“Connection”

The case for connection being at the heart of education has never been more compelling. The SGIS conference explores this theme in three areas:

Sustainability - connecting to the world around us.  How can schools effectively teach students about systems thinking and the challenges that we face? How should schools function so that they act as model organisations? How can teachers support grass roots action and so develop student agency?

Diversity, equity and inclusion - connecting to and collaborating with others.  How can schools recognise, promote and utilise the richness of their communities? How can schools work together to actively oppose prejudice and discrimination? How can teachers and administrators create an environment that promotes acceptance and belonging?

Wellbeing - connecting to oneself.  School communities as a whole – staff, students and parents - are more aware of the pressures young people face in an increasingly complex world and want children not only to be successful at school but also happy.  How can schools help to foster a culture of care and respect for others?  What steps can we take to give young people the tools to make the most of their individual talents and abilities?

More information coming soon

Read more about registration and speakers

The Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that aims to actively support the continuous improvement of its member schools.  We encourage and support collaboration between schools through the exchange of information and good practices, and facilitate opportunities for members of staff across our schools to connect with others and further their own professional development. 

Similarly we facilitate opportunities for students to connect with other young people, particularly through our sports programme, leading to a richer educational experience.

SGIS was founded in 1969 and now has 54 member schools.  

COVID-19 has changed the way that all schools conduct meetings or events. As an organisation, SGIS wants to promote safe practices.

Board, group and other adult meetings

Unless there are specific reasons to the contrary, we will hold all SGIS meetings online.

Face-to-face meetings are occasionally necessary.  When this is the case, the meeting organiser must ensure that contact details are recorded and that a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people can be maintained or, if this is not possible, that a mask covering the mouth and nose area is worn by all participants.  Participants should maintain the meeting safety arrangements if they meet in small groups between sessions (e.g. coffee breaks).

It is in everybody’s best interest if we all take individual responsibility for our state of health.  Meeting participants should be aware of the signs and symptoms of respiratory illness and should not attend the meeting if they feel unwell. If after the meeting a person is confirmed by health authorities to have COVID-19, they should contact the meeting organiser so that the contact details of the other participants can be given to the health authorities if necessary.

Student or adult events

All SGIS events must be held in accordance with the appropriate federal and cantonal guidelines.  It is the responsibility of the hosting school to ensure that arrangements are in place so that participants keep an appropriate distance, wash their hands thoroughly and regularly, and wear a mask where necessary.

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