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A Sight of Hope

Heidelberger Tafeln support Communities

In a world filled with economic inequality and social issues, there are organisations that serve as beacons of hope, working diligently to alleviate the burdens of those in need.

I recently had the opportunity with my MYP Zero Hunger Group to visit “Die Tafel,” a great initiative aimed at providing people with inexpensive access to critical groceries and everyday essentials. This visit not only shed light on the significant impact of their work, but also allowed me to personally observe the delight and gratitude of those who benefit from their assistance.

Walking through the aisles at the Tafel shop, it was heartening to see shelves stocked with a diverse array of products, from fresh produce to pantry staples and household necessities. Beyond the aisles, their dedication to community engagement and outreach cemented their reputation as a light of hope, addressing not only current needs but also long-term solutions. They are building a sense of shared responsibility and making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

One of the most enriching aspects of the visit was interacting with the shoppers. It was evident that the Tafel has built a welcoming and inclusive environment for them. Many people saw Die Tafeln as a lifeline in challenging times, allowing them to stretch their restricted finances without sacrificing the quality of their meals.

According to the people I spoke with, those with impairments or who are too old to work and have little or no income other than little government checks are allowed to join the Tafel. Their stories portrayed resilience and thankfulness. The sense of relief and gratefulness in their voices was palpable, reinforcing the organisation’s impact on the community’s well-being. We offered them a bar of bio chocolate as a tiny gesture after they participated, but the delight the chocolate brought them was greater than taking a global trip.

Die Tafeln has become a shining example of how grassroots efforts can make a substantial effect on the lives of individuals and families in need by providing affordable groceries and developing a sense of community. As people go through challenging times, organisations like these offer hope and demonstrate the transforming power of community compassion and support.

I’m certain that by reading this, you’re also encouraged and enthusiastic to make Christmas brighter for those who have less. To that end, we’re organising another donation event before Winter Break.

Preyasi, Grade 8

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Sustainability Evening

Poetry

Secondary students wrote poems in Spanish and German to share their thoughts about the topic of sustainability. The students’ work was on display at the Sustainability Evening at school this week.

Congratulations to the students for their fantastic shared effort to put this topic into words. Many thanks to the teachers for organising the event and for making sustainability a topic in the language classes.

   

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Halloween at H.I.S.

Many thanks to the PTG and Student Council for organising the events

MYP & DP Halloween party
What a great week with not one, but two Halloween parties!
We kicked off the week with the Secondary school Halloween Disco and a lot of fun was had by all, including some great costumes and dance moves! Well done to the Student Council for a very well organised event, with support from PTG. Congratulations!
Grade 7 won the overall best costume contest and the PTG will provide them with a pizza party after the break. Well done Grade 7!
PYP Halloween party
The PYP Halloween party kicked off with a lot of cool games, arts and crafts, a prize table and a very successful  first-ever spooky trunk or treat. So much fun was had by all.
Thank you to all our volunteers – students, staff and parents – that helped make this a really successful event.
Pumpkin Competition
We had a spooky Pumpkin competition and we saw some super designs and creativity that made it very difficult for the judges to decide. The winners are: Christian D (EP-Gr 2) , Torin (Gr 3-5). Winners of the most creative design: Elina and Luana.
PTG
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Child Protection Workshop

H.I.S. welcomed regional resource counsellor Zoe Spranger, to a Child Protection parent workshop this week.

Our policies and procedures on Child Protection are a culmination of extensive training that has worked to remind us all of the important role we play in a disclosure situation.

Zoe helped us to get a deeper understanding of:

  • Child protection measures at H.I.S.
  • How H.I.S. works with regional services
  • Which assistance families are offered

You can find all of the information from the workshop and more in the H.I.S. Child Protection Handbook located in the internal section of our website. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this valuable discussion.

LF

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Grade 12 at BASF Biotech Lab

Students: "It was truly inspiring."

We are excited to share the wonderful experience our Grade 12 Biology students had during their recent field trip to the BASF Biotechnology Lab on October 17. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to delve deeper into the world of biotechnology and apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

During the visit, our students engaged in a range of hands-on activities that enriched their understanding of cutting-edge biotechnology techniques. They were able to actively participate in DNA extraction, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), gene transformation, and gel electrophoresis experiments.

Our students had this to say about their experience: “Our visit to the BASF laboratory was a highly enjoyable and informative experience. We had the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between our classroom learning and practical application, gaining hands-on knowledge in the fields of PCR, gene transfer, and gel electrophoresis. This visit not only enhanced our laboratory skills but also provided us with valuable insights into the real-world applications of the biological sciences. It was truly inspiring to witness our theoretical knowledge come to life and to work with professional equipment and real-life biological substances. This experience has not only deepened our understanding of the subject but may have also ignited a passion for scientific research in some of our peers.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the instructors at BASF, Dr. Gaby Seelmann-Eggebert, Dr. Katja Völkel and Dr. Lutz Kettler, who went above and beyond to make this field trip an enriching and memorable experience for our students. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in ensuring that our students gained invaluable insights into the world of biotechnology.

We are proud of our Grade 12 Biology students for their active participation, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning. This field trip not only broadened their horizons but also inspired many of them to consider pursuing careers in biotechnology and related fields.

ECK & SAB

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“Blood Splatter Detectives”

Grade 6 Scientists

We are thrilled to share the exciting scientific exploration our Grade 6 Science students embarked on during their “Blood Splatter Detectives” laboratory experience this month.

This lab allowed our young scientists to put on their detective hats and practice the scientific method while investigating the intriguing relationship between the height of a drop and the diameter of the resulting splatter. In this hands-on experiment, our students honed their observation, measurement, and data analysis skills. The steps of the scientific method were meticulously followed as they designed their experiments, made predictions, collected data, and drew conclusions based on their findings.

The enthusiasm and curiosity in the lab were contagious as our students eagerly tested various drop heights and meticulously recorded their observations. They considered factors like drop height, the type of surface the ‘Shrek blood’ (in this case, a green food colouring as a substitute for blood) landed on, and the shape of the resulting splatter. This allowed them to understand the concept of variables and how they influence experimental outcomes. Throughout the lab, our budding scientists exhibited an impressive level of teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They supported one another, discussed their observations, and even recalibrated their experiments when needed to ensure the highest level of accuracy.

ECK

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Support World Food Day 2023

PYP and MYP Poster Competition

Support World Food Day 16 October 2023 by taking part in a poster competition.

If you are in the PYP create a poster in school on ‘The importance of saving water’.

If you are in the MYP create a poster to raise awareness for ‘The future challenges and solutions of the world in managing water’.

Submit your entry to your class teacher or homeroom teacher by 27 November. Your poster should be engaging, informative and thought provoking. The winners will be presented in a school assembly. The winning posters will be shown on the screen in the school foyer.

JK