Learning, growing, and staying active together: the school year has begun!

On the first day of school, last Monday, the four aldermen of the municipality of Wassenaar paid an informal visit to various elementary schools in the village. 

For example, Alderman Baart visited the Montessori School in Wassenaar, Alderman Frigge visited St. Jozef School, Alderman Struik visited Kieviet School, and Alderman van Doeveren visited Nuts School.

"There was a cheerful atmosphere at the schools we visited, with students happily reuniting with each other and their teachers after the summer break. The engagement of the children, teachers, and school administrators was evident everywhere. As a result, the new school year has gotten off to a promising start, with all the ingredients for a year full of growth and new connections for our young residents of Wassenaar,” said Rebecca Baart, Alderman for Quality of Life, Education, and Integration.

Alderman Rebecca Baart on her first day of school at the Montessori school.

Festive Start to the School Year

At both the Kieviet School and the St. Jozef School, the first day of school began in the schoolyard, where a number of students symbolically raised their school’s flag. At the Nuts School, the students were given a festive welcome as they walked down a rolled-out red carpet.

For the Montessori School in Wassenaar, the start of the new school year also marks the beginning of a special new chapter. As of August 1 of this year, the school is officially part of the Het Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation. On the first day of school, students, parents, and staff came together to celebrate this festive start and looked forward with confidence to a wonderful school year.

Learning and exercise go hand in hand

The first day of school isn't just about learning; it also highlights the importance of an active and healthy school experience. Physical activity plays a key role in this, both for health and for the development of social and personal skills.

Laurens van Doeveren, Alderman Spatial Planning, Finance and Economics, and Sports, explains why this combination is so valuable: "Education and sports go hand in hand. At school, children not only gain knowledge, but through physical activity they also learn to work together and develop confidence in their own abilities. It was wonderful to experience the enthusiasm of both students and teachers at the start of the school year at the Nutsschool. I wish the Wassenaar school community an educational, active, and above all, enjoyable school year.”

Alderman Laurens van Doeveren on his first day of school at the Nutsschool.

Well-being as the foundation for development

During the visits, it was striking how much attention the schools pay to the holistic development of children. In addition to a quality education, there is also a strong focus on well-being and a safe environment in which children can thrive. To this end, schools work closely with parents and professionals to ensure that children who need it receive timely support.

Paut Struik, Alderman Health and Well-being, Sustainability, and Organization, emphasizes the importance of this: “Children develop best when they feel seen, safe, and supported. That starts, of course, in the classroom. In addition, effective collaboration between the education system and our healthcare partners is very important. By working together, children and families can receive the support they need. In this way, we ensure that children have the space to learn and grow with confidence, resilience, and joy.”

Alderman Paut Struik on the first day of school at the Kieviet School.

Getting to School Safely

With the start of the school year approaching, Wendy Frigge, “ Alderman ” for Community Engagement, Mobility, and Culture, says: “It’s so wonderful to see all the children heading back to school after summer break! The first day of school immediately brings extra activity around the schools. As a “ Alderman ” for traffic, I think it’s important that everyone arrives at school safely and returns home safely. Cycling safety is a particular focus of mine in this regard. I wish all students lots of fun and a fantastic school year!"

Alderman Wendy Frigge on the first day of school at St. Jozef School.

With its “Back to School” campaign, the municipality is once again drawing attention to traffic safety this year. Banners and posters along school routes remind everyone to be mindful of children on their way to school. By being extra alert and looking out for one another, we can work together to ensure a safe school environment.