NDS

Welcome to the website of Notre Dame de Sion , a Private French- Turkish High School.

Our school was founded by eleven nuns who came to Pangaltı in October 1856. Established on the 27th of November in the year 1856 , NDS is the first official high school for girls in .

NDS has provided education for students from all religions since the . As the years passed the school gradually evolved , adapting to the changes within Turkish Republic, and has become one of the most distinguished high schools in . This year we are celebrating our 150th anniversary .

Our school was originally founded as a school for girls. However, in 1996 , NDS experienced a radical change and boys were admitted to prep classes for the first time. From then on , our school became coeducational after 140 years of existence as a school for girls.

Situated in Şişli, a center of trade and shopping in the heart of Istanbul, at the crossroads of civilizations , NDS is a school where mutual interaction of Turkish and French cultures is achieved with a contemporary approach.

With its academic program , qualified faculty and staff and emphasis on learning a second foreign language , NDS is a school that gives education in French , Turkish and English. Our graduates can communicate effectively, both in spoken and written forms, in all of these languages.

NDS constantly seeks excellence in education in a time of rapid change in modern Turkey. Our goal is always to improve ourselves and do the very best for the students.

Today in order to meet the demands of the 21st century , NDS aims to graduate well-educated , creative and innovative young women and men >who have self confidence >who demonstrate strong personal and social responsibility >who show commitment to justice and human rights >who are dedicated to the ideals of Atatürk >who will be leaders of the future society

Ozgun Pinarer-4 F Where is NDS ?

Our High School, Notre Dame de Sion, is located in Şişli. Indeed Şişli has always been one of the most crowded, busiest and most prestigious quarters of Istanbul, and the existence of our school increases its value. Urbanization in Şişli started after the 1870s and at the end of the 19th century. Rich and well educated minorty families came to live in this area. The Ottoman families and intellectuals who imitated the life style of those people moved to $isli, too. This started the modernization phase of this district. The rich Ottoman pashas and the foreigners used their fortune to construct European-style buildings. The development of Şişli was speeded up with the advent of the trolley in the neighborhood in 1931. The fame and the prestige of living in Şişli spread around Istanbul fast. So popular was it that even Mustafa Kemal Atatürk preferred to live there. He made his plans about the War of Independance in his house at Şişli. Nowadays, this house has become a museum which is known as "Atatürk Museum". Over the years Şişli became the center of entertainment and social activities in Istanbul. For example, the first rest home for old people, "Darülaceze", was built in 1898. It was also the pioneer of many cultural activities. Theaters and concert halls were built and people preferred to have fun at Şişli instead of at Beyoglu. "Lütfi Kırdar Concert and Exhibition Hall", "Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall and Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater" are some of the examples of the cultural activities held in this district. Nişantaşı, which is a center of shopping and famous cafes, is also located within the limits of Şişli. An important university of the city, such as "Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi", is located in Şisli. The " Stadium", one of the biggest stadiums in Istanbul, is also in the neighborhood. Living in Şişli and having an apartment in this glittering quarter became so important that even in musicals such as "Lüküs Hayat", this theme was emphasized. Finally we can say that living in Şişli is a privilege! Naz Ugurlu - Seden Mestan 4 TM A FEELINGS about N  D  S

How old my school is Everyone during school life complains With its corridors smelling like teen spirits about everything which concerns the The place we found love and peace school. Sometimes became very “difficile” But when you have graduated, you can 150 years ago she was born She taught me how to behave on my own easily understand thay your school life life was indeed a dream. The notes, the exams that we feared the most “You have to pass them” was what we were told An unforgettable dream shared with your But my school is the greatest I thought friends. I must confess that I miss those While I was writing this in my book days in N D S . So it is time for you to Ô school, great school ! Hear my voice enjoy it well! Here’s what I’m saying; “You were my first choice.”

Bike Kefel i& Socia lClass '06 Ferya lKalafatoğl u' 04