A COUPLE of familiar faces returned to Dunoon Grammar School, (DGS), last week, after travelling over 1,000 miles, just so they can be a part of the DGS family for a few months.
On Monday October 21, staff and pupils at the school warmly welcomed Johanna and Emilia, senior students from the Hardenberg Gymnasium in Fürth, Germany.
Both had previously visited Dunoon as part of the school’s German exchange programme last year, but have returned this month to become students for a spell at DGS.
Back in 2023, after forging strong friendships and falling in love with Scottish culture, the girls weren’t ready to say goodbye when their visit came to an end.
So following a chance conversation in June with DGS teacher Jennifer Moffat, discussions were underway to bring them back. Phone calls were made, and plans came together between both families to make their dream of returning to Dunoon a reality.
Now, Johanna and Emilia are enrolled as full-time students at DGS, staying through to February 2024 and they’re ready to immerse themselves in Scottish school life.
With the help of Jennifer and fellow teacher Alex Fraser, the pair received timetables tailored to their German studies. They quickly became part of the Dunoon Grammar School family, rekindling friendships and creating new ones.
Jennifer explained: “The girls are making the most of every moment at DGS. Between their regular classes, they enjoy spending free periods in the Modern Languages Department, The Learning Centre, and the Esports Lab with Mr. Gallanagh. In fact, on only their third day, they joined in on the school’s Modern Languages European Night, diving straight into the social side of life at DGS.”
The German pair’s journey has been one of courage and excitement as they adjust to life away from home, but as best friends, they have taken on this challenge together, with the school staff and Jennifer who the fondly refer to as their ‘Scottish mum’.
The German exchange programme, established over 30 years ago, has created a long-standing connection between Dunoon Grammar and Hardenberg Gymnasium and Johanna and Emilia’s return to Dunoon is a testament to the impact of this programme, showing that an exchange is just the beginning of what can become a truly
life-changing adventure.
