Panevėžys school welcomes new year with red carpet and a playful “67” theme

Students at Šaltinis school in Panevėžys returned from summer break to a red carpet, music and a number that had become both a school address and a social-media joke: 67.

The school held its opening ceremony at 10 a.m. in the courtyard for Science and Knowledge Day. Students reunited with classmates, while teachers walked the red carpet and performed short musical numbers.

“

We simply understood that the universe itself was sending us a sign that this year had to be like this.

The idea came from the grandson of school director Zina Stripeikienė, who noticed the address, 67 Kniaudiškių Street. Stripeikienė said she initially did not know the online joke associated with the number, but the suggestion inspired the celebration. The school later realized that the number also marked its 67th school year.

“

I want them to have something to say at the end of the school year: I didn't know how to do that, and now I do.

Stripeikienė wished students more than good grades. She said she wanted them to finish the year able to say they had learned something they could not do before, while also finding friendship, support and room for humor. She urged teachers to keep their patience and enjoy their work.

Panevėžys Vice Mayor Deividas Labanavičius, who attended the event, said he tries to return to the school several times a year. New rules highlighted at the start of term include requirements for schools to regulate personal mobile-phone use, as well as more intensive Lithuanian-language study for pupils in grades one to four at minority-language schools.

“

It is good to see familiar people, former classmates who are now bringing their children to this school.