by John Clarke

Experience and Passion

What qualities should a teacher possess? For Christiane Patzwald, the newly appointed Principal of The German School of Language in Adelaide, the answer would most surely be experience and passion.
Christiane Patzwald was the guest presenter at the recent meeting of the German speaking group Kaffee und Kuchen.

In her speech she described growing up in Germany
and her views on language education. The death of her mother when Christiane was nine forced a change in her life, but she was fortunate that in living with her gradparents she came under the influence of two
people who possessed enquiring minds, and in her grandfather, in particular, a person with a love of languages. Her grandparents too were travellers, and she has vivid memories of times in foreign countries, especially the United States of America. Her experiences led to proficiency in languages other than German.

She commented that Google Translate and other internet translating services are in common use today, but they do not recognise idiomatic language or slang terms. To use a non-native language successfully it is necessary to speak to those who use it every day. After leaving school Christiane moved to Lausanne in Switzerland, where she completed a BA in Hospitality Management. Later at Cologne University she gained a Master’s degree in Tourism Management. Then with her Australian born husband she decided to
emigrate to Australia.

Henley Beach with its sandy beach and wooden jetty was quite a change from the ancient city of Wiesbaden on the banks of the River Rhine. For fifteen years she and her husband operated a corporate travel company in Adelaide, and there they raised their children. For language development of children with parents of different linguistic backgrounds it is an advantage if the mother is the non-native speaker.

Like their mother the children speak English, German, French and Spanish.
The Covid pandemic cancelled all travel plans and resulted in the closure of the travel company, but drawing on her German background – her grandmother had been a wonderful cook – Christiane opened Tart Noir, selling her individual, innovative tarts.

She had been for four years Chairperson of Parents and Friends of Music at Immanuel College, and perhaps that experience had led her to look to a career in education. She had become a qualified instructor of German as a foreign language and had begun tutoring at secondary and tertiary level. After the closure of the travel agency teaching became her profession. She conducted classes that led to Certificate II and III in German as a foreign language and became a language assessor and curriculum developer.

In 2024 she joined The German School of Language in Adelaide and a year later was appointed its Principal.
Her aim is to “provide the students with a more rounded experience of German culture and traditions.” Her life in various places and her interest in a variety of fields have given her the experience. And what more does a teacher need? “Enthusiasm,” she says, “and passion.”

The next Kaffee und Kuchen meeting will be held at the Langmeil Centre, 7 Maria Street, Tanunda on Monday, 26 May at 1pm.