Bujanovac – The enrollment in the first grade of elementary schools started and it will last until May 31.  Unlike in previous years, parents themselves choose which school their children will attend, with the possibility of it being an institution outside the place of residence.

Natalija Stankovic, a pedagogue at elementary school "B.Radicevic” in Bujanovac says that the new rules for the enrollment of first graders envisage that parents themselves bring enrollment applications to the school.  

“Parents can choose a school in the territory of the municipality, and if there are vacancies, they can enroll their children in the first grade in schools in other municipalities, "Ms. Stankovic said.

Another novelty is that parents will not have to bring a birth certificate and a proof of the child's place of residence, but only a doctor's certificate and a confirmation that the child has attended a compulsory preschool program. 

“We, as a school, via e-government, do that for them, "Ms. Stankovic said.

She could not say how many students precisely would be enrolled in the first grade this year, but recalled that 120 first-graders were enrolled in 5 classes in her school last year. 

“This year, 6 classes will compelte the 4th grade, "Ms. Stankovic said.

Mladen Sarcevic, the relevant Minister, said that there would be almost 1,500 more first-graders   in Serbia this year than in 2018, and that children that are at least six and a half years old and at most seven at a half years old would be able to be enrolled in the first grade.

Source: Bujanovac News and Coordination Body