Interview with Ms. Petra Reinhardt, our new deputy director
Interview with Ms. Petra Reinhardt, our new deputy director
Eliška Kroupová and Marek Vrbata, pupils in class P5CS, had the honour of interviewing Ms Petra Reinhardt, recently appointed headmistress of our school. They asked her questions about her career, her passions, her languages and her plans for our school. Here is what she told them...
What are the requirements to become a school principal?
You need to have experience. I was already a principal in Germany, then I worked for several years in the European school system. Without experience, it's impossible. You also have to attend an interview in Brussels with the Secretary-General, the director of our school and several inspectors. I was selected after this interview.
What was your reaction when you heard about your nomination?
I was delighted! I thought the interview had gone well, but I didn't know how good the other candidates were. When I got the call from Brussels, I was really happy.
What do you like about our school and what would you like to improve?
I like the school's international structure and cultural diversity. I have been here for twelve years: six years as a class teacher, five years as an assistant, and now as headteacher. I appreciate the exchanges between different nationalities and the countries' celebrations.
I would like to improve communication: teachers should be better informed about mandatory training and events. I would also like to strengthen collaboration with the secondary school – for example, this year we organised the teaching day together for the first time.
What languages do you speak?
I speak French, English, German and Luxembourgish.
What would you do if you weren't a deputy director?
I love travelling: I've already visited around 125 countries and would like to discover even more.
What other job would you have liked to do?
When I was a child, I wanted to become a teacher, like my primary school teacher. Being a deputy director wasn't part of the plan, but being a teacher was.
What did you study and where?
I studied in Bayreuth, Germany, to become a primary school teacher. My main subjects were German, geography, history, mathematics and sports. I was born in Aschaffenburg, near Frankfurt, but in Bavaria.
Where do you feel most at home?
I own a house in Germany and one in Luxembourg. At first, I felt more at home in Germany, but after almost twelve years in Luxembourg, it's now fifty-fifty. Germany is for holidays; Luxembourg is for work.
Did you like school when you were little?
Yes, very much! I especially liked humanities and sports: I did athletics, handball, fitness...
What was your favorite book?
I loved Astrid Lindgren's books, especially Pippi Longstocking . I had a real collection!
Did you ever get into trouble at school?
When I was young? I can't remember. I'm very old now, I've forgotten! (laughs)
Is there anything that scares you?
Yes, war. War scares me.
Do you have time for hobbies?
Yes. I like cycling, going for walks, discovering new restaurants, eating well and travelling. During the autumn half-term holidays, I might like to go to the Czech Republic.
They also prepared a short questionnaire. What do you prefer?
Summer or winter? - Summer.
Ice cream or cake? - Cake.
Pasta or rice? - Pasta.
Christmas or Halloween? – Christmas.
Video games or board games? - Board games.
Fruit or vegetables? - Both.
Music or art? - Both.
L1 or mathematics? – L1.
Town or village? – Village .
Madam Director, thank you for your time.
