At the beginning of the second semester on January 29th, the traditional hiking day for the secondary school took place. This year’s destination was Gulele Botanical Garden. The students had to complete a circuit with various tasks. For example, they had to build a tower, identify plants, catch a sheep and much more.  It was an exciting day and a nice change from the normal school routine, which teachers and students really enjoyed.

The German Embassy School in Addis Ababa hosted a special screening of the classic film “The Murderers Are Among Us” in the school gymnasium. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to engage with an important piece of German cinematic history and to reflect on the lessons it imparts. For many of our students, this was their first encounter with this 1946 film directed by Wolfgang Staudte. Set in post-World War II Berlin, the movie delves into the aftermath of the war and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals attempting to rebuild their lives amidst the ruins of their country. Through the compelling narrative, viewers witness the struggles of the characters, particularly Susanne Wallner, a concentration camp survivor, and Dr. Hans Mertens, a former Wehrmacht officer haunted by his past actions. The screening served as more than just a cinematic experience; it was a catalyst for meaningful discussions about history, morality, and the consequences of war. In the post-screening reflections, students shared their thoughts on the themes of guilt, forgiveness, and reconciliation depicted in the film. Many expressed admiration for Susanne’s resilience and courage, while others grappled with the complexities of Mertens’ character and his quest for redemption. One of the most powerful aspects of watching “The Murderers Are Among Us” together was the opportunity it provided for our community to come together and engage in dialogue. As we navigated through the emotional journey portrayed on screen, students and faculty alike were able to exchange perspectives, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of this pivotal period in history. Events like these underscore the importance of incorporating cultural and historical experiences into our curriculum. By exposing our students to diverse narratives and challenging them to critically analyze complex issues, we empower them to become informed global citizens capable of navigating the complexities of the world around them. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to host this screening and look forward to continuing to provide enriching experiences that inspire learning and growth.

07-08-12-2023 We, the 8th grade, combined a class overnight stay with adventure and fun.  Our class thoroughly enjoyed our time together. The event began with a trip to the Gast Mall to the “Excape Room.” The tasks were really challenging. At school we continued with a few team games and a meal together. The film “Dirty Dancing” was voted out and we were then able to strengthen our strengths and team spirit with games such as “Bänkeball” and “Capture the Flagg”. It was a long night with Wehrwolf, basketball and much more. Thanks to Mr. Ernstberger, Mr. Dietrich and of course Ms. Hamann, who organized everything so well. The crowning glory was the delicious breakfast the next morning. It was a wonderful experience that we were able to experience together. Now we are curious about what the next activity will be. The Grade 8 reporter team Liya and Genet   

On the evening of December 7, 2023, a celestial celebration unfolded at the German Embassy School, bringing together students for a unique and enchanting extracurricular event. The gathering took place in the Rondelle, where the aroma of freshly baked pizza set the stage for an unforgettable night. The event kicked off with the delightful scent of pizza, a universal favorite among students. There is truly no better way to start an evening than with the warmth of cheesy slices and the camaraderie that sharing a meal brings. Laughter and conversation filled the air as students enjoyed a delicious pizza feast, setting the tone for the astronomical adventure that awaited them. Following the pizza indulgence, students from classes 4A and 4B had the opportunity to engage with telescopes and explore the vast expanse of the night sky. Positioned in the garden while the sun still lingered on the horizon, students peered through the telescopes to catch glimpses of distant branches from towering eucalyptus trees. This initial exercise was designed to familiarize them with the telescopic view and spark curiosity about the wonders awaiting them in the cosmos. As darkness gradually enveloped the surroundings, students moved indoors to a classroom where they embarked on a creative journey to capture constellations. Armed with paper, pins, and imagination, they crafted constellation viewers. Each student meticulously pinned the starry patterns onto the top of an empty tube, creating a mesmerizing effect that simulated the experience of stargazing when illuminated by light. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students proudly displayed their homemade constellation viewers. The event not only fostered a sense of teamwork and creativity but also deepened their understanding of the celestial wonders above. The constellation viewers served as tangible mementos, reminding students of their hands-on exploration of the night sky. The extracurricular event was a resounding success, blending fun, learning, and camaraderie in a unique way. It is heartening to witness our students come together to explore the mysteries of the universe and create lasting memories. Such experiences not only enrich their academic journey but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of life at the German Embassy School. Continuing the celestial journey, after the captivating workshop in the classroom, students eagerly made their way back to the garden under the ink-black sky. Armed with their newly crafted constellation viewers and the knowledge gained from the workshop, they were now ready to direct their gaze toward the twinkling stars. The telescopes, positioned strategically to capture the brilliance of the night sky, awaited the students’ inquisitive eyes. Under the guidance of enthusiastic teachers, each student took turns observing various celestial wonders. The crisp December air echoed with exclamations of awe and amazement as they identified familiar constellations and marveled at the distant planets. The experience of stargazing with telescopes added a practical dimension to their theoretical understanding of astronomy. The students not only observed the beauty of the cosmos but also learned to navigate the night sky with the guidance of their teachers. This hands-on approach allowed them to connect the dots between the classroom knowledge and the real-world wonders unfolding above. As the night progressed, the atmosphere became one of shared fascination and appreciation for the vastness of the universe. Students engaged in animated conversations, exchanging their newfound insights and discoveries. The extracurricular event not only fueled their curiosity about space but also forged bonds among classmates as they collectively marveled at the grandeur of the night sky. In conclusion, the December 7th event at the German Embassy School was a holistic celebration of learning, creativity, and wonder. From the delightful pizza gathering to the classroom workshop and the enchanting stargazing session, students experienced a seamless blend of enjoyment and education. Such extracurricular activities play a crucial role in nurturing a passion for learning and fostering a sense of community within the school.

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the German Embassy School recently came alive with the spirit of St. Nicholas Day, a cherished German tradition that unfolded on December 6th, 2023. This festive occasion holds historical significance in Germany, where St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, is celebrated for his acts of kindness and generosity. In Germany, St. Nicholas Day is observed on the 6th of December to commemorate the death of St. Nicholas, a figure known for his compassion and devotion to aiding those in need. The date also coincides with the feast day of St. Nicholas in the Christian calendar. This year, the German Embassy School embraced the joyous occasion by providing students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 with a magical encounter with St. Nicholas himself. Dressed in his iconic red robe and holding a long cane, St. Nicholas radiated warmth and merriment as he sat in the classroom. Students were invited into a beautifully lit classroom, adorned with candles and the spirit of Christmas. St. Nicholas, embodying the festive cheer, led the young minds in singing traditional Christmas carols. The harmonious tunes echoed through the halls as the children, wide-eyed and filled with joy, celebrated the season. Once the melodies filled the room, St. Nicholas proceeded to distribute personalized gifts to each child, adding an extra layer of magic to the festive occasion. The exchange of gifts symbolized the spirit of giving and shared cultural traditions, reinforcing the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and embracing German culture even in a foreign setting. The St. Nicholas Day celebration at the German Embassy School served as a reminder of the school’s dedication to creating a holistic and culturally enriched educational experience. The event not only brought joy to the students but also underscored the importance of preserving and sharing cultural traditions, allowing each student to feel a connection to German heritage even miles away from home. As the echoes of laughter and carols lingered in the air, the St. Nicholas Day celebration at the German Embassy School stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to creating a nurturing and culturally diverse environment for its students. Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas!)