A rough start for schools, with the new school year beginning amid problems. In addition to air conditioners that are out of order—a problem that persists amid high temperatures inside classrooms—elementary school students began classes… without textbooks.
According to a circular sent yesterday by the Ministry of Education to teachers, there will be a delay in the delivery of textbooks for various grades and subjects. As noted in the circular, the delivery of the books is expected to be completed around mid-October.
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Speaking on the issue during the “Alpha Kalimera” program, POED President Myria Vassiliou said that the problem had been resolved in recent years but has resurfaced this year. “We haven’t had to deal with a problem like this in over a decade,” she noted.
“Starting the school year,” Ms. Vassiliou said, with a core subject like math and learning that the textbook won’t arrive until mid-October—meaning we’ll have to work with modules or photocopies— “well, it’s not something we’re complaining about just for the sake of it, but it’s a matter of substance.”
“When you hear from the Minister of Education that everything is ready and then suddenly hear this, the disappointment is even greater,” he added.
Yesterday’s circular, however, excludes the 5th grade, but POED is awaiting further information, as it may also concern the 5th grade, she noted.
Ms. Vassiliou also raised the issue of air conditioning in schools, since in most cases it is not yet operational, making the situation difficult for both students and teachers. On this point, Ms. Vassiliou noted that POED itself had requested a plan and timeline from the Ministry of Education from the very first year, but never received a response.
“Unfortunately, we’re still waiting; we’re still told that everything is ready, but nothing is ready,” she concluded.
As a reminder, the grades and courses affected are:
Mathematics for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of elementary school.
Science and Technology, Grade 1.
History of Cyprus, 4th grade.
Geography in 3rd grade.
Design and Technology—Digital Technologies for Grades 5 and 6.
Religious Education for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades.
Here is the circular:
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