Calendar

Welcome to our school calendar page for the academic year. Here you will find important dates, holidays and term times for our Early Years, Primary, and Secondary students.

Houses

The House system at ELABasel is a central part of school life, designed to foster teamwork, community spirit, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging across the school. Every student becomes part of one of our four Houses — Compassio, Unitatis, Fidus, or Fortitudo — creating opportunities for collaboration and healthy competition throughout the year.

Through House competitions, themed events, charity initiatives, and whole-school activities, students are encouraged to contribute positively to their community while developing confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Students in Year 5 and Year 7 play an especially important role in supporting the House Point system, giving them genuine responsibility and valuable leadership experience. Their involvement helps strengthen the sense of unity and shared purpose that defines the culture of ELABasel.

Our House System not only celebrates achievement and participation, but also helps create lasting connections between students across different year groups, contributing to the warm and inclusive atmosphere that makes our school community so special.

Student Council

At ELABasel, student voice is valued and encouraged through our active School Council. The Council provides students with a meaningful platform to share ideas, discuss initiatives, and contribute to decisions that influence daily life within the school community.

By participating in the School Council, students develop important life skills including leadership, communication, empathy, collaboration, and responsibility. Members work together to represent the views of their peers while helping to shape a positive and inclusive school environment.

The School Council plays an important role in strengthening the partnership between students, staff, and the wider school community. Through meetings, projects, campaigns, and student-led initiatives, pupils are empowered to make a genuine contribution to school life and help ensure that every student feels heard, respected, and valued.

This culture of participation and collaboration reflects the strong sense of community that has always been at the heart of ELABasel.

FELA

At ELABasel, we are proud of our vibrant and inclusive international community, bringing together families from more than 35 nations. A key part of this strong community spirit is our dedicated parent association, Friends of ELA (FELA).

FELA plays an important role in helping families connect, build friendships, and feel part of the wider school community. Through a wide range of social and community events organised throughout the year, FELA helps create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes ELABasel such a special place for students and families alike.

Events organised and supported by FELA include Family Game Night, Movie Night, the Pre-Stadtlauf Reception, and the Winter Fayre and Market, alongside many other community activities that bring families together and strengthen connections across the school.

There are many ways for parents to get involved, whether contributing a little or taking on a larger role within the association. As a volunteer-led organisation, FELA welcomes support of all kinds — from baking for an event or serving refreshments, to helping plan and organise community activities from start to finish.

At ELABasel, we believe strong parent partnerships are essential in creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Through regular events, open communication, and active family involvement, we foster meaningful relationships and a genuine sense of belonging for all members of our school community.

FELA meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each term-time month at 08:00 at Wildensteinerhof, and all parents are warmly welcome to attend.

For further information, please contact FELA Chairperson Jessica Regester at FELA@ela-basel.ch.

When you join ELABasel, you become part of a caring international community where cultural richness, shared experiences, and strong family connections enhance every child’s growth and development.

Charities

Supporting others and giving back to the community are important values at ELABasel. Throughout the year, our School Council takes the lead in organising fundraising events and charitable initiatives that encourage students to make a positive difference both locally and beyond.

Each House proudly supports a selected charity, helping students develop empathy, social responsibility, and compassion through meaningful community engagement. Our school charities currently include The Holee Children’s Home, the Swiss School for Guide Dogs for the Blind in Allschwil, Sternschnuppe, and the Basel Regional Animal Welfare Association.

Through fundraising activities, awareness campaigns, and special events, students work together to support important causes while strengthening the spirit of teamwork and community across the school.