Our Reception students began their very first German lesson with a special tradition from Germany—they received a “Schultüte”. In Germany, the first day of school is a major rite of passage called the “Einschulung”. Every child receives a large, decorated cone known as a Schultüte (“school cone”), filled with sweets, small gifts and school supplies. This 200-year-old tradition marks the exciting beginning of formal schooling and no German child starts school without one.

To share this meaningful custom here in Australia, each Reception student was presented with their own Schultüte at the start of their first German lesson. The excitement and curiosity in the room were wonderful to see, as students looked forward to discovering the surprises inside once they got home. The Schultüte symbolises encouragement, celebration and new beginnings—a perfect way to start their language-learning journey at St John's Campus. We look forward to many happy milestones ahead.

Vicky Miegel
German Teacher