Gmund Mourns Principal Tobias Schreiner as School Returns to Routine

Gmund Realschule principal Tobias Schreiner death memorial service, Digi Mart USA News (Gmund, Germany): Students and teachers at the Realschule Tegernseer Tal in Gmund returned to school on Monday, November 9, deeply shaken by the sudden death of their popular principal, Tobias Schreiner. The 47-year-old died after a brief but serious illness, and the district says he leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill.

In a letter to parents over the weekend, the school leadership, led by deputy principal Barbara Zellner-Ngom, informed the school community of his death and outlined how daily school life would be reorganized. Zellner-Ngom thanked the school and outside support services for helping staff and students cope on the first day back.

The school set up a quiet room for mourning, which students used, and teachers also appreciated the offers of conversation. Many current and former students and parents have visited the Auferstehungskirche in Rottach-Egern since Sunday afternoon, and hundreds have signed the condolence book.

Because of the high demand, the church will remain open 24 hours a day in the coming days.

The memorial service will take place on Wednesday, November 18, the Day of Repentance and Prayer, at 11 a.m. at the Auferstehungskirche in Rottach-Egern.

Former deputy principal Stefan Wörle, who worked alongside Schreiner for years and now works in Rosenheim, described him as a friend, mentor and colleague. Schreiner taught German, IT and religion, and Wörle said he shaped the local education community.

District Administrator Jens Zangenfeind said he was deeply shocked, especially because Schreiner had informed him only weeks earlier about his illness and had still seemed optimistic about recovering. Zangenfeind described him as an engaged, warm person whose students were always at the center of his work, and said Schreiner remained concerned about his school even during his treatment.

Gmund Mayor Alfons Besel said Schreiner’s work was marked by great dedication and that the school was his passion. Besel said Schreiner understood education in a comprehensive sense that went beyond the transfer of knowledge, and that he would leave a huge gap.