Life at Boarding School

New school year—new beginnings! Our boarding school is finally welcoming everyone back to campus

Events & Celebrations, Life at Boarding School, News

The 2021–2022 school year is now also getting underway in Hesse, and so last Sunday saw a large influx of students returning to the Steinmühle boarding school campus. On Sunday, the educational team led by boarding school director Anke Muszynski welcomed all new and returning students to the campus.

Steinmühle Boarding School Community 2021/2022

The Steinmühle Boarding School will be housing a total of 84 students for the coming school year, meaning it has almost no beds left. The boarding school community is looking forward to welcoming a total of 18 new students, ages 10–18, from all grade levels.

“It really puts my mind at ease to see what professional and caring hands my son is in,” says Theo’s mother, looking relaxed. “We were really nervous at first, but everyone here has welcomed us so warmly and openly—I’m so glad that things worked out for Theo here at Steinmühle Boarding School.”

And so, not only were the encounters with the new students on the boarding school grounds exciting, but everyone was also truly looking forward to seeing familiar faces again.

High enrollment and strong loyalty within the boarding school community

The primary goal of Steinmühle Boarding School is to create and maintain a community that supports and cares for one another. To ensure that everyone feels as comfortable as possible on campus again this school year, the educational team has once again focused on distributing students as fairly and harmoniously as possible among the residential groups. As a result, the residential groups have been reorganized this year, with the students’ preferences, of course, taken into account. Mixed-age groups—typically ranging from 13 to 19 years old—and a mix of students who are already familiar with boarding school life and newcomers have resulted in entirely new residential group configurations.

“I always look forward to the start of the school year!” says boarding school teacher Francine Olschewski. “Even though you already know most of the students, it’s always something new: new groupings, new students, and new colleagues—that always brings a fresh energy to the campus. I love it.”

Back to the roots – back to the routine

The mix of experienced teachers, long-time boarding students, and motivated newcomers helps students get off to a quick start in their daily school life. A wide range of sports and creative extracurricular activities awaits the students, as does the study center.

“Is it weird that I’m looking forward to the study hall?” asks student Nefeli on the way there. “I’ve really missed studying with the others.”

2021 House Tours Across Germany

And to make sure things don’t get boring when school starts again, the respective residential teams have already organized get-to-know-you outings for each living group for the first weekend after the break. While some will travel to the North Sea coast or visit the Harz Mountains, others will go for walks in idyllic palm gardens. Stay tuned—we’ll of course keep you updated on the house trips!

2. September 2021

High School Graduation 2021 – The Class of 2021 Leaves Steinmühle

Contests & Awards, Events & Celebrations, Life at Boarding School, News

The 2021 high school graduation—it was a special adventure for the nine students at Steinmühle Boarding School who earned their college entrance qualifications this summer. The Abitur, already an exciting journey, was made even more thrilling for this graduating class by COVID-19 and what we might call the “unique challenges of the learning environment.”

And so it’s no surprise that this year’s graduating class has been compared to the nine companions from *The Lord of the Rings*. For as individual and unique as these nine students may be, they are united by their shared journey at Steinmühle. The Steinmühle boarding school as “Elrond’s House”—a safe haven and second home that provides strength and perseverance.

“The mill will always be my home as long as I’m here!”

As is the case every year, in addition to the official presentation of report cards, the graduating boarding students were also treated to a separate farewell ceremony organized by the boarding school and their homeroom teachers, which they attended together with their families. In an idyllic setting on the banks of the Lahn, over brunch and a toast together, each student received their very own personal farewell speech. The occasion served as a reminder of the wonderful moments they shared together: for example, Charles, who couldn’t imagine living anywhere other than the mill during his time here at the boarding school. Like Charles, however, all the high school graduates now face the major challenge of this new chapter in their lives.

Steinmühle Brings People Together—Even Beyond High School

Although the traveling adventurers’ time at the Steinmühle comes to an end here, their hope for a reunion was also expressed in their farewell speeches: “Let us hear from you!”, “You can do it!” and: “I’ll do what I can—no longer as a teacher, but as a colleague and friend.”

The warmth of the relationship between students and teachers was palpable in those moments. “I’m thrilled by these emotional speeches,” says Ms. Kersten, mother of our graduating senior Timo. “I could totally recognize my son, and I’m so proud of him and what he’s accomplished here.”

Roksana Stronzeck expressed how the Steinmühle can continue to be a home even after graduation. With tears in her eyes, the former student—who is currently completing her internship year for her vocational diploma at Blista, a residential group for the visually impaired in Marburg—shared how much she misses her time at the Steinmühle: “I was at the Steinmühle for six years. I knew in advance that I would miss that time. But it’s only when you’re really no longer here that you realize just how much the Steinmühle meant to me.”

Remembrance as a Tradition—The Time Capsule at the Steinmühle

And precisely because these memories of our time together at boarding school can be so wonderful, a new tradition has taken root over the past three years: Graduating seniors receive a metal time capsule in which they can place personal items, letters, and mementos. These time capsules are buried on the Steinmühle grounds and dug up again at the Fall Festival after 10 years. In seven years, the first graduating class will be able to reminisce together at the Fall Festival.

This year’s high school graduates, on the other hand, will have to wait another 10 years. “Whatever,” says graduate Luca Ledro, shrugging it off, “I come back here every year for the Fall Festival anyway.”

Here’s to saying goodbye and to seeing each other again

“What a wonderful farewell!” says Ms. Gorges, mother of graduating senior Kris, “I’m so glad we were able to enjoy this moment one more time with our small boarding school group.” And so, after the official farewell portion of the graduation ceremony, everyone came together to bring their time together to a joyful close. Tears were shed—some out of emotion, some out of happiness, and a few out of sadness and thoughts of parting.

But by the time the Fall Festival rolls around—which we hope will take place again this year—everyone is warmly invited to visit Steinmühle Boarding School once more. Until then, the boarding school community wishes our nine classmates a successful and exciting journey into this new chapter of their lives, filled with happiness, courage, hope, and, of course, good health.

30. July 2021

Steinmühle Boarding School: Surging Interest in the School’s Own Riding Stables

Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School

Elke Buurman is delighted. The new director of the Steinmühlen Riding Stables has noticed a steadily increasing demand for riding opportunities on the Steinmühlen campus. At the start of the school year, there were a total of 15 interested riders just for a spot in a regular after-school club. Restrictions due to weather or the pandemic have not dampened interest in equestrian sports. “However, we are very much hoping for an end to the restrictions so that riders can resume their activities in full.”

The Steinmühle riding stable has always been an integral part of boarding school life. It’s convenient for the students to be able to pursue their hobby right on campus, with the riding stable just a few steps away. Some are discovering the joy of riding for the first time. Traditionally, it’s mostly girls, but boys are also proving to be talented riders.

More club activity times to meet each rider’s specific needs

To accommodate the high demand and take individual prior experience into account, three club session times were introduced. This way, separate groups bring together advanced riders, beginners, and those interested in riding who are just getting a taste of the “basics” and learning everything involved in working with horses.

Horseback riding for beginners covers the basics of movement, equine theory, getting to know the horse and its needs, as well as tips on establishing a connection between rider and horse.

If someone has already spent some time in the saddle but lacks more advanced knowledge and skills, the initial focus is on handling the horse, daily care, saddling and bridling, riding in a group, and how human and animal interact during direct work together.

Experienced riders will continue their training in the third group. They can refine their techniques and, under professional guidance, build on and improve their riding skills.

In addition to the equestrian activities offered in the clubs, Steinmühle Boarding School also offers the option of taking private lessons. Students can book additional riding lessons or arrange to share ownership of a horse. It is also generally possible to take part in holiday riding courses to earn riding badges. It is also possible to board your own horses. Currently, two boarding school students are taking advantage of this opportunity and are delighted to have their horses right nearby.

From the basics to riding independently:
Anything is possible at Steinmühle

“Our goal is to build on the foundational knowledge of theory and practice to progress from independent, free riding to specific training for both rider and horse—all while fostering a healthy and harmonious relationship between animal and human,” explains Elke Buurman.

Additional activities during boarding school weekends—such as groundwork courses or intensive training in the care of Shetland ponies and school horses, as well as opportunities to work in the stables—are designed to provide a comprehensive and realistic experience of life as a rider.

The Steinmühle boarding school currently has seven school horses available for riding. In addition, there are five Shetland ponies. In total, there are 31 horses at the riding stable.

Animal and Human and Animal Health First

Elke Buurman approaches her work with a deep love for animals and takes the students’ varying wishes into account: She sees it as her mission to meet the needs of both people and animals equally. She plans to expand the riding program at Steinmühle even further in the future, depending on demand. She views the riders’ commitment—which extends far beyond the club and includes helping out in the stables and caring for the Shetland ponies and horses—with approval, but also with a watchful eye. As an educator, the Steinmühle teacher of German and physical education knows that a healthy balance must be struck in this regard.

“Everyone is looking forward to the end of the pandemic-related restrictions”

A major success for the riding program at Steinmühle was that interest in riding remained undiminished well into the winter following the club’s new elections—despite the adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the works. The restrictions imposed by the Hessian Equestrian Association (Pferdesportverband Hessen e.V.) naturally apply at Steinmühle as well. As a result, riding operations had to be almost completely suspended at times and only gradually resumed. Stable manager Elke Buurman has been and continues to be committed to ensuring the well-being of the school horses despite these circumstances. The horses’ care needs—and above all, their lack of exercise—must be addressed.

We must also keep the students’ needs in mind. In order for them to continue participating in activities with the horses, strict planning is necessary, safety measures must be implemented, and contact restrictions must be enforced. Elke Buurman: “Even though riding lessons can only take place to a limited extent, we’re trying to continue supporting students’ participation in the horses’ daily lives.”

It’s no surprise, then, that both the riding stable management and the boarding school’s riders are hoping that restrictions on riding will soon be eased. The students are eager to resume their beloved hobby in full.

As soon as it becomes possible again, more time slots for equestrian activities should be scheduled each week, in addition to the regularly scheduled riding clubs. Elke Buurman: “The students are eager to further develop their enjoyment of horses and life at the riding stable. That’s why we’re looking forward to the end of the restrictions.”

30. November 2020

Winter Clubs: Steinmühle Boarding School Handles Challenges with Ease

Life at Boarding School, News

Striking a balance between academic workload and extracurricular activities is a key factor in students’ success. This is why Steinmühle Boarding School places such a strong emphasis on offering high-quality and varied educational recreational programs. Tailored to the seasons, a different program is offered twice a year. The goal is to consciously experience leisure time—whether through physical activity or learning—together with others, rather than passively engaging in it in isolation.

Winter has always naturally presented the greatest challenges: gloomy weather, lethargy, limited outdoor activities, and early darkness. It’s easy to imagine that this year is particularly difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences are an additional obstacle we must contend with.

A successful concept is no accident

Nevertheless, the educational team has once again managed to put together a varied program. It takes safety considerations into account while still leaving room for students to experience a sense of self-efficacy and personal growth. It is no coincidence that the program is authentic and tailored to the boarding school student body. In the run-up to the program, educators aligned their ideas and possibilities with the students’ needs.

As many as 20 students want to learn to dance

The requests vary widely: Several students expressed a desire for a new pool table for cozy game nights, and as many as 20 students expressed interest in a dance club. Together with a professional dance instructor, the teaching staff has therefore organized dance activities that comply with COVID-19 guidelines to make learning standard dances as accessible as possible.

At first glance, creating a LEGO room might sound like a request tailored exclusively to the younger boarding school students. But that’s not the case, because while the younger students let their creativity run wild there during the day, the older students can use the space as a chill-out room in the evenings—and, of course, they’re also welcome to get creative with Lego.

“Exercise for Everyone” is the name of a new extracurricular activity format currently being piloted. A wide range of activities, created anew each week by several educators, serves as a pool of options for students at the Steinmühle boarding school. One of the activities becomes mandatory, while others can be chosen flexibly, depending on the students’ personal schedules. In the event of exams or illness, everyone can adjust their activities accordingly.

With this type of program, Steinmühle Boarding School aims to accommodate the individual students’ lifestyles and the increased demands placed on them, in order to learn from this experience and draw conclusions for the next cycle. “We are in a phase where we are taking a respectful yet critical look at our existing structures to see whether this increased level of flexibility helps students tailor their weekly schedules to better meet their needs,” says Patric Hahn, who is responsible for recreational educational programs at Steinmühle Boarding School.

Upcycling: Giving Old Shirts a New Life

In addition to these areas, which aren’t covered in the curriculum, the teaching team also draws on tried-and-true activities from the range of extracurricular clubs. These include classics such as badminton, soccer, basketball, jumping fitness, digital drawing, and hand lettering, as well as seasonal activities like lantern-making, guided fall walks, and learning cafés. Even though “traditional games” are currently being avoided in team sports, the focus is on technique and individual training.

Mainly on weekends, students also have the opportunity—with organizational support from teachers—to try new things in a safe environment and create their own activities. A great example is one student’s idea to repurpose old T-shirts.

Tax Returns & More: Tips for Later in Life

In addition to this structural change, a completely new topic area has been added to the range of extracurricular group offerings: Life Skills. The goal here is to provide answers to questions that arise after finishing school—questions that young people have often been able to address only with a shrug: How do I apply to college? What is a tax return, and how do I file one? How do I get insurance, and what kinds of insurance do I need? “This club is about preparing young people for life beyond their time at Steinmühle,” says club leader Nils Schwandt.

The combination of established programs and new formats tailored to the circumstances thus contributes to an increased sense of well-being for everyone involved in boarding school life—despite all the challenges!

17. November 2020

This is Halloween @ Steinmühle

Events & Celebrations, Life at Boarding School, News

Halloween is just around the corner, but unfortunately, the big costume party had to be canceled this year. But of course, masks, social distancing, and other precautions aren’t stopping the Steinmühl students from enjoying a spookily fun boarding school weekend. So the teachers put together a COVID-safe program for the weekend that gave the students plenty of reasons to get the creeps.

Creative Pumpkins Carved by Hand

Of course, the classic pumpkin carving activity was a must. Inside the tent, the large pumpkins were hollowed out and carved using professional tools until, in the end, seven glowing, spooky faces adorned the entrance to the dining hall. Everything was carved, from the Cheshire Cat from *Alice in Wonderland* to the face from *The Nightmare Before Christmas* to the classic grim expressions. Sprayed with varnish, these handmade pumpkins will last until October 31.

A Full Halloween Lineup: Scary Movies, a Nighttime Walk, and More

And while the older students tried not to throw their popcorn into the air in fright as they watched a scary movie that evening in the dining hall—which had been set up to comply with COVID-19 guidelines—the younger students shuddered during their nighttime walk. Ten intrepid Steinmühl students ventured out with two teachers on a tour through the Cappeler Forest—a test of courage, of course, included. Fortunately, everyone arrived home safe and sound after surviving the terrors of the dark forest.

The horrors of the forest were brought directly to the students’ cell phones and tablets through the digital game “Among Us.” The objective of the game: to unmask the sinister enemy “among us” in the fictional space colony in order to save the community. Thrills and fun are guaranteed here as players work to uncover the traitor in their own ranks. This digital reimagining of the classic Werewolf game was a hit with many students and continued to be played even beyond the extracurricular club sessions, right into the dorm groups.

For those who preferred something a little more low-key: a cozy, spine-tingling experience with storytime and puzzles

Those who preferred a more laid-back atmosphere could gather in the gym for “Trick or Treat,” where, while maintaining a safe distance and by candlelight, they could listen to someone read from *Harry Potter*. The more active, unconventional thinkers among the students were invited to take part in “Black Stories”: Two men died at the same time, simply because they wanted to get some fresh air. What had happened? This and other mysteries were solved together.

The biggest mystery for the residents of Steinmühle right now, however, is whether and when a big activity weekend will be able to take place again. But thanks to the creativity of the educators, it will never get boring here, no matter what.

28. October 2020

Fall Break at the Waldhaus: Students Showed Off Their Fitness, Cooking Skills, and Creativity

Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health

Well, what a wonderful coincidence: 14 students spent 14 days of their fall break at the Waldhaus—this combination made it a natural fit to have a different group prepare dinner each day. This not only ensured an interesting variety at the table but also provided a daily opportunity for community and connection.

Supporting the community even in difficult times

Like everyone else, the educational team at Steinmühle’s “Waldhaus” weekend and vacation retreat faced a major challenge during this year’s fall break: offering the students an exciting program while keeping a close eye on the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring their safety.

As a result, in addition to the group cooking nights and game nights, the program for these two weeks focused primarily on outdoor activities and creative workshops:

The students at Steinmühle Boarding School got plenty of exercise at the high ropes course, and the hike to the Frauenberg castle ruins in the Beltershausen area offered, as always, a magnificent view of the Marburg countryside. Even a brief drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits during the activities.

The indoor program was also well-received. Equipped with a projector, popcorn, and a large sound system, movie day was one of the highlights. Sometimes it’s the oldies that are the best: Harry Potter took the top spot in the movie rankings.

Discovering the Art of Woodcarving

Some of the program activities brought out the group’s creative side. Batik-dyeing gym bags revealed a few artistic talents. The Waldhaus staff also provided carving tools and wood and offered initial guidance on how to bring their own ideas to life in wood. These have since evolved into independent projects. Boarding student Shawn took on the challenge of carving a Terminator bust. We can’t wait to see the result…

But of course, vacation fun isn’t complete without some big activities. Since laser tag is a favorite pastime for many young people, the Waldhaus educational team rented a laser tag setup. To offer a change of pace from the usual activities back home, the students were able to let off steam in a variety of ways here, under supervision and with safety precautions in place.

In addition, our classmate Cindy had her big day during the fall break: she turned 18—and of course, that had to be celebrated in style that evening. The break ended on Saturday with a raclette dinner together, to mark our time together with another delicious meal.

The end of vacation is approaching: All boarding school students will gather on Sunday

School will resume on Monday for all students at Steinmühle. Boarding school parents and students were well prepared for their return trip by boarding school director Anke Muszynski. The teachers at Steinmühle will continue the measures that Waldhaus has already implemented during the break: as much safety as necessary to maintain as much normalcy and joy as possible during these times!

18. October 2020

Boarding School Weekend as an Adventure Weekend

Class Trips, Field Trips, and School Outings, Life at Boarding School, News

The first boarding school weekend on the grounds of Steinmühle Boarding School offered a varied program for all 83 students and their teachers: From traditional sports activities to craft projects and moments of intentional relaxation, there was something for everyone. The educational philosophy of Steinmühle Boarding School was fully embraced right from the start of the school year: strengthening community and providing active breaks from the (academic) stress of the week.

The First House Evening: The Living Groups All to Themselves

And so the weekend kicked off on Friday evening with the traditional house night: Each living group plans its evening according to its own preferences. The evening activities reflect the individual interests of the living groups. For example, the guys from the main house let off some steam at the Jump’n Fly trampoline park in Gießen, while the girls and guys from the Hessenhaus preferred to spend a cozy evening at home enjoying a delicious meal. Fueled by pizza on Friday evening, the boys from the Mühle began renovating their common room, while the students from the Biohaus ventured into a colorful wonderland at the 4D black-light mini-golf course in Linden. The Westfalenhaus spent the evening singing and dancing to SingStar and Just Dance in the tea room on the boarding school grounds, while the residents of the Bremerhaus residential group relaxed and let their gaze wander from Landgrave Castle in Marburg across the city and countryside.

A weekend full of adventures

The weekend program for the entire boarding school community was just as varied as Friday’s in-house opening event.

The sports-loving students were able to let off some steam with fitness activities, soccer, baseball, and badminton. On Saturday, the trip to Lake Eder offered a welcome change of scenery from the boarding school grounds. Even though the water level of Lake Eder has dropped significantly in recent weeks and months, it still offered ideal conditions for trying out the seven newly purchased SUPs (stand-up paddleboards). And for those who preferred a classic canoe trip, there was an opportunity on Sunday to paddle down the Lahn River under the guidance of staff, starting directly from the Steinmühle boarding school grounds.

This weekend, the students with a knack for crafts had the opportunity to create vertical gardens or build their own beach bar. The vertical gardens were created using pallets, soil, dirty hands, and small herb plants in the Westfalenhaus garden, where they are accessible to everyone. And on Saturday, the Beach Bar construction project kicked off: On the newly developed Lahn grounds, which feature a professional beach volleyball court, a real beach bar is, of course, a must. And under the guidance of their teachers, the students are building it entirely on their own—from applying the wood primer to the subsequent assembly.

Mindful Relaxation for the Boarding School Community

In addition to opportunities for physical exertion, this weekend also offered intentionally planned moments of respite for both body and soul. The delicious warm brownies baked by the boarding school community’s baking club sweetened Saturday afternoon, and in the evening, enthusiastic students gathered to collect new recipes for “Meat-Free Monday” at the Steinmühle. On Sunday morning, anyone interested could relax and try their hand at making macramé keychains. The journaling session offered moments of deep self-reflection: developing visions, focusing on goals, and becoming aware of one’s strengths and resources. Some students enjoyed this experience entirely on their own, under the guidance of teachers, while sipping tea and listening to relaxing music.

And so, on Sunday evening, those eventful days drew to a close, allowing us to start the new week feeling refreshed and reenergized.

For more photos, feel free to follow our Instagram account @internat.steinmuehle.

7. September 2020

Steinmühle Boarding School’s House Trips: Lots of Caution, but Still Great Fun

Class Trips, Field Trips, and School Outings, Life at Boarding School, News

As part of the annual program, boarding school students set off on what are known as “house trips” immediately after the start of the school year: Each residential group heads to a different destination in Germany together. Reports indicate that this year’s trips were once again a lot of fun. “The ‘Häuserfahrten’ have become an established tradition at our boarding school—a trip that each residential group can effectively use for team-building activities and to get to know one another,” reports boarding school director Anke Muszynski.

Bremerhaus: In the Footsteps of the Vikings

This year, the Bremerhaus traveled to Süsel in Schleswig-Holstein. The stunning location—with Lake Süsel right on the doorstep of the Tannenhöhe youth vacation center and just a few minutes from the Baltic Sea—couldn’t be dampened even by the occasional rain. With the two birthday celebrants, Sarah and Luke, everyone celebrated together in the group room. And as if they were all true Vikings, the students and counselors braved the rain and embraced Viking Day on Friday. “Oars up!” In a traditional boat, the residential group navigated across Lake Süseler after trying their hand at Viking games together, including axe throwing, archery, and Viking chess. On Saturday, the sun came out for a relaxed and playful day at Scharbeutz Beach on the Baltic Sea, which came to a perfect close with a sumptuous barbecue buffet in the evening.

The parent company’s goal: A campground in Heidelberg

Heidelberg is this year’s destination for the residents of the main house. Once there, they headed to a campground and are spending the night in small cabins. A nice touch: there’s virtually no internet reception at the campground. So “digital detox” became the theme of the weekend for the residential group, allowing the students and educators to fully focus on themselves. In the evenings, they also had barbecues at the main house and enjoyed spending time together in a relaxed atmosphere. The highlight of the trip was a visit to the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim. The main attraction there: a Concorde.

Heidepark in the Spotlight at the Hessenhaus

The Hessenhaus group headed toward Hanover: Near the capital of Lower Saxony—which has beautiful, natural spots on its outskirts—they fired up the grill in the evening and chatted. Since there were no other groups staying at the very modern facility at the time, the Hessenhaus group was able to feel completely at home playing soccer and basketball and enjoying the lively evening atmosphere. The group had planned a visit to Heidepark for the next day: endless fun, games, and excitement for the new residential group.

“MS Mühle in the harbor of Lake Wißmar”

The “MS Mühle,” jokingly dubbed the “passenger ship of good cheer,” sailed into the “harbor” of Lake Wißmar near Gießen on Friday. After setting up camp at the campground, firing up the grill was at the top of the agenda. Since Ivo, whose birthday it was, was on board, a little celebration was in order for Saturday.

Other activities planned for the residents of the Mühle: group icebreakers and team-building activities, as well as a visit to “Jump & Fly” in Linden. After a cozy evening and a quiet morning, the soccer fans in the residential group were looking forward to watching the Champions League final after a manageable 30-kilometer trip back.

Westfalenhaus: “Being a Kid Again”

The Westfalenhaus headed to the tried-and-true group house in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia, which used to be a school. On the grounds, various games proved to be the perfect way to pass the time before everyone could satisfy their appetites at the long-awaited barbecue and the evening came to a close around the campfire. The “Wunderland Kalkar” amusement park served as an attractive highlight of the weekend together—with attractions for all ages, “not only to get our adrenaline pumping, but perhaps also to simply be kids again for a while.”

Biohaus: Getting to Know and Trust Each Other

For the youngest house at the Steinmühle boarding school, the focus was clearly on age-appropriate, relaxed, and fun team-building and trust-building activities. So this year, the Biohaus headed to Düsseldorf for an overnight stay at a youth hostel and a visit to a climbing park that is part of the Alpenpark Neuss. Climbing as a group activity: As a true team, the students overcame their fear of heights together; guided by the experienced team of educators, the younger students motivated one another throughout the climbing course and, in the process, grew together into a real group.

24. August 2020

Outdoor Reception: A Warm Welcome to the New Boarding School Residents!

Life at Boarding School, News

How fortunate that the outdoor facilities on the Steinmühle campus are so spacious. And how wonderful that the weather was so perfect on the day the boarding students arrived. As a result, restrictions, social distancing, and hygiene measures did not dampen the welcome afternoon on Sunday before school began. Instead of gathering in the dining hall as usual, the new boarding students and their families took their seats at flower-adorned tables outdoors—well sheltered from the warm sun and treated to a cake buffet set up by the kitchen team, complemented by cold drinks and fruit. Soft music played in the background.

“We’d like to introduce our team,” said boarding school director Anke Muszynski as she welcomed the 23 new students and their families.

Parents—and in some cases grandparents and many siblings—had traveled with the students to get a feel for Steinmühle Boarding School. The system in the residential groups has also been changed: Steinmühle Boarding School now relies on a mixed-age structure, so that students in grades 7 through 13 live under one roof. The residential group in the Steinmühle Biohaus is an exception; there, the very young students live together among themselves.

Steinmühle is an international company

China has long been a common country of origin for students at Steinmühle Boarding School. This is also the case this school year. However, places were also eagerly filled by children and teenagers from the United States, France, Switzerland, and Russia. Many parents from all regions of Germany also chose to send their children to Steinmühle Boarding School. “We know our son is in good hands here,” explained one father.

The students and families who have been familiar with Steinmühle Boarding School for some time greatly appreciate this professional care. When the “long-time” residents began arriving at 3:00 p.m., there was great joy at seeing the staff and fellow residents again, while saying goodbye to their families was more of a routine matter. By 6:00 p.m. at the latest, family members had to begin their journey home.

Only time will tell how the start of the school year will actually go under the current COVID-19 regulations; “But we are confident.” That same evening, the children and teenagers received a briefing on the current COVID-19 safety guidelines for the start of the school year.

The number of new students equals the number of graduates

But there is also news that is entirely positive. After more than 20 students graduated from Steinmühle Boarding School at the end of the school year, 23 children and teenagers have already been admitted for the 2020–21 school year: “We were able to guide our graduates safely through the Abitur despite the pandemic. The fact that we had practically the same number of new admissions speaks volumes about Steinmühle.” Several new employees who have chosen Steinmühle Boarding School as their employer are sending the same positive signal. They are strengthening the educational team in the residential groups.

These encouraging updates are complemented by the news that tablets are now available for every teaching team. This ensures that Steinmühle students in the tablet classes receive the best possible support. At the same time, this measure advances the ongoing process of digitization.

Despite all the challenges, Steinmühle Boarding School is looking forward to the new school year and is confident that together, we will overcome all obstacles!

Steinmühle Boarding School is extremely confident that it can fully meet the challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A role model for the students is the graduating class, which left the boarding school at the end of the school year. They did not allow “Corona” to limit their performance.

18. August 2020

High School Prom at the Boarding School

Events & Celebrations, Life at Boarding School, News

Farewell Ceremony for High School Seniors and high school graduates against a cinematic Hollywood backdrop

On June 20, the big day had finally arrived. After 13 years of school and the rigors of the Abitur exams, which took place under very unusual circumstances, the “school” chapter finally came to an equally special end for the class of 2020. After it had long seemed as though SARS-CoV-2 would ensure a quiet and subdued farewell—after all, the school’s graduation parade, the school’s graduation ball, and all other festivities had to be canceled—it was all the more delightful that an in-house graduation ball could be organized on the boarding school’s own sports field. Not only did this ensure compliance with social distancing rules, but it also provided the setting for a farewell ceremony that our graduating seniors undoubtedly deserved.

What began weeks ago as a stopgap measure ultimately turned out to be an absolute stroke of luck and a unique event that will remain an unforgettable memory for all guests, all high school graduates, and the entire teaching staff at Steinmühle.

An elaborate production

Right from the start, the guests were treated to a sight that left many of them in awe. The flawless planning (thanks once again to Luise Schneider and Celina Traser) and the incredibly thoughtful and elaborate staging by Edeltraud Buurman created breathtaking impressions even before the evening had officially begun.

Under the open sky, nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings on the outskirts of Marburg and with the setting sun casting its glow over the treetops of the adjacent forest, the guests were treated to a backdrop that felt more like the set of a Hollywood movie than a high school prom. With pleasant summer temperatures, the atmosphere that emerged could not have been better planned and more than lived up to the occasion.

Graduation Ceremony for the High School Seniors

Inspired by this unique setting, the guests enjoyed pleasant conversations while savoring the culinary delights of the barbecue buffet prepared by our kitchen team, sipping the occasional cool drink, and taking in the evening’s program—which had been planned by our “Abis.” In addition to the young ladies’ grand entrance in ball gowns, musical performances, and the equally skillful and humorous hosting by our “Abis,” the official send-off for the graduating class was the highlight of the evening.

When, in true “” style and in keeping with the school’s tradition, each high school graduate was bid farewell with a personalized tribute—some very funny, some very emotional—that captured the wonderful memories that had been created over the course of so many years, and it wasn’t just the graduates who shed a few tears.

On the banks of the Lahn, all the participants celebrated and danced to the music of a DJ well into the early hours of the morning, when the prom finally came to an end.

Thank you very much for your support

In closing, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this evening: Without the dedication of Edeltraut Buurman, Till Buurman, the entire kitchen team, and the many volunteers, this wonderful finale would not have been possible.

One last time, the entire teaching staff at Steinmühle Boarding School would like to thank our graduating seniors. Not just for this evening, but also for all the wonderful moments that led up to it and that we’ve shared together over the past few years. Good luck on whatever paths may lie ahead of you. Take care—and see you at next year’s Fall Festival. We’re looking forward to it…!

9. July 2020