.png){kind=logo}
![St. Martin's Day Celebrations 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731625130/gissv/bqcbbkpo9m20r3mzcl87/01_IMG_5387_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731625130/gissv/bqcbbkpo9m20r3mzcl87/01_IMG_5387_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731625130/gissv/bqcbbkpo9m20r3mzcl87/01_IMG_5387_2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731625130/gissv/bqcbbkpo9m20r3mzcl87/01_IMG_5387_2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731625130/gissv/bqcbbkpo9m20r3mzcl87/01_IMG_5387_2.jpg","width":1476}])
As part of a cherished tradition, we celebrated St. Martin's Day with Lantern Fests on both of our campuses.
On both campuses, elementary students shared the timeless story of St. Martin, who selflessly cut his cloak in half to offer warmth and shelter to a man in need during a snowstorm. Through this act of kindness, we are reminded of the power of compassion and community.
Our celebrations also included plenty of warmth and joy as families gathered to enjoy Kinderpunsch, Glühwein, homemade Weckmänner, and festive songs. The lantern walks through the neighborhood were a highlight, bringing light and spirit to the crisp autumn evenings.
San Francisco: A Celebration with the Community & Friends
On Friday, November 8, we celebrated our annual (public) SF Laternenfest on the San Francisco campus in Eureka Valley/Castro. The evening kicked off with a delightful stage program featuring our talented string students and singers, followed by the beautiful retelling of St. Martin’s story of sharing and compassion.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our parent organizers, this year’s celebration was a tremendous success once again. Their enthusiasm and support made this community celebration even more special.
Accompanied by musicians from the Deutscher Musikverein (DMV) families embarked on a lantern walk through the picturesque neighborhood. The lanterns, glowing softly in the night, symbolized the warmth and light of the season.
This joyful evening, filled with games, delicious food, and student performances, was a true reflection of our strong community spirit. Guests savored cake, Glühwein, Kinderpunsch, and bratwurst, while the children were each gifted a traditional homemade Weckmann to take home after the lantern walk.
A heartfelt thank you to our parent organizers, volunteers, teachers, and students for making this celebration such a memorable success!
Mountain View: A Celebration for Kibili & Grade 1-2 Families
On Monday, November 11, GISSV families from preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school came together for a heartwarming St. Martins Fest on the Mountain View campus. After indulging in food, drinks, and festive songs, families gathered to listen to the story of St. Martin.
The children, who had created their own lanterns at school, proudly lit them up as they joined in a joyful lantern walk through Whisman Park. The colorful procession of lanterns illuminated the evening as the community shared in this meaningful tradition.
A special thank you goes to all the parent and staff volunteers who helped organize this beloved event, as well as to our students for their outstanding performances!
Photos (SF & MV):
