Shock in Währing: De La Salle private school closes its doors!

Shock in Währing: De La Salle private school closes its doors!

The Catholic private school De La Salle in Vienna-Währing is closing its doors after the current school year. This shocking end to an educational institution is the result of financial constraints and significant infrastructure problems that have plagued the school for years. According to the school management, the number of students has been falling for some time, which is further exacerbating the situation. The school will cease operations completely from the 2026/27 school year. Until then, lessons and afternoon care will remain guaranteed without restrictions Cosmo reported.

It is particularly unfortunate that new registrations will no longer be accepted for the current school year. The school management has decided to work closely with teachers and childcare staff in order to enable the remaining pupils: inside a smooth school year. This not only ends a long tradition, it is also about the fates of the students who attended this school.

Social challenges in the field of education

The closure of the De La Salle School is just one piece of the puzzle in the larger picture of the current challenges in the Austrian education system. More and more schools are facing increasing numbers of suspensions, with reasons that are complex and often deep-rooted. These developments are due, among other things, to complex social and institutional factors. According to estimates, changes in family structures and increasing social inequalities contribute to the deterioration of the social climate in schools school.at.

Another crucial aspect is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing problems among children and young people. Isolation, anxiety and social disintegration are just some of the challenges affected students have to contend with. Educational institutions often do not have the necessary resources: a lack of school social work and overworked teachers prevent many schools from providing adequate support.

Pilot project to support suspended learners

Of particular concern is that many students who have been suspended multiple times are at greater risk of disengagement. These sanctions often undermine social belonging and can lead to long-term knowledge gaps. The Styrian Education Directorate has therefore initiated a pilot project to support suspended learners, which will start in the 2024/25 school year. The ambitious goal of this project is to provide holistic support for affected students through therapeutic support and institutional collaboration ORF Vienna.

Scientific accompanying studies should evaluate the effectiveness of this approach and thus increase the chances of sustainable improvements in the education system. The increasing numbers of suspenders represent a social challenge that requires a well thought -out and integrative solution. Expansion of such programs at the national level could help our education system become more resilient and to remain schools in places of promotion and integration for all children.