Steinar, Ægir received the encouragement prize and Bára Fanney

Parent-teacher association honoured by the parents' council

Steinar Stephensen and Ægir Magnússon, chess pioneers at Hvaleyrarskóli, received the 2025 Hafnarfjörður Parents' Council Encouragement Award at Ástjarnarkirkja last night. Steinar and Ægir received the award for promoting chess culture within Hvaleyrarskóli. Bára Fanney received a special award from the parents' council for Hauka's work for Special Olympics But Haukar had two teams at an international tournament in Sweden.

Fifty nominations

Just under fifty fantastic individuals were nominated this year. The nominations have never been higher. Mayor Valdimar Víðisson opened the event. It was packed, absolutely full to the door.

„It's easy to say that „it takes a whole village to raise a child“, but it's another thing entirely to actually do it. Here in Hafnarfjörður, we are fortunate to have individuals who have not just said these words, but have lived them,“ said Valdimar, after emphasising that no project was more important for everyone working for the community than laying the foundations for the success and well-being of children and young people.

„To all of you nominated here today, your contribution has been crucial. You have contributed to strengthening the relationship between parents and schools, to creating a platform where parents“ voices are heard, where children feel they have a strong support network, not just at home, but in the wider community as well," he said.

Role models in society

Valdimar also emphasised what great role models those who received awards and nominations were. Their work was selfless, inspired hope and was important. He also said that the parents' council was important.

„A strong parents“ council is not just a supporter of our schools; it is a key player in building a stronger community where the well-being of the children is always the priority.“

Stella Björg Kristinsdóttir, Head of Prevention and Leisure Activities, spoke about the 'We Are the Village' series of meetings; a series of meetings on the well-being and safety of young people. She emphasised that effective methods need to be developed holistically and in collaboration with parents and the local community. Vala Steinsdóttir also gave a talk.

Also nominated:

• Stephen Midgley at Tjarnarborg
• Kristín Högna Garðarsdóttir, Víðistaðaskóli
• Erna Þórey Jónasdóttir and Áslaug María Jóhannsdóttir, Lækjarskóli
• Ásdís Reykdal, Öldutúnsskóli
• Wendy Elaine Richards, Hvaleyrarskóla
• Halla Eyberg, Lækjarskóli
• Guðrún Jónsdóttir, Víðistaðaskóli
• Helga Leifsdóttir, Víðisstaðaskóli
• Helga Leifsdóttir and Hjördís Hera Hauksdóttir, Víðisstaðaskóli
• Ásta Sigríður Ólafsdóttir, Víðisstaðaskóli
• Jóhanna Ómarsdóttir, Víðisstaðaskóli
• Theodora Angel Dawson, Víðistaðaskóli
• Guðný Hilmarsdóttir, Öldutúnsskóli
• Halldóra Sigríður Guðvarðardóttir, Öldutúnsskóla
• Kári Freyr Þórðarson and Erna Þórey Jónasson, Lækjarskóli
• Hafnarfjörður Boxing Club
• Bára Fanney Hálfdánardóttir, Haukar basketball coach
• Una Kristín Árnadóttir and Guðbjörg Pálsdóttir, Hraunvallaskóli
• Björgvin Þór Þorgeirsson, FH handball coach
• Thorkell Jónsson, Haukar basketball coach
• Hulda Helgadóttir, Lækjarskóli
• Erla María Hilmarsdóttir Áslandsskóla
• Brynjar Sigþórsson and Svavar Sigurðsson, FH football coaches
• Jón Þorbjörn Jóhannsson, Haukar handball coach
• Jón Teitur Sigmundsson, Hraunvallaskóli
• Sif Heiða Guðmundsdóttir, Hvaleyrarskóli
• Rósa Sjöfn Arndal Gunnarsdóttir Skarðshlíðarskóla
• Emil Barja, Haukar basketball coach
• The Primary School Now
• Sigríður Dilja Vilhjálmsdóttir, Hafnarfjörður School of Choreography
• Agnes Gísladóttir and Katrín Ásta Gísladóttir, class representatives at Víðistaðaskóli
• Sigurlaug Margrét Ómarsdóttir of Víðistaðaskóli for the professional
• Fanný Yngvadóttir, Skarðshlíðarskóli
• Anna Kristín Guðmundsdóttir, Víðistaðaskóli
• Jenný Ósk Óskarsdóttir, Hraunvallaskóli
• Kristín Erna Blöndal, Fríkirkjan in Hafnarfjörður

See what they were nominated for in the parents' council's promotion. here.

A heartfelt congratulations to everyone.