Harbour festival in Louisenlund - tradition, encounters and community

The harbor festival with the Schleitaufe is an integral part of Louisenlund's annual calendar. There was already a lively and warm atmosphere on campus in the morning. Parents, pupils and staff came together to exchange ideas, make new contacts and experience the Louisenlund community in all its diversity. For the new families, it was an opportunity to get to know the school and boarding school even better and become part of a lively tradition.

The little ones, our Mini-Lunders and siblings, got straight down to business on the sports field: Bouncy cushions, face painting and lots of other hands-on activities ensured that the little ones were in a great mood - boredom didn't stand a chance today!

Many guests gathered in front of Louisenlund Castle to greet the guests

In front of the castle, Foundation Director Dr. Peter Rösner and Parents' Council Chairman Marc Ulrich welcomed around 800 guests. Marc Ulrich reminded everyone how important parent representatives are: 'Your voice, your view from the outside and your involvement help to shape things. Together with the teaching staff, everyone works to create learning and living spaces in which everyone feels comfortable and can develop.

Right at the beginning, Dr. Peter Rösner, head of the foundation, made it clear why we are celebrating this day: it is about communication, relationships and shared responsibility for the education of our children.

Peter Rösner encouraged parents to use this day to talk to each other: "Perhaps your children have already made friends - and it's exciting to get to know the parents of these friends too. Many friendships are formed through the connection between children. Use this day to build relationships!"

His appeal for a joint parenting partnership was particularly forceful. He emphasized that children need to develop self-confidence and self-efficacy: "Please encourage your child to solve their own problems. Send them to the teacher yourself instead of writing an email as a parent. This strengthens confidence in their own abilities." He emphasized that, at its core, education is based on two things: Love and example. Values that Louisenlund also lives by every day.

Chairman of the Parents' Council Marc Ulrich and Foundation Director Dr. Peter Rösner welcome the guests

When Carl von Hessen and his wife Louise arrived at Louisenlund harbor this year in their representative role, it was not just a symbolic act. Our students It is a promise: You have arrived, we welcome you warmly. This year, Johanna and Nelson slipped into the roles and costumes of the two historical figures. The girls from the "Pirate Floor" greeted the new pupils and staff with the obligatory baptismal chant and performed the baptism

Around 130 new pupils from the elementary school to the upper school were welcomed with Schlei water. The traditional Schleitaufe unites us, it makes community tangible. In Peter Rösner's speech, the values that support us were emphasized: participation, responsibility, freedom and at the same time commitment. Values that we live by - at home, at school and with each other. The new student council led by President Rixa also introduced themselves, as did the board of the Alt-Louisenlunder Bund. The orchestra, conducted by Jan Patrick Faatz, opened the Schleitaufe with music in the boathouse.

But the few drops of Schlei water in their hair were not enough for many new arrivals. For them, jumping into the Schlei was a must.

Oscar's" shone in new splendor at this year's harbour festival. You couldn't tell that the former ice cellar is one of the oldest buildings in Louisenlund. Freshly spruced up, the pretty thatched-roof house invited guests to linger - both inside and outside. The Alt-Louisenlunder Bund had donated around 3000 euros for the new furnishings. Comfortable upholstered furniture, a bar, TV and kitchen appliances make "Oscar's", which commemorates the student who died in an accident in 2013, a great meeting place on campus. The Oscar's Guild makes sure it stays that way. Max and Luc have big plans: "We want to offer cakes, snacks and drinks," Max announces. We're also planning reading and movie nights," adds Luc. The new guild is run by Melisa Kos and Lena-Marie Kämmerling.

The Kurt Hahn Run - a successful mix of challenge, community and fun every year. Two kilometers across the campus, past the chapel and forester's lodge, back to the castle. Philipp was once again the fastest. Last year's winner was even able to beat his time of 2024 and crossed the finish line in 6:30 minutes. Bruno was second in 6:58 minutes, Jasper third in 7:03. Grace won the girls' race in 8:22 ahead of Lene in 8:24 and Lilo in 8:26.

Throughout the day, the guests were able to get to know the campus: guided tours of the grounds, insights into new buildings and projects, experiments in the laboratories, insights into the observatory - and of course: culinary delights, ice cream, discussions with teachers, parents and staff. And the students were already looking forward to the next highlight, the student house party.

The start of the Louisenlund Kurt Hahn Run

Throughout the day, guests were able to get to know the campus: guided tours of the grounds, insights into new buildings and projects, experiments in the laboratories, insights into the observatory - and of course: culinary delights, ice cream, discussions with teachers, parents and staff. And the students were already looking forward to the next highlight, the student house party.