Back to School in the Ägeri Valley: Traditions, New Beginnings and Support

With most schools returning on 17 August, the Ägeri Valley will soon be filled with children carrying new schoolbags, greeting friends and beginning the next stage of their school journey.

Whether your child attends a local or international school, the first day is an exciting milestone. Each school has its own way of welcoming pupils, with traditions that help children feel part of their new school community.

Special Traditions for the First Day

Throughout the valley, you will see kindergarten children wearing their orange reflective sashes referred to as a Lüchzgi. These help drivers recognise that some of our youngest children are making their way to kindergarten, often for the first time.

During the first weeks of school, the police visit the children and teach them how to cross the road safely. Before long, many will be expected to walk to kindergarten independently. Children entering first grade receive yellow reflective vests known as a Leuchtweste and also practise road safety with the police as they learn to make their way to school.

Each schoolhouse has its own welcome traditions, which vary between Unterägeri, Oberägeri and the international schools.

In Unterägeri, one school has traditionally held a welcome ceremony in the church. At another, older children create an archway of sunflowers in the school corridors, welcoming the new first graders as they walk through for the first time.

In Oberägeri, a tradition that once included releasing balloons has changed in recent years. At the end of the school year, children receive a piece of bunting to decorate and make their own. They bring their finished flag on the first day of the new school year, when all the individual pieces are joined together and displayed outside the schoolhouse. It is a lovely symbol of every child being part of one school community.

Sophie flag for the first day

At the International School of Zug and Luzern, children arriving at the Zug campus may be welcomed by Eddie the Eagle, the school mascot, helping to make the first day feel fun and memorable.

Traditions may change from year to year, but the excitement remains the same. There is something very special about watching children being welcomed into their new school community.

Learning to Let Them Walk on Their Own

Sending your children to local school also means becoming familiar with the Swiss tradition of walking to school independently.

A class out practising walking to school and crossing the street with the Zug School Police

I still remember how nervous I felt watching my own young children walking through the streets of Ägeri. In the beginning, I walked with them. Later, after they had received their road-safety training from the police, I would sometimes follow at a distance and even hide behind bushes to check that they were crossing the roads properly!

Walking to school is an important tradition here and can be wonderful for children’s confidence, independence and development. However, Ägeri has become busier, every child develops at a different pace and each route to school presents its own challenges. Parents should do what feels right for their child and family, particularly while children are still learning the rules and becoming comfortable with the journey.

A tip, if possible, find another child who can walk with yours. Walking in pairs is strongly encouraged. It gives children companionship and added confidence, while also helping friendships and a sense of community grow.

The wider community works together to encourage and protect children as they gain independence. Letting go is not always easy, and parents should take this step when they and their child are ready. Sometimes, little by little, we also have to learn to trust the system around us.

Finding Support During Your School Journey

Every school community offers different ways to support children and parents throughout the school year.

For families attending local or international schools, the Schooling in Switzerland channel inside the Ägeri High Heels Membership Community is a place to ask practical questions, share experiences and receive support from other parents.

Whether you are wondering what your child needs, how something works or where to find the right information, you do not have to navigate the school journey alone.

We will also be holding Ägeri High Heels welcome gatherings and information sessions on:

• 11 August: An opportunity to meet others and ask questions before school begins.

• 3 September: Further support and conversation about your family’s school journey in Switzerland.
  

Families at the International School of Zug and Luzern can also connect with the school’s Parents Association. The PA helps welcome families, shares information through parent WhatsApp chats and creates opportunities for parents and children to become involved in school life.

Parents who would like more information or wish to connect with a PA representative are welcome to email pa@iszl.ch.

Whether your child is walking into kindergarten, beginning first grade, changing schoolhouses or joining an international school, the start of a new school year brings plenty of questions as well as excitement.

We wish every child and every parent a happy, confident and well-supported start to the new school year!