ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK 2020-2021



“strivingforexcellencebyactingethically,engagingminds,excitinglearners,showingempathy”

ELEMENTARY

HANDBOOK

2020‐2021



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

 

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

CONTENTS



IntroductionandWelcome

EmergencyEvacuation,Earthquake

andLockdownProcedures

13

WelcometoDISV 4 HomeLearning 14

IBLearnerProfile 6

CommunicationandAcademic

Information

DailyRoutines/GeneralInformation StudentInformation 15

TheSchoolDay 7 Home/SchoolCommunication 15

Registration/Attendance 7 SchoolCancellation 16

LateArrival/EarlyDeparture 8 ParentalSupportandInvolvement 16

EndofSchool 8 PADIS 16

MedicalInformation 8 ConferencesforParents 16

Security 9 ReportingtoParents 17

AbsentParents/Guardians 9 StudentWell‐Being

MorningPlaytimeandSnackTime 10

Development‐PositiveAttitudes 18

BehaviourExpectations 18

LunchandPlaytime 10 DannytheDragon 19

Birthdays 10 StudentCouncilandLeadership 19

ResidentialTrips 11 Assemblies 19

DayTrips 11 Extra‐CurricularActivities 19

LostandFound 11 ActionintheCommunity 20

MaterialsandSupplies 11 InterventionStrategiesandServices

Toys 12 EnglishLanguageDevelopment 21

ElectronicDevices

(Phones/Games/Tablets)

12 NewtoEnglishProgramme 21

DressCode 12 LearningSupport 21

PhysicalEducation(PE) 13 EmotionalSupport 21

LibraryMediaCentre 13 MotherTongueDevelopment 22

RoadSafety 13 StaffList&Contacte‐Mails 23

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

WELCOME



IamdelightedtowelcomeyoutotheElementarySchoolof

Danube International School Vienna. This handbook is

designedtogiveyouanoverviewoftheday‐to‐dayrunning

oftheElementarySchool,whichtakesstudentsfrom3‐11

yearsold, from theEarly YearsUnit toGrade 5.We hope

thatyouwillfindalltheinformationyouwillneedinthese

pages,andthatitwillhelpyouasparentsandstudentsto

makethemostofyourtimewithus.

Danube International School Vienna is a fully authorised

International Baccalaureate World School, offering the

PrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP)intheElementarySchool,

the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma

Programme (DP) in the Secondary School. All of these

Programmes are designed to develop global citizens who

are well equipped to succeed in all the challenges and opportunities of the 21stcentury

world.The rigorousacademicframeworkoffers ourstudents astructuretobuild  astrong

academicfoundation coupledwiththe abilitytomakeinformed choicesanddemonstrate

positiveattitudesandresponsibleactioninmakingabetterworld.

Weare committedto thepursuit ofexcellencethrough theeducation ofthe wholechild.

Thisisreflectedinourcurriculumanddailyroutines.Ourexac tinganddemandingacademic

andstudentwell‐beingprogrammesarealsoenrichedbyoptionalafterschoolactivities.So,

beyond the classroom, children’s interests, whether athletic, artistic, academic or play

based,areabletobeexploredthroughacomprehensiveprogrammeofactivitiesdesigned

to enhance their learning experience. In our school, the child is at the centre of the

educationalprocessandourinternationalcurriculumisbasedonthisphilosophy.

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

Weaimtoprepareourstudentstobeinternationallymindedworldcitizensandmembers

of their community in itswidest sense. Therefore, we regardacademic development and

personaldevelopmentofequalimportance.Allstudentsinourcommunitystrivetodevelop

thequalitiesintheIB‘LearnerProfile’whichisincludedin thishandbookandwillprovea

usefulreferencepointforyouandyourchildrenthroughouttheirtimeatDISV.

Thishandbookwillbeavitalresourceinhelpingyoumakethemostofyourexperienceat

DISV, as it covers important information about life at our school. For further information

regardingouracademicprogrammepleaseconsultourPrimaryYearsProgramme(IBPYP)

Handbookandourgradelevelinformation.

This year may begin with some particular challenges and added health and safety

requirements.Inordertocomplywithanyaddedrestrictionsandguidelines,routinesmay

therefore not be as specifically laid out in this handbook this year. We will follow all

guidelinesandrequirementssentbytheAustrianAuthoritiesandsotheinformationinthis

handbookmay,attimes,besupersededbythoseregulations.Wewillkeepthecommunity

informedandupdatedassoonaspossiblewithanychangesoradditionalmeasurestoput

inplaceduringthisparticulartime.

YouwillquicklylearnwhyDISVisconsideredtobeaveryspecialschool.Learningispervasive

and demanding here, but it is also exciting and fun. Our teachers have the highest of

expectationsintermsofeffort,attainmentandbehaviour,butmostimportantlytheycare.

Asa diverse,friendly andinclusive school community, weaim toempower andinspireall

students to achieve their academic goals and personal aspirations, amid a collective

understandingoftheworldweallshare.

You are welcome at DISV and our doors are always open. Similarly, should you have any

furtherquestionsaboutlifeandlearningatDISV,pleasedonothesitatetocontactus.We

lookforwardtomeetingyousoon.

SarahFord

ElementaryPrincipal



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

THEIBLEARNERPROFILE



TheIBlearnerprofileistheIBmissionstatementtranslatedintoasetoflearningoutcomes

forthe21stcentury.Thelearnerprofileprovidesalong‐termvisionofeducation.Itisaset

ofidealsthatcaninspire,motivateandfocustheworkoftheschoolcommunity,students, 

parentsandteachersalike,unitingtheminacommonpurpose.



IBlearnersstrivetobe:



INQUIRERS:Theydeveloptheirnaturalcuriosity.Theyacquiretheskillsnecessarytoconduct

inquiryandresearchandshowindependenceinlearning.Theyactivelyenjoylearningand

thisloveoflearningwillbesustainedthroughouttheirlives.



KNOWLEDGEABLE: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global

significance.Insodoing,theyacquirein‐depthknowledgeanddevelopunderstandingacross

abroadandbalancedrangeofdisciplines.



THINKERS: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to

recognizeandapproachcomplexproblems,andmakereasoned,ethicaldecisions.



COMMUNICATORS: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and

creativelyinmorethanonelanguageandina varietyofmodesofcommunication.Theywork

effectivelyandwillinglyincollaborationwithothers.



PRINCIPLED:Theyactwithintegrityandhonesty,withastrongsenseoffairness,justiceand

respectforthedignityoftheindividual,groupsandcommunities.Theytakeresponsibility

fortheirownactionsandtheconsequencesthataccompanythem.



OPEN‐MINDED:Theyunderstandandappreciate theirownculturesandpersonalhistories,

and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other

 individuals and

communities.Theyareaccustomedtoseekingandevaluatingarangeofpointsofview,and

arewillingtogrowfromtheexperience.



CARING:They show empathy,compassionand  respect towards the needsand feelings of

others.Theyhaveapersonalcommitmenttoservice,andacttomakea

positivedifference

tothelivesofothersandtotheenvironment.



RISK‐TAKERS: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and

forethought,andhavetheindependenceofspirittoexplorenewroles,ideasandstrategies.

Theyarebraveandarticulateindefendingtheirbeliefs.



BALANCED:Theyunderstandtheimportanceofintellectual,physicalandemotionalbalance

toachievepersonalwell‐beingforthemselvesandothers.



REFLECTIVE:Theygivethoughtfulconsiderationtotheirownlearningandexperience.They

areabletoassessandunderstandtheirstrengthsandlimitationsinordertosupporttheir

learningandpersonaldevelopment.

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

DAILYROUTINES&GENERALEXPECTATIONS

THESCHOOLDAY

Theschooldaystartswithregistrationat08:20.At08:35thelearningactivitiesandlessons

begin.Toensureapromptstart,weencouragestudentstoarrivebetween08:15and08:25.



Onarrival,weask studentstoprepare allthat

they need for the day before entering the

classroom at 08:20. Each morning the class

teachers will welcome the students into the

classroom. This is also an opportunity for

parents to pass on a quick message to their

child’s class teacher. If parents wish a  longer

discussion we have many other home/school

communication channels, which are outlined

laterinthisdocument.



Duringthecourseoftheday,thechildrenenjoyamid‐morningandamid‐dayplaytimeout

intheschoolplayarea.Theyalsohaveamid‐morningsnacktimeandamid‐daylunch.As

times in the day vary for different year groups, all parents will receive their child’s class

timetableindicatingtheirchild’stimefordifferentareasofthecurriculum,playandmeals.



Theschooldayendsat15:00forEYU,FoundationandGrade1studentsand15:05forthe

Grades2to5,exceptonFridayswhenitendsat14:20or14:25.Wekindlyaskparentsto

pickuptheirchildrenpromptlyasouryoungest,inparticular,becomeanxiousiftheydonot

immediatelyseetheirparentsorcarerswhentheycomeoutofclass.



Theextra‐curricularactivitiesrunbetween15:10and16:10,MondaytoThursday,andfrom

14:30to15:30onFriday.Ifyourchildisattendingoneoftheseactivitieswewillensurethey

arrivesafelyattheirselectedactivity.Onceagainhowever,wedorequestthatparentsor

carerspicktheirchildrenuppromptly.



AnyElementarystudentusingtheschoolplayarea,knownastheHof,from15:10to16:10,

Monday‐Thursday,andfrom14:25to15:30onFridaymustbeaccompaniedbyaparentor

guardian/carer. The Hof will be closed from 16:10 (15:30‐Friday) onwards to all students.

Pleasealsobeawarethat

oncertainafternoonstheHofmayalsobeusedforafterschool

activities.



REGISTRATION/ATTENDANCE

We carefully monitor student attendance. Consistent,

dailyattendancewillsupportyourchildrentomakethe

mostoftheirtime atDISV.Ifyourchildismarkedabsent

withoutpriornotification,wewillcallyoutoensureall

iswellandtoaskifwe cansupportinanyway.Absences

are tracked and in cases of high or extended absence

this may affect re‐enrollment or progression through

the grades. We meet with parents and report on attendance and concerns will  be raised

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

shouldthelevelsfallbelow85%.



Asaninternationalcommunitywedounderstandtheremaybetimeswhenyouneedtotake

yourchildrenoutofschool.Ifthisisthecasepleaseinformusinadvancebycompletinga

requestforabsenceform,availablefromtheElementaryoffice.



However,ifyourchildisunabletoattendschoolduetosickness,pleaseinformtheschool

eitherthroughtheschoolofficeortheclassteacher.Thiswillthenremovethenecessityfor

us to call you. We do request a doctor´s note for any prolonged absence (more than 3

consecutivedays)

andforanyinfectiousillnesses.



LATEARRIVAL/EARLYDEPARTURE

Westronglyencouragepromptarrivaleachdayasthisensuresasmooth,uninterruptedstart

to the  school day. The students also feel uncomfortable when they arrive late into class.

However, we do understand  that circumstances beyond your control can arise. In these

cases,pleasecallusandwecanprepareforyourchild’slatearrival.Whenyoubring your

childlatetoschool,please registerthemattheElementaryofficebeforetakingthemtoclass.

Thisisalsomonitoredandconcernswillberaisedforconsistentlatearrivals.

Ifyouneedtocollectyourchildaheadoftheendoftheschoolday,weaskyoutoemailyour

classteacheraheadoftimesotheyknowyourchildwillbeleaving.



ENDOFSCHOOL

Wedorequestthatstudentsarecollectedontimeat15:00/15:05MondaytoThursdayand

14:20/14:25onFriday;oriftheyareattendinganextra‐curricularactivityat16:10(15:30on

Friday).Wemakethisrequestnotonlybecauseofthechildren’semotionalwell‐beingbut

becausewedonothavesupervisionforchildrenafterthesetimes.Nochildrenareallowed

toremaininschoolunsupervisedforhealthandsafetyreasons.



SomeofourolderElementarystudentsreturnhomeindependently.Inorderforyourchild

toreturnhomeindependently,pleasesignthepermissionslipavailablefromtheElementary

officesowehaveawrittenrecordofyourdecision.Wewillthengivethema´home‐alone

pass´whichtheymustcarrywith

them,andshowastheyleavetheschool.Theymustleave

schoolimmediatelyat15:05or16:10ifattendinganAfterSchoolActivityandmaynotuse

theHofunsupervised.



MEDICALINFORMATION

Allparentsarerequired,ontheirchild’sentrytotheschool,tocompleteacomprehensive

medicalform.Itisimportantthatweareinformedofallyourchild’smedicalconditionsso

we can support appropriately if difficulties arise. If your child requires any form of

medication,we requestthatparents administerthis athome,as staffare only allowedto

administermedicationtostudentsinalife‐threateningsituation.Ifyourchildusesaninhaler

or any  other life‐saving instrument they must know how to administer it. For very young

childrenwithmedicalneeds,pleasetalktotheElementaryPrincipal.



Ifyourchildissick,westronglyadviseyoukeepthemathomeasthishelpsaspeedyrecovery

and protects other children from infection. If your child suffered from vomiting or 

diarrhoea, then they should not return to school for twenty‐four hours after the last

occurrence.Ifchildrenare

inschool,theyareexpectedtotakepartinallactivitiesduringthe

schoolday;thisincludesPhysicalEducationlessonsandoutsideplaytimes.

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”



Wetrytokeepourschoolheadlicefreesopleasehelpusbyfollowingourguidelines.Please

checkyourchildren’shairregularly,atleastweekly,andwitha`nit´comb,availableatany

chemist(ApothekeinGerman).Ifyouidentifyheadliceinyourchildren’shair,pleasetreat

them immediately  and do not return them to school until the course of treatment is

completeandall livehead licehave beenremoved. Ifweidentify headlice inyourchild’s

hair,wewillcallyouandaskyoutocollectthem.



Some students have nut allergies. Therefore,  we ask our

communitytorefrainfromincludingnutsinmid‐morning

snacks or birthday cakes when shared with classmates.

However,wecannotguaranteeweareanut‐freeschool.



Mostofourstaffhavecompletedfirstaidtrainingbutifa

childbecomesunwellwhileatschool,wewillcallparents

and,incasesofemergency,theambulanceservice.



SECURITY

There are two entrances to the school; the front entrance on Josef Gall‐Gasse and the

Böcklinstraße entrance. The community only uses the Böcklinstraße entrance in cases of

emergency.Therefore,theschoolcommunitymustenterandleavetheschoolbuildingby

thefrontentrance.



The front entrance is locked for entry during the school day apart from the  arrival and

dismissal times. However, entry can be gained by either ringing the bell or by the staff

monitoringtheentrancearea.



AllparentsandcarersareissuedwithanIDcardandmaybeaskedtoshowthisonentryto

theschool.



There is a reception desk in the front entrance so the access to school is monitored

throughouttheschoolday.Parentsorvisitorsenteringtheschoolbetween09:00and14:00

areaskedtosigninatthereception.



Weemployasecurityguardwhoispresentoneachschooldayfrom

07:00to17:00inorder

toensureamaximumlevelofsecurityforourstudents,parentsandstaff.



If you are waiting for your child at any time, please use the Wintergarten.For safety and

congestionreasonswedonotencourageassemblinginthefrontentrancetotheschool.



ABSENTPARENTS/GUARDIANS

Onsomeoccasionsparents arerequiredto be outof thecountryand need toleave their

childreninthecareofrelativesorfriends.Ifthisisthecase,pleaseensurethatatemporary

supervisionformiscompletedandgiventotheschooloffice. 



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

MORNINGPLAYTIMEANDSNACKTIME

Weconsiderplaytimeaveryimportanttimeforthechildren’semotional,socialandphysical

well‐being,sothereis asupervised,mid‐morningplaytime forall childreneachdayin the

school’soutdoorplay area.Toensurethereisplentyofspaceforqualityplay,differentgrade

levelsusetheplayareaatdifferenttimes.



Eitherbeforeorafterplaytime,thechildrenhaveashortsnacktimeintheirclassroom.For

their mid‐morning snack we request that parents provide their children with something

healthy to eat such as a piece of fruit or a small sandwich. We request that no nuts are

broughtintoschoolasthesecancausesevereallergic reactionsforsomestudents.Please

remember,thechildrenwillbehavinglunchsotheirsnackisnotexpectedtobeafullmeal.

Theywillhavearound10minutestoeattheirsnack.Thereisalsoamilkservice andifyou

wishyourchildtohaveasmallcartonofplainmilkmid‐morningpleaseseetheElementary

office assistant. Students are expected to bring their own water bottles, which they can

accessduringthe schoolday.TheElementarystudentsarenotallowedtopurchasedrinks

orsnacksfromtheschoolcanteenduringtheschoolday.



LUNCHANDPLAYTIME

Allthechildrengotothediningareafortheirlunchwheretheyaresupervisedbyourstaff.



Therearetwooptions:

 Ahotlunchpreparedbyourcateringservice.

 Apackedlunchbroughtfromhome.



Water is provided for all children and there is no

necessityforchildrentopurchasedrinksor foryou

toprovideyourchildrenwithdrinks.Weencourage

the children to eat healthily  and if we notice your

childisnoteatingwellwewillletyouknow.



Lunchtimeplayisalsosupervisedandtakesplacein

theschoolplayarea.

All students are expected to go outside during

playtimes;wedonothaveafacilityforthemtostayinsideexceptforoccasional,exceptional

circumstances.



BIRTHDAYS

Weenjoyhelpingthechildrencelebratetheirbirthdaysandifyouwishyourchildtobringin

abirthdaycaketosharewiththeirclassthiscanbearrangedthroughtheclassteacher.Many

children bring in birthday cupcakes as these make distribution much quicker and easier.

Pleasetrytokeepthesenut‐freeinconsiderationofstudentswithallergiesandpleasedo

notuseburningcandlesforfiresafetyreasons.



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”



RESIDENTIALTRIPS

EachyearweorganiseresidentialtripsforourG2,G3,

G4andG5studentsinJune.Formanyofourstudents

thesetripsarethefirsttimetheyhavesleptawayfrom

home.Therefore,greatcareandattentionisputinto

the planning of these adventures. We believe these

trips offer our students opportunities for emotional,

social, physical and intellectual growth and much

attention is given to linking them with the student’s

currentprogrammesofstudyandunitsofinquiry. 



Itisexpectedthatallchildrenattendthesecurriculum

trips.Ifanychildhasaparticularneedpreventingthemfromtakingpartweaskparentsto

talktotheElementaryPrincipal.



DAYTRIPS

Webelieveoutingsanddaytripsenrichourcurriculumandthereforeenhancethechildren’s

learning. They provide vital firsthand experience and opportunities for the children to

engagewiththeenvironmentandtheculturalwealththatViennahastooffer.



WearealsoveryfortunatetohavetheViennaPrater,alargepublicpark,onourdoorstep.

It is a wonderful resource for physical activity, nature  walks, art projects and science

experiments.



Atthestartofeachacademicyearwewillaskparentstosignaformallowingustotakeyour

child/childrenoutofschoolontrips.Studentsmaynotleavetheschoolpremisesfortrips

unlessthisformhasbeensignedandreturned.



LOSTANDFOUND

Alostandfoundboxiskeptnearthechangingrooms.Weaskthatallastudent’spossessions

are clearly labelled with their names. At specific times during the school year, any

uncollecteditemsaresenttoacharitableorganisation.Parentswillbeinformedofthisvia

theweeklyDanubeDigest.



MATERIALSANDSUPPLIES

IntheElementarySchoolweprovidealltheresources,stationeryandmaterialsyourchild

willneedduringthecourseoftheirtimewithus.Thechildren, however,doliketohavetheir

ownpencilcasecontainingbasicequipmentsuchaspencils,pens,erasers,gluesticks,USB

flashdrive,etc.Ifyourchildtakesupthisoptionpleaseensureeveryitemislabelled.Also,

onoccasions,teacherswill requestthechildrenbringinrecycledmaterialsforsculptureor

modeling.



TheschoolwillprovideaDISVphysicaleducationt‐shirtandshortsdirectlytoeachstudent

whentheyjointheschool.Thereisnochargeforthesetwoitemsunlessadditionalitems

arerequired.Thereisalsonoadditionalcostfortheannualyearbook.



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”



TOYS



We request that children do not bring in their own toys to school. The school is well

resourcedandtheschooldayisfilledwithmanyactivities,leavinglittletimeforthechildren

toplaywiththeirowntoys.Also,thechancesofthembeinglostorbrokenaregreat,leading

toupsetanddistress.



Onoccasionstheteacherswillrequestthechildrentobringsomethingintoschooltoshare

withtheirclass,butthisistightlycontrolledandallitemsaregiventotheclassteacherfor

safekeeping.Inmostcasestheseitemsserveasillustrationstothetopicsorunitsofinquiry

thechildrenareexploringinclass.



ELECTRONICDEVICES(PHONES,MP3PLA Y ERS,GAMECONSOLES,IPADS)

We request that children in the Elementary School do not bring mobile phones, portable

music devices, electronic games or any other electronic devices to school (except for the

purposeofthe1to1program)astheschoolcannotbeheldresponsibleforthelossofor

damagetovaluable

electronicequipment.



Ifyourchildtravelshomeindependentlyandneedsamobilephonetocontactyouduring

thistime,pleaseinformyourchild’sclassteacherandyourchildwillbeallowedtobringina

mobilephonesolongasitisnotusedand iskeptinyourchild’sschoolbag,switchedoff,

duringthecourseofthe  day.Ifcontactisneededwithparentsduringtheschoolday,this

canbearrangedthroughtheschooloffice. 



DRESSCODE



AtDISVwedonothaveaschooluniformbutwerequestthatthechildrenlookneatandtidy

while also wearing clothesthat are practical and hard wearing. We do try to instill in our

children the importance of presenting themselves well and independently taking care of

their own possessions and clothes. Please may we request that all items of clothing are

named.Theschoolday iscreativeandactiveandthechildrenneedtobeabletomovewith

easeandcomfort.



Inwinterthechildrenneedcoatsforoutdooractivities,outdoorshoes

iftheweatherisbad,andifsnowarriveswesuggesttheybringapair

ofsnowtrousersandbootsforplaytimes.Insummerbeachwearisnot

suitableforschool,forexampleflip‐flopsandscantyclothing.



Hair should be kept neat and tidy and, if long, fastened back for

activitiessuchasPhysicalEducation(PE)andArt.



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

PHYSICALEDUCATION(PE) 

ForPhysicalEducation(PE)thestudentsneed

towearDISVt‐shirts,DISVshortsandtrainers.

However, the PE staff may request the need

for other items of clothing for different

aspects of the PE programme because our

curriculum also includes, in certain year

groups and  at certain times of the year,

activitiessuchasiceskatingandswimming.



Swimmingandice‐skatingarenotoptional.All

childrenareexpectedtoundertakeboth.They

areactivitiesgreatlyenjoyedbythechildrenandtheyarebothprofessionallytaughtinsafe,

appropriateenvironments.OuryoungestgradestakebothduringtheyearandthenGrades

1, 3 and 5 swim while Grades 2

 and 4 ice‐skate. They have a course of approximately 5

lessonsofeach.



DISVsweatshirts,trackpantsandcapscanbeboughtattheschoolreceptiondesk.



THELIBRARYMEDIACENTRE

EachweekthechildrenaretakentotheLibraryMediaCentrewiththeirteacherstodevelop

theirlibraryskills,tosearchforbookstofollowtheirlinesofinquiryandtoenjoyreading.

Theyarealsogiventheopportunitytoborrow bookstotakehome.Afulltimememberof

staffrunsthelibrarymediacentre.



Author workshops are  a feature of our school year. We have enjoyed visits from Julia 

Donaldson(TheGruffalo),JeremyStrong(TheHundred‐Mile‐An‐HourDog)andThe2Steves,

SteveBarlowandSteveSkidmore,(IHeroSeries).



ROADSAFETY

During the school day children only leave the

school building accompanied by staff, parents

orcarers.Eachyearthelocalpolicecomeinto

school to teach targeted grade levels road

safetyskills.Allthecommunity shouldusethe

markedroadcrossingsprovidedwhencrossing

roads.



We ask our parent community not to park or

double‐parkinJosef GallGasse buttouse the

nearbysideroad,Rustenschacherallee,inordertopreventcongestionandtoreducetherisk

ofaccidents.



EMERGENCYEVACUATION,EARTHQUAKEANDLOCKDOWNPROCEDURES

Emergencyevacuation,earthquakeandlockdowndrillsarecarriedoutregularlythroughout

theyear.Weaskparentstofamiliarizethemselveswiththeseprocedureswhichareclearly

postedaroundtheschool.



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”



HOMELEARNING

AsanIBPYPschool;wevaluethedevelopmentofthewholechildby utilizinga

transdisciplinaryapproachtoteachingandlearning.Weaimtogivethestudentschoice

andownershipoftheirlearningexperiencesandencourageproactive,studentinitiated

learningbothintheclassroomandathome.



HomeLearning

activitiesaredesignedtoprovidestudentswithdevelopmentally

appropriatelearningopportunitiesoutsideofschool,toengageandsupportalllearners,to

respectandhonourthevalueoffreetimeforchildren,toplaceemphasison

independence,curiosityandcreativity,aswellastopreparestudentsforlearningpathways

tocome.



Homelearningtasksassignedbyclassteachersfocusonconsolidatingskillsdevelopedin

class.Thesemayincludeshorttaskstoreviewatargetedspellingpatternormaths

strategy,orpracticingusingnewlanguagevocabulary.Inlinewithourinquiry‐based

approach,teachersmayassignoptionaloropen‐endedactivitiestoencouragestudentsto

beproactiveininquiringindependentlyathome.



Learningtakesmanyforms.Freetimeisveryimportantforchilddevelopment,andweaim

tobalancethebenefitsofskillsconsolidationwiththevalueofunstructuredplay.Forthis

reason,theamountandnatureofhomelearningtasksprovidedaredevelopmentally

appropriatetotheageofthechild.Wedonotassignhomelearningtasksduringschool

holidays.



Familiesareencouragedtoengageindiscussionaboutlearning.Eachgradelevelteam

providessomediscussionquestionsbasedontheweek’slearning,whichcanbefoundin

thenewsletterpublishedonthegrade‐levelwebpageeachFriday.



StudentsinGrade5areissuedwithapersonalplannertorecordtheirhomelearning

assignments,noteupcomingeventssuchasexcursionsandpersonalcommitments,and

begintodeveloptimemanagementandforwardplanningstrategies.



Reading

Researchinformsusthat,forElementaryagechildren,theactofreadingforpleasureona

dailybasishasaverypositiveimpactonoverallstudentacademicachievementand

growth.Basedonthisresearch,readingdailyathomeisstronglyencouraged–whether

thatisinEnglish,Germanorinthestudent’shomelanguage.Homereadersandlibrary

booksareavailableatschooltosupportreadinginEnglish.Allstudentsareencouragedto

readdailyforatleast10minutes.

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

COMMUNICATION



STUDENTINFORMATION

It is very important for the school to have

completeandup‐to‐dateinformationaboutallof

the students and those whom we may need to

contact in case of emergency. Please make sure

thattheschoolisinformedinthecaseofchanges

oradditionstoanyofthefollowingdetails:



 Homeaddressandtelephonenumber.

 Parentandcarercontactdetails,especially

mobilephonenumbersandemailaddresses.

 Medicalinformationincludingvaccinations,operations,allergiesandanythingelseof

relevance.Forreasonsofhealthandsafety,parentsshouldinformtheschoolofany

longtermmedicationthattheirchildistaking.



HOME/SCHOOLCOMMUNICA TION

Webelievegoodcommunicationbetweenhomeandschoolisessentialandtosupportthis

beliefwehavedevelopedthefollowingchannelsofcommunication.



 Classteacherswelcometheirstudentsintotheirclassroomseachmorning.

 Allclassteachershaveaschoolemailaddress,whichissharedwithparents.

 Parentsmayrequestanappointmentwithateacheratanytimeduringthecourseofthe

yearandthiscanbearrangeddirectlywiththeteacherconcerned.

 Class teachers update their grade level websites each week,detailing learning 

engagementsfrom thecurrent weekand outliningthelearningobjectives plannedfor

the week ahead. This keeps parents informed of the learning taking place in their

children’sclassrooms.Homeworkisalsoincludedonthewebsites.

 Inthecaseofschoolclosure,theGradelevelwebsitesaretheprimarycommunication

channelforparents,togetherwithemailupdatesandZoommeetingsforparents.

 EachweekparentsalsoreceivebyemailtheschoolnewslettercalledtheDanubeDigest,

whichcontains reportsfromtheDirector,the  ElementaryPrincipal andthe  Secondary

Principalpluscalendardatesandinformationregardingforthcomingevents.

 Theschoolwebsiteisalsoasourceofinformationwhereparentscanfindourhandbooks

andpolicies.www.danubeschool.com

 Atthestartoftheyear,eachGradeholdsa´meet‐the‐teacher´meetingwhereGrade‐

specific information is shared. These meetings are planned in the first 2 weeks of the

SchoolYear.

 During the academic year there is a Parent/Teacher/Student Conference afternoon/

evening, an optional parent/teacher meeting, and a Student Led Conference

afternoon/evening.Theseoccasionsareopportunitiesforparentstoexplorewiththeir

childrenthelearningthathastakenplaceduringthecourseofthesemesteroryear.

 Each academic year, parents receive two written reports outlining their children’s

achievements,theirareasfordevelopmentandtheirtargetsforfuturelearning.

 Theschoolrunsinduction,curriculumandwell‐beinginformationparentsessions.

 TheElementaryPrincipal’sdoorisopenandvisitsarewelcome.Appointmentswiththe

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

ElementaryPrincipalcanalsobemadewiththeElementaryAssistant.

 Weappreciate receiving parental, student and community feedback and from time to

timewecollectyourviewsusingamechanismsuchas`SurveyMonkey´.



Weencourageparentstouseallourchannelsofcommunication.Itisourbeliefthatitisfar

betterthatparentsareinformedandthattheyfeelfreetocommunicatewithushowever

smalltheirquestionsorconcernsmaybe.



SCHOOLCANCELLATION

Should it be necessary to close the school at short notice, for example, due to severe

weather,nationalemergencyortransportstrike,theschoolwillnotifyeveryparentvia ane‐

mail or SMS. Should you have any concerns, please check your  e‐mail/telephone before

callingtheschooloffice.



SCHOOLCLOSUREDUETOCOVID‐19

Informationisemailedtoparentsassoonaspossibleintheeventofchangestothenormal

runningoftheschool.ClosuresareregulatedbytheAustrianAuthorities.Detailed

informationwillbesentoutintheeventofanyneedtoclosetheElementarySchool.



PARENTALSUPPORTANDINVOLVEMENT

We strongly believe in working in partnership

with parents and we encourage parents to 

become involved and to support all aspects of

schoollife.Werecogniseourparentpopulation is

arichseaofexperiencefromwhicheverystudent

can benefit, and we always welcome input and

help.Herearejustsomeofthewaysinwhichyou

can participate: give a presentation on your

country;demonstrateyourspecialtalentperhaps

inmusicorcrafts;supportfieldtripsandsocialevents;assistwithactivitiesintheclassroom

orlistentochildrenread.Ifyou wouldbeinterestedinsupportingtheschool,pleasetalkto

yourchild’steacherortheElementaryPrincipal.



PARENTASSOCIATIONDANUBEINTERNATIONALSCHOOL(PADIS)

We are fortunate to benefit from a proactive Parent Association. PADIS is committed to

supporting the school and it successfully achieves this through its contribution to policy

creation,assistingactivitiesintheclassroomsandsupportingschooleventsandfundraising.

The Elementary students particularly enjoy  the weekly bake

sales organised by

 PADIS! Information regarding these ‘bake

sales’willcomedirectlytoparentsfromPADIS.



Togetherwith the school, PADIS also helpstoorganise  a class

parentsupportandcommunicationnetwork.Thisiswhereone

parent from a class is nominated to liaise and co‐ordinate

betweentheteacherandtheparentsinparticularareassuchas 

classevents.



CONFERENCESFORPARENTS

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

Duringtheacademicyeartherearethreeconferenceafternoons/evenings.Theseoccasions

areanopportunityforparentstoexplorewiththeirchildrenthelearningthathastakenplace

duringthecourseofthesemesteroryearandtodiscussthenextlearningsteps.Inorderfor

theseconferencestotakeplace,theschoolclosesatlunchtime.



REPORTINGTOPARENTS



Each academic year parents receive two written reports outlining their children’s

achievements,theirareasfordevelopmentandtheirtargetsforfuturelearning.Theseare

issuedinFebruaryandJune.Afterthefirstsemesterreport,thereisanopportunitytoset

upanindividualmeetingwithyourclassteachertodiscusstheprogress.Attheendofeach 

unit,6timesacrosstheyear,assessmentsaresenthome,tobesharedwithparents.Wealso

hold two conference meetings where students, parents and teachers share their learning

journey.



 

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

DEVELOPINGSTUDENTWELL‐BEING

Danube International School Vienna believes that by creating and sustaining a safe and

enjoyablefamilyatmosphere,thiswillenableallstudentstofeelcomfortable tostrivefor

excellenceandtobeexcitedtolearn.Thisisbestachievedthroughapositiveapproach.



THEDEVELOPMENTOFPOSITIVESTUDENTATTITUDES

TheInternationalBaccalaureatePrimaryYearsProgrammeisa value‐ladencurriculumwhere

there is an emphasis on the development of positive attitudes and dispositions within

studentstowardsothers,theenvironmentandthemselves.



Theseattitudesanddispositionsinclude:‐

 Appreciation–beinggrateful

 Confidence–believinginthemselves

 Commitment–finishingwhatyoustart

andnotgivingup

 Co‐operation–workingtogether

 Curiosity–wantingtoknowmore

 Creativity–comingupwithyourown

ideas

 Empathy–puttingyourselfinsomeone

else’sshoes

 Enthusiasm–enjoyinglearning

 Independence–thinkinganddoingthingsforyourself

 Integrity–beinghonesttoyourselfandothers

 Respect–beingpoliteandkindtoyourselfandothers

 Tolerance–acceptingothers



Weusemanypositivestrategiestomotivatethechildrentoaspiretothesequalities.Ifyour

childatanytimestruggleswithanyofthesedispositions,pleasebereassuredthattheclass

teacher will contact you so a discussion can take place to consider ways to support

developmentintheareaofconcern.



BEHAVIOUREXPECTATIONS

At Danube, we have a positive behaviour policy.

Studentsareexpectedtoshowrespecttooneanother

and to the environment. All students have a right to

learn and are expectedto take responsibility for their

attitude and actions. Expected behaviours are

promoted and acknowledged. Parents are involved in

behaviourmanagementanda consistencyofapproach

is requested. Parents will be contacted if unexpected

behaviours occur and conversations and reflection at home form an integral part of our

behaviour strategies. Certain serious or repeated negative behaviours may result in a

studentbeingremovedfromclassorrequestedtogohome.Anyincidentofbitingwillresult

inastudentbeingsenthome.Wehaveatrackingsystemonwhichwerecordrepeatedor

seriousbehaviourconcerns.

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”



DANNYTHEDRAGON‐SCHOOLMASCOT

Danny the Dragon helps us to develop a positive attitude

towardsourfriendships,ourworkandourplay.



STUDENTCOUNCILANDSTUDENTAGENCY

Weareacommunity‐orientatedschool.Therefore,webelieve

in being consultative with all stakeholders within our

community, particularly our students. The voice of our

students is heard through a well‐developed student council.

The student council meets once a week to discuss student’s

concerns, ideasand proposals.All students are encouraged

to develop agency in all areas of their learning including

advocacy,initiativeandaction.



ASSEMBLIES

The Elementary Principal and other  staff members lead weekly assemblies with the

ElementarySchool.Assemblies,webelieve,arecrucialinpromotingtheethosofthe school,

raisingtheprofileofinternationalandculturaltopics,aswellasexploringourvaluesthrough

the IB Learner Profile. Assemblies are also

occasionstocelebratetheachievementsofour

students.



Student leadership and participation in

assemblies is highly valued. We consider

assemblies to be a wonderful opportunity for

studentstolead,performandpresent.Parents

are most welcome to join our assemblies

particularly those where their children are

performing.



EXTRACURRICULARACTIVITIES

Asourschoolphilosophyistoeducatethewholestudent,weplacegreatemphasisonthe

roleofourAfterSchoolActivities(ASA)programme.



Commitmentand activeparticipationare the objectivesof the programmeand it offersa

widevarietyofactivities,whichvaryfromyeartoyearandarerunbybothourteachingstaff

andoutsideproviders.TheprogrammeisledandorganisedbyourExtraCurricularLeader.



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

ACTIONINTHECOMMUNITY

TheSchoolrequiresallstudentstobeactivelyinvolved

in helping others and the environment. We feel that

thisisa crucialelement of a holistic education and is

one that will give students a broader, more balanced

perspectiveonlife.



Inrecentyears,thechildrenhaveworkedhardtoraise

money for Waluka and Miwani Primary Schools in

Kenya through walkathons, activities, performances

andcompetitions.WealsoproactivelysupportProject

Centipede by preparing gift parcels for children and

familiesinRomania.

 

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

INTERVENTIONSTRATEGIESANDSERVICES

Tofurthersupportourstudents’academicandwell‐beingdevelopmentwehaveavarietyof

interventionstrategiesandservices.Thesearedesignedtosupportchildrenatcertaintimes

oftheirlearningjourney;forexamplewhentheyarriveatourschoolnewtoEnglish,when

theyarestilldevelopingtheirEnglishskills,whentheyarestrugglingwithanareaoflearning

orwhentheyrequiresomeemotionalsupport.



Theseinterventionstrategiesandservicesmaybeimplementedbyourclassteachersorby

amemberofoursupportstaff.Theyarealsoguidedbyourpolicies,forexampleourEnglish

LanguageDevelopmentPolicy,LearningSupportPolicy,StudentWell‐BeingDocument,Anti‐

BullyingPolicy, ChildProtection Policy. Someof these interventionstrategies andservices

incuranextrafee.



ENGLISHLANGUAGEDEVELOPMENT(ELD)

Beinganinternationalschool,childrenbringwiththemtheirownmothertongues,aquality

ofourdiversecommunitythatwehighlyvalue.However,formanyofourchildrenEnglishis

anadditionallanguagesoemphasisisplacedonthemacquiringstrongEnglishskills.



NEWTOENGLISH(NTE)PROGRAMME(Thisprogrammeincursanadditionalfee)

We have an intensive NTE programme for those entering our school new or in the early

stagesoflearningEnglish.ThisrunseachdayforapproximatelyfortyminutesduringGerman

lesson time. These children also receive in class support from our ELD assistants. Once

children no longer require the NTE programme, they progress to receiving additional ELD

supportwithintheclassroomatcertaintimesduringtheweek.Thissupportisprovidedby

ourELDassistants.NewtoEnglishlessonsaremandatoryifthestudentisunable tofollow

thecurriculumwithouttheselessons.



LEARNINGSUPPORT(Thisprogrammeincursanadditionalfee)

Allchildrenareuniqueandatdifferentstagesintheirlearningjourneysowedifferentiate

the curriculum to meet our students varying needs.However, the school also offers

additionalsupportforthosechildrenwithidentifiedneeds.Thissupportisprovidedbyour

Learning Support staff, who work with children either in

 the classroom or within small

groups. Learning Support lessons are mandatory, if the student is unable to follow the

curriculumwithouttheselessons.



EMOTIONALSUPPORT

IntheElementarySchoolwehaveapersonalandsocialcurriculum,whichisimplemente d

anddifferentiatedbyourclassteachers.However,ifstudentsdemonstrateemotionalneeds,

parents are consulted, and advice is sought from our Emotional Support teacher.

Occasionally, some short term, individual support from our Emotional Support teacher is

recommended.



DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

MOTHERTONGUEDEVELOPMENT(Thisprogrammeincursanadditionalfee)

We recognisetheimportance ofa child’s mother tongue. With a strong mother tongue a

childwillflourishandlearnotherlanguagesmoreeasily.Therefore,wehighlyrecommend

thatfamiliesencourageuseoftheirmothertonguesathome.Ifyouwishyourchildtohave

lessonsintheirmothertonguepleasecontactourPrivatelyTaughtLanguageCo‐ordinator

andshewillhelpyoufindateacherandorganiselessonsafterschool.

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”

ELEMENTARYSTAFFLIST2020‐21



Name Role EmailAddress

DrMichellePurghart Director director@

SarahFord ElementaryPrincipa

sford@

BridieAnderson PYP

oordinator banderson@

 

PeteyDakyns‐Richter EarlyYearsUnit Pdakyns‐richter@

ColleenKinsella/Lauren

Elyas

Foundation

ckinsella@

lelyas@

JessicaMullis Grade1D

mullis@

RebeccaEdwards Grade2D redwards@

AmyFountain Grade3D afountain@

JulieKrejci Grade3

krejci@

FredObregon Grade4D fobregon@

ElissaColvin Grade4V ecolvin@

AdrienneDavid Grade5D adavid@

RyanAdams Grade5

radams@

BetsyTucker Musi

btucker@

DanielaSeidermann German dseidermann@

AngelikaZeman German azeman@

PernilleEliasson German peliasson@

LeliaMalone P.E. lmalone@

DavidKnapper P.E. dknapper@

KenCurpen ELDAssistant kcurpen@

EliTollaksen ELDAssistant etollaksen@

HinaAfzal ELDAssistant hafzal@

NickyGuest PedagogicalAssistant nguest@

KirstenMackay PedagogicalAssistant kmackay@

StephanieChanter NTETeacher&LearningSupport schanterr@

ScottHuddleston LearningSupportCoordinator shuddleston@

JacintaWurzer LearningSupport

wurzer@

CourtneyTimms LearningSupport

EarlyYearsUnit ctimms@

ClaraKonkwo Librarian ckonkwo@

 

IrineKonvicka ElementaryAdministrativeAssistant ikonvicka@

RoxanaKreuter ElementaryAdministrativeAssistant rkreuter@

YvonneGing‐Wiedeschitz Registrar registrar@

MartinMoser FinanceOfficer finance@

PierluigiLavermicocca Reception office@

Note:Allstaffemailaddressesaresuffixedby:@danubeschool.com

DISVElementaryHandbook

“strivingforexcellencebyengagingminds,excitinglearners,actingethicallyandshowingempathy”



DanubeInternationalSchoolVienna

JosefGallGasse2,1020,Vienna

Tel: +43(1)7203110

Fax: +43(1)720311040

registrar@danubeschool.com