Finally – our German exchange program with Schiller Gymnasium has restarted!
After 4 long years, we welcome back the Schiller Gymnasium students and teachers to Ferny Grove SHS. They arrived in Australia on 8 April and spent time in Sydney and Port Macquarie before travelling north to Ferny Grove SHS.
As the Schiller students got off the bus on 15 April, there were squeals of excitement, hugs and lots of smiles. Many brought their whole family to collect their exchange student. It was a brilliant community atmosphere.
On their first day at FGSHS, the Schiller students were given their own timetables and a tour of the school by the Year 11 German class, before attending “real” lessons. On Tuesday, students enjoyed many treats at the Welcome Morning Tea organised by the hosting parents. What a magnificent spread!
Since then, students have presented many times on topics of interest to our German classes. Our students, especially the Year 7s and 8s, have been asking many insightful questions.
The Schiller students have also been exploring Brisbane and SE Queensland through their excursions to Southbank, Stradbroke Island and Lone Pine.
The host families have been absolutely magnificent providing the Schiller students with many wonderful experiences – being part of a lifesaver’s shift, Story Bridge climb, beach adventures, Eat Street, football matches and the list goes on. What has also been great, is to see the hosting community come together to organise events for the kids and help each other out.
Here is a lovely group photo of our inbound exchange group. They will be at our school till Wednesday 3 May and we will miss them when they are gone.
(Dr. Helen Nicolsen Setz)