On December 17, 2021, Salem Castle became a festive backdrop to pre-Christmas activities. The special lighting and festive atmosphere immediately cast a spell over all the visitors who assembled that evening next to the castle’s cathedral. The forecourt had been turned into a small Christmas market where students and staff members alike were pleased to find delicious refreshments, such as punch, tarte flambée, and burgers. A long queue quickly formed in front of the waffle stand. Around the edges of the market, fire bowls had been set up so visitors could gather around in the warmth and enjoy a cheery chat.

The guests were then offered words of welcome by the boarding school management and the Middle School’s “G6” (consisting of the Helpers’ Speaker, the Services’ Speaker, the Academic Council Speaker, the Student Council Speaker and the two Student Class Speakers). The newly elected Chair of the Supervisory Board, Till Schreiter, expressed enthusiastic praise for the new arrangements for the traditional Christmas gathering. From the open windows of the dormitory overlooking the forecourt, brass instruments played Christmas music, and everyone joined in the singing.

The highlight of the evening was a grand presentation  by student members of the emergency service groups, including the fire brigade, the first aid service (German Red Cross) and the technical relief service (THW). Along the walls of the castle’s Langbau, they were confronted with a staged accident in the chemistry classroom’s lab. The three services soon demonstrated impressively how well they can cooperate. While the fire brigade put out the fire, the THW cut through the door to rescue the injured and transport them through the building’s window. The “injured” were then immediately given the proper treatment by the first aid team. To experience this scene in the darkness of evening made a special impression on many observers.

Next year it is planned to hold another evening of Christmas Magic, and then, hopefully, together with all our students’ parents, just as we had originally intended.

Silke Stahl