Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546703
10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 CULTURE Beginning of a new chapter for hundreds of teachers in schools in Malta and Gozo A few days before thousands of students return to schools in Malta and Gozo for a new school year, teachers who have just qualified, been recruited or are returning to the profession met for an induction seminar designed to prepare them for the classroom experience and give them the tools and support they need to start this journey. With the theme Every Learn- er Matters: Building Inclusive Classrooms Together, the sem- inar was held at Francis Ebejer Secondary School within St Nich- olas College in Dingli, and this year put inclusion at the centre of the discussion. Through various sessions, teachers discussed how to build a learning environment where student diversity is recog- nised and every student is given the opportunity to participate, move forward and succeed. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri addressed teachers and stressed their im- portant role not only in teaching, but also in preparing future gen- erations. "In a few more days, thousands of children in Malta and Gozo will return to schools, and with them will start their journey as new teachers. It is an important mission: to teach and educate our children, but above all to help prepare the men and women of tomorrow. You will encounter challenges, but you will also ex- perience the great satisfaction that this profession brings. And you will not be alone in this journey. As a Government and a Ministry we will be there to listen to you, support you and give you the tools you need to do the best possible job with our children," said Minister Camilleri. During his address, the Minis- ter also spoke about the different realities that teachers encounter in the classroom, including stu- dents with different needs and challenges. He stressed that ed- ucators should not be allowed to face these challenges alone and that the education system must continue to build with them, lis- tening to their experience, ideas, concerns and even criticisms. Camilleri insisted that inclusive education is one that leaves no one behind, while acknowledg- ing that students have different rhythms, skills and aspirations. In this context, he also mentioned the idea of vocational education for students who want this path and improvements in the jour- ney and opportunities that these students have. He explained that this idea is being considered and that it should be discussed and developed together with educa- tors. The Director within the Direc- torate for Quality and Standards in Education, Dr Denise Gatt, explained that the seminar is held every year to welcome new teachers and those returning to the profession from the three ed- ucational sectors – State, Church and independent. "This seminar is the first step in welcoming new and return- ing teachers into the profession, from both state, church and in- dependent schools. We want them to know from the outset about the services and support available to them, but also how national standards can translate into daily practice in the class- room. This year we are paying particular attention to inclusion, to better prepare teachers to rec- ognize and respond to the differ- ent needs of their students and create a classroom where every student has the opportunity to participate and succeed," said Gatt. During the seminar, teachers took part in sessions and work- shops on inclusion in the class- room, teaching in multicultural environments and lesson plan- ning in a way that takes into ac- count the different needs of stu- dents. Teachers' professional and ethical expectations were also addressed. Among the teachers embark- ing on this journey is Gertrude Catania, who said she is looking forward to starting her experi- ence as a teacher in a state school. "I am very much looking for- ward to starting my journey as a teacher in a state school next week. It has been a beautiful ex- perience during which we have learned and grown together, and now the time has come to put everything we have learned into practice. I am looking forward to taking what I have learned with me in the classroom and using it to make a difference in my stu- dents' educational journey," said Catania. Camilleri concluded by thank- ing teachers for choosing the ed- ucational profession and wished them every success in this new phase, while reiterating the im- portance of continuing to work together with educators. THE 5th edition of The Ewfo- nija Grand Operatic Concert will present a distinguished programme celebrating some of the most beloved works from the operatic repertoire, featuring renowned arias, powerful choruses, and or- chestral highlights. Bringing together the Ew- fonija Chorus and Orchestra under the musical direction of Mariella Spiteri Cefai, alongside professional artists and emerging vocal talent, the concert showcases op- era as a vibrant and living art form. Through an inspiring blend of artistic excellence and collaboration, the event aims to engage contempo- rary audiences, demonstrat- ing the enduring emotional depth, cultural relevance, and universal appeal of opera while supporting the chari- table mission of the ARKA Foundation. The Ewfonija Grand Operatic Concert Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri addressed teachers and stressed their important role not only in teaching, but also in preparing future generations