The parish church in Walchwil was buzzing with life at the start of the school year: children and parents filled the nave and gallery with their energy.

The two Benjamins (Catholic parish leader Benjamin Meier and Reformed pastor Benjamin Bartholomä, marking the end of his temporary appointment) warmly welcomed the children, setting the tone for a strong start: On the trail of nature! Under this year’s motto, the aim is to make discoveries and experience fascinating things. Lector Susanne Roth recited the praise of creation from the Psalms. Creation is full of meaning.

Headteacher Fabian Ziegler warmly welcomed the pupils: school is something to be experienced together, with both joy and concerns. You don’t have to know everything straight away. You can ask questions and find help. That is why he also introduced the school’s tried-and-tested management team.

The two clergymen invited everyone to pray – including in their own native languages – and offered words of blessing. In learning, as in life, no one is on their own. At school, we journey together, embracing all our different backgrounds. We are accompanied, we move forward with greater confidence, and we are responsible for one another.

Iwan Weiss on the saxophone and Tobias Renner on the keyboard created a special atmosphere; they filled the church with thoughtful, uplifting sounds.

The school year has got off to a lively and cheerful start. Photo and text: Hans Ruedi Kilchsperger