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

Imagine the hum of excited chatter echoing through the corridors of Newark School in Sliema, as parents, students, and teachers alike gathered for an open day unlike any other. The air was filled with a sense of curiosity and anticipation, not just for the school’s usual open classrooms, but for the open questions that were set to be addressed.

An Open Day with a Twist

Friday, June 5, was no ordinary day at Newark School. The annual open day took a refreshing turn this year, inviting not just visitors to explore the classrooms and facilities, but also encouraging them to ask questions – any questions. From the school’s teaching methods to its sustainability practices, no topic was off-limits.

This novel approach was the brainchild of the school’s new principal, Mr. Joseph Borg, who wanted to foster a culture of transparency and open dialogue. “We believe that education is a partnership between the school and the community,” he explained, “and what better way to strengthen that partnership than by opening our doors and our minds?”

Open Classrooms, Open Minds

The open day began with a tour of the school’s classrooms, each one buzzing with activity. In one classroom, students were engaged in a lively debate about Malta’s role in the European Union, while in another, they were learning about renewable energy sources through hands-on experiments. The classrooms were not just spaces for learning, but also reflections of the school’s commitment to holistic education.

But the open classrooms were just the beginning. The real heart of the open day was the ‘Open Questions’ session, where visitors could submit their queries anonymously. These were then addressed by a panel consisting of teachers, students, and even the principal himself.

Questions Answered, Conversations Started

The questions ranged from the practical – like the school’s policy on homework – to the profound – such as how the school was preparing students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence. Each question was met with a thoughtful response, followed by a lively discussion.

One parent, Maria Attard, was impressed by the open atmosphere. “I’ve never seen an open day like this,” she said, “It’s not just about showing us what they do, but about involving us in the conversation about how they do it.”

As the open day drew to a close, Mr. Borg looked around the school, his eyes reflecting a sense of satisfaction. “Today was about more than just opening our doors,” he said, “It was about opening our minds, and I believe that’s the key to a truly great education.”

As for the future, Mr. Borg hinted at more such open days, each with its own unique theme. “We want to make this an annual event,” he said, “And each year, we want to do something different, something that challenges us, and challenges our community to think about education in new ways.”