Grindavík school to reopen after three-year closure

Grindavík Primary School will reopen next week, three years after classes were suspended following the evacuation of the town, mbl.is reports. Principal Guðlaug Erlendsdóttir described the prospect of reopening as “absolutely wonderful”.

“We are just waiting for the school opening, to bring life and activity back into the building,” Guðlaug said. Classes are scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Twenty-four children are currently registered for the coming school year, although the final number may not be known until the opening ceremony. Guðlaug said parent meetings could clarify whether some families are still undecided. She expects most of the children’s families to move back to Grindavík when permanent residence there becomes possible, potentially increasing enrolment during the school year.

The school will have six teachers. Because it will be small, pupils will be taught in combined year groups while receiving teaching materials suited to their individual levels.

Activity at Grindavík’s kindergarten began earlier this month. Guðlaug said seeing the building fill with children had been “wonderful” and described the return of schooling as an important step in rebuilding the community.

The school is working closely with emergency responders because of the possibility of further volcanic activity and evacuations. Safety plans are in place for both the primary school and kindergarten, and they will be presented to parents. Regular drills will be held, with the first scheduled for next week.