The new school year for secondary education got off to a smooth start, though it has presented several challenges. Staffing, modernization of curricula, teacher training, and improvement projects for school facilities are just some of the key priorities. “Improvements

are constantly being made. Our priority is student safety, because, as you can understand, construction sites cannot operate only during the summer or only during school breaks. They must operate year-round to improve the quality of school infrastructure.”
_{George Koutsidis – Deputy Director of Secondary General Education}

41,830 students returned to their desks at 108 middle schools, high schools, and technical schools.

READ ALSO: Students set fire to trash cans to “celebrate” the start of the school year | AlphaNews

The President of the Republic also sent his own message on the occasion of the first day of school.

“Seize the opportunity and enjoy this unique journey. A journey on which you are not alone. Standing by your side as mentors and valued companions are your teachers, giving their very best every day.”
_{Nikos Christodoulides – President of the Republic}

“7,200 teachers were in schools today, despite some unexpected challenges just 24 hours before the first bell rang

.”Last week, for example, we had two assistant principals who had stated that they did not wish to continue. They are requesting early retirement.So you can see that vacancies are being created, and new positions are opening up. These are issues that arise on the spot.”
_{George Koutsidis – Deputy Director of Secondary General Education}

Along with the students and teachers, the morning headache of traffic on the streets has also returned.

Police Intervention

The police were on high alert last night due to the students’ habit of spending the night at their schools before the first bell rang.

“We had taken measures and prevented this phenomenon—students spending the night inside the schools and causing disturbances.Small groups of students gathered, and the police responded immediately.”
_{Byron Vyronos – Police Spokesperson:} “We don’t

organize it; no one officially coordinates it. It’s purely a private initiative by the students and their parents themselves.”
_Parents: “The minister and I visited

seven high schools yesterday. We spoke with some students.”
_{George Koutsidis – Deputy Director of Secondary General Education}

In three cases, authorities had to intervene due to fires set in trash cans and tires at schools in the Nicosia district. 

Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou: