The 2026-27 school year got under way smoothly across Cyprus's secondary education system, according to Marios Panayides, Director General of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.
Speaking during a visit to Agios Stylianos Gymnasium on Monday morning, Panayiides said he had conveyed Education Minister Athena Michaelidou's message to students and staff while she was abroad.
"Today we are here to begin the new school year at Agios Stylianos Gymnasium. I conveyed the message of the Minister of Education and wished all students a good start," he said.
Panayiides noted the different emotions accompanying the first day back at school.
"We have seen the anxiety of new students arriving from primary school and the joy of returning students who have reunited with their classmates, beginning the new school year in health and safety."
Staffing 'much better than last year'
Asked whether any staffing issues had been recorded, particularly following recent refusals of teaching appointments, Panayides said schools had been staffed smoothly this year.
"There have indeed been some refusals, but these will be covered through new vacancy announcements by the directorates and the Educational Service Commission. This year we are in a much better position than we were last year."
Schools with construction projects
Responding to questions about schools where construction works are under way, Panayides said safety measures had been fully implemented.
"Schools are continuously being improved. This is one of the tasks carried out by the Ministry of Education through its Technical Services."
He added that all schools are safe for students and staff.
"All the necessary measures are being taken in accordance with the relevant legislation, and there is no safety issue for children."
Concern over overnight school gatherings
Panayides was also asked about the practice of final-year students spending the night on school premises before the start of the academic year.
He said no significant damage had been recorded this year but acknowledged that the phenomenon remains a concern for the ministry.
"This is something that concerns us as a ministry. It is a phenomenon we have observed in recent years."
He said the situation had been relatively manageable despite some minor incidents.
"This year went relatively smoothly in all affected schools, despite some minor problems that arose. Both local authorities and school boards have dealt with the matter."
Technical gymnasium programme
Also speaking during the visit, George Koutsides, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Secondary General Education, wished students a successful school year.
He noted that Agios Stylianos Gymnasium has 330 students and is entering its second year operating a technical gymnasium programme.
"The school is operating the Technical Gymnasium for a second year, with a small number of students."
Koutsides said information campaigns had been carried out in neighbouring primary schools and expressed hope that enrolment would increase this year.
"There is interest in other cities according to the information we have, and we hope it will prove to be a successful institution."
Source: CNA
