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The EAGLE EYE
Elementary Chapel Helps Build Character
By Cheryl Warner, Editor Volume 3, Issue 4
December 2009
Wisdom. Cooperation. Love.
Compassion. Elementary stu‐
dents are doing more than learn‐
ing about these virtues—they Calendar
are intentionally living them out.
All school half days
Each month in elementary
December 17‐18
chapel, teaching and activities
focus on a particular character High school final exams
quality. Classroom teachers December 17‐18
reinforce these values and work Middle School Activity
on helping students demonstrate December 18
them in their behavior. At the
Miss Brunker and students demonstrate cooperation in a skit about Noah. Coffeehaus December 18
end of the month, teachers se‐
lect students who have exhibited
MacDonald said. Songs are lively experience as a children’s pastor Christmas Break
the virtue to receive character in Florida and Idaho, working December 19—January 6
and fun, with kids up on their
awards for the virtue of the
feet and moving while they sing. with 200‐250 kids a week. At School resumes January 7
month. VCS, the 72 elementary students
A favorite song says, “We’re all
singing/dancing/walking/ come from 20 nations with mul‐
r u n n in g / j u m p i n g / s p i n n in g / tiple native languages. Miss Mac‐
singing to the Lord,” and kids do Donald also teaches Bible to Inside this issue:
just that. primary and first grade students
and substitute teaches. Making It Real 2
“I try to shake things up a little Meet the Office Staff
bit,” Miss MacDonald said, “and “Amazing love
Students at Charity Bazaar 3
involve the adults—the teach‐ Amazing love
Miss MacDonald and the worship ers—and call on them ran‐ It blows me away
team lead in singing with actions domly.” Sometimes teachers Elementary Christmas 4
Your amazing love.”
during elementary chapel. share a story from their own life Building Foundations
that illustrates the virtue being Secondary Christmas 5
Elementary Chaplain Melissa taught. Also calling on students Love was the theme for Novem‐
MacDonald leads Thursday after‐ by name, she asks questions and ber. How can kids practice lov‐ The Principal Point 6
noon chapel times with the en‐ draws them in. An activity ing each other? Miss MacDonald Physical Science
tire elementary school. Kids rounds out the chapel time. Kids gives a practical definition of 7
Liberty Museum
from primary through fifth grade might draw a picture, write a love: “Choosing to give someone Ask Miss Gerdes
are actively engaged, along with question they have about God, your time and friendship no mat‐
“A Midsummer Night’s 8
their teachers, for the 45‐minute or participate in a skit or game. ter what.” She points to God and
Dream” photos
sessions. A worship team, com‐ His love for us. “What we want
Athletics 9
prised of eight fifth‐graders who Teaching from the Bible in you to know is how much God
practice on Wednesdays after chapel, “Miss Mac” has a special loves you,” she told students.
From the Guidance Office 10
school, leads singing and demon‐ gift for engaging kids as she illus‐ “He thinks you are awesome. No
strates actions to the songs. trates and teaches the virtue of matter what you’ve done, He
“We have lots of music,” Miss the month. She has six years of
loves you.”
Page 2 THE EAGLE EYE
An Event for Everyone
Making It
Real 8‐12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood.
They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's
angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them.
Ken Norman They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here
Director to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for every‐
body, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town,
a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look
At this special time of year, Mr. Norman would like to share for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
the Christmas story from Luke 2 with everyone. He is nearing
the end of his sabbatical in the U.S. and looks forward to re‐ 13‐14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir sing‐
turning in January. ing God's praises:
The Birth of Jesus Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
1‐5About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be
taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when 15‐18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherd‐
Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his ers talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we
own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They
went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in
Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they
he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard
pregnant. the sheepherders were impressed.
6‐7While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 19‐20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear,
She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose,
blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and
in the hostel. seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!
Luke 2:1‐20 quoted from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.
Meet the Staff: Who Is Behind the Scenes in the Office
Mrs. Sonia Pacheco, from Mrs. Isadora Laury has joined The VCS community is sad
Costa Rica, is the Registrar, the Austrian Affairs office. to say good‐bye to Mrs.
handling school records. She Born in Austria, she and her JoAnne Cluth, secondary
is married to Ronald. Two of husband, Scott, have two secretary. She is leaving
their four children are cur‐ sons, Rafael and Julian, in fifth Vienna in January and will
rent students, and two have grade. be living in Minnesota,
graduated. USA, joining family there.
Mrs. Geraldine Paul has Mrs. Dawn Perry is new to
Mrs. Monica Wegrostek has helped in Austrian Affairs for the secondary office. She
been serving in the elemen‐ several years. She comes from and her husband, Joel,
tary office since late Septem‐ England and is married to have two daughters, Gab‐
ber. Her sons, Keane and Wolf. Their son Ben is a cur‐ bie and Olivia, who are
Brice, are VCS students. rent student. VCS students.
Page 3 THE EAGLE EYE
Students Volunteer, Sing at International Charity Bazaar
The high school choir sang and The VCS high school choir, con‐
nineteen students volunteered to ducted by Tom Richards, sang in
help at the International Charity the Costumes of the World pro‐
Bazaar at the United Nations Vi‐ gram. Seniors Christian Pacheco
enna complex on Saturday, No‐ and Marson Tare assisted the
vember 28. They handed out bro‐ Chair of the Entertainment divi‐
chures, cared for children, and sion for that entire event. She
worked in the White Elephant wrote thanking them for “their
area, book stall and coat check. valuable assistance. Their sincer‐ Sara Dax
ity of purpose is commendable.”
“All the stall holders have made
very positive comments about the Brian and Pearl Williams ar‐
volunteers’ willing and cheerful ranged for the volunteers from
commitment to the tasks they VCS. Thanks to all these stu‐
were given,” wrote a UN Women’s dents and the choir for repre‐
Guild representative. “They all did senting VCS at the United Na‐
Ji Na Lee
a wonderful job." tions and in our community.
Laura Mason, Saskia Strnischtie,
Gabbie Perry
Hitji Katjivena,
Nnamdi Okechukwu
The high school choir ’s performance opened the Costumes of the World program at the UN Charity Bazaar.
PRAYER CORNER
Thanks to God for sending Jesus and for the joy of
celebrating His birth at Christmastime
Elementary students working on character qualities
High school final exams December 17‐18
High school Silence Retreat January 8
Planning for mission trip to Bosnia during Energy Week
Norman family returning to Vienna in January
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 4
ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS
Tastes and sounds of
Christmas: Students
made cookies with
Frau Deisenberger. On
December 9, Miss
Stephen conducted
the Elementary Christ‐
mas concert.
Bui lding When I tell someone "Happy Birthday," I'm saying, "I am so glad
you were born. I am so glad you joined us on the face of the
Foundations earth." And that's how I see Christmas too. I'm so glad Jesus was
born, and I'm so glad He joined us on the face of the earth.
John Janett
Jesus was not just another man, or even a very great man. He
Elementary Principal
was God the Creator, on Earth, in human form. And His arrival
changed everything. His life and death and resurrection made
loving‐oneness between God and man possible.
Frohe Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!
Where once we were "lost," we now can be "found." Where
Here it comes—the big holiday and the big celebration! once we were "blind," we now can "see." When Jesus came,
Christmas is a time of warm and wonderful music, decora‐ there came with Him the possibility of miracles in the lives of
tions, gifts, and family gatherings—a special season. every person on Earth.
And for Christian believers, it is the celebration of the birth Hope came. Nothing would be the same again. Now, isn't that
of Jesus: the Christ. something to celebrate?
Page 5 THE EAGLE EYE
SECONDARY CHRISTMAS
Drama Class Takes the Message of Christmas to a City Street
By Reesa Duerksen “When I went to Mariahilferstrasse, I felt
Middle School Drama Teacher kind of good,” said Lilly Perry, a sixth grade
student. “I was really nervous at first. . . . But
During the month of November, the middle then I realized that we were there for a rea‐
school drama class worked with dedication son. People needed to hear about God, and
to memorize skits about the true meaning we needed to help them. When we were
of Christmas: that Jesus was born to be our finished, I felt good because I knew that
Savior. On Tuesday, December 8, the class that's where God wanted me to be."
took a trip to Mariahilferstrasse, where
they performed their skits for the public.
Laura Warner reads the Christmas story to
Stacy Pacheco and Ali Yatani.
As it was an Austrian holiday, the streets
were bustling with many shoppers. Unfor‐
tunately, the rain made the performances
difficult, yet the students were troopers!
Students performed one skit, "The Christ‐
mas List," in English and then in German,
and the other skit, "The Merry of Christ‐
mas," was performed and translated.
Onlookers watched from afar as they took
shelter from the rain, and several people Despite the rain, middle school drama students
walked by and looked at the Bible that the took the message of Christmas, in English and
Middle school students on Mariahilferstrasse German, to a busy shopping street.
students read.
Singing in a Cathedral and in Our Own Neighborhood
SECONDARY
The Principal Communicate with your child’s teachers through email or
phone calls. They want your input.
Point Regularly check your child’s daily planner against assign‐
Nels Pitotti ments in their notebook.
Secondary Principal Arrange for a quiet out of the way study area at home. Put
aside all toys and electronic gadgets.
There is homework every night. Mandate a time to get it
So you are thinking, “How can this happen to my child? He/she done.
always gets A’s. This report card is abominal!” Help your child keep on track with long‐term projects.
Prepare your child well in advance for tests and examina‐
Middle school is a cut above elementary school in the area of tions.
responsibility. Bells, books, locker keys, new teachers, different
classrooms, more activities and heavier assignments all seem to Establishing good habits early in the academic career will help
gang up on those sixth graders. Ninth grade is another quantum your child reduce stress and improve accomplishments. The
leap in responsibility that must be accepted along with the free‐ staff at VCS supports parents as partners in the full training of
doms that secondary students enjoy. It is a crucial time because their children.
this is where students must take the lead in taking responsibility
for their own success. Teachers along with mom and dad will all I am in the position to hear many positive compliments about
be encouraging the students and praying for their success, but our teachers. I can see the growth in our students by reviewing
unless the student accepts the responsibilitiy for his/her own their grades. I know first‐hand our partnership in experiencing
education, the efforts of others are in vain. success. If you should know of other families who could use the
unique nurturing environment of VCS, please extend an invita‐
Parents are not bystanders in this process of secondary educa‐ tion on my behalf for them to make an appointment to visit our
tion. I want to implore you to take an active role at the same campus and experience VCS for themselves. I will personally
time you place greater responsibility on your student. give them priority status.
Science Students Discover “What Would Happen If . . . ?”
By Chad Elwell, Science Department Chair can be produced egg?” we tried it. Result: it bubbled and
in the lab, and fizzed, and the egg cooked (a tiny bit).
In freshman Physical Science this year, I have we have some at
been trying a new teaching method: for our school. When Another time, when discussing what hap‐
first semester focus on chemistry, I decided you put sodium pens to gum in your stomach, we placed
to present the topics by having students metal in water, some partially‐chewed gum in hydrochloric
study (and memorize) the first 20 elements it reacts vio‐ acid, along with several other types of
on the periodic table. (For those who don’t lently and starts food, to simulate stomach conditions. The
have a science background, the periodic ta‐ producing burn‐ results: about eight weeks later, the gum
ble is a chart showing the building blocks of ing hydrogen gas and food is still breaking down. Why does‐
matter in order of their complexity.) (right). n’t it take that long in your stomach?
Thus, we started with hydrogen and its one Another thing I encourage students to do is Encourage your students to keep asking
proton, and have been proceeding mostly in to ask, “What would happen if . . . ? ”—that’s questions in science (and in their other
order as we examine other elements. One of one of the fundamental questions of science. classes). Coming up soon: some cool reac‐
the most exciting ones so far is sodium metal So when a student recently asked, “What tions with potassium and calcium!
(natrium). You can’t find it in nature, but it would happen if sodium reacted with an
Page 7 THE EAGLE EYE
SECONDARY
Liberty Museum: Eighth Grade Looks at American Revolution
What was the American Revolution all about? On laration of Independence to the Treaty of Paris.
December 2, eighth grade students told visitors to
the Liberty Museum all about it, transforming Miss Then visitors gathered in the Hall of Flags to hear
Malmgren’s classroom into a repository of infor‐ the class recite Paul Revere’s Ride, a famous dra‐
mation on the subject. Social studies students matic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
created presentations explaining significant events Chocolate chip cookies, an American favorite,
of the 18th‐century Revolution spanning the Dec‐ capped the event.
“One if by land, and two if by sea…”
Oh, thank you for asking that question! This is a problem that
Ask Miss Gerdes plagues students all around the world. Two words feared by
teachers everywhere, “I forgot,” are heard over and over again.
Whitney Gerdes There are several things you can do to remember what you need
to finish your homework and to do it well!
Middle School Lead Teacher
1) Buy my new “Forget me not” homework attachment system!
If you have a question for Miss Gerdes, send an email to
For only five installments of €45.89 you will never forget your
wgerdes@vcs‐austria.org.
homework again. A simple instrument used by teachers for
years can save your grade. You guessed it, a stapler. Just
Question 1: Is Santa real?
staple your homework onto your body as you go through the
day and always have your stuff with you!!
Well, first of all I must assume that you are referring to Jolly Old
2) Or, use another awesome tool called YOUR PLANNER!!! This
Saint Nick, commonly known as Santa Claus. If you were not
referring to him, then yes he is real, at least I think he is. Santa is incredible invention has space where you can write your
the beloved character who knows when you are sleeping, who homework for every class, every day! It is revolutionary!
knows when you’re awake, and more importantly knows when 3) While using this planner not only write down your assign‐
you’ve been bad or good. However, keep in mind that being ment but write down the materials you need to get that as‐
“bad” or “good” is entirely dependent on Santa’s morality scale, signment done. If you need your book, write down “take
which we all know is available on Wikipedia. As far as Santa be‐ book home,” or you can go all fancy and write “TBH.” If you
ing real or not, I am afraid that I cannot comment on that subject need an African Camel, write “AC.” You get the idea.
for I do my best not to make Mr. Hamm cry. One thing I will com‐
4) Have a homework folder or section in your binder where you
ment on is this: it truly does not matter if Santa is real or not
automatically put assignments when you get them!
because Christmas isn’t about him anyway. It’s about Jesus, who
does see you when you are sleeping and knows when you’re 5) Throughout the day, after each class if you know you need to
awake, but in a much less creepy way! take that book home, put it in your locker right away!
6) Before you get distracted by all the drama going on around
Merry Christmas! you at the lockers, stop, drop, and roll. Wait, that’s not it . . .
STOP, THINK, and PACK, STP. Stop talking to people around
P.S. If you do find that Santa is real and see him up on a rooftop, you and look at your planner. Think about what classes you
can you ask him how he shrinks himself to fit down the chimney? had that day and what your homework is for each class. Pack
I desperately need that skill for a game of Sardines coming up up all the things you need before you talk to all your friends
next week! and work to bring about world peace.
Thanks for your questions!
Question 2: How do I remember to bring everything I need
home to get my homework done? Miss Gerdes
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 8
Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
VCS Vagabonds Hippolyta and Egeus
stroll through the forest,
stumbling on the re‐
united lovers, awaking as
November 18‐21 if from a dream.
Front: Sara Dax, Laura Mason, Marson Tare, Nicolle Richards, Mrs. Bethany Stockett
(director), Christian Pacheco (crew), Paul Manuel (crew). Middle: Miss Sara Vroom
(assistant director), Yun‐Sie Chung, Sheril Hassan, Paula Garcia, Paola Ramirez, Jessica‐
Lorraine Marotte, Elizabeth Warner, Ben Paul (crew). Back: Saskia Strnischtie, Nicholas
Hamm, Marvin Elequin, Jannica Wu, Katie Hamm, Hamish Uhlig.
Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 9
ATHLETICS
Athletes in Fall Sports Honored for Improvement, Character
Middle school and high school athletes, and girls. “We focused on friendships and ber 7. She recognized seniors Andrea
coaches and parents celebrated the fall sea‐ skill development,” he said, “and we had a Pardes with the Excellence Award and
son with a Sports Dinner November 12. Ath‐ lot of fun. Our policy was: Everybody Paola Ramirez with the Dependability
letic Director Nancy Deibert watched all the plays.” He commended individual players Award. Team captain Elizabeth Warner
teams play throughout the season. “What for their skills, character and contributions received the Leadership Award and the
impressed me from beginning to end is that I to the team. Scott Laury was assistant Coach’s Award.
saw tremendous improvement,” she said. coach. The team finished the season with a
The high school soccer team had “a very,
“We all want to win, but at the same time win in the Danube Valley Athletic Confer‐
very good year,” said Coach Thomas Gard‐
winning is one aspect. It’s not the total pic‐ ence Tournament November 7 at AIS‐
ner, finishing with a 7‐3 record. He noted
ture.” She told students she was impressed Vienna.
that we had a girls’ soccer game this year
with the way they represent the school and
For the first time in many years, VCS had a for the first time in three years, with the
the Lord when they compete.
cross country team. Matt Klein coached girls defeating their opponent 10‐0.
Coach Tom Mason introduced the middle Yun‐Sie Chung and Philip Dax, who ran in
Awards went to several players. Player of
school soccer team, comprised of both boys long‐distance races in Vienna. “They both
the Year was Immanuel Wicaksono Pud‐
placed first and second in their age groups
janto, a seventh grade student who came
in almost every race they ran,” he said.
up to play in the Salzburg Tournament.
Twelve girls played high school volleyball Most Improved was Jason Cluth. The
this season. “This is the biggest team that Golden Boot Award went to Hitji Katjivena,
I’ve had,” said Yvonne Biel, who has who scored nine goals during the season.
coached for the past three years. “The girls Defensive Player of the Year was Christian
had such a good attitude,” she said. “I have Pacheco, who also received one of the
really appreciated their teamwork and com‐ Coach’s Awards.
ing together. We had a fabulous season,”
Jonathan Manning, goalkeeper, received
she said, ending with a winning streak. The
the second Coach’s Award. “He has turned
team finished fourth place among eight
into one of the best goalkeepers I’ve ever
teams in the Danube Valley Athletic Confer‐
Hanbit Chang plays in a middle school game.
worked with, here or in the States,” Coach
ence Tournament at AIS‐Vienna on Novem‐
Gardner said.
The high school soccer team placed third in the Danube Valley Athletic Confer‐ The high school girls volleyball team played the high school soccer
ence tournament in Salzburg November 7. team in a friendly volleyball game at the Gartenbau gym.
Mission Statement:
Vienna Christian School exists to glorify God by providing high quality
academic programs, in the English language, for our national and
international student population.
Wagramerstrasse 175/Panethgasse 6a
A‐1220 Vienna Core Values:
Austria
EUROPE High Quality Education in a Gracious Atmosphere
Phone: 1 25122
Christ Centered
Fax: 1 25122 518
Fax: 1 25122 517 Instructional Excellence
Ken Norman, Director Whole Student Orientation
Jeff Stockett, Business Manager
Innovative Programs
Nels Pitotti, Secondary Principal
John Janett, Elementary Principal Global Preparation
Leslie Walt, Board Chair
The Eagle Eye is a monthly newsletter whose purpose is to To receive The Eagle Eye by email:
communicate with VCS families.
Send an email to cwarner@vcs‐austria.org
Cheryl Warner, The Eagle Eye editor and ask to be added to The Eagle Eye email list.
So, what can VCS students do during the summer?
From the
Attend a summer course at a university and get a head
Guidance Office start on college! (Ask Elizabeth Warner about the summer
course she took at University of Chicago.)
Apply for a job, internship, or volunteer position and ex‐
Kirste Richards
plore a potential career!
Guidance Counselor Attend a sports, music, drama, or art camp!
Go on a summer mission trip! (Ask Hitji, Hamish, and Vin‐
cent about their summer ministry in Romania.)
The weather is getting colder! It’s the perfect time to think Students who are moving to the US for college next fall should
about summer! also consider attending a transition seminar designed to help
ex‐pats and MKs adjust to life in America after living overseas.
For students who plan ahead, summer can be a great opportu‐ For more information look at these websites:
nity to participate in activities that they don’t have time for www.mukappa.org (seminars in California, Washington, Ohio)
during the school year. Summer programs, classes, and work www.interactionintl.org (seminars in New York and Colorado)
experience can all strengthen students’ college applications www.mresourcesconnection.org (retreats in South Carolina)
and increase their chances for admissions and scholarships in
addition to helping them to gain a clearer idea of what they Obviously, taking part in activities like these requires some
would like to do after high school. Many universities offer sum‐ advance planning and often fundraising. Please stop by the
mer programs for high school students, often allowing them to Guidance Office for more ideas and information . . . and have
earn college credit while still in high school. fun dreaming of summer vacation!