Selásskóli school rules

More about school rules

Selásskóli developed its school rules under Article 14 of the Act on Compulsory Education No. 91/2008, Regulation No. 1040/2011 on the responsibilities and duties of parties in the primary school community, and Reykjavík City's procedural guidelines for services to primary school students with complex needs.

At Selásskóli, our motto guides us: Let a thousand flowers bloom. This reflects our deep care for students and a strong commitment to supporting their progress, development, and well-being.  The school's core values grow from this motto: respect, joy, and friendship. The school rules are rooted in these values. Their purpose is to:

• ensure students can enjoy their childhood, develop their talents through school, and feel safe during all school-related activities. 
• foster student responsibility for their own learning, behavior, and interactions, aligned with their age and maturity.
• unite the entire school community in building and maintaining a positive, supportive environment grounded in safety, friendship, health, joy, trust, and respect.

The entire school community—teachers, general staff, students, and the school council—collaboratively developed these school rules. The principal leads the process of establishing the school rules and ensures everyone upholds them. At the start of each school year, teachers provide an introduction to the school rules and discuss their importance with students. We also revisit the rules throughout the year as needed. Parents receive information about the school rules at the start of the school year.

Conduct and communication

The school serves as the students' workplace, granting them the right to instruction suited to their needs within an encouraging learning environment and appropriate facilities that support their overall well-being. Every student has the right to learn in a peaceful and safe environment. Students also have the right to express their views. 

In keeping with their age and maturity, students are responsible for their own conduct and interactions. We expect students to conduct themselves with courtesy and good manners at all times. Students must follow the directions of teachers and school staff regarding all school matters, abide by the school rules, and treat both staff and fellow students with respect. All forms of violence—whether verbal or physical—are unacceptable.

Guidelines for home-school communication are available on the Selásskóli homepage.

• We celebrate what is done well and work together to improve where we fall short. 
• We include everyone and speak up if we witness bullying.
• We treat others the way we want to be treated.

Indoor conduct

Students must take good care of the school building and grounds, respect established rules, and follow staff instructions. We expect both students and staff to behave respectfully, taking care of their surroundings and others' belongings.

• We greet and bid farewell to one another politely, showing mutual respect in both words and actions. 
• We always walk on the right side of the stairs. 
• We move quietly through the school building.
• Everyone helps ensure shared work areas remain calm and conducive to learning. 
• We wait in line until it is our turn. 
• We take good care of our learning materials and supplies.
• We hang our outerwear on hooks and neatly arrange our shoes on the racks.
• We do not wear hats or other headwear indoors.
• We always wear socks or indoor shoes.

Conduct in the cafeteria

• We walk quietly in line from the classroom to the cafeteria.
• We enter the cafeteria quietly and apply hand sanitizer. 
• We line up at the serving area while waiting for our food. 
• We typically serve ourselves, taking only what we plan to eat. 
• We treat the staff with respect and keep our voices down. 
• We clean up after ourselves, returning our plates, utensils, and glasses to their proper place. 
• When on duty, we wipe down the table, set out clean glasses, and help clear away dishes. 
• We ask a teacher or staff member for permission before leaving the cafeteria. 

Good behavior during recess

Student interactions during outdoor time should reflect a spirit of community, consideration, and respect for the environment, classmates, and school staff. 

• We respect the boundaries of the school grounds.
• We show consideration for others. 
• We always dress appropriately for the weather.
• We take good care of the tree cover and playground equipment. 
• If we notice someone breaking school rules, we report it to a staff member 
• Everyone respects the right of others to be left in peace. 
• When the school bell rings, we line up promptly at our entrance. 
• We throw snow only in designated play areas. 
• We leave bicycles, scooters, and other vehicles parked during recess. 

Students must remain on the school grounds during recess.  Teachers and other staff are always on duty during recess, so students can approach them if anything goes wrong.  Ball courts are assigned according to a set system, and students must respect others' right to use them. When the bell rings, we stop playing and line up. A teacher brings students in from recess.

Students are expected to go outside during recess. If a student needs to stay indoors for any reason, parents may request this by contacting the homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher will then notify the school aide.

Bicycles and more—snow racers, sleds, and sled racers

Bicycles and electric scooters must be locked in a bike rack and left unused during school hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless a teacher or school administrators grant permission. Students must ensure all safety equipment is in good condition and remember to wear a helmet. Skateboards, Heelys, and inline skates are not permitted during school hours. 

The school bears no responsibility for any damage to bicycles on school grounds.

Snow racers and sleds are not allowed at school. The school lacks the space to store them during the day. Sled racers, however, are more compact; students may bring them if they clearly label them with their name. 

School trips

Selásskóli's school rules apply on all trips. Students represent the school on all school-organized trips. We expect students to follow the same rules on school trips as they do on campus. Should a student be unable to join a planned field trip or school excursion for any reason, they are expected to attend school and take part in regular school operations.

Phones, smartwatches, and devices

Students may not use mobile phones, smartphones, or smartwatches during school hours. School hours include the time students are present according to the class schedule. Any mobile phone or smartwatch brought to school must remain switched off and stored in a school bag. The school assumes no responsibility for these devices. Students should only bring money to school when absolutely necessary. The school assumes no responsibility for personal belongings or money.

Selásskóli's computer equipment is school property, intended primarily for learning, teaching, presentations, and other activities consistent with our goals.

Health and nutrition—packed lunches

Students may purchase a hot lunch at midday by paying monthly in advance. Students without a meal subscription must bring a healthy packed lunch to eat in the cafeteria. Students should bring a healthy morning snack; we recommend bread, fruit, or vegetables. Students may bring a water bottle or keep a glass in their homeroom to refill with cold water. Students should not bring any other beverages to school. Candy, pastries, energy drinks, juices, and sodas are not permitted at school or on school trips, except on special occasions. Eating and drinking in the hallways is prohibited.

Punctuality and school attendance

Article 3 of the Compulsory School Act requires students to attend primary school. Regular school attendance is essential for academic success. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their child attends school consistently and conscientiously. We encourage students to develop strong punctuality habits and treat their education with respect. 

Procedures for an absence, late arrival, illness, or leave of absence are available on the school's homepage. 

Damage

If a student causes damage to the school or its property, we expect them to make amends in consultation with their parents.

Photo and audio recordings

Taking or publishing photos and audio recordings inside Selásskóli or on its grounds during school hours requires prior approval from school administrators. 

Friendship agreement or class agreement

Each grade, alongside its homeroom teacher, develops a friendship agreement grounded in the Selásskóli school rules and the principles of responsible upbringing. Students create this friendship or class agreement with their teacher's guidance, and every student in the class signs it. The class should then display it prominently in the classroom and revisit it regularly during discussions.