Admont Abbey Grammar School sets the course for the future
In the course of a structured hearing procedure, Ms Katja Maierhofer, BA was unanimously appointed as the new director of the Styrian Abbey Grammar School by the decision-making committee - with the involvement of the Styrian Education Directorate.
She succeeds Father MMag. Thomas Stellwag-Carion O.S.B., who will step down at the end of the 2025/26 school year after many years of service.
"I am particularly pleased that in Mrs Maierhofer we have not only been able to recruit a highly qualified and committed teacher, but also that for the first time in the almost 400-year history of the grammar school, a woman is at the helm. This has a special symbolic significance for us at the Abbey: our founder, St Hemma of Gurk, was herself a woman of vision, courage and creative drive. With Mrs Maierhofer, we can build this bridge from the roots to the present and present an outstanding solution for the future of our school," emphasises Abbot Gerhard Hafner O.S.B. as patron of the school.
Ms Maierhofer will take on her new role at the start of the 2026/27 school year. She is a graduate of the Stiftsgymnasium, has been working as a teacher at the school since 2017 and is also employed at the Admont Abbey Archive.
"At the same time, we would like to sincerely thank Father Thomas Stellwag-Carion O.S.B., who is retiring after many years as headmaster, for his services to Admont Abbey Grammar School. His commitment, pedagogical expertise and dedication have had a lasting impact on the school. He will remain in his position until the end of the 2025/26 school year," continued Abbot Gerhard.
The Stiftsgymnasium Admont looks back on an educational tradition of over 380 years. Today, around 500 pupils are taught there in various school branches. Since last year, a newly introduced sports programme has been added to the broad educational offer, which also includes a focus on languages, natural sciences (STEM) and music.
