The first school bell in Nicosia high schools was marked in controversial fashion on Friday morning, with students lighting flares at the entrance as the new academic year began.
Photos from the first day of the school year show students holding flares as they welcomed classmates, parents, and teachers. The incident has drawn attention as schools begin the new academic year with official calls for safety and focus in classrooms.
The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athina Michaelidou, said earlier this month that the ministry’s focus is to support the work of teachers inside classrooms and schools.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, speaking to the media on Thursday at the Presidential Palace, noted that the new school year starts with students and teachers at the centre of policy. He wished everyone a creative, safe, and productive academic year, with health and progress.



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