Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Primary School – Magyarkanizsa - Kanjiža
History
The central building of the Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Primary School in Kanjiža was founded in 1890 at the initiative of Lajos Haynald, Archbishop of Kalocsa. In memory of the royal marriage of Princess Mária Valéria, the archbishop donated 40,000 forints to the cathedral chapter to establish either a girls' school or a Catholic hospital in Old Kanjiža. The town ultimately chose to build the school, using the funds wisely to create a substantial and significant educational complex in both space and time. This complex housed a denominational school, a girls’ boarding school, and a convent for the Sisters of Our Lady (Klamár Zoltán, 2022; Valkay 2018a: 436).
The building opened its doors on September 15, 1901, and has been serving education ever since.
Originally, the institution included six elementary and four civic (middle school) classes, along with a dormitory designed to house thirty boarders. The sisters’ living quarters and the cloister were located in the upper wing facing the church. Adjacent to this was a chapel with a sacristy (now used as the school's ceremonial hall), a large dining room, and a kitchen. The upstairs classroom and dormitories for the students—along with a supervising sister's room—were situated in the wing facing the marketplace. The elementary school operated on the ground floor, its entrance opening onto the pedestrian market. The main gate, used by the sisters and students, was guarded by a doorman. Nearby was the reception room, where students could meet with visiting family members under supervision.
The school provided more than academic instruction: girls also learned practical skills such as baking, cooking, tailoring, embroidery, and painting. Additionally, they received lessons in music, etiquette, and the basics of gardening. The large inner courtyard featured pine trees, flowerbeds, a decorative well, and a vegetable garden.
The school was not spared from the turmoil of history. During World War I, the building was used as a military hospital, later moved to the town’s poorhouse. The Spanish flu epidemic temporarily halted education, but this interruption was short-lived. At the end of World War II, it again served as a military hospital. After the war, the building resumed its original educational purpose and has continued to do so ever since as the "Zmaj School."Style
Although its original appearance has undergone minor changes—such as the removal of decorative stone spheres from the cornice due to safety concerns and the sealing of one of the three original gates—its façade largely retains the stylistic features of eclecticism and elements typical of historicism and Art Nouveau.Present day
Over the years, the school has expanded to include several buildings:
Zmaj Building (Central): Hungarian-language classes from grades 1 to 8, Serbian-language classes from grades 5 to 8.
Ady Building: Located in Kanjiža, offering Hungarian-language classes from grades 1 to 8 and Serbian-language classes from grades 1 to 4. It also accommodates students with special educational needs.
Martonoš Building: Offers Hungarian-language education from grades 1 to 8.
Adorjan Building: Provides Hungarian-language instruction for lower grades (1–4); students then continue in the Zmaj or Ady buildings.
Velebit Building: The smallest in terms of student population, it offers Serbian-language education for grades 1 to 4 in a combined-class format. These students continue their education in the central or Ady buildings.
The school is committed to continuous development. For instance, in 2022, the gym at the Ady Building was renovated thanks to an investment of over 10 million dinars, significantly improving sports facilities for students.
The institution plays an active role in the local community, regularly organizing programs and events for students. For more information and current updates, please visit:
Official website: jjzkanjiza.edu.rs
Address: Iskola tér 1, 24420, Kanjiža
Phone: +381 24 4874 070
Email: direktor@jjzkanjiza.edu.rs
Source: Zoltán Klamár, 2022 – József Attila Library, Kanjiža
