Message from Mr. O’ Connor
Dear Parents and Friends,
As promised, I write to you from Andorra from the Secondary Ski Trip. Firstly and most importantly, from the date that I am writing this, Thursday 22nd January, all students are safe. This is a huge learning experience for all students with regards to time management, personal organisation, change of routines, management of diets, supporting friends and making new friendships. The teaching team that accompanies them, myself included, have not slept in 4 days! Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and final room checks at 11:30 p.m. Non-stop!
Needless to say we have had adventures and, as with life, we have solved them, one step at a time. On Tuesday, we had the heaviest snowfall in Andorra in 20 years, closing the resort, and meaning only one of our two buses was able to reach Andorra. Time to think outside the box. Next week, we will attach photos, but now I would like to shout out to the teachers who have really gone above and beyond to ensure that this trip is an unforgettable learning experience.
My best wishes from a ‘snowed in’ Andorra.
Mr. J. O’ Connor
Headmaster and Co-Founder of GVS
Primary Section
Message from Ms. J. Harvey
Dear Families,
I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend, despite the rain!
Last week in preparation for the St Antoni Celebrations, our Spanish team explained this Saint’s day to our students and then the children designed their own demonic mask, which are of course a central part of the celebrations. As you can see below, they are amazing, please take time to look at them as you pass through the corridor to collect your children.
Before Christmas, years 5 and 6 again participated in the Festival Park Christmas Drawing competition. Once again we are lucky to have a prize winner at GVS, Mika from Y6!
Next week, Mika and her family will join us at a presentation at Festival Park, where she will receive a cheque for 500€ for ‘Yachting Gives Back‘, which is our chosen charity. A huge congratulations to Mika!
Year 6 have enjoyed a taster session in Secondary this week. They had a great couple of hours and are now feeling more confident about making the move in September.
Don’t forget, Year 6 parents are invited to a meeting on Monday 26th at 3:30 to find out more about life in Secondary.
Sadly, this is almost my last newsletter before handing over to Ms. Victoria, but I am hoping to see many of you next Friday 30th in the afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. so I can say goodbye personally.
Best wishes,
Ms. J. Harvey
Head of Primary GVS
Secondary Section
Message from Mr. S. Murphy
Dear Families,
Welcome back. Despite this being a short working week, it has been a positive and productive start to the term. I would like to thank the staff who supported the ski trip, as well as those who remained in school to assist with Year 11 coursework, lessons for DP2 and the Year 6 Moving Up Day. Their flexibility and commitment to our students is greatly appreciated.
Maths Competition – Problem of the Week
A huge well done to all students who took part in our first KS3 Problem of the Week, led by Ms. Jones. We were impressed by the range of approaches and the clarity with which students explained their thinking.
Congratulations to all whom reached the correct solution.
These submissions highlighted that mathematics is about method and reasoning as much as final answers. Selected approaches will be shared with KS3 students and parents, and the new Problem of the Week has now been released.
Reading for Depth, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning
We continue to place strong emphasis on reading across the curriculum for students in Years 7–10, with targeted texts designed to broaden perspectives and develop critical literacy skills. Current extended focus texts include:
● Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
● The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
● Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
● Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
● The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
Tutors and English teachers will share electronic copies of these texts and, where possible, provide hard copies to students to support access and engagement. Students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with these texts both in and beyond the classroom.
Year 6 Parent Introduction – Monday 26th January
A warm reminder that Year 6 parents are invited to join us on Monday 26th January for an introduction to life in Secondary. Additional details have already been distributed via email from the GVS office and we look forward to welcoming you and sharing key information about the transition.
Earlier in the week, we held a successful Year 6 “Moving Up Day” on Wednesday 21st, during which students experienced a brief taste of Secondary life from 1:30–3:30pm, meeting teachers and engaging in introductory lessons.
IB Learner Profile Displays
Students who remained in school during the ski trip collaborated to produce posters exploring the IB Learner Profiles we aspire to embody at GVS. Special recognition goes to I. and M. for their outstanding contributions. These posters are now displayed around the school and reflect strong engagement with our shared values and learner attributes.
KS3 Resits – Positive Progress
KS3 resits took place on Wednesday 14th, and we are already seeing encouraging improvements, particularly across Languages, Mathematics, and Science. Students are reminded of the importance of applying feedback and maintaining consistent effort from the beginning of Term 2.
Ski Trip – A Balanced Experience
Over 100 students took part in the recent ski trip, which provided a valuable balance of physical activity, independence and social development. While two school days were missed, this experience aligns with our commitment to developing well rounded learners.
Warm regards,
Mr. S. Murphy
Head of Secondary, GVS
