🌿 Welcome to the 2025/26 School Year – Growing Together at GISA!
With smiling faces, festive music, and many heartfelt wishes, GISA launched the new school year on Monday, August 11, 2025. Under the motto “Wachsen | Growing”, the entire school community warmly welcomed new students in Grades 1 to 8 as well as new staff members.
A very special highlight was the welcome for our new first graders, who came on stage together with their parents, received their school cones, and wrote down their personal wishes for the start of their school journey on a leaf card. All new students also received leaves, which were later attached to the Calabash Tree – a colourful symbol of new beginnings, community, and growth.
After the official welcome and a lively participatory song, all teachers introduced themselves before the class teachers called up their new students and started the day together.
🌳 The School Grows – In Every Way
In his address, Principal Rainer Kropp-Kurta emphasised that growing applies not only to the children:
Over the past two years, GISA has seen a 76.4% increase in student enrolment while also growing in quality and profile:
- Campus School of the University of Potsdam – actively involved in teacher training and school development
- Recipient of the “Excellence Award in Multilingual and Cross-Cultural Education”
- Outstanding Cambridge Checkpoint results, well above the international average
Another milestone: For the first time in many years, GISA now has a Grade 8. In addition, with 17 students, we are proud to offer an independent, non-combined Grade 5 – a clear sign of the school’s positive development.
🎓 Celebrating Cambridge Achievements
To conclude the celebration, Clemencia Mayoga proudly presented the Cambridge certificates to the successful students – a moment of pride for everyone present.
With new faces, strong achievements, and a clear vision, GISA is starting the new school year ready to keep growing – boldly, diversely, and together!
