GAPP 2011 NorthgateHigh School/ Eduard Spranger Gymnasium

As of Oct.16 Northgate has enthusiastically welcomed fifeteen new faces. These students have made the long trek from Germany to California, where they will stay with their host families until Novemeber 3rd, as exchange students. Northgate students are eager to include the exchange stundents in the uniques culture at Northgate and to learn more about their way of life in Germany.

" I was a bit tired but everyone seemed really friendly and helfpful. America is similar to what I expected because of what I have seen in films. The streets are very big and I really like my family's garden and pool," said Michaela Pfeil.

On Sunday Oct. 16th, Northgate's German teacher Andrea Marek and serveral Northgate host families anxiously awaited the arrival of the fifteen German exchange students and their teachers Hanny Petters-Friedlein and Marianne Illi-Schraivogel.

The German students came from Eudard Spranger Gymnaium in Filderstadt, a suburb of Stuttgart in Southern Germany. When the students arrived at teh San Francisco International airport there was a big welcome, complete with balloons, posters and anover all positive attitude from everyone participating in the program.

" One of my fondest memories as a student was when I visited England through an exchange program my school offered. I enjoyed it tremondously and wanted to create a similar experience for my students. I stongly believe that the best way to learn a language is by immersing yourself in it. Language is Alive! This is a wonderful experience for Northgate and German students to learn more about being a global citizen," said Frau Marek.

Illi Schraivogel, the English teacher, accompanying the German students agreet with Marek that the best way to learn is to actively engage and to full immersion in the culture.

"Immersion is the best way to feel at home and to get to know the culrure. Taking notes intensifies how much our studnets learn while they are visiting. Each day the students have to write fifteen new words they learned, in a journal. They complete dayly lessons in English everyday that they are here. They also have to prepare presentations which they give in the German classes, said Illi-Schraivogel.

As the exchange students made their debut at Northgate on Oct.17th, Principal John McMorris welcomed them with kind and encouraging words,"Willkommen. I'm very excited to have you here to help Northgate students learn more about you and about Germany. I hope that you all have fun."

Walnut Creek Mayor ,Cindy Silva, welcomed the group with the words: "Enjoy your trip, learn a lot , this is a fabulous opportunity." She invited the group to attend the Walnut Creek Council meeting on Tuesday October 18th. Seeing American democracy in action was a great experience.

The German students, who attend Northgate for three weeks, consider themselves very lucky to be visiting. The fifteen exchange students went through a rigorous applications process to be chosen to come to America. These students had to apply and were chosen out of 52 applicants. They were chosen by three teachers and had to fulfill all the requirements, including good soical skills and academic success. In addition, they were chosen by how flexible they were and how well they could adapt and immerse themsleves in new situations.

This opportunity to learn and experience for both Northgate and the German exchange students is presented through the German American Partnership Program.

Maddy Campbell, Staff Writer of: Northgate High School Sentinel

10/16 Sunday Pick up at the SFO airport at noon Flight: KLM from Amsterdam

10/17 Monday   9am official welcome with Administration at Mayor, Id cards, 10 am campus orientation

10/18 Tuesday  presentation: German school system                4-6 pm soccer Castle Rock Park 7pm city council meeting at Walnut Creek City Hall.

10/19 Wednesday  presentation:  Ritter Sport  2nd period visit Manderin class

10/20 Thursday  presentation:    History of German Fashion              Jelly Belly and Outlets: meet infront of school at 2:15 return to school 8 pm

10/ 21 Friday      presentation:    Fussball/ Frauenfussball          8pm     Leishen Art Cener: Little Shop of Horror

10/22 Saturday   meet at 9 am at Northgate: Muir Woods, Hike to Stinson, Parents BBQ at beach

10/23 Sunday     meet at 11am at Northgate Six Flags : Freight Fest                    Pick up at 5pm

10/24 Monday    presentation:  Porsche      6th period visit French class

10/25 Tuesday   sightseeing to SF. Drop of at Bart Pleasant Hill at 9am  return at 7pm

10/26 Wednesday  sightseeing to SF. Drop of at Bart Pleasant Hill at 9am  return at 7pm

10/27 Thursday    presentation:      German stereotypes

10/28 Friday         presentation       Enviroment

10/29 Saturday  with families

10/30 Sunday     with families

10/31 Monday      UC Berkeley visit    drop of at Bart Pleasant Hill at 9am return at 5pm

11/1 Tuesday        Presentation:  Ramstein    after school:  soccer match at CastleRockPark.   4pm -5:30pm Afterwards   St Mathew church kitchen Spaetzle making

11/2 Wednesday   Pizza at 5pm in Clayton

11/3 Thursday  Departure drop off at Bart Pleasant Hill 4:30am