July 2003 - Nr. 7
German School Concordia
- Graduation 2003 -
by Herwig Wandschneider
On June 6 – Friday evening – students (and teachers) of the German Language School Concordia threw their arms into the air and celebrated the end of another school year. Regardless how much "Deutsch macht Spaß", there is change in the air, the excitement of not having to get up early on a Saturday Morning, lazing in bed, or to just toil in the Sun, Water, or the Tennis Courts. What would the world be like without such change?
Graduation again reflected the outstanding results obtained at this school. Principal Monika Matthaes, supported by Vice Principal Andrea Emrich, conducted the celebrations with the usual flair and expediency. The event was interspersed with songs by the children’s choir (with all-time favourite Opa loves Omama and vice versa) and by Arts Enrichment Students (Du, Du liegst mir am Herzen among others). Speeches by the Principals, Fachberater Bernd Schliephake, Parent Council President John Vieth, and Concordia Club Representative Rita Allmendinger were brief and to the point.
Teachers
Elisabeth Kruse and Clare Gunsch were recognized by Principal Monika
Matthaes for their more than a quarter century of service to the School, for
their popularity with students and teachers alike, and for their dedication
in curriculum and course development, which was applied not only at this
school but also at many other German Schools.
New this year was a valedictory, delivered with eloquence, wit and charm (presenting a beautiful review of her relationship with the school over the years) by Valedictorian Jennifer Beckermann. The valedictory is a wonderful addition to the graduation ceremonies, a challenge to produce and deliver. And it keeps the focus on the students, their aspirations, and successes.
Aside
from the honour of being the valedictorian, Jennifer also was recognized as
the best student in Grade 12 – German Stream and won 1st place in
the Waterloo County German Contest. Best in Diploma II was Marina Cveticanin
and Christina Schmidt took the honour of being 2nd in the
Provincial German Contest.
The event closed with lively interaction between teachers and parents over coffee and cake, which along with the facilities was a contribution to the event by the Concordia Club.
