We ask for your understanding that—as we already announced at both information sessions—we are no longer able to schedule any further appointments for admission interviews.

The members of DIV—The Boarding School Association—were delighted to accept the invitation to the Steinmühle in Marburg. “The Boarding School Association” is an alliance of sixteen renowned boarding schools in Germany and Switzerland. The association’s boarding schools are united by a long shared tradition and collaboration. In addition to intensive cooperation in the areas of education and continuing education, research, and public relations, the central shared goals of the member boarding schools include actively promoting innovative boarding school pedagogy and developing a specific quality management system for boarding schools with a distinctive educational focus.

The DIV conference began on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Forum’s lobby. Students enrolled in the elective “Catering” course provided refreshments for the guests, and the Steinmühlen jazz band “The Suited” provided musical entertainment during the reception.
Following the official welcome by DIV Chairman Dr. Rolf Warnecke and DIV Executive Director and Academic Director Dr. Inga Pinhard, Mr. Gemmer and Mr. Lange gave a brief introduction to Steinmühle. Afterward, students from the boarding school gave the guests a tour of the grounds and showed them around the facilities. The first day concluded with a lecture by Prof. Sabine Andresen of the University of Frankfurt on the topic “Boarding School as an Opportunity,” in which she discussed the educational potential of boarding schools.

On the mornings of the second and third days, the DIV held its general meeting. The focus was on the new “Framework Concept for Quality Management in Boarding Schools.”
Two speakers were invited to lead parallel workshops on Friday afternoon. The presentations addressed the topics “Boarding Schools Can Offer More Than All-Day Schools” and “The Digital Boarding School.” The content of both presentations was the subject of lively discussion in the workshops. This allowed the individual participants to exchange valuable experiences and learn from one another.

The exchange of ideas and constructive discussion on topics important to all members provide valuable impetus for educational work in boarding schools and, furthermore, lay the foundation for a repositioning of boarding school education in Germany. Close cooperation and open communication foster a culture of trust and dialogue. Finally, the participants agreed to significantly strengthen joint lobbying efforts for our boarding schools in the future.

On Saturday, September 27, 2014, at 3:00 p.m., the school and boarding school administration welcomed their guests under bright sunshine for the traditional fall festival at the Steinmühle.

Looking Back:
For days now, the grounds have been a hive of activity. Pavilions are being set up, performances are being rehearsed, and class booths are being prepared. The smell of fresh baked goods wafts through the dorms. Preparations for the 43rd Fall Festival are in full swing.
“The Autumn Festival tradition dates back to 1971, when we celebrated together for the first time,” says Edeltraud Buurman. “We wanted to create a suitable setting where alumni could reunite once a year at ‘their’ Steinmühle. That idea was the origin of the Fall Festival as we celebrate it today.”
This year, the alumni from the class of 1974 had planned to arrive at 11 a.m. They were warmly welcomed by Edeltraud Buurman in the festively decorated tea room. After the welcome, they set off on a tour of the grounds.
“It’s been 40 years since we graduated —I can’t believe it!” remarked one of the graduates. On the steps of the main building, Ms. Buurman asked the excited group to pose for the obligatory commemorative photo. As the tour continued, everyone reminisced: “My boarding school career began right here in the main building; I was in the Sexta back then, and now it feels like I’m coming home.” After an extensive tour of the impressive grounds, all the alumni agreed: “We’re moving back in! What do you think of a multigenerational boarding school?”
As the day went on, the Steinmühle filled up, and many old acquaintances were spotted.
Over culinary delights and a varied program, everyone enjoyed the reunion and had plenty of exciting stories to share. The day flew by, and the group laughed and celebrated together late into the night. A big thank you to everyone who once again made our celebration so special! See you next year!

 

 

 

As has been the case almost every year for the past five decades, students, parents, teachers, alumni, and numerous guests celebrated their fall festival in traditionally pleasant late-summer weather with an entertaining program that, together with music from the StoneMill House Band, the brass ensemble, the Wever Singers, and the Couch-Potatoes, as well as the usual culinary delights, ensured plenty of conviviality.

This year, Steinmühle enjoyed an exceptionally high level of popularity. The two principals welcomed four of their predecessors, who were impressed by the progress made at “their Steinmühle.”

The big hits in this year’s Fall Festival program, in addition to the “Beat Lucas” Ergometer Competition, the Climbing Wall in the gym, the Waveboarding, the Obstacle Course, and that Vaulting and Pony Rides.

There was plenty of activity at the Rudern und Sport (RuS) club’s booth. To give visitors a glimpse into the winter training routine of the active members, the participation in the “Ergo Cup” , and the female and male participants with the best times ultimately competed against RuS top rower Lucas Schäfer, a member of the World Championship squad, on the ergometer. Participants who achieved good results took home T-shirts and other prizes as souvenirs.

The highlight of this year’s festival, however, was the opening of the new adventure playground, which was built during the summer break (the OP reported on this on September 25, 2014). The students were now officially allowed to take possession of the many new pieces of equipment and play areas surrounding their “old climbing spider.” With the creation of this adventure park, Steinmühle, with its cultural and mathematics and natural sciences track as well as the importance of sports for the school.

The christening of a new boat named “Black Pearl” was performed by City Councilwoman Dr. Kerstin Weinbach. The 11,000-euro racing boat, financed by donations, public funding, and funds from the fledgling club, is another step toward completing the club’s fleet. In light of the significant growth in membership and the increasing success of our rowers, this investment ensures we have the right boats to meet our needs.

Many former students made their way to the Steinmühle again this year. They gathered in the evening to celebrate late into the night.

The first weekend after summer break at Steinmühlen Boarding School is themed “Getting to Know Each Other.” The five dormitories organize their house outings in very different ways, based on the individual preferences and passions of their residents.

Hessenhaus

“Why wander far away…

“… when what’s good is so close?” In that spirit and in keeping with old tradition, the Hessenhaus stayed in beautiful Marburg again this year. Despite the cold, the get-to-know-you weekend kicked off on Friday with a large ice cream sundae.

On Saturday morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Right after that, we headed to the Volksbank Climbing Gym in Marburg for the climbing and bouldering class. After a brief introduction and expert guidance on setting up safety gear, we headed straight to the climbing wall—a challenge that everyone tackled with lots of fun and enthusiasm.

So, with trembling arms and smiles on our faces, we headed into downtown Marburg to stroll around and relax. Inspired by the previous day’s experiences, Sunday was also filled with physical activity, and everyone enthusiastically tried out the fantastic new fitness course in the schoolyard. As the day went on, the other houses gradually trickled back to the Steinmühle and were cheerfully welcomed by the Hessenhaus.

Mill

“Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin!”

The residents of the mill love a sporting challenge. So, despite a few traffic jams, they bravely and cheerfully made the nearly 480-kilometer journey. Once they arrived in Berlin-Charlottenburg, they first explored the hostel and the surrounding area.

The main program began on Saturday with a walk steeped in history, starting at Potsdamer Platz, passing through the Brandenburg Gate, and ending at Alexanderplatz, taking in sights such as the Pergamon Museum, the Cathedral, and Museum Island. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, the group headed to the Hackesche Höfe in the evening. On the outskirts of the government district, the group strolled through this venerable part of Berlin-Mitte and enjoyed an exquisite dinner in the elegant atmosphere of the restaurant “12 Apostel.”

Despite the change in route, the return trip on Sunday wasn’t traffic-free either, but everyone agreed: “It was worth it!”

Bremerhaus

“Let’s go to the Sauerland!”

For this year’s staff trip, the Bremerhaus headed to the tranquil town of Winterberg in the Sauerland region. Although Winterberg really comes into its own during the winter months, it is also a very attractive destination in the fall.

The women from Bremen really got their money’s worth, especially at the “Fort Fun” amusement park. They completely ignored adverse conditions like thick fog and gray skies. In high spirits, they happily rode the roller coaster over and over again. Exhausted and frozen to the bone, the eventful day came to a cozy close by the fire. Over delicious grilled sausages and potato salad, they shared stories of the day’s adventures.

Headquarters

“Cologne – Rhine Kilometer 681”

The main group set off for Cologne on Friday. They stayed at the Berger campground at Rhine kilometer 681. So the first order of business was to settle in and explore the area. During their explorations, the students made an unusual discovery: a message in a bottle. As soon as they uncorked it, the bottle revealed its owner/sender: Antonia, age 6. It was a matter of honor for the main group to write Antonia a reply.

No sooner had they woken up than they headed straight to the “Aqualand” water park on Saturday morning. They thoroughly tested the countless slides, pool areas, and relaxation zones.

The evening wrapped up with a barbecue and a cozy get-together. Of course, a quick foray into Cologne’s (night)life was a must.

Westfalenhaus

“Of Westphalia and Nature Lovers”

This year, the Westfalenhaus trip took us to the “Naturfreundehaus” in Villmar an der Lahn. Though initially a bit taken aback by the remote location and the lack of cell phone reception, the students quickly learned to appreciate the seclusion and enjoyed the tranquility of nature. They settled into their rooms, and the grill was fired up for a hearty and delicious dinner. With their bellies full, the Westphalians paid a quick visit to the fair in Villmar and, after a long day, happily fell into their wooden beds.

The next day, we headed to the “Kubach Crystal Cave.” Equipped with bright yellow safety helmets, we descended into the depths. During the expert-led tour, we learned many interesting facts about how crystals form and marveled at the glittering underground world. After climbing a total of 900 steps, we took the buses to Weilburg for some shopping and sightseeing.

Back at the lodge, many of them relaxed with a short nap and looked forward to dinner together. Well-fed, they gathered in a cozy circle by the fireplace of the Naturfreundehaus, which had by then become dear to them.

After a leisurely Sunday breakfast with plenty of treats, we headed back to Marburg, tired but satisfied. To wrap up the get-to-know-you weekend, all the houses gathered in the Steinmühle dining hall for dinner together.