News - GPA

Photo Contest: “Winter to Spring – A New Beginning”
Juliet Lee wins the photo contest with a meaningful image capturing her first spring in Korea, symbolizing new beginnings, with additional creative entries from students and staff.
Editor’s Message & School Updates
Ms. Pelayo welcomes new students and introduces Principal Eom, highlighting GPA’s 20th anniversary, the launch of a bilingual newsletter, and the continued growth of Media Studies students.
Welcome Our New Principal: Principal Eom
A profile of Principal Eom’s academic background and vision to strengthen GPA’s academic systems, improve ESL and middle school programs, and further develop GPA as a strong college-preparatory school.
Student Voices: Break Stories & New Semester Goals
Students share winter break experiences from travel to personal growth, along with goals for the new semester such as improving grades, time management, and participation.
Back-to-School Highlights
The semester began with key events including the opening ceremony, fire safety training, an anti-bullying workshop, and TOEFL mock testing to support student readiness.
GPA Sports Day Recap
An energetic school-wide competition showcasing teamwork and school spirit, with Decorah taking first place, followed by Javan and Chaco.
2026 Spring Student Council Introduction
Introduction of the new student council team, outlining roles and goals focused on student representation, communication, and organizing meaningful school events.
Student Feature: Wonjun Yeo
A profile of a Grade 7 student balancing academics with a strong background in competitive ice hockey, highlighting leadership, perseverance, and personal growth.
New Student Spotlight: Yeseul Park
A look at Yeseul’s transition to GPA, her passion for music, and her experience adapting to an English-speaking academic environment.
New Student Spotlight: Dayeon “Ray” Lee
Ray shares her experience transitioning from a French international school, highlighting GPA’s open environment, subject flexibility, and strong teacher-student communication.
New Student Spotlight: Hajin Cho
A profile of a young student who enjoys sports, is adapting well to GPA life, and is focused on improving his English skills.
Student Writing Feature: “My Favorite Childhood Memory”
A reflective piece capturing a simple yet meaningful childhood moment, emphasizing nostalgia and personal storytelling.
Chess Puzzle Feature
An interactive chess challenge encouraging student participation and problem-solving.
Upcoming Events
Important dates including Parent-Teacher Conferences, AP exams, SKAC soccer and chess events, and school holidays.

Editorial Note
Corrections were made to previous issue name spellings, emphasizing accuracy and attention to detail in student publications.
Media Studies & Publication Class Reflection
Ms. Pelayo reflects on students’ growth in writing, design, collaboration, and storytelling, highlighting their ability to manage deadlines and produce meaningful content.
New Student Feature: Goeun Park
A reflective piece on Goeun’s transition to GPA as a cellist, highlighting her adjustment to an English-learning environment, supportive friendships, and a less stressful, more open school culture.
Student Council Reflection: Jin Lee (President)
Jin shares her experience balancing leadership with academics, emphasizing teamwork, responsibility, and the meaningful impact of contributing to school life.
Student Council Reflection: Glen Kim (Vice President)
Glen highlights leadership lessons, including collaboration, communication, and creating a more connected and engaging school community.
New Student Council Leaders (MAKE IT MATTER)
An introduction to the newly elected council, outlining goals such as increasing sports and recreational events, creating study spaces, improving communication, and fostering stronger student engagement.
Student Voices: “A Semester to Remember”
Students reflect on personal growth throughout the semester—academically, emotionally, and socially—connecting their experiences to music and self-improvement.
Op-Ed: Should Schools Allow AI?
An argument in favor of responsible AI use in education, emphasizing its role as a learning tool rather than something to ban, with a focus on guidelines and academic integrity.
Movie Review: Now You See Me 3
A student review highlighting strong visuals, engaging performances, and entertaining magic scenes, while noting a weaker storyline compared to earlier films.
Art Feature: “Beneath the Surface” by Glen Kim
A powerful mixed-media piece exploring student identity, hidden pressures, and the balance between external expectations and inner passions.
Winter Formal Recap (Winter Wonderland Theme)
A celebration of the end of the semester featuring student performances, dancing, awards, and strong school spirit, organized by Student Council.
Fall Semester Awards Ceremony
Recognition of student achievements across academics, extracurriculars, leadership, and attitude, celebrating effort and growth across the GPA community.
Staff Feature: Doohyun Kim (Farewell Interview)
A heartfelt reflection from a key administrative staff member, highlighting his impact on the school community and appreciation for students and colleagues.
Upcoming Events
Important dates including report cards, appeal period, and the first day of the new semester.

Student of the Month: Juliet Lee
Juliet reflects on being recognized for her class participation, personal growth, and the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health.
Teacher Feature: Mr. Mun
GPA’s music teacher shares his journey as a performer and educator, emphasizing teamwork, passion, and creating a supportive space for students to grow through music.
New Student Spotlight: Seoyoung Kang
A thoughtful look at Seoyoung’s first impressions of GPA, adjusting to project-based learning, and finding joy in presentations, art, and everyday routines.
Student Feature: Yeonhoo Choi
A profile highlighting Yeonhoo’s transition to GPA, his academic interests, creative strengths, and goals for personal and academic growth.
Student Research Spotlight: Jin Lee
Jin recounts presenting original research at an international conference in Bangkok, exploring how talent transformation impacts successful digital transformation.
SKAC Basketball Tournament Recap
A summary of GPA’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams showcasing teamwork, resilience, and strong school spirit throughout the tournament.
SKAC Spelling Bee Highlight
An exciting recount of the spelling bee competition, capturing the tension, determination, and eventual victory through multiple challenging rounds.
Student Voice: “My Love (and Hate) Letter to MUN”
A candid and reflective piece by Juliet Lee on the challenges, growth, and rewards of participating in Model United Nations.
Parent Spotlight: Gilvan Oliveira
A feature on Matheus’s father, a global sports physiotherapist and Head of Medical at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, sharing insights into elite athlete care and teamwork.
Community Outreach: GPA Crescendo Orchestra
Students bring music to a senior care center, using performance to connect generations and reflect on the power of music beyond the classroom.
GPA Health Fair
An interactive event promoting student well-being through hands-on activities focused on fitness, balance, stress relief, and healthy habits.
GPA Recital & Art Exhibition
A celebration of student creativity featuring orchestral performances, dance, musical theatre, MUN presentations, and a campus-wide art exhibition.
Art Feature: “Blooming on Hanji”
A personal watercolor piece using traditional Korean paper to explore family, memory, and emotional growth through art.
Student Column: Lily’s Hotline
A creative advice-style column offering reflection and empathy on common student concerns, from stress to friendships and future worries.

Student of the Month: Woojin Nam
A thoughtful and sincere student reflects on leadership, kindness, and staying positive through challenges.
New Student Spotlight: Hailey Kim
A cheerful 9th grader shares her story of adapting to GPA, her love for music, and passion for learning in English.
New Student Spotlight: William Kwon
A quiet and reflective new student opens up about his love of soccer, GPA's supportive culture, and adjusting to life in Korea.
Teacher Feature: Ms. Jeon
An inspiring interview with GPA’s English teacher who brings energy, empathy, and creativity into the classroom.
Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Minhoo Jeong
A powerful reflection on censorship, freedom of thought, and what makes this classic dystopian novel relevant today.
Art Feature: “Inward Gaze” by Jin Lee
A watercolor painting expressing anxiety and vulnerability, created by a senior exploring emotion through visual art.
Music Review: Frank Ocean’s Blonde
A student review of this genre-defining album, exploring its emotional depth and experimental soundscape.
Field Day Recap
A full day of team sports and school spirit—including kickball, soccer, tug of war, dodgeball, and relay races—wrapped up with prizes and heartfelt thanks to Student Council and the PTA.
Halloween Celebration Highlights
Students enjoyed costume contests, cookie decorating, a spooky movie screening, and festive games.
Alumni Reflection: Suhani’s Farewell
A heartfelt letter from a graduating senior leaving GPA mid-year, reflecting on friendship, growth, and gratitude.
Alumni Life Update: Ilhee’s Story
A 2024 graduate shares his experiences post-GPA, preparing for military service and life beyond high school.

Student of the Month: Moongyeong Kim
Shares insights on hard work, motivation, and academic excellence.
New Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Maughan
An interview with the new Art Teacher, who brings a love for watercolor and nature-inspired creativity.
Student Voice: Juliet Lee
Explores the psychology behind why we often focus on the negative.
SAT Survival Guide
Practical tips and reflections from experienced students on preparing for the SAT.
Alumni Reflections
GPA graduates share real stories about their transition to college life in the U.S.
Field Trip to Splas Water Park
Highlights from the GPA visit filled with fun, food, and friendship.
SKAC Chess Tournament
GPA students compete in an online chess event, with Jihan Kim taking 1st place in the Blitz category.
Art Feature: “Projection” by Choa Oh
A powerful symbolic painting about self-love and reflection by an 11th grade student.
Music Review: Glen Kim on Kanye West’s Ye
A thoughtful review praising the album’s emotional depth and production.
Spotlight Students: Seungyong Lee & Sean Park
Seungyong, a new 8th grader with a love for art and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Sean, a competitive shooter balancing school and sport with intense discipline.

Meet the New Student Council
Introduction of Fall 2025 student leaders and their goals, including GPA's first official merchandise and alumni network efforts.
Vice Principal Announcement
Mr. MacIsaac promoted to Vice Principal while continuing to teach. He shares his goals for GPA including enhancing school events and supporting student voices.
New Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Lourens
GPA welcomes Mr. Lourens from South Africa, teaching social studies and bringing energy to sports and student life.
Student Profile: Minseo Choi
New 8th grader and Jiujutsu competitor shares her smooth transition to GPA and hopes to add Jiujutsu to GPA’s sports offerings.
Life Abroad: Hyukjin Cho
Grade 12 student shares his experiences studying in Montreal, the culture shock of returning to Korea, and settling into GPA life.
Activities & Clubs Preview
Overview of GPA's extracurriculars—sports (basketball, volleyball, futsal), arts, MUN, Moe Studio, STEM Club, and more.
Student Opinion: Phone Policy Debate
A dormitory student questions the fairness and impact of GPA’s electronic device collection policy.
Book Reflection
A student's personal essay on One Spoon on This Earth and its connection to Jeju’s history and family heritage.