School Rules
Effective: September 12, 2025
School Regulations of KGS Hermann-Gmeiner Effective as of September 12, 2025 Principles In our school community, people from different nations, cultures, and religious communities come together every day. KGS Hermann-Gmeiner has set itself the goal that everyone involved in our school should shape school life together. This includes, first and foremost, the children, of course, but also the teachers, the after-school care staff, and the parents, who are expected to contribute to the school’s success. Openness, courtesy, mutual respect, transparency, democratic behavior, and peaceful interaction with one another are values we aim to teach and live by. To this end, we have established the following rules:
1 Entering the School Grounds
(1) School life plays a major role for the children, teachers, after-school care staff, and other employees, and they spend a lot of time at school. Therefore, everyone should feel safe, secure, and undisturbed in their “second home.” Parents are permitted to accompany their children to the school gate and say goodbye to them there. Unauthorized entry onto the school grounds is prohibited. After school, children may also be picked up at this location. In case of urgent matters during school hours, please notify the homeroom teacher via Schoolfox or contact the school office by phone in advance. This allows us to ensure that no persons not affiliated with the school enter the school grounds. (2) Persons not affiliated with the school are generally prohibited from entering the school grounds during school hours. This refers to individuals who have no connection whatsoever to school operations. Exceptions may include tradespeople or similar individuals who have, of course, been registered in advance. In the event of non-compliance, the school administration may invoke its right of access and take the necessary measures (§ 59 II No. 6 SchulG).
2 Communication on School Grounds
On school grounds and throughout the school building, we aim to foster direct and informal interaction among one another. For us, this necessarily includes open communication. Since this can only be ensured through the unimpeded recognition of the other person, please remove any coverings that make facial recognition (identification) impossible upon entering the school grounds (niqab/burqa). Communication primarily takes place between parents and their own children, as well as between staff and children or parents. Conversations between parents and children must be conducted in a polite, child-friendly, respectful, and discreet manner (e.g., during everyday situations at the schoolyard gate, with reading parents, with volunteers). Conflict resolution is generally handled by school staff.
3 Participation in Classroom Activities
It is very important to us to instill tolerance and respect in all children (and members of the school community). For this to succeed, active participation in all aspects of the curriculum and the corresponding lesson content is essential. This means that full participation is required, particularly in elective subjects such as social studies (including sex education), art, music, and physical education (including ice skating and swimming lessons), as well as at school festivals and events, and in extracurricular activities such as school services, field trips, cultural events, and excursions. Personal, cultural, or religious differences must not pose obstacles to the community, so that all children are educated with equal opportunities and gain an understanding of social diversity.
4 Bringing Items to School
Children are generally not permitted to use cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices on school grounds or inside school buildings (with the exception of iPads issued to students by the school). A cell phone or smartwatch may be brought to school as long as it is kept in the school bag in a powered-off state or in silent or school mode. In the event of non-compliance with this rule, teachers reserve the right to confiscate the cell phone or electronic device. Parents may then pick it up at the school after being notified. The school assumes no liability for the loss or damage of an electronic device.
5 Breakfast
During the breakfast break, the children eat together in the classroom. On the one hand, this fosters a sense of community. On the other hand, the topic of “healthy eating” is also part of the curriculum. In this way, the school can also help ensure that the children maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Breakfast during recess should therefore consist of a sandwich with cold cuts, fruit or vegetables, and a healthy drink (preferably water). Reusable lunchboxes and water bottles are encouraged (please label these with the child’s name).
6 Sick Leave
If a child is unable to attend school due to illness, parents must notify the school before the start of the school day (via Schoolfox in the class). Otherwise, the missed hours or days will be noted as unexcused absences on the report card. If a child becomes ill during the school morning, they must be picked up by a parent (or an authorized adult). The child is not permitted to go home alone, even if the parents would allow it.
7 Punctuality
Punctuality is a very important issue in our school life. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children arrive at school on time and without stress. This also applies to school events, school trips (e.g., for sports), school services, and, of course, the start of classes (currently 8:05–8:15 a.m.).
8 Communication between the School and Parents
At our school, we have chosen the Schoolfox communication app. Parents and school staff commit to checking for incoming messages and acknowledging receipt at least once every 24 hours (excluding weekends, vacation periods, and days off). We need to be able to rely on your messages reaching us, and at the same time, you can rely on your messages reaching us. This reliability also applies to inquiries, surveys, and feedback forms, whether in paper form or via Schoolfox.