Location/Register

Classes

Classes for Children (Heritage program):

Learn German - Have fun!

Children at beginner or advanced level are taught in accordance to their age group. Beginners are accepted at any age.

Kids Classes:

Develop basic literacy by integrating play, music, crafts, including listening and speaking skills. Students are introduced to reading and writing. Children do not need previous exposure to German. We prefer students starting in SK age.

Level 2 and 3 for students of Grade 2 to Grade 4 / 5

Split level for students building on German learned in previous courses and advancing to level 4 or 5. This class offers a comprehensive education in German language development with emphasise on communication skills and cultural awareness.


German Language Diploma

Advanced students will be prepared for a test of conversational skills in oral and written communication, reading and listening comprehension. We offer the preparation for the A2 certificate, which is offered by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of Germany.

Fees

• Eldest child $180
• Second child $160
• Third and each additional child $140

There is an additional registration fee of $10 per child for each new family

Language Diploma Students:

An extra charge of $50 per student applies.

The German Language School makes any effort to raise donations in order to support families with low income.

Tuition Fees are not tax deductible but only donations will be responded with an official receipt.

Charitable Org Reg # 81166 6940 RR001

History

Collectively summarized, based on a report by Margret Staeger and edited by Students and Teachers.

The German Language School was founded more than 40 years ago. Our school has not always had it easy. There have been many difficult times in the past. We should be thankful to all the teachers, parents, and students for helping the school during 40 years of history. The professional success of many of our former students demonstrates the importance of our contribution to their development.

After World War II and the terrible destruction of Europe, many immigrants coming to Canada were signed by hardship of the past and tried to find a better life in the new country.

Immigrants coming from the German speaking parts of Europe settled also in Oshawa. When they had children, the wish came about to have their children educated in their native language as well as preserving the traditional and cultural values. In May 1955 the Club Loreley in Oshawa was founded. Soon people were hearing in Toronto the children have a German School. The members of the Club Loreley knew now that was exactly what they wanted.

In 1960 on a hot summer's day in the Ukrainian Hall (Bloor / Simcoe St) 35 determined adults, willing to use any means possible established the German Language School in Oshawa but still many things had to be organized until lessons could start. The German Consulate Toronto provided the textbooks and the Oshawa Board of Education allowed to rent out basement rooms of the old King Street School for a small price. In September 1960 started the school with 43 students and 2 teachers. Already in winter 1961 the school moved to the newly built Club building on Dean Ave.

The number of students enrolled grew to 71. Therefore 3 classrooms had been required. Even the Club's kitchen and storage rooms had been improvised to accommodate classrooms.

In 1978 the Board of Education approved the outlines of the German Classes and completion of classes was now recognized as per general standards.

Growing student enrollment to 115 in 1984 made it necessary for the school to move to the Central Collegiate Institute. For the first time students and teachers could enjoy real classrooms.

In 1989 the heritage language program was enhanced by credit classes 10, 11 and OAC.

So many initiatives and ideas have enriched our school that only few can be here reported. For example,the best students are honored on the end of the school year. A picnic was the most popular event in late spring. For a time there was a children choir which enhanced the Loreley Singers. One of the very special events was a party held to commemorate the 200th birth year of Morzart.

Today we have a small library accessible to teachers and students.

In recent years, coffee and other refreshments donated by parents and students are being sold during our school breaks and providing financial support for the school fund.

Most appreciated by students and Club Members, is our common annual Christmas Party at the Club Loreley where the school entertains with presentations and songs.

Last year the Continuing Board of Education Centre made available the new location of the former E.A. Lovell School (at 120 Centre St.) for our Saturday classes.

Countless hours of hard work contributed by volunteers and staff was the recipe for success. Personal commitment and support from other levels of organizations made it possible to develop high professional language education enhanced by culture and heritage.

We are thankful for a very productive and supportive relationship to the Durham Board of Education.

Let's all hope that the German Language School will continue to serve the citizens of Durham for a long time, to keep the German Heritage alive.

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