Message from Ms Matillon, Director General
Dear Parents,
Looking at our school diary on Monday morning, I was struck by how much we had planned in Secondary: the Gold Duke of Edinburgh hike to the Doldenhorn Hut; the SGIS Cat C Netball competition for Years 7-9; also for Key Stage 3, Book Looks for each year group; the SGIS Cat A Girls and Boys Football 7s competition for Years 12-13; and the Year 13 Parent-Teacher meetings yesterday evening. With such a full calendar, the week has flown by!
Also in Secondary, we celebrated World Mental Health Day yesterday with a “Tea and Talk” event hosted in our Grand Café by Mr Feeney and his Year 12 Form. All students and staff were welcome to attend, and most of us did. Everyone enjoyed the activities and conversations led by Year 12 students and, especially, the hot chocolate prepared with care by Ms Lanfranco.
I am grateful to all of our teachers who worked hard to ensure that each of these events was carefully planned and executed, and I would especially like to thank all the parents who took the time to attend when they could in person or to participate online. Walking around this morning’s Year 8 Book Look, I was delighted, as always, by how proud our children were to show off their work, and I hope these exchanges will lead to many even deeper conversations at home over the weekend about learning in favourite subjects.
Our Year 6 class had a special treat this week with a visit by Ms Fundi, Esme’s mum, who spoke to the children about the human geography of Tanzania. They had the opportunity to taste Tanzanian delicacies and even learnt to say a few words in Swahili. Children were told of the importance of dance in Tanzania as a means of communicating heritage and educating the younger generation. We are fortunate at GES to have so many cultures represented in our community, and it is wonderful to share this richness with our children when we can. Thank you, Ms Fundi – asante!
Our Primary school was abuzz today – pun definitely intended – as the fire brigade was on hand to neutralise an Asian hornets’ nest measuring 1m in diameter. Yesterday, we were alerted to the existence of this nest by an association called Pollinea Action, “une association destinée à la lutte contre le frelon asiatique à Genève”. but upon investigation, they told us that, as the nest is 42m above ground, they were not able to reach it themselves. Thankfully, firefighters responded very quickly to our call and a team was able to spray the nest, killing all the hornets in it. As a precaution, we kept children indoors during the operation. The Asian hornet represents a major threat to our local bee population, and we were happy to do our part to control this invasive species and to raise awareness amongst our children of the importance of safeguarding bees.
I wrote in last week’s newsletter about the pedestrian crossings near our Primary campus having been blacked out and my request to the commune of Genthod to reinstate them. Here is the (translated) response I received from the General Secretary:
“The crosswalks were removed as part of the introduction of the 30 km/h zone, in accordance with the law. As most GES school children are driven to school, we didn’t feel it necessary to request a derogation to maintain the crosswalks, unlike in the vicinity of the (Genthod) elementary school. That said, we will approach the cantonal transport office to pass on your request.”
In order to support our argument concerning the importance of these pedestrian crossings for the safety of a large number of our students, we will be sending out a survey to all Primary parents asking for you to confirm how your children travel to school. Thank you in advance for your quick responses.
A reminder for parents of children in our Year 6 classes: The annual Year 6 to 7 Transition Event will take place on Monday 14 October, giving students moving up to Key Stage 3 next year the opportunity to experience a morning in Secondary firsthand. Children should come to our Secondary campus from 8:15, according to the detailed plan communicated by Ms Newbury, and parents are encouraged to stay for a tour and discussion with teachers and student ambassadors. An online presentation in the evening for all Year 6 parents, outlining all aspects of our academic curriculum and pastoral support systems, will ensure you have ample opportunity to ask any outstanding questions you may have.
In closing, I’d like to wish our Year 2 and 3 footballers the best of luck for their ADISR tournament at LGB tomorrow morning. I look forward to hearing about the fun they will have had when I see them all at the House Singing Competition at Primary on Tuesday!
All the best,
Christina Matillon
First Personal, Social, Health and Economic Enrichment Day
Flashback to the flurry of activity last Friday as students across Secondary took part in a number of workshops on their first of five Personal, Social, Health and Economic Enrichment Days. On these days, the regular timetable is replaced by lessons that focus on the key objectives of the PSHE curriculum. Each teaching team works with a specific year group on themes and objectives that are age-appropriate.
The first of our Enrichment Days centred on Health and Wellbeing. In Key Stage 3, students explored themes such as transition and safety, emotional wellbeing and health lifestyles, and teachers were all very impressed by the engagement, participation, and thoughtful and reflective contributions from students in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Years 10 to 13 looked at mental health, building for the future, progression, careers and wellbeing. This year we were excited to welcome Young Enterprise Switzerland (YES) into school to deliver workshops to our older students focusing on financial literacy and careers guidance within the world of economics, finance and entrepreneurship. We hope to develop a successful partnership with YES and to welcome them into school during subsequent Enrichment Days.
Nurse Polly was also on site to deliver some of our health-based lessons and support students, including those who may have specific questions or need time to reflect emotionally on some of the topics covered.
This week in class
There was a deep rumbling coming from Primary this week as a number of eruptions took place right inside the Year 3 classroom!
Our geologists had been taking their learning to the next level by turning their models into active volcanoes.
Our Year 3 violinists are impressing us more every week!
Click here to see the recent demonstration of their progress in plucking and bowing G and D, whilst following music which includes crochets and minim notes and rests.
As part of their Geography curriculum, Year 5 have been learning about the features of coastlines and how these change over time through erosion, changes to composition and the like.
To illustrate their theoretical understanding, they worked hard in groups to make their own clay models of various coastline topographies.
Beyond the Classroom
House Mascot Design Competition
We are launching a house ‘Design the GES Mascot’ competition! Our Year 9 students have been hard at work making posters to invite submissions from students across Primary and Secondary.
Deadline for entries is 8 November and House points will be awarded to all entries. Prizes will be awarded for the best design selected from each year group.
The winning design may even become the future mascot of GES!
Tea & Talk
To mark World Mental Health Day yesterday, Year 12 students organised a series of events across Secondary. Starting the week with whole school assemblies, Eliott, Fleur and Adelaide spoke with students about the importance of mental wellbeing and strategies that can help support a positive mindset.
Later in the week, Year 12, Mr Feeney and Ms Lanfranco organised a “Tea & Talk” event for all Secondary students, on the basis of research that shows that talking is good for mental health. Students were treated to hot chocolate, juice, cake and fruit and were welcomed to the Grand Cafe to have a chat with friends and play some games. This screen-free event allowed different year groups to mingle through various activities led by our Year 12 organisers. Julia, Year 12, said she volunteered because she likes working with children – a great opportunity to display team work, leadership and GES values. Activities included games of chess, Connect 4, Scrabble, jigsaws, and many enjoyable conversations!
Key Stage 3 Book Look
We were delighted to host Book Looks for Years 7, 8 and 9 this week!
These moments of exchange are a valuable opportunity for students to share their progression through the curriculum and to recognise and celebrate their achievements with parents. They are a way to keep parents informed and up to date with classroom-based learning and to see the quality of students’ thinking and work.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Debating and Model United Nations
18 students in Key Stage 3 have been practising their debating skills, including teamwork, advocacy, research and oracy, while their senior peers in Sixth Form have seized the opportunity to hone their leadership skills by taking debaters into break out sessions so they benefit from smaller group practice.
Following the Model United Nations format whereby each participant acts as a delegate for a chosen country, participants have been tasked with writing a resolution on “Should all countries agree to switch completely to using electric vehicles by an agreed date”.
Stay tuned for more news!
Year 12 Duke of Edinburgh's Award Trip to Doldenhornhütte
Last weekend our Year 12 Duke of Edinburgh Award gold candidates had their first taste of hiking to a mountain refuge, following a magnificent mountain trail from Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland to the Doldenhornhütte at the foot of the Doldenhorn mountain. Leading through beautiful larch and stone pine forests, the trail allowed our brave adventurers to enjoy the wonderful views of Lake Oeschinen above the tree line to the refuge situated 1915m above sea level.
The expedition was designed as a warm up for the official practice expedition which will take place next June in preparation for the final assessment in October, and to give the group an opportunity to gel as a team and to decide whether they would like to hike for their final expedition or use one of the other permitted forms of travel, whether that is by bike, boat, kayak, wheelchair or on horseback!
The accompanying staff were inspired by the team spirit on display, with students sharing out responsibility for carrying the heaviest bags, and especially impressed by the naturally calm leadership of the group shown by Elliot.
Netball News
The Category C Netball Team travelled to St. George’s International School this week to compete in their first SGIS tournament of the year. Our girls fielded a strong side, improving their play with each quarter, working well both individually and as a team.
Our netballers’ attack was impressive, with Miatta playing as centre and effectively feeding the ball to Caoimhe, Isla, and Lara, who moved fluidly within the circle to score goals. Our defence also put in a strong effort, highlighted by excellent interceptions from Lila. Goal defenders and goalkeeper Mohau, Anna, and Mia formed a solid defence, frequently intercepting the ball.
After a half-time tactical chat, the girls decided to focus on making shorter, quicker passes and apply pressure on the opposition’s centre pass, which successfully resulted in three interceptions. This event was about getting the girls on the court, fostering teamwork in a friendly environment, and learning to make quick, effective decisions while supporting each other.
Their efforts produced great results and they finished in third place against tough competitors.
We look forward to their next match, to building on the experience gained this week, and to reaching for the all-important first place!
SGIS Category A Football Tournament
Our Year 12 and 13 boys and girls took part in the SGIS Category A Football tournament this week at St George’s International School.
The girls played with fantastic fight in their four games. With only 7 players they had no substitutes to ease the effort when they got tired, so had to dig deep, especially in their final matches.
Coming out of the group with one win, two draws and one loss, 5 points was a superb total. This ended up putting them in 3rd place overall! Congratulations to the girls for a true team effort.
The boys played five fast-paced games in this competition, winning once, drawing once and losing three times. On balance of play, they were unlucky to have lost three times, with Yanji striking the woodwork no less than six times across the tournament’s matches.
All 12 players put in a huge shift and worked hard for the team, enjoying some great possession and passages of play. They finished 6th place out of 8.
School and Community News
Gift Box Project
Many of you will be aware of this project, which organises the delivery of Christmas Gift Boxes to children in Eastern Europe.
If you wish to take part, the boxes will be collected from GES Primary on Wednesday 20 November. For a list of what to include when making your box, please click here.
Your boxes can be dropped off at Primary on Friday 15, Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November, in advance of the collection.
New Resident of the Science Department
The Science Department is pleased to present its newest member !
Our pet tarantula of the species Brachypelma hamorii has been settling in nicely, and has already won the hearts of students and staff alike. Characterised by its orange stripes, B. hamorii is native to Mexico and typically lives in warm, arid conditions – not like the Genevan climate at all !
To keep warm, our 8-legged resident lives in its own enclosure where it can remain cosy. It typically eats small insects, including crickets and insect larvae.
Students will have the chance to name the tarantula as part of a competition. Stay tuned!
Faces of GES
More accustomed to painting other people’s faces than being the centre of attention, today’s “Face of GES” is Head of Secondary Art, Paola Hopley.
An accomplished artist, Paola started her career as a “commission converter” in the fashion industry, creating bespoke prints for fashion houses, before applying her artistic skills to teaching in London and then, as of 2016, at GES.
The highlight of working at GES for Paola is the children she works with, whom she describes as “lovely and easy to teach”.
Always keen to instil in her students the belief that learning is fun and curiosity is something that is encouraged, Paola juggles her professional life as a teacher with her outside artistic pursuits, most recently creating a series of portrait paintings which are on display at Atelier 244 in Gex from today until Thursday 17th October as part of the “Faces, Spaces, Places” exhibition which Paola has developed with another painter and a photographer. Don’t miss it!
