Serbian Government: School year to end on 6 June

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Due to the tragedies that have deeply affected the entire society, the Serbian Government has decided to end the school year in all primary and secondary schools in Serbia on June 6, said a Government press release.

“Our educational system was created with the aim of providing adequate support to all students, encouraging them on the way to learning and enabling them to grow into healthy, aware and responsible individuals. At this time, it is more important than ever that we focus on what is best for our children, because they deserve our full support, love and care,” said the Government.

A mass shooting took place at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school in central Belgrade on May 3, when a 13-year-old boy killed nine students and a school guard. Just a day later a shooter killed eight people and wounded 14 in an attack that took place near the capital of Belgrade.

Schools can continue to work until 20 June for the students who wish to attend and, in this period, supplementary, additional, preparatory and outdoor classes can be held, so as to encourage the social and emotional skills of students and activities on the topics of tolerance, empathy, togetherness, support and gratitude, it added.

According to the regular school calendar, the school year was to end on June 20 for grades one through seven in elementary schools and on June 6 for eight-graders. High schools were to close on June 20 for the first three grades, while classes for fourth year students ended on May 30.

The Government said the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school will be reconstructed and that a memorial part will be built in memory of the children and the school guard.