SAGSE 50th Anniversary 1967-2017

Queensland parents’ experiences Marie and Peter King’s thoughts on Bernie’s 2011-12 visit

“In the July 2011 holidays, we waited with great anticipation and some trepidation to collect our German exchange student from the arrivals area at Brisbane airport. “To our great relief, we were greeted warmly by a bubbly young lady who immediately bonded with us and our 16-year-old daughter. The next six weeks proved to be very enjoyable not only for Johanna but also for the entire family.

“When it came time to say goodbye, we just knew that our daughter would be well cared for in the reciprocal exchange that was to follow some months later. Bernie and Johanna kept regular contact right up to Bernie’s departure for Germany on 26 November 2011. “The preparation and planning carried out by the SAGSE volunteers was absolutely meticulous and nothing was left to chance. Two weeks before departure, as part of the essential preparations for the exchange students, a group meeting was held at Kelvin Grove College. “Here, parents and students met the committee members, the leader accompanying the SAGSE group and, of course, all the other excited exchange students.

A different view of the iconic Neuschwanstein

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SAGSE photo