Steinmühle took second place in the Marburg School Cycling Competition

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With 122 active cyclists, 21,375 kilometers cycled, and 3,462.7 kilograms of CO2 emissions avoided, the Steinmühle team took second place in the Marburg School Cycling Challenge. Tobias Karlein from the school administration team (on the right in the photo) accepted the prize money of 300 euros from Mayor Nadine Bernshausen. As part of the City Cycling campaign, she honored the best schools, the best teams, and the best individual performances—a total distance that is nearly seven times the circumference of the Earth and significantly exceeds last year’s result. With its performance, Steinmühle finished relatively close behind the Gymnasium Philippinum, but well ahead of the kilometers cycled by the third-place Elisabethschule.

We don’t want to keep a secret about which students at Steinmühle pedaled the hardest. In grades 5–8, Anna-Lena Griesler (6c) took first place, Dejan Pavlovic (8a) took second, and Henk Eidam (8a) took third. In grades 9–12, Bruno Schneider (11b) performed the best, taking first place ahead of Marie Grosse (9b) in second and Paula Auschill (12d) in third.

The top-ranked teachers were Marc Bepperling (1st place), Almut Sersch (2nd place), and Matthäus Otte (3rd place).

Hats off to your achievements!

German Duathlon Champion: Paula Auschill Completed Her Set of Medals

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For the third time in a row, Paula Auschill, a 2005 graduate of Steinmühlen School, made it to the podium in her sport: After winning silver in 2021 and bronze last year, she claimed the title at the German Duathlon Championships in the junior women’s division. This marks the greatest success of her athletic career to date.

A 2.5-kilometer run—a 20-kilometer bike ride—a 5-kilometer run. That was the course for the competition in Halle an der Saale, which drew athletes from all over Germany. “I didn’t really expect to win,” Paula recalls. However, she had trained hard and was in top form that day. She handled the challenging course—with climbs and descents of up to 12 percent—well during the cycling segment. This allowed her to confidently prevail over her two toughest competitors from North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein.

Paula, who started out at VfL Marburg but now trains at ASC 1990 Breidenbach, dedicates eight to ten hours a week to training. She says she feels a strong sense of camaraderie with the others there, “because the whole thing is supposed to be fun, after all,” she says. She’s happy about the support her parents give her for her sport. As a triathlete himself, Paula’s father knows firsthand what it’s like to test one’s strength in competition. Otherwise, the athlete—who has chosen advanced math as an elective—sees her intense hobby as a balance to her studies. “I’m not really a ball sports person.” Dear Paula, we at Steinmühle are convinced that you’ve done everything right and wish you continued success across the board. We’re definitely keeping our fingers crossed for you!

Spring Run at the Boathouse: Classes 5a and 6b were the first to cross the finish line

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It wasn’t too warm, nor too cold—and the rain had just taken a break. Perfect conditions for the spring run for grades 5 and 6, which, like other events, had seen its long-standing tradition interrupted by the pandemic. The course around the boathouse and its surrounding grounds challenged the students both as individual runners and as classes. Steinmühlen teacher Nicole Scholtes, together with several colleagues, ensured that everything was well organized and ran smoothly on site. A huge compliment to all the students! You did a great job! Here are the results in detail:

 

5th Grade, Girls’ Individual Competition

  1. Margarete Rothmann (5:12)
  2. Köller, Anna (5:37)
  3. Platz, Kirschning, Sophia (5:48)

5th Grade, Boys’ Individual Competition

  1. Konrad Wagner Square (4:57)
  2. Lars Dittrich (5:04)
  3. Place: Jaden Vogel (5:09)

6th Grade, Girls’ Individual Competition

  1. Marlene Wagner (5:10)
  2. Lisa Petri (5:24)
  3. Mira Vienken (5:26)

6th Grade, Boys’ Individual Competition

  1. Aaron Stübner (4:50)
  2. Ben Borawski (4:58)
  3. Curt Jonas Mierisch (5:00)

5th Grade, Relay Race

  1. 5th place (3:57)
  2. 5th place, section c (3:58)
  3. 5th place (4:01)
  4. 5th place (b) (4:09)

6th Grade, Relay Race

  1. 6th place (b) (3:37)
  2. 6th place, section c (3:38)
  3. 6th place (3:44)

Steinmühlen Rowers on Track for the Olympics: Outstanding Performances in the Double Sculls Pave the Way for Marc Weber to the European Championships

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The Steinmühlen rower’s goal is to qualify for the Olympics

That’s quite an achievement: With a five-second lead, Steinmühlen rower Marc Weber and his partner Jonas Gelsen from the Nassovia Höchst Rowing Club clearly and confidently held off their opponents at the mid- and large-boat trials on the regatta course in Hamburg-Allermöhe. They had already won two out of two races on Saturday, so they didn’t even have to compete on Sunday. “With this victory in the qualifying round, the team has qualified for the European Championships in four weeks and will aim to secure an Olympic berth at the World Championships,” explained coach Martin Strohmenger.

“We were both a little nervous before the competition,” says Marc Weber. “After reviewing our ergometer results and our performance at the German Small Boat Championships in Brandenburg two weeks ago, we wanted to see where we stood,” he explains. “We managed to take a clear lead in the first race and also take the lead in the second race. If we do well at the European Championships as well—which I hope we will—then we can secure our spot and get the ‘go-ahead’ to qualify for the Olympics at the World Championships.”

 

“The support from Steinmühle helps me keep my head clear”

Marc Weber, for whom the weekend in Hamburg had been sunny—and not just in terms of the weather—said: “I’m very happy. We’re making great strides right now; we’re on the right track and moving very fast.” The athlete extended a big thank you to Steinmühle and to everyone there who supported him without making a big deal out of it. Weber: “I feel very well taken care of; my mind is clear. The Rudern und Sport Steinmühle club, along with the Steinmühle School and Boarding School, deserve a great deal of credit for helping us achieve significant success across Germany.”

High praise for their new recruit, Marc Weber—U23 World Champion in the single sculls (2019) and 2019 Athlete of the Year in Hesse—was in turn

Steinmühlen management, school administration, and the board of the Rudern und Sport Steinmühle association. “We would be delighted if this journey continues on an international level. We will continue to support this effort.”

 

Off to the Zillertal: A Ski Trip to the Steinmühle

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Just like last year, Steinmühle organized a ski trip. A total of sixteen students, accompanied by two teachers from the boarding school, set off for the beautiful Zillertal in Austria to spend a few exciting days on the slopes.

The Hochzillertal and Hochfügen ski resorts, which have been connected for more than ten years, offer world-class skiing at the entrance to the Zillertal. From the main entrance in Kaltenbach—where our ski trip participants were also staying—the lifts and runs extend up to nearly 2,400 meters, ensuring reliable snow conditions well into April. Skiing here therefore offers the perfect vacation experience for every taste. The students experienced this firsthand when they ventured onto the snow-covered slopes.

The Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach ski resort was just a few minutes away by ski bus. Whether they were seasoned skiers or eager beginners, the wide variety of runs meant that all participants could have fun at their own skill level. Those with absolutely no prior experience were able to learn the basics of skiing with the help of boarding school instructor Patric Hahn and gradually improve from there. Others ventured straight onto the difficult slopes and showed off their skills.

This time, the weather offered a colorful mix of sun, clouds, and wind. But even when fog limited visibility, the skiers didn’t let that dampen their spirits, of course. Instead, Patric said, “Bad weather makes for good skiers. ;-)”

The students were so motivated, however, that the group set off for the slopes at seven in the morning—at the students’ request. To offer even more variety, this time they also had the chance to try snowboarding.Various smaller challenges that the students set for themselves also sparked a lot of enthusiasm.

If you go skiing, you’ve got to eat well, too. We cooked for ourselves in the mornings and evenings. In addition to pasta Bolognese, the menu also included classic pizza, among other things. After washing the dishes together, the students took advantage of the accommodations’ amenities for cozy game nights. The exhausting days quickly took their toll, though, leaving most of them so worn out that many went to bed early to be ready for the next morning. Despite all the physical exertion that a day on the slopes entails, there was never a shortage of fun. A particularly amusing situation arose when some students rolled through the snow on their skis.

“We’ll definitely be back next year!”

As the students made their way home, they also expressed a desire to go skiing twice a year. With big smiles on their faces, they arrived at the boarding school late in the evening and excitedly recounted their experiences from the past few days. One thing is certain: a ski trip will once again be on the Steinmühlen calendar in 2024 so that we can make the most of the upcoming winter season. We’re already looking forward to it!

 

Recertification as an Environmental School: Steinmühle even excels in the “supreme discipline”

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Steinmühle began 2023 as a recertified “Hessian Environmental School.” The award was presented jointly by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Education “for a school’s exceptional commitment to environmental education and education for sustainable development.”

During a festive ceremony, Angelika Schichtel from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection and Silke Bell (State Coordinator for Hessian Environmental Schools and Specialist Advisor on Education for Sustainable Development at the Hessian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs) presented the award to Steinmühle. This was reported by Carmen Bastian, the environmental officer at Steinmühle.

“Eco-School”—What Is This Award For?

The “Environmental School—Learning and Acting for Our Future” award recognizes a school’s exceptional commitment to environmental and ecological education. With this award, the two ministries honor improvements in the quality of instruction and school life in line with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

The fact that this is precisely the direction in which Steinmühle is currently focusing its efforts made the application for recertification a perfect fit.

In Action Area I—the sustainable redesign of the school grounds—measures related to nature conservation and the promotion of biodiversity were highlighted. These included the maintenance and expansion of the orchard meadow—we have already reported on this several times in our Steinmühlen media.

AG School for Earth as the “supreme discipline”

In Action Area II—the implementation of the concept “Education for Sustainable Development in Everyday School Life”—the application highlighted the founding of the “School for Earth” working group, led by Steinmühlen teacher Ines Vielhaben. This impressed the certifying officials, who, upon presenting the certificate, described this activity as a “pioneering flagship initiative” and wished the school much success in its continued implementation. In its yearbook, the school once again explicitly highlighted the spirit of optimism at Steinmühle and noted that the work of the “School for Earth” student group had led to a clear mandate to focus even more explicitly on ecology and sustainability. The focus is on the prioritized areas of nutrition, heating energy, electricity, waste management/cleaning, and mobility.

In this context, Steinmühle will be launching several additional initiatives in the near future. There are already numerous projects that have been implemented in the areas mentioned. The school garden, a water dispenser, the mobile chicken coop, sustainable building technology, energy-efficient renovations, solar and hydroelectric power, and participation in the “Schulradeln” competition are just a few examples.

“Happiness is the only thing that doubles when you share it” — Mental Health Theme Weekend at the Boarding School

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It’s raining. The Steinmühle is shrouded in a gray haze; it’s wet and cold. The sun rarely peeks out from behind the clouds. That makes it all the more important to take good care of your well-being during this gloomy time of year.

And that is exactly what the educational team and the Steinmühlen student body did during the mental health-themed weekend. These themed weekends take place regularly at the boarding school and are becoming increasingly popular among the boarding school community. In preparation, the educational team conducts extensive research on the respective topics and develops a customized program for Steinmühle. Creative, athletic, and playful activities are designed to help students develop an awareness of their mental well-being. The methods they learn can provide support during stressful everyday situations or challenging life phases. The theme of this weekend was “happiness.”

“Happiness is the only thing that doubles when you share it.”
Albert Schweitzer, physician and philosopher (1875–1965)

“What is happiness?” “Am I happy?” “How can I become happy?” “What can I do to feel happier?” These are big questions that certainly cannot be fully answered in a single weekend and that often require a personal approach. But the educational team did everything they could to provide the students with valuable insights and strategies for everyday life. To this end, the boarding school invited two experts whose workshops made the weekend exciting and varied.

“Communication That Brings Happiness” by Elke Behrendt

“Hi everyone, I’m Elke.” With her approachable manner and her strong, positive presence, Elke Behrendt made an immediate good impression and left people eager to learn more. Elke Behrendt is an independent skills trainer who provides high-quality coaching. She supports companies and individuals very successfully and with a great deal of passion. “With my authenticity, passion, empathy, and experience, I champion the ‘opportunities’ that arise amid constantly changing social and economic conditions. Breaking new ground and encouraging others to do the same is what drives me.”

Elke Behrendt also wants to encourage the students at Steinmühlen: “Being happy is a conscious decision you can make.” With this simple statement, the trainer highlights that a happier life is possible through one’s own positive efforts. In her workshops, she gave the students some amazing tips on how to create a more positive overall situation simply through communication.

“Healthy Snacks That Make You Happy”

Sunday kicked off with a session led by nutritionist Stephanie Hartlieb. She led a workshop in which she first discussed the topic of nutrition and explained which foods can lead to greater well-being and which can lead to less. Theory was followed by practice, and the students made their own healthy snacks that could hold their own against chips and chocolate. Everyone was amazed at how quickly and easily delicious snacks could be prepared.

In addition to the workshops, there were other activities on the topic of happiness, which were well received. In the end, everyone agreed: It was a successful themed weekend that will linger in some people’s minds for a long time to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alcohol Prevention Project for 8th Graders: “Hackedicht – You’re Better Off Without It”

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On October 17, the alcohol prevention project “Hackedicht – besser geht’s dir ohne” took place once again for 8th-grade classes. Every year, as part of this project, 8th-graders learn about the basic effects of alcohol on our bodies.

Dr. Birgit Wollenberg, director of the Public Health Department in the Marburg-Biedenkopf district, provided the students with a wealth of information on the relevant topics during the first part of the project: the effects of alcohol on the body, responsible alcohol consumption, alcohol addiction, and its consequences.

In the second part, the activity took on a more practical focus: using “drunk goggles” that simulate the effects of alcohol intoxication, the students learned that even simple tasks—such as sorting small objects or playing ball games—can become very difficult when under the influence of alcohol. Photos were also taken during this activity. In addition, they discussed the topic of “peer pressure and alcohol.”

In general, this two-hour project aims to raise students’ awareness of the issue and, among other things, help them understand the consequences of drinking alcohol at too young an age.

Grades 3–4 and 5–6 can try out judo

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The boys and girls in grades 5 and 6 are excited: It’s about to begin. But first, they need to get ready: “Take off your jewelry, watches, and earrings,” calls out Yves Pasquay, the coach. In the new judo class, he wants to start by practicing falls with the students. It’s the second training session.

They can do judo just like the big kids—the boys and girls took to the mat with certain images in their minds. It’s called the “trial phase,” and it’s been offered weekly since November 1 through Christmas—including for third and fourth graders. “Chin to your chest and roll backward,” Yves wants to see. The exercises are going great. Everyone is having fun.

“New gym—new sport.” Dirk Konnertz, principal of Steinmühle School, is delighted with the new program at Steinmühle, which he planned together with Markus Zaumbrecher, the judo coach at Blista. This is only possible through cooperation: “We built the new gym for ourselves and our partners, and offering judo to our students is a project close to our hearts.”

Yves Pasquay is a children’s and youth coach in the judo division of the Sportfreunde Blau-Gelb Marburg club. The club is also home to the state training center “Judo for the Visually Impaired and Blind,” where Yves also serves as a coach. “The fact that we can benefit from his skills is a huge advantage for us,” says Konnertz. “Sportfreunde Blau-Gelb trains at the Steinmühle alongside the Unified team and several girls’ teams. It’s a win-win situation.”

 

A sport for boys and girls

The children are fascinated by this Japanese martial art. There are roughly equal numbers of boys and girls. They’re learning a judo roll and how to break their fall. Special attention is given to “professional leg sweeps.” They’re also practicing the hold. Pinning the training partner to the ground simulates victory over the “attacker”—the goal has been achieved.

The young martial artists quickly get the hang of how best to practice. Yves is in charge of the details and the finishing touches; he provides guidance, offers help, and shares tips. In the blink of an eye, the class is already over. The second day of judo practice is over. See you again next week! Meanwhile, the 3rd and 4th graders are already getting ready in the locker rooms. They, too, are looking forward to their second practice session.

 

Interested in judo? Just stop by!

Until Christmas, students in grades 5 and 6 at Steinmühle can still come to the new gym on Tuesdays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. for a judo trial session. The trial sessions for grades 3 and 4 run from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Anyone who enjoys the sport can continue participating; professional gear will be required later on.

 
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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

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