On Wednesday, 26^th November, the P5 classes from the Italian and Spanish sections visited the ECB. Martin taught us many things about EU banknotes and coins, and while we were there, we were lucky enough to coincide with an institutional visit by Ms Christine Lagarde, who kindly took a photo with us. Many thanks to everyone who made this visit possible. It will certainly be unforgettable.

Serena Affaitati, Bachelière 2025, Italian section, has been awarded the “Alfieri del Lavoro” honor by the President of the Italian Republic, becoming one of only 25 students selected nationwide for the 2025 edition. 

The Alfieri del Lavoro Award is one of the highest honors to which a recent Italian graduate can aspire. Officially established in 1961 by the National Federation of Cavalieri del Lavoro and awarded by the President of the Republic, the recognition aims to recognize the most deserving young people, emphasizing how commitment, dedication, and talent can become keystones for not only individual but also collective growth. The 2025 edition once again confirms the symbolic and social value of this celebration. 

The path to becoming an Alfieri del Lavoro is complex and selective: it involves students who have distinguished themselves with excellent results both in their higher education and in their participation in extracurricular activities, in the scientific, artistic, sporting, and social fields. 

Am Donnerstag, den 19. Oktober 2025, fand in unserer Schule die sechste Ausgabe der Grande Lessive statt. Ein internationales Gemeinschaftsprojekt, bei dem sich alle um ein kreatives Thema versammeln können. Das Thema dieser Ausgabe: Nacht und Tag, über Licht nachdenken! An der französischsprachigen Grundschule nahmen Klassen aus allen Sprachabteilungen teil.

Wir sehen uns im März 2026, hoffentlich noch zahlreicher!

Die französischsprachige Grundschule

From September 30 to October 3, 2025, a group of S7 students from the European School of Frankfurt, accompanied by teachers Fabia Geslao and Alessandro Zangrossi, took part in the “Active Memories: 12th Day of Remembrance and Welcome” events. The initiative, organized by the October 3 Committee, commemorates the tragedy of October 3, 2013, when a migrant boat sank off the coast of Lampedusa, claiming the lives of over 368 people.

Approximately 800 students from Italian and European schools participated, alongside experts, witnesses, and representatives from international organizations including UNHCR, UNICEF, Save the Children, Emergency, and the Italian Red Cross.

The European School of Frankfurt has been participating in this event since 2018, involving students from all language sections

The program featured roundtable discussions and interactive dialogue sessions with activists, journalists, authorities, and survivors, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with those experiencing the realities of migration.

Among the most moving moments were the theatrical performance “The Cement Box”, written and directed by Alessandro Ienzi and starring Lorent Saleh, a Venezuelan activist and political refugee in Spain, and a musical performance by high schools from Pesaro, Urbino, and Fano. Both performances left a profound impact on participants, prompting reflection and emotion.

Students also attended workshops and labs organized by associations, witnesses, and universities such as those in Bari and Milan, designed to raise awareness of the realities of migration and to highlight how media narratives often differ from lived experiences.

On October 3, the symbolic day, participants marched to the Porta d’Europa, concluding with a moment of reflection by the sea—a sea that unites peoples and cultures but too often becomes a barrier for those seeking hope and a future.

From an educational standpoint, the Lampedusa experience offered students a valuable opportunity for experiential and civic learning. They developed skills in understanding contemporary social issues, critically reflecting on human rights, and fostering empathy and intercultural dialogue.

Direct interaction with witnesses and professionals in the field transformed abstract concepts such as migration, welcome, and integration into tangible, meaningful experiences, enhancing students’ awareness of their responsibilities as European and global citizens.

Teachers also incorporated classroom activities such as writing exercises, debates, and multimedia projects to consolidate learning and give students a platform for personal reflection.

These intense days left a lasting impression, providing a profound experience of memory, empathy, and awareness. As the accompanying teachers reflected, “We experienced this journey with far more emotion and engagement than we had imagined. It awakened in all of us a sense of philanthropy—an authentic love for humanity—which today, more than ever, it is essential to keep alive.”

Fabia Geslao – Alessandro Zangrossi, teachers

Together with about sixty students from six other European schools, nine S5 students took part in Erasmus Maris Week 2025 (September 14^th to 20^th). The week provided a unique opportunity to combine biology learning with practical work, while also raising awareness about the global challenge of microplastic pollution.

The program mixed science with outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking, rowing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Out on the water, the students collected samples from boats and then brought them back to the lab to study. With the help of experts from the Joint Research Centre (JRC), University of Ghent and University of Liege they learned how to process the samples and look for microplastics. 

The base for this trip was the Nautical Club of Burriana in Castellón, Spain. There were both classrooms and labs for studying, and a waterfront for practical work. Switching between learning indoors and being active outdoors made the week varied and interesting.

One of the main changes to last year’s trip was earning the "Erasmus Maris 2025: from sampling and analysis of microplastics to data" certificate endorsed by UNESCO-Ocean Teacher Global Academy through the completion of several quizzes about what they had learned, which made the experience more educational and rewarding.

Besides the science, the week was also about people. Spending time with students from other countries who share the similar interests gave everyone the opportunity to make new friends. Promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration Erasmus Maris Week 2025 sucessful and meaningful experience to all of the participants participated.

“Erasmus Maris was a great experience — I really enjoyed going to the sea and learning about microplastics through hands-on activities.” — Olivia Verstraeten

 “I will truly never forgot my time during the erasmus maris week! It was a perfect blend of fun, education,work,disicpline and most of all memories Ill always cherish! I learnt lots about microplastics and their effects and truly felt privellidged to part take in erasmus maris! If there is any advice I can give to esf students, its to sign up for it!! It was truly an amazing experience at time!!”— Philip McAdam

“Taking part in Eramus Maris was such a rewarding adventure. I had the chance to connect with new friends, explore unfamiliar experiences, gain valuable knowledge, and enjoy every moment along the way.” — Maarten Annendijck

“Erasmus Maris Week 2025 was an amazing experience that combined education and fun! I learnt a lot about microplastics and our environment, developed new skills, and enjoyed meeting new people, I’d highly recommend younger students to participate.” — Kajetan Hermann   

"Erasmus Maris was a very informative experience, as we got to work with professionals to research microplastics in the sea and met people from other European Schools. It was both fun and interesting, and I would highly recommend anybody who has the opportunity to participate to do it." — Carlota Miragall Martínez