Newsletter May 2025
Family Day at Ibirapuera Park
A Celebration of Our Community!
On May 17th, the GIS community came together for a very special and much-anticipated event:
Family Day at Ibirapuera Park! Under the beautiful autumn sun, children, parents, and staff gathered to enjoy a morning filled with fun, laughter, and meaningful connections.
Families participated in a variety of engaging activities, including cooperative games, traditional childhood play, a lively capoeira class, and a joyful music circle. One of the highlights, as always, was our traditional picnic, where everyone came together to relax, share food, and enjoy each other’s company.
The event was a great success and a heartwarming reminder of the strength and warmth of our school community.
By celebrating our families, we celebrate the foundation of everything we do at GIS. A big thank you to all who joined us and helped make this day so memorable!
We look forward to many more moments like this—where joy, connection, and community spirit shine bright.
GIS Administrative Team at
StartSe 2025
Learning for the Future of International Education
Members of the GIS leadership team participated in the 2025 edition of StartSe, one of Brazil’s most dynamic innovation and leadership events.
Representing our school were Rodrigo (School Principal), Andrezza (Human Resources), and Rosamaria (Financial Office), who joined leaders from across sectors to explore the future of education, business, and organizational culture.
Their participation reflects our ongoing commitment to developing forward- thinking leadership aligned with the values of international education and the IB (International Baccalaureate) philosophy. As an IB school, GIS is dedicated to fostering a culture of inquiry, global-mindedness, and continuous learning—not only for students but also for the adults who lead and support our school. At StartSe, our team engaged in thought-provoking sessions on innovation, leadership in times of change, and how to shape learning environments that are agile, inclusive, and aligned with 21st-century challenges. These insights will help us continue to grow as a school community that prepares students for an ever-evolving world.
We are proud to see our leadership team actively seeking new knowledge and bringing fresh perspectives to our school—always striving to make GIS an inspiring place for students, staff, and families alike.
Festa Junina 2025
Rio Grande do Sul:
A State of Many Nations
Preparations are in full swing for our much-anticipated Festa Junina,
and this year’s theme, “Rio Grande do Sul – Estado de Muitas Nações (A State of Many Nations),” offers a deep and meaningful exploration of Brazilian culture, history, and identity.
Each class at GIS is currently engaged in an inquiry-based project focused on a different aspect of the southernmost state of Brazil. Students are investigating traditional games, regional cuisine, local fauna, linguistic diversity, and ecology, with a special focus on the devastating floods that affected Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. This interdisciplinary research is being carried out through the lenses of arts, social studies, science, and, above all, culture.
Festa Junina will not only be a celebration but also a showcase of student learning and creativity, paying tribute to the resilience, heritage, and traditions of the gaúcho people. It' s a vibrant opportunity for our school community to come together and honor the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil.
We warmly invite all families to join us for this special event on June 14th. Don’t miss this festive and educational celebration filled with music, dance, learning, and joy!
Celebrating Multiculturalism at GIS
A Community of Over 25 Nations!
At GIS, multiculturalism is not just celebrated—it is lived every day. With families, students, and staff representing more than 25 nations, our school is a vibrant tapestry of languages, traditions, and perspectives.
This diversity is at the heart of who we are and shapes the way we learn, grow, and connect as a community.
As an IB World School, we are guided by the International Baccalaureate’s commitment to developing internationally minded individuals. TheIB defines this as people “who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, helping to create a better and more peaceful world.
”In our daily practices, multiculturalism is reflected in the curriculum, classroom discussions, celebrations, and interactions across the school.
Students learn to value different cultures not only through academic content but also by engaging with peers who bring a wide variety of worldviews and life experiences.
This exposure fosters empathy, respect, and a deep appreciation for global citizenship. The IB Learner Profile encourages all of us to be open-minded, a trait described as someone who “ critically appreciates their own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others.”
At GIS, we believe that cultivating this mindset is essential for preparing our students to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world.
We are proud to be a school where diversity is not just acknowledged but embraced—where every voice matters and every culture adds richness to our shared experience.
Through this, GIS continues to be a place of belonging, understanding, and global awareness.
Starting the Day Right:
The Power of Morning Meetings in Primary School
Each school day in Primary begins with something simple yet powerful: the morning meeting. This daily routine is more than just a warm-up — it sets the tone for learning, connection, and confidence-building from the moment students walk through the door. In PY2, morning meetings are a cornerstone of classroom life. They offer a structured, welcoming start that helps students feel emotionally secure and mentally ready for the day ahead. These meetings support both academic learning and the development of essential social-emotional skills.
A typical PY2 morning meeting includes five engaging components:
Greeting – Students greet each other by name, fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion.
Routine – Together, students write the day’s schedule, which helps them build time awareness while reinforcing handwriting and spelling skills.
Calendar – We talk about upcoming events, such as birthdays, holidays, and special activities, helping students understand the passage of time and anticipate what’s ahead.
Message – The teacher presents a message to the class — this could be a reflective question, a learning prompt, or simply a note of encouragement to start the day on a positive note.
Helper – A student helper is chosen through a fun and educational game. This role builds confidence and often incorporates math, literacy, or memory skills.
These moments of connection are more than just routine — they’re opportunities for students to feel seen, valued, and grounded in their learning environment. When students participate in morning meetings consistently, they are better able to focus, interact with peers, and engage fully in their school day.
That’s why punctuality matters. Arriving at school on time means every child can benefit from the full experience of the morning meeting. With support from families, we can ensure all students start their day with a strong sense of belonging and readiness to learn.
PTA 2025
Celebrating Family Leadership and Welcoming the Year Ahead
This month, we held our final PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) meeting of the 2025 school year — a special moment to reflect on the meaningful collaboration between families and school staff throughout the year. The PTA plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between home and school, supporting community initiatives, and enriching the educational experience of all students at GIS.
During the meeting, we honored the families who actively served on the PTA this year, recognizing their dedication, time, and heartfelt contributions with a special trophy. This symbolic gesture reflected our deep appreciation for their efforts in building a strong and caring school community.
Community involvement ensures that GIS continues to be a place where family voices are heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference.
At GIS, we believe that collaboration between educators and families is essential to the success of our students. The PTA is a space where that partnership grows, guided by respect, dialogue, and a shared vision for the future of our community.
We thank all participating families for their support and look forward to the exciting work ahead with our elected PTA leaders!
Meet Cody
Our New GIS Mascot!
We are thrilled to introduce Cody, the official mascot of the GIS school group! Cody was created by Erin, a talented student currently in PY4 at GIS Monza, our sister school in Italy.
Earlier this year, students across São Paulo and Monza were invited to design a mascot that would represent the values of GIS and help symbolize the connection between our schools around the world. We received a wide range of creative, thoughtful, and beautifully designed entries — each one reflecting a unique understanding of what it means to be part of the GIS community.
After much consideration, the GIS Board and Leadership Team selected Cody as the winning design. The name Cody is of Irish origin and means “helpful” or “descendant of a helpful person.” It perfectly reflects the caring, kind, and internationally minded spirit we strive to nurture in all our students.
Cody is more than just a mascot — he’s a symbol of connection, empathy, and global citizenship. He represents the strong bonds that unite our campuses and the shared values that guide our learning journeys, no matter where in the world we are.
We are proud of Erin and grateful for the creativity and effort of all students who participated in this project. Welcome to the GIS family, Cody!
Supporting Healthy Habits
Nutrition Workshop with Naila Sampaio
As part of our ongoing commitment to student well being, GIS recently welcomed school nutritionist Naila Sampaio and Trivial Nutrition for a special training session with our teacher assistants. During this practical and informative workshop, Naila guided our assistants and interns on how to assemble the ideal plate for our students, balancing nutrition, variety, and portion size to support healthy growth and development. The session emphasized the importance of understanding children’s nutritional needs and encouraged mindful practices during mealtimes at school.
This initiative reflects the values of both the Reggio Emilia approach and the IB curriculum, which recognize the child as an active participant in their own learning and well-being. In Reggio-inspired environments, even routines like meals are viewed as opportunities for autonomy, exploration, and social learning. The IB framework further reinforces the importance of nurturing the whole child — physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually — making nutrition an essential part of a holistic education.
By empowering our assistants with knowledge and practical tools, we are strengthening the support system around our students. Mealtime becomes not only a moment of nourishment but also an opportunity to reinforce self-care, healthy choices, and positive social interactions. We are grateful to Naila and Trivial for their continued partnership and dedication to promoting healthy habits in our learning community.
Fire Brigade Training
At GIS São Paulo
Teachers and staff at GIS participated in a Fire Brigade Training session focused on safety, emergency preparedness, and teamwork. The training covered essential topics such as first aid, emergency evacuation procedures, and how to respond effectively in case of a fire.
Participants learned practical first aid techniques, including how to assess injuries and provide immediate care while waiting for medical assistance. The session also included hands-on guidance on how to use fire extinguishers and how to support students during an evacuation.
This training was an important step in reinforcing our commitment to creating a safe and prepared school environment. We thank all participants for their engagement and dedication to student safety.
GIS São Paulo Wins the 2025 Family’s Choice Award
Three Years in a Row!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our community: GIS São Paulo has been awarded the 2025 Family's Choice Award — for the third year in a row! This incredible achievement is a testament to the ongoing trust, support, and satisfaction of our families, and we are deeply honored by this recognition.
The Family's Choice Award celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to student well-being, academic excellence, and a strong school-home partnership. Being chosen once is a great honor — but being selected three years in a row is truly a reflection of the consistent hard work, passion, and dedication shown by our entire team.
From our outstanding teachers and support staff to our leadership and administrative teams, every member of the GIS family plays an essential role in creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our families for their continued confidence and encouragement. And most importantly, congratulations to all of our team members — your dedication and care make achievements like this possible!
Together, we continue to build a community of learning, growth, and excellence. Here's to many more milestones ahead!
Partnership and Special Offers for July 2025
We are delighted to announce two exciting partnerships for the upcoming vacation period in July 2025, tailored specifically for GIS SP students. After thorough evaluations, including site visits and discussions with families who have firsthand experience, we have chosen to collaborate with CO Learning and MyGym Moema.
CO Learning
Website: https://colearninghub.com/
MyGym Moema
Website: https://www.mygymbrasil.com/
GIS SP Winter Fun
In addition to these options, GIS SP will host our own Winter Fun from July 28th to August 1st, providing a full day of engaging activities!
To obtain more information about each program and the special deals available, please contact the respective companies and identify yourself as part of the GIS family. We are confident these programs will provide enriching and enjoyable experiences for your children and look forward to a fun-filled vacation period.