In the wine-growing schools of gloom, joy and mirth surely were not lacking
The article discusses the start of the new school year in the Crikvenica-Vinodol area of Croatia, focusing on the first-day experiences of 128 first-grade students across several elementary schools. The number of first-graders has decreased by around 15% compared to previous years, with 142 students in 2024, down from 150 in 2023. Despite this decline, the schools maintained a joyful atmosphere, with welcoming activities organized by teachers, parents, and school administrators. The Ministry of Science and Education provided free textbooks, while local municipalities covered the cost of notebooks and other materials. Specific numbers were mentioned for the Dr. Josip Pančić Elementary School in Bribir, which had 14 first-graders this year, and the Jurja Klović Elementary School in Triblju, which had nine first-graders, down from 15 last year.
In Croatia’s Cres region, 23 children began their first school year at OŠ Frane Petrića, marking a slight decrease compared to last year’s 25 students. The new pupils were welcomed by older classmates during afternoon sessions, with principal Josip Pope offering them a warm greeting. This year, the first grade was divided into two classes, and teachers Lucija Bravdica and Ivančica Toić introduced their students to their new classrooms. Additionally, six students joined the music department, led by teacher Mirjana Mikičić-Flego. The total number of students at the primary school this year stands at 188. The academic year started with morning class sessions, followed by a joint religious service held in the local church, presided over by priest Saša Ilijić. The school building shares space with the secondary school Ambrozo Haračić from Malog Lošinja, where 11 students enrolled for the first grade this year. Across the wine-growing region, the first day of school brought joy and celebration, particularly among the 128 new students. This represents a decline of approximately 15 percent compared to last year’s 150 first-graders. The trend reflects a gradual reduction in the number of children starting school, with figures showing 142 in 2024, 121 in 2023, and 140 in 2022. Despite the smaller numbers, enthusiasm and happiness were evident throughout the region's primary schools, including those in Bribir, Triblje, Novi Vinodolski, Crikvenica, and surrounding villages. Parents, teachers, and school administrators supported the young learners through welcoming ceremonies featuring recitations, songs, and dances. New students received free textbooks, while costs for notebooks and other materials were covered by local municipalities. At OŠ Dr. Josipa Pančića in Bribir, 14 first-graders began their journey, down from 13 last year. The school now has 95 students, with teacher Mirta Krušić guiding them through four years of education. Principal Goran Matić encouraged parents and students, expressing hope for joyful and enriching experiences ahead. Local government representative Daniel Grbić emphasized the importance of education and promised continued support. At OŠ Jurja Klovića in Triblje, nine first-graders enrolled, down from 15. Teacher Snježana Domijan will oversee their learning, while the school’s student body has decreased slightly to 112. At OŠ Ivana Mažuranića in Novi Vinodolski, 30 students entered the first grade, split into two classes. Teachers Siniša Živković and Tijana Mali Jovanović will guide them. A notable change occurred with the appointment of new headteacher Irena Rubčić Car, replacing former principal Boris Turjak after 26 years of service. The school now enrolls 250 students, a small increase from 244 last year.
3 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 909/7/2026
The article discusses the start of the new school year in the Crikvenica-Vinodol area of Croatia, focusing on the first-day experiences of 128 first-grade students across several elementary schools. The number of first-graders has decreased by around 15% compared to previous years, with 142 students in 2024, down from 150 in 2023. Despite this decline, the schools maintained a joyful atmosphere, with welcoming activities organized by teachers, parents, and school administrators. The Ministry of Science and Education provided free textbooks, while local municipalities covered the cost of notebooks and other materials. Specific numbers were mentioned for the Dr. Josip Pančić Elementary School in Bribir, which had 14 first-graders this year, and the Jurja Klović Elementary School in Triblju, which had nine first-graders, down from 15 last year.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on educational enrollment trends and school-related events, such as the start of the academic year and student welcome ceremonies. It provides factual data on the number of first-grade students over recent years and describes the logistical support provided by the government and
Why factuality (95): The article provides specific numerical data about the decrease in first-grade students over recent years, including exact numbers from 2022 to 2026, which aligns with a clear trend. It also mentions the involvement of local authorities in providing materials, which is consistent with typical report
Why objectivity (90): The tone is generally positive and celebratory, focusing on the joy and excitement of the new school year despite the decline in student numbers. While it uses emotionally charged words like 'žamora', 'radosti', and 'veselja' (joy, happiness, fun), these are common in such contexts and not overly bi
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 709/7/2026
The article reports on the first day of school at OŠ Frane Petrića in Cres, Croatia. It mentions that 23 first graders enrolled this year, two fewer than last year when there were 25. The students were welcomed by their older classmates and the principal, Josip Pope. The first grade was divided into two classes, with teachers Lucija Bravdica and Ivančica Toić introducing their new students. The school also has a music department, where six students began their first year. In total, there are 188 students at the school, who started the academic year with a class period followed by a joint religious service led by the local priest, Saša Ilijić. The school building also houses a secondary school gymnasium from Malog Lošinja, which had 11 students enroll in the first grade.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on educational activities and does not involve any politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. It provides a neutral description of the first day of school, including enrollment numbers, teacher interactions, and religious services, with a
Why factuality (65): The article reports on the number of first-graders at OŠ Frane Petrića in Cres, stating there were 23 this year compared to 25 last year. It provides specific details about the school day, including the involvement of teachers and the parish priest. However, it does not provide broader regional data
Why objectivity (70): The tone is generally positive and celebratory, focusing on the joy and enthusiasm of the students and staff. While not overtly biased, it emphasizes the festive aspects of the first day of school, which may slightly skew the narrative towards a more cheerful perspective.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 759/7/2026
The article reports that 443,000 students have sat in school desks, likely referring to the number of students enrolled in schools or attending classes during a specific period. The exact context, such as whether this refers to enrollment numbers, attendance figures, or a specific event, is not provided in the limited text available.
Bias read (Center): The article appears to focus on educational statistics without any overtly political framing, word choice, or emphasis that would indicate a clear ideological slant. It does not mention political actors, policies, or controversies related to education.
Why factuality: no official source document/info detected
Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a neutral tone overall, presenting statistical data and reporting on events without strong emotional language. However, it uses phrases like 'žamora, radosti i veselja' which convey a sense of celebration, potentially influencing the reader's perception of the event as more joy
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