“The Heart of the Neighborhood” 20 years old

Hraunvallaskóli 20 years

There was a joyful atmosphere at Hraunvallaskóli yesterday as the school marked its 20th anniversary. Parents, students, teachers and neighbors gathered to celebrate together.

“Looking back over these two decades, it is fair to say that Hraunvallaskóli is the heart of the neighborhood,” said mayor Valdimar Víðisson, who joined in the anniversary celebrations. He noted that the school is unique for its strong collaboration with parents.

Spring festival in autumn

Lars Jóhann Imsland Hilmarsson, who has been the headmaster of Hraunvallaskóli for the past 14 years, said yesterday’s celebration went really well.

“This was the first of many events that will take place this winter to mark the school’s 20th anniversary,” he said. “Yes, 20 years – they have gone by quickly,” he added. As headmaster, he has watched the school grow and thrive. The school’s parents association held its spring festival at the same time, an event that had been postponed earlier this year. The atmosphere was wonderful, with bouncy castles, face painting, street food and music from the VÆB brothers setting the tone.

Lars noted that the school has changed a great deal over his fourteen years. “At its peak we had 900 students, compared to 400 when I first started. Now we are back at 500 students,” he explained, adding that the opening of Skarðshlíðarskóli and more recently Hamravallaskóli, along with the neighborhood’s aging population, have all had an effect. “We have been reborn twice, if not three times,” he said.

A strong community in Vellir

Valdimar described the Vellir community as strong and said it was a joy to celebrate together with students, staff, parents and other residents.

“The people of Vellir have played an active role in building up the neighborhood, not only with houses and streets, but by creating a community characterized by solidarity, cooperation and positivity,” he said. He added that he believes Hraunvallaskóli will continue to be the strong pillar it has been for the community from the very beginning.

“Congratulations Hraunvallaskóli and congratulations Vellir!”