Three years ago, I attended an information session at the Tagesschule Zug. Although I'd heard a lot of positive things about it from people I knew, I wanted to see the school for myself. At the time, I was looking for a place for my eldest son, Alessandro, who was due to start school.
As I strolled through the corridors of the old building, the bell rang for break time. Suddenly, there were all these children – a colourful bunch. They chattered and laughed as they streamed out into the playground. And there I was, right in the middle of it all.
Although I've got a lot on my plate, I get involved with the day school, just like many other parents.
The atmosphere was so friendly and relaxed. I really liked that. Later on, I asked the teachers all the questions I'd jotted down at home. Small classes, a manageable number of pupils, good facilities and a friendly team – at the Zug Day School, everything was just as I'd imagined it would be. What a relief.
I'm a single parent and have a very demanding job. Although my parents help out, it's not easy to organise our daily lives. In any case, the letter of motivation we wrote to apply for a place for Alessandro was written in no time. So it came as an even greater shock when, a few weeks later, a rejection letter arrived in the post. Twenty-five families had applied for five available places.
Finally got a place at the day school
When my mum was diagnosed with cancer again a short while later, I rang the school. It was an act of desperation, grasping at the proverbial straw. This time, luck was on our side. Another family had pulled out at short notice, so my eldest was able to take their place.
He's now in Year 3, and my second son, Rafael, is in Year 1. It was easier the second time round – siblings take priority. Although I'm still very busy, I get involved in the day school, just like many other parents do.
So I help out with the group lunch every two weeks. I'm also involved in the parents’ and teachers’ group. Does it sound a bit corny if I say that I would have loved to have gone to a school like this myself when I was younger?
