Sliema’s Newark School Welcomes the Curious: An Open Day to Remember

Imagine stepping into a bustling school corridor on a Friday afternoon, not as a student dreading homework, but as a parent, teacher, or simply a curious local eager to peek behind the classroom doors. This was the scene at Newark School in Sliema last June 5, as the school threw open its doors for an open day like no other.

More Than Just a School Tour

Open days are a dime a dozen, but Newark School’s event was anything but ordinary. It wasn’t just about showing off shiny new classrooms or state-of-the-art facilities (though there was plenty of that). It was about opening up a dialogue, answering questions, and addressing concerns in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.

From the moment you stepped into the school’s historic building on Triq il-Kbira, it was clear that this was an open day with a difference. The air was filled with a sense of purpose, a buzz of anticipation that was palpable. Parents, teachers, and even passersby were drawn in, eager to see what lay behind the school’s iconic facade.

Classrooms Transformed into Dialogue Spaces

Instead of the usual guided tours, Newark School transformed its classrooms into dialogue spaces. Each room was dedicated to a specific theme – from ‘The Future of Education’ to ‘The Role of Technology in Learning’. Parents and teachers were encouraged to engage in open discussions with educators, share their thoughts, and ask questions.

In one classroom, parents were debating the merits of traditional teaching methods versus more innovative, tech-driven approaches. In another, teachers were discussing the importance of extracurricular activities in holistic learning. The energy was electric, the conversations animated, and the questions flowed freely.

Open Questions, Honest Answers

At the heart of the open day was a commitment to transparency and honesty. Newark School didn’t shy away from tough questions or controversial topics. Instead, they embraced them, using them as opportunities to engage, educate, and build trust.

Take, for instance, the question about school fees. It’s a topic that’s often met with defensiveness, but not here. The school’s management openly discussed their fee structure, explaining how it was used to fund improvements and innovations in teaching. They listened to parents’ concerns, acknowledged the challenges, and even promised to explore ways to make education more affordable.

This open, honest approach was reflected in the feedback from attendees. “I’ve never felt so heard as a parent,” said one attendee. “It was refreshing to see a school that’s not just interested in enrolling students, but in building a community,” added another.

As the sun set over Sliema’s rooftops, marking the end of another day, Newark School closed its doors, but not before leaving a lasting impression. The open day was more than just an event; it was a statement of intent, a promise to engage, to listen, and to grow together.

So, what’s next for Newark School? Well, they’re not resting on their laurels. They’re already planning more open days, more dialogues, more opportunities for parents, teachers, and the wider community to engage with the school. After all, as one teacher put it, “Education isn’t something that happens in a vacuum. It’s a process that involves everyone.”