Home and School awards the Parent Council, Vala and the Contact Forum

Home and school provide recognition

The Parents' Council of Hafnarfjörður received the Home-School Parents' Award at the organisation's ceremony at Herkastali on 22 May. The council received the award for its projects. Phone-free time and Let's face the facts.

Hörðuvallaskóli received an award of encouragement for the project Tengslatorg. Also, Vala Steinsdóttir, chairperson of the Hafnarfjörður Parents' Council, received an award as the Home-School Diligence Champion for 2025. This award is given to an individual who has made an exceptionally significant contribution for the benefit of pupils and parents.

A statement from Home-School says that it is important to highlight the good work that is done within the school community. „The aim of the Home-School Parents“ Awards is to highlight the thriving work that takes place within nurseries, primary, and secondary schools in Iceland, and the many projects that contribute to a strong and positive partnership between homes, schools, and the community. The Parent Awards are a reminder of what can be achieved through the power of association."

The winners of the 2025 Parenting Awards were Símarfrí, Let's Face It, and the general duties of the Hafnarfjörður Parents' Council.

The Parents' Council of Hafnarfjörður received 3 nominations.

„The Parents' Council of Hafnarfjörður has shown great interest and initiative in digital matters concerning children and young people. Over the past year, they have worked purposefully to open a discussion about screen use and its impact on well-being and relationships, including by promoting phone-free time in all the town's primary schools. This led to schools reviewing their phone policies, and many took a firmer stance on the matter.

Following this, the council launched the „Look at Each Other“ campaign, which had its formal launch with a positive and encouraging video in April. The video reminds us of the importance of putting down our phones and turning to togetherness and connection – both within families and in the school system. It encourages us to look each other in the eye, do things together and take responsibility for our own screen time.

The parents' council regularly raises the issue and continues to work on it in collaboration with the City of Hafnarfjörður to enhance the communication, togetherness and well-being of children and young people. The project has already had an impact – policies and practices in primary schools have changed and the collaboration between homes and schools has been strengthened.

A brilliant initiative to open people's eyes to responsible phone use and togetherness.“

Nominees and award winners of the Home-School Parents' Awards 2025. Photo/MOTIV

Inspiration Award 2025 for the Tengslatorg project

„Connection Hub is a project at Hörðuvallaskóli which is about strengthening the link between home and school and creating a stronger foundation for the well-being, social standing and well-being of all pupils. The project is based on three main components: Parenting education, where the school offers informative lectures on parenting, boundaries, responsibility, and the importance of togetherness and community spirit. Wellbeing Meetings (Connection Forums), where carers in the same year group meet and discuss – with the children's consent – their wellbeing and social standing. The meetings strengthen the bonds between parents, creating a sense of unity and a support network with the welfare of all children as its guiding principle. Well-being Agreements, where parents meet under the guidance of class representatives and agree on standards and values that promote children's well-being, e.g. regarding bedtimes, screen time, communication and the use of social media. How it works: The project promotes a healthy social and academic environment for children by building trust and connections within parent groups and between schools and homes. By openly discussing well-being, agreeing on guidelines and working together to find solutions, the chances of no pupil falling through the cracks are increased. This collaboration creates a shared understanding and support that strengthens children's identity and enhances their social skills. The school's follow-up on what is discussed at the meetings ensures the project has an impact and helps parents connect with each other and the school in a positive way. The meetings have increased empathy among parents and fostered a strong support network for the children. The parent group's awareness and responsibility have grown, and the school feels a strengthened partnership with the families. This has already had a visibly positive effect on the school's atmosphere and class spirit, contributing to increased well-being and security among the pupils. The Connection Hub also makes it easier for parents of new children at the school to get to know other parents and build connections.“ 

Representatives of Hörðuvallaskóli accept the Home-School Partnership Award for the project Connections Hub. Photo/MOTIV

The Home and School Hard Worker of 2025 is Vala Steinsdóttir.

„Vala is the chair of the Hafnarfjörður Parents' Council. She has also been the chair of the Setbergsskóli Parents' Association in Hafnarfjörður for many years.  For many years, Vala has worked tirelessly to foster a good partnership between homes and schools in the town. She has organised countless events, workshops and lectures aimed at supporting and empowering families in the town, as well as promoting a strong partnership between homes and schools.  

Examples of projects the parents' council has been involved in include a lecture series providing education for parents (It takes a village), phone-free days in primary schools, the Hafnarfjörður Parents' Council's Encouragement Awards, and much more.  

The effort and work that Vala puts into the parents“ work for Hafnarfjörður is almost indescribable. She does all this out of a sense of conviction and as a volunteer.“ 

Vala Steinsdóttir, chairperson of the Hafnarfjörður Parents' Council, was named the 2025 Home-School Diligence Champion. The award is given to an individual who has made an exceptionally significant contribution to the benefit of pupils and parents. Photo/MOTIV