Monday, September 2, 2024. The new school year begins, and teachers arrive at the school near Brussels South Station. Teacher Tessa is one of them: she will be supervising the sixth grade, a difficult task in a school where 98% of the students don't speak Dutch as their native language. A school struggling with housing and the challenges of a large city like Brussels. And, like so many schools in Flanders, battling the acute teacher shortage. It's principal Mike, supported by assistant Sandra and care coordinator Laura, who must ensure that Balder Primary School has a secure future again...

After the fall break, Ms. Tessa struggles in the sixth grade. She also falls ill, but she's not alone. Principal Mike is also home for two weeks. During his absence, the teachers discover that understaffing and a lack of structure are creating chaos in the classrooms and on the playground. Farah has been in the third grade since September. When her mother has to move to an asylum center, Farah immediately has to say goodbye to her class and Ms. Carmen. Mike returns from sick leave and is confronted with Ms. Tessa's dismissal: the sixth grade is once again without a teacher. Moreover, the staff wants to discuss the ongoing problems at a special meeting.