School year in Monaco: the blessing of rucksacks and an hour of reading
On Monday morning on the Rock of Monaco the first bell rang for pupils of the François d’Assise — Nicolas Barré primary school. The ceremony took place under the special attention of State Minister Christophe Mirman, who visited the institution and confirmed the priorities for the school year in the Principality. The main theme was promoting reading among younger pupils, as well as strengthening moral and civic values.
Scene on the Rock: the morning of the first school day
At 8:45 the inner courtyard of the FANB institute, located on the Rock of Monaco, filled with the voices of children. Some had arrived early, others were just arriving with their parents, clutching new rucksacks. The school, neighbouring the Visitation square, welcomed several hundred primary school pupils. Classes in the Principality this year began on Monday, 7 September, — the 2026/2027 calendar was approved by ministerial decree back in March.
The day was special not only for the children but also for the teachers: State Minister Christophe Mirman observed the events accompanied by Government Advisor for Internal Affairs Lionel Beffre, the Director of National Education, Youth and Sport Jean-Philippe Venchi and the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Dominique-Marie David.
Traditions and ceremonies: the blessing of rucksacks
One of the central moments of the morning was the traditional blessing of the school rucksacks. The Archbishop of Monaco said a short prayer over the new satchels, drawing smiles from the children and tenderness from the parents. School headteacher Nathalie Damasco took the roll call, after which each class went to its classrooms. According to Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, this ritual is not merely a formality but a deep symbol:
“This is an important moment for the pupils and the whole educational team. We want to mark it simply and in a familial way. The rucksacks asked for nothing; we are blessing those who will be using them.”
After the ceremony the children received final hugs from their parents and went up to their classes. One CM1 teacher asked his charges with a smile: “Had a good rest? Are you scared?” — but, apparently, the minister’s presence did not unsettle them in the least.
State visit: a guarantee of the quality of education
After a short formal segment Christophe Mirman inspected the whole school building. He emphasised that the government’s aim is to ensure pupils are admitted in the best conditions, and that all the services that prepared for the start of the school year worked smoothly. “It is important to check that everything is in order with the teaching teams and the public services, to reassure parents and pupils,” he noted.
Special attention was paid to the digital classroom, where pupils become familiar with modern technologies. The minister expressed satisfaction with the condition of the institution, which overlooks Port Hercule, and stressed that the main task is to make the school year productive and joyful, with an emphasis on moral and civic values.
Reading as a priority: new hours for the younger classes
The main innovation this year in the primary school was a strengthened focus on working with texts. An additional hour of reading per week has been added for CE2 pupils. This decision was taken in response to the challenges of the modern world, where digital technologies and visual content often displace books. Christophe Mirman explained:
“We can see the competition that digital media and social networks pose to reading. It is through reading that knowledge is consolidated, so it is vital to support an interest in it throughout schooling.”
The programme includes not only an increase in teaching hours but also the systematic encouragement of independent reading and the creation of a comfortable library environment. This is a joint effort by teachers, parents and the state.
Lessons and inspiration: a view of the minister’s workplace
The final point of the visit was the schoolyard located on the building’s roof. From there there is a picturesque view over Port Hercule and the surrounding neighbourhoods — including the State Minister’s office, which is right below. Christophe Mirman smilingly noted that pupils often wave to him from that yard, and he always waves back. This detail added warmth to the meeting and showed that even at the highest level the small joys of school life are not forgotten.
Overall the first day at FANB passed calmly and in an organised fashion. Pupils began the year refreshed, and the school confirmed its reputation as one of Monaco’s key educational institutions, where traditions are combined with modern approaches to teaching.
How the school was prepared across the border
On the other side of the border September looked different. In France families were paid the back-to-school allowance ARS — from 18 August, in Nice the city council installed flagpoles with the French flag in 89 schools, and in Antibes school supplies were distributed to families in need before the start of classes. Monaco, meanwhile, is betting on the content of the school day — and on getting children to read. We wrote about other long-term projects in the Principality in the piece «Renaturer la Ville»: how Monaco is returning the city to nature.
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Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels