Vidistaðaskóli is celebrating its 50th anniversary!

Vidistaðaskóli Today marks the school's 50th anniversary; it was founded on 16 September 1970, which was the first day of school for pupils in their new local school for the northern and western areas of Hafnarfjörður. Vídistaðaskóli was then the third primary school in Hafnarfjörður, and the first parents' association at a primary school in the town was established there. Under normal circumstances, the anniversary celebration would have been open to parents, friends and supporters of the school, but in light of the restrictions and guidance from the authorities regarding Covid-19, the students and staff are celebrating the big anniversary with an entertaining programme.

Responsibility, respect and friendship are the school's guiding principles.

Vídistaðaskóli is a comprehensive primary school with pupils in Years 1 to 10. Vídistaðaskóli has placed a special emphasis on promoting the health and well-being of staff and pupils under the banner of a health-promoting school, as well as working towards robust environmental protection and education. In recognition of this, Vídistaðaskóli is presented with the Green Flag on its 50th anniversary.immt its fifth time. The arts and crafts have always been promoted in the school, with an emphasis on student democracy and diversity.

The school has grown and flourished, just like its pupils.

Around 1980, Víðistaðaskóli was the largest school in Iceland, with 1,232 pupils at its peak, and the school was double to triple-seated. In the school's 45-plus years of operation, the building has undergone significant changes. It was built in three phases, and in the autumn of 2005 the newest part of the school was opened. Four headteachers have served at the school. The first headteacher was Hörður Zophaníasson, who was in post for 22 years. Eggert Leví took over the post and served for almost two years, after which Sigurður Björgvinsson became headteacher and held the position for 19 years. Hrönn Bergþórsdóttir is the current headteacher of Víðistaðaskóli and has been in the role since 2013. Numerous students from Hafnarfjörður have fond memories of their time at the school. The school has grown and flourished, just like its pupils, and the school's extensions are a clear testament to this, in keeping with the growing population, not to mention the 10 years during which the school was merged with Engidalsskóli and Víðistaðaskóli from 2010-2020.

^{Sigurður Björgvinsson, former head teacher of Víðistaðaskóli, and Hrönn Bergþórsdóttir, current head teacher}

School life characterised by enthusiasm and creativity

The school employs just over 120 staff members. The work at Víðistaðaskóli is characterised by enthusiasm and creativity, whether in the classroom, the after-school club or the youth club. Projects such as the 10th-grade pupils' annual musical at Víðistaðaskóli, which has gained a good reputation, the student council for the upper school where the emphasis on student democracy is highlighted, and not least the 'Veröld' project, which is specifically aimed at bilingual students, are just a few examples of the vibrant school life that takes place at the school. The school is situated in a unique environment, surrounded by lava fields and the diverse nature for which our town is known. The area is therefore exceptionally well-suited for outdoor activities and for fostering environmental awareness, so it is no surprise that the school is on the right track.

Congratulations on Víðistaðaskóli's fiftieth anniversary to the people of Hafnarfjörður, staff and students, past, present and future!