photos of your cosy and extreme reading at home, and to complete the Book Week, dress your child as their favourite book character at the Assembly Dress-up Day on Friday, 5 May 2023.
In addition to the activities already mentioned in our Parent's letter, the following author readings will also take place:
Wednesday, 1 May: Author Visit at PFL Campus, Conny Wong
Wednesday, 10 May: Online reading by German author Katja Alves (GIS only)
The preparations for the Mother's Day celebrations have also begun, and soon you, dear mothers, will receive your invitation. We wish you a relaxing long weekend.
|
Sophie Burdel |
Eileen Mah |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
Primary Corner
We have had an excellent start to the final term of the school year. The children all seem to have matured over the Easter break and are excited to jump right into their learning! Last week Year 3 had their day camp at Tai Tam and they were all so willing to try new things and push the boundaries of their comfort zones. We were all impressed with their positive attitudes; they were a credit to the school. Year 5 will have their opportunity to impress us next week when they head off on our first overnight camp since the pandemic!
Book Week: 8 to 12 May 2023
Please see the information in the Gazette article from our Library coordinators for details of our upcoming Book Week.
Parent Talk: Tuesday, 9 May 2023, 8:15 to 9:15 am
“Helping Children Grow Their Bravery. Challenges and Strategies for Caregivers.”
Please check your inboxes for details of the upcoming talk for parents by Dr. Melissa Giglio as part of Book Week. Dr. Giglio, co-author of the book ‘Bravery Grows’, will share some valuable tools and strategies to help children deal with worry and anxiety. Dr. Giglio and Daisy Geddes will also hold sessions for children in school. To register for the parent talk, please sign up on this link by Thursday, 4 May 2023.
We look forward to seeing you in school for the parent talk and to another excellent week celebrating our love of literature and the Joy of reading.
 Donna Morley |
 Eleanor Cowling |
Attachments
https://www.gsis.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bravery-grows.pdf
Departmental News and Announcements
Looking for what's been going on in class this week?
Secondary Corner
I hope that everyone had a good Easter break and that the final term of the year has started well.
The final months of the year will, as always, be dominated by examinations. As I write, the Y10 and Y12 students are coming to the end of their formal school exams and can expect their results in the coming weeks. It is important that, when students receive their results for these exams, they interpret the results in context. The Y10 and Y12 exams mark roughly the halfway point of the courses and are very much steps on a journey rather than ends in themselves. Students who have excelled should be rightly pleased but should also beware of complacency and acknowledge the hard work and learning still to come. Equally, students who have not achieved the scores that they were hoping for should not be downhearted or dispirited but should rather work with their teachers to evaluate the area(s) in need of improvement and work towards developing in these in the months and years to come.
The Y11 IGCSE and Y13 IBDP exams are beginning (or will have begun in the former case by the time you receive this) and we wish them the very best of luck for these substantial public examinations. The results can be expected in early July for Y13 and in mid to late August for Y11.
In other news, I am pleased to report that we have completed our teacher recruitment for the next academic year and, whilst we will be sorry to lose a few valued teachers, we have successfully recruited experienced and highly qualified replacements. I will share short biographies in the next Gazette.
 Ken Stevenson |
Departmental News and Announcements
No updates / announcements this week
