The Commissioner for Children, Helen D’Amato, said in a message marking the new scholastic year that everyone agrees that education is the key for a better quality of life and it is important that this not be accepted only by the authorities but also by parents and the students, whatever their level of education.

Ms D’Amato said it is important that schools offer a programme that is relevant to the needs and aspirations of students and to offer help where particular needs are identified. Schools should also recognise the importance of the students’ effective participation in the taking and implementation of decisions at primary, secondary and post-secondary levels.

Parents, the commissioner said, should ensure that their children attend schools regularly, and not invent all pretexts for them to absent themselves. Parents should also follow their children’s output, and ensure that no unnecessary pressure is brought to bear on them.

Students should look on teaching in a positive attitude, do the work assigned to them, and show respect to their fellow students and teachers.