Besides familiar faces, we were happy to meet our new 5th graders from the Oberschule and the Gymnasium. But it was not only new pupils that we welcomed to our schools. Our team of teachers has also grown. We can welcome new colleagues from South Africa, Romania, Argentina, Russia and Ireland, among others.

The internationality at our schools not only helps with learning a foreign language through a native speaker, but also gives us insights into foreign cultures. The children learn to know and respect other rituals and customs. Prepared in this way, it is easier for them to connect when travelling to other countries or even when moving to another country.

After the pupils from class 6 onwards were welcomed by our headmaster Mr Nocht in the schoolyard, a small musical welcome programme by pupils of our 6th class and motivating words by Mr Nocht and our mayor Mr Ludwig awaited our new 5th classes. Mr Ludwig ended his speech with a hearty "Glück Auf", which was gladly returned by the children.

We hope that some normality will return this school year and that we will be able to spend the whole school year in attendance classes. With this in mind, we wish all students, the teaching team and the school staff a good start to the school year 2021/22.