Waves Spring 2014

Bonn International School Magazine | Spring 2014 | magazine@bonn-is.de

BISSV

WHAT? WHY? HOW?

CREATIVE WAVES CELEBRATING THE ARTS

TEACHER FEATURE GET TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS

On the Cover: Under 14 Girl’s Volleyball Team

Imprint:

Bonn International School e.V. Martin-Luther-King-Strasse 14, 53175 Bonn

Contents Sports at BIS

2

Fall results 2 Winter results 3

Magazine Volunteers: Agnieszka Boud Kate Carey Myriam Figueiredo-Stuart Anuradha Koratkar

Teacher Feature - 8 questions to get to know our teachers

4

BISSV 5 Primary Years Programme

6

Body Image 6

Mitra Maroufi

Primary Student Council 7

Geraldine McMillan

Warning! - High Tech Passing By! 8

Mariana Naslund

EC German Drama Club 9

Natalie Niklas

Antolin German Reading Club 9

Students: Elissa Filozof Helle Huisman

Middle Years Programme

10

The Personal Project 10 History Bee and Bowl 11

Layout and Design:

German Books and Authors 12

Janet Hannah

Community & Service Charities 13 Diploma Visual Arts

14

Green Space

16

Kate Carey

Fiesta Latina

17

Owen Elias

Bizarre BIS - Crazy occurrences at school!

18

Creative Waves

20

Grease the 2013 BIS Musical

22

Editing and Proofing: Steve Arrowsmith

Photography: Thank you to the many community members who share their photos.

Printing: The Happy Printer, Bonn.

TEDxYouth@BIS 24 Two Steves

25

Unsung Heroes

26

The Tech Team 26 Tech Team Alumni 27 9 Wacky Science Facts

28

5 Questions about Germany

29

Alumni - Where Are They Now?

30

Technology and Design - preparing for the workplace

32

iPad Update

33

Friday Morning Runners

34

The Bonn Marathon

35

Sporting Dads

35

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Go dragons

Results During the fall season, BIS fields teams in cross country, football and volleyball. Winter sports are basketball and swimming. Season ending tournaments are organised by the Northwest European Council of International Schools (NECIS) and the International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST).

Cross country (Fall) The cross country team comprised athletes from Grades 6 to 12.

ISST Division II results

The team participated in races in Luxembourg and Brussels, as

Cross country team

well as the season ending NECIS and ISST tournaments in Antwerp and London where Jack Lawson (Grade 9) finished his BIS running career by coming first in both of his races. Wera Terhaag finished a fantastic third in the NECIS Girls Over 16 race, and all runners either equaled or improved on their personal best times over the season.

7th

Junior Varsity Boys Race

Jack Lawson

1st

Varsity Girls Race

Wera Terhaag

14th

Jack Lawson

1st

NECIS results Boys High School team Boys Under 16 Girls Over 16

3rd Raphi Schwegler

9th

Jason DeVries

10th

Wera Terhaag

3rd

Football (Fall) It was a successful season for the BIS football teams. The JV

ISST Division III results

Boys finished second in their NECIS tournament at the International

Varsity Girls Football

1st (promoted to Division II)

Varsity Boys Football

5th

School of Amsterdam and the U14 Boys placed second in NECIS at the American School of The Hague. BIS hosted the ISST Division III girls football tournament, where the Varsity Girls team delighted the home crowd by winning. They are to be promoted to Division II next season.

NECIS results Under 12 Boys

10th

Under 14 Boys

2nd

Junior Varsity Boys

2nd

Volleyball (Fall) The volleyball teams had several friendly matches throughout the

NECIS results

season, leading up to the NECIS tournaments for the Junior Varsity

Varsity Girls

10th

Junior Varsity Girls

10th (Most Sporting Team)

Under 14 Girls

8th

Under 12 Girls

5th (Plate Winners)

and Varsity Girls at the International School of Amsterdam and the Under 12 and Under 14 Girls at the American School of The Hague. Special mention goes to the Under 12 Girls who emerged as Plate winners after an exciting match, and the Junior Varsity Girls who were voted the most sporting team.

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Basketball (Winter) The younger teams had a very successful NECIS tournament at

Nathan Balthazar was also the winner of the Parker Bradford

the International School of Düsseldorf. The Under 12 Girls won

Memorial Award. The award is presented by the Bradford family

the Plate T ournament, and the Under 14 Girls were awarded most

to the player who best demonstrates the late Parker’s qualities

sporting team. The Under 12 Boys placed second after a nail

of competitiveness, poise, effort and enjoyment.

biting final in which they only lost by two, and the Under 14 Boys

At the Sir James Henderson British School of Milan, the Varsity

were fourth. As a wonderful end of season treat, the Under 12

Girls team came in sixth. Congratulations go to Gabi Lange (Grade

and Junior Varsity Boys teams were invited to the Telekom Basket’s

12) who was also selected for the All-Tournament team.

last game of the season. The Under 12 Boys were announced on court as the NECIS Silver Medal winners and were given the opportunity to meet the players. Let’s hope this inspires them to win next season!

NECIS results Under 12 Girls

5th (Plate Winners)

Under 14 Girls

6th (Most Sporting Team)

Under 12 Boys

2nd

The Varsity Boys team travelled to the ISST tournament at Zurich

Under 14 Boys

4th

International School, where they came fourth. Special mention

Junior Varsity Boys

6th

goes to Mark Schefter and Nathan Balthazar (Grade 12). Both

ISST Division II results

were selected for the All-Tournament team which is an honorary

Varsity Boys

4th

all-star team made up of the ten best players from the tournament.

Varsity Girls

6th

Swimming (Winter) The BIS swimming squad, made up of students from Grades 5 to

Sabrina Shih

50m Breaststroke

12, trained hard throughout the season and participated in friendly

Daria Nicotera Sabrina Shih Mia Hammersmith Sydney Wilson

100m Medley Relay 3rd

swimmers coming in the top eight and making it through to finals

Katrina Rogers

200m Freestyle

as well as improving their season or personal best times. Hannah

Under 14 Girls

galas in Luxembourg and Antwerp. The team put in a strong performance at the NECIS tournament in Luxembourg, with many

Wiedemann (Grade 7) had a fantastic meet, setting a new NECIS record in all three of her gold medal winning events. Below is a

50m Breaststroke Hannah Wiedemann 100m Butterfly

selection of some of the excellent results.

NECIS results Under 12 Girls Lara Wiedemann Sabrina Shih Sydney Wilson Olivia Carey Mia Hammersmith

2nd

2nd 1st (NECIS record) 1st (NECIS record)

100m Breaststroke

1st (NECIS record)

Lara Wiedemann Hannah Wiedemann Isabelle Carey Divya Bilolikar

200m Freestyle Relay

2nd

200m Medley Relay

2nd

100m Backstroke

3rd

50m Backstroke

2nd

100m Freestyle

3rd

50m Butterfly

3rd

100m Freestyle Relay

Bente Koelink Lara Wiedemann Hannah Wiedemann Divya Bilolikar

2nd

Over 16 Girls Jillian Fox

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Teacher Feature Jamie Hooper

8 questions to get to know our teachers

Other than teaching, what else did you want to become?

I wanted to be a policeman before I wanted to be a teacher.

Which fictional character did you want to be as a child?

Other than teaching, what else did you want to become?

After buying my first record at age nine and going to my first concert soon after, I wanted to be a rock star. Deep down I still do.

Which fictional character did you want to be as a child?

I have always wanted to be Batman. If I had more money and was stronger, I would give it a try.

What is the naughtiest thing you did as a child?

I was once sent to the Principal’s office in Grade 8 for riding the school elevator, which was strictly off limits to students.

I wanted to be Legolas from “Lord of The Rings” because

If you had to choose a last meal what would it be?

he was awesome with a bow and arrow.

Nachos, a burrito, and a pepperoni pizza. I would have

What is the naughtiest thing you did as a child?

carrot cake for desert.

The naughtiest thing I ever did as a child was stealing

What 3 things would you take on a desert island and why?

sweets from a gas station.

Book: “The Brothers Karamozov”. This is one of the few

If you had to choose a last meal what would it be?

My last meal would be a huge bowl of mussels in garlic butter.

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Peter Vaughn

books that I get something new out of every time I read it.

It’s also long so it would be good to pass the time.

Music: I need to bring two albums: Pixies - “Doolittle” - this is the coolest album of all time;

What 3 things would you take on a desert island and why?

The Chemical Brothers - “Exit Planet Dust” - this was the

On a desert island I would take a football to play with,

first electronic music album I ever loved. It is still my

suncream to stop my head from frying and a fishing rod so

favourite.

I wouldn’t go hungry.

Other: I would bring my headphones.

Which chores do you hate the most?

Which chores do you hate the most?

I hate washing dishes more than any other chore.

Mowing the lawn.

What are your favourite spare time activities?

What are your favourite spare time activities?

In my spare time I play football, workout and eat a lot.

Running, travelling, reading and listening to music.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

What is your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement to date is getting a job I love!

Learning a second language.

WHAT?WHY? HOW? What is it?

The Bonn International School Sportverein (BISSV) is a sports club that provides different sports opportunities for various age groups. We will form teams when the next school year begins.

These teams will compete in local German competitions and leagues representing BISSV.

Why are we doing it?

BISSV enhances the existing EC sports programme by integrating our students within the local German community in year-round sporting activities.

How are we going to do that?

We will recruit highly qualified coaches who will teach our students the skills, the knowledge, and the expertise necessary to compete at a high level in their chosen sport.

Scope The intention is to start off by registering two football teams (Grades 3 & 4) and one running team (Grades 5 – 12). We will try to add more sports and age groups every year, such as basketball, gymnastics, rugby etc.

The existing EC programme already covers a lot of activities for older students, so we have decided to start with younger age groups this time. We will train twice a week all year-round. The teams will be predominantly made up of BIS students, but it is important to understand that non-BIS students may also apply for a membership as well. That’s why we have designed a criteria membership form.

Advantages The advantages for the members of the BISSV club are: • participation and experience in your chosen sport My background My name is Tobias Goebel and I’m 23 years old. I was born and raised in Bonn, and have always been a keen sportsman. This is one of many reasons why I decided to study Fitness Management in Cologne. Since I was a little boy my passion has always been

over the entire year • easier integration into the local German community through the international language of sport • more competitive games and events • an opportunity to improve German language skills

soccer and sport in general. Frankly, I love to test my limits and

Office hours / contacts

challenge myself in various different ways.

You can find me in Mr Grant’s office on Tuesdays and Thursdays

I am also a licensed Personal Trainer and work part time for the Health City gym in Bad Godesberg. Besides my passion for sports,

between 09.00 and 14.00, or send me an e-mail at: tobias.goebel@bonn-is.de or bissv@bonn-is.de

my love for music is my drive. I have played the bass guitar for

We are very excited about this opportunity and, more importantly,

many years now. My role model is Flea from the Red Hot Chili

we are absolutely convinced that our students will benefit from

Peppers, my all-time favorite band.

this project in lots of ways.

Tobias Groebel 5

“Never be afraid to show yourself the way you really are.

Nothing is more important than having confidence in your own body image.”

Britt, Grade 5.

Primary Years Programme

BODY IMAGE Debra Hennessy, one of our BIS school nurses, did some educational sessions with the Grade 5 classes on puberty and body changes. Several sessions then focused on body image and media influences.

Some students have shared their reflections on these sessions.

“Learning about puberty can actually be “Magazines, superstars, dolls and women quite frightening. When we learnt about in ads all influence our thoughts about how it, it was a little disgusting (especially we look.” learning about the other gender). It was “We actually need confidence in our body more fun without the other classes, because shape because in camera shots and in there wasn’t as much giggling. It was weird magazines models are thin but what people being able to say almost anything but don’t notice is that they are photo-shopped. sometimes in your life you have to grow up.”

They force you to buy products to make yourself The Grade 5 students defined body image as “how more beautiful but you don’t need them. You are you see yourself in the mirror and how you feel about just as beautiful without that cream or makeup.” yourself”. They explored positive versus negative body It is difficult to look like the images in the magazines image and potential influences on this. As they enter the because “these people use very expensive make up and have pubescent age, students realize that they may go through phases professionals do their hair” and “it is the shape that they are of appearing “fat” as their body shape changes and things happen and we are not.” at different times. One girl also mentioned that each individual can directly influence their body and thus also body image. Through Photo editing was frequently cited as a way to manipulate active awareness of how to maintain a healthy body, for example images shown. This was deemed “stupid”, as it was a false good nutrition, exercise and hygiene, each person can keep portrayal of reality. These unrealistic images were seen as a themselves in the best shape for them. manipulation of people’s perception that could lead girls to “go too skinny” or girls to have “a lot of worries and be angry at Much time was spent looking at external influences on our body themselves, because they don’t think they are beautiful.” image and what consequences they may have. The presentation showed the girls that the models used in photo shoots did not bear Unanimously, students would happily see “normal” people any resemblance to the image used in the adverts as they were in the media without photo editing and dolls shaped more manipulated to look thinner, have longer limbs, perfect skin, be realistically. The students came away with a clear message taller, etc. about media influences: “This is not healthy!”

A huge thank-you to Britt and Shannon from Grade 5JLa for their input into this article.

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PYP

The BIS Primary Student Council has tried

to make the Primary School a better place.

It is made up of three committees: the Cafeteria Committee, the Recess Committee and the Community Service &

Student Council

Special Events Committee. Each committee

just being tossed out. For example, they

completed several tasks to make a

showed how a glass air freshener container

difference in the school this year.

could be used as a vase and how a former

The Recess Committee has tried to introduce kids to a variety of games that

tin chocolate case could be used to hold pencils.

many kids can play at the same time. This

The Community Service & Special Events

has included games like, What’s Happening

Committee organized a few different

Mister Fox?, Pass the Stick, Splat and

projects this year. They collected canned

Medic. They tried to teach games that

foods for Bonner Tafel and asked for art

could include many children and did not

supplies to be donated at Christmas, which

necessarily have a winner or loser. They

were delivered to the Evangelische

tried to start up these games with kids

Jugendhilfe Godesheim organization. We

from many different grade levels. Finally,

are collecting photo albums or picture

they pumped up balls for kids to play with

frames, which will also be donated to the

during recess.

Evangelische Jugendhilfe Godesheim

The Cafeteria Committee has made posters and created a presentation, which looked at ways to reduce waste, reuse materials and recycle products. The posters were

organization. These photo albums and picture frames will be given to children as a leaving gift with photos of their time there.

This year has been a blast to be in the

hung around school and the presentation

Primary Student Council. It is our hope that

was given in a variety of different primary

students and families will continue taking

classrooms. The Student Council members

action in the community. Next year, the

shared ways to do this at home and also

Student Council hopes to continue taking

gave examples of items that could be

action and achieving our goals.

reused for something different rather than

?

What is the Primary Student Council and what does it do?

Contributors: Sara Brazil Molly Link Jovana Derelieva Amelia Iwaniuk Francesca Bernhardt

Jessica Greene

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PYP High Tech Passing By! Hello, my name is Yigit and I am currently working on my PYP

BBC scientists have found that playing violent games causes

exhibition. My topic is Technology Addiction.

aggression and violent behavior as people tend to mimic the

Addiction to technology can cause really bad damage to the development of the brain. This is called digital dementia. Citizens of South Korea are facing digital dementia as they participate in activities involving overuse of technology. When the brain gets introduced to an easier way of doing things, it adapts really quickly, leading to memory loss. Doctors in South Korea are reporting a surge in digital dementia among young people who have become so reliant on electronic devices that they can no longer remember everyday details like their phone numbers. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/southkorea/10138403/Surge-in-digital-dementia.html)

behavior seen in the video games. (Pupils “made more violent by computer games�. BBC article online. Hannah Richardson, April 3, 2012) According to research done by Iowa State University, children who play violent video games all the time are learning thought patterns that will affect them later in life. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140324181255.https)

Technology can affect our brain development and behaviors. In one case, a child in Taiwan played 40 hours non-stop of fighting games, which led to his death. His body became dehydrated as he did not drink any water for 40 hours straight.

(Diablo 3 Death: Teen Dies After Playing Game for 40 Hours Straight. July 18, 2012. huffingtonpost.com)

Digital dementia can be reversed by exercising your brain and limiting technology use. Doctors suggest using your head and trying to remember things instead of looking it up right away.

Reading books, learning a new language and playing an instrument are also ways to help your brain. Physical exercise will help bring nutrients to the brain. (http://www.alzheimers.net/2013-11-12/overuse-of-technology-can-lead-to-digital-dementia/http://www. alzheimers.net/2013-11-12/overuse-of-technology-can-lead-to-digital-dementia/)

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I believe that kids should have limits using technology. Homework should take priority, as well as playing outside, interacting with our families, and reading books. I suggest parents should set a time limit for playing video games. This will allow us to develop physically and mentally. It is important to find a balance with outdoor physical activities in order to stay mentally fit.

Yigit Akbiyik 5JLa

EC German Drama Club

Learning German Through Drama

What happens when a witch dreams of living on the moon? Well, she packs her belongings and off she sets on an adventurous journey with her pet.

The students of the EC German Drama Club read the book “Für Hund und Katz ist auch noch Platz” which is the German translation of Julia Donaldson’s book “Room on the Broom”. As the students decided to put it on stage, they wrote their theatre script and rehearsed the play.

They successfully performed at the Creative Waves Festival in April 2014 and are now working on their next performance.

The EC German Drama Club is offered by Frau Zoe Grigoriadou throughout the year.

Primary Years Programme

ANTOLIN German Reading Club The Antolin-Reading Club is a German EC Reading Activity, where students can enjoy their favourite books in a relaxed and cosy environment. They can choose the books they would like to read from a rich collection of recommended German titles.

When finished reading, the students have the opportunity to check their text comprehension and answer content questions provided by a web-based program on the computer. This program provides the opportunity to combine traditional and modern media. The students

have the experience of having a real book in their hands and learn to use the Internet in a meaningful way.

They are also encouraged to read a book carefully, and think of the correct answer.

They are rewarded for their attentive participation in the program by points of success leading eventually to an Antolin Certificate.

The Club is offered throughout the whole year by Frau Semar, Frau Müllenbach, and Herrn Isken.

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The Personal Project Middle Years Programme What is the personal project?

The personal project could be seen as a rite of passage into the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. As an essential part of rounding up the Middle Years Programme (MYP) many students see it as an obstacle they need to get over. What people don’t always seem to realise is how rewarding the experience can be when the topic is well-chosen.

What is the personal project? The International Baccalaureate Organization defines it as “a project produced to create a personal and creative piece of work that stands as a summative reflection of the student’s ability to conduct independent work”. At the end of Grade 9, students are asked to find a topic that reflects their interests and are assigned a supervisor. The project consists of an essay and a product, which are both completed by the end of the first semester of Grade 10.

The project is built out of several sections and one should fulfil all criteria ranging from “page numbers are included” to “sources are fully evaluated continuously”. It is a serious piece of work, but in the end it’s also meant to motivate students creatively. When a topic is chosen carefully, one should feel like it was a positive experience. Current Grade 10 student Michael Borges says, “I loved it, to be honest. I just got the work done within the first half of the year and could enjoy it”.

As a little tip for future students Michael adds, “never be late to a meeting”. On this I can completely agree, but the help (from my supervisor) throughout the process was

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amazing and she continuously provided excellent feedback that I could incorporate into my work. This support was great and definitely had a positive impact on my project.

Personally, I look back on my project very positively. I filmed and interviewed several of my classmates about what being international meant to them. After hours of incredibly frustrating editing, technology failures and annoyance, I had created a video, which I’m still very proud of. Of course all this stress could have been saved by starting earlier in the summer and not choosing a topic for which I needed cooperation of other people, but I enjoyed it none the less.

Fellow Grade 11 student Isabelle Lisson reflects on her experience of making a comic book: “[It was] a great topic for me. I enjoy drawing and creating stories, and this project was actually the push I needed to just draw.

I would have spaced out my time better, since I underestimated the time it took to complete the product itself, but it increased my respect for all the professional cartoonists out there, so you could see it as something positive as well.” Having found something creative and

close to her own interests, Lisson was motivated to do more research and spend more time working on her project. “Honestly it was a lot to manage, especially in that last week, but I loved it throughout.... Seeing what my fellow classmates came with at the end was also incredible”.

The variety of projects that come out of Grade 10 each year is astounding—ranging from musical compositions to the building of bikes.

This year saw a lot of creative projects rather than research. Several students composed their own CDs or made dances, whereas others did research on bullying and the stress and pressure encountered by teenagers. Many current DP students see the personal project as preparation for the projects encountered in the last two years of high school, especially for the extended essay, where the research component has similar criteria. Except Art in the IB, the personal project is also the last chance for a larger scale creative project.

A message from all those who have already completed the personal project: Good luck Grade 9 and all other future personal project makers! Hopefully you will be able to find a good topic and generally give a positive spin to this project. And dear parents, please remember that supporting your child in whatever topic they have chosen really helps and makes it more interesting for you as well.

Once that deadline is reached and completion is celebrated, I hope you will all be able to look back as positively as I have.

Helle Huisman, Grade 11 CAS

MYP

The International History Bee and Bowl In April, the BIS History Bowl Team traveled to Stuttgart for two days to participate in the International History Bee and Bowl Competition hosted by Stuttgart International School. This is our first year ever to participate in such a history competition. Eight students and two teachers set out on a quest to win in the challenge of world history knowledge championships: Elisabeth Hatting, Michael Borgers, Daniel Van Holten, Jan-Cedric Gienau, Anael Jordan-Ortiz, Duncan Page, Che Melo, Krupha Vetriselvan, Ms Francemone and Mr Rivera.

History Bowl is a voluntary student activity for students who enjoy history. Since January, we have met every Thursday after school and Friday during lunch. During these meetings, we practiced history questions with our advisor Ms Francemone. These practice sessions helped us prepare for both the team and individual competitions.

In both the team and individual competitions, the problems presented were of great complexity. They required us to be able to think logically and quickly to answer the question before it was

fully read, so that we would gain an advantage over the other team. Out of the other schools, there was one team that stood out: the Middle School team of Stuttgart International School.

They had this twelve year old boy who walked around like a living Encyclopaedia! He knew so much, it was just adorable! We barely managed to beat his team; split seconds decided who was awarded the right to answer the question. After this competition our reflexes became as fast as a cheetahs!

During this competition, we won the opportunity to go play in two other competitions. Hopefully we’ll be able to use these newly gained reflexes to win the European championships that are to be held in Rome and the Olympiad that will take place next summer at Princeton University in the United States. If we succeed in Rome, we would be eligible to go to the grand finals held in NewYork! We’re super excited - not just because of the travelling, which is a huge plus, but because studying and playing as a team is so much fun!!

Krupha Vetriselvan. Photos: Josefino Rivera.

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Grade 9 Students, Author Janne Teller, BIS Teachers Frau Waeder and Frau Voss

MYP

German, Books and Authors: the Lit.COLOGNE Trip On 21 March, Frau Waeder’s Grade 9 and Frau Voss’ Grade 11

and self-reflection are highly successful and make her stories

German classes travelled to the 2014 Lit.COLOGNE. This annual

outstanding literature. The book reading in Cologne was in

international literature celebration in Cologne is organised for

celebration of both these books and worked well to show a different

students to bring the texts they study in class to life. The BIS

side to storytelling.

students went to a book reading and interview of Danish author Janne Teller.

During the two hour session, Teller was interviewed and asked questions about how she creates her stories. When asked where

Janne Teller has been working as a full time author of both youth

the stories come from she replied, “From my belly. ... I need to

and adult fiction since 1995. She became internationally acclaimed

stand when I write so I can feel the story, and can fully express

with the publication of her second book, Nothing (Nichts – Was

myself.” This intriguing perspective of feeling her stories continued

im Leben wichtig ist). This novel is about the journey of a group

and she stood up during her book reading. Even though the story

of Grade 8 students as they find their way in life and discover

was quite lengthy and the calm atmosphere made one feel slightly

what has meaning for them. As the characters develop, their

sleepy, the reading was the highlight of the presentation. Samuel

search for meaning escalates into violence and brutality, which

Hewitt, a Grade 11 student, found “it was cool to witness the

starkly contrasts with the usual representation of MYP students

process of how those stories are for her. I was pleasantly surprised.”

in literature.

This more interactive way of learning about literature and the

The novel is written in the rather confronting manner that is typical

underlying symbolism of books is an incredible way to get students

in Janne Teller’s books and moves the reader to self reflection.

more engaged with the topics discussed. It also provides the

As the topics discussed in the book are very controversial, the

teachers with a lot more information to share and interpret. Both

book was deemed inappropriate in Denmark and banned. Literary

classes acted out a role-play in class afterward in which information

censorship is almost unheard of in this part of the world and

and interpretations from the short story were needed. Having

caused a scandal in Denmark. The book may have been blacklisted

heard Teller speak about her stories, this was a far more natural

from the school curriculum there, but has since received much

process and was another great interactive way of learning. Grade

international acclaim. In 2011 Janne Teller received the Michael

11 student Lorenzo Pasanisi reflects, “we really experienced a

L. Printz Honor Book award for the novel.

Her new book, Everything (Alles), is a collection of short stories, which also tackle confronting themes such as human trafficking,

lot more from the books by going to the reading and meeting Janne Teller.”

Thank yous must be extended to Frau Waeder and Frau Voss for

racism and murder. In these stories Teller has incorporated plot

taking us, as it was a great success. The interview, reading and

twists that make the reader realise how it would be to be in

role-play covered all angles of the story and all students look back

such a confronting situation oneself. The combination of intrigue

on the trip positively.

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Helle Huisman, Grade 11 CAS

S & C Community & Service

All Middle Years Programme (MYP) students at BIS take part in a C&S Programme

throughout the school year. C&S aims to help students develop personal values and

awareness by helping others and contributing to their local and the global community.

This year students are involved in a range of C&S projects which benefit both the local Bonn community and communities abroad. Local projects allow students to experience first hand how their actions have helped those in need, while those helping communities further afield serve to broaden students’ global awareness.

Middle Years Programme Community Art Project A group of Grade 7 students worked on a community art project which they donated to the CJG Hermann-Josef-Haus, a

Visiting the Elderly

community youth centre in Bad Godesberg. Another group of students paid regular The group wanted to do something to help visits to the elderly at the retirement home underprivileged children, and so the “Haus am Redoutenpark” in Bad Godesberg. students set out to create an art piece As well as simply talking to the elderly, the which they hoped would touch and inspire students play music for them, bake cookies fellow teenagers at the community centre. and cupcakes to take, whizz up delicious They came up with the idea of asking as and nutritious smoothies, and organise many BIS students as possible to donate games such as bingo and cards. a handprint as a heartfelt symbol of The project encourages positive interaction solidarity with those less fortunate than between different generations and the themselves. residents of the home really enjoy the buzz After an advertising campaign at school, and activity surrounding the students’ visits. many BIS students took part and made The students learn how to engage with their mark on the project, so to speak. The older people, and that sometimes a little resulting artwork also carries a positive and patience is required when explaining the inspirational message in German, which rules of new games or talking to those who the group hopes will resonate with are hard of hearing! teenagers at the youth centre.

Charity dinner at La Redoute MAY

07 7.00 pm

DINNER FOR ZAMBIA

- HELP AND SUPPORT IN ZAMBIA! A CHILDREN´S HOSPITAL

e1 La Redoute, Kurfürstenalle 53177 Bonn-Bad Godesberg !

There will be a three course event for a hospital in Zambia!

Come along to a great charity for adults. However, 10 Euros for children and 15 Euros menu and the tickets will cost with pictures to explain our more. We will play a slideshow everybody is welcome to donate event and all the fundraised whole the grade are organizing project. BIS students in 6 and 9th ent of a Children’s Hospital in developm and ted to the further construction

Congratulations to the Dinner for Zambia C&S group! They worked together as a team and fundraised €2,221.50 for a hospital in Zambia on Wednesday, 7 May 2014. The von Borries family generously sponsored a three-course meal for over 50 guests at their restaurant, The Redoute.

The C&S group did a fantastic job and raised awareness about the need for medical care in Zambia. They sold tickets, decorated, polished, prepared, and served the meal with grace and then told the guests how the funds were being used for the continual development of the Twalumba

clinic. The Twalumba clinic is located in a rural area in Zambia, and it is in great need of basic medical supplies for the local community. Thank you sincerely to all the people who attended this wonderful fundraiser. Your contributions are changing people’s lives.

A special thanks to these individuals who were committed to making this project a success: Bettina and Christoph von Borries, Carla Appel, Annelise-Maria Becheru, Cassian von Borries, Lena Cordes, Zoé Janischowsky, Margot Lozaic, Lara Weidemann, Leslie Weiler, Valeria Veretenova.

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Diploma Programme

Visual Arts

This year’s graduating class of IB Diploma Programme (DP) students finished their course with the customary Visual Arts Exhibition showing their work. This year’s Exhibition took place on Monday 24 March 2014.

The DP Visual Art Class consisted of nine students, a mixture of Standard and Higher level students. This year, several students focused on using sculpture to represent their ideas; as such, we had some large scale works in the exhibition. From time-based / installation media, as shown in Milena Sekulic’s work, to recycled aspects in Hannah Paeffgen’s sculptures, students were inspired by the world around them and their perspective as young adults interacting with today’s society.

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DP

Elements of whimsy and fun were also represented through the brightly coloured, Colombian-inspired paintings of Sebastian Jaregui-Kayser and the neon Cheshire Cat painting

of Caroline Rosello. Conceptual art focusing on geometry and perception was a central to Ben Valand’s work. Personal mindfulness, the environment and animal welfare were explored in Jess Hamilton’s work.

Through a variety of media, Grace Smith and Nina Bondi explored their unique cultural backgrounds, expressing elements of their personal and national identity through their paintings and photographs. Viviana Peluffo’s work explored the human condition, looking at visual representation of psychology, as well as her own cultural identity.

The exhibition was a great success and the students should be extremely proud of their body of work, as well as the completion of one element of their IB Diploma.

Jo Tilton

15

Run, jump, slide

In February, BIS was delighted to open

students can safely play in this space

campus. Under consideration are portable

additional playground space on its campus.

without wandering off campus.

multi-purpose event seating, umbrellas

This new area extends from the back of the Waves building to the Rhine River. It uses land within our school property which had been unused and unusable up until

The transformation of this no-go zone was made possible by many individuals and organizations. Funds raised at the “Luck of the Irish” event in March 2013 were used

for the outdoor terrace in between the Waves and Agora buildings, or a dragon (our school mascot) mural for the white Agora wall facing the cafeteria.

this point.

for purchasing the playground equipment.

Being outside and having appropriate play

What’s new? Besides a large open green

The US Department of State provided a

spaces are important to the health and

lawn to play on, students enjoy a balance beam, slide, zip line and climbing pyramid.

Nets are up on the two beach volleyball courts and they are open for play. Our

significant part of the funding for the

happiness of our students. BIS places great

security fence. Knauber, a locally-based

emphasis on this.

garden and home store, provided plants to line the fence along the Rhine.

Keep your eye on the Newsflash and website to find out what other projects

campus security fence has been extended

This year’s “Fiesta Latina” raised additional

BIS is planning to undertake in order to

to include this area so that our younger

funds for outdoor improvements to the BIS

continuously improve our campus.

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Fiesta Latina Five enormous homemade piñatas, 33 carefully assembled flower arrangements, 500m of papel picado, 3000kg of tables, chairs, cutlery and crockery, not to mention stage and sound equipment, transformed a sleek school sports hall into an evening venue fit for a fiesta.

Lovers of Latino cuisine were certainly not disappointed either.

The chef, after some negotiating, agreed to ensure certain creativity and that there would be no skimping on ingredients.

There was so much food that many who were there didn’t

Fiesta Latina was an evening that many enjoyed not only for

even notice the desserts. They were exquisite, and some

the cultural aspect but also the opportunity to mingle with

recipes changed hands.

the community. Our Latino community spent countless hours planning, organizing and managing every detail, so that the evening was a fiesta for all the senses. The colours as you walked into the Agora Sports Hall were spectacular, each table meticulously decorated with a gorgeous arrangement of cut flowers. The welcoming cocktail and appetizer helped us to get into the mood and teased our taste buds.

None of the entertainment would have been possible without the tireless and good-humoured labours of the Tech Team.

The great spectacle of the night was the Brazilian style carnival extravaganza put on by a samba school from Düsseldorf. One particular entertainer certainly proved to be the talking point of the evening, although Jo did manage to get the dancing started. It really reached full swing at this point. A certain principal was seen showing off her

We were then swept away by the musical entertainment.

moves with her partner for most of the evening. Other

This was a combination of traditional folk dances, groovy

members of the leadership team also got down on the

choir numbers, cool Brazilian beats and spectacular

dance floor.

carnival entertainment. A special mention goes to Daniel and Fernanda, who did their parents and Mexican relatives proud, dancing that evening. I think Jo also deserves a thank you for being on the dance floor while everyone else queued for food.

The only complaints heard were from people who were too immersed in the Silent Auction and somehow ‘missed’ the dancing, or vice versa. Was the evening too short?

Maybe our senses were all just on overdrive.

17

Introducing

Crazy occurrences at school!

a new Waves segment entitled “BIZARRE BIS”

Quirky and curious happenings are inevitable in every school community and BIS is no exception. Here are some of the more unusual recent experiences and anecdotes from our BIS community. Check them out!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

No Food is No Fun!

Mr Vaughn’s story: In early March, Mr Vaughn dog-sat Ms Francemone’s three dogs.

He had met them before and they seemed to get along. At 19.00 he went to her apartment to let the dogs out. One, Pookie, decided she no longer trusted Mr Vaughn. She began slowly to distance herself from him and, not knowing what else to do, Mr Vaughn decided to run after her.

After sprinting for about ten blocks, twisting an ankle, and asking neighbors for help, Mr Vaughn was forced to call Ms Francemone with the horrible news: one of her dogs was lost. She reassured him Pookie would go home of her own accord. This she did.

But upon seeing Mr Vaughn again, she promptly bolted for a second time Ms Box was then drafted in to help Mr Vaughn search for Pookie.

She suggested filing a report with the local police. To everyone’s surprise, the Bad Godesberg police not only sent out a car, but the police officers called about every 30 minutes with updates.

The final update was at 23.10: Pookie had been found hiding under a parked car. She was scared, cold and hungry and just wanted to go home. So much so, she even let Mr Vaughn pick her up.

Ms Francemone’s story: While away on a much anticipated 10th grade Ypres field trip, Ms Francemone was informed by her kind dog sitter, Mr Vaughn, that Pookie had gone missing. Both parties—rather, all parties—were quite distressed at this turn of events.

The BIS community sprang into action: a student accompanying Ms. Francemone called Ms Box, Pookie’s favorite neighbor.

Ms Box immediately joined in the hunt. A few sightings, stressful phone calls and at least two circumnavigations of the neighborhood later, Ms Box suggested calling the Bad Godesberg police for help.

With the police joining in the hunt, Pookie’s return home was imminent. After four and a half hours of evading capture, a tired, cold, hungry Pookie finally submitted to the officers, who cornered her under a parked car at a local construction site. A relieved Mr Vaughn thanked the officers for their help and their leash to walk her home. Ms Francemone, grateful to all parties involved in the search, distributed homemade cookies shaped as dog bones to everyone.

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At the time, a thorough job was done of keeping the public in the dark. But Spring has now rolled around and it’s time you knew. Earlier this school year, a canteen catastrophe very nearly occurred. No, no, lives weren’t shattered, days weren’t spoiled, careers weren’t cut short—but, had this disaster actually happened, those of you with a dietary dependence on the Sodexo team’s hot lunch menu would most certainly have gone home with rumbling stomachs.

Contrary to what you may now be thinking, the problem was not a lack of food but rather a lack of means with which to serve it. During a BIS weekend event, someone had removed the cafeteria’s serving dishes and had unfortunately forgotten to return what they had taken.

Noontime on Monday came. The Sodexo team, having spent the morning in the kitchen cooking, went into the cafeteria to prepare for the primary students’ fast approaching lunch break. They faced an unusual obstacle: the serving dishes were nowhere to be found! With only 20 minutes to spare before a hundred hungry little kids swarmed the cafeteria, a volunteer from the Sodexo team rushed to inform BIS staff members of the dilemma.

Luckily, the missing serving dishes were located and returned just in the nick of time and nobody was any the wiser… Until now, of course.

Elissa Filozof, Grade 11 CAS This has been a debut segment for “Bizarre BIS”. We hope you’ve enjoyed it! If you know of any crazy occurrences involving our school and would like to see them featured in the next edition of Waves, send them to magazine@bonn-is.de.

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At Bonn International School, every spring kicks off with an inclusive experience that spotlights the various creative skills present within the community: the Creative Waves Festival. The brainchild of Music teacher Ms Kathleen Szalay, Creative Waves was initiated in 2013 as a new opportunity for all nonsporting clubs and activities to showcase their talent. And now the thank you cards are rolling in.

Creative Creative Waves Festival The annual festival exhibits more than 30 different

Performances were delivered by the BIS Band and Choir, the

acts, ranging from the BIS Choir to a wee group

Musical Theatre and Primary Drama classes, the German Drama

of Irish dancers: yet another reflection of the

and Irish Dance groups, the Strings Ensemble, the Girl Scouts,

rich diversity inherent to international school

the International Voices Choir, the BIS Kids Rock team, Model

communities. One thing each student involved has, however, is a strong sense of creativity— regardless of the shape in which it manifests itself—and the motivation to share it.

Events Creative Waves is interactive, available to the whole community and free of charge. One element of the festival is its string of workshops, which run consecutively throughout the day. This year’s

Displays, arranged and manned by various organizations, also lined the corridors of the Agora. These included Maths, Girl Scouts, and MUN booths; digital art, community art, iPad and music displays. Middle Years Programme (MYP) students Andrea Jonsson and Erin Bridges are two members of the Girl Scouts Troop 14, which meets biweekly in the Waves building. “We set up our booth mainly to try and raise money for our upcoming service trip to India,” Jonsson says. Bridges adds, “Then we performed a few songs that we usually sing at camp. The festival is a great way to make people aware of different groups that are tied to the school.”

workshops included: Chinese

One major highlight from last year’s festival was the public’s

Calligraphy; Robotics; Origami;

contribution to a community artwork, which is now featured in

Zumba; Print Making; Film Viewing;

the Agora. New this year, the entire school was invited to take

the Primary Fun, Maths and Story

part in a creative photography display supervised by Suzanne

Time Art clubs; and guitar and brass

Kaegi. Perhaps most exciting was a visit from the Two Steves,

lessons.

Performances, which took place in the Agora building and Sports Hall,

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United Nations speakers, and numerous piano students.

the authors of over 185 children’s books, who led a hilarious game show during the festival. Lastly, a wine-tasting was held towards the end of the event for the parents.

ranged from solo acts to collective

The flexibility of Creative Waves makes it unique because the list

ones. Grade 11 student, Meagan

of acts varies every year with the differing desires and talents of

Brooks, who played a piano piece,

students involved. The age variety among participants is also a

says, “I was nervous but performing

positive attribute; the festival gives secondary and primary students

really stretches you to do your best.”

the uncommon opportunity to interact in a family environment.

Waves Festival A Second Success Last year’s first ever Creative Waves Festival had 200 people in attendance and was a great success. This year the festival drew an even larger crowd. Throughout the process—from laying the groundwork, to the setup and packing up of the festival—the cooperation of parent volunteers and BIS staff members has been key. “Parents are strongly encouraged to get involved because their support is what motivates their children to participate,” says Ms Szalay.

Students’ Feedback Windie Hoefs, Grade 12, recounts her two years of Creative Waves experience, “In 2013 the STEP team did a performance and led a workshop at the festival. It was so much fun because we got to teach little kids, kids from Secondary School, and even parents.

This year we went through the same routine.” Hoefs is a member of the BIS STEP tap dancing team, an extracurricular activity which meets regularly.

Grade 11 student Jillian Fox also shares: “I participate in Choir, which has been a lot of fun, especially learning the choreography for the upbeat songs we do. It’s really cool to pair singing and dancing. I’m in the Math Club, too, and for that we did a miniOlympiad style competition and answered a bunch of math questions.” Lastly, she says, “For BIS Band, we had a lot of fun preparing for the festival during early morning practices. We really bonded.” For these many students, Creative Waves is a wonderful creativity outlet that facilitates team building, hard work and an appreciation for the arts.

Elissa Filozof, Grade 11 CAS 21

GREASE Organized and directed by husband and

the social issues of teenage pregnancy and

wife duo, Joseph and Kathleen Szalay, the

gang violence, and ends on the note of

annual school musical is the source of

lasting friendship. The plot of the musical,

much excitement for the many students

which is set in 1959 at a fictional Chicago

it attracts. The BIS musical provides a

high school, follows the adventures of

fun, social, rewarding commitment so

handsome, cocky, bad boy Danny Zuko

sought after among students. It owes its

and his pretty, blonde girlfriend Sandy

existence to the backing of the school

Olsson, as together they navigate the

community, which has sold out the past

complexities of discovering oneself.

two musicals. Now for a look at last year’s performance, Grease.

Show History

“It’s All Part of the Process” As was the case for the previous BIS musical, Little Shop of Horrors, over 40

The product of a collaboration

students auditioned for roles in Grease for

between writers Jim Jacobs and

a cast of 35. Rehearsals—usually lasting

Warren Casey, Grease premiered

two to three hours, but intensifying as the

on Broadway in 1972. The musical,

production date neared—began almost

whose themes include love, teen-

immediately. Grade 11 student Jillian Fox,

age rebellion and class conflict,

who portrayed the show’s dynamic female

received seven Tony nominations and

lead, Sandy, says, “I practiced the audition

the thunderous applause of worldwide

song and monologue a lot at home, and a

popularity. Today it remains Broadway’s

ton for my family and friends. I’m sure that

15th longest running show, having run

they knew the pieces as well as I by the

3,388 performances by the time it closed

time the auditions came around.”

in 1980.

Nearly all students auditioning go a similar

The hit film version, starring John Travolta

route. But when the casting is being

and Olivia Newton-John, has become the

decided, what catches the casters’ eyes?

highest grossing movie musical ever, since “We look for people who have a spark

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its 1978 release. The show’s title is derived

of confidence, that air of charisma; a

directly from its setting—America in the

personality that fits a certain role. I can see

1950s—when those who swelled the

the potential in students to depict a certain

country’s working class youth subculture

character, even if they can’t,” explains

were known as “greasers”. Grease tackles

Mr Szalay. He continues, “We select

musicals based on the students we know

members develop higher levels of

we have; if there aren’t the right personalities

confidence, conquer fears and learn to be

for the roles, the show just isn’t feasible.

better performers” throughout the months

We picked Grease last year to build up a

long process. For those kids whose

particular group of guys we had, as well as

interests may not lie in performing,

to build everyone’s dance skills.” That’s

Community Action Service (CAS) hours

one objective accomplished. “I was

serve as an incentive to get involved with

definitely challenged by the dancing,

various backstage opportunities.

Scheduled for Autumn 2014

The Szalays received glowing reports from

The upcoming musical to debut in

because we had to act, sing and dance all at once,” reflects Fox. “But I think I grew a lot as a dancer because it was so dance heavy. I also learned to roll with mistakes and improvise.”

the cast; Michael Borgers, Grade 10, supplies eloquent evidence: “[They were] amazing, awesome, wonderful, best, superb, magnificent and basically all other

Other students involved gained similar

synonyms that Microsoft Word can come

benefits; Grade 10 student Ché Melo, cast

up with for ‘brilliant’. Both Mr and Mrs

as Danny, still laughs at his experiences

Szalay gave so much of their time… It is

both on and offstage. “My relationship with

really special to have such industry experts

the other cast members grew so much. We

at our side. I look forward to working with

all became really close as we worked

them in the future.” DP student Robby

together for the show,” he says. Mr Szalay

Pintar adds, “[The Szalays] were very

adds that it is his perpetual hope that “cast

helpful in making the process smooth.”

September, Into the Woods, looks promising.

In the words of Mr Szalay, it is “the most difficult show [the school has] ever attempted, by far.” Why is this? “We picked Into the Woods this year specifically to up the ante vocally.” All of those students, parents and teachers who have so generously poured their time and abilities into producing an excellent show look forward to yet another warm reception by the BIS community.

Elissa Filozof, Grade 11 CAS

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Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) – these three creative

thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then

concepts undergo constant change and are the foundation for

made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included

the innovative development of our global community.

Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading.

Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. In

Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED

2009, TED created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of

has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple

local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a

initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world’s leading

TED-like experience.

As the TED organization states, its purpose is to build a community of curious people to engage with ideas and each other, both online and in real life. The topics of a talk may range from science to business but the creative drive of the speakers is a constant. This can clearly be seen among the speakers at BIS, which hosted its first TEDxYouth event in 2011.

Tosca Killoran, who initiated the project at BIS with a simple Facebook post in 2010, has held the TEDxYouth@BIS licence for the last four years. Brenna McNeil in 2011, Jeff Hoffart in 2012 and 2013 and then Josefino Rivera in 2014 joined Tosca to organize four amazing events that showcased the students at BIS. TEDxYouth@BIS was one of the first TEDxYouth events worldwide and the event

has been met with great enthusiasm and has grown over the years. All the students involved in the event, both speakers and organizers, have found it exciting to be part of such a fantastic initiative. The TEDxYouth@BIS event also has inspired

24

other events as teachers have left our school. TEDxYouth@WAB, TEDxYouthKyoto are both events that are organized by teachers who were once part of the BIS community.

This year’s TEDxYouth@BIS , held on 15 February 2014 was full of incredible presentations showcasing the diversity and innovation that resides in our community.

Grade 10 student Mackenzie Mathos, who performed a slam poem at the event, writes: “TEDx was the experience of a lifetime for me. I spent countless weeks and hours preparing with an extremely supportive team for those few life changing moments on stage. Over the course of just a few months, I created an idea, a presentation and created many drafts of my presentation, all of which was triple checked by the TEDx support team and my peers. Personal rehearsals, as well as group rehearsals, went on for hours, or at least it seemed like it. Every speech must have been spoken over 40 times before we even reached the week before the event. I must have looked insane, walking around my house muttering

and yelling my speech and doing the same in front of the mirror!

The TEDx night came upon us quickly and soon the event had started and I was up first. Every moment spent beforehand could not have prepared me for the rush I got on that stage. Joining TEDx was the best decision I have made and none of it would have been possible without the help of Ms Tosca and Mr Rivera and their team of supporting teachers.”

Sadly, both Ms Tosca and Mr Rivera will be leaving next year, but they have passed on the torch to Mr Vaughn and Ms Rogers.

Past speakers have already expressed interest in joining again, and TEDx seems to have become a tradition at BIS. F o r a n y o n e i n t e re s t e d i n j o i n i n g TEDxYouth@BIS next year or coming to

the event, connect on Facebook, Flicker, Youtube, Twitter @TEDxYouthatBIS or at http://www.tedxyouthbis.com/ to access past talks, event details and to become part of the TEDx community!

Helle Huisman, Grade 11 CAS

It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s the Two Steves!

It all started last October during

books after they finished. Some readers

or two who needed a little extra prompting.

International School Library Month. BIS

submitted online reviews to our library

Students loved seeing their teachers involved.

kicked off its One School/One Author

catalog, while others shared their thoughts

event, although in this case it was a

using pawprints on the Media Centre wall.

One School/Two Author event as the Two

There was also a life size book cover drawn

Steves visited our school on Friday 4 April.

by Grade 10 students.

All students, staff, and parents had been challenged to read at least one of the 185 books the Two Steves have published.

Books were made available at two book fairs, in the library, and online via our school Overdrive account.

4 April finally arrived and the day started

met with the Two Steves. Grades 1 and 2 took part in an interactive reading of the play ‘Thingumybob’. Grades 3, 4 and 5

with an assembly for Grades 1 through 5

participated in the ‘So you want to be a

to meet the Two Steves. Well over half of

writer’ workshop where they learned how

the student body stood up when asked if

writers borrow bits of stories from others,

they had read a book authored by our

including their own real life experiences.

visitors. After meeting the students - The Two Steves spent their lunch break

Throughout the fall and winter, teachers “everyone shout your name out at once!” and students read books by the Two - the Two Steves asked the teachers to Steves and signed their names inside the

Throughout the day, different grade levels

introduce themselves. They noticed one

signing books and answering questions.

Cindy Rogers

25

Unsung Heroes Our new regular feature where we put the spotlight on those working behind the scenes to make enormous contributions to our school community.

This edition’s Unsung Heroes: the Tech Team.

If you know of an unsung BIS hero or heroine who deserves to be sung about in future editions of Waves magazine, please contact magazine@bonn-is.de.

Like any other international school, BIS has

From the start, the Tech Team has included

a diverse community and recognizes the

students from Grades 9 to 12 and has

many different traditions and cultures that

become an essential part of any school

come with this diversity. The enthusiasm

function. The team provides the behind-

with which our community embraces this

the-scenes help needed to allow a function

variety is truly amazing and enough reason

to run as flawlessly as possible. Not only

for celebration. The many festivities and

do they haul around the equipment to

events that take place at the school are a

set up sound and light systems, they

clear reflection of this and provide amazing

operate these throughout any event and

platforms for recognizing the talent and

provide any other help needed. Even

individuality amongst us. These festivities

though this often requires a lot of time and

range from purely cultural celebrations

commitment from the Tech Team, they are

such as the Fiesta Latina to the annual

always enthusiastic to provide this service

welcoming barbecues and school dances.

to our school.

But have you ever wondered how all these

The organisers of Fiesta Latina found the

celebrations are run? Most school functions

Tech Team to be “a great help in pulling

are started by highly enthusiastic teachers

everything together” and that they were

or students who want to share their unique

prepared to go the extra mile during set up,

interests or talents with others. For this

remaining good-humoured throughout. The

purpose, groups and clubs consistently

sound and light setups at the school dances

meet or are formed, in the hope of creating

were great as well, creating an excellent

an unforgettable event. These groups

atmosphere for all students and staff who

include the Parent Volunteers, the Shangilia

were there. Nigel Thornewill, who was the

Project, the TEDx team and this month’s

Tech Team leader this year, says “it was a

Unsung Heroes: the Tech Team.

great experience these last few years and

The Tech Team was started by several students who turned their interests in sound and light engineering into a Community Action Service (CAS) project. In these

anything went wrong, we could always use the team slogan: I know what I’m doing!

(I think)”.

projects, Diploma Programme students are

So, on behalf of the BIS community,

asked to provide a service, show creativity

thank you Tech Team! You guys are great!

or be active in order to gain experiences outside of the typical school curriculum.

26

I’m happy I could be part of it. And in case

Helle Huisman, Grade 11 CAS

Vivek Bilolikar, who graduated last year, tells Waves how he became involved with the BIS Tech Team and gives us an update on what some former members are doing now.

mni u l A m a e T h c e T The where they are now an

d how it all began…

I joined BIS in 2004 as a Grade 5 student in Ms Appana’s class.

Many of the Tech team leads have gone on to study sound

In those days Grade 5 used to have a dance every semester and

engineering or engineering. So where are some of the former Tech

the Primary Years Programme graduation consisted of a dinner

team members today?

and dance.

At the dances, I was introduced to two Diploma Programme students, Arjun Singh and Rafal Malec, who used to be our DJs. There was no Tech team; these guys just loved to DJ and they would get their personal computers and speakers and play music for us.

We grew from these humble beginnings and when I left BIS in 2013 we had a fully organized Tech Team, with two team leads

Samuel Barry (class of 2013) is studying for a BS in Sound Engineering at Southampton Solent University.

Vivek Bilolikar (class of 2013) is studying for a BS in Biology and Cognitive Brain Sciences at Tufts University.

Matyas Koloh (class of 2012) is studying for a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire.

supporting nearly all school functions as part of their CAS project.

Thierry Zoller (class of 2012) is studying for a Bachelor of

The concept of a BIS Tech Team began with Michael Freyer, who

Engineering at Cork Institute of Technology.

was mad about sound engineering and owned professional equipment from mixers to speakers and even stage lights!

Callum Plunkett (class of 2011) is studying for a BS in Music Studio Technology at Southampton Solent University.

Michael Freyer (class of 2010) will graduate this May from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Sound Design. He recently joined the staff of Meyer Sound Laboratories Inc, and has worked with artists like Prince, Mariah Carey, and the New York Philharmonic.

Rafal Malec (class of 2008) is continuing his studies towards a teaching qualification at the University of Glasgow.

Arjun Singh (class of 2008) now works in Chicago as a medical

by Vivek Bilolikar

doctor.

Orthodontist

Dr. MED. Dent. ASTRID WELLER-BERGMANN

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We live in a world where science can be stranger than fiction!

Here is some information that may surprise you.

9 WACKY

1

Incomprehensible Gravity. A neutron star is one of the possible end states of massive stars. In a neutron star the force of its own gravity shrinks the star to a size so small that it has more mass than that of the Sun compressed into a region whose diameter is 20 km (the size of the island of Manhattan)! This means that a teaspoonful of material from a neutron star would weigh about 10 million tons!

To read more about neutron stars see: http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/pulsars. html. Image: http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit3/Images/NeutronStar.gif

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A changing magnetic field. The molten iron core at the center of the Earth generates a magnetic field that protects life on Earth from the fierce solar winds that contain ionized gas. The solar wind is deflected by the Earth’s magnetic field. Did you know that the Earth’s North pole is actually magnetically South!

To read more about the Earth’s magnetic field see http:// stargazers.gsfc.nasa.gov/resources/magnet_in_space.htm http://stargazers.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/geospace_images/ magnet_in_space/Plasma_fountain.jpg

Earth to Mars is The distance from the ters at closest about 55 million kilome sound impressive not approach. This may equivalent of the is re but to travel the over 1375 rld wo the und aro traveling Concorde, the e times. If you were to tak e years (not thre ost the trip would last alm vity, the gra of k lac The . including stops) ke storms ma the dangers from solar need for supplies and llar travel is on an rste Inte ge. llen te a cha interplanetary travel qui r is over 40 trillion nt level. The nearest sta even completely differe ed of Voyager 1) it spe (the ing at 60 000 kph kilometers away. Travel reach the nearest star.

70 thousand years to would take you over a shot of Mars on 26 Telescope snapped this NASA’s Hubble Space kilometers from lion mil Mars was 55.52 August 2003, when the Mars made its ore bef rs hou 11 taken just Earth. The picture was in 60,000 years. closest approach to us

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The length of the day is changing. The length of a day on Earth is 24 hours (precisely 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds). But did you know that in Earth’s history this has not always been the case.

The moon is continually slowing down the Earth’s rotation, so the length of a day is slowly getting longer. At the time of the formation of the moon, about 4 billion years ago, the length of the day on Earth was only four hours!

To explore ideas of the moon see http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/EPO/Trivia/expMoon.php and http://www. scientificamerican.com/article/earth-rotation-summer-solstice/ www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2003/07/binary_ system_earthmoon/10225612-2-eng-GB/Binary_system_Earth-Moon.jpg

The largest organism in the world is a fungus. It is over 2000 years old and covers an area of ~10 km2. h t t p : / / w w w. s c i e n t i f i c a m e r i c a n . c o m / a r t i c l e . cfm?id=strange-but-true-largest-organism-is-fungus

Lobsters do not age. As a lobster gets older it simply grows larger and theoretically could live forever. Lobsters only perish at the hands of predators or due to disease. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/5118370.stm

Looking into space is looking back in time. Since light takes time to travel from distant stars to Earth, astronomers are able to observe the universe at different times by looking at more distant objects.

The Andromeda Galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to our galaxy the Milky Way. It is 2.5 million light years from Earth. This means that light that we see today from this galaxy is 2.5 million years old! The more distant an object is from Earth, the further back in time we are looking at the universe!

S T C A F E C N SCIE slows down time.

Gravity bends light and Einstein’s of s One of the prediction , is that as vity lati Re al theory of Gener it will bend ect obj an r nea light passes object. This the of because of the gravity tional vita gra phenomenon is called clusters axy gal t tan dis ve lensing. Massi all is very sm for our al lensing. This effect show strong gravitation taken into Earth! Yet it needs to be Sun, and still smaller for tes. account in GPS satelli is gravitationally ell 2218 in this image The galaxy cluster Ab sing is seen as axies behind it. This len lensing more distant gal light arcs in the image. more information on See http://imagine.gsfc.na gravitational lensing.

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We are living a cloud of plasma of over 1 million °C. The Milky Way galaxy is surrounded by very hot gas with temperatures greater than 1million °C. The gas has been trap ped by the gravity of the dark matter aro und our galaxy and the local group. It has a density of about 1 particle per lite r and therefore in not dire ctly detectable on Earth but UV and X-r ay emission from this gas is detected by orbiting telescopes.

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This artist’s illustration shows an enormous hal o of hot gas (in blue) around the Milky Way galaxy. Also shown , to the lower left of the Milky Way, are the Small and Large Magel lanic Clouds, two small neighboring galaxies. The halo of gas is shown with a radius of about 300,00 0 light years, although it may extend significantly further.

av_lens.html for sa.gov/docs/features/news/gr

For more information see http ://www.space.com/17734-m ilky-way-galaxy-giant-gas-ha or http://www.nasa.gov/mis lo.html sion_pages/chandra/multimed ia/hot_gas_halo.html

5 Questions about Germany answers on last page

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Which zoo has the largest collection of species in the world? By the way it is also the world’s oldest zoo and was opened in 1844.

What is the most common name for boys in Germany? What is the most common name for girls in Germany?

How many types of bread are there in Germany?

There are museums dedicated to the history of bread. The most famous is in Ulm.

In 1455 the movable metal type printing press was used to print the first major book which was the Bible. Who was the inventor and where did he live?

The world’s first statedesigned nature reserve was opened in 1836. I am sure you have been to it.

Can you guess its name?

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Beyond BIS our alumni have followed a diverse range of studies and careers in many different countries. Read here about the paths some of our former students have taken.

Diana (Moussa) Spencer (BHS

1986-1989)

(now BIS) from I attended the British High School s of that time. I orie 1986-89 and have really happy mem Cheltenham. from far now live in England in a village not I’ve heard me t (trus r My married name is Diana Spence t and eigh d (age ren all the jokes!) and I have two child the like I y. pan com l six). I work from home for a loca l iona rnat inte an in g area we live in but I do miss bein yed enjo ys alwa e environment. It’s something I hav since my time in Bonn.

Raija and Jyrki Konsala (BIS parents 2006-2008) All three of our kids have spent the last few years in UK: Ville (26) did his Masters at Warwick University and now works for the Royal Bank of Scotland, Minna (25) finished her Masters in Interior Design at Brighton University last February and now plans to spend some time travelling around the world. Our youngest son Matti (22) will finish his Masters next June. He is also at Warwick University and studying Program Systems Engineering with Business Management, as did his older brother.

We are really proud of the kids and thankful to all of you at BIS. Regards to Mr Murphy, Mrs Wrighton, Mrs Lewthwaite, Mrs Heinrichs and all the others who taught these young people between 2006 and 2008.

Froesch GRP_Waves, magazin of the Bonn International School_(w)185mmX(h)126mm_EN_CTP.pdf 1 4/4/2014 4:08:38 PM

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Where Are They Now? Carlos Meissner (BIS 1997-2000) I was at BIS at its inception in 1997 (coming from BHS when it merged with BAHS) and graduated in 2000.

These were some quite formative years during a critical time in the school’s history. I recall the “Seven Respects” preached by the Director and the difficulty of merging two schools - the 1998 Yearbook was black for a reason, according to Mr. Murphy - plus many other things.

After graduating in 2000, I studied history and ended up doing my PhD in the same subject in the UK (Lancaster, Oxford and York). After returning to Germany (Berlin), I taught for a semester at the Freie Universität and worked as a tour guide for historic walking tours of Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden and the Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial. Coincidentally, I gave a tour to an employee at BIS! He said he was one of the security officers. Back in my day, in the old building, we did not have those!

Currently, I am in the US and Costa Rica on a DAAD scholarship working on turning my thesis into a book manuscript.

On that note, my history teacher, John Hopkins, was my inspiration and one of the reasons for my staying at a school I ultimately loved but had trouble adjusting to.

Kate Rickel (BIS 2000-2004) Since leaving BIS I have graduated from Ohio State University with a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. I am a certified public accountant and I have joined Deloitte and Touche LLP as a full time auditor in Texas.

My brother David attended the Middle Years Program and left in Grade 9. He graduated High School in Houston, Texas in 2006. After attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln he decided to travel the world. He spent 6 months in Cambodia, a year in Australia and several weeks in Europe and North Africa.

He is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. This past year he has taken part as the lead field medic on an expedition with Discovery Channel in Mexico, exploring one of the deepest caves in the world. He is working with Stone Aerospace Labs on the timing of an expedition to Alaska to test a probe for Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. He has also just spent a week in Haiti aiding the fight against cholera. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Jacob, my younger brother, who attended BIS Primary School, is now in middle school. He is very active in Boy Scouts and enjoys reading and cycling outside of school.

My mom often speaks fondly of all our friends and the families at BIS (particularly the Ocklefords) and misses the time we spent in Germany a lot.

Naomi Pasztor (BIS 2003) I attended BIS from its inception when BHS and Bonn American High School merged (I was at BHS) until I graduated in 2003. After graduating I returned to Switzerland to go to university and studied International Hospitality Management at the École Hotelière of Lausanne. After graduating I started my own company with my business partner in Napa Valley, California.

We opened a chocolate shop together, Kollar Chocolates (www.kollarchocolates.com) and it has been very successful so far.

If you know what any of our alumni are up to, we’d love to hear from

I’ve had a few friends from BIS come visit (some intentionally and some by coincidence who were visiting the area). A few classmates and I had a mini 10 year High School reunion last April in Bonn. Six of us were able to come. Recognize anyone?

you at magazine@bonn-is.de.

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HOW DOES

TECHNOLOGY AND

DESIGN PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE

2012–2016 I spoke to a parent recently, who asked me to explain how the skills that students learn in Middle Years Programme (MYP) Technology, relate to what is required of young people in the workforce. I thought of an article by Susan Adams1 in Forbes magazine about which skills employers value most and it made me consider how well this fits into what we teach in Technology/Design in the MYP.

In the article Adams summarizes the characteristics that companies look for in order of importance as: 1. Ability to work in a team 2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems 3. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work 4. Ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside an organization 5. Ability to obtain and process information 6. Ability to analyse quantitative data 7. Technical knowledge related to the job 8. Proficiency with computer software programs 9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports 10. Ability to sell and influence others.

Looking at what we teach through the process of the design cycle, it is clear that we teach most of these skills in Technology.

At the design stage, a range of possible solutions have to be provided, developing the ability to communicate different ideas though drawing, scripts, storyboards, diagrams and also making decisions and solving problems. The best solution has to be justified, developing the skill to sell to or influence others.

Working in the planning stage, the time available for the project, the resources and the tools have to be evaluated, planned, organized and prioritized. Planning of resources already implies a strong understanding of the technical knowledge related to the task that students plan to perform and teaches project management skills.

The create phase allows all of this knowledge and skills to be utilized to create a product that should satisfy the original client brief and product specification. This stage frequently entails teamwork as can be illustrated in the making of a film, where there are often several actors, at least one camera person and

sometimes a director. In the workshop environment teamwork is regularly required for projects because the process of building the product involves more than one person’s support and skills.

The end product may seem insignificant at times but the large range of knowledge and skills that have to be developed to get there is really what the learning is about.

The final evaluation phase is very important because it not only allows students to evaluate the success of the product, it also teaches them how to analyse quantitative and qualitative data and identify improvements. In addition, this area demands introspection and an evaluation of the student’s own attitudes and skills, based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile.2 This complex and long-term learning process is one of the reasons I love teaching Technology, or ‘Design’ as it will be called in the MYP curriculum from 2014/2015 onwards. Not only do the students love learning through doing and creating, they also learn an enormous amount of life skills in the process. I can see a variety of technical skillsets developing as students’ projects progress, but the really exciting part is seeing students develop the skills that will support them to become successful young adults at university and in the workplace. This focus on specific skills to prepare students for life after school is taking place all over the world and is the focus of educational planning.3 Technology and Design prepares students to deal with any challenge, break it down into different components and find solutions. What a privilege it is be involved in inquiry-based education.

by Jackie Van Der Steege

1. Adams, Susan. The 10 Skills Employers Most Want In 20-Something Employees. Forbes Magazine, 11 October 2013. 2. IB Learner Profile.

3. New Research Reveals Top 10 Skills for 2020. Subcommittee for Education in the New Global Economy, Ohio Department of Education http://www.sp2.upenn.edu/ostrc/docs/document_library/acc/Workforce%20 Development/New%20Research%20Reveals%20Top%20Ten%20(Youth)%20Skills%20for%202020.pdf

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“Quiet on the set”, video producers are at work, “sshhh” autho rs are writing, musicians are composing and artists are creating. This is a place of learning, innovation and creativity.

Let’s explore how BIS technology has progressed over the year.

iPads Enhancing Education Excitement ran high early in the year as our

have a positive impact on student learning.

students in Grades 6 to 8 each received

Sometimes, this is taking a photo or video

an iPad mini, while students in primary

of an art piece for later reflection, or at other

school walked into classrooms outfitted

times as an integral part of a research and

with at least five iPads. Questions abounded

product creation, such as developing a

from students, teachers and parents. How

video about the origins of the Universe.

could the iPads be used? What would the benefits be? Is this a useful learning tool?

How will it change teaching and learning?

2. Student and teacher skills and confidence in using iPads have increased, as initial worries and fears disappeared. Take a peek

We wondered if the vision “Increasing

in the classrooms and you will be impressed

student engagement, motivation, and

with the fluidity of students when using the

d i ff e re n t i a t i o n b y e n h a n c i n g a n d

various features and apps on their iPad.

personalizing 21st century teaching/ learning through equal access to technology” would become reality. Currently, when looking into classrooms and seeing students work, it is evident that we are on the right path. In this rapidly changing world, there has to be continual reflection on the evolving nature of teaching and learning.

3. Tasks are varied and becoming more complex. This was shown in the projects that were submitted for the Creative Waves festival. Projects came from all grade levels and subject areas and were created with a diversity of apps. They show a growing depth of knowledge and sophistication with the digital tools that help them express their

In the past year, there are three observations

ideas in new ways. Students are becoming

that come to mind as examples of the

adept at using multiple apps in one project

movement of technology at BIS. 1. The iPad is becoming firmly entrenched as a learning tool to be used in ways that

What words describe your iPad experience?

(App: Word Clouds)

Maybe someday fiction will turn into fact!

(App: Strip Design)

such as creating an iBook that contains a graph from Numbers, a video from iMovie,

In the last Waves magazine we heard from teachers as to how they saw student learning impacted by our iPad program, and now it’s time to turn to some student voices as shown through some iPad apps.

and a drawing from Brushes.

How are iPads helpful and challenging to your learning? (App: Popplet)

Ann Martin

iPad Synectics (App: Book Creator)

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“I had a fantastic time! I almost completely forgot I was exercising!”

JOIN THE FRIDAY MORNING RUNNERS! Here are some things I have never said

I must admit I have trained with Edith before

goal. One of us, who shall remain nameless,

aloud: “I couldn’t possibly eat that much!”,

and didn’t attend the first few Friday

told us we were going to do some fun hill

“Let’s go try on bathing suits!” and lastly

sessions. Running is not my strong suit

intervals but not to worry because we would

“I really feel the one thing missing from my

even though with my short legs, extra

only be doing two up the “horrible hill”

weight and blister prone feet, I’m totally

whereas she knew we could manage at

built for it! But one day I figured I needed

least four. But we all made it and lived to

Not many of us find pleasure in pushing

some running inspiration so I headed up

tell the tale.

ourselves to the limit when it comes to

to the Kottenforst ready to be defeated.

life is a running club”.

exercise. Even though it’s just you, the open road and some cyclists, it’s such a hard

What I love is that we are a constantly

Here’s the amazing thing: I had a fantastic

evolving group with different (and changing)

time! I almost completely forgot I was

abilities and goals. We do stair intervals in

exercising. We all talked about our lives,

the park and instead of cursing the inventor

Amazingly, there are people in this world

discussed fitness goals and motivated each

of stairs we discuss which 5km runs we

who find such pleasure in running they want

other. Some of us already knew one another

could all sign up for. No one will ever be

to pass it on to others. It’s no longer just

and others had never met. Our common

turned away, left behind, or discouraged.

about them but rather how they can share

ground was that none of us actually saw

thing to lace up your shoes and start.

this joy with everyone else. Luckily for our community we have one such person and her name is Edith.

Edith is the type of person who wakes up, brushes her teeth, eats a grilled chicken breast, drinks home made bone broth, and wonders how she can physically push

running as an enjoyable activity. We all said we would much rather join a Friday morning coffee club.

a Friday morning. We are splitting into two groups so new people feel comfortable and welcome. And newbies needn’t worry - they

Edith has a gift when it comes to appealing

won’t face the “horrible hill” until at least

to all people of all levels. She will not leave

week two.

anyone behind and she will not turn it into a competition. She recognizes small improvements in each and every one of us

herself. Perhaps this is because she’s from

and is constantly encouraging and pushing

Norway and therefore was born tall, thin and

without making you feel deflated.

motivated, or maybe it’s been built over time.

We’d love to see new runners show up on

Now this is a true story and not a fairy tale, so I should add that I still wake up, brush my teeth, eat my sugar cereal, and am generally grumpy because I know I have to run. I still don’t crave a jog or wish there

As a result, there have been weeks where

were more hours in the day to do intervals.

She is passionate about running and eating

almost 15 people have been running,

I drive to the Kottenforst convinced this is

correctly to fuel her body. One day, Edith

laughing and getting really fit together

the day I will cramp up and be carried out

woke up and thought to herself, “I know

without even trying. Three people in the

on a stretcher.

so many people who could benefit from

running club signed up to do the Bonn half

running and I am just the person to motivate

marathon in April and many others took

them”. So began the Friday morning

part in the marathon relay.

running club. All it took was a simple post

About four of us showed up at running club

and how tight our hamstrings, I know I’ve

on Facebook and some word of mouth and

less than a week after the race. Three of

made the right choice. I may never be

But as soon as I see my new friends all smiling and remarking how bright our new running shoes are, how loose our pants

about six people showed up that first week

us were all set to do an easy 5km run whilst

Norwegian, but for the moment at least,

to begin a run/walk program.

patting our backs at having completed a

I’m a runner.

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Erin Stevens

From the coach

From the students

The Bonn Marathon on 6 April marked the end of another running season for BIS. The feeling of seeing the centre of Bonn transformed into a running finishing area is indescribable. During the lead up, conversation topics switch from your current training distance, to how you are feeling, to your goals and who is taking part. And then the fun (and run) begins! The best part is seeing all the smiling faces at the end of marathon day.

This year was a great success for the marathon team. Over the last few years we have only had one or two teams of six runners entered into the race, but this year we had three full teams!

This year was particularly exciting as we had many new runners involved in the school marathon. The students complete the 42km course as a relay team of six, covering distances of 3x5km, 2x10km and 1x7km. Our aim was to ensure that all 18 student runners were capable of running 10km in training and we then created three teams to enter the race. During training, the students worked particularly hard to develop both the their distance and speed.

Running can sometimes be a lonely sport, but the marathon allows us to create a team of runners who support and encourage one another and, most importantly, appreciate everyone’s contribution to the overall achievement.

Rosemary Hewitt and I were incredibly proud coaches on Sunday 6 April. The teams achieved times of 4:39:34, 4:11:59 and 3:12:02.

A really big well done to all who took part in and supported the school marathon, as well as to those students, parents and staff who ran in the half marathon, team marathon and marathon.

I encourage all readers to sign up now for an event and make it your goal to get involved in running!

Charlotte Box

Sporting Dads!

The atmosphere throughout the day was great, and our team has really grown into a great one. The difference in Grade levels seems to fall away when everyone is supporting each other’s running and is so actively involved with one another. Of the three teams that entered, one of them even placed second in the under 89 category with a time of 3:12:02.

We couldn’t have done this without our coaches Ms Box and Rosemary Hewitt, who both ran the half marathon as well. I’m incredibly proud of all our runners and look forward to participating again next year in my final school marathon.

Helle Huisman

From the parents The Bonn Marathon was a day full of cheering, running, and dodging dodgy port-o-potties. BIS ended up with SIX parent teams in the marathon relay and a variety of others doing the half or full marathon.

Nearly all the running club members ran in some capacity and lived to tell the tale. Most actually found running to be a wonderful and fun experience. I, however, preferred cheering on my friends new and old and eating a large dinner after it was over.

All in all it was a great day and many have agreed they want to Erin Stevens do it all over again next year.

So what sports do BIS dads do on a Saturday afternoon? I imagine running, biking, hiking or swimming might come to mind. What about those silly northerners who missed the cold weather in Bonn this winter? Ice hockey is the answer. Yes, we can dwell on the winter that never was but I am guessing that most people were not too terribly upset about that. Back to those who love the ice. There are at least four BIS dads who play ice hockey. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but we always have a lot of fun.

Although our team is not the best in the league, and we have never won the Cup, we did manage 2nd place last year.

Recently, we were invited to be the

backdrop of an upcoming German murder mystery film production. We got to enjoy a whole day on the ice with the cast. I can say that everyone is pretty excited about being movie stars.

If anyone is interested in watching a game, joining a training session, or just enjoying a couple of hours on the ice, then just let me know. Our team is open to both men and women. We practice every Saturday at 12.45 from September to April at the Ice Dome in Troisdorf. They also offer skating classes and ice hockey for children of various ages. Their website is www.eissporthalle-troisdorf.de Ross Stuart

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5 Questions About Germany - answers.

1. Berlin Zoo 2. Maxmillian and Sophie 3. about 300 varieties 4. Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz 5. Drachenfels.

CONGRATULATIONS! Hannah Wiedemann Three NECIS records!