Newsletter 21.11.2025

Written on 21 November 2025

St. Martin’s Lantern Festival at GISA

Our Lantern Festival last week was a wonderful success. Despite the morning rain, the celebration took place just as planned. After a warm welcome with music, coffee, and cake, our Kindergarten children performed a beautiful light dance. The Preschool group followed with a charming little play about St. Martin – nerves included, applause guaranteed.

Before the lantern walk began, everyone joined in singing the traditional lantern songs. Then the moment finally arrived: the children proudly lit their handmade lanterns, filling the dusk with colour and warmth.
A special highlight awaited them at the school gate: St. Martin on a brown horse, leading the procession in true tradition.

Back on campus, families enjoyed dinner, music, and time together. Each child received a traditional Weckmann pastry to take home.
A heartfelt thank you to all children, parents, teachers, and educators who made this evening truly memorable!

GISA at the Goethe-Institut Culture Festival

No sooner had the Grade 7/8 students returned from their class trip than the next big adventure awaited them: the 14th Culture Festival of the Goethe-Institut on 14 November. German learners from across Ghana came together to celebrate language, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Our DaF students opened the festival with a lovingly prepared interactive Christmas play, supported by classmates from the DaM group. Their performance briefly transformed the stage into a magical Christmas world – rewarded with enthusiastic applause and proud smiles. A moment they will surely remember for a long time.

GALA OF HEARTS – A Special Honour for GISA

On 15 November, the GALA OF HEARTS of the Gerald Asamoah Foundation took place at the historic Dr. Thompson’s Soap Factory in Düsseldorf. It was an evening filled with gratitude, moving stories, and strong commitment. Together, an outstanding 200,000 € was raised for children with heart conditions.

The event was hosted by TV personality Patrice Bouédibéla, with musical performances by Joris, Greta, D’Selection and DJ Phil Fuldner. A lively auction and a remarkable donation from the musical Starlight Express added to the emotional highlights of the evening.

A very special moment followed:
Rainer Kropp-Kurta, Headmaster of the German International School Accra, was honoured as “Heart Person 2025”. This award recognises his reliable support of the foundation’s work in Accra – including a scholarship programme that already enables three children who underwent heart surgery to attend GISA.
In his words of thanks, he dedicated the award to the entire GISA community: students, parents, staff, and his family.

The evening showed once again how compassion and international cooperation build bridges – between Düsseldorf and Accra, between families, doctors, teachers, and children.

National Reading Day at GISA

Today, everything at GISA revolved around the joy of reading. For Germany’s National Reading Day, students brought their younger peers into magical worlds full of imagination.

– Grade 3/4 surprised the Kindergarten with a self-written story.
– DaF students in Grades 5/6 read “Ein kleines Stück vom Glück” to Grades 1/2.
– Parent Miriam Böhme read a touching Christmas tale about a shepherd girl.
– Grade 7/8 DaF students performed a small pre-Christmas play about an adventurous journey to the North Pole, where a grumpy polar bear had stolen the Christmas presents.

Thank you to all our wonderful readers who made this day so special!

A Warm Gesture of Appreciation

A heartfelt thank you to parent and Board member Robert Lüdtke, who treated our school team to homemade chili con carne today. A delicious gesture of appreciation!

New Faces at GISA

Welcome, Daniella Yeboah Asuamah

Since November, Daniella has been supporting our educational team with great commitment. The 22-year-old from Berlin, with Ghanaian roots, is in her first year of training to become a certified early childhood educator. She supports the Crèche in the mornings and the Kindergarten in the afternoons – always calm, patient, and caring. We are excited to have her with us!

Welcome, Jakob Platzek

We are also delighted to welcome Jakob Platzek – a passionate musician, violinist, and teacher. With experience in classical music, bands, and choirs, and currently writing his Master’s thesis on music education in Ghana, Jakob brings inspiring new impulses to all grade levels. We look forward to vibrant and creative music lessons!

Grow-with-Football: First Match This Saturday

Our Grow-with-Football teams will play their very first official matches tomorrow. A younger and an older team will face the U10 and U13 squads of the Junior Football Camp (JFC).

📍 Ghana Gas Park
🗺️ Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tV4ASYmDmrgVXXzY8
⏱️ Kick-off: 10:30 AM

Our players are motivated and ready – and they’ll be happy about any support from the sidelines!

GISA Teen Club – Laser Shooting at Cypher Zone

This Saturday, 22 November, the Teen Club invites students to an action-packed laser shooting afternoon at Cypher Zone (Palace Mall, 3rd floor).

🕒 2 PM – 4 PM
💰 150 Cedi
Just bring your energy and your game face!

Excellence Scholarship Program – Trial Days

Next Wednesday (26 Nov) and Thursday (27 Nov), we will welcome 15 highly promising applicants (ages 9–12) for two trial days at GISA. We wish them an exciting and inspiring insight into our school life.

GISA Christmas Market

🎄 Saturday, 29 November 2025, 3 PM – 7 PM
Join us for music, creative activities, unique stalls – and a visit from Santa!
A wonderful opportunity to enjoy the festive spirit and shop for gifts.

Winter Camp 2025

From 17–19 December, our beloved Winter Camp returns! Children aged 5–15 can look forward to creative activities, festive fun, and even a meeting with the Grinch.
⏰ 8 AM – 2 PM (lunch optional)
To register, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 059 755 6847.

Health Corner – Screen Time

Our school nurse, Nancy Twieku, shares helpful tips on managing children’s screen time in this month’s health update.

Download Letter from the nurse "Screen-time"

Clothes & Toys Collection for Chance for Children

We are collecting gently used clothes, shoes, toys, hats and other items for children in need, supporting the wonderful organisation Chance for Children.
Donations can be dropped off at the security post. Thank you for your kindness!

Nursery and Kindergarten

This week in the Nursery and Kindergarten, the children were busy crafting. They created small Christmas trees while practising creativity and fine motor skills.

During free play, they also had plenty of opportunities to strengthen their social skills.

Our parent–teacher conferences began this week 🤝💛. We greatly value these meaningful conversations and look forward to reflecting together on your children’s development.

In tomorrow’s morning circle, we will explore colours and shapes 🎨🔺🟦 – an exciting topic that always fascinates the children!

We have also joyfully begun rehearsing for our Christmas celebration 🎄✨. The children are highly enthusiastic and already looking forward to the big day ⭐😊.

Throughout the week, the children enjoyed lots of free play 🤸‍♀🧩 and creative craft time ✂🧵✨. The first little artworks for the upcoming Christmas season are already taking shape 🎅🌟.

In the English Club, the children learned body gestures in a playful and active way 🤲😊. Through movement and action, they were able to remember the new vocabulary particularly well.

Primary School

Grade 1/2

This week, the children in Grade 1/2 worked intensively with the topic of telling the time. The first graders learned to read full hours on an analogue clock and to calculate simple time spans, while the second graders practised reading and naming exact times including minutes with growing confidence. In German, the children explored poems and rhymes and showed great enjoyment in discovering the playful side of language. A highlight of the week was a visit from older students who presented a book to the class; the children listened with fascination and would gladly have continued for much longer. In Ethics, the class reflected on how to comfort someone who is sad—by listening, offering to play together, saying something kind, or seeking help. This allowed the children to connect learning with important social experiences.

In English, we said goodbye to our autumn vocabulary and moved on to Christmas words. The children matched new vocabulary to pictures, played language games, read a Jolly Phonics book, and listened to the story “Jack and the Beanstalk,” which they enjoyed retelling in their own words. Next week, we will begin creating a Christmas project book where the children can apply their new vocabulary creatively.

Grade 3/4

This week in Class 3/4 was once again full of creativity, discovery, and meaningful learning experiences. In Mathematics, the two grade levels followed different but closely connected learning paths. The children in Class 3 worked on drawing cube buildings and identifying cube nets, strengthening their spatial awareness and geometric thinking. Class 4 focused on different types of quadrilaterals and explored their properties and shapes using the geoboard. In both groups, the children deepened essential geometry skills in an engaging and hands-on way.

In German, the week began with reflections on the recent class trip. The students wrote lively and entertaining reports about their favourite moments and funny adventures. They also practised converting verbs into the simple past form using various puzzles and language games. Towards the end of the week, the class shifted into a festive mood and created imaginative wish lists addressed to the “Easter Man” and the “Christmas Bunny”.

The English lessons were equally productive. The children wrote their own stories, created colourful posters with winter and Christmas scenes, and composed their first Christmas Letters. They showed great creativity and growing confidence in using the English language.

In Science, Class 3 continued their exploration of light, shadows, and different material properties. They investigated how light enables us to see, how shadows are formed, and how transparent, translucent, and opaque materials interact with light in different ways. Class 4 focused on the topic of energy and energy transfer. They learned that energy cannot be created or destroyed but only changed from one form to another or transferred between objects, and they conducted an experiment that made this principle easy to understand.

In Ethics, the children continued their work on the topic “Humans and Nature”. They discussed how their own behaviour affects the environment and reflected on ways to act responsibly and with care toward nature.

All in all, it was a varied and enriching week filled with new knowledge, creative writing, scientific inquiry, and thoughtful discussions — a wonderful example of how diverse and exciting learning in Class 3/4 can be.

Secondary School

Class 5 – Learning with Head, Heart, and Hands

This week, Class 5 explored a wide range of subjects and learning experiences.

In German, the students practised various spelling strategies to strengthen their writing skills. In Biology, they learned about the anatomy of fish and how different body structures are adapted to life underwater. In Ethics, the focus was on media addiction: how unhealthy media habits can develop and which strategies support a responsible and balanced use of digital devices.

In Geography, the class “travelled into outer space”. Planets, stars, and the universe sparked curiosity and opened up many exciting questions about our solar system.

In English, the students wrote their own film review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, analysing plot, characters, language, and personal impressions.

A special highlight was the hands-on history workshop carried out together with Class 6. After previous activities—such as archaeological digs on the school grounds and a fire-making workshop—the children now experienced another major milestone of early human history: pottery in the Stone Age. With great enthusiasm, they shaped bowls, vessels, and figurines from clay and learned why pottery was such an important cultural achievement in the Neolithic period. History became something they could touch, feel, and truly experience.

Class 6 – Discovering, Exploring, Creating

Class 6 enjoyed a varied and meaningful week full of creativity and academic growth.

In Mathematics, the students worked intensively on fractions. They practised expanding and simplifying fractions in order to compare and order them confidently, laying a solid foundation for proportional reasoning. In German, they continued their project on the class trip and created their own class newspaper, filled with entertaining and vivid articles. They also prepared for their upcoming written assessment by researching destinations for a potential class outing and transforming their arguments into a well-formulated letter.

The Ethics lessons focused on media consumption and media addiction. Through a station-based activity, the students reflected on their own habits and discussed what responsible, healthy media use looks like.

In History, the class completed their unit on the Stone Age with a final test. Afterwards, they moved into their new Geography topic: the world beyond Earth. Questions about planets, stars, and the mysteries of space inspired lively discussion.

Art class brought a splash of colour to the week: the students mixed primary, secondary, and tertiary colours while working outside in the Swiss Club garden—an inspiring environment that encouraged creativity.

Class 7/8 – Learning in Diversity, Thinking in Connections

The combined Class 7/8 had an intensive and diverse week marked by differentiated learning, scientific discovery, teamwork, and project-based work.

Mathematics – Differentiated and Digital

Class 7 studied triangle congruence, focusing on the SWS and WSW congruence theorems. They learned to identify, construct, and compare different types of triangles. Class 8, meanwhile, worked on geometric transformations, including translations, line symmetry, point symmetry, and congruence. After student presentations, both groups moved into targeted practice phases.

The class demonstrates the strong level of differentiation at GISA: while the seventh graders solved angle and construction tasks, the eighth graders tackled more advanced transformation problems, and a particularly talented student worked independently on Math Olympiad tasks. Learning took place both analog (notebooks, rulers, geoboards) and digital (laptops, eBooks), supported by teachers and practicum students.

Biology – Microscopy and Cell Biology

In Biology, the students began working with microscopes. They prepared onion cell slides and produced accurate scientific drawings—an essential step toward understanding cells and microscopic structures.

Physical Education – Ultimate Frisbee

In PE, the focus is currently on Ultimate Frisbee. The students trained throwing techniques, strategies, and teamwork, and participated in small tournaments where fair play and cooperation were key.

Geography Project – Energy Sources of the Future

Over the past weeks, Class 7/8 has worked extensively on a major Geography project titled “Energy Sources of the Future.” In small groups, the students explored different energy sources: solar, wind, water, biomass, geothermal energy, and also fossil and nuclear options.

They investigated how different energy systems work, their advantages and disadvantages, and their future potential in both Ghana and the wider world. The results were impressive: clear and engaging presentations, creative posters, detailed reports, and even small models demonstrating renewable technologies. Complex topics such as geothermal energy were explained with remarkable clarity.

The project also involved comparing energy consumption in Ghana and Germany and critically discussing the global challenges of the energy transition. It was a strong demonstration of teamwork, scientific understanding, and presentation skills.

GISA in Development – Learning in Diversity

Class 7/8 reflects the diversity and educational vision of GISA. Sixteen students from Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and Ghana learn together—some with German as their first language, some as a second language, and some who only began learning German earlier this year, including participants from the Excellence Scholarship Program.

The group includes learners working at Gymnasium-level standards as well as those following the standard curriculum. Learning is highly differentiated, combining independence, social learning, digital tools, and close teacher guidance. Students shift fluidly between individual, partner, and group work, supported by teachers and practicum students.

This approach embodies what GISA stands for: learning in diversity, individual support, and the courage to build bridges—between cultures, between abilities, and toward the future.

Christmas Projects at GISA – A Look Behind the Scenes

This week, GISA’s fast-moving student reporter team visited the many Christmas projects taking place across the school. What they discovered was a world full of creativity, teamwork, craftsmanship, and holiday excitement. From theatre and film to baking, woodworking, and Advent crafts, the students are filling the school with the magic of the Christmas season.

French Workshop – Theatre, Languages, and Animation

The French workshop combines acting, multilingual learning, and digital creativity. Students are preparing a theatre play about Mary and Joseph, learning the texts of the Christmas story and practising them in several languages. At the same time, they are creating their own animated film, which they will design and produce themselves.

Here is the full interview conducted by Arcani and Stephie on 18 November:

QUESTION: What are you learning right now?
ANSWER: We are learning texts for the Christmas story.

QUESTION: What do you like about your project?
ANSWER: We especially like the different languages.

QUESTION: What exactly are you doing in your project?
ANSWER: We are making a film that will be animated by us.

QUESTION: Which play are you performing in French?
ANSWER: We are performing a play about Mary and Joseph.

QUESTION: What roles are there?
ANSWER: There are the Angel Gabriel, Joseph, Mary and the shepherds.

The workshop beautifully shows how theatre, language learning, and modern media can come together to form an inspiring and creative learning experience.

Baking Project – Lemon Cookies, Team Spirit, and a Personal Recipe Book

One of the most popular Christmas projects this year is the baking group. Our reporters Hannes K. and Kwadwo O. visited the kitchen and recorded the following complete interview:

QUESTION: What delicious treats are you making today?
ANSWERER (Teacher): Today we are making soft lemon cookies with sprinkles.

QUESTION: Will you take part in the Christmas market?
ANSWERER (Teacher): Yes, we will participate with our baked goods.

QUESTION: Is baking actually fun?
ANSWERER (Student): Yes! You should try it too.

QUESTION: Which cookies or pastries have you liked best so far?
ANSWERER (Student): So far, I’ve liked all of them the best.

QUESTION: What is the goal of your project?
ANSWERER (Teacher): To create our own recipe book and later sell it.

The baking group works with great joy and cooperation. The children support each other, try out new recipes, and proudly taste their homemade cookies. At the end of the project, every child will receive a personal recipe book – a special keepsake from this festive and creative time.

Wood Workshop – A Colourful Nail Art Masterpiece

In the wood workshop, students are working together on an impressive community artwork: a large, colourful nail-and-string picture. First, the nails are carefully hammered into a wooden board – a wonderful activity for fine-motor skills, concentration, and craftsmanship. Then, colourful wool is wrapped and stretched between the nails, gradually forming bright patterns and shapes.

Step by step, something truly eye-catching is emerging. If you visit one of our upcoming school events, keep your eyes open – you might spot the finished masterpiece!

DIY and Advent Projects – Setting the School Aglow

The DIY and Advent project groups are also hard at work, filling the school with seasonal decorations and handcrafted gifts. Students are cutting, gluing, folding, painting, and designing with great enthusiasm.

One major highlight is the growing GISA Advent Calendar. The students write cards, cut out shapes, assemble the large Advent calendar boxes, and prepare materials for the big countdown. The excitement is palpable – in fact, many students can hardly wait for the magical Advent season to begin.

A Shared Spirit of Creativity and Joy

Across all workshops, one thing stands out: the incredible enthusiasm and dedication with which the students bring these Christmas projects to life. Whether acting on stage, creating animations, baking fragrant cookies, building wooden artwork, or crafting Advent surprises, the children of GISA are shaping a warm, joyful and truly festive atmosphere.

This year’s Christmas projects show once again how learning, creativity, teamwork, and cultural celebration go hand in hand at GISA – making this season a memorable experience for everyone. 🎄✨