Students should have one goal in mind when it comes to schooling, whatever their age is – to exercise their right to education so as to reach their full potential, Children’s Commissioner Helen D’Amato said.

In a statement issued to mark the new scholastic year, Ms D’Amato said everyone agreed education was the key to a better quality of life, so it was crucial this notion was not only recognised by the authorities but also by parents and students.

“It is of utmost importance that schools in our country offer a programme relevant to the needs and aspirations of students as well as giving help where particular needs are identified,” said Mrs D’Amato.

She said it was important for students to participate effectively in the decision-making process at primary, secondary and post-secondary level.

She urged parents to ensure their children attended school regularly rather than making up every excuse under the sun for them, while keeping an eye on the work they were doing without pressuring them too much.

In turn, students were urged to view learning with a positive attitude, do their work, behave in a manner that showed respect to their peers and teachers, and take part enthusiastically in school life.

Mrs D’Amato hoped students, parents and teachers would all have a positive scholastic year.

Meanwhile, Malta ratified the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography on Monday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg signed the convention during the UN General Assembly in New York.