Thousands of teachers, students and parents took part in the new school year start festivities on September 3, IPN reports.

Director of the Lyceum “Gheorghe Asachi” Boris Volosatyi said that besides implementing the mandatory curriculum, this year they will also celebrate the Great Union Centenary and 155 years of the foundation of the public girl’s school (later girl’s lyceum “Regina Maria”, School No. 1 and currently Theoretical Lyceum “Gh. Asachi”, which is the oldest education institution in the area between the Prut and the Nistru). Definitely, all the students have jitters today, but the 120 children who came to school for the first time today are especially restless. “On this path to knowledge, you will be guided by your teachers. Dear parents and children, I’m firmly convinced that together we will manage to meet the challenges of time,” stated the principal.

The Bishop of the Saint Teodora de la Sihla Cathedral Ioan Ciuntu blessed the students, wishing them wisdom, light in the hearts and love. “Be all ears at classes as this way you will permanently gain and go on and will absorb our nation’s wisdom and culture that will help you throughout life. God bless you and success in the new school year,” he stated.

The first lesson taught by the class masters this year is entitled “Language, history and land are three pillars that support a nation - Ion Druță at his age of 90^”.

Minister of Education, Culture and Research Monica Babuc distributed a message on the occasion of the start of the new school year. This says that any start represents hopes for the fulfillment of dreams. “Dear students, let the school and university years leave an efficient imprint on your formation. The present time offers different opportunities for strengthening the character, but also sufficient challenges in building the personality. We wish you success in overcoming all these with dignity and pride for your parents and teachers, with love for the country and nation,” reads the message.

In another congratulatory message, the head of the Chisinau Division of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Rodica Guțu says the first school day has a special meaning for the whole community. It is the day when other horizons and perspectives are opened up, being an occasion for emotions and hopes, memories and dreams and leaving the imprint for many years ahead. “Some students go to school for the first time, while others move to a new stage, coming much closer to the own aspirations. Let the new school year mean satisfaction, accomplishments, successes and a lot of joy for all the teachers and the non-teaching staff, for children and parents,” says the message.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip in a posting on Facebook wrote that the first school day is a day that causes jitters to students, parents and teachers. “The modern evolution of our society starts from education. That’s why I insisted that the education system should be a national priority. Dear students, I urge you to be curious, thirsty for knowledge and to never give up dreaming. Congratulations on the start of the new school year and good luck,” wrote the Premier.

The first-twelfth graders this year total about 334,000. Of these, approximately 36,000 go to the first grade.