This year, 55 new Year 10 students joined EBS High School. They were warmly welcomed and invited to become part of the school’s values and traditions. Headmistress Kersti Uudla stressed that every school has its own culture, and for the new students this means both an opportunity and an obligation to adopt the EBS core values: freedom and responsibility, caring, creativity, and enterprise.
“Freedom does not mean unlimited licence – it always comes with responsibility. We do not give you the freedom to insult each other or undermine the school’s values; what we do give you is the freedom to experiment, to learn, and to grow,” said the Headmistress. She added that caring is especially important in a small school community – everyone should notice their peers and be ready to help when needed.
Continuing her speech, the Headmistress encouraged students to use creativity and enterprise not only in their daily studies but also in school events. She stressed that fresh ideas and initiatives require consistency and determination. “Motivation is like brushing your teeth – it has to be maintained regularly, every single day,” she reminded, urging everyone to take daily steps towards their goals.
She also addressed the Year 13 students in particular, reminding them that they face the most demanding year – final exams and decisions about their future. She urged them to approach this period with full seriousness, not to lose motivation, and to give their very best in order to achieve strong results and open doors to further studies.
For Year 12 students, this year brings an important choice: whether to write a research paper, develop a business plan, or establish a student company. The Headmistress emphasised that this is a chance to develop teamwork skills and gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience – knowledge and practice that will be valuable both at school and in life beyond.
In her speech, the Headmistress also expressed her appreciation for the school’s unique learning environment – sharing a building with the university creates an inspiring academic atmosphere. Students have the opportunity to study alongside undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral candidates, as well as attend lectures delivered by university professors. She also proudly introduced the school’s form tutors and subject teachers, whom she described as the very best, highlighting their vital role in supporting and inspiring the students.
Warm greetings were also extended by the EBS Student Union, who reminded the high school students that these years are as much about building friendships and memories as they are about acquiring new knowledge. They encouraged pupils to take an active part in school life and make the most of all the opportunities offered by the EBS community. The Union’s president, Henrik Kosemaa, emphasised the importance of unity and assured that the Student Union would continue to stand alongside the high school this year as well.
Finally, the Headmistress wished all students and teachers a successful school year, reminding them: “An aeroplane always takes off against the wind – so it is effort and challenges that lift us higher and carry us further.”
After the ceremony, students were invited to the traditional lecture “On Learning to Learn”, which provided fresh ideas and tools to make their learning journey even more focused and effective. The school community left the opening ceremony united, motivated, and inspired – ready to make this their best school year yet.
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