Finnish kids back to school
School bells are already ringing for children this week in South Ostrobothnia, Central Finland and Pirkanmaa. Depending on the municipality, the autumn term begins between Tuesday and next Wednesday.
The fall session opened in Töysä and Kuortane in South Ostrobothnia on Tuesday. In the Tampere Region and Central Finland schools open on Wednesday.
The school year is the same length everywhere in Finland, regardless of the start date. The timing of school holidays may also vary around the country.
In Helsinki, pupils are back at their desks as of August 14.
Latest in: News
Researcher: Schoolkids need more sleep
Finnish school children are suffering more disruption to their sleep, pain symptoms and concurrent multiple health problems, according to a doctoral dissertation to be presented on Friday at Turku University.
New ministers take their posts
The SDP’s ministerial rejig takes effect from Friday, giving the cabinet a majority of women. Two new ministers join the cabinet, two leave, and one changes post.
Research shows increased inbreeding in endangered wolf population
A doctoral dissertation presented on Friday at Oulu University has found that the Finnish wolf population has been hunted to such an extent that even its short-term viability is under threat. The genetic diversity of Finland’s wolves also decreased significantly during the 15-year study.
Allotment gardens bring community spirit
Spring brings many citydwellers to community gardens – including growing numbers of immigrants.
Starbucks to open in landmark Aalto building?
The world’s largest coffeeshop chain plans to open its first non-airport café in Finland at Helsinki’s Academic Bookshop, Yle has learned.
Valio recalls salad mix over datura fears
A second food product has been withdrawn in Finland because of a risk that it could contain poisonous seeds.
Five-vehicle crash near Kotka kills two
Part of Highway 7 remained closed for more than five hours after the collision.
Swine flu shots boosted adult risk of narcolepsy, too
The national health agency has confirmed that kids weren't the only ones with an elevated risk following the H1N1 jab a few years ago.
Nine people now affected by datura poisoning
Nine people have now been affected by datura contamination from frozen vegetables sold by a Finnish supermarket. Most symptoms are mild, with dry mouth, a quickening pulse and weakened vision the main effects, but some people have required hospital treatment.
Finland criticised again in Amnesty report
The human rights organisation’s annual report is highly critical of Finland’s treatment of asylum seekers. Finland was condemned for deporting asylum seekers without in-country appeals, and the practice of incarcerating children seeking refugee status in police facilities.
