Ceiling plaster falls in Piraeus primary classroom, parents demand school suspension

What happened

Plaster and part of a ceiling came down in an A' Primary classroom at the Rallia Primary Schools in Piraeus on Thursday, 12 November. The classroom holds 23 pupils, and the children were outside the room during a break, so no one was injured. Video from the room shows chunks of plaster spread across the floor. One outlet put the time at around 15:30 during the all-day programme, while others place the fall during a break, so the exact timing is unclear.

Parents' warnings

The Parents and Guardians Association says it had repeatedly flagged the building's condition to the municipality. Its statement cites dozens of oral and written notices sent by both the association's board and the school's administration to the responsible deputy mayors and municipal services. Parents argue that the fall was the outcome of that unresolved situation rather than something unforeseeable.

“Unfortunately our warnings were confirmed in the most dangerous way.”

Demands to the municipality

The association has written to Piraeus mayor Giannis Moralis asking for four things: suspension of the school until its suitability and safety are fully established, a thorough technical inspection of every area by engineers, repair of all problems found, and an official written and signed certificate from the competent technical services confirming the building is safe for pupils and teachers. Parents say they will not accept hasty repairs, partial checks or assurances without official documentation.

Return to classrooms

The association says children and teachers should return to the classrooms only when there are clear, documented and responsible assurances that no one is at risk. Its statement closes with a firm line on the safety of the children.

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable.”