Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546858
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS HAVE YOUR SAY Public Consultation on the Planning and Design Framework for temporary outdoor sporting events and facilities | Phase 2 www.pa.org.mt The Planning Authority invites the public to participate in the consultation on the proposed Planning and Design Framework for temporary outdoor sporting events and facilities, including obstacle courses, trail runs and endurance challenges. The draft f ramework seeks to balance opportunities for outdoor recreation with the protection of Malta's environment, landscape, cultural heritage and agricultural land. It establishes planning, environmental, design and safety requirements for temporary, low-impact and reversible sports activities. Submit your comments through the off icial online consultation platform: publicconsultation.gov.mt For clarif ications send an email on temporary.sports@pa.org.mt. CLOSING DATE: 14th October 2026 Church schools welcome 17,000 students for new scholastic year AROUND 17,000 students be- gan their scholastic year on Monday across Church schools in Malta and Gozo. Of these, approximately 1,950 newly registered students are beginning their education at a Church school this year. More than 3,000 educators have started or continued their educational journey, including around 150 who are new to the Church school community. The figures cover all 55 Church schools in Malta and Gozo, spanning kindergar- ten, primary, secondary and post-secondary levels. State schools will open their doors to students on Wednes- day. The figures were announced in a statement issued by the Curia, which said Church schools remain committed to strengthening critical thinking and discernment in a world in- creasingly shaped by technol- ogy and artificial intelligence. In preparation for the new scholastic year, the Secretar- iat for Catholic Education or- ganised formation sessions for educators, stressing that their role extends beyond teaching and professional duties. "Every educator is called to accompany each student on his or her journey," the state- ment read. During this scholastic year, the secretariat will prioritise the implementation of the Church Schools Identity Doc- ument, launched in May 2026. Responding to Pope Leo XIV's call for Catholic ed- ucation to draw "new maps of hope", the document pre- sents a vision of schools as Christ-centred communities founded on the dignity of every person and open to the diverse realities of Maltese so- ciety. In the coming months, the secretariat will also contin- ue to focus on the formation of educators, school leaders, staff and parents, with the aim of further strengthening the Catholic identity of schools in practice. The secretariat thanked school heads, educators and other staff members who con- tribute to the Church's educa- tional mission. Archbishop Charles Scicluna wished students and educa- tors a school year marked by "respect for one another, uni- ty among ourselves, in human wisdom but also the wisdom of life, the wisdom that mar- vels at creation and cares for it, that admires each other's talents and cares for one an- other, that looks to the future with hope and enthusiasm." Scicluna also urged students to use social media responsi- bly and respectfully outside school hours. "The continued interest of parents in Church schools shows trust in this mission, which offers a complete for- mation to every child," Dele- gate for Catholic Education Fr Mark Ellul said. "This trust brings with it a serious responsibility to- wards students, families and the whole of Maltese society because the education offered by Church schools remains founded on respect for the dignity of every person." Details about enrolment for the 2027-2028 scholastic year are expected to be announced in November 2026 on church. mt. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt Approximately 1,950 newly registered students are beginning their education at a Church school this year (Photo: Curia)