Dear H.I.S. Community,
We are finding ourselves at the end of the first week of June and summer seems to have finally decided to stay. The sun sails are being set up on the playground to give students some shade during break times.
As the end of the school year is getting closer, we are looking forward to a number of projects and events that will fill the final 3 weeks with excitement. This week H.I.S. thanked all parents, especially the PTG and CVCs for their contributions towards a successful school year - please see the H.I.S. Blog for a picture of the Thank You Coffee morning.
In the weeks to come we will have students getting ready for dramatic and musical performances throughout the school, including, for example, the PYP Summer Performance. We are also looking forward to a Flea Market organised by the PTG in mid June and the whole school Sports Day in the final week of school.
Until then, enjoy what looks like will be a sunny weekend,
Anke
|
|---|
As part of the introduction to Grade 6, we will be holding our MYP (Middle Years Programme) Orientation Day for students in Grade 5 on Wednesday 12 June. The Grade 5 students will start the day with a Grade 6 style homeroom at 08:20 and then spend the rest of day following a typical Grade 6 schedule.
At the end of the school day on Wednesday 12 June, we will be holding an information meeting for the parents of Grade 5 students who are returning to H.I.S. next year. This meeting will start at 15:15 in the Gr 6 Homeroom (next door to Gr 5). At this meeting you will receive information about the Grade 6 schedule, an introduction to the MYP, and some curriculum information from each of the subject teachers. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions about Grade 6, the MYP and the Secondary school. We expect to finish by 16:00.
Kevin Whitmore
Secondary School Principal
Thank you to all who have already pre-ordered the H.I.S. yearbook. The deadline to order the yearbook has been extended until Friday, 14 June.
Please note this will be your final opportunity to buy a yearbook. Remember, yearbooks must be pre-ordered and will be given to students on the last day of school Friday, 28 June 28. To order a yearbook, bring €20 in an envelope, with the name and grade of the student and drop it off in the school office.
Rhiannon Schwehm
It’s that time of year when many of us start reflecting on what we have experienced since last August. This reflection, in a setting like ours, comes with the benefits of living in a place that allows our kids to attend school in peace. And, as they discuss the world around us in class, we do not have to look far to notice that there are many regions around the globe where circumstances are much different. These realities can make it harder for us to take a full account, and still notice what has worked for us, so we can take it with us into next academic year.
Whenever I find it hard to reflect, I return to the writings of the young author Ocean Vuong and allow the words to assist me to find meaning. Vuong has captivated many in recent years with poetic reflections using fluid, yet unfixed storyline that ponders a life remembered; transporting one into Vuong’s raw emotion both in visual description and inner connection.
Here is a line from his work, On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous:
“Maybe we look into mirrors not merely to seek beauty, regardless how illusive, but to make sure, despite the facts, that we are still here.” 1
Vuong is speaking of the refuge that comes from knowing and appreciating our own existence, where seeing our own reflection confirms it.
And, you are indeed here and I am glad you are!
Our graduates were able to share their reflections at our recent graduation, and we were able to highlight the achievements shared among them. During our final weeks of term, we will continue to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in our community. There are many fine examples of academic success, contributions to the greater Heidelberg area and acts of service for those in need.
Our students, teachers and parents can also reflect on moments of struggle that initially made it hard to see where to go. When we somehow make it through to the other side, we are grateful for the challenge. In these times, we become closer to others in shared relationship and appreciate even more the uniqueness of living in an international community.
There’s no better time for you to invite your children to share their own reflections with you about this past year. Instead of teachers asking them to reflect within their subjects, you can follow their lead and reflect what you have noticed in them and you; inviting them to share what they were pleased to see, where they grew and where they hope to be going into next year.
In this way, our existence can be truly appreciated by looking into the mirror together, reflecting the beauty that exists between us.
Lance Fortner
H.I.S. Whole School Counsellor
1Vuong, Ocean. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel. Penguin Books, 2021, p.138.
Wednesday 12 June - Teacher Appreciation Lunch
Please bring your brunch/lunch donation at drop-off in the morning. PTG members will be there to pick it up.
Saturday 15 June - Flea Market
This is the final call for anyone who still wants to book a table for the Flea Market. The H.I.S. community is invited drop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake while browsing.
Tuesday 25 June - Sports Day
All parents are requested to provide two portions of fruit per child for sports day. PTG members will be at school at drop-off time to receive the fruit. The fruit will be cut up by volunteers, please do not cut it at home.
To make it easier and to reduce wastage, we have allocated fruit per class to be brought in:
EP, G1, 2 - apples
Gr 3, 4, 5 - oranges
Gr 6, 7, 8 - grapes
Gr 9,10, 11 - bananas
We would appreciate any volunteers on the day to help cut-up and hand out fruit and water to the children.
