German School Association

DESCRIPTION

NameGerman School Association AddressOak FlatsDescriptionIn the late 50s and 60s, many migrants arrived from the European Continent. Oak Flats, at that time, was a small village with countless vacant blocks of land. The blocks normally measured 150 by 50 feet, and were ideal in size and price for these newcomers.

In many of the shops one could speak German or Dutch, and it was the wish of some enthusiastic Germans to keep their language and culture alive, and see that their children retain the language and culture of their homeland. Along with this enthusiasm to preserve their heritage they had to battle with a new country, new language and new surroundings at their place of work. They took the time and founded the German School Association of Oak Flats.

The classes started in the garage of the Lutheran Pastor Mr. Koch, and in garages in Theodore Street and Warilla as well. Due to the hard work and the monetary help of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, the school was opened in 1965 in Leamington Road Oak Flats.

Dividing walls gave the opportunity to have four classes and in the really good years, more than sixty pupils attended, but some were sad because they missed out on the sport their Australian friends played at the same time. Students came from as far as Gerringong, Robertson, Dapto and Warrawong to learn the German language and traditions.

For entertainment and raising extra funds, the German School Association conducted dances, volunteers would provide a traditional German meal, well supported and we had a lot of fun. To preserve the traditions, special dances were held at New Year and of course the fancy dress parties in late February or March to celebrate Rosenmontag.

The students presented plays in the Town Hall of Wollongong and at the school and concerts as well. All this was organised to keep the traditions alive. A German Christmas was the highlight of the year for the children and their parents. Bavarians and Austrians kept their traditional folk dancing alive at the school as well.

Most of the money for the learning of the German language was provided by the Federal Government of Germany via the German Consulate in Sydney and the Goethe Institute in Sydney as well. The German school was active for a good thirty years. It closed in the late 1990s and the money obtained was donated to local charities.

By that time Community Languages were part of the normal Australian school curriculum and could be studied through the Higher School Certificate Level. Even Primary schools were teaching Community Languages at that time. The need for Saturday schools had decreased significantly and so the school closed.

Without the many volunteers it could not have happened.
Contributed by Johanna Schmidt, former teacher, secretary and treasurer of the German School at Oak Flats and retired members’ contributions.

Organisation

German Air Rifle Club

Fritz Fischer O.A.M.

Fritz and Lilly Fischer and their five children arrived in Australia from Germany in 1957 aboard the ship 'Skaubryn'. They lived in migrant hostels until 1960 when they moved to a home in Barrack Point. Fritz helped to establish a German School at Oak Flats in 1962, and the German Air Rifle Club at Albion Park Rail in 1967. Fritz and Lilly shared the positions of President and Secretary in both organisations. The family became naturalised citizens in 1963. Fritz was awarded the German Cross by the German Government in 1985, and the Order of Australia Medal in 1988 in recognition of his efforts to foster good relations between the Australian and German people.

CONNECTIONS

LocalityOak FlatsOrganisationGerman Air Rifle Club

Menu

German School Association