After days of rain, the sun was up. And the whole GESM Community was granted a perfect day for the Welcome BBQ and Open House last September 28, 2019. 

Mainly organized by the GEB in collaboration with the School Management, this is only the second time such an event is taking place. It is our way of giving back to the school community and a great opportunity to come together and kick off the school year. 

Everyone enjoyed a good day as the students came out with their parents and joined teachers and friends. A variety of activities were organized such as face painting, balloon art, and game booths like Tickle my Bone Can Smash and Ring Toss to name a few as well as a Streetball challenge among the senior students.

There was also an area for guests to score some great finds at the book flea market as well as a booth selling school items like coffee mugs, hoodies, and lunch bags. 

The new set of school shirts was also made available that day and those in attendance had the opportunity to purchase them first. 

Aside from the informal party happening, a school tour was conducted for new and prospective families. This gave them a glimpse of what GESM has to offer. 

At this point, the GEB would like to thank everyone for spending their weekend at the event and we look forward to a fruitful and productive school year for all. pdtg

Coopération franco-allemande
7D (G.E.S.M). & 5eB (L.F.M.)

Once a month, we meet up with the French class 5eB. Everyone has a partner with whom we are doing the activities. For now, we have done this two times. The partners sat together, talked about their weekend, for example about where they came from, and then presented it in front of the class. In the future, we also want to do projects like cooking or going on a small trip together. It is fun and, as Germans, we learn a lot, too! Almost everybody in the class is happy about those meetings and some of us may have found new friends as well!

(Kassandra, 7D)

Dear Parents,

So much has happened since our last newsletter as we continue to grow and unite as one!

It is with great honour that I announce another important milestone has been achieved this week, as our fearless GESM Secondary students took to the stage to proudly accept their IGCSE and DSD language certificates, in the company of none other than the new German Ambassador to the Philippines, Mrs. Reinffensteul.

One by one, they collected their well-deserved diplomas from either our Head of International Secondary Mr. Buck and our IGCSE officer Mr. Ferrandon or our Deputy Head of the German section Mr. Gabel and our lovely DaF coordinator, Ms. Komicz.

Congratulations to all of you!! We are all so very proud of your achievements!!

GERMAN UNITY DAY

We also had the pleasure of remembering German Unity Day thanks to a well-sought out performance staged by our Head of school, Mr. Frank and performed by our grade 9D and 10d students. All of the secondary watched in admiration as we learned the causes and consequences of Germany's divisive political situation and how it evolved throughout the years. Our students even interviewed the Ambassador and our Head of International, Mr. Buck.

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE

Thank you to all parents, students, and colleagues for our Annual Open House and your contributions! It perfectly embodied our GESM values of international diversity with a variety of foods and intercultural ideas that surrounded us on that event. It is indeed one of our priorities to think as global learners and communicate effectively with one another. We were also introduced to our new GESM uniforms, which will soon be available at our school boutique.

Thank you for your time and cooperation. Without you and your continuous support, we would fall short in introducing our students to new these horizons and perspectives. Our mutual collaboration is essential to their growth.

Together, we will lead them on a strong and sturdy path that will bring them confidence and compassion.

With respect,

Valerie Cornelissen

Secondary International Coordinator

vlaquieze@gesm.org

Parents are our most important partners in creating a meaningful and effective learning environment for the children. Last October 10, a PYP Coffee Morning information session was held in school for parents to have a good look at what the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme is all about. It was a collaborative morning where parents took the role of active and inquiring learners! As a PYP school, we aim to develop not just inquiring, knowledgeable and active lifelong learners but also social-emotional development where children can show care and compassion to help build a better world. By fostering international mindedness, children will be able to develop intercultural understanding and respect for one another despite your cultural backgrounds.  

In the PYP Coffee morning session, parents were active learners as they shared their knowledge of local and global issues. The ideas shared by the parents linked with the six transdisciplinary themes that have global significance around cultures, organizations, natural resources and what it means to be human. Together, we discussed the skills that we would like to children to learn which fall into the different Approaches to Learning of the PYP - positive interpersonal relationships & dealing with emotions (Social Skills), environmental consciousness & staying curious (Research skills), learning to learn & analysing information (Thinking skills), confidence & presentation skills (Communication skills) and courage to do things on their own (organization skills).  

The final part of our info session was to also share the process of our upcoming PYP evaluation visit in May 2020. The programme evaluation will take place to ensure that GESM meets the IB standards and practices at the international primary section. More information will be shared with the school community as we progress nearer the evaluation visit date.

Our next coffee morning will be for the Early Years parents happening after the autumn break.

I look forward to more Coffee mornings with our dear parents to strengthen and build our partnership to support the children. Thank you very much for your valuable time shared with us! 

Mrs.Viola Buck

PYP Coordinator

"WHERE WORLDS LEAVE OFF, MUSIC BEGINS."

WHAT'S NEW?
 
ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music) curriculum is available at the school. 

What is ABRSM? (The ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) is an examinations board and registered charity based in London, UK, which provides examinations in music at centers around the world. ABRSM is one of four accredited examination boards to award graded exams and diploma qualifications in music within the UK's National Qualifications Framework (along with the London College of Music, Rock school Ltd, and Trinity College London).)

Rock Band class is now going on every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 - 4:30.
 
Be part of our growing GESM Youth Ensemble.

The rehearsal schedule will be announced soon. Interested students who want to be a part of this ensemble are expected to have knowledge of reading music and be able to play his/her instrument.
 
WHAT INSTRUMENTS ARE IN THE ENSEMBLE? Violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion.

FOR THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Mrs. Sunshine Ferrandon