The first bell for the new school year is set to ring today September 11, as kids all around Greece begin school, following the long summer break. Both school children and teachers will attend the customary blessing service in the morning, which marks the launch of the new school year.
According to the education ministry, in an announcement on Tuesday, all school textbooks have been printed and delivered to schools around the country.
In accordance with the Greek Presidential Decree, kindergartens, elementary schools, and high schools, begin the teaching year on September 11 and end on June 21st the following year.
The periods from September 1 to September 10 and from June 15 to 21 may be used to implement teacher training programs. However, schools for the 2019 - 2020 school year begin operating with students, as of today, Wednesday, September 11.
The teaching year for Greek students is divided into three semesters: the first begins on September 11 and ends on December 10, the second begins on December 11 and ends on March 11 and the third begins on March 11 and ends June 15. When September 11th or June 15th is a public holiday, classes start on the next business day or end on the previous business day respectively.
It should also be noted that schools are also closed on the following days: 28th of October for OXI Day, 25th of December for Christmas Day, 26th of December for Synaxis of Theotokos and 1st of January for New Year’s Day.
Wishing all students a great first day back and a happy and healthy school year ahead!