The Surrey German Language School kicked off its new school year last Saturday, welcoming an impressive group of students and families. With 165 students enrolled on that Saturday, including 21 adults, the lobby was filled with excitement as families gathered to mark the beginning of a new German language year.
Principal Axel Rechlin opened the day with a welcoming speech, addressing the large crowd with enthusiasm. His words set a positive tone for the school year, recapping the successful events of the last school year:
Special congratulations to all the students who received their DSD 1 language certificates!
Most of the students progressed through Grades 1 to 8 at our school and, now in their ninth year, led by Tanmay Joshi, have successfully completed the demanding DSD 1 Language Diploma.
New Deputy Consul General Dirk Jakobi who attended our opening event with his wife Laura, presented the Language Diploma 1 certificates to the successful recipients.
A DSD 1 is recognized as proof of the required German language skills for admission to a Studienkolleg in Germany, which can lead to studying at one of Germany’s tuition-free universities.
After the opening remarks, students headed to their classrooms, meeting their new teachers and classmates for the first time this year. At the same time, the mandatory AGM brought some exciting changes to our board.
During the Annual General Meeting, new members Vanessa Welsh, Sabine Betts, and Jason Soo were elected, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the team.
Vanessa Welsh will take over the treasurer role and Sabine Betts the new Volunteer Coordinator role.
President Fred Voglmaier stepped back from his leading role but will remain for one more year as a director to ensure a smooth transition.
Our new President, Tilmann Glimm, and new Vice President, Thomas Kuehn, have both stepped up in their volunteer roles, supported by returning board directors Oliver Heel as Secretary and Daniela Price, ensuring continuity and strong leadership.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our departing directors, Sylvia Riesen, Monica Herie, and Sonya das Gupta, for their dedicated volunteer commitment.
The first day of school not only marked the beginning of a new school year but also underscored the strong sense of community that defines the Surrey German Language School.
With new teachers, board members, and eager students, the school is set for an exciting and successful year ahead.
Welcome to a new school year! Maybe this is your first year, or you’ve been with the school for many years. You may be an alum, or you are just interested in our school. Either way, we are happy that you are part of our community built around learning and teaching German and the culture of German-speaking countries.
Children, parents, teachers – this school has touched so many lives. Here’s to another successful and rewarding year ahead and we hope that we will continue to grow and thrive as a community!
Axel Rechlin, Principal
Tilmann Glimm, President of the Board of Directors
