DIV Training Course for Quality Management Representatives: “The Boarding Schools Association” Visits the Steinmühle

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From September 18–21, the DIV (Die INTERNATE VEREINIGUNG e.V.) met at the Steinmühle as part of a training program for quality management officers. The DIV is an association of renowned boarding schools in Germany and Switzerland. The boarding schools undergo regular internal and external evaluations, collaborate with research institutions and universities, and place great emphasis on the professional development of their staff.

Quality management—including the planning and implementation of quality improvement initiatives at member boarding schools and within the association—is one of the DIV’s core responsibilities.

In 2014, the DIV General Assembly therefore unanimously adopted the “Framework Concept for Quality Management in Boarding Schools.” The gradual implementation of the quality standards set forth in this document is mandatory for DIV members and is reviewed at regular intervals.

Since March 2021, the DIV has been training quality management officers at each of its member boarding schools; these officers are responsible for establishing and gradually implementing the DIV’s framework for quality management in boarding schools.

The first generation of QMBs successfully completed their training in March 2022.

The participants in the current training program are already the second generation of QMBs, as the DIV is constantly welcoming new boarding schools into its ranks or existing members wish to have another QMB trained.

As part of their practical training, which is specifically tailored to the boarding school context, participants will acquire not only the theoretical foundations of quality management and hands-on experience with supporting tools, but also the ability to conduct quality management audits at member institutions.

In this regard, the DIV places particular emphasis on ensuring that trainees receive a quality management (QM) certification in accordance with the requirements of the DIN EN ISO 19011 audit standard.

The training program is divided into several sessions (some in-person, some online). Following an initial Zoom kick-off at the end of June 2023, the current session at the Steinmühle marked the first in-person block; two additional training blocks will follow before the second generation of QMBs is expected to complete their training in September 2024.

In addition to the technical content, participants were also treated to an engaging social program. A guided tour of Marburg’s picturesque Upper Town and a group visit to one of the university town’s most charming venues, the “Sonne,” rounded out the conference.

Experiential Education May Trips 2022 — Finally on the Road Across Germany Again

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A regular feature of life and shared experiences at Steinmühle Boarding School took place in May: All students were spread out across seven differently structured experiential education trips throughout Germany.

Community, sports, and new experiences were at the heart of the trips. The students were able to burn off some energy during the canoe trip on the Diemel, at the climbing park, on a bike tour around the Vogelsberg, or while hiking in the Allgäu, while the groups at Lake Edersee, Nieder Moser See, or Hennesee focused more on exploring nature and sharing communal experiences while camping in the great outdoors.

Sleeping in tipis and petting raccoons at Hennesee

The teepees were already set up, so the group was able to start a cozy barbecue right away that evening after arriving. The basketball-loving participants on this trip rounded out the evening with a game against a school class from Bielefeld. Since basketball is currently one of the most popular sports at Steinmühle, it was no surprise that the boys and girls won the game.

Since it still got quite chilly at night at Hennesee, the students gathered wood on their own to heat the teepees from the inside.

On Saturday, the group traveled to Bilstein to visit a stalactite cave. These millennia-old natural formations never fail to impress, but the students found true joy in the adjacent nature park: there, they had the chance to hold hands with raccoons. Feeding the deer and getting up close with the animals was especially exciting for them.

“The biggest highlight of the weekend was definitely the campfire gatherings every evening,” says educator Ben Zriki happily. “The conversations around the campfire definitely gave the children and us educators the chance to get to know each other in a different way than we do during the daily routine at boarding school.” As an intercultural highlight, student Alex entertained the group for an hour around the campfire as he sang along at the top of his lungs to songs from his home country.

Reaching New Heights in the Tree Climbing Adventure Park

Group camping under the trees right on the shores of the crystal-clear Heider Bergsee near Brühl: Here, another tour group was able to enjoy nature up close.

Right at the start of their stay, the small group worked together to overcome one of their biggest challenges: setting up tents. Most of the students were new to camping, so they explored the different ways to set up their tents together so that they could play Werewolf in the evening, relaxing comfortably around the campfire while roasting marshmallows.

The highlight of the field trip was the visit to the climbing park: The mission here was to overcome their fear of heights and climb trees up to 13 meters high. The students cheered each other on and encouraged one another. “It was wonderful to see how, thanks to their shared motivation, every student was able to successfully complete the climbing course,” reports teacher Philipp Dönges with satisfaction.

Cycling Toward Vogelsberg

Early Friday afternoon, we set off by bike along the Lahn Valley Bike Trail toward Vogelsberg. After the first 30 kilometers, upon arriving in Gießen, they continued their journey by train. They used the train ride to rest and recharge before the group cycled another 30 kilometers along the beautiful Vulkanradweg through the low mountain range landscape of Vogelsberg and Wetterau. Riding toward the sunset, they headed to Nieder Mooser See, where another group from the Steinmühle boarding school—who had already set up their tents after cycling nearly 60 kilometers—welcomed them.On Saturday, the cycling group left their bikes behind and hiked together up to the Hoherodskopf. On Sunday morning, everyone was back on their bikes, heading toward the boarding school grounds. With perfect cycling weather, they were able to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the Vogelsberg and the Lahn Valley once again.

 

Summer tobogganing at Lake Nieder Moser

Those who didn’t want to bike but still wanted to enjoy their visit to the Hoherodskopf traveled by car. This group set up the tents for the biking group in advance and welcomed them to the barbecue buffet. The night turned out to be surprisingly cold here at Nieder Moser Lake as well, which is why some students slipped into the restrooms during the night to warm up.

On Saturday, after everyone had enjoyed some hearty and especially delicious rolls, we took a ride on the summer toboggan run and went for a long walk through the beautiful Vogelsberg countryside, taking in the impressively sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Those who had warmed up again then let off some steam by swimming in the lake or stand-up paddling.

Lake Eder: Camping at a Hidden Gem in Northern Hesse

In the idyllic setting of this life of simplicity, the camping group could easily forget the comforts of everyday life. Thus, the absence of showers, electricity, running water, and cell phone reception was a completely new and fundamental experience for the entire group. A digital detox, water rations, and “modified” personal hygiene gave the participants a new perspective on the luxuries of everyday life that are otherwise taken for granted. “It’s always amazingly wonderful to see just how happy the students can be even without media,” said educator Nils Schwandt after the trip.

In a climate that was almost Mediterranean, the young people were able to be kids again and let their minds wander while playing tag. Numerous encounters with wild animals, both small and large—from spiders to snails and snakes—did nothing to dampen the group’s spirits. Culinary delights also helped take their minds off their everyday worries.

Canoe Trip on the Diemel

The canoeing group set out from the Hofgut in Stammen on the Diemel River and paddled all the way to Bad Karlshafen, where the Diemel flows into the Weser. After six hours of paddling on the first day, quite a few of the novice canoeists in the group took full advantage of the river’s width and thoroughly explored the bushes along the banks. During the lunch break, the young canoeists received further instructions on how to paddle successfully.

On the second day on the water, the canoeing group was confronted with wild rapids. “Only one canoe was briefly turned into a submarine,” educator Philipp Rumpel reported with a laugh. However, the group worked together to bring the boat safely to shore and helped bail out the water.

Since our arms were getting tired by the end of the weekend, we rewarded ourselves for the successful trip and the thorough cleaning of the boats with a big ice cream on the way back.

Hiking Around Neuschwanstein Castle

The last group of travelers had planned a hiking trip in the Allgäu. Nine students wanted to take on the physical challenge of the Allgäu Alps. “I’m curious to see if I can do it, but I’m also motivated!” said student Emilia upon arrival, gazing at the mountain scenery.

On the first day, the enthusiastic students hiked from their lodging across the Salober Alm—with a view of Lake Weißensee—all the way to Füssen. There, they took a break at the impressive Lech Falls before exploring Füssen’s old town. Sticking to the shore of the Weißensee on the way back, the hiking group arrived back at their vacation homes exhausted but happy after a 20-kilometer hike.

On Sunday, the hikers woke up to bright sunshine. The starting point for the day’s hike was right at Neuschwanstein Castle. But the tour of the castle wasn’t scheduled until the following day. Today began with a steep climb, but it also offered a breathtaking view of Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding lakes. “Unbelievable—I never would have thought at the start that I could do it, but then suddenly you’re standing at the top and can be so proud of yourself!” said student Emilia happily.

At the Tegelbergkopf, the hiking group took another break to refuel before climbing together to the Ahornspitze at 1,784 meters. “It’s just so beautiful here—this view, this silence, and this nature!” exclaimed student Friederike enthusiastically.

Returning past the castle with one last beautiful evening view, the hiking group reached the vacation homes exhausted but happy after climbing 1,100 meters in elevation. Teacher Francine Olschewski cooked a meal as a reward for the athletic and persevering group. After the guided tour of the opulent Neuschwanstein Castle, the hikers set off on their journey home on Monday afternoon as the last group from the Steinmühle boarding school—exhausted but also relaxed.

Unfortunately, the Steinmühlen Fall Festival has been canceled!

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2020 is a special year—unfortunately, without the Steinmühlen Fall Festival. However, we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to celebrate together again at our Steinmühlen grounds next year. So please be sure to mark September 25, 2021, on your calendar! 😊👍

It does matter what you eat: Meat Free Monday at the Steinmühle

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Starting immediately, the Steinmühlenküche’s menu will be completely meat-free on Mondays: Neither the cafeteria nor the bistro will serve meat or sausage on that day of the week. With this measure, the school and boarding school are heeding a prominent call that is spreading around the world: Paul McCartney and his daughters launched the “Meat Free Monday” campaign. “Everyone can do their part to raise awareness of the harmful environmental impacts of animal agriculture and the consequences of industrial meat processing.” With this appeal, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health had already advocated for one meat-free day per week as a public health awareness program as early as 2003. The campaign was supported by numerous other schools of public health, but it has only gained worldwide attention since Paul McCartney and his daughters began supporting it as the nonprofit project “Meat Free Monday.”

Principal Björn Gemmer gave the Steinmühlen kitchen the key suggestion that has now superseded the previous, rather half-hearted solution. Although every Wednesday had been “Veggie Day” up until now—it was limited to lunch and only in the cafeteria. Breakfast, dinner specials, and the bistro menu still featured meat and sausage. That’s no longer the case on “Meat-Free Monday.” “Veggie is simply the trend.” August 17 marked the launch of Meat-Free Monday at the Steinmühle.

Head chef Sebastian Riehl also welcomes the initiative: “It’s about raising awareness of doing something good for yourself and the world.” He knows that eating vegetarian has long since ceased to be merely the philosophy of a few individuals. “Veggie is simply in.” Through its curriculum and building initiatives, Steinmühle has already demonstrated on multiple occasions that it places a high priority on the environment and the ecosystem. Now, the school and boarding school are placing further emphasis on this approach when it comes to meals. This initiative is one of many activities that help slow climate change, conserve valuable natural resources, and improve personal health. For more information on the Meat Free Monday campaign, visit www.meatfreemondays.com.

Steinmühle Boarding School: A Gentle Start in a New Environment

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“We’re both named Nils. But…you’ll figure it out.” With a wink, boarding school director Nils Schwandt welcomes a new boarding student on Sunday afternoon. The teenager grins mischievously, now knowing that Nils Schwandt and his colleague Nils Zeller are the house directors of the main dormitory. He’ll be moving into his room there shortly. It will be his home for the school year, which begins the next day. The other new arrivals are doing the same: getting their bearings in their new living and learning environment. They come from Munich, Jena, but also from South Korea and China. The Steinmühle boarding school currently has 79 children and teenagers and is thus continuing to expand. Exactly one year ago, the Biohaus on the Steinmühle campus was inaugurated as an additional residence for boarding students.


Additional Housing: The Bremerhaus

Recently, the Bremerhaus has also become housing for boarding school students. The group of unaccompanied minor refugees in this building was disbanded at the end of the school year; three of the refugees continue to live in the boarding school and are now preparing for their Abitur exams. “An example of successful integration,” says Francine Olschewski. The dorm director—like “Nils & Nils”—is a long-standing member of the teaching staff. “Some staff members are new to the faculty,” she says, adding, “We’ve restructured.”

A New Chapter in Life

Boarding school director Anke Muszynski fulfills the final individual requests of the new arrivals. Something is still missing here; something else needs to be taken care of there. For this dedicated and energetic educator, who dashes back and forth attentively, “service” is more than just a word.

In a few words, without any long-winded speeches, Anke Muszynski introduces the teaching staff to the new students and their parents. Some students are accompanied by their grandparents as well. It’s quite a big step for these young people to send their loved ones home alone shortly afterward. The atmosphere in the dining hall, with coffee, cake, and fruit, is relaxed and not at all wistful. Parents strike up conversations with other parents at the round tables. A new chapter in life is beginning—for everyone! So everyone is a little excited, “including us,” says Francine Olschewski. But she also knows: “Later, that is, tonight, everything will be just as usual.”

Getting to Know Each Other

The next morning is “business as usual.” That’s when classes begin, with students heading to the renovated main building or the newly constructed atrium. The upcoming weekend will be all about the so-called “ house trips.” The individual residential groups will go on outings to get to know each other better.

The main campus, for example—the group centered around “Nils & Nils”—is heading to Cologne. As part of this trip, they’ll also visit Phantasialand. But there won’t be any boredom later on at the Steinmühlen campus either. A wide variety of sports activities and the natural surroundings offer entertainment and learning in a comfortable atmosphere.

An exciting moment: The 5th-grade wind instrument class received their instruments

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The new 5th-grade wind instrument class proudly received their instruments at the Steinmühle Forum. The students were immediately captivated by the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, saxophone, tuba, and euphonium. As always, the young aspiring musicians showed great enthusiasm in trying to coax their first notes from the instruments, quickly learning how to skillfully handle even the larger instruments, such as the euphonium. Under the expert guidance of teacher Ulrike Wilmsmeyer, who sent us some photos, the wind ensemble class quickly became familiar with the instruments. Steinmühle is already very excited about the young artists’ first concert.

September 22, 3:00 p.m.: Fall Festival

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Students from Steinmühlen Boarding School Get a Taste of the Mountain Air in Randa, Switzerland

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While the graduating class is taking its oral exams, the rest of the students at Steinmühle Boarding School are enjoying a relatively relaxed time. This is especially true for those boarding school students who are currently in Randa, a village near Zermatt in the Swiss canton of Valais, 1,400 meters above sea level.

Going to the Swiss mountains as a group is a voluntary activity every year. This recreational activity is nevertheless very popular. Thirteen students took part this year and, together with a team of five teachers, spent some unforgettable days at their destination, the rustic Augustinushütte hiking lodge.

You’ll have to fend for yourself there. You’ll stay in a dormitory or in rooms for six people.

In winter, people associate the mountains with winter sports. In summer, they associate them with hiking and other activities. The group did, in fact, go on various day hikes of varying difficulty levels.

After breakfast, the hikers set out; after a few hours, they found themselves back at the starting point, cooked together, and used their shared meals as an opportunity for lively conversation. Many a day also ended with a game in the living room, before fatigue eventually set in here and there from the exertion in the unfamiliar high-altitude air.

“We want to give the group a chance to spend time together, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the stress of school,” the teaching team explains, outlining the goal of the field trip. The focus is on nature and hands-on experiences. The students will also have the opportunity to test their own limits during one or more of the activities. – This is an important experience that can also help them rise to the occasion in specific situations.

According to the Steinmühle Boarding School, the goal in Randa is neither to set nor to break athletic records. The focus is less on athletic performance and more on reaching the summits together.

Reaching the summits—a wonderful goal in any case. And in that respect, one might say, they do have something in common with the recent high school graduates upon their return.

 

The Steinmühlen Jazz Ensemble will perform with world-renowned artists on August 25 at the Erwin-Piscator-Haus

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Swing and jazz fans should mark this date on their calendars: On Saturday, August 25, at 7 p.m., the “Swinging Wodka Lemon Gang”—well-known in the region—will be performing a concert at the Erwin-Piscator-Haus (Stadthalle) in Marburg. The musicians will perform alongside trombonist Joe Wulf and his band “Gentlemen of Swing,” who have been delighting audiences at jazz festivals across Europe for years. Also joining them will be saxophonist Lisa Pollard-Coppola, who is traveling from San Francisco especially for the concert, and the Steinmühle Jazz Ensemble, some of whose members can be seen in the photo opposite.

This isn’t the first time Joe Wulf and Lisa Pollard-Coppola have performed with amateur music groups. Despite their successes—Lisa Pollard-Coppola was personally invited by Duke Ellington to join his legendary big band—the artists have remained down-to-earth and continue to inspire people with their music. Tickets for the concert at the Stadthalle are available at www.reservix.de, at the ticket office at the Marburg Tourist Information Center in the Stadthalle, at the Oberhessische Presse ticket office, and at the box office (advance sales: 23.50 euros, reduced rate: 21 euros, at the door 25 euros).

 
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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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