Lower secondary: home to countless opportunities for enrichment and an environment ripe for development. A pit stop on the road to the greater challenges and ambitions that lie ahead, the three years provide the backdrop for a stage laced with vibrant freedom. After ten years of memories, the lower secondary has retained the same liveliness, looking to make the most out of every opportunity.
Fresh out of elementary school, the students of lower secondary are presented with a world of refinement, creative liberty and preparation for greater things.“ Middle school is a stepping stone before these students reach high school,” revealed technology teacher Mr. Laroche.
Over ten years, students have passed
The best part of GSIS is the community. My favorite memory of the school is the rehearsal for the drama where we played the opposites of our characters. I feel very honored to be here for the Ten Year Anniversary, but it still feels like the first year to me.
Grade 6
Mya Freeman
through the IB MYP program.
“ The required schoolwork is harder and there’ s a lot more expectations put on us,” mentioned eighthgrader Peter Lee.
“ There is a sense of purpose in middle school, which is to not only prepare for the DP academically, but also learn more about a wide range of world related topics,” noted Mr. Laroche.
With the constant progression over the last decade, the lower secondary has grown to provide students with outlets to express themselves. Whether it be the presence of the lower secondary SCA all the way to the myriad options of clubs such as Science club and Outreach club, there has been no shortage of memorable occasions.“ One of the best parts of middle school is all the new activities, clubs and opportunities that we get compared to elementary schools,” commented eight grader Brendon Hodge.“ There’ s just a whole lot more freedom.”
Above all, the lower secondary is a setting for students to create timeless and invaluable memories. Unbound by the heavy workload commitments of high school and presented with a new independence, lower secondary has and always will be unique in its own right.“ I love that we have SEW, the retreats and so many opportunities to just be ourselves,” said Brendon.
Lower Secondary Encouragement and Wisdom
Passing on over ten years of wisdom, Teachers, Alumni, and Upper Secondary students were asked to share some words of encouragement with the lower secondary students.
When I was in high school, my teacher always quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson and it has been my favorite quote ever since:“ What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”- Mrs. Risa Kim, Visual Art Teacher
I think that our God is bigger than the sky and He still loves us like crazy. I wonder why He bothers, but he does. What a thought. Knowing this, letting it really sink into your heart and mind helps you face your days. You are never alone and He is in control even when it doesn’ t feel like it. He loves you.- Mrs. Beth Reimer, former Elementary Music Teacher
When you have the Lord in your life, He has promised to always be with you. And He is: down the snow slope, in the middle of the fun with your friends, at the exam table, when you’ re sleeping soundly, when you are far away from those you know and love and are quite alone. But you never are alone, God id with you, He loves you, wherever you go.- Mrs. Wendy Van Wyk, former Dorm Parent
Don’ t be stressed out about what’ s going on in your life. if you stop fretting over the burdens by yourself and decide to hand them over to God, He’ ll take care of them for you!- Monica Cho c / o‘ 14
Enjoy Your Time in Lower Secondary!- Jessica Oh c / o‘ 16
Prepare 1,000 won for snacks each day- Stacy Chung c / o‘ 16
Study hard. It will help prepare you for high school.- Paul Lee c / o‘ 16
Build up good habits now. Don’ t Procrastinate and turn in your work on time.- Andrew Keller c / o‘ 16
Value your time in middle school. It goes by quickly and life changes a lot in high school- Ryan Moon c / o‘ 16
My favorite part of the school is when I get to work on group projects. I came to this school two years ago, so I did not know that it was the ten year anniversary, but I am glad to be a part of the celebration.
Grade 8
Kevin Youm
When you get to high school, remember to also have fun. Go to events and participate in sports and clubs.- Lena Park c / o‘ 16
It is okay to be excited and have fun, but it is not okay to fall behind in work as it causes a lot of unnecessary stress.- Robin Cho c / o‘ 16
Try to prepare for high school by being observant and becoming friends with older students. Talk to them and get advice early.- Jiwon Min c / o‘ 16
Go to bed early, so you can come to school alert and ready to learn.- Janet Park c / 0‘ 16
Participate in school activities. You will make friends, have fun, and gain great leadership and team skills- Samuel Lee c / o‘ 16
Try to make the best out of everything. It’ s okay to make mistakes, just learn from them.- Justin Lee c / o‘ 16
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