Scotch College

Friday 13th - lucky for some

First full day in Prep

Friday the thirteenth, what a date to have for the first full day of school for Preps! However, I don't think that these boys would have been too worried about superstitions on such an exciting action-packed day.

At three in the afternoon, after a long, eventful and exhausting day, 5G and 6I appeared at the door 'bearing gifts'.

As part of the Junior School cross age programme the boys in these classes made a 'Schultuete' for their partners. This is a large decorated cone full of lollies and a special gift for their Prep partner. The olders boys made these during their first few German lessons and for the third year in a row the German tradition is followed in Scotch College fashion, introducing the little boys to 'real school'.

In Germany the parents of children who are about to start school make or buy a 'Schultuete' which the child then actually takes to school on the first day. It is often filled with useful things for school eg pencils, crayons along with some fruit and a few lollies.

On that first day the parents take their children into the hall for a type of assembly, which might involve some older children performing for the new children. They are then called to meet their teacher in the classroom and have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. After this enjoyable morning, lessons begin the next day.

This is such an important day in a child's school life that all Germans possess a picture of themselves on their first day clutching their beloved 'Schultuete'.

Mr Ian Clarke, Junior School German Teacher