News from the School

Our recent transdisciplinary unit combining Religion, Culture and Ethics with Sport gave students a vibrant opportunity to explore how culture is expressed through dance. Throughout the unit, students compared dances from a wide range of traditions, developing an understanding of how movement, music, costumes, and purpose reflect cultural identity. We were fortunate to welcome family members into the classroom who shared their expertise in ballroom dancing, synchronised swimming, Irish dance, Sirtaki (Greek dance), Indian dance, Dutch dance, and Chinese Lion dance. Students discovered not only how these dances are performed, but also why people dance; whether for celebration, storytelling, community, or tradition. Along the way, they captured their thinking by recording wonderings, reflections, and fun facts such as learning that over 5500 people once danced the Sirtaki together to set a Guinness World Record. 

In their Sport lessons, students actively practiced elements from the different dance styles, building confidence, coordination, and appreciation for each tradition. This hands-on approach supported their ability to both create and respond through performance, as they experimented with movements and worked collaboratively. The unit culminated in a joyful showcase at our Expo. It was a wonderful unit of inquiry, demonstrating not only skill development but also a deeper respect for cultural diversity and expression.  

Edwina Raschle, Primary Teacher

Im Hinblick auf den bald anstehenden Muttertag bastelten die Kinder in Vorgruppen Herzen aus rotem Moosgummi und bereiteten zuerst die fürs Geschenk essentiellen Materialien vor.

Als in zweiter Instanz das Material bastelbereit zur Verfügung stand, begannen die Kinder die beiden Herzseiten zusammen zu kleben und assistierten einander wo es vonnöten war: entweder beim Einstecken der Stiele in die Steckschaum-Quader, welche sich unter Blättern und Verziermoos getarnt, in den Töpfchen befand, wie auch bei anderen Arbeitsschritten.

Zum Schluss konnten die Kinder die Töpfchen bemalen und danach noch eine schöne Dankeskarte verfassen - dabei galt es aus fünf Motiven auszuwählen.

Diese Bastelarbeit war dann auch im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes Gegenstand für den Einstieg in das neue Deutschthema 'Anleitungen und Vorgangsbeschreibungen' vom Mai.

Für dieses gingen die Kinder die zuvor gebastelten Gegenstände zuerst im Kopf noch einmal durch.

Wir sammelten die einzelnen Versionen: Es gab ein Potpourri verschiedener Vorgehensweisen und Benennungen der Materialien. Spannend war es, zu sehen, was noch 'hängen' geblieben war und wie die Kinder neugierig darauf waren, die Nomenklatur / Sachwörter des verwendeten Materials zu erfahren.

"Wie hiess dieses 'Dingsbums' noch einmal..." , war dann auch die am häufigsten gestellte Frage.

Fabian Zubler, Primar Lehrperson

On Friday 22 May, the Grade 4 classrooms at SIS Männedorf-Zürich were transformed into vibrant, interactive learning spaces as families gathered for the annual Expo. What unfolded throughout the afternoon was far more than a traditional classroom showcase. It was a powerful example of teaching and learning in action.

The turnout was extraordinary. Every single child had family members attend, with many students proudly welcoming not only parents, but also Oma and Opa into the classroom. The atmosphere was warm, joyful and full of pride as students confidently stepped into the role of the teacher.

At SIS, learning is designed to be active, meaningful, and student-centered. During the Expo, students did not simply display completed work on tables or walls. Instead, they taught their learning directly to their families. Parents rotated around the classroom, taking part in lessons led by students and experiencing the same learning journeys their children have been exploring throughout the term.
 

One of the most powerful aspects of the afternoon was watching students use success criteria to assess understanding. After teaching a learning objective, students checked whether the parents had successfully achieved the goal, just as teachers do in the classroom every day. This not only showcased strong academic understanding, but also highlighted students’ growing ability to reflect, communicate clearly and take ownership of their learning.

All curriculum areas were represented, allowing families to see the breadth of learning taking place across Grade 4. The Expo also beautifully reflected the bilingual nature of SIS. Learning took place in both English and German, with subjects being explored across both languages throughout the evening.

Following the Expo, the parents were in for a surprise when the Grade 4 students put on the play “Romulus and Remis”. They had previously been learning about Ancient Rome in History, writing origin narratives in English and working on presenting skills in oral language, so the play was a perfect example of integrated learning. The audience was full of smiles, and many photos were taken to capture the memories of their child performing. 

It was a wonderful event, showcasing learning and talent!

Kellie Robinson, Primary Teacher
 

The first week back after May was transformed into a vibrant celebration of imagination, collaboration, and creativity as our students immersed themselves in this year’s much-anticipated Project Week, centred around the theme of Art.

For one inspiring week, classrooms became studios, corridors buzzed with artistic energy, and students stepped beyond the traditional timetable to explore the world of art in exciting and unexpected ways. Working in mixed-age groups alongside different teachers, students had the opportunity to learn from a wide range of artistic perspectives, techniques, and creative approaches. This collaborative structure not only encouraged creativity but also fostered teamwork, leadership, and new friendships across year groups.
 

Throughout the week, students experimented with an impressive variety of artistic forms. From bold and expressive graffiti art, where students explored spray-painting techniques and creative self-expression, to the careful construction of tin foil sculptures, every project encouraged curiosity and hands-on discovery. Students also created colourful mosaics, experimented with artistic styles inspired by both well-known and lesser-known artists and illustrators, and discovered new ways of seeing and interpreting the world through art.

One of the highlights of the week was undoubtedly our Art Exhibition on Friday 8 May, where the school community came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young artists. Families, staff, and students had the opportunity to admire the creativity, effort, and individuality reflected in every piece on display. The exhibition was not simply a showcase of artwork, but a celebration of confidence, collaboration, and perseverance.
 

Project weeks are an invaluable part of school life because they allow students to focus deeply on one area of the curriculum for a sustained period of time. By stepping away from the usual routines, students can fully immerse themselves in meaningful learning experiences, develop new skills, and discover talents they may not even realise they possess.

We are incredibly proud of every student who embraced the challenge, explored new techniques, and approached the week with such enthusiasm and imagination. To all of our amazing artists: congratulations on a truly inspiring week of creativity. Your talent, curiosity, and courage to experiment made this year’s Art Project Week a tremendous success.

I wonder what our theme will be for 2027?

Katrina Cameron, Principal
 

The SIS Cup is an annual sports competition between the SIS schools of Switzerland, Germany and Brazil, with 17 teams and 102 students competing this year. The 2026 competition took place 20-21 May on the campus of SIS Basel and included floorball, basketball, table tennis, an obstacle course, speed climbing, chess and several individual athletics events. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the event, our new SIS Cup mascot, Bili, was introduced!

This year’s team finished in 9th place overall. These six students not only gave strong athletic performances but also showed fairness and respect to everyone around them. Most of all, they enjoyed making new friends and fun memories. We are very proud of this team’s effort, motivation and attitude.
 

Team (all from P6):
Beatrice, Lina, Penelope, Finley, Eduardo and Elias

Individual results:
3rd place, speed climbing – Penelope
4th place, medicine ball throw - Eduardo
2nd place, mile run - Eduardo

Team results:
8th place, floorball – whole team
4th place, obstacle course – Eduardo, Beatrice, Penelope, Elias
 

What was your favourite part of SIS Cup 2026?
“Making new friends from different schools and countries and having the support of my friends and teammates.” – Beatrice

“I enjoyed the floorball tournament because we got into the quarterfinals and also streetball because I think I played well and I was really proud of myself. In general, all of the team sports were my favourite.” – Lina
 

“My favourite part was probably the obstacle course because we did it as a team. I also liked the speed climbing because it was fun and special.” – Penelope

“My favourite part of SIS Cup was to meet new people from other SIS schools around the world. It was also really fun/cool to compete in a variety of sports and represent my school.” – Finley
 

“Getting 2nd in the mile run because it was the best performance. Also hanging out with my friends was the reason I could give my all.” – Eduardo

“Meeting more friends because it made me happy and seeing people that I remember. Having fun!” – Elias

Jennifer Kalinec, Coach and Primary Teacher
 

Während die Schulzimmer leer standen, herrschte auf unserem Schulhof und in der Umgebung buntes Treiben: Unsere diesjährigen Holiday Clubs für die SIS-Kinder waren ein voller Erfolg!

Es wurde gelacht, gestaunt und gemeinsam Neues entdeckt. Unsere jüngsten Teilnehmenden aus dem Kindergarten verwandelten sich in mutige Entdecker und kreative Künstler. Ob beim Basteln mit Naturmaterialien, beim gemeinsamen Picknick im Wald oder bei den ersten spannenden Experimenten – die leuchtenden Augen der Kinder waren der beste Beweis für die tolle Stimmung. Auch in der Primarstufe kam keine Langeweile auf. In verschiedenen Workshops konnten die Schülerinnen und Schüler ihren Interessen nachgehen. Von sportlichen Team-Wettkämpfen über knifflige Rätselrallyes bis hin zu kulinarischen Ausflügen in die Pausen und Küche war für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei. Besonders schön zu beobachten war, wie stufenübergreifend neue Freundschaften geschlossen wurden und die „Grossen“ die „Kleinen“ an die Hand nahmen.
 

Mit viel Herzblut habe ich abwechslungsreiche Programme auf die Beine gestellt und dabei die Bedürfnisse der Kinder in den Vordergrund gestellt. Wir blicken auf unvergessliche Tage zurück, die uns lange in Erinnerung bleiben. Einige Bilder zeigen einzelne Impressionen aus unseren erfolgreichen Wochen zusammen.

Ich freue mich schon jetzt auf das nächste Mal!

Carina Eberle, Leitung Holiday Club