News – Page 52 – Steinmühle

No. 1 in the State: Steinmühlen Teams Take Top Honors in Hesse at International Math Competition

At the international “Bolyai” math team competition, Steinmühle emerged as the most successful school in Hesse, with three winning teams across eight high school grade levels! The competition, which originated in Hungary, was held in Germany for the first time in 2014. Even during its first participation, Steinmühle achieved very good results. Now, in its second appearance, the school’s success has skyrocketed.

It’s all about teamwork and outstanding mathematical skills. That’s because participants in the ”
” competition must meet two key requirements: the ability to develop solutions as part of a team of four, while making the most of their exceptional mathematical talents.

In the competition, which was held online due to school closures, participants had to solve 13 problems within 60 minutes.
The problems were available for download at a specific time, and solutions had to be uploaded no later than 60 minutes afterward.

The fact that the competition took place online made conditions more difficult: no opportunity to practice together, no teamwork in a conference room, and time pressure—combined with technical challenges related to uploading and downloading.

Principal Organized 23 Chat Groups

With a total of 23 teams—which Principal Björn Gemmer organized via 23 chat groups on the school’s own “StoneApp”—Steinmühle participated in the competition. It soon became clear that the considerable effort had paid off, as Steinmühle emerged at the end of the day as the most successful school in Hesse, with three winning teams across eight high school grade levels! Second place, with two winning teams, went to “Schloss Hansenberg,” the State of Hesse’s boarding school for gifted students.
Our collection of portrait photos below shows what the state math champions look like:

Top row: Hesse champions in Grade 5, “Steinmühle Team 5” (from left): Alexandra Köller, Flynn Biallas, Johanna Rogosch, Liam Randau. They placed first out of 59 teams across Hesse. Their math teacher is Steffen Ullwer.

Middle row: Hesse’s 7th-grade champions, “Die Mathemagier” (from left): Teresa Dinges, Sophia Rogosch, Jonathan Hundt, Leon Delong (the latter two—the boys—are friends of Teresa and Sophia and attend the Gymnasium Philippinum). They took first place out of 43 teams across Hesse. Their math teacher is Michael Schmidt.

Bottom row: Hesse champions in Grade 8, “Steinmühle Team 8” (from left): Max Preidel, Lukas Zimmer, Mathilda Lambach, Mike Klatt. They took first place out of 38 teams across Hesse. Their math teacher is Eberhard Wieth.

A few additional teams in the top 10

But there were even more successful mathematicians among the participating Steinmühlen students. In addition to the three winning teams mentioned above, the following Steinmühlen teams ranked in the top 10 in their grade levels across Hesse:

Another team from 5th grade: Johannes Denzel, Teo Dohmen, Felix Martens, and Henri Reinhardt. Their math teacher is Eberhard Wieth.
Another team from 8th grade: Franka Preising, Paula Hartmann, and Flora Endres. Their math teacher is Constanze Oestreicher-Gold.
A team from Class 13: Lasse Michel, Nina Brand, Louis Kirschstein, and Till Maier. Their math teacher is Malte Klimczak.

Congratulations to all the participants! We’re so proud of you!

10. April 2021

“Youth Research”: Both Teams Take First Place and Another School Award

Contests & Awards, News, STEM, Talent Development

Once again this year, our teams performed very well at the regional “Jugend Forscht” competition, which unfortunately could only be held online this time.
Given the difficult conditions caused by the pandemic, only two groups competed this year, both of which were supervised by Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf.

Qualification for the State Competition

Just like last year, the team consisting of Joshua Wieder, Morten Köhler, and Benjamin Schul (10th grade) took first place in chemistry. They were able to successfully expand their project on heating pads for ski boots. With the project
With their project “The Ski Boot Problem, Part 2—New Metals, Catalysts, and Oxidizing Agents,” they qualified for the state competition in Darmstadt.
The team received two certificates, as they also won a special prize from Heise Medien: a one-year subscription to “Make,” a magazine popular in the maker scene.

Our photo shows (from left) Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, Morten Köhler, Joshua Wieder, Benjamin Schul, and Principal Björn Gemmer.

“A high level of expertise for someone so young”

In the junior division of “Schüler experimentieren,” Leontin Schmidt, Leonard Berger, and Mats Egbring from 7th grade also took first place in the chemistry category with their project “Nitrate—Is It a Problem in the Lahn, Too? Measurements and Experiments for Removal.” They have thus qualified for the state competition in Kassel.

In addition, Steinmühle won the Hessian School Prize from the “Jugend Forscht” sponsor pool, which is funded by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation.
In the laudatory speech, special recognition was given to the fact that, as in previous years, the students at Steinmühle possess a remarkable level of expertise on their project topics, especially given their young age.

Our photo shows (from left) Leontin Schmidt, Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, Leonard Berger, and Principal Björn Gemmer. Mats Egbring is not in the photo.

Our photo shows the certificate that Steinmühle received as the winner of the Hessian School Award from the “Jugend Forscht” sponsor pool.

8. April 2021

The World’s Happiest People: How Finland Does It

News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

The Finnish education system is considered a model for Europe. Furthermore, the latest “World Happiness Report” recently revealed that the happiest people in the world live in Finland. After all, the report analyzed data from 156 countries!

So what is the Finnish education system all about, given that it sets the course for the lives of young people in Finland? Using Big Blue Button, the Steinmühlen teachers recently attended a presentation by Dr. Laura Hirvi. The director of the Finland Institute in Berlin spoke about the Finnish education system.

Home learning is possible

There are fundamental differences between the Finnish and German school systems: For example, there is no compulsory education. But anyone who thinks this means students aren’t learning is sorely mistaken: “The Finns,” says Dr. Laura Hirvi, “actually learn throughout their lives.” In Finland, the obligation to learn can also be fulfilled at home. Anyone who wishes to do so can apply for home schooling. The acquisition of knowledge actually begins even before school. The country, with its 5.5 million people, already invests heavily in its preschools, which also teach through play.

Comprehensive School Through Age 16

The comprehensive school system for all students between the ages of 7 and 16 is based on a different concept than the one in this country. The goal is to spare young people from having to make early decisions, which is believed to promote equal opportunity. However, this does not prevent students from competing for high Abitur scores. “It is,” says Dr. Laura Hirvi, “a major competition in the upper secondary school.” Meanwhile, digital high school graduation exams are standard in Finland. A 10-week summer break allows for a long respite from the curriculum.

And what about the people in the school community? Dr. Laura Hirvi reports that teachers enjoy a fairly high status. They are held in high regard, their working hours are usually clearly defined, and many are civil servants. However, there is no evidence that students are subject to strict rules. On the contrary, they are encouraged to make their own decisions. And in fact, children in Finland often become independent at an earlier age.

However, there is at least one rule that is simply “set in stone”: From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., all students are provided for, and the shared meal is part of the curriculum. That’s just the way it is. And it cannot be changed by any other decision, such as one made by the parents.

Dr. Laura Hirvi’s presentation took place as part of an Erasmus project on the individualization of learning and development processes, in which Steinmühle is participating together with the teacher training college and the Europaschule Gladenbach.

7. April 2021

First trial run of rapid COVID-19 testing at Steinmühle was a success

News

The Steinmühle was one of the first schools in Marburg to sign up for the COVID-19 rapid testing project. Yesterday it was our turn, and we had the opportunity to test the organizational procedures. More than 300 students were tested for COVID-19 at the Steinmühle under the guidance of staff from the City of Marburg’s nursing pool. The trial run went smoothly, and all students tested negative. A big thank you to the testing team, who organized the process very professionally.
We will now take all necessary steps to conduct regular rapid COVID-19 tests in our in-person classes after the Easter break.

24. March 2021

Former student Vincent Haiges works as a war correspondent

Collaborations & Partnerships, Former Students & Alumni, News, Politics, Business & Responsibility

Images of bombed-out houses, scenes of war, dust, rubble, and ash: The images of Iraq shown on the news are authentic, but they don’t tell the whole story. This country—which is actually rich yet plagued by extreme poverty—has other facets as well. Selfies, hookah, bike races, pool, and excessive drinking under one of Baghdad’s Tigris bridges, where young men gather at night. At night, “at a bearable 35 degrees,” as Vincent Haiges says. People’s lives take place outdoors.

The former student at the Steinmühle boarding school lived in Iraq for two years—first in the north, then in the capital. He also visits other crisis-stricken areas—to touch on sensitive issues, to contribute to global transparency, and to get to know other perspectives. To provide a more complete picture, offer explanations, and share knowledge.

“Freedom comes with responsibility”

After graduating from high school, Haiges went on his first trip; at age 21, he arrived in Morocco. “Tell me about Germany,” he can still hear Mustafa say today. That was the moment Haiges began to become aware of global inequality. But what was he to do with that realization? he asked himself.

He realized that freedom comes with responsibility. Vincent Haiges began his studies in Vienna and London, focusing on conflict studies and international law.

He graduated from the university with a master’s degree in political science. His drive to seek out the world’s hotspots, capture the events through photography, and present them has remained undiminished.

This works well through images, and his documentaries resonate with audiences. A high-profile group of clients in the media sector is interested in what Vincent Haiges brings back to the safety of Central Europe: *Der Spiegel*, Deutsche Welle, *Die Zeit*, and the Goethe-Institut. But foreign publications are also interested: from Japan, Switzerland, and even Al Jazeera. Vincent Haiges also documents events in crisis zones for the UN.

“They were wearing masks— not because of COVID-19″

When the reporter talks about excessive drinking under the Tigris Bridge, he does not intend to downplay the violence and terror in the country. His visit to a maximum-security prison in Mosul, northern Iraq, remains his worst memory. According to Haiges, photos were able to capture what was happening there. “You could see people wearing masks.” “…But not because of COVID-19, but because of the smell of corpses.”

Over time, these experiences have instilled a certain humility in the reporter. Not everyone is cut out to be a crisis reporter, even if they can write or take photographs. It takes the ability to connect with people, a clear willingness to adapt, and a genuine desire to be one of them—at least temporarily. Vincent Haiges learned Arabic and always works with a female colleague who conducts on-site interviews with women—due to the social role of Iraqi women. In their presence, a foreign man is taboo, let alone as an interview subject. Nevertheless, bringing in a local producer and translator—a so-called “fixer”—is a necessity. It’s a system—albeit a manageable one—that must be organized and made to function.

“Let’s not get too at once”

During the lecture at the Steinmühle, Haiges is asked if he ever burns out. He finds peace during necessary breaks at his apartment in Berlin-Kreuzberg—a place whose very name instills respect in many people from the provinces. Some ways to maintain strength and energy are time-honored but still effective, says Haiges: taking breaks, not trying to do too much at once, eating well and sleeping well, and exercising.

His invisible adversary: post-traumatic stress disorder.

Vincent Haiges, born in 1988, still remembers rowing coach Martin Strohmenger as the head of his boarding house. Memories linger on both sides, though their priorities are certainly different today. While the Steinmühlen community began the new year quietly amid the ongoing lockdown, Haiges was preparing for his next mission in January. This time, it was in Europe—Bosnia, near the Croatian border.

He was asked if he would be ready again so soon, and his answer was clear: “Believe in what you’re doing. It’s the most important factor in resilience.”

(Vincent Haiges gave the presentation in December to 13th-grade students, in compliance with pandemic-related regulations. The event was organized by Bernd Hülsbeck, a teacher of politics, economics, and history at Steinmühle.)

2. March 2021

Steinmühle Bilingual Elementary School: New classrooms are fully furnished!

Bilingual Elementary School, News

Over the weekend, our elementary school team, together with the Technical Services department, put in a special shift to help with the move to the new facilities. A big thank you to everyone involved!
It turned out really beautifully. Now we’re hoping that our students will be allowed to return soon and that we can begin in-person classes in these wonderful rooms.

But, as the saying goes: Anticipation is the greatest joy!

1. February 2021

Steinmühle Spreads Love 180 Times – Even the Mayor and HR Are Impressed

Collaborations & Partnerships, News, Social Engagement

It all started with a simple idea: shared joy is double the joy!

The students at the Steinmühle boarding school have also noticed that these vital resources derived from social relationships are currently difficult to access due to the COVID-19 measures. Adolescence is supposed to be characterized by diverse social relationships that can play a particularly important role in the developmental process; however, the many opportunities for social interaction are currently severely limited.

Boarding school educator Francine Olschewski also noticed this growing desire for social interaction and connection among the students at the Steinmühle boarding school. And so the idea was quite simple: By doing something good for others, you might also be doing something good for yourself in the process. From this simple idea by the educator emerged a successful and promising collaboration between the City of Marburg’s “In Würde Teilhaben” project and the Steinmühle boarding school community.

Small Ideas with a Big Impact

The City of Marburg’s project aims to improve the subjective well-being of elderly and very elderly people who are lonely and living in isolation by establishing contact with them. During the run-up to Christmas, surprise packages—known as “encouragement bags”—were put together for this purpose, and the boarding school students contributed to them with homemade cookies and handcrafted Christmas cards.

At first, a handful of students got together and pooled their ideas. It quickly became clear: Our students wanted to do something good for people in need during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. Anyone can bake cookies, and many are creatively talented: so for the “Cheer-Up Bag,” the students wanted to include something delicious and a kind message. “I finally felt like I was doing something meaningful again!” says student Friederike enthusiastically. “Such small things can bring so much joy.”

The entire boarding school community pitches in

The students’ initiative impressively demonstrated that sharing experiences with others can enhance our well-being:
With the support of boarding school counselor Francine Olschewski, this small group of students managed to get every member of the boarding school community to participate in this initiative. As a result, ovens are running hot in all six residential groups as students bake cookies, and even the housekeeping and administrative staff helped design the cards. “I really didn’t think we’d be able to pull this off. But so many people on campus were enthusiastic about the idea that, in the end, we all pulled it off together,” Francine Olschewski reports proudly. In the end, the boarding school community donated 180 bags of cookies and 180 individually designed cards to the “Mut-Mach-Tüte” project.

Mayor Spies and HR document the handover

And because the initiative is so full of compassion and dedication, it was no surprise that Mayor Dr. Thomas Spies wanted to be there to help present the gifts to the project leader. This ultimately even drew Hessischer Rundfunk to the Steinmühlen grounds, where they recorded the students presenting their homemade gifts to project leader Ms. Angela Schönemann. Boarding school student Noah is especially thrilled: “It all started with just a little idea. And now I’m carrying the cookies right alongside the mayor!”

You can listen to the segment from the show HERE .

Endless Commitment – Students Are Motivated

Caught up in the excitement, the students naturally can’t resist taking part in the distribution of the “cheer-up” bags to the elderly. And so, equipped with FFP2 masks, bags of homemade cookies, and handcrafted cards, some students are bringing a little joy to elderly people living alone in Marburg. “I think it’s super cool what you’ve started here. It began with just a little idea, and I’m so touched by the result. This is exactly what older people need right now,” says project leader Angela Schönemann happily.

Three groups of students surprise lonely seniors at their front doors with a socially distanced visit during the pre-Christmas season. A special highlight: Felix, a student who hopes to study music someday, delights and amazes them with spontaneous arias and choral songs right at their front doors.

The reactions are very emotional on both sides: While the elderly express their joy at this spontaneous, lovely surprise with effusive warmth, the students are deeply moved that such a small gesture can bring so much joy. “I can hardly believe how much love is coming our way. I definitely want to keep doing things like this next year!” says student Verena, visibly moved.

Cooperation to Continue – Doing Good in 2021 as Well

Despite all the challenges, the students at Steinmühle Boarding School have already put together a wonderful project this year. Inspired by the heartfelt reactions of the elderly residents, initiator Francine Olschewski and her students are eager to continue the project in 2021. They are planning to establish mentoring relationships and regular contact between young and old. No matter what—the Steinmühle boarding school community will find its own unique way to make this happen in 2021 as well.

23. December 2020

2020 Christmas Party – Celebrating in a Small Group

Events & Celebrations, News

Normally, the Christmas party serves as a major end-of-year event for the entire boarding school: a big celebration where all the boarding students, their parents, and their teachers dine together in the dining hall and then stay up all night—that’s the plan.

But in 2020, nothing really seems “normal” anymore, and so it came to pass that Steinmühle celebrated an early, COVID-safe Christmas in a small group: The individual residential groups spread out across the grounds and made the most of their time together. And while the individual residential groups celebrated on their own, boarding school director Anke Muszynski, together with Steinmühle photographer Till Buurman, enjoyed moving from celebration to celebration and capturing these unique moments.

Westfalenhaus Swings Its Way Back to the 1920s

In the dining hall, the teachers organized a 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner for all the students at the Westfalenhaus: Who could catch the evil gangster? Even though the residents unfortunately didn’t catch the murderer by the end of the game, the party ended up being all the wilder. The students almost managed to dance the night away, if it hadn’t been for the teachers…

The parent company treats itself to a sumptuous meal

The students at the main campus usually make do with pizza during their house evenings, but for the Christmas party, they were treated to something special: The Meier III catering service delivered roast goose in abundance. And anyone who still had the energy after this delicious feast could round out the evening with a cozy get-together playing board games.

Biohaus is showering itself with compliments

The youngest students at the Steinmühle boarding school had the entire gym all to themselves. The boys and girls first let off some steam together before gathering for dinner and wrapping up the evening with a movie and homemade vanilla crescent cookies. The best part was the “compliment round” in between: Here, every student and every teacher had the chance to tell all their housemates in the residential group what they liked and admired about each person. Rumor has it that here and there, a tear of joy was even shed.

Hessenhaus Wonders: How Well Do We Really Know Each Other?

On Saturday evening, the tea room was more beautiful than it had been in a long time. The students and teachers had transformed the room into a little Christmas wonderland. After a few rounds of SingStar and exchanging Secret Santa gifts, things got exciting again: The team of educational directors had come up with some interesting questions about the residential community. Using a digital platform, the students answered the questions and eagerly followed the live rankings as the results were tallied. What color is the office door? And who is the oldest person in the house? In this playful way, the residential community got to know each other even better as the year came to a close.

Bremerhaus Dances the Night Away

After a student opened the evening in style by performing a beautiful piano piece on the grand piano in the opulently decorated room, the celebration continued in a lively atmosphere. As a surprise for the residential group, a bartender whipped up delicious (non-alcoholic) cocktails, making the evening even sweeter for the students. And while some had to take off their shoes to keep dancing, others were running around: Who would get the highly coveted frying pan for cooking in the group kitchen? In the end, the dice decided, and everyone danced together until they were completely exhausted.

Mühle Names the Winner of the Residential Group Competition

The Mühlenjungs recently renovated their common room, so it quickly became clear that the Christmas party would be the perfect occasion for a proper housewarming celebration. The highlight of the entertainment was the residents’ own performances. Ahead of the Christmas party, the guys had agreed on a contest: Who could best showcase the Mühle and its features? The winner was a video by a student who filmed the building with impressive precision using his drone.

And so this year, there were six small Christmas parties instead of one big one. Nevertheless, students and teachers were able to enjoy a wonderful evening together and, within the limits of what was possible, made this evening their own special celebration in their own unique ways.

17. December 2020

Strong Interest in the StoneApp: RTL Hessen Visited the Steinmühle

Collaborations & Partnerships, Digitalization & AI, News

Am 3. Dezember 2020 besuchte uns RTL Hessen. Nach Veröffentlichung des Podcasts bei HR-iNFO hatte auch der Fernsehsender großes Interesse, unsere StoneApp kennenzulernen und vorzustellen.
Entstanden ist ein wirklich sehr schöner Beitrag. Herzlichen Dank an die Reporter Pascal Wede und Tim Ellrich – und großes Kompliment an Aaron, Jan, Eberhard Wieth und Bernd Holly für den perfekten Auftritt!

10. December 2020

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