The world's oldest, biggest and possibly most famous international school marked its 90th birthday in style on Wednesday 17 September 2014, with the entire population of students and staff assembling on the three campuses of the International School of Geneva (Ecolint). All dressed in blue and white, the occasion was marked with songs, speeches and birthday cake for all.
It was an occasion for both celebration and reflection. Ecolint's Director General, Vicky Tuck, noted how much the world has changed in those ninety years, but said that the original vision of the school's founders - an internationally oriented child-centred education for peace - is as important today as ever. She joined in the celebrations on all three campuses and was later interviewed on the local English-language radio station, WRS.
At a special inauguration ceremony held on Thursday, 5 September, the international school, GEMS World Academy, invited author, Douglas Kennedy to open its new Discovery World Library and World Language Learning Center in Etoy, Vaud.
Timed to coincide with the annual literary festival in Morges, Le Livre sur les Quais in Morges, the event was one of many special occasions organized to help children explore the world of literature. As an official sponsor of the festival, the school welcomed a number of authors and illustrators into their classes, where they ran creative workshops for students throughout the day leading up to the evening event.
La Côte International School (LCIS) has just moved to a brand new, purpose-built campus in Aubonne, Vaud. Set amidst the apple orchards and vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, the campus provides an inspirational location for 50 staff and over 200 students, currently enrolled in the school.
Like many new schools emerging in the region, the LCIS campus building has been constructed using environmentally-friendly techniques and materials. In line with the school’s teaching style, the facilities incorporate the very latest building technology and include an impressive new sports hall, an on-site theatre, and an outdoor classroom.
While most parents will have already sorted out places for their children in local schools, there is a small group of families who are still looking for the best school for their kids.
To help parents during this difficult decision-making process, Lake Léman International School (LLIS) in Morges, Vaud, is inviting students to come and experience their school for a day, and is also offering last-minute enrolments for the 2014-15 academic year. This is a great opportunity, especially if you’ve recently moved to Switzerland from abroad and your kids are having trouble adjusting to the new environment and school system. The school welcomes children from the ages of 3 to 14.
Parents are welcome to visit the school and speak to teachers about dealing with any feelings of apprehension, anxiety or frustration that can arise when starting at a new school. A no-obligation trial run at LLIS should help to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Three local IB students are appealing for help from knowitall.ch readers before they head off to Cambodia this summer. Anastasia Ebbinghaus, Julian Bailey and Lea Garguet-Duport will spend 2 weeks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the end of July, volunteering at Sok Sabay, a residential shelter for children who have been victims of child abuse, child labor or prostitution. In preparation for their trip they are looking to take various supplies with them, many of which they hope will be provided by kind donations from family, friends and the general public.
Currently there are 65 children at the centre, with the youngest at 3 years of age and the oldest in their 3rd year of University. The three IB students have developed their own drama camps for these children, which they will run each day, leading to a performance on the final day of their stay. They will also be working with the younger children at the local pool, helping to improve on their swimming skills, teaching English, and showing them how to bake muffins!
