It is indeed headline news that the Deutsche Schule Melbourne has been accredited by the German Federal Government as a Deutsche Auslandsschule or German International School.
This significant and exciting achievement was formally celebrated on the afternoon of Thursday 29th April when the German Consul General Frau Dr Schleich attended the school. Invited dignitaries included Herr Hans Schroeder the German Lutheran Trinity Church, Father Brian and Sister Elizabeth of the German Catholic St Christophorus Church, Frau Eva Schulz Deputy Director Goethe Institut Australien, Herr Hans Henkell of Henkell Brothers Investment Managers and Catherine Gosling of the Association of German Teachers of Victoria. All of these individuals have been generous financial and or philosophical supporters of the school.
The DSM has attained accreditation during its second operating year although normally a minimum of three years is required. 

There are many  who should be thanked for this achievement including Frau Dr Schleich and her predecessor who have been instrumental with their support and advocacy. We especially congratulate the school board and the tireless DSM teachers who have worked incredibly hard and enthusiastically to create a functional and exciting school in very short time.
The school will benefit considerably from this accreditation. It is now one of 135 Auslandsschulen worldwide and will receive substantial financial support from the German federal government. This is extremely welcome to help secure the future of the DSM.  Perhaps even more exciting are the opportunities that membership of the Auslandsschulen presents to principals, teachers, administrators and of course the children.  From around the world, Auslandsschulen form a network that enables schools to share with, support and learn from each other.  Principals and teachers have access to professional development seminars and collegiate support from peers.  Our business manager, Barbara Walsh has already received specific training.  For the students there is the probability of an exchange programme with other schools, not to forget the benefits they will receive from having highly trained and motivated teachers and an increasingly well-resourced school. On the downside there will be additional requirements to report to the German Government but this is surely a small price to pay!