Contact Magazine Fall 2016 Issue by MIS Munich International School

Munich International School - Volume 24 - Issue 1 - Fall 2016

C O N TA C T THE MAGAZINE OF MUNICH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Contents Head of Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Introduction

Message from the Board of Directors

Feature: Making MIS Fit for the Future

Academic News

Community News

50th Anniversary Winter Gala

Alumni & Friends

PTV

Athletics

ASA

Giving at MIS

Important Calendar events

06 11

Munich International School Communications: Amanda Crawley Lydia Tukarski Andrew Almarza Phone: 08151 366 156 Fax: 08151 366 109 Email: communications@mis-munich.de Design: Paul Rea Photography: Graeme Fordham Photography Andrew Almarza

Contact is published by: Munich International School, SchloĂ&#x; Buchhof, D-82319 Starnberg www.mis-munich.de

Head of School’s Introduction

Honouring our Pioneering Past, Embracing our Dynamic Future

Timothy Thomas, Head of School

016 has been an extraordinary year for Munich International School. 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of MIS. 2016 also contained a number of historic events and achievements that have played a role in setting the future direction for our School. In 2016 we honoured many people who made profound contributions to the growth and success of MIS. And in 2016 we celebrated with each other and renewed our commitment to this exceptional school and community.

more information about our strategic plan, which has now been approved by the Board of Directors. We started this process by bringing together parents, students, alumni, teachers and staff in a community forum. At this forum we considered ten questions essential for the future of the School. From there, we conducted surveys, gathered evidence, performed research and developed action plans. Ultimately, we identified more than a dozen areas in which MIS can be strategically improved to meet the evolving needs of our students.

50th Anniversary of First Day of School at MIS

50th Anniversary Gala

On 19 September 2016 students, faculty and staff at MIS marked the 50th anniversary of the first day of classes at MIS. Back on 19 September 1966, the very first lessons were taught to MIS’ first students. On 19 September 2016 we commemorated this event with assemblies, a special rendition of the MIS anthem, a video of current MIS students singing songs from their home cultures, the sealing of a time capsule filled with items selected or made by students, and the dedication of the Schloss garden to long-time staff member, Frau Dora Wagner. Additionally, we created photographs of the entire current student body, along with teachers and staff, using a photo drone on the Schloss field.

The 50th anniversary was the theme for our MIS Winter Gala. Members of the Board of Directors, several friends of the School and the MIS Communications team organised a splendid ball at the Bayerischer Hof on Saturday, 26 November 2016. More than 550 parents, alumni and friends of the School participated in this celebration, which featured select musical performances by students, a presentation by MIS alumnus and Plant-for-the Planet founder, Felix Finkbeiner, and a rousing vocal finale by renowned tenor, Donald George. The Gala also provided me with the opportunity to share important information with our community about the future direction of the School. Of course, aside from the formal elements of the evening, good conversation, an elegant meal and plenty of dancing helped make the evening unforgettable.

Re-Accreditation and Re-Evaluation In November, MIS was visited by a team of 15 educators from three different international agencies who monitor the quality of programming and care at Munich International School. The Council of International School (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) all participated in the re-authorisation and re-evaluation of the School. In preparation for their visit, the faculty, staff and representatives of students and parents conducted a self-study. That self-study required the School to measure itself against more than a hundred standards for excellence in international education. The visiting team then inspected to ensure that the conclusions drawn by the School’s own personnel correspond with the reality within the School. In our case, the visiting team was happy to confirm our findings and endorse our own recommendations for the School’s further development and growth.

As we prepare to bid farewell to 2016, it is fitting to reflect on a year of commemorations and 50 years of achievements. While we have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating MIS’ history, we are equally excited about our School’s promising future. MIS is well positioned to provide our students with skills and understanding that will empower them to make a positive impact in a complex and changing world

Timothy Thomas, Head of School

Strategic Plan Closely related to our re-accreditation and re-authorisation process, the strategic planning process focused attention on the School’s path into the future. In this edition of Contact Magazine, you will find 01 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Message from the Board of Directors

Ambitious Year, Ambitious Future

ighteen months ago when we appointed Tim Thomas as our new Head of School, the Board and he put together a list of major milestones to be achieved in the near future.

This included:

• ensuring his acceptance and success as the School’s new leader;

• preparing for the year-long self-study for our required re-accreditation and evaluation with CIS, NEASC and the IBO; • revisiting our mission and creating a new strategic plan to replace the one which had just expired; • lobbying government authorities to lift the cap on our fee increases, regulate us differently from local German schools and more appropriately for an international school; • planning and launching a series of celebrations to commemorate MIS’ 50th Anniversary, connecting alumni and the current community. In hindsight, it was insanely ambitious coming on top of normal teaching and learning, which included the introduction of new MYP eAssessments, the further roll-out of faculty appraisal systems, negotiating with ver.di, the employee trade union, and hiring a new Middle School Principal to replace Eif Phillips who is retiring. The School does not have people who can be released from normal duties to undertake special projects, nor the resources to employ external consultants. The timing of many of these important matters all happened to coincide, which put great strain on the whole School. There were occasions when we hit roadblocks, encountered strong differences of opinion or felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work. The one sustaining factor was the daily joy of working with children who come to school happy and energetic, and who continuously demonstrate that they are learning and growing. I am now pleased to report that we’ve achieved an incredible amount thanks to the tireless leadership of our Head of School, the support of his dependable and competent senior leadership team, and the commitment and hard work of faculty and staff who nurture, challenge and inspire every day. When I compare the MIS of today with how it was just three years ago, the changes have been nothing short of transformative. There is positive energy, momentum and pride behind the new leadership and mission. At the end of the six-day visit of the sixteen person accreditation team in November, there was an exit presentation to the School on the major findings. MIS received eleven major recommendations for improvement, mostly issues that we had identified ourselves through the self-study and strategic planning process e.g. roll out the revised mission consistently throughout the organization, strengthen resources in EAL support in the Senior School and in counseling in the Junior and Middle Schools, and embed environmentally sustainable practices into the School. In contrast, we received twentyone major commendations. The team was very impressed with our Head of School for his inspired leadership, and highlighted the open, mutually supportive relationship that he has with the Board. They liked our new student-centred and inclusive mission. They judged our process for revising the mission and creating the strategic plan to be best practice amongst international schools, as were our Head of School and faculty appraisal and feedback systems. They praised our faculty and staff for their contribution to the positive morale which pervades the School, and thought our students were delightful and well-behaved. They liked the creation of the Academic Council, the EAL push-in model, 02 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Wanching Ang, Chair of the Board

the work of the librarians in supporting teaching and learning, our Athletics and After School Activities program, the excellent facilities including measures pertaining to health, safety and emergency procedures, and Frau Wagner, our resident gardener. This external validation of the excellent quality of MIS is a sweet reward for the hard work of the previous months, and just cause to pause for celebration. And celebrate we did, in style at the Bayerischer Hof, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary Winter Gala. Our association with this venerable family-owned institution is longstanding: the first MIS Faschingsball in 1971 was held there, Mrs Volkhardt, the CEO, is an alumna, and it has hosted many generations of graduating class dinners. About 550 parents, faculty and staff, alumni and friends gathered to hear Tim Thomas speak about the School’s successes and plans for the future, enjoy the evening’s entertainment from outstanding students and world-class singer Donald George (who is the husband of Evelyn Smith, our music teacher), and be inspired by young alum Felix Finkbeiner’s story of how he created Plant-for-a-Planet. And of course there was fine wining and dining, merry-making and dancing at this huge party for MIS. There remains much to do! We haven’t achieved everything on the original to do list, with the most notable being the vital discussions with the government on our fee cap and regulatory status. The strategic plan to realize our revised mission has been created and now must be implemented intelligently and with care. Some initiatives can be achieved only with additional financial resources, hence the importance of a satisfactory outcome on government negotiations, maintaining a positive trajectory on enrolments and developing a culture of philanthropy at the School. Concurrently we are keenly aware of recent tumultuous developments in the world, which will have a bearing on our students’ lives. MIS is a pioneer in international education. It is insufficient, however, to merely celebrate our past achievements. They create the foundation on which to further build and improve our School. Only through strong commitment to a shared vision can we achieve our mission and truly prepare our students to thrive and make a positive impact in a complex and changing world.

Wanching Ang, Chair, MIS Board of Directors

Feature

Making MIS Fit for the Future Head of School Speech from 50th Anniversary Gala – 26 November 2016

t is a very exciting time to be involved in the field of education. The science of learning is at a rapid pace and our ability to engage in teaching practices that make a real difference in student learning is increasing. It is an exciting time to be a part of Munich International School, a school community that is celebrating 50 years of pioneering work in the field of international education. MIS is a school community that has a tremendous amount to be proud of. Just last year our IB Diploma results set two records: the highest average diploma score in the history of the school (34.5 points), and 100% of the cohort who attempted the full IB Diploma achieved it. Additionally, in Grade 10 MIS successfully implemented the new, very innovative MYP eAssessments. MIS is one of only two schools in all of Germany that were successful in implementing these dynamic, online examinations in their inaugural year. And our International Schools Assessment (ISA) scores show that our students in Grades 3 through 8 routinely perform better in a broad range of subjects than students in similar international schools around the world. It is important that we acknowledge our achievements. It is incumbent upon us to recognise the hard work, talent and commitment of the people who drive continuous improvement at MIS. We must also look to the future and ensure that we are continuously challenging ourselves to do a better and better job of educating our students. Part of this work includes reviewing our guiding statements and developing our strategic plan. This is work that our community has been conducting for the past eighteen months. When starting our work on the strategic plan, we needed to ask the right questions. Is the right question, “How do we drive up IB Diploma scores?” Is the right question, “How do we get more kids into elite universities?”

03 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

As Einstein insightfully pointed out, forming the right question is often a more important driver of your process than the answer you settle upon. So we spent a lot of time considering our questions. And we did a lot of listening. We listened to our students. We listened to our parents and our community. We listened to the educators that work in our classrooms and implement our programmes. And we conducted a lot of research. One of the key pieces of research that shaped our understanding of the importance of schooling for the future came from the World Economic Forum. In January 2016, the World Economic Forum released the findings of a number of studies aimed at predicting how the world of work will look in the future. The short version of their findings appeared in a paper called, “The Future of Jobs”. In that report they asserted that technological advancement, environmental degradation and geopolitical instability will fundamentally change the nature of work. The classical categories of employment are likely to be disrupted. The report asserts that, “65% of children in primary school today will ultimately work in job types that do not currently exist.” The new jobs of the future will likely require workers to continuously adapt to changes, learn new skills and collaborate with diverse people from all over the world. Already employers are finding that the most valuable skills their workers can bring to the workplace are flexibility, the capacity and motivation to continuously learn, and strong communication and collaboration skills. Our research led us to formulate a new guiding question and to form a new mission statement for Munich International School. The Question: How can we prepare our students to be critical and creative thinkers, who are powerful masters of their own learning processes and are motivated and able to thrive in a world of change, disruption and opportunity? This question then gave rise to our new mission:

Nurture - Challenge - Inspire Munich International School nurtures, challenges and inspires our students to become: • academically successful, life-long learners, • creative and innovative thinkers, • ethical, globally-minded contributors, and • healthy, well-balanced individuals who will thrive and make a positive impact in a complex and changing world. And this new mission statement, in turn, became the driver of our strategic planning and work. As MIS plans for the future, we are focusing on four themes: • Students Learning to Learn (also called “Approaches to Learning”) • Innovation at all levels of our organisation • Increasing Student Voice and Choice • Enhancing Well-Being and Balance in the Lives of our Students Theme #1: Approaches to Learning is the terminology of the IB that refers to the skills that empower students to take control of their own learning. It involves developing in students sophisticated awareness and understanding of organisational strategies, communication strategies, research techniques, information and media literacy skills, critical thinking, creative thinking and the ability to transfer skills and concepts between disciplines. We are already a school that has been formally recognised as a pioneer in focusing on these essential skills within and beyond the curriculum. A major component of our plan for the next three to five years is to ensure that we are delivering a progression of skills in these areas from Kindergarten through Grade 12. We are also transitioning to a stronger focus on approaches to learning skills when reporting on student achievement to students, to parents and among teachers at the school. We are examining how we can ensure that every teacher at MIS is well-versed in the strategies that will help their students become powerful and masterful learners who are ready to take on the challenges of the future world of work. Theme #2: Innovation is a word that is nearly inescapable in 2016. Across the spectrum of professions, everyone claims to be focusing on innovation and change management. For us, innovation means that we are creating structures within the School to support students and teachers to think divergently. We want both our students and teachers to engage actively and critically with a broad range of ideas and be courageous in envisioning solutions that go beyond conventional thinking. An example for students is our plan to construct a Makers’ Laboratory. We want to create a space on our campus where students will find the room, the tools and the support to tinker, build, create and prototype their ideas. This space will support students who are engaged in the passion projects 04 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

that already exist at MIS, like the Grade 4 Exhibition, the Grade 10 personal project and the Grade 12 extended essay, but would also be available to support students in extending their responses to all kinds of assignments and tasks in all subject areas. Students will be encouraged to use the laboratory during non-instructional time to simply practice and build fluency with the tools, experiment with materials and techniques and, quite simply, to engage in intellectual play. We want to nurture students’ imaginations and their entrepreneurial skills. In the short term, we intend to implement one or more Makers’ laboratories within current buildings. In the long term, we have the ambition to create in Innovation Hub. A place where libraries, technical resources, media studios, telecommunications equipment and informal learning spaces encourage students to put theoretical learning to practice. However, a new structure of this type will require significant support from our community. For that reason, we will start with makers’ laboratories within current facilities. MIS is very lucky to attract some of the most accomplished, committed and caring teachers in the international school world. Many of them have ideas and proposals for ways that we can transform instruction to make it even more relevant, future-focused and empowering for students. In order to capture these ideas and capitalise on this expertise, we now offer Innovation Grants to teachers. Through these grants, teachers can get support, materials, training and time to investigate, implement and evaluate innovative ideas in their classrooms and in their departments. With the right support, we believe that MIS can serve as an incubator for cutting-edge pedagogy. We also want to ensure that MIS continues to grow and learn as a community and as an institution. In this vein, we have ambitious plans to extend our reach and strengthen our relationships with alumni, former parents, universities and other partners in both the local and global communities. There is tremendous knowledge, skill and understanding among our graduates, our families and our supporters. We want to invite participation, energise support and ensure the long term success of the School by including and valuing these voices. Theme #3: Increasing Student Choice and Student Voice In order for students to gain confidence and to develop a strong voice, we need to take seriously their opinions and encourage participation in decision-making. As part of our strategic plan, we intend to create opportunities for students to participate in thinking about our work as a school and in contributing to decisions that affect their learning and our School. We intend to increase course choices, especially in the Senior and Middle Schools, so that students will have greater choice in selecting some of the skills they will develop. Every student must continue to develop skills and understanding in core subjects, like languages, mathematics, science, humanities and the arts, but we also want students to have access to important 21st century skills, like coding, app development and social innovation. Additionally, we will explore how a House System could empower students to build relationships across the three schools and support students in acting as mentors for one another, especially older students explicitly taking on the role of mentor and teacher for their younger counterparts. We are forming a new Eco-Committee that will involve students and staff in creating a sustainability action plan for MIS. We are so proud of the work of Felix Finkbeiner, our Tanzania Project and other

Feature

students who have acted as catalysts for change with regard to environmental and social responsibility. We want to create a pipeline of leaders who get involved at a young age in raising awareness of issues of sustainability and making plans for meaningful action to improve the world. Theme #4: Enhancing Well-Being and Balance in the Lives of our Students A final pillar of the strategic plan focuses on well-being and balance in the lives of our students. Students spend long days at MIS and they need access to opportunities to learn and practice healthy habits and develop a balanced lifestyle. We intend to expand our facilities for physical and health education and overall wellness. We intend to build additional gymnasium space, which will allow us to determine the amount of sport instruction that students receive based on research and educational philosophy, rather than on limitations of facilities. We want these new facilities to include space for fitness and dance as well as space for our important parent organisations, like the Parent-Teacher-Verein and the Sport-Verein. With regard to well-being, we will review our provision for pastoral care and social and emotional counselling. Pastoral care includes the lessons within our school on body image, positive relationships and self care. Social and emotional counselling includes professionals who are available to assist students in developing skills and strategies for becoming resilient and successful socially and emotionally. We are also reviewing our whole-school programme of learning support. At some point or another in their childhood and adolescent development, many students benefit from targeted learning support. Whether the issue is dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalcula or a delay in reading or mathematical development, we need to have a clear progression of supports that are age-appropriate and coherent. We are proud of the work that our learning support teachers currently perform, and we are committed to ensuring that the full programme is carefully planned and optimally effective. And, finally, we understand what an important role career and university counselling plays in the lives of students and families at an international school. With an IB education behind them, our students are well positioned to study and work in locations around the globe. We are committed to increasing our interaction with highly desirable universities and intensifying the support made available to students and families as they consider their options for their post-MIS future. Schools and Schooling are changing. The lives of students outside of school are changing. And the future for which we must prepare them will look much different than our current reality. At the same time, in its 50th year, MIS has achieved much that we must take care to preserve and to continue to nurture. There are many elements of an MIS education that we know that students and parents value: • the close relationships that our exceptionally caring and committed teachers build with students, • our focus on the development of the whole child, • our close connection with nature and the School’s natural surroundings, • the high academic standards and the belief that every child can learn and succeed. We know and understand that all innovation must be carefully thought through and wisely implemented. We work daily with the world’s most precious resource: your children. We take seriously our solemn responsibility to protect them, nurture them, challenge them and inspire them. And we also take seriously our duty to continuously seek to improve our practice and offer our students an education that empowers them to thrive and make a positive impact in a complex world. It is a really exciting time to be a part of Munich International School. In 50 years the MIS community has achieved a great deal together. And in the next years we are ready and very much looking forward to continuing our tradition of pioneering excellence in international education. I look forward to engaging in this task together with you. 05 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Mosaic of Cultures Day Mosaic of Cultures Day took place on 13 October 2016. It was a wonderful day filled with engaging activities to increase students’ intercultural understanding and appreciation of cultures from around the world. The Junior School’s Parade of Nations, in particular, has become a fun and beloved tradition for Mosaic of Cultures Day at MIS, where students wear t-shirts, jerseys or national dress to represent the 64+ nationalities across our campus.

LEGO® Mindstorm Funded by the Science Inspiration Fund, the Junior School LEGO® Mindstorm club takes place each Tuesday afternoon during lunch with an equal number of Grade four boys and girls. Through constant collaboration and analysis, the construction of a LEGO® Mindstorm EV3 robotic creation begins to take shape. After learning basic construction techniques, students are challenged to breathe life into their robot by exploring the world of programming. Through careful examination of the results of different commands, these inquirers begin to take basic control of their creation. Witnessing their robot take its first steps inspires thoughts about what is possible at their fingertips and leaves students wanting more.

06 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Academic News

MIS continues to pioneer excellence in international education Munich International School is the exemplar of excellence in the area of Approaches to Learning (ATL), as recently featured in a video on the International Baccalaureate Organization’s (IBO) website. In their recent ‘ATL Progression of Learning’ video, educators from Munich International School speak about their work supporting students to become powerful and self-directed learners. Significant research into the science of learning suggests that one of the most important ways that schools assist in creating independent, life-long learners is through explicitly teaching learning skills. The MIS Academic Council is focusing its efforts on supporting teachers in all three of our schools (Junior, Middle and Senior) to implement practices that help students become aware of and intentionally improve their approaches to learning skills. Please visit the IBO’s Approaches to Learning webpage (https://ibpublishing.ibo.or) for more information.

Grade 5 Bavaria Day Having spent eight weeks working with the statement of inquiry, that “both nature and people have caused changes that have resulted in a Bavarian landscape that attracts tourists” it was time to celebrate. What better way to enjoy Bavarian culture than by donning Dirndl and Lederhosen, dancing the schuhplattler, singing and eating. Parents provided a wide selection of traditional Bavarian food including Obadzda, Sauerkraut, Kartoffel Salat and of course Brezen and Semmeln. Grillmeister Mr Eif Phillips barbecued at least 450 Nurnbergers! Faculty, parents and Grade 5 students also shared and discussed highlights from their Berchtesgaden trip by sharing photographs and congratulated Grade 5 students on a job well done.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016 –

100% Pass Rate

Munich International School is delighted to announce a 100% pass-rate for 2016 full IB Diploma students and an IB Diploma average of 34.5. Munich International School is proud of all students who achieved even more than they thought possible, as well as the teachers and parents who guided, taught, supported and believed in the MIS Class of 2016.

07 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Student Councils 2016–2017 The Student Council is comprised of dedicated students who act as the voice of the student body. They meet each week to plan events, promote school spirit, discuss issues that the student body has raised and look for solutions and ideas to make the school environment an even better place. This lively bunch of young people have many successes including: Spirit Days; implementing improvements to the Cafeteria; projects to support local and global communities and acquiring facilities like hand dryers and shower curtains. They also welcome any suggestions and ideas from the School Community!

Junior School Council

Middle School Council

Senior School Council 08 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

ISTA TaPS trip in Stratford

(Students in Shakespearland) In October 2016, Theatre students from Grades 10 and 11 travelled to Stratford Upon Avon, the home of Shakespeare, to work with industry professionals and theatre students from around the globe. The students took part in workshops and masterclasses in a grueling schedule, working with students from other schools. One of the Masterclasses was with our very own Dr. Jo Riley (Theatre and Film teacher at MIS) in 把子功 Bazi gong – Weapons Training on the Chinese stage. Students experienced two productions from the Royal Shakespeare Company; ‘King Lear’ starring Anthony Sher, and ‘The Rover’ where students had a Q&A with the lead actor, Faye Castelow. This invaluable experience also gave the Diploma Programme Theatre students a chance to meet some of the professionals who developed the curriculum and have conversations with IB examiners. The students left the experience tired but inspired!

Academic News

Arts Month of Music – November 2016 “Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.” – Ludwig van Beethoven This year the Arts Department, with generous support from the MIS Foundation, planned a whole month of celebrating music at MIS. Sharing music together spreads great joy and a sense of community. The aim of Arts Month of Music was to bring a wide variety of professional musicians into school to inspire and ignite intellectual, social, emotional, cognitive and language skills. In addition, students were ‘busking’ around campus to raise money for musical instruments for students in Africa.

Guest artists included; • Folk rock band, Acoustic Revolution, • Brazilian music band, To Dentro, • Percussionists Alexander Glöggler und Philipp Jungk with Double Drums, • Flamenco dancer, Monserrat Suarez, • Munich band, Jazzrausch Bigband and, • Students from the August Everding Theatre Academy in Munich.

09 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

19 September 2016 – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the First Day of School at MIS

onday 19 September 2016 was a very special day at MIS, as the School celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first day of school. School assemblies were held to mark this special occasion and which included the announcement of the winning student entries for a time capsule and the singing of the School Song. Shortly thereafter the 50th Anniversary time capsule was sealed and placed in a case outside the Schloss to be opened on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of MIS on 19 September 2066.

10 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

A special tribute to all of Munich International School’s many founders, benefactors and contributors in the form of a timeline or ‘History Wall’ was also unveiled in the Cafeteria on 19 September. Additionally, Frau Dora Wagner, a very special member of the MIS community who was already here when MIS first came to Buchhof in 1968, was especially honoured on this day. While inclement weather prevented this from happening on 19 September, a whole-School photograph of current students, faculty and staff was taken on the Schloss Field two weeks’ later to mark this historic occasion.

Community News

11 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Community News

Head of School Timothy Thomas appointed to AGIS Executive Board of Directors Munich International School congratulates Head of School Timothy Thomas on his recent appointment to the Association of German International Schools (AGIS) Executive Board of Directors. ‘MIS is one of the larger and longer-established schools in Germany, and we pride ourselves on the breadth and depth of our programmes delivered by highly experienced faculty. We are pleased that Tim Thomas has recently been elected to the Board of Directors of AGIS, in recognition of his stature as MIS’ Head of School and in the field of international education,’

commented Chair of the MIS Board of Directors Wanching Ang. She added, ‘AGIS provides professional development resources and a shared forum for common issues across international schools in Germany. In addition, it plays an important role in coordinating dealings with the International Baccalaureate Organisation, the accreditation authorities and government bodies. Tim’s involvement will ensure that our interests are well-represented’.

Peace Activist & Musician Emmanuel Jal Visits Campus, Dazzles Students Munich International School was thrilled to host peace activist and musician Emmanuel Jal on Tuesday 13 September and Wednesday 14 September, whose visit was made possible by the MIS Foundation. Mr. Jal grew up in South Sudan and Ethiopia and was conscripted as a child soldier to fight with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). At age 11 he escaped to Kenya with the help

12 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

of British aid worker Emma McCune. During his time on campus, Mr Jal spoke at Middle and Senior School Assemblies and worked with individual classrooms, discussing the importance of arts and education for reducing tensions in the world and promoting peace.

50th Anniversary Winter Gala

ur 50th Anniversary Winter Gala at the Bayerischer Hof in Munich was held on 26 November 2016. Around 550 current parents, current faculty and staff, former parents, former students and former faculty and staff celebrated together. The programme for the Winter Gala included music performances from current students and teachers, a key note address by MIS Alumnus and Founder of Plant-for-the-Planet, Felix Finkbeiner, special announcements about the future direction of MIS by Head of School Timothy Thomas, and distinguished entertainment from Donald George. Donald George is a tenor and a Professor of Vocal Music at the Crane School of Music – State University of New York and an Honored Professor at Shenyang Conservatory in China. Donald also has a long-standing connection with MIS, not least as the husband of faculty member Evelyn Smith, who has been teaching at MIS for 31 years. The Bayersicher Hof has a very special connection to MIS, not least of which is the Volkhardt family, who are MIS Alumni and Friends and hosts of so many wonderful MIS Graduation dinners. The Bayersicher Hof was also the venue for many early MIS

‘Faschingsballs’ and earlier anniversary celebrations. Indeed, MIS Instrumental Teacher Eric Stevens, who was one of the performers on 26 November, also played at the Bayerischer Hof for MIS’ 30th Anniversary Ball. The School sincerely thanks the following parent volunteers, led by current parent and Board member, Stacey Balestrieri, and former parent and MIS ‘alumna and friend’, Corinna Devonshire, who have been part of planning for this very special event for the School for almost 18 months: Wanching Ang, Louise Ashworth, Daniela Ippedico, Sonal Jha, Paulina Pineda, Susanne Sage, Allison Spaxman, Alexander Stecher, Adria Stevens, and not least Judith Williams who performed her role as Master of Ceremonies with customary elegance, grace and aplomb. The School is also indebted to the many generous members of the community who also chose to sponsor faculty and staff tickets and which enabled so many current faculty and staff to attend this very special event. In particular the School thanks all those who have already given so generously to the School’s new ‘Nurture – Challenge – Inspire’ fund.

Winter Gala Nurture – Challenge – Inspire

13 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

14 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

50th Anniversary Winter Gala

15 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

16 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

50th Anniversary Winter Gala

17 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Alumni Alumni & Friends

Pre-orders for MIS’ 50th Anniversary History

ong serving faculty member, Dan Glover, has researched, collected and composed the many stories contained in the 50th Anniversary History of MIS and is the primary author of the manuscript. The 50th Anniversary History is currently in final stages of production and will be available in late January/early February 2017 and will cost €40.

To pre-order your copy of MIS’ 50th Anniversary History, please complete a form via the MIS website at www.mis-munich.de/history.

PTV

interfest 2016 was a fun filled event for the whole family. There was a large variety of activities for the young and young at heart and lots of delicious international food from across the world to enjoy. Families enjoyed the visit to Santa’s Grotto, shopping at the Winterfest market and contributing towards the many charities that were represented

at the Charity Zone this year. The School sincerely thanks and congratulates the Parent Teacher Verein (PTV) for organising such a heartwarming, international and fun celebration for the school community to enjoy.

Winter est 2016 18 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Athletics

MIS Athletes begin the Year with Victories

he Fall season of athletics came to a close with 11 teams competing around Europe in their end of season SCIS and ISST Tournaments. This season’s highlight was our Cross Country team who won their Division 2 ISST Championship in Bonn to secure a promotion into Division 1 next year. The Middle School Boys’ Football team was the only team at MIS competing in their SCIS Championship on home turf. Early winter weather meant a last minute location shift to two artificial turfed fields in Höhenrain and Berg on Friday. Thank you to both of these clubs for making these wonderful facilities available to enable us to get through the tournament. Two other MIS teams returned home from their tournaments with trophies. The Varsity Boys Volleyball team, who competed for the second year in the top Division 1 in Paris, returned with a surprising third place trophy. The Junior Varsity Girls’ Football team also returned to MIS from their SCIS championships in Frankfurt with a well-deserved second place trophy. It could have easily been gold only losing the final 0-1 to Frankfurt with a goal scored in the last seconds of the game.

All MIS Wildcat teams are to be congratulated for their successes as well as for the high level of team spirit and sportsmanship demonstrated to begin the school year.

Highlights

ASA & Co-curricular Arts

from ASA & Co-curricular Arts The MS World Choir had a fantastic time at Benedikt Beuren for their annual Choir Camp. They prepared for holiday performances, strengthened musical and vocal skills, participated in community building skills, had a great time singing, making decorations for the Winterfest Concert, and improvising on character roles. The MIS Instrumental Music Program incorporates professional musicians from the surrounding area, to teach MIS students on campus. These teachers support many of our MIS community events by performing as well as preparing students to perform at MIS assemblies, recitals and events including Winterfest, Arts Day, Frühlingsfest and this year especially for the Winter Gala. For more information on instrumental lessons, please contact arts@mis-munich.de Exciting performances coming up in ASA: FESTIVAL of SOUND – the ASA Winter Concert, Tuesday, December 13, 18:30 PAC Featuring Honors Strings, MIS String Orchestra, Anima, World Choir, MIS Rock Jazz Band, the MIS Community Symphony Orchestra and more. DRACULA – the SRS Drama Show, Friday, February 10, 2017, PAC

SA and Co-curricular Arts have started another exciting year of innovative clubs, non-competitive sports, and inspiring music, theatre and visual arts activities. We are delighted to have Maaike Visser join the team as the After School Activities Coordinator this year while Alice Byers is on parental leave. New ASA classes and clubs for 2016/17, include 3D CAD Design, Gaelic Football, JS Coding Club, Sewing & Felting, Intermediate Fencing and a Student Newspaper. Each activity brings opportunities for growth in collaboration and social skills, community building, brain teasers, physical coordination skills, performance skills and lots of fun.

The Grischa Petram Director’s Cup 2017 – Wednesday, March 15, 2017, 18:30, Black Room Theater S140 ALADDIN – the MS Musical, Tuesday & Wednesday, March 29 & 30, 2017, 18:30, PAC The ASA programme plays an essential role in promoting the MIS Mission to “Nuture, Challenge – Inspire” MIS students and the community, and provides a uniquely suitable path for intercultural communication, community and understanding. Learning through the co-curriculum is a valuable and enriching aspect of student growth, helping students to develop new skills, as well as resilience, adaptability, self-confidence and a sense of identity. 19 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Giving at MIS

Annual Giving 2016 Why Give?

Nurture – Challenge – Inspire

Munich International School is well positioned to continue its legacy of pioneering international education in the years ahead.

record of success in nurturing, challenging and inspiring students places MIS on an unparalleled path for continued success.

Enrolment is strong. We attract some of the world’s most caring, committed and highly competent educators and staff. Large numbers of our teachers also serve as examiners, workshop leaders and subject heads with the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Our students perform very well in academic comparisons with other national and international schools; they engage actively in artistic, athletic and many different forms of creative pursuits; and they contribute eagerly in authentic service activities in both our local and global communities.

Munich International School is also able to offer these extraordinary experiences to our students and community because of the many parents, grandparents, alumni, current and former teachers and staff, and other friends of the School who have given so generously to the School throughout its history.

The combination of world-class educators and staff, an enthusiastic and commited community of families, outstanding facilities and a

To be part of Munich International School’s 2016 Annual Giving programme, including our new Nurture – Challenge – Inspire fund, please visit www.mis-munich.de/annualgiving. All gifts are tax deductible in Germany.

When you give, MIS blooms! All gifts are tax deductible in Germany.

20 | CONTACT | FALL 2016

Important Calendar events More details can be found online by visiting www.mis-munich.de/calendar

Buy a Brick, Build Your Legacy MIS Path of Memories MIS’ ‘Path of Memories’ was officially opened at Frühlingsfest on 13 June 2015. Located outside the entrance to the Schloss, more than 100 bricks have already been donated as part of the ‘Buy a Brick, Build Your Legacy’ initiative.

How Can I Contribute? For more information about this on-going heritage initiative and to order your brick, please visit www.mis-munich.de/bricks. Minimum donation €200.

Orders for the next batch of bricks will close on Friday 31 March 2017.

DECEMBER Staff Professional Development Day – No Classes 2 JS Parent Principal Forum 6 MS Parent Principal Forum 8 Parent Association Meeting Rodewald Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament 9-10 Winterfest 11 JS Parent Coffee Morning 13 Festival of Sound – ASA Winter Concert Early Release 16 Christmas Market 19 Half day – classes end at 12:00 22 Winter Break begins 23 JANUARY Winter Break ends / Classes resume 9 Grade 4 Parent Information Evening 17 Swim Meet in Pœcking 20-21 Open Day at MIS 24 MS Parent Principal Forum 26 SrS Grade 12 Parent evening FEBRUARY Early Childhood Parent Conferences – No School for EC students SrS Parent Principal Forum Early Childhood Parent Conferences – No School for EC students JS Parent Coffee Morning Dracula – SrS Drama Show Open Day at MIS ASA Winter Season Ends Last Day of Classes Ski Week begins (No Classes) Ski Week ends / Classes Resume ASA Spring Season Request Period Begins (via Schoolbase)

1 2 7 10 14 17 18 27 28

MARCH Early Release 3 ASA Spring Season Request Period Ends (via Schoolbase) 6 JS Parent Principal Forum 7 Heinrich Harrer Cup in Seefeld, Austria 9-11 Half day – classes end at 12:00 (except for Grade 12 Mock Exams) 10 The Grischam Petram Director’s Cup 2017 15 Alladin – the MS Musical 29-30

How do I become a part of the Munich International School Community?

How do I stay in touch with Munich International School?

Student Admissions: admissions@mis-munich.de

Munich International School Alumni & Friends: alumni@mis-munich.de

Employment Opportunities: employment@mis-munich.de

Giving at Munich International School: giving@mis-munich.de