President Milanović Welcomes First Gymnasium Varaždin Delegation on its 390th Anniversary and World Teachers’ Day
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović received a delegation from the First Gymnasium Varaždin today to mark the school’s 390th anniversary and World Teachers’ Day.
Founded in 1636, the First Gymnasium Varaždin is one of the oldest secondary schools in Croatia, as evidenced by its rich historical heritage, particularly its school library, whose origins date back to the 17th century. Over its nearly four-century history, the school has been attended by numerous prominent figures in Croatian public and cultural life, including Ljudevit Gaj, Ivan Kukuljević Sakcinski, Ksaver Šandor Gjalski, and Miljenko Stančić.
Today, the gymnasium has nearly 750 students in 34 classes. In addition to general, language, and science and mathematics programmes, it offers foreign-language instruction and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and is particularly noted for its work with gifted students in the fields of computer science and biology. Since 2015, it has participated in numerous Erasmus+ projects and has also been involved in the EPAS (European Parliament Ambassador School) programme.
The meeting covered the International Baccalaureate programme, trends in the development of the education system, the challenges of transitioning from secondary to higher education, and issues related to secondary school infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to secondary school admissions, social mobility within the education system, changing student interest in particular professions, and the impact of technological changes on the labour market and education. The Gymnasium delegation particularly highlighted the importance the school places on extracurricular activities. In this context, the school’s rich sporting tradition was also highlighted: the Gymnasium Sports Club is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Alongside Janja Banić, Principal of the First Gymnasium Varaždin, who is also a RITHA specialist and adviser and head of the Centre of Excellence in Informatics for secondary schools in Varaždin County, the delegation from the First Gymnasium Varaždin included teachers Milana Popović Vindiš, Tihana Čus Slatković, Tajana Golub Mendaš, Marko Šafran, Bojan Banić, Renata Čelik, and Vesna Novosel Martinić.
President Milanović was accompanied by Jadranka Žarković, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić