June | Ida-Lena Zoglmann
Anyone who has ever spent a summer in Stein knows that it is a very special time.
Of course, we also love winter, with its snow-capped mountains, days spent skiing, and cozy evenings at the boarding school. But when the days grow longer, the roses around the Schloss bloom, and life moves outdoors, Stein reveals yet another very special side of itself.
During breaks, students sit together in the sun, study under the large trees, or enjoy their free time in the DIY chill lounge in the Kuhstallgarten. The recreational program is changing, too: the gym is being swapped out for the outdoor fitness park, the bikes are being used regularly again, and the sports fields fill up well into the evening hours. Beach volleyball, tennis, or impromptu soccer matches are just as much a part of summer as cooling off on the self-built sun deck behind the Herkehaus.
“The scent of freshly cut wood, the cool canal, chatting with the kids. Summer in Stein is sometimes like a mini-vacation.”
Christian Matyszok | Deputy Head of Boarding School
But summer in Stein is also a time to explore the region. Nestled in the unique landscape of the Chiemgau and the Bavarian Alpine foothills, there are countless opportunities for shared activities. For many, excursions to the Alz River, to the region’s lakes, or hikes in the Chiemgau Alps are among the fondest memories of their time in Stein.
The evenings spent together are particularly memorable. Barbecues in the courtyard, bonfires, and long conversations under the open sky create memories that often last long after school is over. This summer, many students are also gathering at the café to watch the World Cup. Especially in an international community like ours, these evenings become something special: we cheer, share the excitement, and celebrate together—no matter which team we’re rooting for.
A special highlight every year is the final school weekend of the academic year at Lake Attersee in Austria. Here, the essence of the Steiner spirit becomes palpable once again: solidarity, friendship, and a sense of community that transcends grade levels and countries of origin.
Summer is also a busy time at school. With the final exams, the traditional graduation prank, and the graduation ceremony at the end of June, the end of the school year is marked by important milestones.
In addition, field trips, trips abroad, and project weeks are a highlight of the final weeks before the holidays. Sporting events such as the in-house championships, the boarding school Olympics, the National Youth Games, and the swimming meet also provide opportunities for physical activity, team spirit, and shared experiences.
The highlight of the Steiner summer is the summer festival held on the last day of school before the break. Once again, the entire school community comes together. The school band plays, report cards are handed out, and the play—which the students have been working on for many months—is performed.
It marks the festive conclusion of an eventful school year—and the start of summer vacation.
“Everything that takes place and is developed throughout the school year—beyond purely academic challenges and matters—is showcased in its finest form on the day of the school festival. That’s when singing, music, and the performing arts get to take center stage.”
Moritz Schertler | Deputy Headmaster
It is precisely this special blend of community, nature, traditions, and new experiences that makes summer in Stein so unique. Everything takes place a little more outdoors, everything feels a little lighter—and that is exactly what makes a summer in Stein a time that many will remember for a long time to come.
