In conversation with Mr. Heiner Gröger - August 2023

The former pupil attended the Schloss-Schule in Kirchberg over 50 years ago. He is the third generation to run a waste disposal company in Crailsheim and has been the first chairman of the Schloss-Schul-Verein since July 2023. In his new role, it is important to him that the former pupils re-establish a stronger connection to their school and that contacts are revived and reactivated.

What is the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of your time at Schloss-Schule?
I remember the small classes and mostly really good teachers. As a pupil, you were taken on board and developed a real enthusiasm for various subjects. You also learned to take responsibility at the Schloss-Schule and, of course, social skills were also trained by learning and living together.

The local proximity of the teachers to the pupils resulted in intensive interaction, which was characterized by many sporting activities. The food back then was not what it is today. We were certainly one of the first classes to have Heinz tomato ketchup on our morning bread instead of the obligatory Gsälz for breakfast, and after dinner we went down to the Adler and got spaetzle with gravy for 90 pfennigs. But I loved being in Kirchberg and left after the 10th grade in 1972 with the Mittlere Reife.

What schooling did you have before Schloss-Schule?
I spent the first few years at elementary school in Crailsheim at the air base.

What changed for you in Kirchberg?
Everyday school life was no longer just school, we lived together here. We were educated and didn't just spend part of the day together. The cohesion within the class was much closer.

What did you experience as formative at the Schloss-Schule? What values, life lessons or other influences have stayed with you to this day?
The first thing that comes to mind is that you should be open-minded towards everyone you meet. Not to have any prejudices, to show consideration for each other in the community and to always approach each other again if there is an argument. I learned real teamwork skills in Kirchberg. There were also never really rigid hierarchies here, which certainly made the community even stronger from today's perspective. Of course, there were also a few chaotic individuals back then, especially in the lower grades, who demanded the law of the jungle from us. However, they were "resocialized" after a short time.

What happened after Schloss-Schule?
After Schloss-Schule, I did an apprenticeship as an industrial and data clerk in a large textile company. I really enjoyed that. I then completed my A-levels in Ravensburg. I then studied production management at the University of Applied Sciences in Reutlingen. I then completed a degree in economics in Tübingen. I then worked in Reutlingen, Düsseldorf and Neuburg an der Donau. I worked in various sectors (books and furniture, cosmetics and HH-Chemie) and in different companies, which gave me a wealth of experience. The diversity and variety gave me great pleasure.

In the mid-1980s, my father, who was in poor health, encouraged me to take over my parents' recycling company in Crailsheim.

In the 2010s, I was President of the Federal Association of German Steel Recycling and Disposal Companies in Düsseldorf for over 6 years and am now devoting myself fully to my company again and preparing to hand over the business to my daughters.

What stories and anecdotes from your time at the school are definitely not to be missed?
Well, those night-time excursions, more like walks to the villa... (he smiles)

I also remember well that Mr. Seeber's car was once parked in the dining room, although I wasn't directly involved, but I still wonder today how that could have happened (he continues to grin...)

In winter, we were forbidden to go for walks on ice floes on the Jagst.

Another thing that comes to mind is my Latin teacher at the time. He often pulled my ear and said: "Oh Heinerle, you'd better become a stone tapper. You'll never get it anyway."

Another thing I remember very vividly is Heinz Borchers - respectfully known as Bo. He was an absolute role model, extremely correct and always fair.

What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for the character development I was able to enjoy at the Schloss-Schule. I'm also very grateful for my family, I'm extremely proud of my two daughters and I'm also really grateful that I'm still in such good health and mentally. I do a lot for this, but it simply cannot be taken for granted.

Looking back on your school days, what would you do differently today?
I wouldn't want to do anything differently - my whole life shouldn't have been any different. I think I simply needed these ups and downs and the angular course of my life and that's why I don't have any catching up to do or any unfulfilled wishes.

What else would you like to share? And what is important to you in relation to your role in the Schloss-Schul-Verein?
I would like to help the school and support it with projects, grants and also with building work if necessary. The school should also be resilient in difficult times. We can achieve this in many different ways, whether with non-material or financial support. It would be wonderful if more former pupils were to get involved in "their" school again, contacts were reactivated and old friendships revived.