While city schools are bustling with students and crowds, the rural school "18. Oktobar" on Bioč will welcome September with unusual silence this year because there are no first-year students.
"So far, we have no registered first-year students, which is unusual, but not alarming. This village is still alive, there are many young people and children who are growing up for school. We can call this a dry year, but in the long term I do not expect any problems because of this," says director Željko Bojanić for Boje jutra on Vijesti Television.
He points out that the number of students is largely stable.
"Usually, between three and five students are enrolled in the first grade. Last year there were three, which is normal. The problem here is that nine students are graduating this year and there is a risk that some of them will not enroll further," said Bojanić.
Regarding the organization of teaching, the director says: "We have a combination of lower grades and subject teaching from sixth to ninth grade. Transportation for students is organized by van, although we need to replace it because it is old and often breaks down."
The school once housed a kindergarten, which represented an important part of the educational and social life of the community.
"At the beginning of last school year, we had a small number of preschool children, but soon there were no more interested people, so the kindergarten had to stop operating. It was a small reservoir of students for the school, so its closure posed a certain challenge for us," said Bojanić.
He adds that it is currently unknown what will happen to the premises and the future of the kindergarten, but that there is a clear need to encourage young families to stay and develop in this area.
Regarding the future of the school and potential enrollments, Bojanić adds: "I have contacted parents who have moved from the city and there is a possibility that two or three new students will enroll in the school in September."
When asked about the advantages of a small school, the director points out: "It is a privilege for me to work in a school like this. Individual approach to students, proximity to teachers, the possibility of additional classes - these are things that large schools cannot provide. Children here still have traditional values and are given special care."
The school is well equipped, and they are planning additional investments during the summer.
"We have central heating installed, we plan to replace old doors and paint the classrooms. The ministry is providing us with good support, and the school is equipped with modern technology for teaching," said Bojanić.
Finally, the principal urges parents to consider this school as the right choice for their children:
"Anyone who comes will be welcome. This is a place where children gain knowledge and create beautiful memories. If the city's schools are overcrowded, our school should be seriously considered. We are open to everyone," said Bojanić.
Bonus video:
