Deutsche Schule Helsinki

DSH fosters responsibility, openness, and respect as core values that shape daily school life. Students, teachers, and parents share responsibility for independence, critical thinking, social interaction, and teamwork. The school promotes openness to different cultures and to new challenges, and it expects respectful behavior toward others. It emphasizes a welcoming climate that supports belonging and well-being, with explicit emphasis on social-emotional development. A community pedagogue and a school counselor support dialogue, conflict resolution, and inclusive interaction to strengthen the school's social-emotional learning. The environment also promotes sustainable attitudes and intercultural understanding as part of everyday learning.

Part-time special education is provided by a special education teacher in class, individually, or in small groups. Support can be temporary or ongoing and focuses on learning, study skills, and attention difficulties. Special education teachers coordinate the delivery of support with other teachers and plan interventions, using assessments to tailor learning. German and mathematics workshops provide targeted in-school support. Tutoring (tukiopetusta) is available for students with learning difficulties or those who need temporary subject support; it is temporary and free and is not homework help; Participation is required when offered. The school also coordinates with a multi-professional team, including school counselors and other staff, to address SEN needs.

The psychologist's duties include promoting mental health and well-being as well as learning and studying and preventive work. The psychologist carries out individual and group work to support emotional development, social interaction, and learning; They address concerns such as concentration or motivation difficulties, worries about life circumstances, anxiety or depression, and study-related difficulties. The school health nurse monitors students' growth, health, well-being, and implements periodic health checks as part of student health services. Mental health and well-being support is provided through counseling and preventive programs. A community pedagogue fosters class cohesion and open, respectful school culture and collaborates with teachers and counselors to support students' well-being.

Student matters are handled confidentially with the student and their guardians in accordance with agreed arrangements. A multi-professional student welfare team meets regularly to promote wellbeing and address support needs. The team includes a deputy head, school nurses, a school social worker, a school psychologist, coordinators, and both general and special education teachers. The team provides targeted support for issues such as bullying, family changes, attendance problems, mood concerns, and gender identity considerations. The community pedagogue supports an open, respectful school culture and collaborates with teachers and guardians to maintain a safe environment. The school's health services contribute to safeguarding by monitoring health and wellbeing and providing health counseling when needed.