| From: | G.C.Bickley (RYEI@ARCOM.COM.AU) |
| To: | POSTMASTER@STEINGYM.UN.NW.SCHULE.DE |
| Cc: | a.weinhold@gmx.de |
| Subject: | A former colleague responds |
| Date: | Thu, 10 Jun 1999 16:03:34 +0930 |
I am writing to renew my acquaintance with the new Freiherr vom Stein Gymnasium. I was thrilled when I found you on the Web. […]
Luenen and the Freiherr vom Stein has a very large and special place in my life. The school looks just as it did when I visited in 1991, but I remember being a little lost when I did a quick tour.
My memories are from 1969 to 1972, well before the new west wing. I have a very clear picture of a small car sitting on top of the stairs at the entrance, where staff photos were always taken. I think it may have been Herr Ratzmann’s car, which students had lifted and carried up to the landing as a prank. There was a hall, for sport and things like Student Parliament meetings.
Some of the staff played soccer, to keep fit, and I had never played soccer, but Australian rules football. Each week I can clearly remember there would be some one sitting on the side nursing a badly bruised shin bone, as I had moved in and tried to »tackle«. The staff were very tolerant and hospitable and afterwards we enjoyed the drinks in the pub just across the road, which had wonderful solid timber tables, made from thick slabs, which were powdered and cleaned with a wire brush. I remember, too, how gemuetlich it was. I think it may have had a Kegelbahn. There seemed to be so many pubs in those days. Perhaps it has gone now. We Kegelled regularly in another pub closer to where I lived in Altluenen.
I know my teaching time is a very long time ago, but it was the most wonderful teaching experience I have had. I remember it very fondly and it doesn’t seem long ago at all to me. The students were great fun and they were very helpful and, especially when compared with Australian students, exceedingly well behaved. Our schools became comprehensive in the early 1970’s and it is only by going to a private school that a student could be a in a school of selected students, who undergo an examination to gain entry. All public schools are open to all students, here.
I would very much like to hear from any of my English students from the Unterstufe in 1969 to 1972. There are very few names I can remember, but I do recall the very first girl who entered what was an all boys school, to do Mathematics. In those days the girls went to the Geschwister Scholl. Astrid Mertens was her name and I have often wondered what became of her. Herr Schaeffer was at the school then and he came to stay with us for a few weeks in Adelaide and had a wonderful time. His daughter has also been here, as has Klaus Dieter Rischka, a former student. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers »Mister Bickley« as their English teacher from those wonderful days that I spent in Luenen. (From your staff list I can’t see many names that I remember, but certainly Herr Evers is one. Give him my regards.)
I was interested to hear that a number of my German colleagues have retired. I have as well. I am finding life without school very happy and full.
I send you my greetings and very best wishes,
Garry Bickley
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