September | Ida-Lena Zoglmann
A new school year at Stein doesn’t just begin with the first bell ringing through the school building. It begins with arrival.
On Saturday, September 12, we welcome our new students together with their families to Schloss Stein. Moving into rooms, trying on school uniforms, unpacking suitcases, getting to know the first faces, and of course, getting a little taste of what life at Stein is like. During the festive welcome ceremony, the new Steiner community is finally officially greeted. Afterwards, there is time for conversations, a shared meal, and a relaxed afternoon and evening, before the boarding students also return on Sunday and the Schloss truly comes alive again.
On Monday, September 14, school also begins. During the joint start of the school year, our new students are once again introduced to the entire school community – and we also extend a warm welcome to our new staff members. Afterwards, it’s off to the classrooms. The timetable is ready and the new school year gets underway.
A true Steiner highlight awaits on the very first weekend: the big scavenger hunt. Traditionally it is organized by the graduating Abitur class. The students set off in mixed groups – accompanied by at least one adult and a group leader from the 11th grade.
This, of course, involves riddles about Schule Schloss Stein, stations where tasks must be solved logically or physically. But above all, it’s about being together. Especially for the newcomers, the scavenger hunt is a good opportunity to quickly connect and make their first friendships.
And even after that things remain varied. In the first few weeks, students find out which Clubs they want to join this school year. They try new things, discover common interests, and meet classmates from other grades. Existing friendships are nurtured and new ones form along the way.
Step by step the Steiner daily routine returns: the dance class begins, the first joint theater visit leads to Salzburg for “Antigone,” and with the Youth Forum, the Young Ambassadors and many other small and large events, the calendar of the new school year also fills up.
Thus, the first days quickly turn into weeks. New faces become familiar faces. A new room becomes a temporary home. And a new school year once again becomes a shared year at Stein.
