Primary school day
A familiar rhythm for learning, play and connection
Children may arrive at OIA Primary between 8:00 and 8:15. Lessons begin promptly at 8:15, so we ask families to make sure children have enough time to arrive, settle and be ready for the day.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the school day ends at 15:00. On Wednesday, the school day ends at 12:30.
During a full school day, children have a morning break with time for a snack and outdoor play. At lunchtime they have time to eat and play outside. Sport and movement activities are regularly offered during the lunch break with support from our PE team and Team Sportservice Haarlemmermeer.
The timetable also includes specialist learning and may occasionally change for swimming, excursions, performances, events or other learning experiences. Families are informed in advance when a significant change affects the normal school day.
Groups 3 and 4 have swimming on Tuesdays from 14:45 to 15:30. Families receive practical information about swimming arrangements and requirements from school.
Arrival and pick-up in Primary
A calm start and a safe end to the day
Morning arrival is an important transition into the school day. Children are welcomed from 8:00 and should be settled and ready for learning by 8:15.
At the end of the day, younger students are released only when the teacher has seen the parent or authorised caregiver collecting them. If someone different will collect your child, please let the class teacher know in advance. If your child has permission to travel home independently, this should also be agreed with the class teacher.
After-school care providers collect children from an agreed location within the school. If you are unexpectedly delayed at pick-up, please contact the school office as soon as possible.
Secondary school day
Growing independence throughout the day
Secondary students follow a subject-based timetable and move between lessons during the school day. Working with different subject teachers helps students gradually build the organisation, time-management and self-management skills that are an important part of learning in the MYP.
The regular timetable includes breaks during the day and may occasionally be adjusted for school activities, projects, educational visits or special schedules. Students and families are informed when timetable changes apply.
Lessons at OIA Secondary are scheduled from 08:30, with the final lesson period ending at 17:00. Students follow their individual timetable throughout the school day. On days with a shortened schedule, the final lesson period ends at 14:15.
Breaks, food and drinks
Time to eat, move and recharge
Breaks are an important part of the school day. They give students time to eat, spend time with friends, move and return to learning refreshed.
Students should bring enough food and water for the day. We encourage balanced choices that support concentration and wellbeing. Families should make sure the school is informed about relevant allergies or dietary needs.
In Primary, children eat and play as part of a supervised routine. During the longer lunch break, students can take part in outdoor movement and sports activities. Secondary students have designated breaks within their timetable and are expected to use these times responsibly.
Getting to school
Walking, cycling and travelling safely
Both OIA campuses are located in Hoofddorp and are accessible by bicycle, public transport and car. We encourage families who live nearby to walk or cycle where possible.
At OIA Primary, families should use the designated parking areas around the school. Dropping off or parking directly on Dussenstraat in front of the school is not permitted, helping us keep the entrance safe and traffic flowing smoothly.
Cycling is a normal part of daily life in the Netherlands and we encourage students who are ready to cycle independently to do so safely and responsibly. Bicycles should be locked securely in the designated bicycle storage area. Secondary students may also need a bicycle for Physical and Health Education lessons that take place at another location.
Reporting an absence
Please let us know before the school day begins
If your child is ill or unable to attend school, please inform us before the start of the first lesson. Absence should be reported each day unless another arrangement has been agreed.
Primary
Parents should report an absence before 08:15 through the school’s agreed parent communication platform.
Secondary
Parents or guardians should report sickness before 09:00 by phone on 023 563 1644 or by email at verzuimtweetalig@haarlemmermeerlyceum.nl. If a student remains ill for a longer period, including after a weekend, the absence should be reported again. Medical appointments, such as GP, dentist or orthodontist visits, should be communicated at least one day in advance.
Physical Education and swimming
Movement as part of a balanced school day
Physical activity supports health, confidence, teamwork and wellbeing. Students are expected to take part in PE or Physical and Health Education and to come prepared for the activities planned that day.
In Primary, PE focuses on movement, coordination, cooperation and confidence through active play and age-appropriate physical activity. Families receive information from the class teacher about PE days and any specific clothing or footwear needed.
Groups 3 and 4 take part in a structured swimming programme with qualified instructors at a local pool. Swimming takes place on Tuesdays from 14:45 to 15:30. Families receive practical information about swimming arrangements and requirements separately.
In Secondary, Physical and Health Education supports physical health, teamwork and personal resilience. Students should bring suitable sportswear and clean sports shoes. Because lessons may take place at different locations, students may be required to come to school by bicycle on PHE days.
Personal belongings and devices
Growing responsibility for personal items
As students grow, they are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their belongings. Students should bring only what they need for the school day and leave valuable items at home whenever possible.
OIA is a phone-free school during the school day. Mobile phones and personal devices, including earbuds and headphones, should be switched off and stored away unless a teacher gives permission for a specific learning purpose. In urgent situations, families can contact students through the school office.
Secondary students have access to personal storage for bags, coats and other belongings. Found items are kept for a reasonable period, but the school cannot accept responsibility for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged.
School holidays and special leave
The school calendar includes holidays, study days and other dates when students are not expected at school. The most up-to-date calendar and information about requesting special leave can be found in our Policies & Documents section.
Questions about daily school life?
For questions about your child’s daily routine, learning or wellbeing, the class teacher is the first point of contact in Primary. In Secondary, please contact your child’s mentor. For general practical questions, the school office will be happy to help.
