Sienna's Story: From Kindergarten to Graduation

You started kindergarten at SIS Rotkreuz-Zug. How old were you then and how old are you now?
I was 4 years old then – now I’m 15 and will turn 16 this summer.

What is your earliest memory of being at SIS Rotkreuz-Zug?
I remember some of my old classmates and the kindergarten building, which is still there today. I remember the classrooms and the sports games we played upstairs. I am still in contact with some friends from that time. I also remember birthday celebrations and that we always wore crowns.

What has been your favorite subject over the years, and why?
My favourite subject in secondary school is Home Economics because of the cooking, learning how to plan a party, and how to organize everyday life. In primary school, it was probably art because we were always creating things. We made Tic Tac Toe ourselves, and with Miss Letheren we created UNO and memory games. I really enjoyed that.

Was there a teacher who had a big impact on you?
Miss Letheren, because she has been here since I started primary school. I’ve learned a lot in her lessons, and she has been part of my whole journey. She is very funny and always brought a lot of joy and energy into the classroom.

What makes the school community special to you?
We all come from different countries and religions. We learn so much from each other – things you wouldn’t learn in class. We also have younger and older students together, which makes it special.

How would you describe the atmosphere at the school?
Warm and full of laughter, because everyone helps each other.
 

What important skills did you learn here?
I learned that you have to work together as a class, almost like a family. Even though we are not related, we see each other every day. That is something important.

What was your favorite school event or tradition?
Sports Day was my favourite. We did it all together, worked as a team, and won points through collaboration.

What are your plans after graduation?
This is my last school year here. After summer, I will go to Kantonsschule Zug. It feels a bit strange because I’ve always been in a private school. I will have to learn new subjects and make new friends. In the future, I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I hope I will figure it out at my new school.

What advice would you give to younger students?
Don’t give up and always follow your dreams and goals. Work as a team, even when you don’t always get along with everyone, because you are still part of the same class. Just like a family. You need to work together.

What does this school mean to you after all these years?
It’s a big part of me. I’ve never really been anywhere else. People came and left, but I got to meet so many students and teachers, including younger students. I feel like I can truly be myself at this school.

If you had to describe your journey here in three words, what would they be?
Adventurous, emotional, creative.

Interview: Kira Bolder, Teacher