Every Student Has the Right to Belong
At Gjøvikregionen International School, we are committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, valued and supported.
Our vision is to guide and inspire every learner to shape a more harmonious world of tomorrow with confidence, integrity and a sense of global responsibility. We believe this begins with creating a school community where every learner experiences a genuine sense of belonging and well-being.
Our Commitment
Student well-being is central to school life at GIS. We work actively to promote:
- Respect and kindness
- Positive relationships
- Inclusion and belonging
- Student voice and participation
- Personal growth and resilience
- A safe and supportive learning environment
All members of the school community share responsibility for maintaining a positive school environment.
Rights Under Chapter 12A
Under Chapter 12A of the Norwegian Education Act (Opplæringsloven), all students have the right to a safe and positive school environment that promotes health, well-being and learning.
The school has zero tolerance for:
- Bullying
- Violence
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Social exclusion
This includes incidents that occur:
- At school
- On the way to and from school
- Through digital communication or social media
- In circumstances outside school that negatively affect a student’s school environment
The School’s Duty to Act
Norwegian law requires schools to take action whenever there is concern that a student is not experiencing a safe and positive school environment.
This duty includes:
Monitoring
Being aware of and monitoring whether students experience a safe and positive school environment.
Intervening
Stepping in when bullying, violence, discrimination, harassment or exclusion is observed.
Reporting
Ensuring concerns are reported to the Head of School. If a concern relates to the Head of School, it should be reported directly to the Chair of the Board.
Investigating
Looking into concerns raised by students, parents or staff regarding a student’s well-being or school environment.
Taking Action
Implementing appropriate measures to support the student and improve the situation.
Reporting Concerns
Students and parents are encouraged to contact the school whenever they are concerned about a student’s well-being or school environment.
Concerns may be raised with:
- A class teacher
- A homeroom teacher
- The Head of School
- Any trusted member of staff
We encourage concerns to be raised as early as possible so that appropriate support can be provided.
Appeals
If a student or parent believes that the school has not fulfilled its duties under Chapter 12A after a concern has been raised, the matter may be referred to the State Administrator (Statsforvalteren).
Before a case can be referred, the concern must normally have been brought to the attention of the Head of School at least five days earlier.
The State Administrator will review the case and determine whether the school has fulfilled its legal obligations. Students and parents have the right to appeal decisions made by the State Administrator.
Working Together
Creating a positive school environment requires partnership between students, staff and families.
By working together, we help ensure that GIS remains a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community where every learner can thrive.
For more information regarding the Norwegian Act of Education § 12 please click here.