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Message from Elias

Dear Mrs Macdonald, Dear H.I.S.,

​In light of my recent graduation I am very thankful for the time I could spend at H.I.S. The conceptual frameworks provided from school helped me immensely with my studies of International Business at Maastricht University.

I realized that this holistic education was the perfect preparation for a successful study. I participated in the Honours Programme and Marble and graduated in June cum laude.

My future plans are to study in a master programme in Paris: International Business in combination with philosophy.

Elias

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Zeitungsfrühstück

...a good way to start the week!

On Monday, the 25th of November, period 1, the grade 9&10 German Language & Literature class enjoyed reading the Rhein-Neckar Zeitung and having breakfast at the same time.

This is one of the students’ highlights of the annual newspaper project with the Rhein Neckar Zeitung and the Stadtsparkasse Heidelberg called “Schüler machen Zeitung.”

But apart from the fun parts of the annual newspaper project there is quite a lot of work to do:

Over a period of six weeks the RNZ sends daily newspapers for the entire class and the students will learn about the structure of a newspaper, about the different types of articles, about a good writing style and how to research interesting topics. Finally each student will write an article which will be submitted to the RNZ in January.

The Rhein-Neckar Zeitung is hosting a competition this year –  24 classes of local schools in Heidelberg will be participating.

A prize of 300 € awaits the article that will be selected by the RNZ as the best one.

Good luck H.I.S. German Junior Journalists!

BK

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Decorate our Skyscraper!

Christmas time is here and the skyscraper is being decorated! Three new special edition Christmas items will soon be available to buy.

As you all know, the skyscraper is displayed on the window in the foyer and you can buy items to place on it. There are already so many items that have been bought to complete the building.

We would like to raise as much money as possible so that we are able to supply everything we need to help build homes for families in Romania and to realize individual projects in Namibia on our CAS trips 2020.

So far we have raised 705 € that will all go towards our CAS trips. Starting Monday the 2nd December, you can buy:

  • a string of lights for only 3€,
  • a Christmas wreath for 5€, and
  • a beautiful snowman for 10€.

These items can be purchased with the order forms that will be sent out with the newsletter and found underneath the skyscraper. There you can also place your order in the black donation box. We would like to thank anyone that has spent their money for the cause, we really appreciate it. Grade 11 encourages you to help us prepare the building for Christmas.

Come decorate the skyscraper!

Kira, grade 11

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International Diversity Club & Cooking Class

During Cultural Diversity Club on a Friday afternoon our MYP students were able to experience German traditions first hand.

Martinsmännchen are one of the customs used in Germany to remember and celebrate St. Martin a Roman soldier who later became bishop and who is known as a man who did many good deeds.This popular sweet treat eaten on and around November 11th and can be purchased in the majority of German bakeries or can also be made easily at home.

Grade 7,8,9 and 10 students were able to form and decorate their own pastry men and had as much fun as their younger schoolmates from EP and Grade 3 in the weeks before.

text, photos, recipe: MM, JE, JK

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A Proud Chess Moment

Schach Bezirksjugend Einzelmeisterschaft U14 - Congratulations Akshat

Last Sunday, I attended a Chess tournament with players from various clubs such as Altlußheim, Viernheim, Großsachsen & Mannheim organised in Viernheim. There were various age group categories.

The tournament I played at consisted of 7 Chess games with different participants. Each game lasted a maximum of 50 mins. (25 min. each participant), kind of a rapid round competition.

I won 6 games out of 7 and achieved 2nd position in the category of Under 14 year old players. I felt very proud of myself at the end of the tournament and was very happy. During the matches I felt very stressed but after winning a couple of rounds, I was more confident.

Akshat, Gr 7

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Visit to the Waldpiraten Camp

On Monday the 11th of November, several Grade 11 students went to hand over a cheque of 4,100€ to the Waldpiraten Camp. The amount was raised by the H.I.S. community. It was a new school record and we felt proud to be able to represent our supportive school community.

When we arrived, two representatives explained the concept of their organization and how our money will benefit them. Afterwards, the students got a tour around the camp where we had the opportunity to see how the children get to spend their time. This included playing games, doing sports activities and making pizza.

We hope to visit the camp again next year and hand over an even bigger amount of money to help support more children.

Blog article by: Grade 11 students

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Parent Workshop with Susie March

Educating Children about Sexuality

Over 30 parents and educators attended our workshop on November 13th. Our guest, Susie March, guided us through helpful ways to engage our children in a deeper understanding of body autonomy and sexuality. Susie also taught 2 lessons during the day and provided professional development for our primary teachers.

Susie has a website (1.) where you can gather some insight on items she shared with us.  These resources point to the importance of having an open dialogue with your children about their bodies, about what makes a healthy relationship and about learning regarding our sexuality. In addition, you can review important guidelines supported by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and what is developmentally normal for your child at various ages (2).  This site also supports the PANTS lessons that were introduced while Susie met with 2 of our primary classes.

Helpful Links:

  1. https://www.susiemarch.com/parents
  2. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/healthy-sexual-behaviour-children-young-people/ 

 

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Konnie Attends PYP Assembly

Konnie came to visit the students in the Primary assemblies this week. For some students this was the first time they had seen Konnie in school.

Miss Von Gizycki explained to the students where Konnie would be and how to act when he is around. The students were excited, but remained calm and that helped Konnie to be calm even with so many people around.

The students had many questions: When is his birthday? Will he come into our class? What does a therapy dog do?

Mrs von Gizycki answered student questions and explained that Konnie is still learning and growing and at the moment he will remain in the Learning Support Room, but by next Spring he should be more obvious around school and will have more contact with students.

In the meantime, we will see Konnie out on walks and around the school building and he will come and visit assemblies again soon! We are excited to see how much bigger he will be next time.

text: AR