2015 German Exchange
- 22 Apr 2015
The combined McKinnon - Luther College exchange group with 42 students and 4 staff are currently enjoying a full month experiencing German culture and school life. All students are hosted by families of our German exchange partner school, the Alfred Wegener Schule in Kirchhain, Germany.We were lucky enough to start this program with two weeks of Easter holidays. Students explored the surroundings of Kirchhain and the next bigger city of Marburg/Lahn, some experienced snow for the first time and others went even as far as Austria or the Netherlands.
It became apparent to them, how easy travel within Europe is. These trips offered also many insights into the centuries of very rich history and varied landscapes, the likes of which we are not privy to in Melbourne.
We shared a three day group trip along the river Rhine in the second week of the holidays and visited the famous Dome of Cologne, the city of Koblenz, a medieval castle, the Marksburg, cruised on the river Rhine for three hours and went on a stroll through the charming city of Rüdesheim.
German Easter was of course a special event for our students, as they celebrated this festival with their host families and experienced traditional Hessian customs.
After two weeks of holidays, it was time to start school. Students and teachers were welcomed by the Principal of the Alfred Wegener Schule, Herrn Matthias Bosse, before entering into the everyday routine of German school life. They joined their host-brothers and sisters in classes as well as giving presentations about certain aspects of Australian culture.
Excursions to Marburg, the Ferrero chocolate factory and a traditional dance evening made for a busy program.
On Sunday the 19th of April we were also invited to a special farewell afternoon tea (Kaffee und Kuchen – a traditional German custom), where students were acknowledged for their efforts during the exchange and also thanked their host families.
Not only have all students made great progress in their language skills, teachers were also very pleased with the manner in which they conducted themselves throughout this program.
We would like to thank the Principals for continuing to support this ongoing most successful program, all staff of the Alfred Wegener Schule, all parents involved in this program and our students who made this program so special.
Please check out our blog: http://mckinnonaustausch15.blogspot.com.au/
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