Seven Decades of Schooling

In the town of Novo mesto, a ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where the mayor of the Municipality of Novo mesto, mag. Gregor Macedoni, honored the most outstanding students and athletes from primary schools within the municipality. This event marked the end of the school year and celebrated the achievements of young individuals who excelled in both academic and sports fields. The occasion also saw the announcement of the most successful primary schools in the academic year 2025/2026. On the subject of sports, the award was given to Osnovna šola Grm, while on the subject of knowledge, it went to Osnovna šola Bršljin.

The mayor expressed his congratulations to the students for their exceptional accomplishments in knowledge and sport, as well as gratitude towards mentors, teachers, and parents who significantly contribute to nurturing these talents. He emphasized that success is not self-evident but rather the result of numerous hours of learning, research, training, exercises, and overcoming challenges. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of values developed along the path to success—responsibility, perseverance, cooperation, respect, and sportsmanship. At the ceremony, awards were presented to the most successful students and athletes from all primary schools in Novo mesto. Among the awardees were young individuals who achieved top results in national and international competitions in mathematics, logic, languages, natural sciences, sports, and arts during the current school year. Recognition was also given to the most successful students of the Music School Marjan Kozine Novo mesto, whose achievements successfully represent the school and city at home and abroad, while also shaping the cultural program of the event.

This gathering served as an opportunity to show appreciation for the youth, who, with their knowledge, athletic achievements, and dedication, serve as inspiration to peers and contribute to the development and reputation of the local community.

Across Slovenia, the final day of schooling for ninth-grade students has arrived. According to data from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth, this year, 21,562 students will complete primary education, which is 424 fewer than last year. For the upcoming school year 2026/2027, secondary schools have received 23,580 applications, including 23,683 from those who applied simultaneously for different tracks of artistic high schools. Admission will be limited to 65 schools. There is a growing interest in programs of lower vocational education, although the highest number of applicants still goes to secondary technical education programs, followed by gymnasiums and then vocational secondary education programs.

From June 16 to 19, the first round of the selection process for admission to secondary schools will take place. Those not accepted in the first round can submit their application for the second round until June 24. Candidates will be informed about their placement on one of the secondary schools on June 26 and must register by June 30. Students who are not selected in either round and those who did not apply anywhere else can still enroll in schools or programs that have available spots. These spots will be published on the ministry's website on July 2, and schools will accept candidates for open spots until August 31.

Alongside their certificates, ninth graders will receive information about their performance on the National Assessment of Knowledge (NPZ). Results from the assessment, conducted at the end of March, which can influence admission to secondary school, became available online on April 21.

At the Gorišnica Primary School, following the ceremony honoring teachers and classmates, there was a special moment of pride for the graduating ninth-grade students. During the presentation of the mayor’s medals, students who had stood out throughout their nine years of schooling due to excellent academic performance, persistence, dedication to knowledge, and numerous achievements in various areas were recognized. These awards acknowledge years of perseverance, discipline, curiosity, and hard work. Each outstanding result is built upon countless hours of study, sacrifices, family support, and dedicated efforts from teachers.

Receiving the mayor's medal were students from 9th grade A: Jurij Bezjak, Teo Emeršič, Nela Irgolič, Neo Irgolič, Teo Kelenc, Jaki Žgalin, and Zala Žuran, and from 9th grade B: Maša Drolc, Miha Kokol, Gabriel Kovačec, Vid Lenart, Bor Trofenik, and Nika Založnik. Their efforts, dedication, and outstanding achievements left a lasting mark on the concluding year of primary education.

The event was attended by the mayor of the Gorišnica municipality, Borut Kolar, who personally awarded the recognition and offered encouraging words to the students as they enter a new life phase. He described the tradition as a yearly celebration, emphasizing that besides receiving recognition, students also get symbolic rewards meant to motivate them forward. He believed that this gesture shows that effort in life can indeed be rewarded. He wished the students to follow their interests and joys in life, not just for financial security but because they would find satisfaction in doing so. Such work becomes easier to perform and ultimately pays off.

The mayor expressed pride in the achievements of the school, which has long demonstrated its quality. He stated that the Gorišnica Primary School is a successful institution with a rich tradition. Its students achieve excellent results not only nationally but also internationally. It is important to invest in young people and encourage them to realize their goals. The assistant principal, Klementina Lindič, reflected on the journey of the current ninth-grade students, recalling how they once were curious and full of questions when they started as first-graders. With the help of dedicated teachers, they gained knowledge, upgraded it, and developed their abilities. Today, they have truly earned their success, she said, adding that such achievement requires much learning, effort, and sacrifice. Everyone—teachers, parents, and students—has contributed their part, and now together they can enjoy the fruits of their labor.

As they move into a new life stage, many of these students will pursue gymnasium programs, while others have chosen technical directions, computer science, mechatronics, or preschool education. Regardless of their chosen paths, they share a common trait—the desire for knowledge and readiness to embrace new challenges. The awarding of the mayor’s medals was more than just giving out recognitions. It was a tribute to young people who prove through their work, perseverance, and example that the future of the community lies in good hands. Their achievements are a source of pride for the school, municipality, and everyone who has followed their progress.

The seventy-year anniversary of the Radovljica Music School was celebrated with a concert featuring orchestras, choirs, chamber groups, and soloists. The director of the school, Žan Legat, spoke about the living tradition of the school, emphasizing that each generation receives something valuable from those before them and adds something of their own, creating continuity that is not repetition but development. This is why today, different musical styles and worlds coexist in the school—classical music, jazz, Avsenik music, chamber music, orchestras, choirs, and ballet. Different expressions, different languages, all aimed at developing sensitivity and creativity through collaboration.

The origins of the Radovljica Music School date back to after World War II, when young people learned to play instruments in the spaces of the former TVD Partizan and old library. Since 1966, the school has operated in the picturesque mansion in the old town center of Radovljica, under the leadership of director Egij Gašperšič (1966–1997). Thanks to the first graduates of the Ljubljana Conservatory, the teaching staff expanded, and the school established its professional standing among Slovenian music schools and solidified its cultural mission.

Legat emphasized that the Radovljica Music School has proven over decades that it is possible to combine discipline and creativity, order and freedom. He noted that in the classrooms, not only skilled musicians are created, but also persistent, sensitive, and responsible young people. Technical knowledge is important, but music truly comes alive when we learn to listen—to ourselves and others.

Today, around 500 students acquire musical knowledge at five locations, including Bled, Bohinj, Gorje, and Begunja, in 24 different programs. Learning instruments has been joined by dance, and within the framework of the music school, there is also a module for Avsenik music. From last year, a jazz department has also been operating at the school.

The mayor of Radovljica, Ciril Globočnik, emphasized that the seventy years of operation represent an extraordinary milestone. It is a story of dedication, knowledge, creativity, and people who believe in the power of music. Over these years, the music school has become more than just an educational institution. It has become a space where young people discover their talents, develop perseverance, discipline, and creative spirit, and enrich themselves and the community through music. The performances, concerts, and projects of the school enrich our holidays, events, and everyday lives. Through its work, it connects generations and reinforces the awareness that culture is one of the fundamental pillars of the development of every community.

Rector Žan Legat emphasized that the celebration is primarily an expression of gratitude to all who helped create the story of the school over the past seven decades and a responsibility to all who will continue to shape it in the future. He thanked the students