The German International School Boston is offering scholarships for students in grades 7 through 9 for the coming school year. Letters informing parents about this opportunity are going out to families from the Saturday School this week. Interested students or parents are invited to learn more about this opportunity at an information session on Saturday, January 30 between 9.30 and 11.00 AM at our school (look for a table in our main hallway in front of the library).

The school administration wishes staff, students and their families a happy and healthy new year - may everyone continue to enjoy and embrace the learning of the German language and culture in 2010!
 
We'd like to apologize for being tardy in updating the online calendar on our Web site. You may have noticed the new calendar feature on our home page (we're still working out some calendar kinks, so bear with us). In the meantime, here's our calendar-at-a-glance (PDF for you to download). Make a note of the following dates:
           January 9: AATG Test for all students in grades 6 and higher
           January 16: School
           January 23: Class photos for year book
           January 30: Report Cards
           February 6: School
           February 13: Vacation 
           February 20: School
 
Also: stay tuned for registration 2010/11 information! Registration for current families will open on March 1, 2010. Check for info here. 
 

With winter upon us, and yes, snow already on the ground in some Boston areas, we'd like to remind you of our snow cancellation policy as outlined in our handbook: 

The decision to close will be made no later than 7AM on Saturday morning. Parents will be able to learn if the school is closed through the following:

 If you are looking for holiday events in the Boston area with a German cultural or language theme, I have gathered a few here: 
 

• The Boylston Schul-Verein is hosting a star studded "Live Weihnachts Show" on December 5 and the Sängerchor is performing two holiday concerts: December 20 (in Walpole) and on January 3 (in Boston). 
• Baroque music enthusiasts may enjoy the Christmas Cantatas by Briegel and Graupner performed by the local vocal ensemble Exsultemus on December 6 in Boston.
• The Goethe-Society will host an Advent and Christmas Party on Sunday, December 13 at 2pm at the Goethe-Institut in Boston. For more information or to RSVP, contact Brigitte Henkes at (617) 522-0713 or henkes1@shore.net. 

 
Do you know of other events? Please send them along to us and we'll post it.

It's time for the library "Dankeschön" December fundraiser - a great way to give back to the library and to help it grow! All families should have received a form through their youngest child's folder a few weeks ago.  You can contribute to the fundraiser with a financial donation which this year will be invested into purchasing more titles for the "Sachkunde" (non-fiction) collection. Suggestions for specific titles are always welcome and should be directed to the library staff. You may also contribute your own German titles. Please see the fundraising form for all pertinent information regarding this year's drive and donation specifics.  Thank you in advance! Our library is an integral part of our school and the "Dankeschön" fundraiser a great way to give back and say thanks to our teaching staff. Deadline to submit is December 12 for donations by mail and December 19 in person directly to the library staff. 

If you haven't heard your child practice a Christmas or holiday song yet - you will hear it on Saturday, December 5! All parents and siblings are cordially invited to attend the annual Nikolausfeier this Saturday starting around 9.45AM in the main auditorium on the lower level of our school building. Here's what to expect on Saturday: 
 

Conclude our school's Nikolausfeier on December 5 with a visit to our friends at the German International School in Allston where the traditional "Christkindlmarkt" takes place from 12 to 5pm! There's always plenty of German food, delicious baked goods and even Glühwein on the menu, as well as activities for the kids and some shopping for holiday gifts and crafts. View their invitation and directions to the German International School here. 

Want to do some early holiday shopping? The library just announced a German calendar sale - order and pay them on November 14 in front of the library from 9:00AM to 11.30AM. Delivery is expected in early December. If you want to see samples and converted $ prices (in the comment section on the right) for these "page-a-day" calendars and family planners, click here. Questions? Contact the library team. 

The German International School Boston (GISB) just sent us its After-School-Program with a note that our students are welcome to join in the fun. There are a few classes that still have open spaces: to view which classes are running, click here. If you have questions or interested to sign up, contact Antonia Kenney. 

The German International School Boston is inviting interested parents to their Fall Open House on Saturday, October 24 from noon - 2pm. Click here for details!