Head Boy and Head Girl Elections Meet our Candidates

30 Mar. 2017

Hustings

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This week has been very busy at our school, with Head Boy and Head Girl elections starting on Tuesday, 28th March. Two hustings were planned. One on Thursday, 30th March during period 2 and one on Friday, 31st March period 3. We wish all the best to our candidates!

Head Boy Candidates:

a) Nicholas Antoniou (6G)
b) Adil Bey (6B)
c) Paris Demetriades (6Y)
d) Aris Messios (6G)

Nicholas Antoniou, 6G

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

Being a member of this school for the last 6 years gave me the opportunity to meet new people with different personalities. Most of these people are still part of my everyday life either during school hours or during my free time. The English School is the reason that these bonds and friendships were formed and kept and will continue to exist throughout the coming years.

As a student, I was given the means to take part in different kinds of extracurricular activities, which have provided me with many experiences to cherish. School trips, sports, music and art events are just a small taste of what this school offered to me and indeed I am thankful for this as each one of them gave out unique and life memories.
Throughout the years I received warmth and care from older students, making it easy for me to adjust to a new environment. This is what I’d like to pass to the next generation of students. I want the new and younger students to feel and experience the comfort I was lucky to feel, but also be ready and strong in this new beginning. My goal is to represent and serve each student equally, by working as a team, the students and I.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

If I get elected as Head boy, there are numerous things I’d like to accomplish. Firstly, I believe that improving the relationship between younger and older students is of major importance. A newcomer or a student from the lower classes should feel confident enough with older members of the school community. This is achieved by organising more sports events, where students are involved, giving them the opportunity to meet new people while passing their time joyfully.

Moreover new events that have to do with local customs and traditions like Tsiknopempti could be introduced bringing closer students and staff.

Lastly, student voice is important to be strong and so it can be strengthen even further, with a number of possible improvements such as sending regular questionnaires to each year group enabling students to express their views on life within the school terraces.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

I believe the most important charisma I have, is the fact that I show commitment and complete dedication when it comes to delivery of anything I undertake and am responsible to carry out. I make sure everything is done properly and on time. Moreover, I am a trustworthy and honest person and every student can rely on me for advice for any issue that concerns him or her. I stand next to anybody in need and I respect every student’s personality, hence I believe that every student can contribute towards bringing a positive change. As a person who believes that everything starts from hard work, I am ready to work tirelessly for improving the school community.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

Taking part and actively participating in different kind of events allowed me to gain some useful experiences but also develop multiple skills.

-As a member of the organising committee of the MEDIMUN event, with more than 500 people involved, I successfully managed to follow instructions but also made sure everything ran smoothly. At the same time, I was able to cooperate with other people, all of us aiming to bring out the best.
-Participating in Junior Achievement developed further my teamwork skills and taught me to think creatively and work under time pressure.
-Having the leading role of my team during the DOE expeditions was vital in finding solutions to overcome difficult situations for the benefit of the team.
-Being a member of the futsal team I had the honour to represent the school and express my passion for it
Throughout the activities mentioned above, I had the opportunity to meet and cooperate with people of different ages, family status and interests. I am looking forward to continue doing this if I am given the privilege to fill the post of the Head Boy.

Adil Bey, 6B

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

I started thinking about running for this position from the time I first started campaigning. The more I learnt about the position, the more I understood about its importance. The elected Head Boy should not be such a person that would be shy to approach people nor should he avoid face to face communication. He should always be at a reachable and approachable place to have access to problems of students and to try his best to find solutions. Our school is one of the unique schools that tries their best to listen to their students and lets them raise their voices. Although this is the case, some students are still not quite open to raising their voices and some are still not able to fit in. That is why the position is quite crucial.

I chose Amazon.com for my theme as the symbol is just a simple “a”. Another reason that brought this idea to my mind was when a friend told me she would come to me whatever she needed from A to Z. I believe this would not only be true in my personal life but also I would reflect this to the students that choose to come up to me. My main aim would be to approach all the needs of students and teachers and represent them in the most excellent way possible.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

As the main slogan of Amazon.com says, “work hard, have fun, make history”. In the English School, the students work hard but we cannot say that having fun is really happening. I believe that there is not enough emphasis given on the stress problems of the students so the nucleus of my plans would be stress relief activities and clubs. These could be achieved with increased number of events and less pressure imposed on students by teachers. The school clubs should also increase in number and get widen in variety.

I also believe that in the school, there are some problems with the topics that need focus. It is as if for the topics that needs focus and detailed improvement, there is a lot less care shown than for the smaller things, where there seems to be a lot more pressure. Two of the main ones I hear a lot are the policy of clean shaving and Games. As the hair is identity for most of men, I see no reason in this policy whatsoever and acknowledging the fact that there is no way we can remove Games completely I predict that with a more lenient way of addressing, it would be more beneficial to students.

Another point I find very essential to be touched upon is the division between students. This aim of mine would be achieved by the stress relief activities and clubs. There is a saying by J.K. Rowling, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided”. The students are not close to teachers, not even to each other. This damages the school environment and goes against the principles of the English School. Because we are stronger when all is for one and one is for all.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

I love meeting with people and am quite sociable in and outside of school. This is a quite important aspect that a Head Boy has to have easier access to as many people as possible. As I am a confident person, I would not be shy to put into words any problem there is. My passion of working for and helping people makes me suitable for this position. I started helping out at school from a young age. I took part in welcoming the year 1s when I was junior as well as going to the Jubilee camp with the newcomers twice.

As a very good listener, I believe I would have perfect communication with the students and actively keep in touch with everyone that expresses their problems until a solution that satisfies everyone is found. My commitment into work can be seen through the emphasis I give on extra-curricular activities which stretches from chess to violin, bi-communal activities to video competitions, conferences to job experiences, from A to Z.

Another quality that I have is that I try to make everything more fun and in case I am chosen, this would definitely be reflected to the school.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

As a very active person, I started doing extra work from when I was 6. Playing chess was my first opening up to the world outside the school-home life. Then this continued with sports, arts and now it evolved to multi-communal activities. I would never let my parents know my schedule as I believed I could manage my timetable from the time I was in primary school. This boosted my discipline and helped me plan my time effectively, thinking about the smallest of details. When I was 11, I went to a camp in Scotland on my own. Then when the taste of doing things freely was so sweet, I continued to do everything on my own. I got a taste of everything. Attended a coding workshop, a drama performance, numerous bi-communal programmes, won a short film competition, been to the European Parliament to debate, and many more. I tried everything I could, from A to Z. It was at the English School though, when I was enlightened and learnt that I can use all that I learnt to raise funds and help people. That is when I created the club “Drop by Drop”. After that I gave concerts to raise funds for cancer associations. I had bake sales to donate three wheeled chairs to people in need, I spent time helping out and boosting the moods of orphans in an orphanage. Now I want to use all these experiences to make the school a better place.

Paris Demetriades (6Y)

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

Having spent the past year as a member of the Student Council has made me realize the importance of being involved in student affairs. Our school has provided me with the skills to enable me to stand for election as Head Boy. I am proud to be a member of The English School team and I would like to give back to the school and make my contribution to its success. I would be honoured to be given the opportunity to serve and lead our team.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

The school plays a vital role in character forming and our school experience marks us for life. If elected, I will focus on creating a healthy environment with equal opportunities, without discrimination or bullying where students can excel academically and mature socially. I hope to achieve a better student – teacher relationship and a stronger student voice, which I believe will lead to a more productive environment and higher student achievement and satisfaction. Being an athlete, I believe that a healthy mind and a healthy body are interconnected. I would like to raise funds to improve the Sports Centre facilities and to increase awareness regarding the benefits of physical fitness.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

I have been a member and currently the captain of a junior football team which has taught me discipline, team spirit and leadership skills. I have also learnt to balance my academic and personal life but most importantly to work hard and focus on the goals that I set. I respect and get on well with others and I am always open to suggestions and receptive to ideas. I have a positive outlook and I am known to my friends for my humour and enthusiasm. I believe in fair play in all aspects of life.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

I am class representative and a member of the Student Council.

I am a member of the Beaconsfield football team and I am proud to be a member of The English School football and futsal teams.

Being captain of a junior football team has taught me leadership skills, discipline, team spirit and to be responsible and reliable.

My mother’s international background and my father’s human rights experience have taught me tolerance and the need to fight for the rights of others.

Aris Messios (6G)

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

The position of Head Boy is coveted and prestigious and it is so for a reason. The person to hold this position should be committed, willing to make sacrifices and have a thirst to pursue change. My motivation is a strong, pure and unequivocal desire to give back to the school that has given me so many opportunities and allowed me to grow as a person, I am running to make this school a home for every single one of its students. Many students feel like they don’t have a voice or that their voice is not heard. It is my priority to ensure that each and every student of the English School knows that they have a voice. I will be there at any given moment to unite and amplify those voices. This school has been going on a constant, yet evolving beat since 1900. I want to make sure that this beat will keep on going, progress and improve constantly, as it should, and adapt into what the students want it to be, following the beat set by the students.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

As a 6^th form student, I have undergone the anxiety, of walking through the doors of the school for the first time in year 1, the awkwardness when being put into a class of strangers in year 2, the pressure of choosing IGCSEs in year 3, IGCSEs themselves and choosing A-levels in year 5. My main goal is to make sure that no student goes through these alone, through the introduction of the ‘buddy system’ we have proposed in the council this year, pairing younger students with mentors from an older year in order to help them through all the different stages, all the changes in beat, one goes through at the school.

This beat, this rhythm shouldn’t be going on at the same tempo all day every day, exams and tests and quizzes. At certain times it should break. A course, set up and performed by students along with specialists, which will serve to help the teachers understand what the students need. Between a double period, the beat should be slowed down and a small break for a fruitful discussion given, whilst when tests and exams are approaching, the beat should of course be increased. It is vital that teachers keep students happy, and as stress-free as possible throughout the year.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

I have always been the person to speak up when in a group discussing something or coming up with ideas whilst also been eager to take the initiative and assume responsibilities as a leader when so required by the circumstances. In combination with all the conferences and courses I attended, this has helped me develop the necessary skills to be a leader who is willing to compromise and leads by example.

In situations where people around me are stressed, when deadlines are coming up and things need to be done, I have the ability to calm myself down whilst also calming the people around me. In all such cases, once everyone is calm, I set tasks to each person involved and delegate work in order to do what needs to be done, as I will never leave anything remotely close to undone to leave my hands. This comes as a result of me being goal oriented whilst also diligent and self-disciplined. These skills are primordial for a student leader.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

My goal has always been to fully take advantage of the countless opportunities handed to me by the school to the fullest. I believe that the experiences and skills I know have are essential for a potential Head Boy.

à Over the last years I have been a very active member of the school’s councils serving as the Chair of the Middle Advisory Council in year 5. Aside from being elected to the advisory councils by my form, I have also been elected to be a part of the school’s main council, which has allowed me to have an insight into how the school works and further understand the duties and responsibilities of a student leader.

à Since year 4, I have been part of the school’s debating society and have also represented our school and Cyprus at the WIDPSC in Pittsburgh, USA last year whilst also ranking second in the debate finals last year. My public speaking has helped me develop confidence when speaking to an audience, which is something a Head Boy will do on a regular basis.
à This year, I have attended THIMUN and MediMUN as a delegate, further enhancing my public speaking skills and my ability to persuade people. The fact that I represented two different countries on both occasions has helped me in being able to represent the opinions and take the position of another country, without taking my personal beliefs into consideration, which I believe is essential when representing the students of a school of over 1000.
à I have represented the school at the National Session of EYP Cyprus last August, whilst going on to become an Ambassador of EYP Cyprus and am also going to represent our school at the 84^th International Session of EYP in Norway this coming April. The fact that I am in a position of authority in EYP Cyprus has allowed me to assume responsibilities similar to those a Head Boy must as I am responsible for dealing with sponsors and have trained various schools around Nicosia, handing me experience in communication and human relationships which is essential for this role.

à During the summer of 2016, I was chosen by the US Embassy to be part of a group of 16 teenagers to attend a Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship course at the George Washington University. This has allowed me to gain skills as a leader, whilst also to be part of a team, exactly what a Head Boy must face.

à Since day 1 I have been involved with Talent Night, and have also been part of the committee over the last few years. These experiences have allowed me to learn how to organise events the size of Talent Night whilst also how to work within a team of students and teachers. Playing in a band has helped me in learning to compromise, listen and take responsibility when necessary.

Head Girl Candidates:

a) Xenia Kalatha, 6J
b) Eleonora Soteriou, 6B
c) Maya Stylianou, 6R

Xenia Kalatha, 6J

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

As a student of the English School, I have been able to mature as a person but simultaneously I have been able to discover my talents and refine my skills in various domains. Being a Head Girl will enable me to provide for the community that I had the privilege to be part of the last six years. It will be a means of providing and guiding younger students to have a pleasant experience whilst also allowing me to improve certain school weaknesses so as to make the seven year journey much more enjoyable.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

Having had difficulties myself adjusting to a new school in year 1, one of my priorities will be to establish the “buddy system” that was proposed a few years ago. It is essential that every student, regardless of age, feels welcomed in school thus by having an older student to talk to will enable students to acclimatise better and enjoy their school life. Additionally, another priority will be to reduce exam stress by making the School Counsellor more available and more accessible. It is important that students alleviate stress and anxiousness during the exam period and by making the School Counsellor more available, students will be able to talk about issues that may concern them. Moreover, the bonds between students should also be strengthened and this can be achieved by the incorporation of icebreaking activities in the curriculum. These are a few of my goals for the next academic year, which purely aim to improve the school environment and make the next academic year more productive.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

I am a hard-working individual that faces problems with calm and logic. I am always willing to help and support everyone with any inquiries they may have and I do not hesitate to express my concerns and thoughts. I am determined to work and despite the difficulties, I will always put the school as my first priority. Through my experience in conferences, I have also cultivated my leadership and oratorical skills.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

As a co-founding and leading member of the English School Europa Donna Club, I have refined my organisation and team skills and my participation in both Medimun and Thimun have helped me ameliorate my leadership qualities. Moreover, my position as Secretary in both the Student Council and Upper Advisory Council as well as my consecutive re-election for three years as class representative have taught me that hard work and dedication is essential. I have learnt to work hard and continuously and I am always determined to succeed and achieve all my goals.

Eleonora Soteriou, 6B

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

Similarly to every student that has gone through The English School, the experience that I have gathered from my involvement in a variety of events and activities as well as the strong bonds I have formed with the people in our school community, have given me the most important reason of why I would like to be the Head Girl: my love for our school.

My banner depicts a mountain peak which in my eyes symbolises the journey of our life as well as the little obstacles that we face daily. This is where I come in. Just as one protects and guides their best friend throughout any obstacle and speaks up for them when they cannot or do not have the strength to do so, to voice as one, is an honourable responsibility. Therefore in my opinion this is not a mere task or post but an act of willing dedication to the whole of our school community.

I believe that my plans for next year will be extremely beneficial for the future of our school and therefore I would like to be given the opportunity to implement these ideas as well as others that may arise along the way.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

My plans for the following year are not a lot nor are they plans that have no possibility of being achieved in a year. On the contrary, they are few and realistic in order to hopefully achieve all of them.
In my opinion, some vital projects have been introduced by the student leaders of 2016-17, thus most of my aims are inclined towards applying and continuing these plans.

First is the “Buddy System” project, which its idea has been clearly portrayed, but it has yet to be put in practice. In theory, the plan is that any older student (years 5-7) that are willing, can be paired up with a younger student (year 1-4) and become their school advisor, helping them adapt and settle in their new school environment. Through this I believe is this big transition will be easier for all the students and provide them with a much healthier and positive experience.

Another change that I would like to achieve, if this year’s student leaders do not manage to achieve, is making studying in the United States an easier option for students of our school, in order for each student to broaden their options. The provision of high standard SAT lessons by trained staff, would prevent the anxiety of both students and parents from looking for capable teachers that can teach the SAT syllabus outside of school. I believe that this change will appeal to a great number of American students, students that planned on studying Technology related subjects (since the USA offers incomparable opportunities for each occupation) as well as the more sports and athletic oriented students, with can also work with the PE department, achieving some excellent scholarships.
Having a greater variety of courses, afternoon clubs and options of activities during games, would also increase student satisfaction. If this would be considered, in order to find out what lessons and activities students would be interested in taking, there could be a “Suggestion Box” or short questionnaire. Those, could be completed every beginning of term during the long form period on Mondays or through he school email, to collect the necessary information and hence carry out the changes.

Lastly, I recommend there be a greater number of assemblies by interesting and inspirational speakers. Once every other week we could invite speakers or even encourage willing, older students to present speech in the style similar to a TED talk (http://www.ted.com). There are always new things to learn and what better way is there than through each other.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

My commitment to the things I love and care about is shown through my recurring presence in them. The student council is included in this list since I have been interested in making our school the best that it can be since year 1. As well as that, being surrounded by some amazing people around me in this school, has also taught me how to become a great friend and therefore a great listener which I believe is a vital quality for a Student Leader to have. Lastly, by mixing my experiences with my creative and outgoing personality, I believe that I will be able to inspire a collaborative spirit amongst my co-student leaders and thus be successful I this position. I am a person that is always passionate about my goals and never carry them out half-heartedly and whatever task I begin cannot be left unfinished. This is a trait I adopted due to my constantly busy schedule which helped me balance my school work along with my social life.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

From a young age I always enjoyed getting involved in activities of all difference sorts. Music has always been very important to me but so has sports. One has enhanced my creative mind while the other has taught me strength and confidence. I am extremely grateful for having parents that pushed me to discover all these part of myself, and who also allowed me to experience a summer in Oxford at the Oxford Royale Academy where I took courses in English Literature, Creative Writing and Drama for two weeks. Due to the limited time to cover such an extended syllabus, we were given a great amount of assignments daily which helped me to build the persistence and discipline I have today in many aspects of my life.

Another experience that has played a key role for me in taking the decision to apply for Head Girl is the MEDI.M.UN experience. Taking part as a Medinews reporter in this special event, witnessing and experiencing the passion that changing peoples’ lives can have, made me want to grab the chance to do the same since, I believe I have much to offer both as a person as well as a leader.

Maya Stylianou, 6R

Please explain why you would like to be a Head Boy or Head Girl?

I personally understand the position of head girl to be a medium, through which students, from different year groups can voice their concerns and needs, as well as communicate them to members of staff. I have always had a profound appreciation for the school and would like to give back what the school has given to me over the past few years. There is no better way than to offer my services as head girl, making sure that each person feels comfortable enough to speak up and that students’ experience at the school is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, from both an academic and more personal perspective. The position also requires planning of events, public speaking and many meetings with both staff and student leaders,-to mention just a few- all things I have already encountered and am familiar with, due to my continuous involvement in school activities. It would be my pleasure to represent the school’s academically successful, multi-talented students from different areas of study including but not limited to the sciences, the humanities and the arts.

If you are successful, what would you like to achieve?

Within the limited time in the academic year of 2017-2018, I would like to achieve realistic changes, which pave the way for future students and student leaders to build on, while simultaneously bettering the academic life of current students. Regarding equal representation of students of different areas of study, I would like to organize more events which would allow students to share their hobbies and interests with their peers, since humanities and arts are sometimes overlooked at our science driven school. Another way of bringing students together is allowing them to participate in event planning; events such as film nights, Greek nights and Turkish nights could better represent the multicultural, diverse character of the school.

I would also like to improve the teacher-student relationship, by refining the Student Complaint and Praise box. There should be increased direct communication between students and teachers; I aim to fix this by having monthly meetings between teachers and student leaders to go through any concerns as well as praise.

Another change I would like to implement would concern supporting students in their extra curricular activity achievements. An example of such achievements would be in school sports teams. I would encourage students to support their peers by attending matches and races.

While talking to my peers I realized that the lack of sex education was a common concern across all year groups. The introduction of sex education in year 5 would be extremely beneficial, as it would act as a safe space for pupils to receive accurate and reliable information.

Finally, the introduction of SAT’s to our school is a very new concept, which I would like to advance so that students have more options in applying to universities that would best suit their needs. The school should provide SAT preparation for students who request it, but in order for this to be possible, teachers should be further informed on what these exams entail.

What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for the post?

Throughout my academic life at the English School, I have developed the skill of juggling academic responsibilities and extra curricular activities while also helping out at the school. My varying interests, which include history, music, art, debating and literature, have allowed me to refine my critical thinking skills as well as improve my public speaking. These qualities have made me a better communicator with a more flexible, multidimensional outlook, which I have learned to apply to any given situation. From my experience in sports teams I have learned to be a leader but more importantly a team player. As an open-minded person, I’m open to suggestions and constructive criticism, as I believe these are necessary in order to achieve the best results. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge or to remain quiet upon hearing something I disagree with or feel is unjust. Moreover, my debating experience has taught me to appreciate difference in opinion and the valuable skill of listening and compromising in such situations.

Do you have any relevant experiences that you believe would helpful in this post?

My post as class representative, member of the upper council and the student council has given me more insight regarding the responsibility as well as organizational skills needed to be a successful student leader. I have used these skills to help organize many of the events that take place at school, such as the annual barbeque, no shave November, bake-sales and Valentines Day sales. My involvement in other campaign teams over the years has also reaffirmed my aspiration to be head girl and has provided me with a true depiction of the workload that one must handle as a student leader.

As house captain of Kitcheners since year 3, I have had to consistently work in a team friendly environment, and therefore have learned how to allocate positions in order to effectively manage a team.

My participation in debate club, MEDIMUN and THIMUN have allowed me to refine my public speaking skills as well as forced me to learn to think of applicable solutions on the spot.

Additionally, my interest in the arts and music has not only provided me with a platform of expression, it has also made me more empathetic to different areas of study and the difficulties they may entail. By attending clubs like the senior choir I’ve been introduced and have worked with pupils from many year groups and now have a deeper, more holistic understanding of what they look for in a student leader.
My dedication to countless hours of after school art lessons have also played a key role in nurturing my creative side, furthermore helping me develop a multidimensional view of issues and bring a creative approach to it.