Primary school starts on 24 August.

Formal teaching for pupils in Hafnarfjörður's primary schools begins tomorrow, Tuesday, 24th August. A total of around 4,300 children from Hafnarfjörður will start their primary school year this autumn across all of the town's primary schools. Of these, over 350 children are starting Year 1, and a similar number finished Year 10 this spring, so the number of pupils in Hafnarfjörður is similar to the previous school year. Eleven primary schools operate in the town, nine run by the local council. In addition, the Hjallastefnan Primary School and Nú – Progressive Education are independent primary schools in the town.

School will resume as normal.

In line with the current regulations, school activities will resume as normal, which means that teaching will follow the timetable for all pupils, along with catering services, school services, after-school clubs and youth centres. In addition, however, just as at the start of the 2020 autumn term, a strong emphasis continues to be placed on infection control and cleaning in schools, and on hygiene and personal protective measures among pupils and staff. Restrictions on parental visits to schools remain in place, and parents are asked to come into the school only if they have an urgent matter. At the start of term, parents of new pupils and parents and guardians of pupils in Year 1 are permitted to come to the schools and experience the start of term with their children, but the start of term for pupils in Years 2-10 will take place without parents. Further information about the start of term can be found at website of each school for themselves, which also provide good information about the work and priorities of the schools.

Activities at leisure centres also remain unchanged

The operation of after-school clubs will also remain unchanged, and they will resume on Wednesday, 25th August for pupils in Years 1-4. Year 1 pupils are already attending a special summer programme at each primary school, which runs until the start of term.

Nutrition during school hours

In the primary schools of Hafnarfjörður, all pupils are offered porridge before lessons, free of charge for parents/guardians. In addition, a fruit subscription is offered in the morning to all primary school pupils. Subscriptions for fruit and lunch are ordered through the Skólamatur website – https://askrift.skolamatur.is/  – except at Áslandsskóli, where a production kitchen is in operation and the same service is offered to all pupils at the school. There, pupils must submit a special meal order form to the school. Information regarding food service orders will be sent from the schools to parents at the start of term. The primary school food service begins on 26 August.

Free learning materials 

The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður provides primary school pupils with textbooks free of charge and handles the purchase of stationery required for school activities. Pupils will therefore receive exercise books, pens, folders and other similar items in addition to their textbooks. Pupils will be provided with these items as required after the school term begins, but a school bag, sports kit and stationery for homework are the responsibility of the parents.

A successful and good partnership between home and school is a key part of the school's work.

There is much to consider in primary school activities. The relevant primary school generally provides information about its daily operations, and the town's website also contains various details about the work of the school. In addition, enquiries can be submitted to hafnarfjordur@hafnarfjordur.is. A successful start to school is important, and a good connection, dialogue and partnership between home and school are key to this. Good learning conditions and well-being at school increase the likelihood that every student can develop and thrive in their own way.