E-mail: info@stgeorgesschoolcologne.de EVERY SECOND FRIDAY NEXT ISSUE 9TH JANUARY 2010
Friday 4th December 2009
Volume 07 Issue 08
St. George’s School Cologne Newsletter
Dear St. ‘Open Door’
George’s, afternoons
In this, the final where Par-
full Newsletter ents are
of the Winter Term, we invited to visit the
would like to thank classroom and peruse
you all for your sup- exercise books and
port in our activities work. These have cer-
and challenges over tainly proved popular
the last three months. and informative.
We also look forward to Our youngest mem-
welcoming you to the bers of the St.
Christmas Productions George’s community
taking place in our final have perhaps been
week of term. the busiest of all.
It has certainly proved a Foundation Stage and
busy and productive Early Years have
term for all depart- taken on so many
ments. However we new activities and
would like to highlight developments. With
the efforts of two par- our Foundation
Christmas comes earlier would also like to wish draughts (checkers) and ticular groups within our Stage curriculum
every year it seems and last everyone a glorious holi- many other board games. community: our Round overhauled and the
Saturday we held our annual day time and have sent Of course the children Table and the Friends addition of their new
Christmas Fair with the us an early Christmas would like to bring you of St. George’s. From adventure play-
American Women’s Club of present which can be festive cheer in the many hockey goals and a gi- ground the future
ant chess board to cof- terms will certainly
A Very Merry Christmas from us all fee mornings and our
Christmas Fair, their
prove action packed.
Our Early Years are
hard work and dedica- warming up for their
Cologne and our very own enjoyed throughout the performances coming up tion have benefited our end of term produc-
Round Table. On behalf of us coming years. They have next week and we very pupils in so many ways. tion on a brand new
all we would like to wish all very generously donated much look forward to We must express our stage and are sure to
of our parents and children a the funds to build a quiet seeing you there. sincere gratitude to raise the roof again
very happy, peaceful and area in our playground HAPPY CHRISTMAS !!!! the Parents in both this year.
prosperous Holiday period. where the children can groups for their sup- Before closing, let us
The Friends of St. George’s relax and play chess, port and generosity. not forget our Board-
Public examinations are ers. The School House
no longer a dot on the is home to twenty two
horizon for many of our pupils who have par-
senior pupils. As we re- ticipated in almost
turn from our holidays every calendar event
our ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Level this term. Without
pupils will be faced with doubt we have been
some challenging exami- very fortunate to
nations. We would like have such a wonder-
to wish them every ful group this year.
success. We would like to wish
Our junior pupils are our dedicated Staff
just completing their end and Pupils a very
of term assessments be- Merry Christmas and
fore relaxing into their a prosperous New
end of term productions. Year.
There is simply so much Yours sincerely,
going on in our Lower R. Hollow
School that it is difficult School Director
to highlight any one P. Dickinson
area this term. One Assistant School
addition to their cal- Director
endar has been the
introduction of the
You should have received the following letters over the past two Thursdays: 26.11 WS Extended Day; LDNur Scolarest; LDNur Play-
scheme; FSEY Chicken pox alert; LS Allergies; LS Clubs; MSUS Non Uniform; F10 DInant Trip; F11 Work Experience 03.12 FS Christmas;
EY Christmas; LS Christmas; LS Suggested book list
School For Life
Lower School
Work of the Week 12 Work of the Week 13
Anna-Lisa, Merve, Clara, Laura-Katharina, Naike, Charon, Jack, Mark, Lena, Konstantin, Naoshi, Bianca, Siana, Jan-Hendrick,
Oscar, Mika, Edgar, Nikolaos, Cassian, Maria, Sophia, Xia Yong Wei,
Luca, Haerim, Jessica, Jacob, Patrick, Hugo, Maxim Fabian, Pauline
Extended Day Sports Extended Day Dance & Drama
As the term comes to a close the children in Mr Molloy’s extended day
class enjoyed a last evening exploring the different skills and techniques
they have acquired. Throughout this term the children have worked hard
through a variety of games and activities to improve their hand eye co-
ordination, team work and balance. Congratulations to all the children
who attended the club and I hope to see them and many new faces after
Christmas. The Dance and Drama Extended Day group performed their ver-
Mr Molloy. sion of Cinderella. The Prince and Cinderella were long lost twins!
The evil Step-Mother and the Ugly Sisters ended up working as the
palace cleaners!
It was the most fantastic performance they have ever done and
everyone who came to watch would agree. I would also like to say
a huge thank you to all the parents, teachers and management who
came to support the wonderful actors.
And one more thing from me, I am so proud of every single one of
the children who took part.
Well done from Miss Craddock
Art
Kreatives Schreiben - Verwandlungen
Year 10 was introduced to weaving this term. Using a small weaving As a part of the German curriculum, Year 9 pupils spent some time
loom and with lots of imagination we gathered a collection of recy- exploring Surrealism. Inspired by Andre Breton and Salvador Dali,
cled oddments of wool, feathers and strips of fabric with various tex- our pupils had the opportunity to transform their faces. Combining
tures and patterns. When we had enough materials to work with we elements from nature and other objects with their own profiles,
set about creating a versatile fabric piece. Weaving proved to be they created their new existence. Based on the drawings, pupils
then tried to describe their new lives. Here are some examples of
the fantastic work they produced.
Click Here
online for
Lani’s sup-
porting text
GeogBlog
It’s yuletide again and the Geography Department Year 7 Club have newable and biodegradable.
had some excellent ideas about how to have a greener Christmas. Tree-mendous!:
Here are the top five results of their research findings that you may (5) The centrepiece of your Christmas holiday may be your Christmas
find useful if you wish to have a more environmentally friendly Christ- tree. There is much debate about plastic artificial trees lasting longer
mas time: than a real tree, and so being more environmentally friendly. Some
L.E.D. the way!: research is contrary though. It is suggested that the majority of
(1) Instead of traditional incandescent bulbs with a filament, people throw away their non bio-degradable tree after 5-6
choose LED (light-emitting diodes) instead for your home and years use because keeping it stuffed away in the box between
tree. They do cost more, but use up to 90% less power than an Christmases causes it damage. A real tree is usually from a sus-
ordinary bulb. They’re also safer as the LED doesn’t get so hot. tainable source, where they grow for years contributing posi-
Give from the heart!: tively to CO2 transfer. It is recommended if you wish to be
(2) The idea of giving in kind rather than an actual gift is a green, that you:
growing trend. Why not offer a weekend’s rent of your holiday (a) Check the source from the seller, ensuring it is from a sus-
home, a night’s babysitting, a Hogmanay designated driver or a free tainable outlet.
New Year’s dinner party instead of yet another scarf? (b) Try to buy a living tree that you can then replant in your garden for
Cassette-asset! next year.
(3) A super idea to get rid of those old VHS cassettes (if you’re my (c) If you do decide to buy a chopped tree, give it to the local mulch
age and remember them!). The actual tape can be used for Christmas recycling organisation after Christmas.
bows as it is light and transparent and gives off an attractive glow However you decide to celebrate your holiday or Christmas celebra-
beneath the Christmas tree. tions, enjoy your break and Merry Christmas from Geog-Blog. See you
Can-do green candles!: next year!
(4) Try using beeswax or vegetable wax candles to replace the tradi- Mr Stimpson and the Geography Club.
tional petroleum based candles. Bees and vegetable wax is also re-
Boarding
The St. George’s Christmas Fair is a by myself, and mulled wine hangs in the air. It
great favourite of staff and pu- is not only children’s eyes which
pils, not to mention parents. It shine at the individual market stalls
is even rumoured that the when they see the rich, traditional
school itself is Germany’s No.1 selection of Christmas articles and
Christmas School. presents. High-tech gadgets and war
The market is even considered toys are nowhere to be found.
to be the most famous and most well Visitors’ tip: The St. George’s Christkindlmar-
loved Christmas market amongst all the ket is most crowded, but at the start, just be-
other schools. This reputation is well fore the rush of parents mid-afternoon, there is
deserved, because a completely tradi- plenty of room to take a leisurely stroll through
tional pre-Christmas spirit pervades this the Christmas stalls. There’s even a chance to
‘little school’ at the heart of Cologne. get a little hug from Santa !! Andreas Kloss
The aroma of sausages, partially made Year 11
Foundation Stage & Early Years
Yummy, Yummy in My Tummy! The Sparrows are very excited about Christmas and we are busy
Cooking is now becoming one of the most awaited moments writing our letters to Santa. We have also been looking at the story
of the week for the Bumblebees children. “How many more of the Nativity and are enjoying the rehearsals for our Christmas
sleeps?” they would often ask their parents. If you happen to performance. In all the excitement it is easy to forget those chil-
walk down the FS corridor on a Wednesday morning and dren who don’t have warm food and houses to live in and won’t
mouth-watering smells start tickling your taste buds, please have many presents or gifts this year. The Sparrows have been
feel free to have a look at what’s actually happening in the discussing this and helping to collect tins and socks for the Salva-
Bumblebees class… tion Army. We have enjoyed getting creative and making wonder-
The little ones will soon become real experts in making fruit ful Christmas gifts to sell at the Christmas fair. The money raised
salads, small pizzas and blueberry muffins. It is so much fun from the stall on Saturday will go to a school in Rwanda so they
to smell, taste, weigh out, mix the right amount of ingredients can have art and craft equipment and have as much fun as we did!
and then to roll out, form up and decorate delicious dishes! All of the children from the Early Years have contributed to the
Isn't it exciting to take the tray to the kitchen giggling non- stall and I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff and chil-
stop and gleaming with pride? And to crown it all what a de- dren for their support. Special thanks go to Anna, Luke, Ben and
light it is to see how much pleasure the children have when Hanna for their generosity as these children have given up all the
they finally have a chance to try what they have made with wonderful things they have made in their extended day art and
their own little hands! And they never forget to chant their craft club for the Christmas fair.
favourite rhyme: “Yummy, yummy in my tummy!”
Foundation Stage & Early Years
Christmas
EY MFL time is near
and all the
Reception
children as
EY ESL
well as the non-native Nursery children have Children from Mr Lyle’s Reception ESL
been very busy producing these lovely classes took a break from their relent-
Christmas cards. less pursuit of accurate written and spo-
We are so lucky to have our very own Ger- ken communication last week, in order
man classroom here in Rondorf, where the to get into the festive mood and contrib-
children receive daily German lessons with ute to the decoration of the school.
Frau Hafner. Using paper plates, crêpe paper, cotton
The native German Reception children pads, cotton wool and card, along with
have had a lot of fun reading stories, generous dollops of PVA glue, the chil-
singing songs and reciting rhymes. dren created Father Christmases which were used to decorate the
One of their favourite books has been Dining Room at the Christmas Fair on Saturday.
“Komm mit ins Zahlenland” – a number While Mr Lyle offered a guiding hand, the children made the most
book with a Fairy “Vergissmeinnicht” of a healthy freedom of expression and, as can be seen in these
and a Goblin “Kuddelmudel”. For each photographs, offered
number there has been an exciting us all a new way of
story to listen to and a song to learn. At the end, we produced our understanding the
very own number books. In addition, human face and the
we focused on the seasons, days of organisation of its
the week, month of the year and festi- parts!
vals. We have learnt all about St. Mr Lyle was extremely
Martin and our beautiful artwork is pleased with the re-
displayed in sults and proud of all
our classroom. the children who took
The English part. Well done !
speaking Re-
ception chil-
dren receive sepa-
rate German lessons
in order for them to
learn the very basics
of the language.
These lessons are
naturally delivered in
a more simplified way. However, we are
still having fun learning new words every
day through playing games and completing
activities.
Aside from
building a basic knowledge of
numbers, colours and shapes, we
are also practising the days of the
week and looking at the weather
every day.
The non-native Nursery children
are enjoying German lessons too!
They have the pleasure of learning
the language through crafting ac-
tivities as well as singing songs,
counting with their fingers and listening to German stories. In the
past, they have learnt their colours, shapes and numbers one to ten.
We start each lesson with a song and are able to name all our body
Little Dragons and the Big Blocks
parts. It is so lovely to hear the first German words, which enable Building towers
the children to com- with Lego Blocks or
municate with heir wooden blocks is a
German friends. lot of fun for Little
Dragons. But build-
ing BIG Towers
with BIG blocks is
even more fun.
Especially when
the towers are
taller than the Little
Dragons. And
knocking them
down is sooo great!
Library Link
“Matilda” by Roald Dahl On Tuesday the 17th November, the native
(Isha’s book rating: 5/5) German classes from Year 10 and Year 12 went to
Matilda, the star of this book, is a little visit the small “Horizont Theater” in the heart of
girl. She is actually a genius, but her Cologne to watch the play “Der Besuch der alten
horrid parents think she is just a waste Dame” by Friedrich Dürrenmatt.
of space. So she finds a way to pay back The play is about a rich woman who decides to
her parents by… (if you read the book, visit her small home town “Güllen” to take
you will find out, and for those of you revenge on her teenage lover who had left her
who have read it, don’t give it away)! with a child. She offers the town a billion Euros to kill him and in the
Matilda also has a very special talent, end his own friends kill him to get the money.
which she recognizes with the help of At half past nine in the morning we left St .George’s to take the public
her lovely teacher, Miss Honey. Will transportation to Ebertplatz.
she be able to overpower Miss From there we walked to the theatre, where we got the opportunity to
Trunchbull – the nasty headmistress? meet the actors before the play started. They were all really friendly
You have to read to find out! and talked to us about what character they were going to play. We got
This book is full of adventures that to meet the two main characters as well and found it hard to imagine
Matilda has with her special powers (to how they were going to play their part, but when we saw the woman
move things with her eyes). It is a very playing the mean Claire Zachanassian we were convinced.
funny story. It made me wish that I had Inside, the stage was covered in black and green lights and all the
her special powers! seats were filled up quickly. As it started, most of us already noticed
There’s nothing in this book that I would the differences from the play we had read in class. A few characters
want to change except that I did wish it were missing and the major and teacher were both played by women,
were longer. Maybe Roald Dahl could but this did not matter too much, because everyone was so impressed
have written what happened to Matilda with the actors’ skills.
afterwards. Later we found out that they were not even professionals, but just
Roald Dahl is a very popular children’s teachers like those who had come with us to the theatre.
author and I am a big fan of all his The play itself was quite funny and even a bit scary at times.
books, but I think Matilda deserves a Especially when the priest got out a gun to shoot the main character,
special mention. Once you pick up this the whole room went silent and watched with excitement. At the end,
book, you cannot put it down until you everyone was impressed and clapped enthusiastically.
are finished. Roald Dahl was born in Then we slowly made our way back to school, where we continued
Wales of Norwegian parents. After school in England he went to work with our normal timetable, today’s play still on our minds.
in Africa. He began his writing afterwards. He was an RAF pilot in At this stage we would like to thank Miss Dorr, Mr Dickinson, Mrs
World War II. Roald Dahl died in 1990. Taylor and Miss Thimm who made this trip possible for us.
Recommended Reading Age: 8+ By Henri, Clara and Franziska (Year 10)
Book of the Month:
The New Jacqueline Wilson: “Hetty Feather” Jacqueline Wilson is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her
books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. According to a re-
cent Mori poll, Jacqueline was voted English children favourite children’s author. Now her latest book is avail-
able at the St. George’s Library: London, 1876 and Hetty Feather is just a tiny baby when her mother leaves her
at the Foundling Hospital. The Hospital cares for abandoned children - but Hetty must first live with a foster fam-
ily until she is big enough to go to school. Life in the countryside is hard but with her 'brothers' Jem and Gideon,
she helps in the fields and plays imaginary games. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus and
Hetty is mesmerized by the show, especially Madame Adeline and her performing horses. But Hetty's happi-
ness is threatened once more when she is returned to the Foundling Hospital. The new life of awful uniforms
and terrible food is a struggle for her. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be
the wonderful Madame Adeline? Or will Hetty find the truth is even more surprising? Jacqueline Wilson will
surprise and delight old fans and new with this utterly original take on a historical novel. Set in Victorian times
and featuring a brand new feisty heroine, "Hetty Feather", this is a Tracy Beaker-esque tale that will thrill young
readers. Warm, moving, funny and totally fascinating, it's the perfect Christmas gift for girls of eight and older.
(Recommended Reading Age: 8+)
Finding Facts the Fun Way worksheet each with several questions. With high concentration and
Last week I had the pleasure of welcoming Miss Craddock’s Y4 to the great effort they set about finding the right information. Yannick and
library to talk to them about Reference Books. The class is currently Christoph were the first to complete their sheet on “History”, finding
studying non-chronological reports, so fact-finding is an essential out for example what the term “Paccari-tambo” means as well as bio-
part. Together we discovered what types of non-fictional or graphical information on Abraham Lincoln. And apart from learning
“Reference books” there are, learning about Encyclopedias, Diction- something practical, they all discovered that finding facts can also be
aries, Handbooks and Biographies. The children were very enthusias- fun. - If you would like to find out, come to the library and have a
tic about discovering how the books are structured and where to find good browse through the Reference section. I still have a couple of
relevant facts. They learned about the Table of Content, the Index, a worksheets if you would like to test your skills…
Glossary and how to find people and names in a register. Then it got
practical: 5 groups were given a reference book and corresponding
Library Literary Quiz
1. In Philip Pullman’s award winning book “The Golden Compass” (aka “Northern Lights”) the Heroine, Lyra Belacqua, has a constant companion. What is
its name?
2. In Stephenie Meyers second book of the Twilight saga, “New Moon”, we meet the Volturi clan. What is clan member Jane’s special but nasty talent?
3. Who thought that "Most true is it that 'beauty is in the eye of the gazer.”?
4. What was “Hiccup Horrendous Haddock’s III” main occupation?
5. What gets Eoin Colfer’s “Artemis Fowl” first into trouble and eventually starts all his subsequent adventures?
General Notices
Lilian Daele-
Gentle Reminders mans:Year 4
Forthcoming Highlights
Looking to car share
from Huerth. Lilian
St. George’s can be dropped off
Families at school in the
seeking car pools
mornings if some-
If you are interested, body can pick her
please contact other up in the after-
parents directly or noons.
the school office! OR
Looking for families
Extra Tuition to share taxi from Huerth on a daily ba-
sis.
Qualified SAT Teacher will be Please phone 0162 2719060 Tin Collection by Mon. Nursery perform LS Perform
travelling from 7th Mon. 7th TueWed 8 & 9th
Washington DC Area and will be If you live in Köln-Hahnwald and
available for 4 days x 4 hours
Small Group Tutoring. might be interested in a bus ser- Friday 10th
Place: Köln - Hahnwald Area vice to school please contact Mrs December
Dates: December 17/18/19/20 Leyendecker on Term ends 12:30
If interested please e-mail: f.leyendecker@gmail.com
janan.ermen@gmail.com
Tuesday
5th January 2010
School resumes
Rec. Perform EY Perform
Fri. 10th Fri. 10th
Notice of Leaving
If you are intending to leave school at Easter, please
This is what our children have to wade through every day (the
inform the School Registrar. Late fees will be in-
car park was empty at this point). Please park responsibly
curred if you do not give one full term’s notice.
All the fun of the Fair
Literary Quiz Answers:
1. Her daemon Pantalaimon
2. She can torture people through thought manipulation.
3. Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”
Lower School 2009 Teatowel
4. He was a “Dragon Whisperer” – besides being “a warrior chieftain, awesome fighter and amateur
naturalist” (see Cressidia Cowell: “How to Train your Dragon”) Still available - only € 5
5. He kidnaps the fairy Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit.