All schools in Hafnarfjörður receive recognition from the education council.

The Hafnarfjörður Education Council Award is presented annually for projects in school life that promote school development, professional collaboration and cooperation. This year, it was decided to award all schools in Hafnarfjörður—nursery schools, primary schools and the music school—an award for the great undertaking of maintaining a robust and creative school environment during uncertain times, for standing on the front line and carrying out their work with great dedication and confidence. The Hafnarfjörður Music School was the first school to receive the award. Other schools will receive their awards and presentations in the coming days.

The school community sought new ways and pulled together.

Since the announcement of restrictions on school activities by the authorities from 16 March, all schools in Hafnarfjörður have maintained their operations with the necessary reorganisation and restructuring. Thus, all school staff emphasised keeping pupils engaged in their learning and in contact with their teachers and the school. The entire school community in Hafnarfjörður pulled together and organised learning that provided students with support and security, and gave them the opportunity to interact with their teachers and classmates. Primary and secondary schools, nurseries, along with the music school, after-school clubs and youth centres sought new ways to connect with pupils and provide them with a platform for learning in circumstances that were entirely new to everyone. With professionalism and humility, the school community tackled schooling under unprecedented circumstances with such distinction that it was widely noted.

The nursery's work continued to be characterised by creativity and joy.

Nursery school children were guaranteed a place in nursery two to three days a week during the lockdown. School life in nurseries was, as before, characterised by creativity and joy, where the sense of adventure of childhood was paramount and a safe environment was created for children to play and socialise. The creative staff and teachers of the nurseries always sought ways to ensure the children had the best possible environment for play and creativity.

Stability and routine for primary school pupils

Primary schools in Hafnarfjörður ensured that school was held every day, so that pupils attended school daily. This arrangement maintained a routine in the students' lives, stability, and the opportunity to interact with teachers if a student needed guidance, or to meet up with their peers, which is also an important factor. With the help and adoption of technology, a new channel was found for communication between pupils and teachers, as well as for collaboration between home and school, and the connection with families has undoubtedly been strengthened during this ordeal. After-school clubs and youth centres also sought ways to support students, with staff venturing into uncharted territory to connect with children and young people and offer fun online activities. Teachers and school staff have worked hard to support pupils, provide an education and create a platform for communication for children and young people, with dedication and professionalism.

Online music tuition and music study from home

Teachers at the Hafnarfjörður Music School fearlessly took on the challenge of taking technology into their own hands in teaching and sought various ways to deliver lessons online, with students playing their instruments from home. This was a significant challenge, as the sound quality did not deliver the same results as in the conditions to which students are normally accustomed. By taking this approach, students were nevertheless given the opportunity to receive guidance from a teacher during the lockdown, and parents and guardians were also afforded an insight into their children's music education. Hafnarfjörður's music teachers were unafraid to find ways to provide their students with a platform to continue their studies with great foresight.

Congratulations to all the schools and a thousand thanks for your professional contribution, initiative and ambition!