English School in Nicosia cancels graduation following vandalism

On Friday, more than 70 students and parents protested outside the English School in Nicosia following the administration's decision to cancel the annual graduation ceremony. The school took this measure after the traditional end-of-year 'pinta' celebration resulted in significant vandalism, including overturned furniture and graffiti containing abusive messages directed at staff. School officials reported that between 50 and 70 students out of a class of 160 were involved in the incidents. Because participants wore masks and hoods, the school could not identify specific individuals. The administration initially invited students to step forward and take responsibility, but after no one did, the ceremony was replaced with a simple diploma presentation. Students and parents claim officials refused to meet to discuss alternatives, while reports suggest the school requested meetings to occur after exams. Protesters have sought intervention from President Nikos Christodoulides to reinstate the event, citing the collective punishment of the class.