Cantonal School embarks on new chapter

Visitors were invited to inspect the new extensions and newly renovated premises of the Cantonal School in Menzingen (KSM) last Saturday during which there where talks given by the rector, Markus Lüdin, architect Samuel Bünzli and historian Carl Bossard, who has written a book about the development of the school over the years.

One of the striking aspects about the location of the school is the distant panoramic view it affords to the northeast, even the main building of the Swiss Federal Institute in Zurich, 30 kilometres away, can be seen on fine days, as the picturesque village of Menzingen can be seen to the southwest.

A number of dignitaries from the world of politics and education had been invited on this occasion, at which, as mentioned, Carl Bossard presented his book, looking back at the days and when cowherds earned more than schoolteachers. He also referred to Sister Bernada (photograph), who arrived to teach at the convent there in 1844 at a time when there were no blackboards and no ink.

Architect Samuel Bünzli talked of the time when it was his plans for the major renovation and extension to the school which were accepted in 2011. He recalled how, in discussions with the Cantonal Office for the Protection of Historic Buildings and Monuments, it was decided what fabric of the old buildings should remain and what not. “Our aim was always to maintain the character of the older buildings, while showing them in new glory at the same time,” he said, after having taken visitors on a tour the premises.

In his talk, rector Markus Lüdin said the completion of this seven-year period of extensive renovation was the occasion for a time to reflect. He said the opportunity he had had to have been involved in such a project was a rare privilege for a headmaster to enjoy. He recalled that, at the time of his appointment in 2001, there was no budget, no concept and not even staff for the project. Now, seventeen years on, he can look back with pride in all that had been achieved. “It has been a great effort, but it has been worth it,” he concluded, as the architect and historian were then thanked for their contributions, not just in words by the rector, but in singing from the pupils.

It is now up to them to leave their own mark on the school, an imprint which, one day, will be part of history, too.