School Rules

Rules and regulations of the Bulgarian School 'Kiril and Metodiy' in Nicosia

RULES OF OPERATION AND INTERNAL ORDER
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Art.1 These rules define the structure, functions, rights and obligations of teachers, parents and students at the Bulgarian School "Kiril and Metodiy" in Nicosia.

Art.2 In accordance with Council of Ministers Decree No. 90 of 29 May 2018 (see here for the 2020 amendments), the Bulgarian School "Kiril and Metodiy" in Nicosia is included in the List of Bulgarian Schools Abroad for the 2021/2022 academic year (under number 155), which can be viewed by clicking here (Order No. RD09-1024/29.04.2021).

Art. 3 The school operates under a local legal entity: the Heritage Languages and Cultures Foundation, which is registered in the Republic of Cyprus under Registration No. 292 by virtue of the Associations and Institutions Law of 1972 as an INSTITUTION with a non-profit purpose.

Art.4 The Bulgarian School in Nicosia is an educational institution covering grades 1 through 12 and provides instruction in the following subjects: Bulgarian language, Bulgarian history, Bulgarian geography and Bulgarian culture (singing, folk dances, drama school and art workshop). At the request of parents and/or community members, courses in Greek, English and mathematics are also organised.

Art.5 Instruction at the school is carried out according to curricula and programmes approved by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). Teaching is conducted in standard literary Bulgarian.

Art. 6 The school is partially funded under Decree No. 90, by sponsors, and through tuition fees approved by the governing body of the organisation.

Art.7 (1) The school admits for instruction children who are Bulgarian citizens permanently or temporarily residing in the Republic of Cyprus, as well as children of other nationalities.

(2) The school also admits for distance learning children from other countries around the world who live in cities or villages where there is no school established under Decree No. 90.

(3) The admission and enrolment of students in in-person and distance learning modes is carried out on the basis of the following documents, sent electronically to: [email protected]

For PREPARATORY GROUP and FIRST GRADE:

  1. Application from the parent (guardian) (link to the Application);
  2. Birth certificate or international passport (copy);
  3. Proof of payment of the first instalment or the full fee (payment order);

From SECOND to TWELFTH GRADE:

  1. Application from the parent (guardian) (link to the Application);
  2. Certificate of completed grade/level (copy), issued by a Bulgarian school;
  3. Birth certificate or international passport (copy);
  4. Proof of payment of the first instalment or the full fee (payment order);

Art.8 Classes are held at the Lykeio Palouriotissa building and at a building in old Nicosia at 61 Thiseos Street (click here to view the address on Google Maps).

CHAPTER TWO
ORGANISATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

Art.9 (1) The school organises in-person, blended and distance learning modes of instruction.

(2) A minimum of 3 (three) students is required to open a study group.

(3) When a study group cannot be formed, the school offers an individual distance learning mode in an electronic environment (distance learning with access to the school's e-learning platform with educational resources - learn.bgculturalcenter.org) and video conferencing with a teacher.

Art.10 Instruction is organised and conducted in accordance with the school curriculum as required by the MES.

(1) Classes are held during the week according to a schedule (published here), prepared at the beginning of each school term.

(3) The schedule is published on the organisation's website (link to the schedule). Every parent and student should familiarise themselves with it via the organisation's website.

(4) At the beginning of the academic year, each student is given access to the school's educational platform (learn.bgculturalcenter.org). The platform contains educational resources and information on the material covered each week, homework, videos, tests and other interactive educational tasks. Parents are encouraged to help younger students in using the platform.

(5) When absent, students are informed of the covered educational content and homework assignments by their classmates and through the resources uploaded to the school's e-learning platform (learn.bgculturalcenter.org). They catch up on missed material on their own by completing the exercises, independently or with outside help.

(6) Homework is mandatory. If 50% of homework assignments are not completed, the academic year will not be recognised as completed. In cases of difficulty due to objective reasons, parents are obliged to notify the teacher.

Art. 10 (1) The school also organises instruction for students who do not speak Bulgarian as a first/native language. These students are taught using the school's own electronic resources, following a methodology for Bulgarian as a second/foreign language in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and a programme approved by the MES.

(2) The school is the official examination centre in Cyprus for the ECL Consortium (for more information, see here: https://eclexam.eu/bulgarian/), which certifies language proficiency and issues a university-recognised document for Bulgarian language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The school offers its students preparation and administration of the examination.

Art.11. Students enrolled in in-person learning must be at the school entrance 10 minutes before the start of classes.

Primary level: accompanied by an adult who should wait for the door to be opened and for classes to begin.

Lower and upper secondary level: in case of late arrival, students should call the teacher's mobile phone so that the door can be opened for them.

Art. 12 During extraordinary epidemiological situations, parents are not permitted inside the classrooms.

Art.13 At the end of classes, students are met by their parents at the school entrance.

(1) If a parent is running late, they must notify the teacher and authorise a person (in writing or verbally) to collect their child.

(2) Parents of students who go home on their own after classes must notify the teacher in writing.

(3) A child who has not been collected remains under the care of the duty teacher until the parent arrives.

(4) Supervision by the duty teacher is charged at 5 euros per class hour.

(5) Inside and outside the school building, teachers bear no responsibility for children who have been handed over to their parents.

CHAPTER THREE
OBLIGATIONS OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Art.13 The conditions and procedures for organising and conducting external assessment examinations from 2021 onwards are determined on the basis of instructions from the MES and guidance from the school principal.

Art.14 The organisation of individual school subjects, the forms of testing and assessment of students' knowledge and skills, the methods for forming term and annual grades, as well as the conditions for conducting instruction are determined by the school principal.

Art.15 For students at risk of falling behind in mastering the educational content, at the request of their parents, the school creates additional educational opportunities by organising and conducting supplementary work with the students.

Art.16 During school hours, supervision and oversight at the school are carried out by the Administrative Director, whose duties are set out in their job description.

CHAPTER FOUR
PARTICIPANTS IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

Section I
TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS

Art.17 The teacher and teaching assistant have the following rights:

1. to freely determine the methods and means for conducting the educational process, actively using interactive teaching methods and the capabilities of information and communication technologies;

2. to receive information on matters related to the performance of their professional duties;

3. to express opinions and make proposals for the development of the school;

4. to use the school's material and technical resources for the performance of their professional duties;

Art.18 The teacher has the following obligations:

1. to fulfil the obligations set out in their contract and job description;

2. to teach the subject in standard literary Bulgarian, to communicate with students in standard literary Bulgarian and to help them master literary language norms;

3. to systematically maintain the established school documentation related to their work as a teacher, educator and group supervisor;

4. to arrive at work 10 minutes before the start of classes;

5. to maintain and be responsible for the condition of the material, technical and educational resources entrusted to them;

6. to promptly notify the principal in case of their absence so that a substitute can be arranged, in order to prevent free (uncovered) class periods;

7. to participate in the work of the Pedagogical Council and to carry out its decisions;

8. to observe professional ethics and work systematically to uphold the school's reputation;

9. to comply with the directives and recommendations of supervisory bodies;

10. to safeguard the life and health of students during the educational process and other activities organised by the school;

11. to maintain and improve their professional qualifications;

12. to inform parents/guardians in writing via email and at individual meetings about the student's progress and development, observance of school discipline, as well as their communication skills and integration into the school environment. Individual meetings with parents are held at a time convenient for both parties.

13. not to make phone calls during class that are unrelated to school activities;

14. not to smoke, bring or consume alcohol at the school, as well as outside the school during events and activities in which students participate;

15. to come to work in attire and appearance appropriate to their position as a teacher and in accordance with good conduct;

16. not to bring weapons or other objects that pose an increased danger into the school;

17. the teacher must not violate students' rights, demean their personal dignity, or apply any form of physical or psychological violence against them;

18. the teacher must not provide paid educational services where a conflict of interest exists;

Art.19 The teacher has the following additional obligations:

(1) to monitor the progress and development of students in the respective group/class in the educational process, their observance of school discipline, as well as their communication skills with students and teachers and their integration into the school environment, and to periodically and promptly inform parents;

(2) to monitor class attendance by the students of the group;

(3) to promptly notify parents if the student is absent from classes, as well as when disciplinary proceedings or other measures under these rules are to be initiated against them;

(4) to advise parents on the possibilities and forms of supplementary work with the student in order to develop their abilities;

(5) to organise and conduct parent-teacher meetings;

(6) to work towards the development of the group as a community;

(7) to participate in the procedures for imposing disciplinary sanctions and measures on students of the group in the cases and in accordance with the procedure provided for in these rules;

(8) to notify the parent in writing of the violation committed by the student and of any disciplinary sanctions and measures imposed on the student;

(9) to inform the class of any imposed disciplinary sanctions and measures;

(10) to regularly maintain the class attendance register/electronic gradebook. The teacher shall promptly notify the parent or guardian of the student in writing via email of any absences. The number of student absences is recorded in the class attendance register/electronic gradebook and the parent is notified once a month.

(11) During parent-teacher meetings, key issues are discussed and decisions are taken. The teacher must not publicly discuss matters related to the progress and behaviour of individual students of the group.

(12) The school administrator numbers and stores medical documents and excuse notes from the parent until the end of the academic year.

Art.20 The Administrative Director arrives 30 minutes before the start of classes and has the additional duty to supervise during breaks, ensuring that the following is not permitted:

(1) running, making excessive noise in the school yard, walking on lawns and flower beds, picking flowers;

(2) leaving the building and the school grounds without permission;

(3) playing and walking outside the school yard (the only area permitted for this purpose is the inner courtyard between the two buildings);

(4) students remaining in the school yard after classes have started;

(5) distribution and posting of materials on the school walls without permission from the school administration;

(6) parents being present in the school classrooms and using service facilities, in accordance with requirements during epidemiological situations;

(7) to record daily any violations observed in a duty logbook and to identify those responsible.

Section II
STUDENTS

Art.21 The student has the following rights:

(1) to choose subjects and activities provided for in the school curriculum;

(2) to receive information on matters related to their education, including their rights and obligations at school, the rules of internal order and school discipline — upon enrolment, at the beginning of each school term, and upon request;

(3) to be educated in a healthy and safe environment, and to receive protection in cases where their rights and dignity are violated;

(4) to use the school's material and technical resources free of charge, in accordance with procedures established by the school principal, for the development of their interests and abilities;

(5) to participate in class, extracurricular and out-of-school activities;

(6) to be commended for high achievements in academic, extracurricular and out-of-school activities and for their contribution to the development of the school community, with moral and material awards:

1. Commendation from the teacher and the school principal.

2. Certificate and/or material award.

(8) to express opinions and make proposals to the school administration regarding the organisation and conduct of all school activities;

(9) to participate, including with the presence of a parent, in the resolution of matters affecting their rights and interests.

Art.22 A student may be absent from school for valid reasons:

1. upon presentation of a medical note or official document from a sports club or public institutions;

2. up to 5 days in one academic year with prior written notification via email from the parent to the class teacher;

3. up to 7 days in one academic year with the permission of the school principal, based on a written request submitted in advance by the parent;

4. If more than 15 days of absences are accumulated, the academic year will not be recognised as completed. The student will be given the opportunity to attend additional paid classes with a teacher or to study independently through video lessons and interactive assignments on the school's e-learning platform to catch up on missed material (https://learn.bgculturalcenter.org/moodle/my/).

Art.23 The student has the following obligations:

(1) to uphold the school's reputation and contribute to the development of its good traditions;

(2) not to be absent from classes — whether in-person or in a virtual classroom — without a valid reason;

(2.1) when absent, students are informed of the taught educational content and homework by their classmates and/or through the school's e-learning platform. They catch up on missed material on their own by watching the video lessons and reviewing the electronic resources uploaded to the school's platform.

(3) to respect and not offend the honour and dignity of other students, teachers, educators, staff and school administration, and not to engage in physical or psychological violence;

(4) to enter classes on time, in accordance with the access regime;

(5) to come prepared for the respective class, having secured the necessary educational and technical materials;

(6) not to leave the school without permission during school hours;

(7) not to participate in gambling, not to smoke, not to use narcotic substances or alcohol;

(8) not to violate generally accepted norms and rules in public places;

(9) not to prompt or copy during tests and examinations;

(10) not to interfere with the teacher in the performance of their professional duties, nor with their classmates during classes;

(11) not to bring materials or other objects that pose an increased danger to the life and health of students, teachers and staff;

(12) to preserve the material and technical resources and cleanliness of the school grounds; damage to school property shall be repaired by those responsible. If the persons responsible cannot be identified, the damages shall be borne by the class. At the end of classes, students must leave the classrooms clean and tidy.

(13) to fulfil their duties as classroom monitor, being responsible for hygiene and preservation of the material and technical resources, cleaning the blackboard and whiteboard, reporting absent students and notifying the duty teacher and class teacher of any violations observed.

(14) A lost textbook is charged at 15 euros; a lost workbook — 5 euros.

(15) In case of absence due to health reasons, the student is obliged to present a document (e.g. medical note) to the teacher on the day of their return to school.

Failure to fulfil the obligations set out in these school rules constitutes a violation of school discipline.

Art.24 (1) For failure to fulfil their obligations as defined by these school rules, the student shall be subject to the following:

- DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS:

1. Warning from the teacher

2. Warning from the school principal, upon the teacher's recommendation

3. Warning from the Pedagogical Council

- MEASURES:

(1) When a student disrupts the teacher and/or their classmates during a class, the teacher may remove them for the remainder of that class.

(2) A student may be expelled from the school for serious or systematic violations of their obligations, including:

1. Proven theft

2. Psychological or physical violence against fellow students

3. Falsification of documents

Art.25 (1) No more than one disciplinary sanction may be imposed for a single violation.

(2) Disciplinary sanctions and measures are time-limited.

(3) A student's absence from a class without valid reasons constitutes an unexcused absence.

(4) A student who has been absent for more than 10 school days, regardless of the reason, shall be denied the right to receive a certificate of completion for the grade, unless:

(4.1) by decision of the school principal, the student is given an additional opportunity to cover the missed material through paid supplementary classes with a teacher or independent work on the school's e-learning platform (learn.bgculturalcenter.org).

Art.26 The sanctions under Art. 21, para. 1 may also be imposed for accumulated unexcused absences, as follows:

1. Warning from the teacher (upon 3 days of absence)

2. Warning from the principal, upon the teacher's recommendation (upon 5 days of absence)

3. Warning from the Pedagogical Council (upon 8 days of absence)

4. Transfer from in-person to independent study mode — for students who have reached 16 years of age (absences exceeding 15 days)

Art.27 (1) The principal's order for imposing disciplinary sanctions and measures shall specify the type of sanction and/or measure, the duration and the grounds for their imposition.

Section III
PARENTS

The school carries out the process of preparation, instruction and upbringing of students in cooperation and collaboration with the parents.

Art.28 Parents have the following rights:

1. to periodically receive information about the progress and development of their children, their observance of school discipline, their communication skills with students and teachers, and their integration into the school environment;

2. to meet with teachers at a time convenient for both parties;

3. to participate in parent-teacher meetings;

4. to be present and, at their request, to be heard when matters affecting the rights and interests of the student are being resolved;

Art.29 Parents have the following obligations:

1. to ensure the student's regular attendance at school;

2. to inform the teacher in advance of the student's absence from classes;

3. to familiarise themselves, confirmed by signature, with the school curriculum and the school rules upon the student's enrolment;

4. not to allow the student to appear at school in attire or appearance that does not comply with the school rules, their position as a student, and good conduct;

5. to regularly stay informed about the student's progress and development, their observance of school discipline, their communication skills with students and teachers, and their integration into the school environment;

6. to come to the school when important reasons require it and they are invited by a teacher or the principal.

Art. 30 Parents are not permitted in the school building and classrooms without permission, and they may not use the service facilities.