As the holiday season approaches and the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the continued journey to build our school into an important Chicago educational institution to help kids become bilingual and globally-minded adolescents. Our school community—rooted in a mission to cultivate bilingualism, global awareness, and a strong sense of belonging—has thrived in so many ways this year. 

The highlight of this 2024/25 school year has been our recognition as a German School Abroad (the kids think the new playground is the highlight). This seal of approval is not just another accreditation – it comes with the hands-on support of the Federal Republic of Germany which next year will send a highly trained and experienced school leader to help guide our school into the future to include an eventual dual-language high school steeped in the IB curriculum framework. The agency affiliated with the German Schools Abroad (Zentralstelle für das deutsche Auslandsschulwesen/ZfA) – based on its review of our school – has made the conscious decision to recognize us as one of 136 German Schools Abroad and to help us with the further growth and improvement of our school.

It is on that note that I already ask you now to mark your calendars for our GISC State-of-the School presentation on Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at which time the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff will highlight next milestones and introduce a new component to our sense of community by designating our families and supporters as official stakeholders to participate in some elements of school governance, particularly in the area of school budgets and Board of Trustees member selections. We will offer complimentary childcare services that evening. Please make every effort to attend this event on January 28.

It is inspiring to see our youngest learners embrace the German language with such enthusiasm, acquiring the German language in their preschool years. In the past few years, we also have successfully helped students beyond preschool age acquire German language fluency through our Become Bilingual and Fast Track programs. This linguistic achievement along with thoughtful delivery of the IB curriculum framework comes as a result of  the dedication of our exceptional educators, who create vibrant, immersive learning environments that spark curiosity and foster growth. I thank my colleagues for their commitment and dedication to our mission and our students. And I thank our students for their energy, passion, and curiosity -- all of which were so evident at today's Holiday Concert. Lastly, I thank you, our parents, for entrusting us with the care of your children and for your support of our school.

Our sense of community continues to be the heartbeat of our school. From the warmth of daily greetings to the collaboration between families, staff, and students, we have built a space where everyone feels valued and supported. This sense of togetherness is something truly special, and I am grateful to each of you for your role in making it possible. The togetherness is so evident in the daily interactions between our students and their teachers.

As we enter the holiday season, I encourage you to take time to celebrate, reflect, and create cherished memories with loved ones. Let us also look forward to 2025 with excitement for new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect as a community.

On behalf of the entire GISC faculty and staff, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year filled with peace, health, and happiness. Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant school community.

Warm regards,

Ben Hebebrand
GISC Director