After Rampage in Graz: School Operations Start at Alternative Location

"From today's perspective, this AVL building will serve as an alternative location for classes for the entire school year to ensure the most gentle and unburdened resumption of classes in the fall. All 21 classes have their rooms there. A renovation is underway and will be completed in August," according to the education directorate.

After Shooting Spree in Graz: School Start to Be Marked by Understanding

The special classrooms, for example for physical education and sports or chemistry, which are located in the basement of the school, will be used. Areas affected by the shooting incident are to be made inaccessible, as decided by the steering group. This group consists of representatives from parents, the school, the education directorate, and the Ministry of Education. "The school start should be characterized by understanding, consideration, and clear structure. The goal is to provide support, convey security, and together with all involved, gradually return to a daily routine that encourages and opens up new perspectives," the statement reads. The police will be present at the school to an appropriate extent.

Plans for Restructuring the School After Shooting Spree in Graz

In parallel, the next steps for the redesign of the location have been set: the two classrooms heavily affected by the shooting spree are to be closed and repurposed. The restroom facilities will be redesigned - including the one where the shooter took his own life. Additionally, extensive surface renovation is planned for classrooms and common areas. Open learning zones and retreat areas are to be established to facilitate interaction and focused work. Under the guidance of Styrian artist Andreas Stern, a creative design of the school building will be developed in project work together with students and teachers.

Workshops for Teachers After Shooting Spree in Graz

It was also decided that a professional team of psychologists, counseling teachers, and school social workers will accompany the school community in the long term and be present on-site daily from the first day of school. In workshops for teachers during the last week of vacation and the first week of school, trauma pedagogical skills will be imparted. For students, a comprehensive support program with psychosocial care and remedial teaching is running throughout the entire summer vacation. The coming weeks will now be used for the concrete preparation of the first day of school and the first week of school. Further meeting dates of the steering group are also planned in the coming weeks.

(APA/Red)

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