On Monday 25 April, St George's International School celebrated St George's Day, the national day of England and of a number of other countries too; on the occasion, many students and members of staff wore red and white.

The school's Principal, Dr Christian Barkei, addressed the 30-strong group of invitees and was delighted in this year being the 25th anniversary since the school's start in rented accommodation in 1990; having grown from humble beginnings, to now with 720+ students enrolled in both primary and secondary, many subsequently go on to 3rd level educational institutions in the UK, as well as from the US to Korea. He also stressed the school's values of sense of community, solidarity and support. Dr Barkei confirmed that the new building under construction on the campus is on schedule for completion in September; it will have a 350-seats auditorium, new classrooms, a 6th form centre and a centre for arts.

HE the Ambassador of Britain to Luxembourg, John Marshall, in his first visit to the school, addressed the audience and stated how he is looking forward to his four-year posting in the Grand Duchy, to discovering more about St George's International School of which he has already heard a lot - about its educational side and its values. He stated that he is delighted to having been formally invited to become patron.

The Head Boy, Ruaidhri, and Head Girl, Isabella, then addressed the group; she said the school has experienced great growth since she started, and he reflected on the sense of community that has grown continually. He stressed that the school has developed with the students' input, giving the example of the computer science faculty.

Year 5 students presented excerpts from their musical they put on in March, Junkyard Band, with a superb rendition of Twist and Shout, followed by upbeat song and dance numbers Car Wash, Hot Love and Thank You for the Music.

The visitors were then invited to vote for their favourite Dragon picture, an annual tradition.

The celebrations concluded with a lunch, during which a number of music students performed, on piano, flute, guitar, etc.

Photos by Geoff Thompson (above, L-R): Head Boy, Ruaidhri, and Head Girl, Isabella; (below, L-R): Amb John Marshall; Dr Christian Barkei

For the full photo album (on Facebook), see https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.867066073404699.1073741906.238112732966706&type=3