30 year Anniversary Magazine

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

Celebrating...

Lifelong Learning

The Vienna International School is proud to welcome alumni, former faculty, long time community supporters and UN friends, teachers, students and staff to a weekend of celebrations. We come together for a multitude of purposes – be it an opportunity to walk down memory lane, reconnect with colleagues, listen to the splendour of our student’s musical talents, or simply enjoy a warm summer’s day. For many of us, VIS is like a second home – a place where teaching and learning is paramount and friendships hopefully last a lifetime.

With close to 1000 registrants for the 30th weekend events, we know VIS has the power to draw people, who have an affinity for the school, back to campus. While we understand that alumni enjoy meeting informally with their class, our goal is to celebrate milestone years in this grand fashion with everyone. Rather than commemorate the foundations of this building, what we really should be honouring is the origins of the school, which actually date all the way back to 1955. One date, however, that sticks with most people is 1978 when both the primary and secondary schools were finally housed together with 600 students hailing from 60 different countries and our first VIS yearbook was published.

Therefore, 2018 will be our next celebration, where we will venerate 40 years of providing quality education to an international community of students in Vienna. We anticipate that you will be able join us again in 2018. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this weekend of events and we’d like to thank our sponsors – OMV, Heineken, and Coca-Cola – as well as all our volunteers. Thank you for supporting VIS!

Itinerary Friday, August 22

Saturday, August 23

Sunday, August 24

Celebratory Evening 7 - 9 PM

Family BBQ 3 - 7 PM

Sports & Lunch 10 AM - 3 PM

This magazine is inclusive but not exhaustive of the many photos and memories that were shared with us and we thank you for contributions.

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

1

Our Campus

It was a freezing cold day; May was usually better than this but we had to go. The students were piled onto buses and driven off from the Grinzingerstraße to the deep unknown in Transdanubia.

The only time we ever went over the river was on Sports Day, to the ÖMV grounds in the Polgarstraße, but now we had to get used to the idea of living over there!

In 1984, our new school, the fledgling VIS, had grown its wings and was now going to receive a brand new school building. Today was to be the day of “The Turning of the Sod”, (in German: Spatenstich.) Maurice Pezet, our founding director, had worked long and hard: negotiating for the land, planning with the architects, working on several levels with ministries and merchants, plumbers and police officers. Today was the real beginning of “his” school!

The Austrian dignitaries, just as cold as we were, were very grateful when Herr Leopold Gratz, then mayor of Vienna, began to open the ceremonies. Also freezing on that day were the children in my Grade 5 class! We had been rehearsing a maori ‘Haka’ for this occasion and had dressed accordingly, right down to the ‘tattoos’. The poor students’ skins were bluer than the tattoos! However, they made it through, and our school was opened to the sounds of “Ka Mate”well known to rugby fans the world over.

Sylvia Granville, Retiring Teacher

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

2

Welcome Message Welcome to this special magazine edition celebrating thirty years of international education in Kagran.

In the late 1970s it was very clear that for VIS to offer the type of learning envisioned for a growing international population of students new facilities would be necessary.

Peter Jordanstrasse, with its small crowded rooms, no playground and no sports facilities was a haven of togetherness but unsuited to the challenges of educating students in preparation for the latter part of the 20th century. Maurice Pezet ( the visionary VIS Director at the time) was already forecasting the projected growth in student numbers anticipating between 1000 and 1200 students in a new facility.

By July 1981 the process of architect selection was completed and the current building selected from 30 finalists. In record time the building was constructed and heralded in the press as “the most beautiful school in Austria�. The list of official attendees at the opening ceremony on 15th November provides a rich insight into the political importance of this achievement for the City of Vienna and the Federal Government.

ensure the direction and orientation of VIS remain true to the original beliefs and values. There are alumni of the school who take great pride in returning to the school, often bringing their own children to experience this special place and in many cases enrolling them as a second generation of learners. Vienna International School has a strong sense of family or community. Students talk with great pride and enthusiasm about the support and sense of second home that Strasse der Menschenrechte has, and continues to provide for them.

Thirty years on we are very aware of the pressures that we experience trying to accommodate the 1400 students that we currently have, and to manage the annual disappointment of the over 200 students that sit on our waiting list.

We a r e g r a t e f u l t o t h e F e d e r a l Government, and the City of Vienna for their continued support of our mission here in Vienna. We look forwards to reconnecting with our alumni and sharing in their experiences gathered over the history of this special place we call VIS. Peter Murphy, VIS Director

There are many people who worked to enable this dream to become a reality.

Three names deserve particular mention for the contribution that they made to securing our current location in Kagran.

Former Austrian Chancellor Dr. Bruno Kreisky whose determination and drive to establish Vienna as a third headquarters of the United Nations reflecting a spirit of humanity and global citizenship. Maurice Pezet ( Director of VIS from 1978 to 1985) whose untiring efforts and leadership ensured that the construction and move were achieved ahead of schedule, and Dr. Georg Wieser ( Chairman of the Board of Governors) who lead the strategic initiatives throughout this critical period of change.

We are incredibly fortunate to have faculty, still working at VIS, who experienced this move into the current site. They have provided a compass to Celebrating Lifelong Learning

3

1984 - 1994 - 2004 - 2014 I was in Wien to witness the humble beginnings of VIS! Schloss Poetzleinsdorf and friends from all around the world were the highlights.

1984

1994

2004 My best memory is sharing the love, tears and hugs backstage after our final performance of Across The Universe during my last year of school.

Caroline Lang, Class of 2013

2014 Celebrating Lifelong Learning

4

In the Beginning ...

Wiegele, and the list goes on – a core of teachers who kept the spirit alive.

The name Vienna International School will always have a very special resonance with me, as it will with the many thousands of students and countless staff that have made this their ‘home’ for a pivotal part of their lives. It is a most special haven, a portal to the beauty of Vienna and its environs, as well as to an education within a warm family atmosphere.

Thirty years ago, in 1984, we moved to this site, Strasse der Menschenrechte, purpose built to serve our school community. Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the move to our new home. There was a lot to do to get it ready and up to speed, but we were all excited by the space that was designated for our disciplines. The Art Department had 3 studios for three teachers. Amazing! We had a wonderful working theater that seated over 200 people, science labs, lots of storage space in the basement, an outdoor track and football field, tennis courts, two full gyms, two huge Aulas that were fantastic for exhibitions, and and and. It was great.

The school, VIS, began on two different sites; Grinzingerstrasse (Primary) and Schloss Pötzleinsdorf (Secondary), so I found myself in an old Schloss in the middle of a beautiful park amongst a gathering of eager students and teachers.

This was it, the start of a new adventure that we all hoped and believed in, and it worked, and continues to work to this day.

On the strength of good will, professionalism, warmth, sincerity, humour and faith in each other we created this school. As our founding director tried to preach “A school is not a building”. On this mantra we built an institution that soon became the envy of international schools around the world.

All of this was made possible by an incredible family of students and dedicated staff, who genuinely enjoyed working with each other. This was, and is, our school.

Those were the magnificent 80s, when we came into our own, and we fully established ourselves in the local community as well as the larger international community. As our director at that time, Michael Maybury said, “Let’s put ourselves on the map”, and so we did, quite happily. We were now “Here” and happy to let everyone know it.

Herb Holzinger, Department Leader of Performing & Visual Arts

After its first year, the secondary school moved to a new site in Peter Jordan Strasse (1979), into a building that had been a women’s hospital (I actually ended up teaching my art classes in the room where my wife was born!), We had a wonderful stay there for 5 years, next to the beautiful “Türkenschanzpark”.

Many of you will remember this period most fondly when the school came into its own. We were one big happy family that was not only viable, but actually thrived.

Names you may remember: Marshall, Hetzer, Leibnitz, Soudek, Sulyok, Skirrow, Dindorf, Harker, Dias, Ellwood, Davis, Pike, Pezet, Pigrum, Anderwald, Kotrc, Jenisch,

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

5

The 80s ...

We had a fantastic group of friends that made my two year stay (from 1979 to 1981) at the VIS most memorable. We had great times at the ski week in Obertauern with my loud radio and getting the whole group to shout out crazy songs on the train. People will remember!

JosĂŠ Blesa, Class of 1983

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

6

I want to extend special congratulations to the Vienna International School on this auspicious occasion. I have always viewed it a singular privilege to have served as Director even though it was for only one year. I felt honoured to serve with a very committed and hard-working Board, outstanding faculty and staff and finally, a highly motivated and inspirational group of parents and students from all over the world.

As your theme for this 30th anniversary suggests, VIS has indeed been singularly outstanding for inspiring children toward a superior achievement in all academic fields as well as in cultural and athletic pursuits.

The school represents the very best that its sponsoring organization, the UN, has to offer to the world There is every expectation that VIS will continue this outstanding tradition of preparing students to assume leadership roles in every sector of society throughout the world.

Dr. Frances Rhodes, VIS Interim Director (2005-2006)

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

7

It was a privilege to study at the Vienna International School, and certainly an experience that is one of the highlights in my life! I can definitely say that if I had not gone to VIS I would be a totally different person today! As a proud Venezuelan, I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to study among students from more than 80 nations. To have lived, interacted, shared and made friends with children from all over the world at such a young age certainly opens your mind to other cultures and traditions which teaches you to not only be tolerant and respectful of the differences among us all but also to not be offended by the actions of others and to find humour in it all because we are all human. Somehow I envision that the world will, one day, live like the students at VIS: in harmony, respect, and peace.

Gabriela Linares, Class of 1988

I was a member of the VIS ski racing team and choir; my children are members of the VIS ski racing team and choir; my wife is the ski racing team organiser and singer. VIS genes?

Oliver Findl, Class of 1986

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

8

Moving Forward...

Thank you Class of 1991 I've never been prouder than I was at our 2011 reunion weekend to be part of this group of people, who after 20 years came together for a few days to share our lives and friendships once again after so long and yet ... as if it had been just the other day that we were in the VIS theatre picking up our diplomas from Principal Laidler.

On the one hand I am still enjoying the fact that I was able to share the weekend with all of you (it by far exceeded even the best of my expectations) and at the same time I'm a little sad that it's over because I have experienced enough of life to recognize when something extra special happens. You see, it wasn't just the venues (which were GREAT), or even the people (who were AWESOME), but rather that little dash of "Je ne sais quoi" that we were blessed with where everything just worked out as planned, and what wasn't planned worked out just as well or even better. You could really feel that it was a meaningful experience to everyone there, and that there was a great energy in the air that made 42 people (and their respective partners) gel so joyfully and magnificently for 3 days. People flew or drove in from so many places: United States, India, Mexico, Chile, Norway, Finland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Egypt, England, Poland, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary,... as well as from all over Austria to make it what it ultimately became.

to buy plane tickets, to make space in our busy schedules, to re-arrange holiday plans, to call around and spread the news, to research and find students we had lost touch with, to ask parents or spouses to take over our daily responsibilities with our kids for a few days, to leave family behind in some cases, to just do what it takes to make it happen.

Unfortunately, for many special people from this graduating class it was impossible to attend, and indeed they were missed very much. I promise them that we will try to have another landmark reunion again some day in the future, although only time will tell if it will be as successful ... if we will be able to once again summon that s p r i n k l e o f " j e n e s a i s q u o i " t h a t accompanied us that weekend. I like to think that we will and that it will be even better and greater. Until then we are left with the memories and the photographs ... and I'm very grateful for it all.

For many of us (including myself) life goes back to normal when we wake up the next day, and that is precisely the reason why I wanted to put to words my feelings and thoughts on this reunion. I don't want to miss the opportunity to thank you all for whatever it was that you contributed whether you were helping setup the venues, flying thousands of miles to be here, or just getting into an u-bahn and stepping out at Kagran once again; everyone played a contributing role in some way or another. Everyone can feel proud of having been a part of it.

Armando Piedra, Class of 1991

You see, none of us really chose this graduating class. Our parents just chose a school for us, and it happened to be this one where we all went to and met one another in. I didn't really choose any of you to be part of my "graduating class".

You just all happened to be at that school where my parents put me in ... and right there lies the difference. What changed between our reunion weekend and June 1991 is that this time around it wasn't up to fate anymore, or our parents. This time it was up to us - up to us to put money aside Celebrating Lifelong Learning

9

The 90s ...

There are so many good memories. Picking one at random, one of the best lessons I've ever had was the privilege to attend Mr. Graham's English classes. His hilarious "Bong" and "Ping" tests (outlawed by the Geneva Convention) will live forever in my memory. He made learning truly fun. Â Richard Unger, Class of 1994

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

10

So many memories! Breaking the airspace rule. The 1991-1994 basketball teams. Sports tournaments in other countries. The time we got all-star badges for basketball two years in a row. The time Herminio did a summersault off the stage in a club in Gran Canaria and landed on his face. The T3 cabaret in 1993: Boys 2 Men, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Milli Vanilli...LUNCH DUTY!! HAHA! Baggy pants. Air Jordans.

Having a six-pack. Pat Wiegele's English class for the troublemakers other English teachers didn't want. Messing with the video. DJing at the school discos.

Volksgarten. Donauinsel basketball. The epic nights at MANCHESTERS!!!!! Graduation trip brought everyone together.  Omar Abukhlal, Class of 1994

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

11

At VIS, I was an avid runner and on the ISST sports team. One year VIS decided to revolutionise sports and engaged two young female teachers from the UK. We learned about nutrition, the body, team playing and fun in an active lifestyle. We also flew to London, where I was set to run 1,200m, although a last-minute change saw me in the 3,500m. It is a long race at high speed. Well-trained, it can be awesome, but I had another two laps.

It began to rain and tears began to stream down my face. I did not stop. I just made it to the end, the only race I ever came last in. Despite a huge blow to my sporting pride, I thank the two women for teaching me the joys and value of being part of a faithful team! Rebecca Lavnick, Class of 1992

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

12

Y2K ...

What It’s Like To Be A Third Culture Kid You were raised in a different country than y o u r p a r e n t s . Yo u h a v e s e v e r a l nationalities by blood and another by birth. You have more than one passport and you identify with multiple cultures. You speak in numerous languages and you know phrases in many more. You’re a third culture kid, a global nomad, and a citizen of the world.

You were born into the culture of travel and you flew before you could walk. You know your way around airports like the back of your hand and you’ve seen more places than most adults have in their lifetime. You’ve been exposed to both poverty and extreme wealth and you’ve learned to appreciate what you have.

Your friends also have ownership in multiple cultures and are from countries unheard of by many. Your mind is open to different religious and political views and you’re culturally adept. You know how to adapt because every few years your friends came and went. You now have connections in all corners of the globe.

You’ve lived the fast paced lifestyle of an expatriate and you are privileged. You’ve learned in the racially diverse environment of an international school. You have an extensive knowledge of the world. You’re nationalistic and patriotic about the countries you’ve lived in and you have stories to tell of the places you’ve been and the people you’ve met.

You felt the need to experience your passport country at some point, so you moved to pursue further education. You joined clubs and societies, you go out to eat and drink and you live like you usually do. But your seemingly exotic lifestyle — the one that intrigues the people you meet — is not as glamorous as it seems.

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

You may come across as arrogant to some but you don’t mean to. You actually dread being asked where you’re from because you don’t know and it takes too long to explain. You lack a true sense of home and you feel like you belong both everywhere and nowhere. You don’t have a permanent address and you’re an international student in your own country.

You’re in a long distance relationship with your family and you’re forever working out the time difference to keep in touch. Your closest friends are scattered across the globe so you often have to wait years before seeing them. You may be used to leaving things behind, but sometimes you still feel lost and confused.

You say you’re from your passport country when you’re outside of it, but when you’re in it you feel like you’re from anywhere but.

You become accustomed to the culture that should be yours but you miss the ones you adopted along the way. You look like you belong but you think very differently — you’re a hidden immigrant.

You don’t fit anywhere really but you find a sense of belonging to the culture of geographically rootless people just like you. You’re part of an expanding population of global citizens but it has its ups and downs. You’re capable of finding home in places that others can’t, but you face a lifetime of balancing worlds.

You may have an identity crisis and you may feel misunderstood. But you’re not alone and you will find third culture kids wherever you go. You will also meet incredible people who, although very different to you, will help you create a sense of belonging in a new place. You may feel homeless at times, but just remember that you’re lucky to have connections to so many places that you could call home — and never wish that it were different.

Emily Webster, United World College Singapore

13

2000 & Beyond ...

I have so many great memories of VIS. The fun fests, the trips to Hallstatt and Florence, great teachers such as Mr. Kotrc, Mr. Strange, Mr. Haughan, the time we got lost on Wandertag and so many more. It's hard to pick out the ONE favourite memory! I guess the feeling of being welcome and at home describes my memory of VIS best. Loved it all! Â Jennifer Delcour, Class of 2002

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

14

I remember that our varsity basketball team was playing a tournament at the American International School (AIS). And although I had class that day, myself and three friends organised some drums from the music department, got into my car, drove to AIS and cheered on our team! The sound of four drums in a tiny high school gym was too much for the opposing teams, the moment we starting cheering on the VIS Panthers the opposing team was not able to score anymore and VIS ended up winning the tournament. GO PANTHERS! Bastian Weiler, Class of 2009

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

15

One of my earliest memories at VIS occurred in my second year of pre-primary, when the bomb alarm went off one morning! We had to grab our slippers, line up at the classroom door and then exit the building to go to the Japanese School next door. We were just walking down Strasse der Menschenrechte, when all of a sudden my mom ran towards me with my library bag that I must have forgotten at home, as the class had its weekly library period that day. I remember having to laugh, telling her that I definitely won't be needing my library bag any time soon! The next few days continued to be very special, as the Marines were called in to guard the school. However as it turned out, the bomb threat was (luckily) just a prank call!

Ferdinand Hascha, Class of 2012

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

16

Where are you from?

Kitty Arnold, Class of 2019

Sometimes I feel like a stamp on an envelope Forced into a post box, Not knowing my new destination And finally arriving on the doormat of my new home.

My new reality.

New voices and faces I have to recognise, Not forgetting my old friends I have left behind.

Feeling sad remembering my old life, But forget the strife; Because wherever you are your family is right beside you, All being posted the same way, We all have the same writing on our heart And travel the same route together and make the same start.

But we all live different lives.

And on this our family thrives.

When I arrive don’t ask me where I am from.

The picture on my stamp has changed many times; From Queens Head when I left England To cockerels, palaces, elephants and Kings, Rivers, jungles, beaches and mountain springs.

All pictures of my worldliness.

As I travel my learning increases and my envelope fills, Places are never out of reach but full of thrills.

My brain works like a GPS. I am on a constant journey and never rest.

Leaving a mark in each place I have been, And it leaving its mark on me with all I have seen.

Noises, smells, tastes and views differ in every country.

Being friends with people from different races Scattered globally in many places.

Giving me memories I can lean on when I am old and slow, Things I could talk about when I play bingo.

My heart weeps not letting my tears spill Because just as I settle down I am off again, Into a foreign postbox Arriving on new terrain.

This all changes the colours on my stamp, Changing my life, making me me.

So don’t ask me where I am from, Ask me who I am.

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

17

Class of 1983 Reunion

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

18

Class of 1993 Reunion

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

19

Class of 1997 Reunion

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

20

Class of 1998 Reunion

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

21

Class of 2003 Reunion

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

22

Class of 2004 Reunion

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

23

Annual Alumni Celebration

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

24

Honouring our Host Country

The German Language Department remembers… … when we moved into the building, we could see horses grazing on a meadow from the Secondary German Department. now there is the Eishalle and an Austrian school. … how strict the Head of Tutorials, Mr. Laidler, was with the “Air Space Rule” - no physical contact between the students (or teachers). He disliked the European way of greeting each other with kissing and embracing. He also used to check hairstyle and length of skirts and clothes in general and send students home to change if he thought they were not appropriate. … how at the end of each semester we had to hand write a report about progress and behavior for each student. The report was checked by the homeroom teachers who didn’t allow the use of tipex so if you made a mistake you had to re-write the whole text. The names of the students were not printed on the reports, so this was a common mistake. We also had long arguments on whether or not American spelling and grammar should be accepted as correct.

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

25

Honouring Our Retiring Staff

Theresa Acquah 21 years

Johann Anderwald 32 years

Okon Bassey 28 years

William Bell 27 years

Lucette Doko 13 years

Sylvia Granville 34 years

John Goodall 9 years

Elizabeth Hindley 32 years

Derek Pigrum 35 years

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

Franz Menzl 5 years

Robert Quigley 21 years

26

VIS Memories ...

VIS is our second family, it is the best school for our children ... a great place to grow friendship and to extend it throughout the globe! It is not only a school it is home! You can easily integrate in, keeping your identity at the same time exploring other culture and tradition ... this is only one part of VIS ... the rest is more!

Nabil Sabri, VIS Parent We are ever grateful for the wonderful experiences of our four children who attended VIS beginning in 2011. Lasting friendships, common activities, exciting travel, and the IB program all made us glad we chose VIS. Mark & Laurie Harper, VIS Parents One of my favorite memories so far, was the grade 8 activity week, because I overcame my fear of heights, with the help of VIS. This also took away my fear of camps. I also really liked the recent French exchange programme, where I got to meet new people, a different culture and learn the language.

Sophie Berger, Grade 8 student I was very happy when I participated, for the first time, in the PTA welcome picnic for all the parents. It was important for me as I felt that I belong to a community especially since I was new to the school and to Vienna. I like the school very much and the atmosphere in it.

Darine Matta, VIS Parent My eldest son Viktor graduated from VIS, now my youngest Nikolai is in grade 2 MH. Viktor made real friends at the VIS and currently is staying in touch with them although they are scattered around the globe (US, UK, Switzerland, etc.) VIS is a truly international school and is an example of a modern educational institution.

Anzhalika Baravikova, VIS Parent The Brewitt family had a very enjoyable year (1993-94) at VIS. We are still in contact with many of the faculty members and parents from our time at VIS. Peter and Anne still remember their school year, and particularly their teachers, with fondness. We wish VIS the best.

Robert (Former VIS Director) & Jean Brewitt Singing in the Junior Choir! I still remember (and so do my friends) all the lyrics to the songs Mr. Pearson and Ms. Farrell taught us. “The Rhythm of Life has a Powerful Beat,” “There's a Ring Around the World,” “I am the Future of the World,” “Go My Son,” “Take These Wings,” “Leo the Lion,” and more.

Julie Rotte, Class of 1999 I always loved Mr. Holzinger's art class, had the best philosophical moments with Mme. Hacini, and Ms. Skoumal was the best maths teacher. Frau Cekon had the most laid back but real educating German classes and Mr. Davis' energy was infectious. If I ever get kids I will definitely send them to VIS! Margarita Loguinova, Class of 1998 One memory? There are many. Let me sum it up: many people I met during the past twenty years told me how they hated school and how every child hates school. Hate school? I loved school and I despised the summer holidays. I know you tend to only remember the good stuff, but there was lots of good stuff. Most of all, I appreciate the open-minded, multicultural normality we experienced at VIS. We learned to judge people by their personality and not by their cultural background and this was an invaluable gift for our future.

Melanie Tischlinger, Class of 1994 My first day of teaching was at VIS in the temporary building on Pötzleinsdorfer Straße in September 1977!

There are so many memories: the kids, the staff, especially Jane Russell who helped me survive the first year of teaching, the community feel, the Orff lessons that inspired me to study at the Orff Institute, trips to the local Heuriger on Fridays after school, lugging the epidiascope up to the top floor to make ‘visual aids’ for the classroom. Shame I just missed out on the move to the ‘new’ building.

Liz Pratten (nee Colledge), Former VIS Teacher

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

27

VIS Memories ...

The 1982 first space shuttle launch had a delay and we were in John Marshall’s science class watching it on TV. He come in and goes, “If this shuttle were made in Britain, it would have been up by now!” In 1979, I wrote a book report for Pat Wiegele’s grade 8 English class where an age recommendation was to be made and I recommended anyone 30 and above. She wrote: Great book report, so you mean I still have to wait another 2 years to read it? Loved those years!

Lukas Ameri, Class of 1984 There is intensive parent involvement in your child’s growth and learning. The constant participation be it in class, school trips, sports. The eye opener - as one visits the different places the children are taken. The great experiences in learning together with your child. The school concerts and students music concerts out of school. The school theatre and exciting plays. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Keep up the good work VIS! Diana Oyugi, VIS Parent At the old school in Grinzing, as a small kid, I could sneak and enjoy a lunch without having to pay until one got caught. At Peter Jordan Strasse - I remember playing football with boys in the park. At the new building being a tutorial - enjoying free class periods, walking to Donau Zentrum. Receiving the prize for the best personality in the school. VIS lovely sentimental moments.

Aiona Sumanasena-Wanigasekera, Class of 1986 I cherish all the amazing talent that has appeared at VIS over the years: Art Exhibits, plays written and performed by students, concerts performed by students, Cabaret, Fun Fest, special Grade Level Events, dancing, the list goes on!! Thank you to all the teachers and students who produced these wonderful 'shows' showing multiple talents.

Ann Murray, Former VIS Teacher Thanks to everyone who supported me and made me feel good in this place for such a long time. I started in a mythical time when this school could get along without descriptors, "powerful tools" like databases, with a surprisingly small middle management and lots of freedom for teachers as well as for students (open campus even for G6). I always enjoyed the students and did not like administrative tasks and I always enjoyed life outside school. So after 32 years I am fit to retire with good memories.

Johann Anderwald, Retiring VIS Teacher Hans Anderwalt has said goodbye to you all in a wonderful message that says everything I would want to say. My way of saying goodbye is in the form of a collage I recently completed. When I leave VIS I will spend most of my days alone in a huge studio in an old factory outside of Vienna built in the 1880's. I have deeply enjoyed teaching in this school. I will miss many of you and I will miss the intense excitement of working with students struggling to generate, modify and complete works of art.

Derek Pigrum, Retiring VIS Teacher I took over the first class as a German teacher in October 1980. Georg, Paula, Heinrich and two more students were assigned by Dr. Kirk our chairs - and we were to find corners of the former clinic (where I had actually been born 26 years before) in order to teach. It worked!

Peter Kotrc, Former VIS Teacher In a very competitive field with finalist teams from 23 countries within the EU, VIS students successfully presented their design projects at the 2001 CERN in Geneva and stole the show as they won the first prize on the finals of the European Union Science Fair. A very memorable experience indeed!

Levente Felvinzi, Current VIS Teacher I remember walking into the new VIS theatre for the first time thirty years ago. About six months before the school opened. Another drama student, Martin Friis, and I spent time over that summer, with the head of drama, Bill Siegfried, sourcing and hanging the lights for the first time. The theatre was all ready for the assemblies and the first performances once the school was opened (by the President of Austria, Rudolf Kirchschläger). I see the theatre is called the William Kirk theatre now. At the time Bill Kirk and his wife certainly enjoyed coming to see the plays, being amongst our most faithful audience.

Philip Moser, Class of 1987

Celebrating Lifelong Learning

28

cover design: litocosare vis reprographics

Strasse der Menschenrechte 1, 1220 Vienna, Austria