Damage, disruption across school premises and reports of vandalism were left in the wake of this year’s “pinta” at the English School. According to information obtained by Politis from individuals with in‑depth knowledge of the matter, the vandalism extended to almost all classrooms, while graffiti and abusive slogans directed at members of staff and the school’s management were also recorded.

The damage caused is described by the school’s management as extensive, affecting both school equipment and classrooms. The actions of the students were perceived by the school community as disrespectful towards the school and educators, particularly because of the graffiti and offensive references allegedly written against staff members and members of the administration. Photographs obtained by Politis show overturned or displaced furniture, as well as scenes of disorder in both indoor and outdoor areas of the school.

According to the school’s administration, dozens of students were present on the premises during the “pinta,” estimated at around 70, who are believed to have participated in the events. The school is equipped with security cameras and has a guard on duty, who, according to information, was not able to intervene due to the large number of students who entered the premises.

What is the “pinta”

The “pinta” is a tradition that has been linked over the past ten years or so with the final day of attendance for graduating students. Students remain on the school premises overnight before their final day, usually setting up pranks targeting teachers or members of staff. In previous years, individuals familiar with the events say that minor damage had been recorded. This year, however, the situation escalated significantly.

With masks and hoods

Despite the presence of cameras, the same information indicates that it was not possible to identify individuals, as students were wearing masks and hoods. This fact reinforced the view that entry onto the school grounds was not simply part of a student tradition but was carried out with the intent to cause damage.

Notably, despite the extent of the vandalism, the Police do not appear to have been informed, in order for the appropriate procedures to be initiated against those involved in the destruction.

It is noted that, as this is not the first time the “pinta” has caused problems, a meeting had taken place prior to this year’s event between the school’s management and student representatives. During that meeting, according to the same sources, it had been made clear that students would be allowed onto the school premises on the condition that they respected school property.

Warnings and consequences

Students had also received a relevant message, with the school management warning that there would be consequences in the event of vandalism. Following what took place and as it was not possible to identify those involved through camera footage, the management reportedly gave participating students the opportunity to come forward and take responsibility for their actions, so as to avoid collective punishment.

This did not happen. As a result, the school management announced that this year’s graduation ceremony would not take place as it has in previous years. Specifically, it will not include the additional elements that usually accompany the event and will be limited to the presentation of graduation certificates to students.

The decision triggered reactions among students and parents, with the Parents’ Association sending a letter to the school’s management. In the letter, the association acknowledges the seriousness of what took place and condemns both the offensive behaviour towards teachers and the damage to school property, as well as the dangerous actions recorded.

At the same time, however, it calls for consequences to be applied with fairness, consistency and proportionality, raising the issue of collective punishment. The association notes that the graduating class numbers approximately 160 students, while according to the school’s assessment those involved were between 50 and 70. As such, it stresses that a significant number of students did not participate in the acts and should not be deprived of an important milestone in their school life.

Despite the letter and the reactions, the school management’s decision has not been revised. “They dismantled the school. A message must be sent to other students as well that such behaviour cannot be tolerated,” a competent source told Politis.

The English School Nicosia #

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