The stress is melting away; after a long school year, summer vacation is just around the corner. The evening sun bathes the schoolyard in a warm, atmospheric light. The smell of the barbecue fills the air, and glasses clink. For the Steinmühle School Association, the annual summer festival on the last Thursday before summer vacation is a top priority.

To ensure that all colleagues can enjoy a wonderful evening, no expense or effort is spared, and a feast is served. Saying goodbye to colleagues is the only downside to this festive evening. “It would be even better without them,” you hear here and there. But everyone knows full well that part of this celebration is also recognizing the contributions of the employees who, for various reasons, will soon no longer be part of the Steinmühlen team.

Many former teachers are here tonight. Every year, quite a few of them take the opportunity to spend a few hours with the colleagues they worked with during their school days. Tonight, many of them are also here for Bernd Holly, who is retiring. The farewell ceremonies for the principal have been taking place at the Loop since early July, and he admits in his usual laid-back manner, “I’m done.”

Among the other colleagues leaving Steinmühle is Bella Gnodte. She will be working at blista in the future. “A creative, dedicated, and well-liked colleague”—Steinmühle regrets her departure. Victoria Kaster will also be teaching at a different elementary school in the future, which her colleagues find very unfortunate. Janine Küster, the principal of the Steinmühle Bilingual Elementary School, highlights Victoria Kaster’s “warm, loving nature” and describes her as someone “who took on every challenge.” “You were a true pillar of our elementary school,” adds Dr. Rainer Nietzke on behalf of the works council. “It’s really hard to see you go.”

Mathematics and physics teacher Julia Bernzen, née Riemenschneider, is moving to Hamburg in the far north for family reasons. She joined Steinmühle as a student teacher in the spring of 2016 and was offered a permanent contract. “You were always there whenever help was needed,” her colleagues recall of the popular teacher, who was equally well-regarded in conversations with parents, students, and her team. Julia Bernzen served as head of the mathematics department for some time and taught the subject at both the bilingual elementary school and the upper secondary level. Her colleagues concluded: “It was always a pleasure to work with you.”

After these tributes, a musical interlude seemed like the perfect choice. Ulrike Wilmsmeyer, Frank Wemme, Kristina Sokoli, Daniel Sans, and Anna Prokop sang a farewell canon.

Next up was Eberhard Wieth, a math and computer science teacher. Like Bernd Holly, he, too, is leaving Steinmühle to retire. Among other things, Principal Björn Gemmer highlighted his dedication to the StoneApp, which Eberhard Wieth had initiated as a “student package” in his computer science classes. Characteristic descriptions of the departing teacher included terms like “the cheerful bear,” but there were also memories of how it all began for Eberhard Wieth at Steinmühle. “I was your mentor,” recalled Constanze Oestreicher-Gold, head of the upper school, with a smile.

 

Actor David Bennent celebrated with the Steinmühle

Between speeches, performances, and a buffet prepared by the boarding school kitchen, school director Dirk Konnertz welcomed a very special guest: David Bennent. The professional actor, who rose to fame for his role in the film “The Tin Drum,” was at Steinmühle for the second time as an instructor for a workshop led by Ines Vielhaben and celebrated with the Steinmühle faculty.

Once again, there was music afterward. Kristina Sokoli, Anna Prokop, Daniel Sans, and Frank Wemme used their voices and instruments to express their appreciation for their departing colleagues and musically conveyed the message, “We will miss you.” As a new member of the school administration, Tobias Karlein then passed the baton back to Bernd Holly: “Over the past six months, you’ve been a role model to me in every way, and we’ve almost become friends.”

The outgoing principal admitted, “It’s difficult when you’re constantly getting standing ovations.” Saying goodbye had not been easy for him. Tenor Felix Müller, a Steinmühle high school graduate this summer and future student at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, began singing “Time to Say Goodbye.” The fact that Steinmühle not only wins awards for achievements in the natural sciences, math competitions, athletic successes, or reading skills, but also produces graduates who gain admission to a leading university for music, theater, and the visual arts, demonstrates once again just how well-rounded the school is.

Where the encouraging high school graduation banners usually hang, at the entrance to the Forum, there is only a single large poster on display this Tuesday in July. “Bernd, you can do it! Your friends.” His friends and most of those who know the outgoing principal—they all know: Bernd Holly wasn’t looking forward to this day. After 22 years at Steinmühle and at the age of 66, Hessian civil service law has brought an end to the career of Bernd Holly—the educator, the organizer, and above all, the philanthropist—because he has reached the mandatory retirement age.

It was no ordinary farewell—this event, which had begun at 4 p.m. Even five hours later, the last guests were still standing in the foyer and outside the door, glasses and hors d’oeuvres in hand, chatting with other attendees and with Bernd Holly himself. By that point, the most emotional part of the late afternoon was behind them, and the tissues had been more or less put away. It was over—for Bernd Holly, too.

A teacher is leaving—a principal. So what, you might say; these things happen. But it was the names on the guest list, and above all the profound words of the numerous speakers, that made it clear: a special person is leaving Steinmühle. Not even the usual rhetorical flourishes meant to make a person’s work seem particularly important and dazzling. Not even the standard platitudes—not even a ultimately bland biography, as is so often the case, with little to remember, laugh at, or pass on.

A good job reference, they say, simply describes what someone has done. If one were to sum up Bernd Holly’s work in so few words, the following phrasing would likely capture its essence: We are losing an excellent communicator for whom social skills were more important than grades, and who conveyed messages clearly even in difficult situations. We are losing a respected authority figure who always had an open ear for the needs of the school community. We are losing someone who truly understood students.

For Bernd Holly, the goal was to help students overcome any fears they might have in an increasingly complex world and to give them a sense of direction. He felt it was important to serve as a role model, and being authentic came naturally to him—he didn’t have to put on an act.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that conditions in Bernd Holly’s life were not always easy. To this day, he is grateful to his former elementary school teacher for recommending him for high school—which was the exception for a working-class child back then.

When Bernd Holly, a German, politics, and physical education teacher, first arrived at Steinmühle 22 years ago, it was not the place it is today. He is grateful that he was able to help shape those changes, and also for the many students he has had the privilege of guiding. He already knows what he will miss most: “This wonderful faculty. This is where new life stories are made possible.”

Bernd Holly sees the teaching profession as involving crucial responsibilities for schools and society. That is exactly what he stood for.
(Egon Vaupel, President of the Steinmühle School Association)

I’m grateful to Bernd for being willing to run with me—who was 34 at the time—in the election for the co-leadership position. He became completely one with the Steinmühle and always answered the phone by saying, “Holly from the Steinmühle”—no matter where he was calling from, whether it was the school district office, parents’ homes, or toom.
(Björn Gemmer, Principal)

He always put people first, and in doing so, he left his mark on the Steinmühle.
(Rainer Nietzke on behalf of the Works Council)

School should be a place where children enjoy going. Bernd Holly has achieved that.
(Dr. Thomas Spies, Mayor of Marburg)

Bernd Holly always has a kind word to say; he’s approachable and has always been available and willing to talk.
(Nadine Bernshausen, Mayor and Head of the Education Department for the City of Marburg)

He was affectionate yet energetic, proactive, and consistent in his approach to stressful situations.
(Brigitte Kettner, former principal of Steinmühle)

We got along like a house on fire, despite our often conflicting views. Our collaboration was legendary. He was a master at creating class schedules; he once locked himself in a room and didn’t come out until he was finished. Thank you, Bernd.
(Ulrich Schmermund, former principal of Steinmühle)

Just a great guy—full of humanity, strength, and courage.
(Matthias Bosse, principal of the Alfred Wegener School in Kirchhain)

He made sure there was a good school atmosphere.
(Joela Schwing, Julia Fischer, and Eren Pektas on behalf of the Student Council)

You’re a legend. You live and breathe Steinmühle.
(Dr. Claudia Schmölz, Chair of the School Parent Advisory Board)

From the very beginning, you’ve been a strong advocate for boarding schools. That’s what sticks in my mind.
(Gisela Buurman on behalf of the Steinmühle Boarding School)

I’m truly moved. So many kind words. It’s such a shame that we didn’t get to know each other better until relatively late.
(Christoph Aßmann, Director of the State Education Office in Marburg)

 

Quotes from Bernd Holly:

I’m feeling absolutely lousy, and there’s no way I’m going of my own free will.

We’re discussing gender asterisks and wolves. We should be thinking about other things.

Pay attention to who the “opinion leaders” are in your classes. This is crucial (addressed to the teaching staff, referring to a term once coined by his daughter Michelle).

Two greats are leaving the stage. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and me (said self-deprecatingly, in reference to the professional soccer player who just ended his career).

A certain kind of “fluffocracy,” sometimes a bit overprotective (which is what Bernd Holly encountered at the start of his time at Steinmühle).

Schools and kindergartens should be the most beautiful and best-equipped buildings. Not banks.

We reached immediate agreement on 90 percent of the decisions. We discussed the rest thoroughly and reasonably (Bernd Holly on his role as principal in the co-leadership structure with Björn Gemmer).

He’s good with education, he’s good with numbers, and he’s good with people. Dirk Konnertz, as managing director, is a real stroke of luck for Steinmühle.

 

A very personal side program: Favorite music and lots of photos

Dirk Konnertz took the lead in organizing the farewell ceremony—complete with background music and personal touches that couldn’t have been more fitting. Tenor Félix Müller, a senior at Steinmühle this year, together with Olaf Roth on the piano, moved the audience deeply with the ballad “Time To Say Goodbye.” Olaf Roth on the piano and Tom Herfert on the saxophone performed one of America’s greatest hits, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” as background music for a photo slideshow about Bernd Holly. Dirk Konnertz presented an impressive selection of photos from the collection of his former Steinmühlen colleague, Dr. Jürgen Beier.

To make sure that sitting for long periods wasn’t too taxing for the approximately 200 attendees—including Bernd Holly’s family members, friends, and former and current colleagues—Marcel Kalb, the future school athletic director, led a participatory exercise session. When asked about his favorite song, Bernd Holly had once mentioned, among others, “Imagine” by John Lennon. And this song, too, was presented to him as a surprise, sung by Anna Prokop and accompanied by Tom Herfert. The student council presented Bernd Holly with a gift certificate for a charitable project of his choice—knowing full well that the outgoing principal is always eager to support charitable causes.

Dirk Konnertz thanked Bernd Holly for the wonderful time with the Peter Gabriel song “Don’t Give Up,” which was sung by Matthäus Otte and Anna Prokop and accompanied instrumentally by Tom Herfert (saxophone) and himself (keyboard). In this context, the outgoing principal offered the faculty the following words of encouragement: “Stay hopeful. Optimism is important.”

An interview with Principal Bernd Holly on the occasion of his retirement: “Looking forward to life beyond the school gates”

The end of July 2023 is drawing inexorably closer. It is the date on the certificate issued by the Minister of Education that signals Principal Bernd Holly’s retirement from the teaching profession. He has reached the mandatory retirement age. Retirement after 22 years at Steinmühle, after nearly 40 years in his dream job as a teacher. And now? Angela Heinemann spoke with Bernd Holly about defining moments in his life and his current thoughts.

 

It’s hard to even bring myself to ask. How are you doing right now?

Holly: It is a little awful. Who would willingly leave a place like this? It’s like saying goodbye to a dream. Right now, I’m really aware of what I’m losing. And I’m having so many very emotional goodbyes.

 

Until now, it’s been a heavy workload—but now there’s time to travel and spend time with the two grandchildren. Isn’t that something to look forward to?

Holly: Oh, absolutely. They’re looking forward to having Grandpa around more often soon. I also love the idea of traveling through Europe in a RV. Or maybe even visiting Ireland sometime. I have an Irish grandfather—that’s where my last name comes from. But I’m being honest with myself: going from endless work hours—a 60-hour week—down to zero is quite something. First, I need to figure out how I’ll define myself now—just through the Steinmühle, or as my own person. I’m curious to see what life will be like in front of the bollard.

 

Retirees often fall into a slump…

Holly: Not really. I have a wonderful social circle, a great family, and I’m privileged when it comes to the people around me. I’ve also had some very lucrative job offers, but I’m not accepting them. I’ll only be volunteering at the Marburg Food Bank, and I’ll be encouraging people to plant trees.

 

We know that social involvement was important to you during your time at Steinmühle. So that hasn’t changed?

Holly: I come from a very humble background, from a small village in the Westerwald. My father was a railroad crossing guard, and my mother was a seamstress. They were wonderful parents! In our family of five, there was no money for extras. Whenever I needed money or wanted to buy something, I’d get a part-time job—as a construction laborer, a mail carrier, or an industrial diver. The latter was really risky, but it paid well.

 

Is that why you’re committed to helping the socially disadvantaged?

Holly: The term “socially disadvantaged” is incorrect and derogatory. People labeled that way aren’t socially disadvantaged—they just don’t have money. I know some people who are very wealthy but are truly socially disadvantaged. The problem isn’t in their wallets—it’s somewhere else.

 

And you don’t have much trouble expressing that? Social skills are important to you…

Holly: I’ve always been straightforward, which didn’t always sit well with my own teachers. Although I was an A student, I often rubbed people the wrong way. I was excused from the graduation ceremony and wasn’t allowed to give the student speech, even though that’s what my classmates had actually wanted. The school’s reasoning: “General insubordination and insistence on my own opinion.”

 

Is that something you wanted to do differently as a teacher?

Holly: Actually, I always wanted to be a teacher—both because of good role models and because of bad ones. Even though I got straight A’s on my exams, I couldn’t find a job at first; as we all know, the job market for teachers has been crazy for decades. Sometimes there are too many teachers, sometimes too few. Then it finally worked out.

 

After stops in Frankfurt and Giessen, you ended up at the Steinmühle…

Holly: I came from the Willy-Brandt-Schule in Gießen. It’s a vocational school, and to some extent, a school in a high-risk neighborhood. As the youngest staff member, I quickly became a department head and “supervisor” for more than 50 colleagues. That’s where I got to know all the different aspects of the job. At the time, many people didn’t understand my application to Steinmühle because it didn’t seem to fit at all. I even heard comments like, “You’re usually a decent person. What do you want at this school?”

 

In 2001, the Steinmühle was facing a crisis that threatened its very existence…

Holly: The school had only 445 students, was in a precarious financial situation, and, for various reasons, had a very poor reputation. As a team, we managed to turn the school around back then and, over time, turn it into a sought-after educational institution. This approach—combined with having the right people in various key positions—has made Steinmühle what it is today. I’ve put a lot of my heart and soul into it.

 

Is the stone mill facing challenges today as well?

Holly: Steinmühle faces the challenge of finding teachers. Teaching is a highly complex profession; more needs to be invested in building relationships. At Steinmühle, this is even more difficult because teachers are expected to be more present than at public schools. Presence in more ways than one. And we don’t have tenured positions. Then there’s the power of “anti-social” media and a culture of debate that needs to be nurtured. But the last two points apply to all schools.

 

And at a time like that, Holly’s leaving?

Holly: Well, I’m not going willingly. And I’m not dead, after all. I’ll join the school association and stay on top of things.

 

So many people are sad to see you go and have expressed their feelings. Something in particular touched you…

Holly: Every day, two girls from elementary school bring me an apple or some other piece of fruit. They want me to stay healthy. They want me to live to a ripe old age—at least until they graduate from high school. Unfortunately, I can’t grant that second wish…