Our School
St. Gilgen International School offers a world-class international education set in the culturally rich and beautiful village of St. Gilgen, Austria. Our school combines the traditional charm, security, and cultural heritage of a small village, with a dynamic and modern teaching and learning environment and an ambitious and globally minded school community. Set in one of the most stunning natural environments in the world, our location provides us with the sensational views of the lakes and mountains to inspire learning and adventurousness.
"ST. GILGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE PREEMINENT EDUCATIONAL DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE."
Key facts about St. Gilgen International School
- We are located 35 minutes from Salzburg Airport, Austria.
- Students come to us from all parts of the globe.
- We have among the best staff to student ratios in the world. With a maximum of 250 students, we offer the highest level of care for each and every individual student.
- The school is owned by St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung, a non-profit foundation, which is governed by a Board of Directors and an Advisory Board consisting of experts, a representative of the municipality of St. Gilgen and parents.
- The foundation was established by parents of current and former students.
- We offer a generous scholarships programme for talented and motivated students.
- We teach in English, in addition all students get the opportunity to study German (either as mother tongue or language acquisition).
- We also offer Spanish and French, and we have a well-developed Self-taught mother tongue programme for IB Diploma students (for example in Italian, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese).
- We send students out into the world to the best universities and colleges around the globe.
- We help all our students explore their talents and offer comprehensive and professional instruction and coaching in musical, sporting, theatrical, artistic and outdoor endeavors.
Please do take the time to explore the website and learn more about our school and feel free to contact us or arrange a visit.
Our History
St Gilgen International School was founded in 2008 and since then has grown steadily with our current enrolment approaching 200. We expect to continue our planned growth and to reach our capacity of 250 in the near future.
The school was built on a site beside Lake Wolfgang which previously contained green fields and some derelict villas. The prominent Austrian writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach formally occupied the land and this historical relationship has three special significant features.
- The first is scholarship and creativity; Marie is renowned as one of the most important German writers of the 19th century and her academic success lays a strong foundation for our continued striving for academic excellence.
- The second is empowerment; Marie has faced many challenges as a female writer of this time and has emerged as a powerful figure for women’s liberation. This lays a strong foundation for our continued striving to equip our students with the strength and integrity to go forth into the world and help make it a more just and equitable place for all.
- The third is international mindedness; legend has it that Marie planted all of the trees on our campus during her time here. The trees that she chose were from all corners of the world and they now stand tall and together. This lays a strong foundation for global awareness.
- Scholarship and creativity
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach is renowned as one of the most important German writers of the 19th century and her academic success lays a strong foundation for our continued striving for excellence in education. - Empowerment
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach faced many challenges as a female writer of this time and has emerged as a powerful figure for women’s liberation. This lays a strong foundation for our continued striving to equip our students with the strength and integrity to go fourth into the world and help make it a more just and equitable place for all. - International mindedness
Legend has it, that Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach planted all of the trees on our campus during her time here. The trees that she chose were taken from all corners of the world and they now stand tall and together. This lays a strong foundation for global awareness.
The Villas were renovated to a high standard and five state-of-the-art teaching buildings were constructed over 12 months during 2007 and 2008.
The founder of St. Gilgen International School is a prominent Austrian architect – Mr Alexander Serda, who envisaged a unique school with members drawn from the local and international community sharing a high quality academic and personal education in beautiful surroundings.
On the 17th of May 2016, ownership of the school passed to a foundation of parents of the school community (Privatstiftung). This foundation acts solely in the interests of the school and school community. It undertakes to secure the school’s future. As such, all profits are reinvested back into the school. The new ownership harnesses our community spirit and drives us to work together in a continued effort to improve our already exceptional school.
StGIS recognized as the most exclusive Austrian school by leading Austrian newspapers
FOUNDATION
St. Gilgen International School functions as a non-profit structure:
The owner of the operating company of the School is "St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung" (a Foundation in terms of Austrian law). With its headquarters in St. Gilgen, its sole purpose is the promotion of St. Gilgen International School. The School is operated by "St. Gilgen International School GmbH", a limited company whose profits are exclusively fed back to the Foundation. Thus, our School has no profit-driven owners, but only voluntary Foundation Executives and Members. You can find the charter of the Foundation in German and English here.
The Foundation was established by 9 individuals in 2016. They have been joined by more since then, and hopefully more will participate in the future. You can find the list of all Founders and Donors here. Before the Foundation was established, the School was a private enterprise.
The bodies of the Foundation are:
- The Executive Board, consisting of the Chairman Gert Fahrnberger, Deputy Chairman Christian Dreyer and Andrea von Baumbach.
- The Advisory Council, consisting of Founders, as well as representatives of the Parents' Association, the municipality of St. Gilgen, and the county of Salzburg - the complete list can be found here.
The tasks of the Foundation are limited to strategic topics, while the School’s operation is the responsibility of the subsidiary "St. Gilgen International School GmbH". Strategic tasks include, in particular, the principles and governance of the School, its long-term development, the appointment of the Head of School, and the financing thereof. The governance is laid out in the Board Policy Manual, which you can find here.
The ongoing School operation is financed through school fees and generous scholarship partners. The School does not receive any public funding, nor does it seek such funding, so that it may remain independent in educational and personnel decisions. However, the Foundation ensures that all necessary accreditations of the national and in particular international school authorities exist, and are constantly renewed. The list of all our accreditations can be found here.
The Foundation sees itself as a committed, philanthropic institution and welcomes new Founders at any time. A one-time endowment of at least € 100,000 entitles the holder to a lifelong seat on the Foundation’s Advisory Council.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
"Living and learning locally - thinking globally"
Our mission offers students several opportunities to gain the maximum benefits of a modern international education:
We empower students
Every student comes to us with their own unique knowledge, skills, energy and ideas. We provide our students with the tools and guidance to master their own educational path.
To reach their fullest potential
We believe that every student has talent and St Gilgen International School will develop it! It is not enough to just have potential, our students are encouraged to work hard and to believe that they can achieve more and go further.
To have a positive influence on the world
Our students will go out into the world, well prepared to be global citizens, who contribute, get involved, live responsibly and ethically and build kind and caring communities.
To discover a lifelong love of learning
To live a worthwhile and meaningful life, it is essential that our students never stop the process of learning. This is the legacy that they will take from St Gilgen International School – to always be curious, interested, adventurous and engaged with their communities and the wider world! At St Gilgen International School we strive to ensure that every student is equipped and supported on his or her individual Path of Excellence and we promise never to compromise on delivering our three promises:
Excellence in care, excellence in education and excellence in activities.
School Leadership
Diplompädagogin (Pädagogische Akademie Strebersdorf), Fulbright Scholar (NY), M.A. Spanish Literature (University of Northern Iowa, U.S.); M.Ed. Leadership and Management (Bath University, UK)
Why StGIS? Combining the best of local and international
Martina Moetz
Head of School
Nationality: Austrian
Bachelor of Geography (hon) (University of Bristol); Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Geography (University of East Anglia)
Why StGIS? Early morning swimming in the lake
Andrew Woodman
Head of Learning & Deputy Head of School; Teacher of Geography
Nationality: British (English)
BA Hons French and Russian with Business from University of Swansea, Wales. PGCE Modern Foreign Languages
Why StGIS? Creating happy homes, exploring opportunities together
Adam Crew
Head of Boarding & Student Life; Teacher of French
Nationality: British (English)
Diploma in tourism management; A-level business academy
Why StGIS? St. Gilgen International school inspired my life.
Natascha Lohse
Head of Operations & Office Administration
Nationality: Austrian
Academic Staff
M.Ed – Educational Leadership (Concordia Univ. Portland); B.Sc – Biology & Secondary Education (Univ. of Northern Colorado); A.A. - Music Performance (Edmonds College Washington)
Why StGIS? Opportunities, People, Challenge, Growth, Trust, Respect
John Patton
IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Careers and Higher Education Advisor; Teacher of Biology and Sport Science
Nationality: American
Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Bristol University); MSc (hon) (Bristol University)
Why StGIS? Arresting beauty, inspirational peers, family feeling
Declan Fleming
Leader of Learning Science; Teacher of Science
Nationality: British (English)
BA European Studies (Hons) - German and Geography (Bradford Univ.); Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Primary (Glasgow Univ.); Master of Education (Open Univ.)
Why StGIS? Feeling alive by lake and mountains
Clare Willey
Teacher of Grade 6; Teacher of German; Mentor Tutor
Nationality: British (English)
BA (Honours) English Language and Literature; Post Graduate Certificate Education in Teaching English
Why StGIS? Fresh air, cosy winters and schnitzel!
Hayley Oughton
Teacher of English
Nationality: British (English)
B.Sc. (Biochemistry), B.Ed.
Why StGIS? Positive outlook, endless 'Wanderwege'.
Travis McKeen
Teacher of Chemistry
Nationality: Canadian
Bachelor of Commerce and Law (Lazarski School of Commerce and Law); Master Manager with German as a Foreign Language (Lazarski School of Commerce); PGCE (University of Warsaw)
Why StGIS? Successful education in a beautiful nature setting.
Anna Kaniecka-Iwanska
Teacher of German; Mentor Tutor
Nationality: Polish
IFMGA Ski & Mountainguide; IFMGA Canyoning Guide
Why StGIS? Outdoors, respect, humor, landscapes, students, spirit
Thomas Kukla
Head of Outdoor Education
Nationality: Austrian
Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Why StGIS? A beautiful environment for living well.
Scott Tezlaf
Teacher of Mathematics and Music
Nationality: American
BA (Honours) Spanish and French with Qualified Teacher Status; European Master in Multilingualism and Education; CELTA certification; Wilderness First Responder certification
Why StGIS? Beautiful scenery, close community, great opportunities
Sam Nelson
Digital Learning Coordinator Language Teacher
Nationality: British
Ongoing – you never stop learning!
Why StGIS? Work hard, play hard, dream big!
Carolyn Macintosh
CAS Coordinator & Uniform Shop
Nationality: British
BSc Hons Mathematics (University of Warwick), PGCE Secondary Mathematics (University of Exeter)
Why StGIS? Opportunity to do what I love
Emma Jordan
Teacher of Mathematics; Deputy Houseparent (Bachwirt)
Nationality: British
BA in French, International Relations and Education (Ohio State University); Master of Library/Information Science; Kent State University (in progress)
Why StGIS? Teaching international students in natural beauty
Michelle Murray
Library
Nationality: American - Ohio
BA - English & Economics (University of Melbourne), Diploma in Education –English & Economics; MEd - Educational Leadership
Why StGIS? Space, Place, Pace, Smiles, Miles, Styles
Peter Bennett
Leader of Learning for English; Teacher of English; Teacher of Economics
Nationality: Australian
BA (Hons) in Mathematics and Education, PGCE in Mathematics and Information Technology – Liverpool University
Why StGIS? A beautiful and inspiring place to learn
Paul La Rondie
Head of Department (mathematics)
Nationality: British
B.Ed – English and Drama (Melbourne University); M.Ed – Curriculum Development (Monash University)
Why StGIS? New challenges in an amazing setting.
Malcolm Martin
Teacher of English
Nationality: Australian
Master of German Philology and Psychology/Philosophy/Pedagogy
Why StGIS? My students, my subject, my colleagues
Irena Gingl
Teacher of German Language and Literature
Nationality: Austrian
Master of Arts- English (London University)
Why StGIS? Students, Snow, Mozart, Lake, Apfelstrudel, Austrians
Peter Allen
Teacher of English
Nationality: British (English)
BA in English Philology, MA in Spanish and PGCE Spanish and French
Why StGIS? Picturesque environment for developing great minds.
Ana Martinez Ribeiro
Teacher of Spanish and French
Nationality: Spanish
M Phil [Educational Research] (Cambridge University); BA [Honours in History] (Australian National University); Grad. Dip. Ed. (University of Canberra)
Why StGIS? Water, Aspect, Altitude / New Audacious Attitude
Rob Hilliard
Houseparent (Kendler), Teacher of World Studies, IB History
Nationality: Australian
Lehramtsstudium - German, English and Italian (University of Innsbruck and Vienna)
Why StGIS? Small-sized classes - super-sized community.
Andrea Patton
Teacher of German Language and Literature
Nationality: Austrian
BSc Sport and Exercise Science, University of Bath, PGCE secondary Physical Education, Cardiff University
Why StGIS? Mountains, Snow, Rock, Lake, Outdoor, Energy
Liz Riley
Leader of Learning for Movement & Wellbeing; Athletic Director
Nationality: British (English)
MA – Law (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain), MA – Spanish (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain) and PGCE Modern Foreign Languages (University of Cumbria, UK)
Why StGIS? All-round education in a global community.
Raúl Salvador Noguera
Teacher of Languages and Deputy Houseparent
Nationality: Spanish
Mag. Physical Education and History (University of Salzburg), Enhancements Study: Sports Sciences
Why StGIS? Small flexible school with big opportunities
Jörg Bodingbauer
Specialist Programme Coordinator; Teacher of Movement & Wellbeing
Nationality: Austrian
PGCE; Physical Education - University of Sunderland (England), BHSc - The University of Adelaide (Australia)
Why StGIS? Incredible scenery, incredible opportunities, incredible people
Adam Colman
Teacher of Movement & Wellbeing; Teacher of Interdisciplinary Unit
Nationality: Australian
BSc (Hons) (University College of Wales); Economics - Worcester College (Worcester UK); Post Graduate Certificate of Education - Economics and Physical Education
Why StGIS? Inspiring natural beauty and inspiring people.
Leaza May
Leader of Learning for World Studies; Extended Essay Coordinator; Teacher of Economics; IBDP Examiner for Economics; Mentor Tutor
Nationality: British (Welsh)
BA (hons) Dramatic Art, PGCE Drama & English
Why StGIS? Cultured, Classy, Friendly, Family, Adventuring, Fearlessly.
Kennie Dowle
Leader of Learning for Arts; Teacher of Drama; Teacher of Theory of Knowledge; Mentor Tutor
Nationality: British (English)
Diplomstudium Lehramt Deutsch und Französisch (Universität Wien, Université d’Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse)
Why StGIS? Inspirational place which encourages personal growth.
Anna Morbitzer-Sassi
Teacher of German and French, Mentor Tutor
Nationality: Austrian
PGCE (University of Greenwich); BEng (hon) - Electronic Engineering (University College Swansea); MSc - Defence Technology (UK Defence Academy)
Why StGIS? Scenery, people, language, challenges, creativity, coffee
Neil May
Activities Coordinator; Creativity, Teacher of Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
Nationality: British (English)
BSc (hon) - Geography (Southampton Univ.); Ph.D. - Glacial Geomorphology (Coventry and Cardiff Univ.); Post Graduate Certificate of Education - Geography and Maths (Leicester)
Why StGIS? Mountains, lake, seasons, community, acceptance, possibilities
Diana Taylor
Teacher of Middle School; IB Geography, Middle school Physics; Primary Maths Education
Nationality: British (English)
Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering (The University of Sydney); Master of Teaching in Secondary Education (Mathematics) (University of Technology, Sydney)
Why StGIS? Dreams can be realized here!
Peter Williams
Teacher Mathematics
Nationality: Australian
Education - BA Hons Primary Education (English) University Wales, Cardiff
Why StGIS? Lust for learning, lust for life!
Sarah Crew
EAL Teacher
Nationality: British (Welsh)
Bachelors of Physics (Hons) University of Leeds; Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Science, University of Leeds
Why StGIS? Mountains, Mountains, Mountains.
James Fenwick
Teacher of Physics
Nationality: British
BA - Fine Art (Hons) (Cardiff Metropolitan University); PGCE Art and Design (Cardiff Metropolitan University); MA - Fine Art (University of the Creative Arts London)
Why StGIS? Creative, quirky, friendly spaces, the unexpected.
Kirsty Lamont
Teacher of Art
Nationality: British (English)
BA in Spanish Language and Literature; Master in Education
Why StGIS? Creating happy homes, exploring opportunities together
Begoña Mendez
Teacher of Spanish
Nationality: Spainish
Batchelor Of Arts (BA) with Hons in Fine Art; Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in secondary education
Why StGIS? Serendipity, Thoughtfulness, Giving, Inspirational, Lifelong, Guidance
Kate Doody
Teacher of art / MYP Design
Nationality: British
Erstes Staatsexamen – French and English Lehramt Gymnasium (Universität Augsburg, Bavaria); PGDE – German and French (Aberdeen University, Scotland)
Why StGIS? Amazing community, amazing children, amazing location
Nicole Gifi
Leader of Learning Languages; Teacher of German; Teacher of French
Nationality: German
BA Abilene Christian University, MA University of Texas at Austin
Why StGIS? The integration of passion, education and excellence.
Curtis Powell
Middle Years Coordinator; Teacher of World Studies; IB History
Nationality: American - New Mexico
Bachelor of History (hons) (University of Sheffield); PGCE (The University of Nottingham); Masters in International Relations (University of Nottingham) in progress
Why StGIS? Seasonal beauty; Nature; Wellness; Unique; Community; Innovative
Sally Powell
Teacher of History; Teacher of Politics Mentor Tutor
Nationality: British (English)
BSc (hons) - Agriculture; Post Graduate Certificate Education
Why StGIS? Inspiration around every corner, truly amazing!
Neil Gower
Teacher of Biology
Nationality: British (English)
BA Hons in Latin American Studies, University of Liverpool; PGCE(i), University of Nottingham; Level 4 CPD Award in Perspectives on Dyslexia
Why StGIS? Stunning scenery, new possibilities and challenges.
Elizabeth La Rondie
Library
Nationality: British
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Queen’s University; Bachelor of Education Queen’s University
Why StGIS? Mountains, lake, beautiful scenery, small community.
Julie Ham
English Teacher and Learning Support Coordinator
Nationality: Canadian
BA - Sociology; MEd - General Education, Special Education
Why St. Gilgen/ StGIS? Passion for teaching unbridled, unleashed
Christine Borrero
Teacher of English; Learning Support Coordinator
Nationality: United States of America/ Puerto Rican
MEd (Arts Ed), BEd (Music), PGDipEd (International Ed), ATCL
Why StGIS? Beautiful location and amazing music!
Helen Hopping
MYP and DP Music Teacher
Nationality: Australian
Post Grad Translation, Bristol University; BA Hons French, Italian and European Studies, Bath University
Why StGIS? Inspirational Opportunities, Nature Involvement, Propitious Potential
Maia Bristol
Teacher-Librarian; Teacher of English and Geography
Nationality: Swiss/British (English)
LLB Law and Politics (Edinburgh); EMA International Humanitarian Action and Applied Human Rights
Why StGIS? Small and intimate community surrounded by incredible nature.
Zoe Leffler
House Parent (Kendler)/IBDP Assistant
Nationality: Swedish
M.Eng in Manufacturing Engineering from Cambridge University; MA in Industrial Design from the Royal College of Art, London; International PGCE from the University of Nottingham
Why StGIS? The people, the mountains, the potential.
Laurence Norfolk
Boys’ Houseparent (Traube) and Teacher of Science
Nationality: British (English)
Administrative Staff
Business Administration
Hotelbusiness
Why StGIS? The lake, the mountains, the people
Ulrike Weil
PA to Head of School, Admission
Nationality: German
Economy high school Salzburg (Annahof)
Why StGIS? Awesome people and school buildings.
Theresa Stangl
Purchasing administrator
Nationality: Austrian
Bachelor of Science; Master of Science - in progress
Why StGIS? Inspiring people, stunning environment, plenty possibilities
Maximilian Obauer
Marketing Manager
Nationality: Austrian
Austrian Business High School
Why StGIS? StGIS became part of my life
Arnulf Trimborn
System Administrator
Nationality: Austrian
Bachelor of Science –Mathematics, Statistics; Post Graduate Certificate Education - Mathematics and Outdoor Activities
Why StGIS? Meeting new people, and exploring the outdoors.
Rachael Dale
Camps Coordinator
Nationality: British
Matura, Finanzbuchhalter
Why StGIS? School life will never get boring.
Elli Pressinger
Business Administration
Nationality: Austrian
Support Staff
Diplomierte Gesundheits und Krankenschwester LKH Bad Ischl; Long time work experience as a nurse in Bad Ischl, various advanced health trainings.
Why StGIS? It`s an inspiring and challenging place
Tanja Hofer
School Nurse
Nationality: Austrian
Diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenschwester AKH Wien, Experience in different departments in hospitals in Austria and Switzerland, various advanced health trainings
Why StGIS? Good spirit, lovely people, great potential.
Birgit Aspoeck
School Nurse
Nationality: Austrian
Vacancies
Want to join our team?
Do you see education and learning as a way of life rather than just a job? Are you a ‘risk-taker’ who has a healthy balance between purposeful intensity and a good sense of humour? If so, then you are the type of person we are looking for.
From our strong base we intend to progress from being a very good school to becoming truly outstanding. Exceptional staff from around the globe are the key to achieving this aspiration. All staff, in whatever capacity they are employed at the school, are seen as having an entitlement to support, personal growth and professional development. Our staff are our most valuable resource.
Applications are welcome from successful teachers and educators. We aim to appoint people who are passionate about teaching, strong practitioners, student-centred, innovative, full of ideas and who can contribute positively to all aspects of learning in our busy 7-day a week boarding school. Most importantly, you will be a team player who thrives on collaborating with colleagues.
If you feel you can demonstrate that you are ready to join us, then we will welcome an application. The ability to speak German, whilst obviously helpful, is not a requirement of appointment. Can we thank you now for the time and effort you will put into your application; we assure you that it will be given detailed and thorough consideration to justify your effort.
Due to continued growth and development, we are currently looking for the following positions
Please download the full application pack; this details the application process and also includes specific details about each post. You should also download and complete the application form (see link below) as part of any final application submission.
In addition, St. Gilgen International School welcomes full CVs and letters of application that have clearly been tailored to potential vacancies at StGIS. We undertake to consider them and to keep them on file for one year and refer to them when we are advertising vacancies.
Please send to info(at)stgis.at.
Data Protection
By submitting personal data to St Gilgen International School (including third party data) applicants consent to its lawful use in-line with commonly accepted recruitment practices (see application pack for details).
Safeguarding
St Gilgen International School is fully committed to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of our students; as such, any offer of employment is subject to our safe recruitment practice as detailed in the application pack.
Want to join our Team?
Our Location & Contact Details
Austria is a beautiful country which is both safe and nurturing. A unique feature of our school is its idyllic setting in the village of St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgangsee.
The beauty of our environment allows us to offer exceptional opportunities for outdoor adventure, including mountain biking, rock-climbing and hiking as well as sports such as skiing, sailing and horseback riding. Indeed in the winter months students can ski and snowboard every weekend. Students enjoy a healthy lifestyle with fresh, clean air away from the pollution of towns and cities.
Our proximity to the rich cultural centre of Salzburg offers students the opportunity to experience top-class music and theatre. In addition students enjoy weekend visits to the art galleries and museums of the beautiful cities of Vienna and Munich. We recognise that we are fortunate that our school is located in the village that was home to Mozart’s mother.
Transportation links via the international airports in Salzburg, Munich and Vienna mean that access is straightforward from global destinations and in addition Salzburg is served by an excellent European rail network. A school bus service runs from Salzburg which is 45 minutes away.
Contact Details
St. Gilgen International School
Ischlerstraße 13
5340 St. Gilgen
Austria
P +43 6227 202 59
F +43 6227 202 59 10
info@stgis.at
