Minister of State marks first day at FANB primary school
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Christophe Mirmand visited the François d'Assise-Nicolas Barré school on Monday as Monaco's primary pupils returned for the new academic year.
The start of the new school year at the Institution François d'Assise-Nicolas Barré brought a notable visitor on Monday morning: Minister of State Christophe Mirmand attended the primary intake, taking the opportunity to tour the school and speak with staff and families gathered for the traditional blessing of the satchels.
Mirmand used the occasion to reinforce one of the Principality's stated educational priorities for 2026-27: reading. The emphasis on literacy sits within a broader push by Monaco's government to strengthen foundational skills at primary level, and the minister's presence at a private Catholic school alongside the state sector signals that the initiative is intended to reach pupils across all institutions in the Principality.
FANB, as the school is widely known in Monaco, runs from early years through to secondary level and draws families from across the Principality. The back-to-school blessing is a longstanding tradition at the school, marking the academic year with a ceremony before classes begin.