Our team and the history of the Grüninger Schule Thalwil

Becoming a teacher was a natural choice for Thomas Grüninger. The profession offered him the ideal opportunity to combine his numerous interests. He is a trained jazz musician from the Zurich Jazz School and plays piano, among other things, with the Thalwil Jazz Club All Stars.

Besides teaching, Thomas Grüninger works as a cartoonist and illustrator, including contributions to the  Swiss satirical magazine Nebelspalter. The illustrations on this website are also his own work and offer an insight into his subtle humour and artistic style.

From 1998 to 2001, he completed his vocational training as a certified special education teacher.

Through his many years' experience working with diverse classes, Thomas Grüninger has developed a deep understanding of different learning needs. His teaching is characterised by humour, enthusiasm, patience, and a clear yet respectful approach. He firmly believes that good teaching depends primarily on the teacher's personality.

Indrani Das Schmid brings a wealth of experience from various professional fields. Alongside her pedagogical work, she continues to work as a journalist and draws on past roles in communications and the development of educational formats. Her teaching background includes positions at the Werkjahr Neuhausen as well as in a small-group class (Kleinklasse) at the Gelbhausgarten school.

Through her professional diversity—and also as the mother of a neurodivergent child—she knows how crucial it is not to judge young people according to rigid patterns, but to make their individual strengths and talents visible. Whether through practical formats such as the “Courage Dossier” (Mut-Dossier), hands-on projects, or targeted career orientation: her goal is to give young people their own voice and open up realistic, viable paths for their future.

She also deeply values close collaboration within the team, with parents, and with external partners such as career advisory centers (BIZ) and local businesses. With heart, clear structures, and plenty of creativity, she looks forward to guiding the students at the Grüninger School on their personal and professional journey.

Janic Reber is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Zurich, majoring in Educational Sciences with a minor in German Language and Literature. He brings a wealth of experience and broad interests from diverse areas of life—whether through his solid academic studies, his civic engagement, or his service in the military, where he assumed various functions with leadership responsibility.

A particularly formative milestone was his internship in the summer of 2022 at the Ministry of Peace (MINUBUMWE) in Kigali, Rwanda. As part of the efforts to address the genocide against the Tutsi, he analyzed the political preparations under President Habyarimana and documented his findings in a detailed report. For him, the personal conversations with survivors and bereaved families were unforgettable and deeply profound.

Outside of his studies, he is actively involved in the student fraternity AB Glanzenburger in Zurich. In his free time, he is often drawn to nature and sports—whether practicing Wing Tsun, running, swimming, climbing, or ski touring. He values spending time with friends and companions just as much as enjoying relaxed, quiet hours with a good book.

It is a central priority for Chantal Vikoler to meet children with appreciation, patience, clear structure, as well as lightness, humor, and joy. She aims to provide them with a place where they feel safe, build confidence in themselves and their environment, discover their strengths, and learn with enthusiasm.

After completing her training at a vocational college for social pedagogy in Southern Germany, she gained diverse experience across various educational fields — ranging from early childhood education and primary schooling to supporting children and adolescents with diverse developmental and support needs. Her work in international and bilingual settings was particularly enriching for her, including positions at a German-American school in Berlin, a bilingual institution in Lyon, and a Montessori school in Stuttgart.

In her personal time, Chantal Vikoler enjoys spending time with family and friends. She appreciates good food, has a passion for travel — especially to the South of France — and plays tennis in her free time.

With her open-minded nature and extensive experience, she enriches the team at Grüninger Schule, shaping daily school life alongside the children, their families, and her colleagues with great heart and dedication.