Šibenik, (IKA) – On September 1, the first Catholic elementary school in the Republic of Croatia opened in Šibenik. This is an educational institution founded by the Šibenik Diocese, located on the premises of the former Bribirski Knezovi Barracks.
The formal opening ceremonies and blessing, conducted by Bishop Ante Ivas of Šibenik, were attended by the mayor of Šibenik, Neda Klarić, the county prefect of Šibenik-Knin, Goran Pauk; and local public figures. The Catholic school in Šibenik has started operations with three classes. There are two first-grade classes with fifteen students each and a second-grade class with seven students, said the school principal, Sister Mandica Starčević. She pointed out that the school fully meets the Croatian National Educational Standard. Experienced teachers have been hired but they are young enough to be able to adapt to teamwork and the modern educational standards. The children will stay in school all day, where they will complete their school obligations and use their free time for numerous activities, said the school principal. The Catholic elementary school is tuition-free. Since it is under the auspices of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, the salaries of the staff will be paid from the state budget.

Bishop Ivas addressed the invited guests, parents and children. “This is a historical event for Croatia, the city of Šibenik and, in a special way, this is a historical event for the Church among the Croatian nation.” The bishop of Šibenik noted that all the Croatian bishops had ardently supported the project of the Catholic elementary school in Šibenik. “We find ourselves on the premises of the Catholic Educational Center of St. Michael, which includes an elementary school to which we have still not given a name. It will be named by the children and staff … Today it is necessary to thank many, first of all the parents,” said Bishop Ivas, emphasizing that it was precisely the parents who had provided him with support in founding the school. The bishop also emphasized the great support from the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart who had cultivated the idea of Catholic education in the city of Šibenik and today have taken over the operations of the Catholic elementary school in Šibenik. In conclusion, he also thanked the priests of the Šibensk Diocese, particularly the diocesan steward Božo Škember, who had led the work concerning the founding of the school.