Around 47,000 students returned to schools across Cyprus as the first bell marked the beginning of the new school year, with school regulations being enforced from the very first day.
A notable case was recorded at Palouriotissa Lyceum, where the school administration immediately implemented the rules governing students’ use of mobile phones.
Staffing and school readiness
Palouriotissa Lyceum Principal Elena Chatzigerou wished teachers and students a productive and successful school year, expressing hope that schools would be ready to address any difficulties that may arise.
She said the main priority for school principals was for the new school year to begin with schools fully staffed, buildings ready and students in conditions that allow the educational process to operate smoothly.
Although the situation is generally progressing well, Chatzigerou said some issues still needed to be addressed, including completing staffing for management positions and specialist subjects and meeting all schools’ needs.
She also highlighted the long-standing shortage of school assistants and caretakers, describing it as a serious issue. She noted that the problem was not solely the responsibility of the Education Ministry, as there was also limited interest in these positions.
However, she stressed the need for earlier action and better planning so that such issues could be resolved before the start of the school year.
Discipline and school regulations
Chatzigerou also referred to schools facing overcrowding and raised concerns about the declining popularity of the classical studies stream, which she said was no longer an option for many students.
She stressed the importance of discipline and respect for school regulations, saying the aim was to reduce incidents of misconduct and maintain a smooth school environment with the involvement of everyone in the school community.
Parents, she added, play an important role in the educational process. While praising parent associations, she stressed that clear boundaries must be maintained, as discipline and compliance with regulations are fundamental to a school’s operation.
Infrastructure and maintenance
Regarding school readiness, Chatzigerou said Palouriotissa Lyceum had been properly prepared for the start of the year.
She nevertheless stressed the need for a stable and effective system for cleaning and maintaining school buildings, so that principals are not constantly faced with safety and infrastructure problems.
Large-scale projects, renovations and anti-seismic upgrades cannot always be completed during a single summer, she noted. Better coordination and planning are therefore needed to ensure schools can operate without problems when the school year begins.
Traffic concerns
The return of students and workers to their daily routines has also intensified traffic problems.
Chatzigerou said many students at the school walk to school, while others use buses, stressing that the state needs to find solutions to the wider problem of traffic congestion.
She also sent students a message about the importance of respect and appropriate behaviour, both at school and while travelling to and from school.
Students look ahead
Students themselves appeared optimistic about the new school year, despite the difficulty of returning to their daily routine after the summer holidays.
One final-year student said the first night before classes had been difficult but expressed optimism that the year would go smoothly. He said students had the support of the school administration and their teachers and hoped everything would go well.
His goal is to sit the Pancyprian Examinations and secure a place in the University of Cyprus Department of Business Administration.
Other students spoke about the need to return to a daily routine and adapt to the pace of school life. With new goals, experiences and expectations, they expressed confidence that the year would progress smoothly with the support of their teachers and school administration.
“We have to get our heads down,” one student said, highlighting the need for greater focus on their goals and future while still making time for friends.
Another student said she was ready for a new year filled with experiences and knowledge, as well as meeting new teachers and students. Her personal goal was to organise her time better so she could balance studying and school responsibilities with time spent with friends.
The common message from students was that returning to school requires adjustment and new priorities, with hopes that the new school year will be smooth and productive.
Also read: President wishes students a successful school year
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