Gay Teacher Publishes Letter To Parents After Student Withdrawals

Gay Teacher Publishes Letter To Parents After Student Withdrawals
Jan 22 2025 Share

Stefan Germanotta, who uses the name Stefan Vassallo for professional reasons, took to social media to publish the letter he sent to the parents of children who were pulled out of St Claire College due to their learning of his sexuality.

Stefan revealed that he uses a different surname to help compartmentalise his personal life as a gay man (as well as a love for Lady Gaga).

‘Today, however, I had to find the courage to publicly and proudly identify as a gay teacher. For those who haven’t had the chance to read it yet, I am sharing the letter here.’

In the letter, Stefan said that his beliefs and personal life – ‘one I have the legal right to live openly in this country – should never interfere with (the) responsibility’ of providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

‘As a gay person living in a world that automatically assumes everyone is straight, I know firsthand the pain of questioning your worth and your right to exist because of stigmatising beliefs.’

‘I also have to ask: since when has merely seeing a rainbow been harmful to children? What exactly is it your are so afraid of?’

‘All children and educators deserve an education system that empowers them to grow and succeed in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. I am fortunate enough to be part of such a community at San Ġwann Primary, supported by an open minded leadership team and many dedicated educators committed to fostering this safe space.’

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Christine Dalli’s Rendition Of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Leaves Fans In Awe

Christine Dalli’s Rendition Of "You'll Never Walk Alone" Leaves Fans In Awe
Jan 22 2025 Share

Brugge, Belgium – A powerful display of music and unity took centre stage last night at the Jan Breydelstadion, as Maltese soprano Christine Dalli delivered an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before the Champions League match between Club Brugge and Juventus.

Performing to a capacity crowd of 26,700 football fans, Christine’s heartfelt delivery of the beloved anthem created an electrifying atmosphere. Fans joined in the iconic chorus, filling the stadium with a shared sense of pride and camaraderie.

Speaking after her performance, Christine said, “It was an incredible honour to sing at such a prestigious event. Hearing the crowd join in was an unforgettable experience—my largest chorus yet. Football truly has a way of bringing people together, and it was amazing to be part of that energy.”

Christine’s performance was not only enjoyed by those in the stadium, where it was also displayed on large screens, but was broadcast across Europe by UEFA, adding to the evening’s significance.

The soprano’s stirring vocals set the tone for the thrilling match that followed, proving once again how music can elevate sporting events to emotional new heights.

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PN Leader & MPs Speak Out Over Students Withdrawn Over Gay Teacher

PN Leader & MPs Speak Out Over Students Withdrawn Over Gay Teacher
Jan 22 2025 Share

PN leader Bernard Grech and Nationalist MPs Claudette Buttigieg and Graziella Attard Previ both took to social media to comment on the case wherein students were pulled from a school after it was discovered by their parents that their teacher was gay.

On his part, Bernard Grech said that every investment done in our country has to do with people. ‘Education is no exception.’

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‘Equal Partners Foundation representatives today explained what they see as the biggest challenges to the inclusion sector. We agreed that we can never have an inclusive society if we do not have schools that are not really inclusive.’

‘The Nationalist Party believes that inclusion in the class prepares the student for the world of versify and it is crucial to have a peaceful society where parents feel like they have to move their son due to the diversity of a teacher.’

PN MP Claudette Buttigieg wrote on social media that ‘life is filled with different colours.’

‘Labels and segregation are a thing of the past. Decisions like these do not protect children but cultivate a sense of discrimination within them that their innocence does not know.’

Meanwhile, spokesperson for equality, human and civil rights & children’s rights Graziella Attard Previ wrote how a ‘teacher’s profession, and that of anyone else’s, is not measured by their sexual orientation.’

‘This morning’s news abut parents not wanting their son being taught by a gay teacher confirms that which I have long said… In fact I spoke about it yesterday in parliament, that despite laws passed in the country, mentality takes years to change.’

‘Children need to be raised in inclusive environments that not only appreciate, but respect, the diversity around them. We need to keep working in favour of tolerance, inclusion and diversity. We cannot accept any form of discrimination against anyone.’

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ESA Launches Second PECS Call for Malta’s Space Industry

ESA Launches Second PECS Call for Malta's Space Industry
Jan 22 2025 Share

In a recent press conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti, alongside Xjenza Malta and the European Space Agency (ESA), announced the launch of the second Plan for a European Cooperating State (PECS) call for Malta. This initiative offers exciting opportunities for research and development in the Space sector, open to both private and public entities as well as academic institutions.

The PECS is a five-year initiative designed to support Malta’s Space sector, based on the country’s national capabilities. Local stakeholders can submit research proposals across various fields, including Space Upstream, Space Downstream, and Space Education.

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti highlighted that the PECS provides a unique platform for Maltese stakeholders to compete nationally for ESA projects without facing competition from more experienced European countries. Silvio Scerri, CEO of Xjenza Malta, emphasised that the initiative fosters partnerships to help the local industry grow and engage in international Space Technology projects.

Stephen Airey, Head of PECS at ESA, noted that the scheme aims to enhance Malta’s Space-related competences and facilitate international cooperation. Applications can be submitted via the ESA Star platform, with further details available on both the ESA and Xjenza Malta websites.

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