After Shooting Rampage: How the First School Day at BORG Dreierschützengasse Went

Some teachers naturally sought psychological support over the summer months. Before the start of school, there were also workshops and training sessions for the teaching staff. She also sensed a good mood among the students: "I had the feeling that things are moving forward."

"Some need a little more time"

This was also confirmed by Daniel Hoffmann from the student council: "For some, everyday life is already back to normal. They have coped well. But some are still not doing so well. They just need a little more time." Overall, the school community has "weathered" the shooting by a former student well, in his view. He, as well as the parents' association chairman Mirza Candic, requested that the media continue to refrain from making interview requests and, as on the first day of school, hold back on reporting.

The school is expected to be used only partially for teaching throughout the entire school year that has now begun. All 21 classes will find space in a nearby building of AVL, but three classes will still have to use rooms on the third floor of the school for the first two weeks. Additionally, special rooms such as those for chemistry or physical education will be used in the school. Temporary walls have been erected in the stairwell to separate areas so that no one can enter the highly stressed classrooms, emphasized Principal Strohmaier. "We are handling our children with care," she assured.

New Flag for BORG Dreierschützengasse

The use of part of the classrooms in the school building can and will also support a "gradual return" to the school's premises, according to Education Director Elisabeth Meixner. On the first day of school, "the mourning flag was taken down from the school and a new one was hoisted, which the students designed together with artist Andreas Stern," said Meixner. It depicts a lighthouse that is meant to provide orientation, security, and hope. The human chain depicted on the flag symbolizes the community.

Among the teachers, no one has changed schools - a similar trend was observed among the students. As is usual every year, about a handful of newly registered students for the fifth grades did not show up, but the number is not higher than in other school years, said Strohmaier. From the now sixth to eighth grades, all students remained, except for one, but this student had already decided to switch to an evening school beforehand.

Performance Assessment Suspended Until Fall Break

In addition to psychological support, a gentle transition was decided for performance assessment: Therefore, no assessments will take place until the fall break. "However, participation will be observed," said the principal. Furthermore, the number and length of exams have been reduced to a minimum. Strohmaier emphasized, however, that the core business of the school is teaching, and the goal must be for students to be able to perform - especially with regard to their further education and job opportunities.

Throughout the entire school year, there will be a network of psychosocial support services. A new counseling center has been established. In addition, there are low-threshold offers for the entire school community, as well as supervision and trauma-sensitive support. Experiences from other schools that have already experienced school shootings will also be utilized - such as at the Gutenberg Gymnasium in Erfurt or the Albertville Realschule. "We don't have to reinvent the wheel," said Heidrun Nedoma, head of the steering group. This group will continue to exist to serve as a hub for all involved.

(APA/Red.)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.