Grade 8 Visit to SF City Hall

On Tuesday May 10, we visited the City Hall in San Francisco. We had a guided tour in which we learned many interesting facts about the history, the present use, as well as learned about the architecture of the building. We learned about the awful assassination of two leaders that occurred in 1978. This was a very volatile time in the City's history. We also learned that the legislators and leaders of the city work in the building, but the most exciting thing was seeing so many beautiful weddings! The eighth graders even congratulated one of the couples in a memorable way. The architecture of the building also shows the scale of importance of the people that work in each different room. It was interesting to learn about how the building was constructed to withstand future earthquakes, provide safety for citizens' public records, and to not repeat what happened in 1906. Finally, we saw an example of freedom of assembly and freedom of religion in front of the building as we left. There were protestors and people trying to spread a message/belief to fellow citizens. Overall, this was an informative and interesting trip.
By: The 8th Grade Class & Mrs. Rodriguez Afshar

News from the Head of School

Great Results in ISA Tests 

As you know, the goal of outstanding academic performance together with an International world perspective is the cornerstone of the GAIS mission.   I am particularly happy to report that our Grade 3 & 5 classes took the International School's Assessment test, given annually in English, with outstanding results.  These results help us to evaluate our academic program in relation to other top international schools worldwide.  This year 168 schools from 56 countries took the ISA test which included about 4400 students per Grade level. Many well established international schools that are also IB are included in the test group. The results, expressed in the ISA scale score, are as follows:

As you can see, GAIS students performed consistently above the international average.  This has been the pattern for the 5 years that we have been taking the ISA tests and thus it would be fair to say that the results are a realistic measure of the quality of the GAIS academic program on the international stage. The GAIS staff and administration have been doing an item analysis of the results to understand where students had the most difficulty and compare this with the GAIS curriculum and ultimately make suggestions for improvement. Congratulations are in order to all the teachers whose work this year, and over the years, has contributed to these superb results.

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PYP Corner by Maike Silver 

The learner profile is central to the IB definition of what it means to be internationally minded. The attributes of the learner profile are defined as balanced, reflective, thinker, caring, communicator, inquirer, risk taker, open-minded, knowledgeable and principled. They are interpreted and integrated in the learning environment by teachers and students in a manner appropriate to the age and development of the students. They are supported by a focus on personal attitudes - appreciation, curiosity, confidence, creativity, tolerance, respect, empathy, cooperation, enthusiasm, independence, commitment and integrity- towards people, towards the environment and towards learning. Through focused activities that include involving students in setting clear expectations and establishing consequences for infractions like disrespectful behavior the school supports the development of these traits. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that just like math or reading and writing, students develop these personal and social skills over time and at different rates. Outside influences like the home environment and various extra curricular activities also affect the degree of maturity in each student. What we do know is that the degree in which students will exhibit international mindedness depends on how well teachers and parents share the responsibility for modeling the PYP attitudes and reinforcing behaviors at school as well as at home.

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During the last four weeks, the Preschoolers have been busy exploring garden animals. Studying insects was a big part of the unit. To finish-off the unit, all classes will have the opportunity to visit the Jr. Museum in Palo Alto. Today the 'Grashuepfer' and 'Puma' classes had their turn. During their visit, they were offered a hands-on workshop about bugs, or correctly named: arthropods. The children learned about the distinguishing features of insects, spiders, crustaceans and centipedes and were able to touch and feel them. It was obvious that the children had spent some time already on the subject and had a lot of knowledge to share. Afterwards, the children were able to visit the exhibit of the Jr. Museum and the zoo. Another highlight was awaiting them outside in the park. One of the parents had prepared hot dogs, watermelon and drinks for the children. Thank you Harry Idehara for a well prepared lunch and thank you to all parent drivers.

Meet our Future Graduates featuring  

Olivia Pintz

My name's Olivia Pintz and I'm in the 8th grade. Ever since I was a little girl, I have had one dream for my future. When I grow up, I want to become an actress and singer. I've always been a very outgoing and enthusiastic person. I am currently writing music at home in my free time and hope that one day I might be signed by a record label. I also think I have a lot of potential and love to sing and act.

Next year, I will start at Menlo-Atherton High School, which is the school my sister goes to. I'm super excited! I recently had my Bad Mitzvah, which was very fun. This summer my sister and I are going to fly to Israel for almost a month. I'm very excited about this too! 

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Champion

Serena Grown-Haeberli has qualified as one of the top four competitors in horse theory and management from the Mid-Cal Region and has earned a place on the region's team at the 2011 United States Pony Club Festival Championships to be held July 18 - 22 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Good luck Serena! 

SSIL - GAIS Soccer Team Undefeated

Our co-ed soccer team has ended their season with four victories and no defeats.  They recently played against North Shoreview School in San Mateo which resulted in for 3-0 for GAIS with goals by Philip Hausen (2) and Daniel Hausen.  The last game, and only home game, was against GISSV which ended 7-2 in our favor. Goals were by Alexander Beckert (5) Marc Joshua and Lotte Bensen. The next sporting event is a tennis tournament on Tuesday, May 17th, at Skyline College in San Bruno beginning at 4:00 p.m. 

Bike-To-Work (School)-Day 

Today was Bike-To-Work-Day, which was promoted by organizations in the whole Bay Area to promote biking more. At GAIS we also tried to promote the event, even though, the commute is too far for most parents to tackle by bike. We had quite a turn-out of bikers in the morning. We counted 18 children, 9 staff members, 9 parents and 2 grandparents on their bike. All bikers were greeted by our own energizer station, staffed by Tim Farris, providing all with drinks and energy bars.  

Malawi Walk 

Thank you for sponsoring your child for the G.A.I.S.-Roche Malawi walk.  It was a fun and successful event!  This is just a quick reminder for those of you who have not made the donations yet.  We only accept cash or checks with the "to" field labeled "German American International School."   Thank you for your cooperation! 

English Book Fair 

Last week's English Book Fair was a great success! We sold books for over $ 4300 and got a profit of $995 from Scholastic. We exceeded last year's results by more than 20%. Thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work and to our customers for their generosity in buying and donating books to the school.    

Soocer Jamboree with Red Star Soccer Academy 

The following auction item still has spots open that we'd like to fill.

End the school year with a goal! Bring your lunch and stay to play soccer with Red Star Soccer Academy. Expert coaches will teach your child tips and techniques on how to master the game. Fresh fruit and water will be provided. This is for children grades 1 and up and will take place on Thursday, June 16, 2011, from 12:30 to 2:30pm on the GAIS grass field. Bring lunch, shin guards, cleats and a ball. The cost is $30 per child.

To sign up, please send Susi Lindley an e-mail busmgr@gais.org. For general questions regarding the event, contact gisella.steck@sbcglobal.net.    

The 5th annual GAIS Camp Out 

Come and enjoy an overnight trip, a short drive up the hill, deep in the forest at Huddart Park in Woodside. Just bring your tent and sleeping bags - everything else will be taken care of.  Let the kids run in woods, spend time with your friends and sleep under the stars. The date is Sat. August 20 to Sun. 21st. The sign up is $175. If you are interested send an email to Susi  busmgr@gais.org.