Page 25 - FIS World JUne 2024

Monika (Moni) Hahn, FIS Reception, 26 Years
In 1998, when Moni first saw a job posting in the Frankfurter Zeitung for a position at FIS, she thought, “That’s what I want to do.” For the past 26 years, Moni has been the welcoming face and bright smile of FIS as visitors enter Old Main. Working within the school’s international community has been a highlight of Moni’s career and she says,“I have really enjoyed engaging with all members of our community, from the students to parents, and our faculty and staff.” Moni’s retirement officially began in February 2024, and although she will continue to be back at FIS from time to time, her primary schedule will now be filled with sports, family time
– and lots of travel.
Lionel Munoz, FISW English Language Acquisition (ELA) Teacher 25 Years
In the 25 years that Lionel has been an ESL teacher at FISW, there have been many favorite memories, including the time 72 musicians from the Mainz City Orchestra came in full uniform to perform in the school’s gym. But in considering it all, his favorite part has been “having the pleasure to teach our international learners English from First Steps to Grade 6.”There have also been many changes. “Twenty five years ago, we huddled over a typed document (from a typewriter) in the staff lounge to read the day‘s schedule,”he says.“There was practically no such thing as an internet then.” As Lionel looks toward retirement he “feels blessed to have been even the smallest part of FIS’s history.” And while Lionel will miss his students “and of course my colleagues,” he is also looking forward to a new schedule: “travel, travel, then more travel!”
Christine Pinnington, FIS Grade 4 Teacher Assistant, 18 Years
Looking back at her 18-year career at the school, Christine says, “FIS turned out to be a big chapter in my life. I loved all parts of my job as the ES Grade 4 Teacher Assistant.” In her role, Christine says there was never a dull moment, whether welcoming new staff to the team, working with the students, or going on end-of-year field trips. “In the early days,” Christine recounts, “there were always requests to make a poster or sign for the hallways or classrooms which I had to put up. I was often seen carrying the large ladder up and down the stairs and around the corridors with my little ball of ‘Blu Tack’.” Chistine’s retirement began earlier this year, but as she said, “I bid farewell to FIS, cherishing the memories and looking forward to my next chapter.”
Pete Sinclair, FIS Upper School Assistant Principal, 19 Years
Those who know Pete will not be surprised to learn what he’ll miss the most about FIS are “the students that inspire me every day.” Indeed it is the students who remain at the center of his most cherished moments in his two decades at the school. From adventure trips to service learning experiences alongside friend and mentor Ambrose Kelly, to working with
FIS Changemakers and his media team, he will miss it all. When asked about his plans post- FIS, Pete replied, “I’m not retired yet! I’m still focused on the here and now, in school and with my students.” Nevertheless, his future will undoubtedly include staying connected to youth development experiences or adventure opportunities that push students toward self discovery.
“We get to touch the future every day as we guide and support young people,” he says. “We should never underestimate the powerful impact we have as educators.”
Friederike Raoul des Essarts, FIS Nurse, 23 Years
When Friederike started at FIS 23 years ago, school nurses still taught health classes, as well as basic first aid. And while she enjoyed the learning and challenges that came with the traditional role of school nurse, it was the personal enrichment at FIS that made her time at the school special – serving as nurse on multiple class trips, visiting the Kalahari with Ambrose Kelly, singing in the Bach choir with former music teacher Debra Damron, and working with the Alfred Delp Garden, a former FIS service program. “Working with special needs adults at the Alfred Delp House had a great impact on our students and their awareness of the importance of inclusion,” she said. In 2021, Friederike moved to the Primary School as a TA, a time that was both “inspiring and joyful.” She said of her students, “This positive energy of life is contagious and I wish that everyone has a chance to get some of it from time to time.”
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