In conversation with Laura Giese - October 2023

The former Schloss pupil made a conscious decision to study to become a teacher based on her own school experiences. She has fond memories of her own teachers. The values they taught, the way they treated each other as equals and the respectful way they interacted with each other also influence her own teaching and her personal teaching style today. She is now a volunteer at the Schloss-Schul Verein because she would like to give something back to the school and is grateful for the time she spent there. It is also important to her to stay in contact with the school and other alumni.

What is the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of your time at the Schloss-Schule?
It was just really nice to be here at the Schloss-Schule (she smiles). For me, the Schloss-Schule is something very special. It felt very familiar and warm. In Year 5, I had the feeling that we had a parent substitute thanks to the teachers. We were really protected, we attended small classes and we were looked after with genuine interest. Even today, when I come to Kirchberg and the Schloss-Schule, I still feel like I'm coming home. And that's really nice!

Would you like to tell us something about your time at school before you came to the SK?
I went to elementary school in Rot am See. I don't have any specific memories of individual situations. I also had good teachers here, but the school just felt huge. There were and still are many children in many age groups. The primary school children had their own areas, including a separate playground. At the Schloss-Schule, everything was much smaller and also more lovingly and beautifully designed, regardless of whether you look at the buildings, the classrooms or the grounds.

What has changed at the SK?
I felt like I was part of a second family at Schloss-Schule. The classrooms were smaller, the class sizes were smaller and the teachers were closer to each individual student.

What did you find formative? What values, life lessons and other things still stay with you today?
I found the teachers, in my case especially Mr. Fischer, very formative for me. I'm thinking in particular of the ethics lessons. They were characterized by great freedom and we discussed and debated so many values and views of life in the context of everyday examples. Mr. Fischer always managed to interject the right thoughts at the important points and ask the right questions. He made us think and broadened our horizons. A very important value that always played a central role is justice! Mrs. Linsin was also a very formative teacher for me, from whom I really learned a lot. Looking back today, I can say that these two were probably instrumental in my choice of career. I decided to become a teacher myself. And I'm sure that the enthusiasm for teaching that I saw exemplified by my own teachers here is decisive for the way I organize my lessons today. Meeting the children at eye level, treating each other with respect and always having an open ear are things that I have experienced myself and that I try to put into practice.
The feeling of being seen as a pupil and as a person, seeing each other outside of the school day and meeting up with teachers as a group to spend time together because it is important to the teachers, was a very nice experience. And the exchange in a private environment was also very enriching for me.
The practical subjects, such as cooking, were also formative for me and today I am glad that I was also able to learn these things at school and that the opportunities were there. There are simply many aspects here that are important for later life.

What happened after SK?
After school, I started studying to become a teacher at the University of Education in Ludwigsburg. I decided to study to become a primary school teacher. Since February of this year, I've been a trainee teacher at the elementary school in Bibersfeld near Schwäbisch Hall. And since July 2023 I have also been secretary of the Schloss-Schul-Verein.

If you've ever had a class or year group reunion, what stories and anecdotes should not be missed?
There are a few stories, but we don't always get away with them. I still remember a few boys in the class who really annoyed our then young and inexperienced French teacher and tested her limits. Apart from that, our excursions and trips are always a topic we like to talk about. The Schapbachhof, the trip to Poland. I am still in contact with my exchange student from Poland today. I also have fond memories of the connection and friendships with the boarders.
The demolition of C-haos was also a topic of conversation and many people here are really sad and wistful. It was and is simply linked to many memories!

What are you grateful for?
I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to go to the Schloss-Schule. It was simply different here to other schools. I am also grateful for the teachers who accompanied me here. It was a real enrichment for me personally!

Looking back on your time at school, what would you do differently today?
To be honest, I wouldn't want to do anything differently. I might have attended more AGs, but I probably wouldn't have been able to do all that. I was a student who simply had to study and I didn't have that much free time. I would have liked to have learned to play an instrument. Looking back, that would have been nice. And then I can think of something else that is not directly related to my time at school. I would have liked to have done another FSJ, perhaps even at the Schloss-Schule, and only moved to Ludwigsburg a year later. But basically everything is really good the way it is and, as always, there are pros and cons to everything.

What else would you like to say? And what is important to you in relation to your role in the Schloss-Schul-Verein?
In my experience, the Schloss-Schule is simply recommendable. For me, it's the ideal school! It's special to go to school here. You can also see that at the events, where the former pupils are always invited. So many of them really enjoy coming back here to meet and catch up with former teachers and former classmates and friends. A personal message to all former pupils - next time, be sure to come to the school party or the alumni reunion and see everything - it's worth it!
In my opinion, the animal education work is also really great! I could well imagine working with a school dog myself.
I've been secretary of the Schloss-Schul-Verein since July this year because I'd like to give something back for what I've been given here. It is also important to me to keep in touch with the school and to be informed about what is going on and what is developing.