Starting the new school year with excitement is a big deal: all pupils, their parents and even grandparents were invited to the festive parish church together with the teachers – and they were there!

Starting together – and not running away. Headmaster Fabian Ziegler drew on his personal experiences from his first year as headmaster to encourage everyone to get started: others are there and will join in! He pointed to the logo designed by the pupils, which reflects the motto for the year: ‘On the trail of nature!’ Community leader Benjamin Meier and pastor Antje Gehrig-Hofius inspired the audience with their words to discover, to pay attention, to marvel at the wonders of the world, to empathise with animals and plants, and to enjoy nature. Iwan Weiss on saxophone and Tobias Renner on keyboard filled the large church with energetic sound. With this solemn and powerful blessing, children, parents and teachers can now tackle the challenges that lie ahead! Marco Kunz's song applies to everyone:

Step by step up the mountain,
Step by step, don't give up, and when you reach the top, stand there and shout:
I'm definitely not giving up!

Image and text: Hans Ruedi Kilchsperger