TheHallowian-2021Vol2 - Flipbook - Page 18
Joan and Me – Kathrin’s Story
Kathrin Grave (Klauke)
In August 1989 I travelled all the way from Wilhelmshaven/Germany to Brisbane for
one year. I was seventeen years old at that time.
My first host sister attended All Hallows’ School, and therefore I ended up in the
same fawn school uniform. My school in Germany back then was (and still is) a
Catholic school as well, but that is probably the only similarity.
The girls in my class were fabulous and made it easy to make new friends (thank you
11C and Mrs. Blair). I joined the choir, played cello in one of the orchestras, took flute
lessons and became a member in the flute choir, had the possibility to be part of the
school trip down to the Snowy and enjoyed being part of the community. I can still
hum the school anthem today, which also proves that the time at All Hallows´ really
inspired me.
My first host family was wonderful, but after about five months I moved to Sandgate
to live with my second host family, the Drapers. My second host sister was in my
class at All Hallows’ and we got on so well that she decided to come and live with us
in Germany for a year.
And believe it or not: I became an English teacher and my host sister Joan fell in love
with a German boy and is still here in Germany. I was ‘best man’ at her wedding and
she reciprocated the honour at mine!
So my time at All Hallows´ definitely changed the course of our lives! I am very
grateful for the opportunity I had, and – of course - I always encourage my students
to spend some time abroad. I have never been back, but if I ever get the chance to
travel to Australia again, I will definitely stop at 547 Ann Street. I wish you all the best
for the next 160 years.
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The Hallowian | 2021