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World Milk Day is time to remember its benefits and nutritional richness
School to start in the Azores on September 15
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The mission of the Regional Directorate for Education is to develop, guide, coordinate and evaluate the Azorean education system by promoting its development and ensuring its quality, equity and democracy.
We have accomplished many goals in the regional education system. However, we are aware of the huge responsibility that comes with the preparation of children and young people for full citizenship in the challenging society of the 21st century.
Our goal is to provide Azorean schools with the best possible conditions so that teachers and students may fulfil themselves throughout their educational and professional path. We believe it is possible to achieve better results by investing in the professional development of our teachers in a culture of professional rigour, hard work, critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
We will work together with the entire school community as well as with other partners who wish to join us in one of the most important social tasks: the education and training of new generations of Azoreans.
This space not only provides information on our education system, but also allows citizens to contact us, asking questions or making suggestions.
All are welcome to the Regional Directorate for Education page.
June 2, 2025
World Milk Day is time to remember its benefits and nutritional richness
Sunday, June 1, marked World Milk Day, promoted by the United Nations through its Specialised Agency for Food and Agriculture (FAO) since 2001. This date aims to recognise the importance of milk in nutrition and its contribution to the economic and social development of agriculture worldwide. In the Azores, the Institute for Food and Agricultural Markets (IAMA), in collaboration with the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration, is marking this occasion by sending a digital flyer to around 13,140 preschool and elementary school students, raising awareness of the benefits of milk. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food acknowledges and thanks all milk producers and other agents in the sector for their daily effort and dedication. Azorean milk stands out for its good agricultural practices, particularly in animal health and welfare, milking hygiene, nutrition and environmental sustainability. It should be noted that Azorean milk increased its average protein content by two hundredths in 2024, increasing its nutritional value and positioning itself as an increasingly rich and complete food for consumers. The Azores Agricultural Federation has taken on a strategic role in the consolidation and evolution of the dairy sector, through the joint establishment of appropriate policies aimed at promoting competitiveness, the role of producers and the sustainability of regional milk production. Its contribution is essential to ensure balanced decisions that are representative of the entire sector. Based on a highly qualified production chain and a modernised industrial complex, the dairy sector is the main pillar of the Azorean economy, accounting for a large part of the Region's exports. The presence of milk in international dietary guidelines underlines its importance as an essential food for growth, development and the maintenance of vital functions at all stages of life. "Good agricultural practices in milk production and the implementation of effective procedures at all stages of production highlight the unique composition of Azorean milk. It has unparalleled qualities, enriched by the quality of our cows‘ feed and pastures, which are renowned for their natural nutritional values," stressed António Ventura, Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food. He added: "Milk is an agrifood product that spans generations; it is sustainable and ensures economic and social multifunctionality."
June 2, 2025
School to start in the Azores on September 15
The 2025/2026 school year in the Azores is scheduled to begin on September 15; however, schools have the autonomy to start classes as early as September 11, complying with the legally required number of school days. The calendar was debated and unanimously approved today by the Education System Coordinating Council, which brings together the presidents of the boards of all schools throughout the Region. The first term ends on December 19, for the Christmas break. Classes resume on January 5 and end on March 27, for the Easter break. The school year resumes on April 13 and ends on June 26, depending on the level of education and final assessment tests. The Carnival break will take place from February 16 to 18. The school calendar for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 school years was also voted on at the meeting. These years will be scheduled to begin on September 14, each year.