INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GRAND DURBAR (United Nations & National Costume Day) FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 2015 PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS FIELD CONTENTS About The Celebration Of The United Nations And National Costume Day At Programme Ghana International School 03

Board Of Directors & Management Team 04 1. Arrival of Guests Welcome Remarks 2. Opening by MCs Chairman Of The Board 05 Mr. Abloso Welcome Message From Principal Teacher, Secondary School Dr. Mary Ashun, Incoming Principal 07 Mr. Painstil Manasseh Senior Teacher, Infant School Secretary-General’s Message Regarding Mrs. Donna Gordon- Apeagyei The 70Th Anniversary Of The United Nations 08 Principal Teacher and AVP Infant School Guest Of Honour, Mr. Tirso Dos-Santos Alexander Bechtold, Upper Sixth Form Student, Unesco Representative 09 Secondary School

Guest Of Honour 3. School Parade of Nations (Current Nations Represented at GIS) Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu 10 1. Infant/Nursery Guest Of Honour 2. Junior Honourable Mr. Joe Ghartey Esq.mp 11 3. Secondary Goodwill Messages 11-18 4. The Ghana National Anthem Student And Staff Nationalities Represented 5. Welcome Address by in the Ghana International School Dr. Mary Ashun, Incoming Principal of GIS as at the 2015/2016 Academic Year 21 6. Goodwill Message by History Of Mr. Kwame Pianim, Board Chairman Ghana International School 22 7. Performance by Infant School Ghana International School 8. Introduction of Guest of Honour, Honourable Mr. Joe Guiding Statements Ghartey Esq., by Junior School Pupil Our Educational Objectives: 26 9. Address by Honourable Mr. Joe Ghartey Esq.,MP, GIS Alumnus 10. Performance by Junior School 60th Anniversary Celebrations 11. Introduction of Guest of Honour, Mrs. Betty Mould- Iddrisu, by Lower Secondary Student PLANNING COMMITTEE 12. Address by Mrs. Betty Mould- Iddrisu, GIS Alumna

The Board Representative/ 13. Secondary School Performance GIS@60Chairperson 14. Introduction of Guest of Honour, Mr. Tirso Dos-Santos, Mrs. Estelle Appiah by Upper Secondary Student Management Representative 15. Address by Mr. Tirso Dos-Santos, UNESCO and Vice Chairperson Representative Dr. Mary Ashun 16. Anniversary Flash Mob Performance SSWA Representative Mr. Silas Abloso, 17. Vote of Thanks by Mr. Sean Quist, PTA Chairman Ms. Ekua Sagoe, 18. School Song led by Stephanie Duah, Emmanuel Ashun Mr. Nii Adjei and Eugene Quayson TEWU Representative 19. 12:30-12:45pm: Mr. Stephen Mensah “We are the World” Alumni Representative Announcements by MC’s Mr. Ato Koomson Mrs. Mariam Quarshie International Barbecue/Cookout Parent Representative & Anniversary Exhibition Commences!!! Mr. Sean Quist Student Representatives Prefects and SRC Team Committee Coordinator Ms. Phoebe Acolatse Programme

About the Celebration of the UNITED NATIONS and National Costume Day at GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

hana International School (GIS) can Our Message is loud and clear. As you boast of pupils and students from watch the children and staff parade in their Gover 50 nationalities. This is why our national costumes, singing and dancing, let us United Nations (UN) and National Costume remember the growing number of people who Day is celebrated in style. We use this are in misery because of conflicts in our world occasion to celebrate our unity and diversity today. We hope that as a School, we will send in terms of our cultures and nationalities. We out our message of “Understanding of Each seek to highlight our school motto which is Other”, which will resonate around the world. “Understanding of Each Other”. As GIS celebrates 60 years of nurturing Global citizens, the UN also celebrates 70 years of Our School Songs also sums it all up; encouraging nations to collaborate in order to alleviate these conflicts. From all the countries of the earth, We come in turn to you. We are honoured that a school that began with Of different races, different creeds, a handful of students, has grown into a mighty force in International Education. And different aspects too. We learn together day by day, Together with you today, we celebrate 60 years In time our ways will part, of nurturing Global Citizens. But with each one of us we’ll take Understanding of Each Other We wish you all a Happy Celebration!!!

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 3 GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Kwame Pianim Chairman Mr. Josiah W. Ampiah Member Director Mrs. Estelle Appiah Member Director Professor Florence Dolphyne Director Mr. Kofi Kwakwa Director Ms. Maame Hagan Director Mrs. Augusta Cameron Director Mrs. Sophia Amissah Laryea Board Secretary MANAGEMENT TEAM Mrs. Diana Nyatepe-Coo Outgoing Principal Dr. Mary Ashun Incoming Principal Mr. Frank Amponsah- Mensah Vice Principal, Upper Secondary Ms. Ida Abbeyquaye Vice Principal, Lower Secondary Mrs. Mary Ocansey Vice Principal, Junior School Ms. Heidu Owu Vice Principal, Infant School Mr. Alfred Ayer Financial Controller Mr. James Nkansah IT Systems Manager Mrs. Deborah Tackie Development Manager Mrs. Sante Andah Human Resources and Administration Manager Ms. Maxine Wall Guidance Counsellor

4 Ghana International School OUR DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AND MOTHERS

GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION GRAND DURBAR/UN DAY EVENTS

At GIS our motto of “understanding of of intolerance and extremisms seem to Welcome Remarks each other” has helped us live up to the feed upon themselves as due to the ever - CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD ideals of our founding fathers; a world increasing and highly digitalized world, of tolerance and acceptance of our acts of intolerance and inhumanity common humanity with more things are transmitted instantaneously from uniting us. Here at GIS we endeavour far away corners of the globe to living It is a singular pleasure, on at nurturing global citizens who not rooms in all corners of the world, inviting my own behalf and on that just merely tolerate differences, but mindless imitation or acts of retaliation of the School, its board of rather embrace and celebrate human and reprisals by others! directors, management staff diversity whether it be race, ethnicity, religion, culture orsocial and economic Frist and foremost we owe a debt of grat- and the student population, affiliation. So at GIS, in our small way, itude to our founders. These were men to wish all of you gathered we try to walk the talk as far as the vision and women from the expatriate and na- here this morning and all and ideals of the United Nations by tionals from the business community, promoting understanding and tolerance professionals from the legal, media and those of you, our friends at the personal level and by starting the education sectors, who got together to and stakeholders who will inculcation of these attributes early into plan and implement the idea of an in- be joining us in the activities our students. And it is true, as it has been ternational school dedicated to promot- said, that for most of us, most of the good planned to celebrate our ing understanding among people from life habits that guide us we learnt at the diverse backgrounds. These included 60th anniversary, a very big sand box at the school playground; business people like the Baileys, Edward learning to share, respecting each other, welcome! James and Valerie, from the Media came saying sorry for wrongs done and thank the Lines from Graphic, public servants you in appreciation. like Dr Ruby Quartey-Papafio and Dr K G Konuah, both educationists; and men Today at this Grand Durbar where As we celebrate our 60th anniversary with legal background; Sir Justice K A our 60th Anniversary celebrations therefore I will like to express our debt Korsah and Justice Edward Akufo-Addo gathers momentum under the theme of gratitude to our founding fathers and who both became Chief Justices of the “Celebrating 60 years of Nurturing mothers and those who have helped Supreme Court of Ghana was then a le- global citizens with our School Motto of us over the years to keep the vision and gal practitioner. These men and women “understanding of Each other”, it is not ideals of our founders alive as well as saw in 1955, the need for providing an a coincidence that we mark this event those who have toiled to inculcate our institution to educate the children of the alongside the marking of United Nations values as a way of life to our students. expected increasing inflow of expatriate Day. The UN was established by nations The vision,ideals and mission of the business and diplomatic community and their peoples some 70 years ago founders are even more relevant in “to save succeeding generations from our world of today. We live in a world alongside an emerging middle class of the scourge of war “that has brought of conflicts, a world being torn apart nationals in a multi-cultural environ- untold sorrow to mankind” as a result by extremism, intolerance and hatred ment. In a Ghana that was scheduled to of misunderstanding and political born out of our differences. GIS as a gain political independence. One year miscalculations. The nations were platform for nurturing and launching and a half before Ghana attained inde- determined that people learn “to practise global citizen for today’s world is more pendence, the dream of these founding tolerance and live together in peace relevant and urgent now than ever in visionaries became reality. The Infant with one another as good neighbours.” modern human history. And these acts School here, now the Art and Music De-

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 5 partment was part of the beginnings of block, the swimming pool and negotiat- late Mrs. Ghartey of the Primary School, this School. ed the Primary School Cafeteria building after teachers like Dr Mrs. Margaret donated by Unibank under the inspira- Nkrumah, Mr. David Arku and Mr. Siti! From its humble beginnings 60 years tion of an alumnus, Dr Kwabena Duffuor To our teachers who continue to learn ago, it now boasts of some 1400 Jnr. so that they can position GIS on the students from some 58 nationalities, a cutting edge of learning and teaching mini United Nations! To our founding Let us not forget the Administrators technology, we say Ayekoo! We owe you a debt of gratitude that we can visionaries and their collaborators, we who supported our Principals. We recall never repay! To you, Dr MaryAshun, your say, Ayekoo and well done! Mrs. Ameyaw, the Bursar who kept the books and accounts of the School at colleague VPs, management and staff its embryonic stage. Ms. Edith Nylander and through you to your predecessors, To our board chairmen who provided who as secretary to several Principals we say thank you, continue our current leadership in policy guidance and kept the institutional memory of the task of transforming teaching and direction and kept the ideals alive, School for decades! These were the learning so that GIS remains second to we owe a debt of gratitude! To Dr. predecessors of our present Financial none in the delivery of quality education. Modjaben Dowuona who presided Controller, Alfred Ayer and our hard over the growth and development working H R Manager, Sante Barning On the 60th anniversary of GIS there are era, we say thank you. To Professor Andah! To these administrators, we say two things we want to focus on. First and Cyril E Fiscian, a psychologist and His a big thank you! foremost to build a network of alumni so Lordship Justice George Francois, a that they have opportunity to give a little justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana back to their Alma Mater, GIS. We have and Chief justice of the Supreme Court To those who have served as Company distinguished alumni that include former of Gambia, who helped calm the waters Secretaries and help guide us on Attorney Generals of Ghana, former and stabilize things at a critical stage in governance, regulatory and compliance Cabinet Ministers in the United Kingdom the School’s history when the School issues, we are grateful. And through our and a potential presidential candidate in had outgrown its informal ways of current diligent board Secretary,Mrs. the US Republican Primaries! We want to doing things and needed more formal Sophia Laryea, we express our gratitude harness our alumni to help us build an governance structures, they helped to her predecessors.We recall with auditorium to mark our 60th anniversary steady the boat. For this,we are grateful gratitude the work of Nominees, celebrations! This is the challenge we and owe them a debt of gratitude! I am Mr. David Simpson of Pannel Fitz pose to GIS alumni scattered around sure as we celebrate our success today, Patrick who served for several years as the globe. We hope we all rise up to they may be looking down on us, smiling both company secretary and external the occasion. This is how GIS alumni that their efforts were for a worthy cause! auditors; and Mrs.Felicia Gbesemete, one of the original founding pupils who can help pay back a little of the debt of served as Company Secretary while her gratitude they owe to their Alma Mater, For our Board of Directors, both past and law firm, Lexconsult, has provided us GIS! present, we can never say thank you with legal advice over the years. enough! To you, the current directors, and through you to your predecessors, we say Ayekoo on this historic landmark Now our debt of gratitude to generations occasion! of parents who have entrusted their So to parents, teachers, children to our care.We start with the small band of first entrants 6 to 8 years staff, students and friends To our Principals who have throughout who started GIS some 60 Years ago. these years toiled to continue to deliver of GIS, we welcome you all These included the Ghanaian contingent quality education at GIS that is second of Felicia Gbesemete (nee Sackey) her to the 60th Anniversary cel- to none globally, we say Ayekoo! Fe- little six-year-old sister Jacoba Sackey, ebration activities and this licitations on a great job well done! We Billy Baeta, Allen Philips and his cousin recall for the record, the sterling work special UN Day grand dur- William. The expatriate contingent done by Mrs. Ellen Stronge and her im- included Catherine Strickland and bar that marks the launch of mediate successors, Moira Martin and Wendy Lucas. To the generations of Mrs. Innwood,to build the School on a our celebrations. Welcome students and their parents we say thank solid foundation of commitment to ex- and join us through-out our you. We owe you a debt of gratitude for cellence! The always-on-the- move Mrs. your continued trust to help educate yearlong festivities! Leonie Acquah who built the School’s your children. reputation for high performance, a strict but fair disciplinarian! Mrs. Judith Sawyer As some of us say in Ghana, under whom the Secondary School be- And finally to our teachers, our greatest AKWAABA! WEZO! came fully established! And Mrs. Diana asset, without you, we have buildings Nyatepe- Coo, the first Ghanaian Princi- and pupils,but we have no teaching pal and the outgoing Principal who su- or learning that constitutes a School! pervised the construction of significant We have had and continue to have additions to our infrastructure including great teachers. I recall former students the newly opened secondary classroom recently inquiring with nostalgia after the Kwame Pianim

6 Ghana International School WELCOME MESSAGE FROM DR. MARY ASHUN, INCOMING PRINCIPAL

r. Chairman, Distinguished With this in mind, we are using this 60th how can we stop blessing others when Guests, Our Valued Parents, my anniversary to ask our GIS community we ourselves are so blessed? Colleagues, School Children. to hold us accountable as we aim to be M Our school motto is “Understanding of more intentional about playing our part Welcome once again to the Ghana Each Other” and there is no doubt that in reaching out to various communities this is needed not just at GIS but in Ghana International School. Founded in 1955 around our school and far off. Let and indeed the whole world. As an by a group of ardent men and women me share some of the ways we are international school, we cannot remain who were intent on establishing a already doing this: We have initiated insular in our views, believing that we foundation for excellence in education, partnerships with La Wireless Cluster know and understand other people and Ghana International School, formerly of Schools just 10 minutes away. We cultures without inviting them into our known as the Gold Coast International transport their senior students to be lives as students, parents and teachers. School is 60 years this year. taught in our science labs once a week Our vision as a school has always been to and our teachers give of their time to We have so many reasons to be thankful. produce responsible global citizens and support this worthy cause. Last year, we Ask any of our 1400 students about their this we work on daily in our interactions initiated a literacy campaign that saw school and you will hear comments like with others from different races and us donate books to La Wireless and we the following: creeds – and it is so ably reflected in hope to continue this every year. Earlier our beautiful school song. We welcome in September, we donated classroom 1. We have nice teachers expatriate families and teachers and aim furniture to two schools in Asamankese 2. We make friends with people from to foster understanding because it’s the and Leklebi-Duga in the Volta Region. all over the world right thing to do. We, in essence, aim to This coming midterm, a group of 3. We have a sense of family be The United Nations in every sense Upper Sixth Formers will take a trip to 4. We are getting a new cafeteria of the word. From the angelic faces Asamankese to meet the children of the (We thank Unibank for their very and voices of the Infant School, to the school, work in their classrooms and be generous donation!) and we energetic bodies in the Junior School, to a support to the teachers. like the variety at the secondary the rambunctiousness of early teenage- canteen! For the past couple of years, Mrs. Ocan- hood in the Lower Secondary, to the 5. We have a big swimming pool to sey, our Junior School Vice Principal has gradual settling down of our ‘almost swim in led the school in raising funds for the mature’ Upper Secondary Students, 6. We have smart boards which are Children’s Heart Foundation. Last year teachers and staff know that we are cool alone, our parents and children donated privileged to work here at GIS; our Board 7. Our teachers helps us to GHS 25,399.21 which enabled Jamilatu governs us with integrity, our parents understand our class work Ibrahim to have her heart operation support us in what is undoubtedly 8. We have a well resourced library in July 2015. Our PTA is active in this one of the toughest jobs in the world, and access to the internet for our area too. Last year, proceeds from our and our children stretch us so we can research Annual Bazaar were donated to The complement their 21st century learning 9. We get long breaks Leukemia Foundation to the tune of styles with our 21st century teaching 10. When we are hurt or ill we have a GHS 10,000 and the year before the styles! same amount went to the Chance For Sick Bay we can go to To all who have joined us on this great Children Organization. Later this term in And my favourite: journey, we say Akwaaba! November, we are hoping to organize a 11. ‘It’s the best school in Ghana’ mission to Kpala, a very deprived island To all of you who help us in this job community on the Volta Lake. This will (which we think is the best one in the How fortuitous for us to celebrate be our 4th visit and each time we have world), we say Ye Daase! together with the United Nations on this done this, we have donated clothes, their 70th anniversary? The UN’s Global medical supplies, play equipment and To the incredible staff and students of Goals for Sustainable Development toys to that community. GIS who daily make me glad to work include Education as Goal 4 and here here, Ayekoo! I know this seems like we are already at GIS, we are daily reminded that ‘To Long live GIS! whom much is given, much is expected’. doing a lot. But just look around you – Happy 60th Anniversary!

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 7 MR. BAN KI-MOON SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE REGARDING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS

he 70th anniversary of the Only when we work together can we United Nations is a timely overcome shared threats and seize Topportunity to highlight its many shared opportunities; only at the United and enduring achievements -- and to Nations can all countries – large and strengthen our collective resolve to do small, rich and poor – and all people more to promote peace and security, have their voices heard. In our rapidly sustainable deve-lopment and human changing world, the United Nations rights. remains humankind’s invaluable instrument of common progress. Let Every day, the United Nations makes us use this anniversary to reflect on the a positive difference for millions lessons of seven decades, and reaffirm of people: vaccinating children; our commitment to serve “we the distributing food aid; sheltering peoples” and build lives of prosperity, refugees; deploying peacekeepers; security and dignity for all. protecting the environ-ment; seeking the peaceful resolution of disputes Only“ when we work and supporting democratic elections, together can we overcome gender equality, human rights and the shared threats and seize rule of law. shared opportunities; The challenges of our times transcend borders and require complex solutions only at the United Nations reached through negotiation and can all countries – large compromise. The theme of this and small, rich and poor – anniversary year -- “Strong UN. Better and all people have their World” -- captures the importance of multilateralism and the essential role voices heard. “ of the United Nations.

8 Ghana International School GUEST OF HONOUR

MR. TIRSO DOS-SANTOS UNESCO REPRESENTATIVE

orn in the Mozambican Province Office in Accra, Ghana, as the Programme of Inhambane, Mr. Dos Santos is a Specialist in Education. In December Bnational of Mozambique. 2010 he was entrusted the functions of Director and UNESCO Representative, Mr. Dos Santos started his career in ai to Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, education in his home country as a and Togo. In that capacity, secondary education teacher. He he oversaw the implementation of subsequently became a lecturer and UNESCO’s programme in the Accra Dean of faculty at the Pedagogical cluster as well as the field reform process University of Maputo, before taking leading to the establishment of the a higher position at the Ministry of UNESCO National Office for Ghana. Education of Mozambique as its National Director for Teacher Education, between From the inception of the UN Reform 1988 and 1991. process, Mr. Dos Santos has actively taken part in the UN reform processes, having Mr. Dos Santos Joined UNESCO, on 04 been an active member of the UN Country February 1992 with an appointment Teams of the Harare (Botswana, Malawi, at the then UNESCO Sub-regional Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) Office in Harare, where he served up and Accra (Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, to October 2009, having successively Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo) clusters, been an Associate Expert in Instructional contributing to CCA/UNDAF exercises, Systems; Assistant Programme Specialist UNCT planning, programming and and Programme Specialist in Education. development of Deliver as One (DaO) UN While in Harare, Mr. Dos Santos also took country programmes. managerial functions as the Director Mr. Dos Santos was appointed as the Head and Representative, ad interim, between of Office and UNESCO Representative to 2006 and 2008. Ghana in July 2014, a post he currently In October, 2009, Mr. Dos Santos was holds. transferred to the UNESCO Cluster

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 9 GUEST OF HONOUR MRS. BETTY MOULD-IDDRISU

etty Mould-Iddrisu was appointed Commonwealth Secretariat in 2003 travelled extensively globally. She also as Ghana’s first female Attorney - an intergovernmental organization - lectured at the Law BGeneral and Minister for Justice comprising 54 member states based Faculty. in 2009 and also served as Minister in London. In that connection, she Betty Mould-Iddrisu is also widely known of Education in 2011. From 2012 she managed the implementation of in several English speaking African has been the Managing Partner and wide ranging mandates from the countries for her work in international Lead consultant in an Accra based Commonwealth’s Heads of State, Law law, human rights and gender. She global consultancy firm, BMD Global Ministers and Chief Justices. These chaired both the Ghanaian and African Consultancy Ltd. which specializes included implementation of mandates in Regional groupings of the International in corporate legal advice, energy law, the area of transnational crime, counter Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) intellectual property law & gender. terrorism and international humanitarian in the 1990’s and co-founded the In 2014, she was elected to the Vice law, anti-corruption and strengthening African Women Lawyers Association Chairperson position in the political party institutions of good governance in (AWLA) in 1999 and chaired it till 2003. which currently forms the Government member states. of Ghana. She was in the vanguard of initiating Betty Mould - Iddrisu has written several Ghana’s first Legal Aid Offices in 1985 Betty Mould–Iddrisu has held various articles and acted as a resource person, and spearheaded the empowerment positions in the Ghanaian Ministry chair and expert at numerous national, of Ghanaian and African women of Justice from 1980, including the regional and global fora on a wide array through her grass roots programs for position of Copyright Administrator. She of legal and human rights issues. She the sensitization of women and children rose to the rank of Chief State Attorney worked as a consultant for over 20 years in the area of access to justice, judicial and from 2000 – 2003 was in charge of to several international and regional reform and dispute resolution in several the Ministry’s International Law Division bodies in the areas of International law, African countries. In this capacity she where she spearheaded several cutting Intellectual Property law (traditional gained wide experience in civil society edge legal initiatives in the area of knowledge and community rights) interaction and managed numerous International Law. & multi-lateral trade issues for the projects on both national and regional Betty Mould–Iddrisu was appoint- UN, its specialized bodies and other levels for both Government and civil ed Director of the Legal and international and regional based society. Constitutional Affairs Division of the organizations. In this capacity she has

10 Ghana International School GUEST OF HONOUR HONOURABLE GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM MR. JOE GHARTEY MRS. ESTELLE APPIAH ESQ.MP MEMBER DIRECTOR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ow time flies. I vividly recall my first day at the Gold Coast International School in 1956. HGhana International School has become a colossus in international education with an alumni network that stretches from Ghana to Japan and beyond. From humble beginnings, the School now has a student population of approximately 1400 students from over 50 countries. It can proudly claim that not only is it the oldest international school in Ghana, but it is also a leading institution that provides a world class education. It is the only international school in the country to be accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The oe Ghartey is a Legal Practitioner who was called to School is also an active member of the Association of the Ghana Bar 27 years ago. A product of Mfantsipim International Schools in Africa. JSecondary School, the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law. Mr. Ghartey subsequently joined In the last six decades, the Ghana International the law firm, Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co. as an associate, School has been a beacon that epitomises the before co-founding the law firm, Ghartey & Ghartey as its understanding of each other in a multicultural setting. head of Chambers in 1994. It has enabled its students to become global citizens who excel wherever they may find themselves. Since then he has lectured in Investment Law at the University of Ghana, Corporate Governance at the Ghana Sixty years is an anniversary to be celebrated, Institute of Management and Public Administration particularly in China and India and as the School (GIMPA), Company Law at the Ghana School of Law and celebrates this milestone, let us in the spirit of the Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Securities “Sankofa” go back and fetch all that the Gold Coast Industry at the Training Program. International School had as its vision sixty years ago. His experience gathered in these areas led him to author The Ghana International School should continue to books; the first being “Doing Business and Investing in be a place of academic excellence that is constantly Ghana”. in pursuit of what is in the best interest of its students in a spirit of positive change. Joe Ghartey in his public life has represented the good The infrastructural development and the high people of Essikado-Ketan as their Parliamentarian since standard of the School bear testimony to sixty years the year 2005. In the same year he was appointed the of achievement. May the School continue to grow Deputy Attorney General and subsequently the Attorney better with the years and on this anniversary, let General of Ghana. Currently, he is the Second Deputy us move forward with the knowledge that much Speaker of Parliament. has been achieved and much more stands to be achieved for this great School. Joe Ghartey is the son of Mrs. Lauraine Mercy Ghartey, who headed the Infant Department of Ghana International Happy 60th birthday Ghana International School and School for a number of years thus his journey in life many, many, happy returns. started at the Ghana International School, where he attended nursery and primary. He was a member of Blue house. Even though he was not so successful as a high- jumper, he was a champion in the three-legged race with his bosom friend, Virgo Sawyer being the other half of the Executive Director, three-legged team. Ghana International School Board Joe Ghartey is a Methodist, married to Efua Ghartey, a Legal Practitioner and they have been blessed with five children The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 11 GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM Mrs. Felicia Gbesemete & Kate Regan PIONEER STUDENTS

decade has never seemed I acknowledge the positive impact on me • Moving with the school to the so short! 50 years of GIS was of the sense of Commitment, Dedication colonial building, together with my Acelebrated in 2005 in grand to duty, honesty and integrity learnt from younger sister Joanna. style and now we begin the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the founding 1. My Headmistresses (Mrs. Stronge, • My surprise and joy at the of our great School GIS!! As I look back, Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Inwood) and announcement, during Morning I acknowledge that we, the past and teachers at GIS) including Mrs. Assembly that I had won an inter- present students of GIS have a great Peggy Boateng, Mrs. Cornish, Mrs. school Art competition (an abstract deal to be thankful for. Prakash and Mrs. Baumann. design, no less!) as I didn’t think I could draw! I received a much From humble beginnings in the Legion 2. The distinguished Board Chairmen valued paint box as my prize. Hall, partitioned into classrooms, the of the Board of Directors of School now owns and is operated from GIS,Messrs. Modjaben Dowuona, • Then we moved to the “new first class facilities. Mr. Justice M. Francois, Professor building” now known as Inwood Block and memories of classroom Fiscian and Mr. K. Pianim, under teachers are clearer. Quality education is available not only whom I served as Board Secretary from Nursery, but right through to the for almost thirty years. These • I particularly remember a Sports Sixth Form. That smooth journey was not virtues have served me well, not available to we, the pioneering students Day when I was Captain of Elmina only in my profession, but also House, (Yellow House) and my of GIS, and those who later enrolled in in diverse leadership roles in house winning the House Trophy. the school, as the intake increased year professional,Social and Religious by year. Organizations and Bodies. • Lovely teachers all, and fellow pupils who wrote in my Autograph Quality education was available to us I encourage current GIS students to Book which I still treasure. even at that time, but with the departure utilize their time wisely at the School. of the majority of foreign students to You have a priceless opportunity to gain • Music lessons with Mrs. Peggy their home countries and Ghanaian a wealth of knowledge which will equip Boateng and listening to a students to local and foreign boarding you to undertake any endeavour you recording of Die Fliedermaus. schools, after passing 11 plus common may opt for in any part of the world. And Entrance and Similar Examinations, the do make it a point to keep up friendships • Independence Day Celebrations opportunity to promote GIS Students established at GIS. I share with you, at school and a visit from the into the Secondary Stream and prepare snippets of memories penned hastily Governor-General and his wife. them for GCE ‘O’ Levels was lost. After in my office by my lifelong friend Kate Felicia and I formed a “guard of my reluctant forced departure from GIS, Regan, (nee Catherine Strickland), a honour” to welcome them. Form 1A for that very reason, Wesley fellow pioneer student of GIS who spent Girls High School kindly prepared me some quality time with me in Accra on • Oh, and being put at the back of for Forms 2 and 3 Secondary Education, 14th October 2015, after undertaking the classroom for talking too much until GIS recalled me in 1961, to prepare three weeks’ voluntary work in a village to a friend during a lesson! five of us from England, France, United on the Akwapim Range. States and Ghana for the GCE ‘O’ Levels KATE REGAN – UK” Exams in November 1962. “I have flashes of memories of my happy days at GIS from when I was nine until CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GIS As I look back, I acknowledge the pos- when I was eleven and left for school in FAMILY ON OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY itive impact on me, of the International the United Kingdom in 1958. flavour of education at GIS- understand- FELICIA S. GBESEMETE ing of each other not only in terms of • The playground near the beach, (nee SACKEY) cultures, behaviours, temperaments; tol- at the Legion Hall and doing PE erance; but also of lifelong friendships exercises. formed.

12 Ghana International School Happy Birthday, GIS! ...60 YEARS OF UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER with love from all the little infants GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL GOODWILL MESSAGE

appy birthday to you; our pupils out into the community for ‘real’ Lynne Larbie have been pursuing my wonderful school. You have learning. But let the children speak for education at this prestigious school Hnurtured us to become a centre themselves: for over five whole academic years! of excellence: an accredited school that Even though G.I.S is older than Ghana sets both its teachers and pupils on the Our Head girl Saffron Bailes was moved herself, it fits into the definition of a never ending path of lifelong learning. to write: modern school perfectly: state of the art buildings, technology, large campus In your name teachers and administrators Each and every person who attends this and much, much, more. seek to champion the essential skills of school is privileged in more ways than 21st century learning. This provides a one. A calm and serene atmosphere that Although it is important to be inde- knowledge rich curriculum that seeks to is conducive to learning, teachers that pendent, we all know that you cannot not only instruct in content but teaches bring out the best in us. (They push us to go through life without help. That is learners to apply that content. Learners succeed and encourage us to reach our why group work is done in addition to can test that content and construct full potential). In the past five years G.I.S. independent work in all classrooms, theories and hypotheses around it that has managed to change the School encouraging students to be able to will help us throughout life. dramatically. We have a beautiful form combine ideas with other students to 1-3 block, a sparkling pool, a brand new make a wonderful theory or to create 21st century learning demands the cafeteria; the list goes on and on. We a wonderful piece of work. This is the application of critical thinking, creativity, should never take it for granted. We perfect way to teach pupils how to work communication and collaboration that are all very proud of our school and are well with different people. will shape our future leaders. happy that it has made it to sixty years. We are so grateful to our School. Thank We celebrate your birthday by striving to Lynne Larbie, Year 6 pupil, posed the you GIS. The administrators, teachers produce pupils who are enquiring and Question: Why is G.I.S. the Best? staff and children of the Junior school questioning. Pupils who are confident look forward to your many birthdays to to push the boundaries of their learning come. and teachers who are confident to let Ghana International School - is it even them. We strive to create ‘hands on and possible to describe it as anything but minds on’ opportunities by taking our the best? Not to my knowledge! And I,

14 Ghana International School GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

GIS, our home, our family, and 60 years of stellar education and service. Words are not enough to describe the amazing experiences and qualities GIS has gifted us with. From state-of-the-art facilities to experienced teachers, and well-equipped classrooms, GIS provides us with all that we need and more. We are grateful for this opportunity to express our unending gratitude to GIS for all these wonderful years of brilliance. The unbreakable bonds we make with people here at GIS serve as a solid foundation for our future relationships. Our positive and open relationships with our teachers always result in the best possible grades. We have no hesitancy when in need of help and our first point of call is always our teachers. The various productive qualities we pick up from our friends at school and from GIS as a whole have helped us , and will continue to help us grow to become responsible citizens of the world. Below are messages from the various forms to express our gratitude.

FORM 1 - Even though we are new FORM 4 - GIS has given us more to the Secondary School, we have UPPER 6 - At the apex of our than any school is required to give experienced initiation as well as Secondary School life, we are its students. It has provided us so many other great things here beginning to appreciate the with a safe haven where we can that we are thankful for, in addition little things that have influenced feel confident to make mistakes to what we learnt in the primary our transition to adulthood as part of the learning process. school. Thank you GIS and happy unbeknownst to us. Thank Thank you GIS for all you have birthday! you GIS for nurturing us for all done. these years. We will forever be grateful.

FORM 5 - External Examination FORM 2 - One thing that we candidates for the first time: We always look forward to, each week, Thank you GIS for being are confident that we are going is Co-curricular. The Co-curricular what you are and for to produce outstanding results program at GIS is so interesting providing an excellent because of the brilliant services and interactive. It enhances our education in a multi- provided by our teachers; Others skills and talents even beyond our have done it and so can we! cultural setting. We would imagination. We look forward to Thank you GIS for the academic never trade the experiences showcasing our skills to all who excellence. we have earned as students are interested. Thank you GIS for boosting our confidence levels. of this school for anything!

LOWER 6- This year has seen us transition from the IGCSE From The GIS Secondary FORM 3 - In our new, state-of- setting to the A level setting, Student Body. the-art classrooms we are able to and as always GIS has been very learn in comfort and thus our main accommodating and helpful. focus is on what is being taught. We know that the rest of our stay We are very grateful to GIS for will be just as fantastic as what providing us with this wonderful we have already enjoyed, and so learning environment. GIS, merci! we say; Gracias GIS!

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 15 MODEL UNITED NATIONS Programme at GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

ince its creation in 1945, the United Nations of international issues. The programme was (UN)Organization has committed itself to added to the Sixth Form General Studies syllabus Spursuing the cause of world peace and the to prepare GIS students for University work. The protection of human rights through the process of first instructor for this course was Mrs. Margaret arbitration and multi-lateral actions. Laryea who almost single -handedly organized the General Studies programme. In 1998 a GIS Ghana International School, from its founding delegation attended its first conference at Lincoln in 1955, has identified closely with these noble Community School and thereafter in 2000 a small objectives for two reasons. Firstly, because our GIS contingent attended a MUN conference School, with its multi-racial community, represents in Haarlem, Netherlands. These experiences the UN in miniature. Secondly, we believe that since naturally deepened our interest and the following the World War II the UN has been, and continues to year GIS staged its own conference for the first be the surest guarantee for mankind’s survival in time in 2001. a peaceful and safe world. In subsequent years, the School has participated This identity with the UN is boldly expressed in our in at least 2 conferences per academic year. The school motto which reads “ Understanding of each programme has also been extended to involve other “ In latter years we have moved to personify students other than Sixth Formers. Now we have our belief in the vision of the UN by strongly Form 3 – Upper 6 students participating in the supporting the Model United Nations concept. programme.

The Model United Nations programme was By MUN Representative, conceived as a complement for the Sixth Form Mr. Manyo Brown, Principal Teacher Curriculum to provide students with research and debating skills and to deepen their understanding

16 Ghana International School GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM STAFF

n the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of From the SSWA Ghana International school, I salute the Ofounding members in establishing such an n the occasion of the 60th Anniversary institution 60 years ago which has grown to be a as pace setters in International highly respected school, locally and internationally OEducation, the entire membership of recognised, providing excellent education in a the Senior Staff Welfare Association is proud multi-cultural setting and continue with it’s trail- to be part of this landmark celebration. blazing pursuits of breaking new grounds of academic excellence. We join the rest of the School Community to wish our dear GIS many more pioneering years The reputation of GIS as an outstanding institution and successful nurturing of Global Citizens is evident from its dedicated teachers and staff, its bright students, and its outstanding alumni. HAPPY 60th ANNIVERSARY!!! I extend my warmest wishes to all members of the SSWA Chairman GIS community for a wonderful and successful anniversary. NII ADJEI (LIBRARIAN)

GIS PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

Dear GIS Families, This term GIS’s 60th anniversary gives us an extra PTA events for our children will include the Bazaar, reason to celebrate the beginning of the 2015-16 Sponsored Walk, Sports Competitions and Musical academic year. We take this opportunity once again Performances. There will also be a range of PTA to welcome parents and children - both new and old sponsored projects and activities across the school. - to our school. These events and projects, contribute to making The theme for this year’s anniversary is 60 Years Of GIS the top school in Ghana – which is why we all Nurturing Global Citizens; Understanding Of Each chose to educate our children here. Other. GIS Parents are very proud of the diversity If you are interested in helping out, no matter of our staff and student body and believe that the how much you are able to give, it is all very much different experiences, ideas and cultures make for a appreciated and truly welcome. Don’t hesitate to truly enriching learning experience for our children. contact myself or any member of the PTA Executive. We hope you enjoy the durbar and anniversary We’ve all chosen GIS to educate our children. Let’s celebrations and ask you to think about the ways in continue to support the management and staff which you can get more involved in our wonderful as they give our children the best possible school school. experience. We are so lucky at GIS to not only have a wonderful And yes, lets enjoy the birthday party all year long – teaching and administrating staff, but also some starting right now! terrific parental involvement. As we celebrate our anniversary with different events over the coming Happy 60th Ghana International School! year, we will be counting on parents support. Your Sincerely, contribution, whether it is your time, knowledge, or resources always make a difference. Sean Okoe Quist

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 17 GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ALUMNI GOODWILL MESSAGE

ixty years ago, our cherished school the breadth and depth of the people schools how to read. GIS taught us to was born; humble beginnings with who have passed through the school. swim, to play basketball, to run track and Sa few students huddled together Those who joined the school when it field and to deliver debates among other in a little compound somewhere. first opened its doors 60 years ago,to things. GIS taught us many many things Small beginnings, but those were the the most recent graduating class of and now it is our turn to give back to the pioneering years that started this school 2015; different people from all parts ‘mother’ whonurtured us. that we have grown to love. of the world who are bound together, We, the GIS Alumni Association, would eternally, byour common experience, like this 60thanniversary to start a new From colonial Gold Coast to independent GIS. We all have moments in GIS that we beginning of our involvement with the Ghana, GIS has nurtured a phenomenal will never forget. Our favourite classes, school. An era where we reach out to number of children from ‘different our preferred teachers, the many events as many alumni as possible, bring them races’ and ‘different creeds’. GIS has that were held on campus and the many together, and work towards leaving a groomed children who have grown to relationships that we had. You will see legacy that we would be proud to hand become presidential candidates, world these relationships continue to thrive as over to future alumni. class surgeons, physicists, engineers, you scout the many Facebook pages business men and teachers, to name but where GIS has a presence. Facebook Well done GIS!!!! It has been 60 years of a few. People who had the great privilege pages that take you back in time. To a development and 60 years of providing of learning in an environment that time when all you had to worry about excellence in international education. embodied the motto, ‘Understanding of was making good grades. Times Each Other’. We look forward to many more years when the difficult decisions included of GIS. We look forward to continued You will not understand the impact and what to wear to the next dance, which excellence in education; nurturing and the power of attending GIS until you extra-curricular activity you would get moulding world citizens who will make have left. Until you have experienced involved in, whether to run for SRC, or on an impact in the world, and who will something else that reinforces the a more serious note, which universities live out the true meaning of our motto, simple fact that GIS is an experience.An to apply to. “Understanding of Each Other’. experience that builds achievers who are GIS nurtured us. GIS taught us to be confident, adaptable, adventurous and [email protected] confident and to articulate our thoughts. down to earth. GIS taught us to get involved in It’s always amazing to attend alumni community service; recycling, planting events; to interact with and to observe trees, and teaching kids in the public

18 Ghana International School YEARS

...OF UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER YEARS OF UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER

20 Ghana International School Student and Staff

Nationalities Represented IN THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL as at the 2015/2016 Academic Year INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

“I am laying the foundation of an education experiment which will bring to the children who belong to it the great prizes of mutual confidence and respect, cutting across all superficial distinction of race, colour or creed. If the children bring this sort of homework back to their parents in the evening, then the contribution of this school to the great human cause of human understanding will be fulfilled indeed”.

hese were words spoken by Sir Charles Arden-Clarke One fine Thursday morning in 1955, a dream that had been born first Governor General of the Gold Coast on 29th October months earlier came to fruition as the Gold Coast International T1956 when the foundation stone for the construction of School opened its doors with 38 pupils in two primary classes. the main block of the permanent building of the school was The Gold Coast International School was founded as a laid. permanent solution to the then makeshift ‘schools’ run by wives of colonial officers assigned to the country. As explained by Sixty years on, the dreams and work of Kathleen Lines and the Mrs. Felicia Gbesemete, a pioneer student of the school, “ Each founders of the now Ghana International School still lives on. “school” at the time was run by an expatriate wife of an expatriate GIS is a highly respected School internationally recognized colonial civil servant who would start a small play group for her for providing excellent education in a multi- cultural setting child and a few friends in her garage or on her “stoep” and soon a that trains students to become responsible citizens of the few others, including me, would find ourselves under her tutelage world. The School also provides an internationally diverse until, our teacher’s husband’s duty tour ended, whereupon were school experience that instills an understanding of each other, handed over, lock, stock and barrel to another willing expatriate promotes holistic development, life skills and learning through wife, who then carried on with us, until she also had to leave the a rigorous curriculum that meets international standards. country, and so it went on”.

Ayeeekoo!!!! The idea to start this permanent school started with Mrs. Kathleen Lines, wife of the then General Manager of the West Every year, expatriate families arriving in the Gold Coast were African Graphic Company. She formed an international school out of sorts with themselves as to how to educate their children committee comprising leading personalities such as Justice so that when their children went back to England, they could Kobina Arku Korsah (Justice of the West African Court of Appeal easily be integrated into the English School System without and later knighted to become Sir Kobina Korsah. He was also the missing a day of School work. first Chairman of the Gold Coast International School), Edward

22 Ghana International School Akuffo-Addo (Leading Legal Practitioner, International School. Ghana’s first Head later a Chief Justice and former President of State, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was Guest of the Republic of Ghana), Dr. Lusty of of Honour at the 1958 Speech and Prize the University College of the Gold Coast Giving Day. Under Mrs. Moira Martin, (now University of Ghana, Legon), Mr. the school steadily gained international Kenneth Humphreys (first Registrar recognition owing to the outstanding of the West African Examinations common entrance exam results of its Council), Ms. Ruby Quartey-Papafio (An students. The school was growing and Educationist working with the Social with it came changes. Welfare Department,who later obtained her doctorate), Dr. Kofi George Konuah In 1961, Mrs. Irene Inwood took over the (An Educationist working with the Public reigns as Principal from Mrs. Moira Martin. Service Commission), Mr. Edward James Mrs. Inwood started as a Mathematics Bailey (who worked with the United teacher before she was appointed Africa Company of the Gold Coast), and Principal. She saw to the addition of a his wife Mrs. Valerie Bailey. Secondary School to the existing Primary School. In 1962, Sally Fisher, a student The school started in the Legion Hall with at the time and a music teacher, Mrs. Mrs. Ellen Stronge as its first Principal with Alcock, composed the school song a mission to provide quality education from which the School gets its motto; for children of all races and creeds; “Understanding of Each Other”. serving both the local and international communities. In January 1956, the Ghana International School presented school moved into the building at No. its first batch of O-Level candidates for 19 Second Circular Road which could the London GCE examination in 1962. accommodate 200 children. Later that Mrs. Inwood introduced the singing year, on 29 October, the first Governor- of the Ghana National Anthem during General of the Gold Coast, Sir Charles morning assemblies and celebrated the Arden Clarke, laid the foundation stone National Day of other nations too. At the for the permanent building that is known end of 1966/67 academic year the first today as the Inwood Block and in January yearbook was published. 1957, the buildings were occupied. Mrs. Moira Martin was appointed to replace Mrs. Leonie Acquah took over from Mrs. Ellen Stronge as Principal. Mrs. Irene Inwood after serving on the teaching staff prior to 1970. The years of Following independence in March 1957, Mrs. Acquah’s tenure were challenging the name of the Gold Coast International because of the happenings in the political School was changed to Ghana history of the country, which led to the migration of many expatriates to other of Computer Studies respectively. countries leaving the Ghanaian students. From those modest beginnings, the There were challenges in finding finance school now has about 320 computers, to keep the school modern and to two server rooms, a LAN with a fibre recruite international students and staff. backbone and a wireless network To remedy this, in 1972, Mrs. Acquah available in every section of the school introduced various activities including with internet connectivity. All classrooms dinner dances, the Sponsored Walk and and departments have computers and bazaars with lots of support from parents printers, interactive boards in most and organizations to raise funds for the classrooms, and an internal phone running of the school. Proceeds from system with 102 extensions as well as these activities led to the construction a CCTV system for improved security. of the Nursery and Infant Hall, two new In 1991, the second yearbook was classrooms with a science laboratory, published and the school had enrolled art room, and a library for the Secondary 1115 students. Other changes under School. Mrs. Sawyerr included the setting up of the Guidance and Counseling In spite of these challenges, the school department, which provides a range of continued to grow from strength to services including behavioural, social strength and celebrated its Silver Jubilee and general guidance and counseling. in 1980. The Deputy Principal, Mrs. Nkrumah spearheaded the celebrations In 1995, the School celebrated its 40th at the time. Activities included a beauty Anniversary. In December of the same pageant (Now the Mr. and Miss GIS year, the Secondary School Resource Competition), a motorcade through Center was commissioned. The the streets of Accra and an audacious Sponsored walk without a pause since gastronomic attempt to enter the 1972 celebrated its 25th anniversary in Guinness Book of Records. After 15 years 1997. International Sports exchanges of a great service to the school, Mrs. continued with students travelling to Acquah ended her term as Principal. Burkina Faso for return matches with ‘Ecole Saint Exepury’ in Ouagadougou. Mrs. Judith Sawyerr took over as Principal In 1999, she facilitated the change from in 1985 and oversaw the modernization the GCE O-Level Curriculum to IGCSE. of the school. Due to the introduction of the differential fees policy, there In 2002, after 16 years as Principal, were improvements in Staff recruitment Mrs. Sawyerr handed over the reigns methods, infrastructure and the quality to the interim management committee. of academic resources. This led to Class The following year, Mr. John Filby 7 being phased out, and the Junior was appointed Principal and the School being relocated to their current School begun the process towards premises thus segmenting the school accreditation. Mr. Thomas Hunt replaced into the Primary and Secondary Sections. Mr. Filby as Principal in 2004 and Also, In 1987, the Sixth Form Curriculum oversaw the restructuring of the Primary was introduced. With regards to Sports, Section. To conform to the structure of GIS represented Ghana in the first ever the English National Curriculum, The international schools’ sports competition Infant School was truncated at Class 2 with Togo, Benin and Cote D’ivoire. and Year 3 was moved from the Infant School to the Junior School. In that Ghana International School rode the same year, the Year 6 Annual Residential technological wave of the 1990s. The GIS trip to was introduced. computer program was established with 11 ARL computers to prepare the first The School celebrated its Golden group of students to sit for the O-Level Jubilee in 2005. Mrs. Diana Nyatepe-Coo GCE computer studies examination. Mrs. who was Acting Principal at the time was Linda Ribero and Mr. James Nkansah appointed as Principal. His Excellency taught the theory and practical aspects John Agyekum Kufuor, President of

24 Ghana International School Ghana at the time, graced the School Junior school. Later in 2014 Dr. Mary with his presence at the Golden Jubilee Ashun was appointed as Acting Principal celebration as Guest of Honour. During of GIS. her tenure, the Key Stage 3 curriculum was introduced to Forms 1 to 3 which During the 2014/15 Academic year, led to the segmentation of the Lower The Junior School’s annual drama and Upper Secondary into two separate performance held its first public entities. performance “I have Dream” at the Dubois Center. Also, two Prominent In December 2007 and January 2007, personalities paid visits to the school in Ghana International School was certified the year. First, Dr. Robert Satcher, who and given full accreditation by the visited the school to share his experience New England Association of Schools on space travel and exploration and and Colleges (NEASC) and Council of Second was Nobel Laureate in Literature, International School (CIS) respectively. Professor Wole Soyinka who paid a 3 This process emphasised excellence in day visit to the school and graced the international education. It was a process 2014/15 Secondary School Speech, of self-assessment to initiate and maintain Prize Giving and Graduation Day as school improvement and demonstrate Guest of Honour. alignment with a set of publicly stated standards in international education. In 2015, the School opened the three- storey Lower Secondary Block which After years of school performances, the houses 12 Classrooms, offices, a music school hosted its first public performance studio, drama studio and a multi-purpose of the renowned Musical, ‘Annie’ at the gym to students in Form 1 to Form 3 and National Theatre. In February, the school completed the Primary School Cafeteria had the pleasure of hosting Former US donated by Unibank. Given that the President George Bush, who visited the current Principal is on an extended leave, school during his visit to Ghana. Dr. Mary Ashun serves as the Incoming Principal during the 2015/16 Academic The infrastructural development of the Year. school continued with the completion of the Year 6 Block with new classrooms Sixty years on, after years and fully equipped French and of hard work, Ghana Science laboratories in 2010. In order to strengthen and portray the feeling International School is the of oneness, the school held the whole first and only international school led Art Week, Ghana Week and school in Ghana to have SMIT Fair (Science, Mathematics and received accreditation Information Technology fair). In 2011, the from both the Council Sixth Form Block was completed. of International Schools History was made once again, when and the New England Ghana International School was Association of Schools and selected to carry the Olympic torch and Colleges. The school is also run the relay when the flame made its an active member of the trip to Ghana. Another infrastructural development was the commissioning Association of International of the half-Olympic sized swimming Schools in Africa. As of pool. In 2013, both the NEASC and CIS September 2015 GIS conducted a five-year review of GIS enrolls approximately 1400 and were extremely satisfied with the pupils and students from alignment of the school with international standards. The year 2014 saw the Co- over 50 countries across curricular Open House launched for the the world.

The 60th Anniversary Grand Durbar 25 GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GUIDING STATEMENTS Our Motto: “Understanding of each other”

Our Vision: “A highly respected school, locally and internationally recognised, providing excellent education in a multi- cultural setting that produces responsible global citizens”

Our Mission: “To provide an internationally diverse school experience that instils an understanding of each other, promotes holistic development, life skills and learning through a rigorous curriculum that meets international standards”

Our Educational Objectives:

1. To maintain a high academic 2. To promote positive personal 4. To develop a positive standard that: values that: educational facility that: • Delivers a broad curriculum • Cultivate integrity in students; • Provides a nurturing, secure, that draws from various • Prepare students to become clean and friendly learning teaching methods, with responsible, creative, self reliant environment where students English as the language of and productive members of the can grow intellectually, socially, instruction; global community; emotionally and physically; • Offers the students • Encourage effective teamwork; • Provides sufficient resources to opportunities to develop create and maintain a stimulating • Foster a lifelong love of learning. lively, enquiring minds and learning environment. independent thinking; • Encourages participation in 3. To ensure understanding of and co-curricular activities; respect for diversity that: 5. To promote understanding of and participation in global • Provides opportunities and • Provides students with concerns that: encouragement for the opportunities to share professional development of their cultures to promote • Encourage students to staff; ‘understanding of each other’; regard the natural world as their inheritance and their • Identifies and meets the • Promotes knowledge and responsibility; needs of students, except understanding of Ghana; when student(s) special • Promotes respect for other • Recognise the need to protect educational needs cannot cultures, beliefs, nationalities, and sustain the local and global be met within the school’s gender and persons with environment; resources; different abilities. • Foster a fundamental • Keeps abreast of trends understanding of and respect for the rights and freedom of each in education and ensures Adopted: May 2012 that the curriculum remains individual in our community and relevant and dynamic. (Revised: January, 2015) the wider world in the spirit of the UN Declaration of Human Rights; • Encourage each student’s participation in community service. GHANA APPRECIATION National Anthem On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, Staff, God bless our homeland Ghana Students and the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee of And make our nation great and strong Ghana International School, we would like to express our Bold to defend forever sincere gratitude to all who sponsored and supported us in diverse ways to make the programme a success. The cause of freedom and of right Fill our heart with true humility Make us cherish fearless honesty And help us to resist oppressors’ rule With all our will and might forever more.

GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SONG CORPORATE SPONSORS

From all the countries of the earth, We come in turn to you Of different races, different creeds And different aspects too. We learn together day by day, In time our ways will part, But with each one of us we’ll take Understanding of each other.

May we go out from this our school, In the glory of our youth. And be prepared to live our lives, With courage , honour and truth. And as the days pass one by one May we be made to see, The greatest gift in life must be, Understanding of each other.

Of all the lessons we have learned, The greatest one must be. That all the peoples of the earth Should live in harmony SPECIAL THANKS No need for war, no need for strife, For we can surely see, TO OUR SUPPORTERS The way towards a peaceful life The Board of Directors Is understanding of each other The GIS Management Team GIS Parents Students of GIS All Staff of GIS GIS Alumni Friends of GIS