NDS Welcome to the website of Notre Dame de Sion , a Private French

NDS
Welcome to the website of Notre Dame de Sion , a Private French- Turkish High
School.
Our school was founded by eleven nuns who came to Pangaltı in October 1856.
Established on the 27 th of November in the year 1856 , NDS is the first official
high school for girls in Turkey.
NDS has provided education for students from all religions since the Ottoman
Empire. As the years passed the school gradually evolved , adapting to the
changes within Turkish Republic, and has become one of the most distinguished
high schools in Istanbul. This year we are celebrating our 150 th anniversary .
Our school was originally founded as a school for girls. However, in 1996 , NDS
experienced a radical change and boys were admitted to prep classes for the first
time. From then on , our school became coeducational after 140 years of
existence as a school for girls.
Situated in Şişli, a center of trade and shopping in the heart of Istanbul, at the
crossroads of civilizations , NDS is a school where mutual interaction of Turkish
and French cultures is achieved with a contemporary approach.
With its academic program , qualified faculty and staff and emphasis on learning
a second foreign language , NDS is a school that gives education in French ,
Turkish and English. Our graduates can communicate effectively, both in spoken
and written forms, in all of these languages.
NDS constantly seeks excellence in education in a time of rapid change in
modern Turkey. Our goal is always to improve ourselves and do the very best for
the students.
Today in order to meet the demands of the 21 st century , NDS aims to graduate
well-educated , creative and innovative young women and men
>who have self confidence
>who demonstrate strong personal and social responsibility
>who show commitment to justice and human rights
>who are dedicated to the ideals of Atatürk
>who will be leaders of the future society
OzgunPinarer-4 F

Where is NDS ?
Our High School, Notre Dame de Sion, is located
in Şişli. Indeed Şişli has always been one of the most
crowded, busiest and most prestigious quarters of
Istanbul, and the existence of our school increases its
value.
Urbanization in Şişli started after the 1870s and at
the end of the 19 th century. Rich and well educated
minorty families came to live in this area. The Ottoman
families and intellectuals who imitated the life style of those people moved to $isli,
too. This started the modernization phase of this district.
The rich Ottoman pashas and the foreigners used their fortune to construct
European-style buildings.
The development of Şişli was speeded up with the advent of the trolley in
the neighborhood in 1931. The fame and the prestige of living in Şişli spread
around Istanbul fast. So popular was it that even Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
preferred to live there. He made his plans about the War of Independance in his
house at Şişli. Nowadays, this house has become a museum which is known as
"Atatürk Museum".
Over the years Şişli became the center of entertainment and social
activities in Istanbul. For example, the first rest home for old people, "Darülaceze",
was built in 1898. It was also the pioneer of many cultural activities. Theaters and
concert halls were built and people preferred to have fun at Şişli instead of at
Beyoglu. "Lütfi Kırdar Concert and Exhibition Hall", "Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
and Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater" are some of the examples of the cultural
activities held in this district. Nişantaşı, which is a center of shopping and famous
cafes, is also located within the limits of Şişli.
An important university of the city, such as "Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi", is
located in Şisli. The "Ali Sami Yen Stadium", one of the biggest stadiums in
Istanbul, is also in the neighborhood.
Living in Şişli and having an apartment in this glittering quarter became so
important that even in musicals such as "Lüküs Hayat", this theme was
emphasized. Finally we can say that living in Şişli is a privilege!
NazUgurlu- SedenMestan
4 TM A

FEELINGS about N
D S
How old my school is
With its corridors smelling like teen spirits
The place we found love and peace
Sometimes became very “difficile”
150 years ago she was born
She taught me how to behave on my own
The notes, the exams that we feared the most
“You have to pass them” was what we were told
But my school is the greatest I thought
While I was writing this in my book
Ô school, great school ! Hear my voice
Here’s what I’m saying; “You were my first choice.”
BikeKefeli& SocialClass'06
Everyone during school life complains
about everything which concerns the
school.
But when you have graduated, you can
easily understand thay your school life
life was indeed a dream.
An unforgettable dream shared with your
friends. I must confess that I miss those
days in N D S . So it is time for you to
enjoy it well!
FeryalKalafato ğlu'04