Structure of GESM
The German European School Manila (GESM), together with the Lycée Français de Manille (LFM), forms the European International School, Inc. (EIS), the legal entity accredited by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd).
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School Management & Organization
GESM is led by a management team responsible for the school’s daily operations. The Head of School, the Deputy Head of School, and the Director of Administration & Finance oversee executive functions. GESM consists of two sections with seven educational departments, each led by a Head of Department (HoDs). HoDs manage teaching teams, coordinate pedagogical activities, and ensure smooth classroom operations.
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Governance and Community Involvement
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German School Association (GSA)
GESM operates under the German School Association in Manila (GSA), a registered organization under German law. The GSA owns and oversees the school and serves as the official liaison with authorities in Germany and the Philippines. Families may join the GSA during enrolment by paying an annual membership fee. Members elect the Board of Directors and vote on major school matters at the Annual General Membership (AGM) meeting.
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Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed of parent volunteers elected by GSA members for a two-year term. The Board governs the school and handles strategic matters such as budget approval, staffing decisions, and major projects. While it oversees the school’s direction, operational decisions remain the responsibility of the school’s leadership.
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Parent Council (Gesamtelternbeirat – GEB)
Each class elects one to two parent representatives at the beginning of the school year, who collectively form the Parent Council or GEB. The GEB meets regularly with school management to exchange feedback and promote constructive dialogue. It also supports school events and helps lead volunteer committees focused on initiatives like transportation, events, and community development.
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Teachers' Council​
GESM also has a Teachers’ Council, a key feature of all officially recognized German Schools abroad. The Council works closely with school administration to promote open communication, resolve issues efficiently, and mediate potential conflicts. Weekly meetings ensure regular dialogue, and representatives often serve as the first point of consultation for school leadership. In addition to relaying information and feedback between staff and management, teacher representatives may participate in discussions on employment contracts and disciplinary matters. The Council plays a vital role in maintaining a collaborative, transparent, and supportive working environment for the entire school community.
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Student Voice and Participation
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Primary Houses System
In the Primary Department, students are assigned to one of six cross-grade Houses named after German cities: Dresden, Berlin, Bremen, München, Frankfurt, and Münster. Each House includes students from both the German and English sections, fostering collaboration across grade levels. House membership is permanent and supported by faculty advisers to build a strong sense of identity and belonging.
At the start of each school year, Houses elect a Captain and Vice Captain who help organize activities and represent their peers. Students engage in House activities for at least two periods each week, participating in events like German Unity Day, the House Cheering Competition, and the Geography Bee, which promote teamwork, school spirit, and peer interaction.
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Student Council (SMV)
In the Secondary Department, student representation is formalized through the Student Council, known in German as SMV (Schülermitverantwortung). Each class elects Class Speakers, who then select Section Speakers to lead the council. The SMV holds regular meetings with a faculty advisor and serves as a liaison between the student body, teachers, and school leadership. It organizes fundraising activities, supports school events, and provides a platform for student concerns and ideas to be heard.
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