Ma'a salama and goodbye, Mr. Lummel

On June 24, 2024, the German International School Dubai (DISD) held a farewell ceremony for long-serving principal Michael Lummel. The 56-year-old was presented with a sash by two primary school girls and led across a red carpet through the packed hall to the festively decorated stage to great applause.

The school community had prepared a special program to bid their principal a fitting farewell. It was opened by his deputy Dr. Sammy Wafi, who will take over as acting principal in the coming school year. He compared the past five years to a symphony in which Michael Lummel helped compose the school's melody with his heart and mind and accompanied everyone harmoniously. "Together we have achieved great things. Like the recent 'Very Good' in the KHDA inspection. Our musical duets, you as the singer with the powerful voice and me with my violin, were a special highlight for me - they are symbolic of our collaboration, which was always a strong one despite the different beats," said Dr. Wafi, describing our time together.

Then came a surprise guest. Sven Hertner, principal of the German School Sharjah, with whom Michael Lummel now also has a private friendship, was delighted to be there. In his speech, he praised his counterpart and friend for his valuable work and tireless commitment. "The emotional atmosphere today shows how much you have shaped the school community! You have left a big mark."

Student representatives Luca Erkol and Jamila Okelah provided a particularly emotional moment when they presented their special farewell gift on behalf of the student body: the DISD mission statement motif as a work of art on a canvas, designed with fingerprints of all student and kindergarten children at DISD. "In this way, we are giving them all a little piece of our very personal individuality. At the same time, each fingerprint symbolizes the lasting mark you have left on us," explained Jamila. In his speech, student representative Luca paid tribute to Mr. Lummel's achievements and thanked him on behalf of the entire student body for his dedicated and inspiring leadership: "You have not only shaped and developed our school, but also made it a place where we could all develop. We students student were always at the center of your attention and could always count on you."

Handkerchiefs were used again when the primary school choir performed the song "Hand in Hand in a New Land". Then Class 9b, Mr. Lummel's English class in the previous school year, recited a poem they had created themselves. "Dear all, be ready, we are saying goodbye today, the time has come. Mr. Lummel, our principal and English ace, is leaving us now, we don't think that's so bad. Kangaroos are at home in Australia, we learned that from him without a break ..." Finally, the choir sang the song "Cups (When I'm gone)", to which everyone joined in.

Finally, the staff council presented its farewell gift to the outgoing principal, who is now returning to his home in Franconia. Moved by the many beautiful words and contributions, the words stuck in his throat. Visibly emotional, he thanked the school community once again before his voice failed him. With a hearty round of applause and many good wishes for the future, the school family bid farewell to a principal who has left a lasting impression on everyone's hearts.