On the 24th March 2010, Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, accompanied by Mrs. Gonzi, and Education and Social Policy Minister, Dolores Cristina, visited San Anton School.

The Prime Minister`s entourage was welcomed by Head of School, Vicki Anastasi and Chairman of the School Board David Pace, together with the School Leadership Team, together with an Honour Guard of Scouts from the San Anton School Scout Group led by Group Scout Leader Anthony Rizzo and leader James Bartolo.

The delegation was then led to the Junior Sector where they visited various classes and had ample opportunity to interact with the children, to admire their colourful work and the cheerful ambience created by the Junior Sector teachers. They also tasted the Figolli and biscuits being prepared by the children in preparation for Easter.

After viewing the Sports Complex, the delegation were then escorted to the Senior Sector to visit the school radio station Lyr-x, the Home Economics Area and the Art Room before proceeding to the Science Labs to witness various experiments being performed by the Students, where he also addressed the various members of the media present.

His next stop was the Backyard Habitat, a unique environmental and nature conservation initiative, within the school grounds. The Backyard team led by Property Manager Joe Attard gave the entourage a lively rundown of the environmental work they have been involved in and presented Mrs. Gonzi with a bag of their very own school-produced compost.

The Prime Minister and Ms. Cristina then proceeded to plant a Sandarac tree ( Sigra tal-Gharghar) in commemoration of their visit.

Whilst touring the school, Dr Gonzi praised San Anton`s innovative practices which encourages the holistic formation of students. He stated that the school itself was an inspiration in the educational field since it had introduced the concept of mixed ability classrooms at a very early stage. Its ideas were being taken on board in Government`s radical education reform in the transition from primary to secondary education.

Dr. Gonzi also welcomed the formation of the Independent Schools Association. “This new association will help Government understand the needs of private schools better. I`m sure this will lead to a healthy dialogue and more co-ordination” he commented.

He was then presented with a painting by former San Anton Student Cecilia Zammit Endrich who completed her education at San Anton School last year, before concluding his visit with a private meeting with the Head of School.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts being made by Head of School, Ms. Vicki Anastasi and Chairman, Mr David Pace in raising the standard of education in our country.

He concluded in saying that San Anton School was a success story which should be emulated in other areas. Just over twenty years ago, a group of parents who aspired to a holistic education for their children had built a school which is today at the forefront of Malta`s educational system.

Photos taken by D.O.I and John Grech.