We’ve Retired Homework at Comenius!

Adventures of a Headmaster in Taormina • #gyereacomeniusba

I really stepped out of my comfort zone when I hit retirement age. After 46 years on the job—and still loving every minute—a fresh breeze of change and a thirst for freedom swept over me.

I can’t complain about my past: monotony never burned me out, and I always found resources and space to renew myself—though I often had to build those opportunities myself. I founded a school, started a kindergarten, and organized a community.

Meanwhile, I craved a new way of living, to fully enjoy freedom.

Here in Taormina, I wander the hills and the coastline, soaking up Sicily’s October splendor. I reflect on the past and plan for the future.

I’ve always loved working. I remember that moment in June 1969, stepping through the factory gates for the first time, then repainting the lamp post of the three branched monument of Székesfehérvár steel grey. At the age of ten, I was already creating something I felt would endure—something I could truly be proud of.

Time passed, and I moved to the other side of the classroom: first teaching technical apprentices, then high schoolers. I thrived in my teaching career!

Now, at the age of 65, I’m back —here in Sicily and devote my time to my passion for learning Italian. The language school is professional: there’s no downtime, only Italian is spoken. Every other language is strictly forbidden, under penalty of one euro—not to mention the theatrical threats of having your tongue “cut out”!

It’s the last lesson of the week, and only the final minutes remain. “Pair up, do the task!” they shout. Wow! The Italians push students as hard as the Finns do! If only in Hungary we challenged our pupils at half this pace, we could retire homework along with me.

In Taormina, there’s time for planning and renewal. Poor Comenius—when I return, I’ll be bursting with a million new ideas to make our school even more effective, engaging, and lovable!

Meanwhile, so my family and friends can benefit from my Sicilian adventure, I’m spending my afternoons in a chef led cooking course, diving into the heavenly world of sauces and special pastas!

Just wait till I get home—the Comenius canteen shou ld preparefor some changes!

DON’T FIT IN THE BOX?
COME TO COMENIUS!

#hanemférszbeleadobozba; #gyereacomeniusba