This year on January 29th, following a custom at our school, the English Faculty hosted its annual English Competition. The event offered students an engaging, communicative — and at times delightfully academic — way to celebrate the end of the winter semester.

Dozens of students from numerous classes across both programs, HTL and Fachschule, took part in this year’s contest.

Given that a knowledge of oneself is invaluable when communicating with others, Round 1 encouraged students to reflect on their personal values, culminating in a discussion with members of the faculty. 

Round 2 expanded the self-exploration even further by way of a discussion amongst student that included other aspects of self knowledge, for instance, setting personal boundaries, maintaining composure under pressure, and developing presence of mind.

Maximilian Wajda from the 4AHCIB won the competition for HTL students; Toms Lagzdins (also from the 4AHCIB) came in second; Aleksandra Jovanovic from the 2EHCI came in third. 

Tuana Onaran from the 2AFCHB won the competition for students from the Fachschule; Ana Stevic from the 3AFCHU came in second; Danijela Jovanovic (also from the 3AFCHU) came in third.

Many sponsors contributed to making our event possible and a lot more fun. Flowers as well as gift certificates for Hartliebs bookstore were graciously sponsored by the Alumni Association, VÖCHICHT. Vienna’s English Theater also donated tickets to a performance of our students' choosing. Cooltours awarded a trip to Ireland to the winner of our competition. Last but not least, our school's Parents' Association (Elternverein) provided a delicious brunch to all participants.

Maximilian and Tuana will go on to compete at the state-wide level at the Wiener Sprachwettbewerb in February. In addition to wishing them success, our school community hopes they enjoy the experience and learn something by participating.