Over two days in Week 4, the Year 9 German students travelled to Hahndorf as part of our unit on Prussian/German Immigration to South Australia. In groups we explored Rodert's Farm and were shown original buildings and tools that Prussian settlers had used all the way back in 1839. We learned about some of their customs and traditions, including that animal bones were placed in between the stones of walls to help strengthen and insulate the buildings, and that pear trees were planted near wells in the belief that they would sweeten and purify the water.

The Hahndorf Academy had much information about how life was for these early settlers, including their gruelling journey by ship; their interactions with the local Indigenous population; and the challenges of establishing housing, farming, schooling and sources of income.

While exploring the area we saw that there is evidence of a rich history spread all through Hahndorf. We also learnt that taking the time to look for and read about it can teach us many lessons about hard work, perseverance, and in some cases our own roots.

Although the weather was not always kind to us, eating a pile of Berliner, Streusel and Bienenstich buns did wonders to keep up energy levels, and allowed us to enjoy a sweeter side of German heritage!

Trish Prenzler, Adrian Siegfried and Kathy Breitweg
German Teachers