As the school year comes to a close, we invite you to pause with us and look back at what made 2024/25 so special at the German International School Toronto. This past year was marked by meaningful connections, countless moments of learning and growth – and, of course, the celebration of our 25th anniversary.
Because pictures speak louder than words, we’d like to share ten moments that shaped our anniversary year:
2024/2025 RECAP
1. Welcome Back Picnic
As always, we kicked off the school year with our traditional Welcome Back Picnic. After the summer break, it was a joyful time to reconnect, meet new faces, and come together as a school community.
2. Camp Pinecrest
A true GIST classic: For a few days, our older students headed into the Canadian wilderness – away from their usual routines and into a space full of nature, campfires, friendship, and lasting memories.
3. Lantern Parade
At our annual Lantern Walk in Tom Riley Park, we sang, laughed, and celebrated together. The evening ended with hot punch and delicious St. Martin’s pastries, baked by Dimpflmeier Bakery.
4. Christmas Bazaar
Once again, our Parent Council transformed the gym into a festive holiday market filled with homemade treats, a cozy atmosphere, and the scent of hot punch – the perfect start to the Advent season.
5. Ski Day
A day in the snow for the whole school – with rosy cheeks, outdoor fun, and plenty of energy. A true winter highlight for students and staff alike.
6. Project Week
A week of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning: Whether through STEM experiments, bold ideas for the “School of Tomorrow,” or building a fully functioning aquarium (whose fish are still happily swimming in our lab), students led their own projects and presented them proudly during our 25th anniversary celebration in May.
7. 25 Years of GIST - Reception at the German Consulate
The German Consulate in Toronto said: Happy Birthday, GIST! We’re grateful for this warm and festive reception in honor of our anniversary – a special moment for our partners in the German-speaking community.
8. The Principals’ Conference
In a memorable virtual meeting, we brought together all former principals of GIST for a shared reflection and exchange. You can read more about this moment here.
9. 25 Year Fest
Under the theme “Growing Up,” we celebrated our school’s journey with an afternoon full of student-led exhibitions, a vibrant talent show, and heartfelt speeches. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special – and to our anniversary partners: Brandt Meats, Dimpflmeier Bakery, the German Consulate General, the Goethe-Institut Toronto, and the German-Canadian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.