principal’s office
I still teach... as a German teacher no matter your role, you will always teach. It fosters better relations with students and staff. Annette Brandt-Dammann, principal, German Swiss International School. What are your biggest challenges? Well, they’re quite unique. I’ve been sent from Germany to lead two different streams – the German stream and the English stream - but when we plan and profile the school we look at it as one school. One very positive challenge is having so many cultures under one roof – this diversity includes the student body and GSIS staff. It’s a very vibrant atmosphere and we all benefit – it takes a lot of energy from all of us, but it gives us a lot back. What are the best bits of your job? Managing two streams of education is challenging - but I love it. I have to be motivated, to have an ideal of what the school should be. Essentially, I’m a German civil servant, sent by Germany to lead the school. This school, with its two language streams, is very unique. Germany has 142 schools in overseas countries and having an international stream like we do here at GSIS is definitely not the norm. What’s been the most memorable event in your career? I wouldn’t say there was one single most event. Starting out as a teacher was memorable and of course, moving schools and starting here at GSIS three and a half years ago is memorable.
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Did you always want to work in education? When I was six or seven I wanted to teach but then I changed my mind and decided to be an artist. I started out studying art in the Netherlands, at two Universities. Then I returned to Germany and began my studies to be a teacher. Quite aptly my first teaching position was as an art and German literature teacher. I still teach those subjects, it’s part of the requirements as a German teacher, no matter your role you will always teach classes and be connected with your students. It helps foster a better relationship with the students but also with your teaching colleagues. Everybody here in management has to teach – both in the German and English stream. What do you like most about Hong Kong? It’s a beautiful city, I love big cities but the mixture of skyscrapers in the city centre and the greenery is really great. I love Chinese food, especially Cantonese food. And the people in Hong Kong are very friendly, they make it very easy to fit in here. Having lived in other countries, this is what makes Hong Kong so special. After living in less safe cities, I’m also very appreciative of its great safety record. Did you have a standout teacher when you were at school? I had a German literature teacher whom I liked very much. I went to an all girls
school and this teacher taught us to be independent and think about a topic from all angles. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given by a teacher? Think independently and stay strong even when you are faced with a negative experience. I say this to my students now too, be firm in yourself - if you think something isn’t right say it out loud even though it may create friction between yourself and the teacher or other students. Don’t be compromised by others. What qualities do you value most in people? I value open mindedness, honesty and those who are passionate about achieving their goals. Which talent would you most like to have? I don’t envy other people. I think it’s best to figure out your own talents and make the best of them. What was your favourite subject at school? German literature and philosophy were my favourite subjects at school. Not arts, because my arts teacher was boring. Tell us a secret about yourself. A secret is a secret otherwise it wouldn’t be a secret!