This Month at TASIS: January 2025

From the return to campus and recommencement of classes to events in the Palmer Cultural Center and time in the mountains, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Back to School

Following a well-deserved winter holiday, students and teachers returned to campus on January 13 for the first classes of the new year.

In the Studio

On January 13, on the top floor of the Ferit Şahenk Fine Arts Center, IB Visual Arts 2 students continued work on their final projects that will be exhibited this spring.

Moonrise

At dusk on January 13, a full moon was visible from campus above the surrounding mountains.

Dodge, Dip, Duck, and Dive

Grade four students in Mr. Rafael Prieto Wolfe’s Educazione Fisica class concluded their lesson with a spirited game of dodgeball on January 15.

Energized for Science

On January 15, students in Dr. Prash Sinnathamby’s Grade 8 Science class participated in several experiments that demonstrated the transformation of energy.

Soaking in Some Sun

Sunshine on January 15 had many students and teachers enjoying the plethora of outdoor spaces on campus.

Beautiful Campus

On the morning of January 16, the sun crested Monte San Salvatore, warming the historic Villa de Nobili and the rest of campus.

MS Reading Period

On January 17, students in grades 6–8 participated in the Middle School Reading Program, which has them reading books of their choice most Fridays throughout the year.

Demystifying Mitosis

High School students in Mr. Robert Schlesinger’s IB Biology class used microscopes to observe the different stages of mitosis in the cells of an onion.

Talented Tigers

The TASIS Tigers hosted the ISSL Girls Varsity Basketball Tournament in the Palestra on January 17–18.

The Art of Coachbuilding

The second installment of the 2024–2025 TASIS Speaker Series brought to campus the leaders of Zagato Atelier, a company that has been synonymous with coachbuilding—a specialized craft that combines art, design, and engineering—for more than 100 years. Mr. Zagato and Ms. Rivolta Zagato delivered a keynote address to TASIS seniors and visited several classes over the course of their two-day visit on January 20–21.

Recognizing Academic Excellence

The High School Academic Awards Assembly on January 20 included the induction of five seniors into the TASIS Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, the presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to nine members of the Class of 2027, and a mention of all the students who earned Honors designations or a spot on the Headmaster’s List for their fine work during the fall semester.

New Life for Casetta

Constructed in the 18th century, Casetta has served many purposes over the past four centuries. Built over a well, the building originally served as a laundry for Villa de Nobili but was later turned into an aviary for exotic birds. With the advent of TASIS, the charming building was initially converted into a classroom and student store but later spent time as a dormitory, faculty housing, admissions building, and office to many TASIS administrators and department heads. On January 22, after a period of renovation, Casetta reopened with yet another purpose—this time serving as an office for Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff and a conference room for the TASIS community.

“Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat”

A cast of 29 students in grades 3–5, under the direction of Ms. Julie Frazier-Smith (Director and Choreographer) and Ms. Melody Zanecchia (Music Director), performed Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS in the Palmer Cultural Center on January 23 and 24.

Time on the Slopes

On January 25, members of the Elementary School Snowsports Club traveled to Splügen for a beautiful day of skiing and snowboarding.

Future World Leaders

On January 26–31, the TASIS Model United Nations team joined more than 3200 students from nearly 200 schools worldwide in The Hague, Netherlands, for the 57th annual THIMUN Conference at the World Forum Conference Center.

TASIS C.A.R.E.S

Grade two students taught their peers about the importance of assertiveness during the Elementary School assembly they led on January 29. Their presentation was the second in a series of assemblies that will cover the values in TASIS C.A.R.E.S (cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy, and self-control).

Snow-Capped Mountains

Framed by the Casa Fleming tower, snow could be seen on the peaks surrounding TASIS on January 29.

Photography Exhibit

On January 31, the annual Winter Photography Exhibition opened in the Palmer Cultural Center. The special three-day exhibition featured more than 300 images produced by 70+ photography students in the AP 2D Art and Design, IB Visual Arts 1, and Photography 1 courses.

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TASIS The American School in Switzerland

Founded by international education pioneer M. Crist Fleming in 1956, TASIS The American School in Switzerland is a day and boarding school committed to creating global citizens through education, travel, and service.

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