Recap: The Principal’s Conference
To mark our 25th anniversary, we hosted the “Conference of the Principals” on May 9, a special virtual reunion with all those who have had a decisive influence on the school over the years. Five principals from three decades came together to talk: Hanna Pai, Arnd Rupp, Mark Benkelmann, Kathrin Wehber (formerly Sander) and Rouven Hollmann. They talked about challenges, turning points and what remains.
How did the principals find the GIST?
“Not just children's shoes. They were more like baby socks, what I found there,” Hanna Pai recalled of her early days. The young school was still looking for stability and growth was a major task, only possible thanks to the extraordinary commitment of the parents and companies in the GTA: “Without this support, none of this would have been possible.”
Mark Benkelmann also remembers a school that may not have shone with modern facilities, but with a special spirit: “It had an incredible amount of charm for me right from the start.” Kathrin Wehber added: “We weren't able to shine with a new building, but with character.”
What were the key developments?
A common thread running through the contributions was the idea that school is more than just imparting knowledge. “School is much, much more than education,” said Benkelmann. “These people who are there can make a difference.”
The “Canadianization” of the view of school and education left its mark on many - especially the inclusive, approachable spirit. “I now approach my work in a much more - shall I say - Canadian way. We really try to live this welcoming spirit,” says Benkelmann. Arnd Rupp also emphasized: “As principal, it was important to me that a classroom is filled with life - that's something typically Canadian that I've tried to bring with me.”
Rouven Hollmann, the current principal, gave an insight into the latest milestones - including the introduction of the upper school with the mixed-language International Baccalaureate (GIB): “The school was obliged to introduce an upper school in order to remain in the network of German schools abroad. [...] I think that was the long-awaited goal - and I am proud of it.”
His outlook: “I hope that the school continues to stand on a stable footing, that student numbers increase, that we get a permanent location - and that character comes to the fore again.”
What does growing up successfully mean?
The principals also talked about growing up. For Kathrin Wehber, this includes “always keeping an eye on those who are not so much in the foreground - and saying: you are right with what you have.”
Benkelmann summed it up as follows: “I am firmly convinced that we need understanding, loving adults who are attentive to the child, see the best in the child - and want the best too.”
We would like to thank all the principals for their time, their thoughts - and their lasting influence on our school. Thanks also to all the guests who took part in this special format!