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News | 14 March 2025

Letter from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Next week, we will have completed exactly half of the school days for this term, bringing us to the midway point of the spring semester. Here is some information and a few updates from me.

Thank You!
I want to thank you for participating in Skolenkäten! As you may know, all schools in Sweden conduct this survey on behalf of the Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen), and participation is both important and mandatory for schools. At the same time, I understand that parents receive many surveys from schools and other organizations.

For example, on April 7, IES will launch its annual Quality Survey, where we ask students, parents, and teachers/staff about the school's environment. For us, these surveys are the most important tool for analyzing, adjusting, and continuously improving. Therefore, I will continue to remind and encourage participation, and I hope for your continued cooperation!

Digital National Tests - Year 6 & 9
Last week, Skolverket announced that the national tests cannot be conducted digitally this year due to too many deficiencies in their digital platform. Instead, the national tests will be administered in the same way as previous years, using paper and pen or through Trelson, our own digital test tool. The national tests will take place during the dates as planned, starting on March 18 for Year 6 with Swedish.

We had carefully prepared to conduct the new digital national tests, so of course, we are disappointed by this change. However, our focus now is to quickly adjust and conduct the national tests in the same way we have successfully done for many years. We are confident that our students will not be negatively affected by this.

Wednesday, April 2 - School Closes at 13.00
As part of our safety work following the tragic incident at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, we will conduct enhanced training for our staff on PDV (pågående dödligt våld / ongoing deadly violence). This will result in the following changes:

On April 2, school will close earlier – classes will finish between 12:40 and 13:20.
Junior Club as well as mother tongue lessons will be canceled that day.

Thank you for your understanding regarding this short-notice change.

Other Updates
Grade 8 is looking forward to PRAO (week 12 and 13). It is always exciting to meet students when they return from their two-week experience in the workplace, as most of them gain new perspectives and often show increased maturity.
Midterms are approaching. Students and guardians will soon receive an update on progress in each subject. As usual, we offer a Meet the Teachers Evening, where parents can meet their child's subject teachers. This will take place on Wednesday, April 9, from 15.30.
Save the date – Saturday, May 24, for the school's annual Spring Fair! It will be a fantastic mix of entertainment, fun activities, and an opportunity to purchase students' handmade products—both crafts and food/drinks. We hope to see you on May 24!

As always, we value your perspective, and you are warmly welcome to visit the school or reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,
Mr Gellerstedt