The school year got off to a strong start for the first Onassis Public Schools

The local communities in which the new Onassis Public Schools operate in Acharnes, Peristeri, Kolonos, Xirokrini (in Thessaloniki), Kozani, and Xanthi have embraced the institution, demonstrating their trust in practice and confirming the Onassis Foundation’s original vision of creating public schools open to society, offering equal opportunities, and strengthening the areas in which they operate.

Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, attended the blessing ceremony of the Onassis Public Schools in Xanthi, where she stated, among other things: “It is with great pleasure that I am here today in the border region of Xanthi for the blessing of the new school year; at the Onassis Public School–Xanthi Daytime Middle School (Gymnasio) and the Onassis Public School–Xanthi Daytime General High School (Lykeio), two new, unique schools for public education, created with the support of the Onassis Foundation, which serve as ‘beacons’ of knowledge and true signposts of progress for all public schools in the country. We welcome our students, teachers, and parents, whom I would like to assure that their children will encounter a carefully designed environment with modern facilities, new digital tools, and bright spaces that will make learning even more creative. I would like to warmly thank the Onassis Foundation and its President, Mr. Papadimitriou, for their strategic contribution to this new institution and to public education in general. Through the cooperation of the State and society, we are demonstrating in practice that public education does not stand still—it evolves, grows stronger, and offers every child the school they deserve. I sincerely wish all students, parents, and teachers a creative and fruitful year. May they make the most of every day, care for one another, and enjoy the unique experience of school life. Happy school year!”

Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation, said: “I am particularly proud to represent the Onassis Foundation, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, on the first day of the school year for the Onassis Public Schools. This important project began just six months ago, when the Greek Parliament passed the relevant law with a cross-party majority. Working intensively during the summer and in just a few weeks, we were able to deliver a total of twelve schools. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, all administrative issues that inevitably arose were addressed and organized. The result is visible: new desks, new windows, new lighting, and a radical renovation. New electronic equipment, including dozens of computers, interactive whiteboards, and much more. However, material infrastructure is only the foundation. For us, what matters most are the students and teachers. It is the teachers who make a good school, not the beautifully painted walls. We stand by them to support them with concrete measures. Similarly, in collaboration with them and the local Education Directorates, we would like to organize activities that will also be open to neighboring schools and the wider local community, reaffirming that the Onassis Public Schools remain open to the neighborhood and society. Overall, we want to believe that the Onassis Schools will act as catalysts, encouraging all public schools in the country to become even better. A happy new school year to everyone!”

On the occasion of the new school year and the launch of the Onassis Public Schools, Sofia Lampropoulou, President of the Onassis Public Schools Management Committee, stated: “The operation of the Onassis Public Schools marks a historic moment for public education in our country. It is the result of a collective, coordinated effort aimed at creating a modern public school system that is open to the needs of society, with learning, cohesion, and respect at its core, offering prospects for every child in every corner of Greece. The Management Committee remains firmly committed to this vision. From the very first day of school, we have stood by every teacher, every student, and every parent, ready to respond to every challenge with flexibility, ongoing dialogue, and open reflection. On behalf of the Management Committee, I wish everyone a great school year!”