12 Dec Lucia procession in a dark December
Christmas is fast approaching, and we are now entering the last week of school in December. It is always exciting to hear the students talk about how they usually celebrate Christmas in their home countries, while also learning about the students who do not celebrate Christmas for cultural or religious reasons. This way, everyone gains a little new knowledge about each other during this time of year.
At efterskolen, the Christmas spirit has also spread with a Christmas party for students, charity cookie baking, a Lucia procession, and beautiful gingerbread houses. You can read much more about it in this week's newsletter.
Happy reading!
Student party with a fantastic Christmas atmosphere
The Christmas theme for the student party did not disappoint, and with Christmas shirts and elf hats, the atmosphere was fantastic. The evening offered dancing, fun and lots of good memories. Once again, thank you to the parent council and all the volunteer parents who made the evening possible for the young people.
Masks, patterns and lots of fun in fashion
In recent weeks, 10+ Fashion has thrown itself into knitting and crocheting – with both inner calm and a few minor frustrations along the way. The students work intently, helping each other and laughing when the stitches prove tricky. The result is warm hats, scarves and other winter-ready creations, which are now well on their way.
We can safely say: We are ready for winter.
A efterskoleår could be the turning point
You may not be familiar with the concept of school refusal, but when a child or young person does not participate in everyday academic and social communities, it can be difficult for the student themselves, their siblings and their parents. A efterskoleår can sometimes be a turning point.
A wonderful story in Jyllandsposten illustrates this point. It tells the story of a young man who experienced anxiety and unrest at the start of his efterskoleår at Ranum, stemming from his experiences in primary school, but where meeting a dedicated teacher made all the difference. Instead of forcing the student into the mould, the teacher adapted to the situation and conducted the conversation on the student's terms – a human encounter that paved the way for him to become part of the community.
We are extremely proud of his development and of the way our employees go above and beyond to create a sense of security and well-being. This story reminds us that a efterskoleår can be a fresh start when you see the individual behind the challenges.
You can read the full article here: https://eavis.jyllands-posten.dk/p/jp-aarhus/11-12-2025/a/sadan-blev-min-soens-laerer-vores-redning-mod-skolevaegring/4831/2061760/68142618
Handball tournament against HCI and HU
On Tuesday, both the girls' and boys' teams participated in the handball tournament against Himmerlands Ungdomsskole (HU) and Himmerlands Idrætsefterskole (HCI). It was a pleasure to see how the students knew each other across schools — and how new friendships were also formed during the day.
The boys' team delivered a solid performance and secured a fine victory, while the girls played really well in their matches.
A day filled with energy, a great atmosphere, and a strong sense of community both on and off the pitch.
We have raised 10,000 Danish kroner for Danmarks Indsamling
The pupils have been busy working on a charity project for Danmarks Indsamling, which will take place in January. They baked and sold cookies to local businesses, raising a total of DKK 5,000. Together with the £5,000 raised at the Christmas market in early December, we can now send £10,000 to this worthy cause.
They made gingerbread cookies, peppernuts, and vanilla wreaths – and the students handled everything from baking to delivery.
If you would like to further support the students' fundraising efforts, you can send a donation via MobilePay to 333867.
Remember to write F99550 in the comments section, and the money will go directly to the students' fundraiser.
Santa Lucia parade on a dark December morning
This year's Lucia procession created a beautiful and atmospheric moment in the assembly hall. The girls, dressed in white and carrying candles, moved quietly through the hall, filling the room with warmth and presence. It was a simple but very atmospheric part of the December programme. Students and staff appreciated the tradition, which once again this year created a wonderful atmosphere in the morning.
Gingerbread houses in Gastronomy Skills
The Gastronomy Skills team has been busy making gingerbread houses. The students have decorated them with creativity and attention to detail, and the result is festive. Although some houses are not entirely storm-proof and a few are missing roofs, it is clear that both craftsmanship and imagination have been at the forefront, and the houses now decorate the classroom beautifully.
Headmaster's column
Dear reader,
Before we reach the end of the first half of the school year, Year 10 students must complete their TEBO projects by presenting them to the TEBO teachers. The students have had widely different experiences and lessons learned during the courses, which they share with each other during the presentations. This leads to a lot of discussion and reflection, which creates curiosity and focus on the upcoming choice of secondary education.
This week, we have sent several students home for clarification because their behaviour is simply unacceptable and borders on bullying. They have succeeded in creating a negative group dynamic, which is perceived as a strong community, but which in reality isolates them from the larger community. Their pranks, etc. have exhausted both other students and several staff members to such an extent that we must now consider whether they are capable of integrating into the community and complying with the school's first rule: ”Everyone has a duty to contribute to ensuring that everyone has a good and safe efterskoleår.”. Their behaviour stands in stark contrast to another group of students from the Project Class, who focus on community and togetherness. They have organised social cafés, and their student initiatives help to bring light into the darkness for those students who find the dark season difficult.
The week ended with a joint gathering featuring a magical Santa Lucia procession, where around 60 young people sang and carried candles around the ballroom. Christmas is just around the corner, and we can clearly sense that the students are looking forward to the last week with Christmas parties and cosy get-togethers, as well as to returning home to their families in Denmark and around the world.
Have a great weekend and third Sunday of Advent.
It happens:
Calendar
Healthy Living Weekend – 13 December 2025 – 14 December 2025
Christmas Ball – 18 December 2025
Christmas closing – 19 December 2025
Ski and Prague trip – 3 January 2026 – 11 January 2026
Vaccinations – 15 January 2026
Casino weekend – 17 January 2026 – 18 January 2026
Concert – 21 January 2026
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