Mrs. Lister's 4B has been penning letters to students from a 4A across the Atlantic, the Kastanienbaum-Grundschule in Berlin-Mitte, Germany, and are now eagerly waiting to hear back from them.  Through this project, both teachers are hoping to put some fun into the practice of writing letters and to encourage the cultural exchange. A similar exchange is blossoming in Ms.

Please remember, we're closed on February 14 for February vacation; we'll be back on the 21st. We'll see you then!

From their Web site:
 
"The Conference on Germany in the Modern World at Harvard University, this year under the motto "Division and Unity", brings together students, scholars, and the interested public. 2009 marks the anniversaries of two events central to modern Germany's history and culture – the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Our conference, organized by students from Harvard University, celebrates these historic events by discussing central issues of German society, economy and business, politics and and foreign policy. By offering a modern perspective on Germany we hope to contribute to the future of the trusted and positive relationship between the United States and Germany."
 
Prior registration is recommended. Conference will be held February 19-20 at the Harvard Faculty Club. Admission is free.

Good news: We've been notified that the German Saturday School Boston has officially become a "Partnerschule" as part of the German "Schulen: Partner der Zukunft" (PASCH) program, an initiative driven by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt).  By becoming a Partnerschule the German Saturday School Boston is part of a worldwide network of international German schools. The qualifying element for us was that we offer the language exam "Deutsches Sprachdiplom" which provides students the necessary language credentials to study at a German University.  The initiative is an effort to encourage cooperation and enthusiasm for the German language in a growing global community. We will inform you as soon as the official plaque and certificate arrive and will let you know where to look for them! In the meantime, check out the blue links for more information about what it means to be a Partnerschule.

Quick reminder, we'll be taking class pictures this Saturday, January 24th (we'll try to get to the classes on 808 Comm Ave, too, but if time runs out, the parent volunteer photographers will come in on a following Saturday). Also, report cards for the 1st Semester will be distributed, so don't forget to check your children's folders for the envelopes!

The German International School has just released its new After School Program for the next session ("2. Halbjahr"). For those of you who have taken advantage of the special teaser offer for students of our school to attend  After School Classes for free in January or would like to register now for a full session, please click on the following links for general information, schedule and registration forms. Please direct any questions, communications or registrations directly to Antonia.Kenney@Gisbos.org or Ursula.hollmann@gisbos.org. If you need to fax, their # is (617) 783-2605.

On Tuesday, February 3 at 7pm, German author Bernhard Schlink is in town and will read from his international bestseller (and first German novel to top the New York Times bestseller list) "The Reader" at the Goethe-Institut on 170 Beacon Street. There is also a conversation with Schlink and a Boston Globe columnist the night before at BU. Admission to both events is free. Check the Goethe-Institut's event listing or click on our blue links above for more information.

The German International School Boston is inviting interested parents to an Open House on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 6.30pm to 8pm. The School is located at 57 Holton Street in Allston. For more information, please contact Gabriele Zerwas at (617) 783-2604 or gabriele.zerwas@gisbos.org.

You might have noticed the flyer for this book on our message board or seen the box with samples in our hallway: "7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child" was written by Dr. Naomi Steiner, a parent of two children enrolled at our school! We are sure that many of you are interested in this subject: If you'd like your own copy - you'll find the box with samples at Heike Hrinishin's desk or ask her where to find them (and please don't forget to pay for it - I believe it's $15 per book). Click here for the official flyer or visit Amazon's listing for the book.

The German International School Boston is opening its doors to its After School Program with a special "teaser offer" to students from the German Saturday School:
 
Between Monday, January 19th and Thursday, January 30th, students can participate for free in their After School Program. If students choose to continue with a class, regular enrollment starting February 1st is required. Instructions (with the exception of Taekwondo) are held in German.
To sign up for a class as part of the teaser program or for more information, please contact the Head of the After School Program, Ms. Julia Holt, at julia.holt@gisbos.org or call the main office at (617) 783-2600 and ask for Ulla Hollmann.
 
The following after school activities are currently offered: