Belgian schools mark start of new academic year

Various Belgian schools have marked the start of the new academic year with diverse activities and developments. In Assebroek, Paalbos primary school students moved into a brand-new, sustainable building at Gemeneweideweg Zuid 121. The modern facility features high insulation, natural light, and a design intended to blend with the surrounding greenery. The school, part of the Impact group, celebrated the opening with a festive catwalk for students.

In Borsbeke, De Vlindertuin primary school organized an escape room activity for all students on their first day. The pedagogical exercise was designed to help children practice executive functions, such as problem-solving, planning, and cooperation, through age-appropriate puzzles and challenges.

In Zoersel, the Beuk & Noot school has implemented a new policy regarding teacher titles. A non-binary teacher has requested that students address them by their first name rather than using traditional gendered terms like ‘juf’ (teacher/female) or ‘meester’ (teacher/male). While the school supports this decision based on non-discrimination principles, the move has prompted local discussion regarding how such changes affect young children's linguistic development.