LK 12 History Presents an Exhibition on Resource Justice

, , , ,

“Poor Despite Wealth” is the title of the traveling exhibition organized by the Motivés association, which was set up yesterday by the 12th-grade advanced history class on the upper floor of the main building. In addition to showcasing selected raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, palm oil, and gold, the exhibition also addresses the topic of the ecological footprint.

 

Trade Relations Embedded in Power Structures

A total of 12 roll-up banners illustrate how today’s trade relations are embedded in historically established power structures and continue to lead to significant inequalities in terms of control, access, and use of global resources. The exhibition explores the struggles over land, human rights, and dignified living conditions that accompany the extraction and processing of these raw materials. It also examines questions of global resource justice, resistance, and options for action available to each individual.

As teacher Ines Vielhaben noted, the exhibition will be on display at the Steinmühle for six weeks and will hopefully spark stimulating discussions during class and recess.

🚀Steinmühle live at the Education Days in Munich on January 26!

, ,

Just like last year, we’ll be attending the Education Fair in Munich in 2025. Anyone interested in a boarding school spot at Steinmühle and who would like to get to know us better is cordially invited to come talk with us.

We are offering appointments for no-obligation consultations during the educational days at the Literaturhaus München on Sunday, January 26 (between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) or at the “Scandic München Macherei” hotel all day on Saturday, January 25.

➡️If you’re interested, please send us an email at internatsleitung@steinmuehle.de or call our boarding school director, Anke Muszynski (01590 6584451), to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you all!🤩

Warm regards from Marburg,

Anke Muszynski (Head of the Boarding School), Björn Gemmer (Principal), and Dirk Konnertz (Managing Director)

Information about the training days:

www.bildungstage-muenchen.de

The team decided to purchase the hygiene product dispensers and carried out the plan

To make hygiene products for girls and women available free of charge at Steinmühle, the School Parents’ Council (SEB), the Student Council (SV), and the Friends of the School Association have joined forces. There are now a total of four dispensers, located in the women’s restrooms in the new sports hall, on the first floor of the Atrium, in the Forum, and in the main building. A fifth dispenser is planned for the cafeteria.

Unlike public schools, privately run schools must arrange for the funding and installation of the dispensers themselves. The fact that there is a need for this was evident from the virtually simultaneous initiative by Bianca Zenker, chair of the parents’ advisory board, and the student council. When student council advisor Lisa Braun asked Managing Director Dirk Konnertz about “vending machines” for tampons and other products, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that internal planning for their implementation was already underway.

Bianca Zenker and the School Parents’ Council had already sought input from Principal Björn Gemmer and the general meeting of the school association, chaired by Egon Vaupel, and the response was unanimous: they gave the green light!

 

Funding from the Friends of the School Association

The SEB also reached out to the Friends of the School Association very soon after. Chairwoman Jasmine Weidenbach was immediately convinced and wholeheartedly supported the project.

The two custodians, Oleg and Viktor, quickly installed the equipment after it was delivered. Together with a few students, Lisa Braun took charge of filling the new dispensers; she will keep an eye on them and refill them as needed.
Following a trial period, the plan is to equip all women’s restrooms at the Steinmühle accordingly. The Friends of the Steinmühle Association has already committed to funding this project.

 

Ready for Life After School: Guidance on Housing, Finances, and More

,

WJB gGmbH calls its program for schools “Your Crash Course in Life.” On a December morning, housing, finances, health insurance, and taxes were the dominant topics at Steinmühle—at least for the 13th-grade class. “After all, in a few months, these young people should leave Steinmühle not only with their heads full of school knowledge, but also well-informed about the most important aspects of everyday life,” explained Constanze Oestreicher-Gold, head of the upper school.

For each of the four topic areas, the organizer had invited a local representative to serve as a speaker. A written handout was provided for each topic, questions were welcomed, and case studies were discussed. In workshops on each topic, specific situations were discussed: renting housing and what to keep in mind, income, managing a bank account, family health insurance, pay stubs, and much more.

 

Education Beyond School Subjects

This gave our 95 soon-to-be high school graduates the chance to let their minds wander to other realms, beyond English, German, or math. It allowed them to get a sense of the challenges they will face when they leave Steinmühle this summer.

Did “Future Day” actually help the students navigate topics such as housing, finances, health insurance, and taxes? The 95 students were given the opportunity to answer this question on a feedback form at the end of the event. The evaluations—which could also include suggestions for improvement—were collected by Future Day director Timo Skrobanek at the end of the conference. The next cohort is likely already in the starting blocks, ready to explore these topics that go beyond the classroom curriculum but are relevant to real life.

Promoting Global Learning, Developing Character: Steinmühle is a Round Square Candidacy School

, ,

 

We are delighted that, following an extensive application process, Steinmühle has been accepted as a Candidacy School by Round Square, an international school network. Steinmühle is always interested in finding networks that offer our students new opportunities for personal development and for learning both inside and outside of school, and that promote global and cultural learning. With Round Square, we have now achieved this.

 

What is Round Square all about?

The more than 250 selected member schools form an international network committed to shared educational goals and values as outlined in its mission statement. Round Square sees itself as a pioneer in tolerance, community, and global learning. Schools wishing to join the network are required to incorporate the 6 IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, Service)—which guide the network’s actions—into their school programs. The result is a comprehensive educational program that prepares students for life in a global world.

 

Customized Exchange Opportunities

Steinmühle has already integrated many educational programs designed to implement the IDEALS, which can now be further refined as part of our Round Square membership. In addition, the network offers our students excellent opportunities to experience international learning. This takes place in various ways. First, individual exchange opportunities for students in grades 8–13 are organized through Round Square. The exchange programs are designed to last 2 to 8 weeks—and in some cases even longer—and generally do not involve significant costs beyond flights to the destination country and on-site activities.

 

Social Projects in Developing Countries

In addition, Round Square hosts international student conferences and organizes social projects in developing countries twice a year. Furthermore, membership can enrich everyday classroom life by facilitating authentic interactions with students abroad through joint online meetings and projects. In Germany, six other schools belong to the network: the Gut Warnberg School, the Klosterschule Roßleben, the Landheim Ammersee, the Birklehof, Schloss Salem, and Louisenlund.

Membership initially begins as a two-year “trial period”—during which time the school will have the opportunity to become fully acquainted with Round Square.

The contact person for Round Square is Theresa Großer (photo), the director of the International High School Division at Steinmühle. She is happy to answer any questions (theresa.grosser@steinmuehle.net).

 

Talented female students paint vivid pictures at the 6th-grade reading competition

,

We started the new year with some great news from Grade 6: students Romilda, Carla, Nika, and Tabea successfully participated in the 2024 reading competition for Grade 6 students at Steinmühle. The competition, which takes place at the end of every year, once again showcased the reading skills of our lower school students.

All four of them knew how to bring the characters, the plot, and the atmosphere of their chosen passages to life and captivate their classmates—who were listening from the steps of the open learning area in the Centrum—with their readings. Whether it was about Ms. Honig, Harry Potter and his adversary, the youngest agent Ruby Redfort, or the Three Investigators: Romilda, Carla, Nika, and Tabea delivered impressive performances on Wednesday, December 11, in this second round as well, after having been named “winners” within their classes in the weeks prior.

 

Tabea is launching at the city level

In the end, the so-called “external text”—which the students had to read—proved to be the deciding factor, so the jury—composed of the German teachers Lisa Braun, Dagmar Müller, Nina Merzenich, and Frank Wemme—in consultation with the fellow students invited to help with the evaluation, Tabea Moses from class 6a—selected her by a narrow margin to represent the school in the third round of the competition at the city level, expected to take place in February.
A heartfelt thank you to all the readers and the wonderful audience for the delightful reading moments at Steinmühle, and good luck to Tabea in the next round.🍀

Frank Wemme

At the Steinmühle: One of the largest exercises of the past ten years

,

Fire departments can be called upon not only on New Year’s Eve, but throughout the entire year. For this reason, it is important to be able to carry out the necessary measures as routinely and effectively as possible. One of the largest fire department drills of the past 10 years took place in late November on the campus of the Steinmühle School and Boarding School in the Cappel district.

With a fleet of well over 20 vehicles and more than 70 emergency responders, the Steinmühle schoolyard and the adjacent Steinmühlenweg were filled that evening. Countless flashing lights and uniformed firefighters and emergency medical personnel—an unusual sight in this location. The drill being conducted here simulated an emergency response at the learning center for grades 5 and 6 and the adjacent bilingual elementary school. The simulated scenario: After a celebration by the students on the lowest floor of the building, a fire broke out and spread to the upper floors. According to the scenario, children were in danger, some suffered smoke inhalation, and had to be evacuated.

 

Evacuation Using a Turntable Ladder

Just as they would in a real emergency, firefighters rolled out hoses to fight the “fire” with water from the nearby Lahn River. Paramedics from the Malteser, who arrived with three ambulances, rushed to the scene with their equipment to provide medical assistance. The evacuation wasn’t possible without a turntable ladder. So it was extended and positioned in such a way that the girls and boys could be guided outside by the rescuers as quickly and safely as possible.

 

Various fire departments involved

On site were the fire departments of Marburg-Cappel, Marburg-Mitte, Marburg-Ronhausen, Marburg-Bortshausen, and Marburg-Moischt, as well as the City of Marburg’s incident command team and the Malteser. Also present as exercise observers were the leadership of the Marburg Fire Department, additional executives from the City of Marburg’s Fire Safety Division, and observers from the Malteser. The exercise command center was simulated by an employee of the Marburg-Biedenkopf control center. The youth fire department, the honorary and senior divisions, and individuals from the personal circles of the operational department served as role-players—and, of course, students from the Steinmühle School & Boarding School.

 

The result of a successful collaboration

The impressive fire drill, which lasted just under three hours, is the result of a successful collaboration between the Marburg-Cappel Fire Department—located not far from Steinmühle—and Jonathan Gröb, a teacher at Steinmühle. Gröb is not only a math and physics teacher, but he is also responsible for fire safety at Steinmühle.

 

All in all, the drill is viewed by both sides as a win-win situation. On the Steinmühle grounds, emergency responders encounter a wide variety of buildings, each of which presents different challenges for responding to an emergency. For the students and staff at Steinmühle, the drills conducted in different buildings provide reassurance about what to do in the event of a fire and give them an idea of what might happen if…

Christmas Party at Steinmühle Boarding School Brings the Advent Hustle and Bustle to a Halt

, ,

A lot of preparation put into it with heart and soul, countless details, one final check: Then it’s time for the Christmas party at Steinmühle Boarding School. With around 250 people in attendance, the entire boarding school community celebrated this event, which began in the Forum and concluded with a festive meal in the dining hall. The students showed great enthusiasm and dedication in their task of decorating the entire campus for the holiday. The InnoClub Deko was particularly active in this effort. It was their first event since the club was founded—and they passed with flying colors.

The students entertained their guests with a 75-minute stage program full of variety. Some of those in attendance—including parents—were experiencing the boarding school’s Christmas party for the first time! The relaxed program impressed with its diversity. From classical pieces to self-produced films and dances, there was something for everyone, and the young people were delighted by the high level of appreciation for their performances and arrangements.

After a series of visual and auditory highlights, it was Lukullus’s turn. The festive menu featured goat cheese crème brûlée as an appetizer, followed by a choice of venison goulash or vegetable ragout with potato noodles or croquettes, served with red cabbage and Brussels sprouts. An exquisite chocolate dessert capped off the meal. The Steinmühle kitchen received wonderful feedback and enthusiastic applause as the team lined up for a group photo.

 

A lively atmosphere, animated conversations

To pass the time between courses, the students had organized two Kahoot games, which participants played in groups at their tables. The lively atmosphere and animated conversations were further signs that the parents—some of whom had traveled a long way—were enjoying themselves. The Secret Santa gift exchange organized by the boarding school council provided quite a few little surprises.

 

High Praise for Educational Staff

The boarding school council had high praise for the work of the house teams. The students also expressed their appreciation to the teachers. Boarding school director Anke Muszynski likewise expressed her gratitude to the staff. Among other things, she received the lovely compliment that “this evening brings the hustle and bustle of Advent to a standstill.” After the event, a Christmas party kicked off in the tea room with many cheerful people, featuring fun and dancing that lasted well into the night.

Recognition for Dedication to the Steinmühle School Garden

, , ,

Great news to end the year: In the 2024 school garden campaign organized by the magazine “Mein kleiner schöner Garten” (published by Burda in Offenburg), the team led by teacher María Ramos won a gourmet gift package worth 50 euros from TressBrüder. Principal Björn Gemmer congratulated the team on this prize and the accompanying certificate, which recognized their interest and creativity, and thanked María Ramos for her ongoing dedication to gardening and for participating in the contest.

In fact, we’re all already excited to see what will grow, thrive, and bloom again at the Steinmühle this spring and summer!

 

 

 
12
 
123456

Do you have questions about the school?

School Administration & Management

Björn Gemmer & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-20

schule@steinmuehle.de

Do you have questions about the boarding school?

Boarding School Administration & Management

Anke Muszynski & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-0

internat@steinmuehle.de

Do you have questions about the school?

School Administration & Management

Björn Gemmer & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-20

schule@steinmuehle.de

Do you have questions about the boarding school?

Boarding School Administration & Management

Anke Muszynski & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-0

internat@steinmuehle.de

  • NEWSLETTER
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • WORK AT THE STONE MILL
  • SUMMER CAMPS
  • LEGAL NOTICE
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • CONTACT