ELA Connect Spring 2025 (Vol.1 Issue 3)

ELA CONNECT
B r i n g i n g Y o u t h e B e s t f r o m O u r C o m m u n i t y
V O L . 1 I S S U E 3
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
I N S I D E
Kita news
The importance of
expressive arts and
design in early
childhood development
Alumni
Zarah Stroband on
friendships, great
teachers, and a love for
learning
Transition
made easy
Director Sally Hirsch
talks about ELA Basel’s
transition agreement
with local secondary
schools in Basel-Stadt
ELA Basel parent Martina Bonsignore and her daughter, Anna Sofia, enjoyed the event. INSET: Buying treats at one of the many stalls.
Sprachen Flohmarkt brings
ELA Basel Families together
ELA Basel’s Sprachen Flohmarkt (Language Flea
Market) proved to be one of the highlights of the
year for families, bringing together students,
parents, and visitors from the wider Basel
community in a vibrant celebration of language,
creativity, and community spirit.
Organised by the Year 6 children and the Language
Department, the event drew large crowds who came
to support the initiative, enjoy the festive
atmosphere, and practise their German and French
in a fun, meaningful context. With stalls offering
everything from toys, books, and handmade crafts to
baked goods and leisure items, there was something
for everyone to enjoy.
More than just a market, the Sprachen Flohmarkt
was a hands-on learning experience weeks in the
making. Year 6 pupils were at the heart of the
project—designing stalls, creating posters and
social media content, delivering speeches in both
German and French, and crafting items to sell.
They even developed digital dictionaries and conducted
surveys in preparation.
“I couldn’t be prouder of each and every Year 6 student
for their incredible dedication, creativity, and
teamwork,” said Head of Languages and Year 6
teacher, Katharina Paget. “Their efforts in setting up
and running the flea market were nothing short of
inspiring. A brilliant, collaborative project that truly
brought learning to life.”
Held just before the spring holidays, the event raised
CHF 1,323 in total—funds that will benefit ELA Basel’s
House charities: Tierschutzbund, Sternschnuppe,
Kinderhaus Holee Basel, Blindenhundeschule, and a
local Basel orphanage.
Parents and guests lingered in the sunshine until the
end, enjoying the chance to reconnect with one another
and soak up the community atmosphere.
On a truly joyful day, the Sprachen Flohmarkt
showcased the power of community, creativity, and
language learning in action.

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
ELA Basel's Director and Primary Principal, Sally Hirsch, talks about the school’s
Transition Agreement with Basel-Stadt secondary schools and how it benefits students
Director and Primary Principal of ELA Basel Dr. Sally Hirsch.
DR. Sally Hirsch, the Director and Primary
Principal of ELA Basel, has been guiding
the school through an exciting and
dynamic period of growth and
development.
As ELA Basel continues to thrive and expand,
one key aspect of the school’s success is its
strong collaboration with local secondary
schools in Basel-Stadt. This year, Sally
discussed the importance of the school’s
transition programme with Basel-Stadt’s
secondary schools, a programme that is
benefiting students now and into the future.
ELA Basel has a special agreement with the
Basel-Stadt educational authorities, which
allows students who have been part of the
German Advanced programme to transition
directly into Basel-Stadt secondary schools
without the need for additional entrance
exams.
“At ELA Basel, we are fortunate to offer this
streamlined path, thanks to the exceptional
quality of our German programme,” Sally
explained. “We’ve seen firsthand how this
agreement opens doors for our students,
particularly those in our bilingual stream,
who can strengthen their academic German
skills and gain confidence as they prepare
for their next steps.”
Students can begin to increase their
exposure to German from Year 5 with the
German Maths option. In Years 6 and 7, they
can choose a bilingual programme that
provides the academic German language
skills needed for a smooth transition to a
German-speaking secondary school.
This stream provides a unique opportunity to
improve both their academic German and
their overall language proficiency.
“We take an
individualised approach,
ensuring that we provide
every child with the best
possible guidance.”
“Basel-Stadt trusts our programme and
acknowledges the thorough preparation we
provide. The students are ready for
secondary school because of the strong
foundation they receive here,” Sally said.
While the German Advanced programme is a
clear pathway for many students, ELA Basel
also supports families who have children
who are still at an intermediate level of
German.
Sally explained that Basel-Stadt offers a “sur
dossier” option, where students can be
recommended for a specific Basel-Stadt
secondary school stream based on their overall
academic performance.
“This ensures that every student is prepared,
regardless of their specific language abilities,”
she added. “It’s especially beneficial for
students who join us later on in their primary
school years, as it gives them time to develop
their German skills while keeping all future
options open.”
To support families during this transition, ELA
Basel begins the process in Year 6, the
second-to-last year of primary school. Sally
explained that the school works closely with
each family, considering their child’s unique
needs and aspirations. “We help them
understand the different educational
pathways, both within the Basel-Stadt system
and beyond,” she said. “We take an
individualised approach, ensuring that we
provide every child with the best possible
guidance.”
ELA Basel is more than just a place for
academic learning. The school prides itself on
being a non-denominational, politically neutral
institution that promotes a culture of inclusion
and respect. As a registered Swiss not-forprofit
Verein, ELA Basel's governance is
managed by a diverse Board, composed of
both parents and non-parents who serve for
two-year terms. The Board is responsible for
overseeing strategic direction, approving the
annual budget, and guiding the school’s
broader goals, such as accreditation with the
Educational Department of Basel-Stadt.
“Our strong governance and clear focus on
student success allow us to offer the best
possible education to our students without
having to compromise educational goals in
order to make a profit,” Sally remarked.
As ELA Basel continues to enhance its
educational offerings and strengthen
partnerships with local institutions, the
transition programme remains an integral part
of the school’s mission. Sally looks forward to
further developing these partnerships and
continuing to support every student’s journey
to success.
For parents interested in learning more about
the school’s Transition Agreement or any other
aspects of ELA Basel, Sally encourages them
to reach out and book a personal tour. “We’re
always happy to answer any questions and
show prospective families how our school’s
unique offerings can benefit their child,” she
added.
2 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
PRIMARY
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
CELEBRATING BOOK
WEEK 2025
ELA Basel was transformed into a world of stories and
imagination during Book Week 2025, a much-anticipated annual
celebration of reading.
The event featured a variety of activities designed to inspire a love of
books among students, staff, and parents.
Throughout the week, classrooms welcomed guest story readers,
bringing books to life in engaging assemblies. The Book Fair gave
students the chance to discover new literary treasures, while the Parent
Reading Event provided parents with insights into how reading is
nurtured at ELA Basel.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the Dress-Up Parade on
Friday. Students and staff embraced the spirit of storytelling by
dressing up as their favourite book characters, parading around the
school Hof in a colourful and creative display. Parents cheered on,
adding to the festive atmosphere and making the event even more
special.
A special thank you goes to Emma Bedford, whose dedication and
enthusiasm played a key role in making Book Week 2025 such a
success and to Evelyn de Kock and Marisa Miller for organising the
Parent Information Event.
As the celebrations came to an end, one thing was clear—ELA Basel’s
love for reading continues to grow. The school now eagerly looks
forward to next year’s literary adventure.
WARUM UNSERE ELTERN
SICH FÜR ELA BASEL
ENTSCHIEDEN HABEN
Wir haben die ELA kennengelernt als einen
Ort, an dem sich die Kinder einfach
wohlfühlen können.
Wir sind begeistert davon, dass viele Lehrer
schon viele Jahre hier sind, und wir erleben
sie alle als äußerst engagiert, und sie alle
bringen auch ihre Persönlichkeit mit
ein, was ich für die Kinder als sehr
bereichernd empfinde!
Was die, die, die Lehre betrifft, das
Schulische, wird hier jedes Kind gefordert,
aber auch gefördert. Von Anfang an wird
Wert darauf gelegt, dass die Kinder
selbstständig arbeiten. Als Eltern werden
wir super informiert gehalten und die
Schüler kennen sich untereinander super.
Also wir würden uns jedes Jahr auf's Neue
für die ELA entscheiden. Wir sind sehr
begeistert von dieser Schule!
Anja Tester
Year 1 students dressed up
for World Book Week 2025.
Click for more testimonials
ELA Connect
3

NAVIGATING SUCCESS!
90 ELA Basel students take part in
our first-ever orienteering event
ELA Basel made a little bit of history this term by hosting its firstever
orienteering event, an exciting outdoor challenge that saw 90
students from Year 4 to Year 7 navigate their way through the
scenic Muttenzer Hardwald forest.
The event, designed to develop problem-solving skills, teamwork, and
resilience, proved to be a thrilling experience for all involved.
Orienteering is a sport that combines navigation with physical
endurance, requiring participants to read a map and plan their route
while covering varied terrain. For this event, students were divided into
teams and given a choice of two different routes—blue and red. The
goal was to locate all checkpoints spread across the forest as efficiently
as possible while solving clues along the way. Each team had to work
together to decide on the best path to take, ensuring they visited all
their assigned checkpoints before heading back to base camp.
At each checkpoint, students found a clue that revealed a letter and
had to punch their paper as proof of their visit. These letters would
eventually form part of a mystery word, which teams needed to solve at
the end of the challenge. Once all checkpoints were visited, students
returned to base camp to receive their final clue, which provided the
last two letters needed to complete the word. The winning teams were
those who correctly identified the word in the shortest time.
To ensure the event ran smoothly, staff members were positioned at
various points throughout the course. They provided guidance when
needed and ensured that students stayed on track while maintaining a
balance between independence and support. This approach allowed
students to experience the challenge of orienteering while also feeling
reassured that help was available if necessary.
Beyond the competition itself, the event provided students with valuable
life skills. Orienteering requires a combination of logical thinking, spatial
awareness, and physical endurance, making it an excellent way to
promote critical thinking and perseverance. It also encouraged students
to work collaboratively, listening to each other’s ideas and making joint
decisions under pressure. For many participants, this was their first
experience with orienteering, and they embraced the challenge with
enthusiasm and determination.
Clockwise Above: Students gather to hear the answers to all the
checkpoint clues. Thumbs up from Julia and Carla. Arthur and
Akira are feeling confident! Left: Victoire, Anahita and Emilia put
their heads together to solve the clues.
The day would not have been possible without the incredible organisation
of Emma Carragher, whose dedication ensured that every detail was
carefully planned. A huge thank you also goes to the staff who supported
students throughout the course, helping to create a positive and wellstructured
experience. Most importantly, congratulations to all the
students who took part, demonstrating teamwork, problem-solving, and
resilience in an unfamiliar environment.
The winners of the Red Route were Team Red 1, consisting of Anahita,
Victoire, Charlotte, and Maxime, who completed the challenge with
impressive teamwork and speed. On the Blue Route, Team Blue 9—
Leopold, Ermis, Addie, and Achille—emerged victorious, showcasing their
navigation and problem-solving skills to finish first.
Both teams demonstrated outstanding effort and determination
throughout the event.
With such a successful debut, orienteering looks set to become a new
tradition at ELA Basel. The event not only challenged students physically
and mentally but also provided an opportunity for adventure and
discovery in the great outdoors. As students returned to school, tired but
exhilarated, there was already excitement about what next year’s
orienteering event might bring.
4 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
PRIMARY HIGHLIGHTS
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5

RECEPTION - A DAY IN THE LIFE!
A glimpse into the enriching experiences that shape our Reception students
IN a heartwarming new video, Julia takes center stage,
offering a delightful and insightful glimpse into a day in the
life of Reception students at ELA Basel.
Alongside her classmates, Julia participates in a variety of
engaging activities that seamlessly blend lessons in English,
German, and Mathematics, as well as creative music sessions with
Music teacher Luke and energetic PE lessons with Jonas, all taught
in German.
Julia’s teacher, Kirstie, plays a central role in her day, guiding her
with warmth, enthusiasm, and care, and Julia absolutely loves being
in her class.
The video beautifully highlights the importance of playtime,
teamwork, and independent learning; demonstrating how these
young students gradually build confidence, develop curiosity, and
foster a true love for learning. From morning lessons to fun and
collaborative activities, it offers an authentic look into the joy and
personal growth that define the first year of primary school at ELA
Basel.
In addition to showcasing Julia’s normal school day, the video
provides a sneak peek into our vibrant after-school enrichment
programmes, where students further explore their passions and
develop new skills outside the classroom.
With nearly 20,000 views across our social media channels, the
video has clearly struck a chord with many viewers.
Happy Reception students Julia, Oscar and Asher!
For a closer look at the exciting and busy day of a Reception student,
be sure to watch the video on our social media channels. It’s a
wonderful snapshot of the early years at ELA Basel and a testament to
the dynamic, nurturing environment we strive to create!
Click to watch the video
6 ELA Connect

GUIDED BY GREAT TEACHERS
Zarah reflects on her educational journey and credits ELA Basel for
giving her the skills and confidence to succeed in secondary school
FORMER ELA Basel student Zarah Stroband
looks back on her time at the school with
fondness, recalling the experiences,
friendships, and lessons that shaped her
academic journey.
Now in her second last year at ISB Reinach,
she reflects on how ELA Basel prepared her
for the challenges of secondary school and
beyond.
ELA Basel was the first school Zarah ever
attended. "I started at just six months old in
the kindergarten and stayed all the way
through to P8 before moving on to secondary
school," she shares. Over those years, the
school became a second home, providing her
with a nurturing environment that balanced
academic excellence with personal growth.
Among her many memories, one stands out
the most—her first ski trip to Davos in Grade
6. "It was a wonderful experience to spend
time with my friends and teachers outside the
classroom. The night activities and skiing
during the day are memories I will always
cherish," she says. These experiences not only
strengthened her friendships but also
reinforced the school's commitment to holistic
education.
Zarah speaks highly of the teachers who
made her learning journey enjoyable and
engaging. "ELA had so many great teachers
and teaching assistants who were always
warm and enthusiastic about teaching," she
says. One teacher who left a lasting
impression was Ollie, her teacher in her final
year at ELA. "His classroom was always filled
with laughter, and he made learning fun. It
was such a positive way to finish my time at
the school."
Reflecting on her education at ELA, Zarah
believes the school provided her with a strong
foundation for her transition to secondary
Former ELA Basel student Zarah Stroband.
school. "Despite being a primary school, ELA
really prepared me well for middle school. I
was taught how to manage my workload
effectively, and I never felt behind in my new
classes. The quality of teaching ensured that
the transition was smooth," she explains.
"The German
programme was
extremely strong. A few
of us were able to enter
the top German levels
in secondary school."
One area in particular where ELA stood out
was its German curriculum. "The German
programme was extremely strong. Thanks to
it, a few of us were able to enter the top
German levels in secondary school," she says.
This linguistic advantage has continued to
benefit her in her academic career.
Now, looking ahead to the future, Zarah is
preparing for university and weighing her
options between two vastly different paths—
international affairs or medicine.
"Right now, I'm studying biology, chemistry,
and history as my primary subjects so I can
explore both interests further," she shares.
She hopes to study in central London and
is excited about the opportunities that lie
ahead.
As she reflects on her time at ELA Basel, it
is clear that the school played a crucial
role in shaping the person she is today.
With a strong academic foundation, fond
memories, and a clear vision for the future,
Zarah is well on her way to making her
mark in the world.
Zarah and her younger sister and fellow
ELA Basel alumna Leilah.
ELA Connect
7

SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
ELA Basel held its Inclusion Coffee
Morning Workshop, focusing on children’s
emotional regulation skills.
The well-attended event gave parents the
opportunity to learn about the school’s Zones
of Regulation programme, which helps
children manage their emotions more
effectively.
Marta Magiera, the school’s Social,
Emotional, and Mental Health Coordinator,
led the workshop, introducing parents to
strategies that support students aged 4-12.
She was joined by Nicky Hawley, the school’s
Head of Inclusion, who shared insights on
how the programme supports emotional
well-being across the primary school.
The session began with a coffee and
croissants, giving parents time to connect
before the presentation. Marta explained
how the Zones of Regulation framework
helps children identify emotions and develop
coping strategies. Parents were introduced
to practical techniques they could apply
at home to support emotional development.
The event also allowed parents to engage
with one another, fostering a sense of
community. Many expressed appreciation for
gaining new insights into how they can
support their child’s emotional well-being,
especially at home.
ELA Basel is committed to inclusion, with the
school’s dedicated team ensuring every child
receives the support needed to thrive. The
Zones of Regulation programme, alongside
other initiatives like Colourful Semantics,
helps students build communication skills.
These programmes play a key role in the
school’s holistic approach to education,
ensuring every child succeeds emotionally,
socially, and academically.
Visit ELA Basel and learn more about our
inclusive approach to education. Book a tour
today to explore how our dedicated
Inclusion Team supports every child’s success
and well-being. We look forward to
welcoming you to our school!
Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
Coordinator Marta led the workshop.
8 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
KITA
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
BILINGUAL BEGINNINGS
“Before We Teach Words, We Teach Connection" — Noemi White on
nurturing strong communicators and confident learners at ELA Basel
SITTING down with Noemi White, ELA Basel’s Early Years Pedagogy
& Curriculum Leader (German), it’s clear from the outset that she
brings a unique blend of cultural fluency, professional expertise and
personal passion to her role.
Born in Basel to Hungarian parents and educated in French schools
across Europe and Asia, Noemi’s early experiences with multilingualism
have shaped much of her career.
“I grew up with three languages in my early years and still carry this love
for multilingualism with me,” she says warmly. After returning to Basel in
her teens, Noemi moved to Barbados, where she lived for 24 years. There,
she completed both her BSc and MSc in Psychology, specialising in early
childhood development. “For over a decade, I worked in an early
intervention programme for children with special needs and supported
therapists from different disciplines.”
Noemi joined ELA Basel inspired by its strong foundation and forwardthinking
vision. “ELA is built on a wealth of experience with deep roots,
but it is also open to change and innovation,” she explains. “I was also
inspired by the rich mix of cultures — and the low turnover of staff said a
lot about the strength of the community.”
In her current role, Noemi leads the bilingual programme at the Early
Years campus. Far from causing confusion, she says bilingual exposure is
a gift in the early years. “There is no evidence that bilingual children
speak later than monolingual children,” she states. “The most important
part in early language development is the quality of engagement.
Children want to connect, to feel understood, and to share what’s on
their little minds and in their little hearts.”
She describes how even before understanding individual words, babies
are able to differentiate between languages by listening to rhythm,
melody and tone — a skill that begins developing in the womb. “Infants
quickly learn that eye contact, facial expressions, body language and
tone all carry meaning. This is how understanding is built long before
speech emerges.”
Families, she believes, are central to a child’s language journey. “Before
we teach our children the content of words, we teach them how to build
meaningful connections,” Noemi says. She encourages parents to have
fun, explore, talk, sing and play with their children.
“Ask questions, not to test their knowledge, but to understand their
thoughts and feelings. That’s how we grow strong communicators and
confident learners.”
Top: Noemi White, ELA Basel’s Early Years Pedagogy & Curriculum
Leader (German) and children from the Turquoise Group/Preschool
making new spring connections in Merian Gardens.
ELA Connect
9

NURTURING CREATIVITY
RIGHT FROM THE START
Erin Colwell explains the importance of expressive arts and design in early
childhood development and how it is integrated into daily life at ELA Basel
SPEAKING with Erin Colwell,
Deputy Head of Early Years, it’s
clear how passionate she is about
the importance of creativity in a
child’s development.
As we talk, she explains how
Expressive Arts and Design (EAD) is
thoughtfully integrated into daily life
for both Infants and Toddlers and
Preschool children.
“Our curriculum is built around the
Early Years Foundation Stage,” Erin
begins, “and Expressive Arts and
Design plays a key role in helping
children learn how to express
themselves, explore new ideas, and
make sense of the world around
them.”
In the Infants and Toddlers rooms,
Erin explains, creativity begins with
sensory-rich exploration. “At this
stage, it’s all about engaging the
senses,” she says. “We offer
materials like paint, clay, sand, fabric
and even natural items like twigs or
leaves to stimulate touch, sight,
sound and smell.”
Simplicity is central to the approach.
“We design activities that are
accessible,” Erin explains. “Focusing
on just one or two materials at a
time gives children the space to
develop their own ideas without
feeling overwhelmed.”
“It helps children
learn how to express
themselves, explore
new ideas, and make
sense of the world.”
Toddlers are encouraged to express
themselves not just with tools, but
through movement. “Some children
might not have the language yet, so
we give them the chance to
communicate through dancing,
storytelling with actions, or painting
with big, sweeping arm movements,”
she adds.
The materials used are always openended
and safe. “Loose parts like
buttons or fabric scraps can be
anything the child imagines them to
be,” Erin says.
Deputy Head of Early Years Erin Colwell exploring ‘Spray Art’ with some of our toddlers.
“That’s what sparks creativity and
problem-solving.”
Children are introduced to a wide
range of tools—from sponges to
rollers—and are encouraged to talk
about what they’re doing. “We
model vocabulary like ‘scratchy’ or
‘blend’ to help build their language
skills,” she explains. “And we focus
on the process, not the end
product. What matters is that
they’re exploring and enjoying it.”
In Preschool, children build on those
early foundations. “They begin to
connect art with storytelling,” Erin
says. “They might illustrate a story
they’ve invented or draw characters
from a favourite book. It’s a way of
developing both language and
creativity.”
Collaborative art projects are also
key. “Working together on
something like a class display helps
them learn how to share ideas and
express themselves as part of a
group,” she explains.
The emphasis remains on openended
exploration. “We might ask
them to ‘build your own invention’
using recycled materials or create a
nature collage with leaves they’ve
collected. There’s no ‘right’ answer
—it’s about what the child sees and
feels.” Imaginative play is another
essential element. “They use smallworld
play like dolls houses or farms
to act out stories and use their
understanding of the world to
create new scenarios,” Erin adds.
From their first brushstroke to
their first invented story, children
in the Early Years are learning
not just how to create but how
to think, feel and communicate
in their own unique way.
Children of all ages get to explore Expressive Arts and Design.
10 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
KITA HIGHLIGHTS
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5

A LEGACY OF CARE
Marta Szyszka celebrates 23 years of dedication and care at ELA Basel
FOR over two decades, Marta Szyszka has
been a cornerstone of ELA Basel’s Early
Years programme.
Sitting down for an interview, she reflects on
her remarkable 23-year journey, the evolution
of the school, and what continues to inspire
her every day.
Marta joined ELA Basel in March 2002, back
when it was still known as ‘Tiny Tots’. At the
time, she was working as a kindergarten
teacher in France, but the opportunity to
combine her background in both English and
early childhood pedagogy drew her to Basel.
Since then, she has worked with babies,
toddlers, and now preschoolers, shaping the
learning experiences of countless children.
“It has been rewarding to witness ELA Basel
evolve from a small daycare into an
international school, and I take pride in
having contributed to that journey,” she says
with a smile.
“For us, this is more
than just a job; it is
truly a calling.”
When asked what makes ELA Basel’s Early
Years/Kita programme stand out, Marta
highlights the dedication and expertise of the
staff. “I firmly believe that our strength lies in
the high qualifications of our team and their
extensive experience,” she explains. “For us,
this is more than just a job; it is truly a
calling.”
Ensuring that children feel safe, happy, and
engaged in their learning is at the heart of
what she does. Marta believes that joy is the
key to a successful learning experience.
“There’s no greater reward than greeting a
child in the morning and watching them walk
into our room with a smile. When a child feels
happy with their carers, it opens the door to
endless learning opportunities.”
The sense of community at ELA Basel is
something Marta cherishes deeply. She
describes it as a bond built on mutual trust
and respect between children, staff, and
parents. Over the years, she has formed
lasting connections with many families,
receiving heartfelt gratitude in the form of
thank-you cards and messages.
“I have saved all the thank-you cards from
over the years,” she shares. “It's wonderful to
reflect on those memories and realize that
we played a role in their lives during such a
significant time.”
Marta gets some little hands to help her plant some spring flowers in our garden.
Even after 23 years, Marta’s passion for
her work remains as strong as ever. “What
fuels my passion is the joy on children's
faces when they are with me, the warmth
of their little hands in mine, and the pride I
see in them as they discover new things,”
she says.
“There’s no greater
reward than greeting
a child in the morning
and watching them
walk into our room
with a smile.”
With ELA Basel’s transition into a bilingual
daycare in August 2024, Marta is excited
about the new opportunities this change
will bring. “I can't wait to explore all the
exciting new opportunities this brings! I am
starting to learn some German myself!” she
laughs.
When asked to sum up her experience at
ELA Basel in one sentence, she pauses for
a moment before saying, “It has been an
incredible journey filled with love, learning,
and unforgettable memories.”
Marta pictured with some of her toddlers
back in 2003.
12 ELA Connect

ST. ALBAN-VORSTADT REOPENS
WITH HISTORIC TREE PLANTING
Bringing history to life as students join local leaders in the reopening event
AFTER nearly two years of extensive renovation, Basel's historic
St. Alban-Vorstadt has been officially reopened, marking a
significant milestone in the preservation of the city's cultural
heritage.
The reopening ceremony, held on Thursday, 20th March, featured the
planting of a linden tree—a nod to the avenue's long-standing
tradition of linden-lined streets. Local dignitaries, including Basel-
Stadt Regierungsrätin Esther Keller, attended the event to
commemorate this achievement.
St. Alban-Vorstadt, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Old
Town," is renowned for its medieval charm and historical
significance. The street is home to landmarks such as the St. Alban-
Tor, a city gate dating back to around 1400, which was once part of
Basel's ancient fortifications. The area also boasts the remnants of
the St. Alban Monastery, established in 1083, highlighting the district's
deep-rooted historical importance.
Following the ceremonial planting, students from ELA Basel
enthusiastically took up shovels to complete the task, symbolizing the
community's collective investment in the area's future. "It was
heartening to see the students actively participating in this historic
moment," said a representative from ELA Basel. "Their involvement
ensures that they will always remember their contribution to a legacy
that will endure for generations."
The restoration of St. Alban-Vorstadt not only enhances the
aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood but also enriches the
educational environment for local students. "Walking these historic
streets daily allows our students to experience history firsthand,"
added the ELA Basel representative. "It's a seamless integration of
learning and heritage that brings the past to life."
Residents and businesses alike have expressed their delight at the
completion of the renovations. The meticulous work undertaken by
Basel-Stadt and the dedicated efforts of all involved have revitalized
the street, ensuring that its historical charm is preserved while
accommodating the needs of the present.
As the linden tree takes root, it stands as a living testament to the
enduring spirit of St. Alban-Vorstadt—a place where history and
community continue to flourish side by side.
Click to watch the video
Above: Esther Keller joins local representatives in planting the linden
tree, and (top) ELA Basel students lend a helping hand.
ELA Basel Primary
School Campus
ELA Connect
13

ARCHITECTURAL GEM
ELA Basel’s historic campus is one of the standout buildings in Open
House Basel 2025, offering free guided tours to the public
ELA Basel is honoured to announce that its
Wildensteinerhof Primary School campus
has been selected as a standout building
in this year's Open House Basel event,
scheduled for 24th and 25th May.
This annual celebration invites the public to
explore over 100 remarkable buildings across
Basel, offering insights into the city's rich
architectural heritage.
The Wildensteinerhof campus, known for its
harmonious blend of historical significance
and modern educational facilities, will open
its doors to visitors during the event. Guided
tours will provide a unique opportunity to
experience firsthand how ELA Basel
integrates cultural heritage with
contemporary learning environments.
"We are thrilled to participate in Open House
Basel 2025," said a spokesperson for ELA
Basel. "This event allows us to showcase our
commitment to preserving historical
architecture while providing a dynamic
educational setting for our students."
Open House Basel is renowned for making
architecture accessible to all, with previous
events attracting architecture enthusiasts
and the general public alike.
SINCE January, ELA Basel’s Enrichment
Programme has been offering a diverse
range of activities to both its students
and external participants, with great
success.
Coordinator Wouter Rausch believes these
programmes play a vital role in students'
personal growth.
“Enrichment activities build on children's
interests and curiosity," he explained. "They
provide a sense of accomplishment, support
classroom learning, and allow students to
collaborate across different age groups”.
This year, two standout activities have
captured students’ enthusiasm—Fibre Spiders
and the running club. “Being active is always
popular, and learning a new skill like crochet
in Fibre Spiders has been incredibly
rewarding for students,” Wouter noted.
New additions in 2025 include STEM-based
programmes run by Young Engineers.
The 2025 programme includes a diverse
range of buildings, from private residences to
public institutions, reflecting Basel's
architectural diversity.
Visitors to the Wildensteinerhof campus
during Open House Basel can expect
informative tours highlighting the building's
history, architectural features, and its role in
ELA Basel's educational philosophy. The event
offers a rare chance to explore spaces that
are integral to the school's community and
heritage.
For more information on visiting the
Wildensteinerhof campus during Open House
Basel 2025, including tour schedules and
registration details, please visit the official
Open House Basel 2025 website at:
www.openhouse-basel.org
By participating in Open House Basel, ELA
Basel reaffirms its dedication to fostering an
appreciation for architecture and history
among its students and the broader
community.
The main entrance to our Primary School
campus at Wildensteinerhof.
ELA BASEL’S ENRICHMENT
PROGRAMMES THRIVE IN 2025
“Using Lego as a vehicle for programming
has been an exciting way to introduce
students to engineering concepts,” he said.
Parents have been impressed by the variety
on offer, while students particularly enjoy
hands-on activities like woodcraft. “I might
be biased, but my Woodcraft Club is a
favourite because it’s so different from
classroom learning,” Wouter admitted.
He ensures the programme remains relevant
by listening to student interests. “For
example, Going the Distance was created in
response to the popularity of running,” he
said.
With continued enthusiasm from students,
staff, and parents, ELA Basel’s Enrichment
Programme is set to keep growing, inspiring
young minds beyond the classroom.
Click to learn more
Students enjoying Chess Club and Woodwork
Club.
14 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
ENRICHMENT
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5

ELA CONNECT
ROUND-UP
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
Skiing, Fun, and Friendship in Davos
Our events warmly welcome both
ELA Basel families and families from
the wider community.
2nd May 2025
Year 4 - 7 Science Fair
10th May 2025
Early Years/Kita Garden Event
13th May 2025
Scala Theatre Show
(Reception - Year 2)
OUR Year 6 and 7 students enjoyed an
unforgettable week at the annual Davos
Ski Trip, a long-standing highlight of the
ELA Basel calendar. Under the expert
guidance of skilled instructors, students
learned new skiing techniques and
created lasting memories. For many, it
was their first time away from home,
marking a significant milestone in their
school journey. The snowy landscapes and
exciting adventures provided a unique
opportunity for growth, fun, and
camaraderie. The trip was a huge
success, with students returning full of
stories and new skills from their time in
the beautiful Davos region.
Some of our Year 6 students feeling very proud of all
they learned on the slopes of Davos this year!
16th May 2025
Scala Theatre Show
(Year 3 - Year 7)
20th May 2025
Early Years/Kita Coffee
Morning (07:30 - 10:00)
24th - 25th May 2025
Open House Basel
Architectural Event
SCALA Theatre
Production
OUR school’s eagerly awaited annual SCALA
theatre performance is approaching, with two
exciting shows on the agenda. The younger
children will perform “The Not So Creepy
Crawlies,” while the older students will showcase
“The School-O-Vision Song Contest,” a playful
nod to the Eurovision Song Contest happening in
Basel this year.
Rehearsals began in February, with Year 7
leading the charge for the older children’s
performance, under the direction of Tina
Corrigan. Claire Zamarreño leads the younger
children’s show. Beyond being a captivating
event, the production process strengthens skills
across English, Music, and P.E. curricula while
building vital life skills like teamwork, empathy,
and problem-solving.
The performances at SCALA are not just a
showcase but a rewarding journey where
students gain confidence, develop resilience,
and experience the thrill of a standing ovation.
It’s a memorable occasion that students will
cherish for years to come.
Spring Art Fair
ELA Basel’s Spring Art Fair was a vibrant
celebration of student creativity and community
spirit. Families joined their children in
classrooms for hands-on art activities before
enjoying a colourful exhibition of artwork from
across the school. The event continued in the
school’s Hof with lively performances of singing
and drama, followed by a range of interactive
art stalls. The afternoon showcased the creative
talents of ELA Basel’s students and the strong
collaboration between staff, students, and
families. Special thanks to Emily for her
leadership in bringing the event to life.
16 ELA Connect