A kindergarten principal near Athens is facing an administrative inquiry after videos showed her shouting at young children, while police investigate her complaint that parents assaulted her on school grounds.
The confrontation took place Monday, Sept. 28, at the 1st Kindergarten of Ano Liosia, northwest of Athens. Children ages 4 and 5 were present during the incident, Greek media reported.
Dionysis Anastasopoulos, deputy regional director for primary and secondary education in Attica, told ERT that the inquiry would examine what happened before and after the recorded exchanges. He said police and prosecutors, including the prosecutor responsible for cases involving minors, had been informed.
Videos with Ano Liosia kindergarten teacher prompt inquiry
The recordings show the principal reprimanding children over damage she alleged they had caused to school property, then arguing with bystanders who challenged the way she was speaking to them, according to ERT’s account of the footage.
She referred to repairs costing 5,000 euros and demanded to know who would pay.
Anastasopoulos cautioned that the footage captured only part of the incident and said authorities would await the investigation’s findings before assigning responsibility. He also said there was no tolerance for violence from any side.
Father acknowledges striking the teacher
The father of a 4-year-old pupil told MEGA TV that he entered the school and slapped the principal twice. He alleged that she had first struck his daughter.
According to ERT, the principal filed a complaint against the mother alleging threats and verbal abuse, and against the father alleging threats, verbal abuse and bodily harm.
The mother was arrested, while police were seeking the father at the time of the broadcaster’s Sept. 29 report. A prosecutor also ordered investigators to examine the mother’s complaint.
The administrative inquiry into the principal’s conduct and the police investigation concern separate allegations. The full sequence of events remains unresolved.
Principal reports injuries
The principal reported a broken nose and head injuries. Michalis Giannakos, president of Greece’s public hospital workers’ federation, told Newsit that her emergency examination identified no abnormal findings and that she did not require hospital admission.
Alongside the investigation, education authorities arranged replacement staffing and psychological support for the school community. A psychologist and social worker will be provided to the school as it is expected to operate normally the following day.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
