A Special Visit: German Consul General Oliver Schramm Visits SBDS

We were deeply honored to welcome the German Consul General of San Francisco, Oliver Schramm, to our annual member meeting at SBDS School. His visit, alongside Gabi Maiss-Minkler, the representative of the Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA), was a special moment for our school community, as it underscored their efforts in rallying support for our school from the German government, and their commitment to nurturing German language and culture abroad.

One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for Consul General Schramm to personally congratulate our students who recently passed the prestigious DSD 1 exam (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), a significant achievement that opens doors to further educational opportunities in Germany. It was a proud moment for the students, their families, and the entire school, as we celebrated this important milestone together.

During their time at SBDS, Mr. Schramm and Ms. Maiss-Minkler took the time to visit several of our 20 classes, interacting with some of the 235 students who bring our school to life. They were able to see firsthand the passion for learning that our students exhibit every Saturday. Their visit reaffirmed the importance of providing opportunities to embrace the German language and culture.

A special treat awaited our guests during recess, where they joined us at the school’s “Kuchentisch” – a long-lasting tradition at our school – for coffee and cake. It was a time of warm conversations and shared reflections on the continued partnership between SBDS and the German government.

The visit was not just an honor, but also a source of encouragement. The presence of such distinguished guests inspires our students to continue striving for excellence, knowing that they are part of a larger global community that values their education and cultural heritage.

At SBDS School, we remain committed to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed, and the visit from Consul General Oliver Schramm and Ms. Maiss-Minkler was a reminder of the strong ties that connect us to Germany. We are thankful for their visit and for the continued support that helps our students to thrive in their academic and cultural pursuits.

We look forward to many more years of collaboration and success!