First day of school in Maribor: nearly 900 first-year students cross the school threshold

The first day of school in Maribor saw nearly 900 first graders cross the school threshold, marking the beginning of another academic year in the city’s public primary schools. According to current estimates, approximately 8,980 students filled the classrooms, including around 870 new first graders. This number is slightly lower than the previous school year, which recorded 9,078 students and 963 first graders. The day was marked by a mix of excitement, anxiety, and some nervousness among children and parents alike. At Osnovna šola Tone Čufar, the atmosphere was particularly lively, with 70 first graders taking their seats, more than ever before. The school currently has 468 pupils, a figure that has increased by roughly 70 over the past decade. For newly appointed headmistress Andreja Lješnjak, the day was both familiar and fresh. She had previously taught in a classroom, but her new role offers greater opportunities to support all students. She emphasized the importance of emotional well-being, especially for children in the final years of primary education, noting that more attention is being given to supporting students who have migrated, particularly in terms of language acquisition and integration into the new environment. The city council has announced major investments in educational infrastructure, highlighting its commitment to improving learning conditions. Mayor Saša Arsenovič outlined plans for substantial financial commitments, with approximately €4.9 million allocated for direct investments in schools this year. Of this amount, nearly €3 million will go toward Osnovna šola Angela Besednjaka. A key project involves energy efficiency improvements at 16 school and kindergarten buildings, costing around €15 million and carried out in collaboration with Petrol and Resalto. These renovations aim to enhance energy performance while creating better environments for both students and staff. Additional funds will also be directed towards outdoor sports facilities, benefiting schools such as Franca Rozmana, Staneta, Draga Kobala, and Kamnice. In Limbuš, Osnovna šola Rada Robiča celebrated its 150th anniversary, adding a special dimension to the first day of school. Headmistress Mojca Kirbiš addressed students and parents, emphasizing values such as peace, fairness, responsibility, and mutual care. Security measures were also reinforced, with police officers and a local officer visiting the school throughout the year to ensure safety. The first day of school thus represents not just the start of a new academic term, but also the beginning of new relationships, challenges, and opportunities for children, parents, and teachers alike. Meanwhile, in a different part of Europe, a small village on the volcanic island of Stromboli in Italy welcomed back its long-closed primary school after two decades. Six-year-old Aysha will become the first student to sit in a classroom since the school was closed, following a unique request from her parents. They had struggled to find a solution for their daughter's schooling, as the nearest options required frequent and complicated travel. The village of Ginostri, located far from the main population centers, is accessible only by sea, making daily trips difficult. With fewer than 40 residents during winter, the community lacks adequate infrastructure, including regular access to food stores. After much effort, the family turned to the mayor of Lipari and the local education authority in Messina, requesting the establishment of a branch of the primary school in Ginostri. Their appeal was granted, allowing the village to reopen its school, albeit temporarily, with only one student enrolled. This decision reflects the lengths families are willing to go to provide their children with educational opportunities, even in remote areas. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring equitable access to quality education across diverse geographical settings.