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May 25, 2024

Celebrating Excellence: Our Students to Represent Cyprus in Prestigious International Mathematics Competitions

International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
The IMO is the pinnacle of global mathematics competitions for high school students, drawing participants from over 100 countries across five continents. Our students will compete at this esteemed event, which will take place from July 10 to July 22, 2024, at the University of Bath, United Kingdom. The competition format includes two challenging days, each featuring a 4.5-hour exam.

Participants: Philippos Rouvas, the youngest member of the national team, and Ara Mahdessian, who will be representing Cyprus for the third consecutive year. Ara previously earned an honourable mention in 2022 and a Silver medal in 2023.

Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad (JBMO)
The JBMO, scheduled for June 25 to June 30, 2024, in Antalya, Turkey, invites the brightest young mathematicians who are 15 years old or younger.

Participants: Zilin Su and Andreas Aristodemou, both year two students, will challenge their skills at this forum.

International Mathematics Competition (IMC)
The IMC will be held from July 26 to July 31, 2024, in Lucknow, India, where our students will further showcase their mathematical prowess.

Participants: Sotiris Cleanthous and Zilin Su, both year two students.

Leadership: The team will be led by Mr. Andreas Demetriou, who has consistently contributed to developing young talents in mathematics.

Our school is the sole representative of Cyprus, participating in all three of these distinguished competitions. This is a testament to the outstanding quality and success of our enrichment program, which is expertly crafted and led by Mr. Andreas Demetriou.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and wish them the best of luck in their upcoming challenges. Let us continue to strive for excellence and proudly represent our school and country on the international stage.

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May 17, 2024

Erasmus+ Trip to Helsinki, January 2024

Detailed Itinerary and Experiences:
  • Arrival (Sunday, January 21, 2024): Arriving late at night, the students were picked up by their hospitable Finnish host families at the airport, which set a warm and welcoming tone for the trip.
  • Day 1 (Monday, January 22, 2024): Students attended a day at a digital Finnish school equipped with modern facilities like screens and iPads for all teachers. The school was impressively maintained, staying clean despite snowy and muddy conditions outside. The day's highlight was a citizenship lesson where Mr Aslim and Mrs Hadjithoma co-taught with a Finnish teacher about 'The Role of the UN in Europe,' focusing on Cyprus's political situation and the UN’s peace efforts. This prompted engaging discussions with Finnish students who were eager to learn about Cyprus and asked numerous insightful questions. Sustainable Dining Practices: The group was impressed by the sustainable practices observed at the school canteen. Notably, using a system to measure food waste at the school canteen highlighted the local commitment to environmental consciousness. This practice reduced waste and educated the students on the importance of sustainability in daily life. 
  • Day 2 (Tuesday, January 23, 2024): Mrs. Tiina Lampula, the Erasmus+ coordinator of the host school, warmly welcomed our group, along with guests from Italy, Germany and Portugal. at the local Youth Centre Luuppi. The morning involved students from the participating countries presenting the top 10 characteristics of their nations. We found interesting facts about each other, identifying similarities between Mediterranean and Northern countries. This was followed by ice-breaking activities that each school had to prepare. We particularly enjoyed completing with each other in teams while trying to identify the meaning of typical Italian hand gestures, improvising stories on the spot, and a 'Can you guess who?' game from the German team, which helped students discover useful information about each other as well as cultural facts. The afternoon was dedicated to enjoying Finnish winter well-being activities outdoors, such as making snowmen, sledging down the hills near our host school, and warming up with hot fruit juice.
  • Excursion to Nuuksio National Park: On Wednesday, the group embarked on a picturesque hike in the snow, encountering a frozen lake and charming woodland huts. It was impressive that we saw signs in the forest encouraging people to carry out mindfulness activities such as deep breathing and noticing the details in the nature around them. Lunch at a local restaurant was a delightful spread of freshly baked bread, cabbage soup, and yoghurt with berries. A cosy barbecue inside tents featured roasting marshmallows over the fire, enjoyed alongside chocolate biscuits, and active participation in a playful snowball fight.
  • Day 4 (Thursday, January 25, 2024): The students participated in a communication workshop to enhance interpersonal skills. This was followed by an afternoon visit to the Fazer Experience Visitor Centre, where they learned about Finnish confectionery traditions and the company’s sustainability practices. The highlight was the all-you-can-eat chocolate-tasting section, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
  • Day 5 (Friday, January 26, 2024): The morning was spent sightseeing around significant Helsinki landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. The group also visited the Oodi Library, an iconic example of modern Finnish architecture and a hub for community and creativity. Oodi is not just a library but a vibrant public space with facilities for cinema, recording studios, and flexible meeting and event spaces designed to foster creativity and civic engagement. The visit to the Amos Rex museum was notable for its contemporary art and digital installations, complemented by minimalist music that enhanced the atmosphere, adding to the well-being experience of the visit.
  • Farewell Party (Friday Evening): The journey concluded with a vibrant farewell party featuring pizza and a dance showcase where each country's students taught dance from their country, celebrating Europe's cultural diversity and unity. 
  • Cultural Immersion: During the trip, some students and teachers experienced a traditional Finnish sauna, alternating between the warm sauna and the freezing outdoors—a practice known to have cardiovascular benefits.
  • Local Finnish Cuisine: Throughout their stay, the students and teachers were treated to various Finnish delicacies, enhancing their cultural immersion. A highlight was the Finnish salmon soup, known locally as 'lohikeitto,' which they savoured at a quaint restaurant. This creamy soup, rich with chunks of salmon, potatoes, and dill, was heartwarming and introduced them to the simplicity and richness of Finnish seafood cuisine.
  • Carnival Sweets: Coinciding with the carnival period in Helsinki, the group had the opportunity to indulge in traditional Finnish carnival sweets. They enjoyed 'laskiaispulla,' a cardamom-spiced sweet bun filled with whipped cream and almond paste or raspberry jam, which is especially popular during this festive season. This treat offered them a taste of Finnish festive traditions and was a delightful complement to their cultural exploration.
  • Cosy Dining Atmosphere: The restaurants and cafes they visited were characterized by their cosy interiors, often lit by intimate, warm lighting, which created a welcoming and comfortable environment. These spots were perfect for the group to relax and discuss their daily adventures while enjoying cups of rich Finnish coffee and delicious desserts. The ambience in these eateries exemplified the Nordic approach to comfort and design, known as 'hygge,' which focuses on creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.
  • Public Buses and Trains: The group mainly used Helsinki's public transportation network, which includes buses and trains. Helsinki is known for its efficient and eco-friendly public transport system, which significantly reduces the need for private cars and thereby lowers emissions.
  • Walking: The group opted to walk for shorter distances and when exploring the city. This provided them with the health benefits of physical activity and allowed them to experience the city more intimately, reducing the environmental impact typically associated with vehicular travel.
  • These modes of transportation supported the trip's environmental goals and offered the students a practical example of sustainable living practices in an urban setting. By using public transport and walking, they contributed to reduced pollution and traffic congestion, aligning with Helsinki's reputation for sustainability and high living standards.
 
This Erasmus+ trip to Helsinki provided the students with a profound insight into Finnish culture, enhanced their understanding of European identities, and fostered essential life skills. The Finnish hosts were instrumental in making the experience educational and heartwarming, with their exceptional hospitality setting a benchmark for cultural exchange. The trip’s focus on sustainability also highlighted the importance of environmental consciousness in everyday activities. The knowledge and memories gained from this trip will undoubtedly aid the students in their growth as informed and proactive European citizens. The insights and memories from this trip are invaluable, helping to shape the students into well-rounded and proactive European citizens.

 

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May 17, 2024

Remembering Michalis Karaolis: A Legacy of Valor and Virtue

During the memorial service, we reflected on Michalis' remarkable contributions both as a student and a freedom fighter. Commemorating his life, we were joined by:
  • The English School Board of Management, headed by Ms. J. Demetriou
  • Senior Leadership Team, led by Mr. S. Walker
  • The ESOBGA Committee, headed by Mr. A. Loizou
  • Michalakis Karaolis' Family: Mr Michalis Karaolis (alumni of the School), his wife Christina Pittas Karaolis, and their son Alexios Savvas Karaolis, currently in Year 4.
  • Old Classmates: Andreas Zachariou, Aris Symeonides, and Andreas Hadjipapas
  • Student Leaders Aliki Heracleous (Head Girl), Constantinos Nearchou (Head Boy) and Michalis Petrides (Deputy Head Boy) respectfully placed a wreath on behalf of the School.
  • Other friends 
The highlight of the event was the musical interlude featuring "Ένα το Χελιδόνι" by Μίκης Θεοδωράκης, beautifully performed by our students George Polycarpou, Panagiotis Milios, and Constandinos Kyriakos Pedonomou Middleton.
 
As we continue to award the Michalakis Karaolis Shield during our School's Sports Week, we celebrate Michalis' athletic prowess and profound courage and integrity legacy.
 
We are forever grateful for Michalis Karaolis' heroic deeds and are proud to honour his memory. His spirit lives on through the values he championed, inspiring future generations.
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May 16, 2024

Erasmus+ Trip to Rome, March 2024

This trip was part of the Erasmus+ program "Nature in Culture" which also included peers from Italy, Germany, Finland, and Portugal, forming a vibrant consortium representing the diversity of the European Union. This mobility was a component of our Erasmus+ Accreditation project aimed at fostering European identity and enhancing sustainability awareness— a priority of the EU. The visit was a reciprocation, as our students and their families had previously hosted their Erasmus+ counterparts in Cyprus. Upon arrival in Rome, we were warmly welcomed by an exuberant group of Italian students, parents, and teachers, rekindling friendships formed during the earlier Cyprus visit.

Day-by-Day Highlights: 

  • Day 1 (March 4, 2024): Our students joined their Italian peers for a typical school day at Liceo Keplero, engaging in subjects like Science, Maths, and Geography, taught in Italian. Some teachers also offered instruction in English to ensure inclusivity. Post-school, the group indulged in local cuisine and participated in team-bonding activities in Rome. 
  • Day 2 (March 5, 2024): The official Erasmus+ kickoff meeting was held at Liceo Keplero’s Gherardi site, where each country presented their unique interpretations of "Nature in Culture". The day featured explorations of the school's eco-features like a vertical garden and roof garden, gardening activities, soil pH experiments, followed by a picnic in Parco Marconi, team-building sports, and an evening visit to Galleria Borghese. 
  • Day 3 (March 6, 2024): Activities continued at Liceo Keplero’s Vigne branch, starting with a welcome by the student-run choir. The day was packed with eco-activities, painting sessions focused on climate change awareness, and a vibrant birthday party hosted by one of our Italian friends.  
  • Day 4 (March 7, 2024): Students explored central Rome’s historic and cultural sites with their Italian hosts as guides, visiting landmarks like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, and discussing the intersection of nature and art. The day concluded with a farewell party featuring homemade Italian specialties. 
  • Day 5 (March 8, 2024): The group visited the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to learn about their pivotal role in global food security. The afternoon was dedicated to the "Ancient Rome Experience," with guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, capped off with a final meal of carbonara and tiramisu. 

With hearts full of memories and suitcases packed with experiences, we said our goodbyes to our hosts and departed from Rome, reflecting on a journey that was as educational as it was delightful. A heartfelt thank you to all participants, especially the tireless Italian organisers—Giulia, Andrea, and Monica—for their exceptional hospitality and dedication. This trip not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our appreciation for cultural diversity and sustainability.  

 

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May 9, 2024

Celebrating Europe Day – A Journey Through Erasmus+

Through the Erasmus+ program, our students have gained invaluable experiences and created lasting friendships. The testimonials we've collected highlight transformative journeys—from learning new languages and understanding different cultures to shaping our identity as active EU citizens.

For our teachers, Erasmus+ has offered unique professional development through training courses, job shadowing, and teaching assignments abroad. These experiences have enhanced their teaching methods and enriched their personal lives.

Watch our video for snapshots of these unforgettable moments and read about the personal stories of growth and discovery.

Let's continue to embrace the spirit of Europe—connected, diverse, and endlessly curious. Happy Europe Day! 

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May 8, 2024

The English School Girls U15 Shine at Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival

Following three intense matches, our girls secured a respectable third place in the group stages, earning themselves a spot in the quarter-finals against Apoel FC on Tuesday, April 30th. Despite a valiant effort and moments of brilliance, including Maria Leandrou's remarkable long-range goal against Paphos FC, our team unfortunately fell short, with Apoel FC emerging victorious with a narrow 1-0 win.

Throughout the tournament, our girls displayed commendable determination, remarkable team spirit, and unforgettable moments of skill. Their exemplary behaviour, both on and off the field, did not go unnoticed, as they were awarded the Fair Play award for the second consecutive year. Notably, our team, comprised solely of Year 1 and Year 2 players, was the youngest in their age category at the tournament.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Head Coach Georgio Kyriacou and Coach Alexandros Solomonides for their unwavering dedication and support in guiding our team. As we reflect on our experiences, we eagerly anticipate returning next year to solidify further our reputation as a formidable force in youth football.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

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April 25, 2024

Annual Junior Tennis Tournament: A Showcase of Young Talent

The competition was fierce in the Junior Boys Category as two Year 1 students vied for the coveted trophy. Ultimately, Vicken Garo Khasho emerged victorious, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. Ersoy Birkan Kutoglu put up an impressive fight, securing a close second place.

Meanwhile, the Junior Girls Category saw a rematch of last year's intense final. Nayia Stephanou claimed the title this year after a gripping battle against Victoria Georgopoulou, again proving her prowess on the court.

We congratulate all participants for their dedication, sportsmanship, and outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Your passion for tennis and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Here's to another successful year of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the game!

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April 24, 2024

The English School Shines at the sCYence Fair 2024

A Celebration of Scientific Curiosity and Innovation
The sCYence Fair is not just a competition; it's a festival of knowledge, where future scientists and technologists meet to exchange ideas. Our students had the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with leading scientists, attend enlightening lectures, and participate in stimulating activities designed to stretch their understanding and curiosity in the sciences.

Exceptional Student Achievements
Our teams performed exceptionally well, presenting research on cutting-edge topics ranging from exoplanets to psychology and biology. Their hard work and dedication were evident through their articulate presentations and innovative project ideas.

Special Recognition
Special congratulations to our youngest participants, Stephan Panayiotou Boadu from class 1G and Odysseas Graves from class 1R. They earned a remarkable third place with their project, “Rocket Fuels: How Does the Type of Fuel Affect the Performance of a Rocket.” Their achievement is especially noteworthy when competing against 62 teams from across the island.

Our Proud Representatives
We also celebrate all 14 talented students who participated, each contributing to our school's ongoing tradition of excellence in science education. Their enthusiasm and commitment to their studies greatly pride our school community.

Looking Forward
The success at this year's sCYence Fair has set a high bar for next year, and we look forward to continuing our support for student-led research and innovation. Congratulations to all participants and their mentors for making this event a memorable one!

Thank you to everyone who supported and cheered for our teams. Your encouragement plays a crucial role in their success and growth.

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April 21, 2024

Celebrating Success at the Pancyprian Schools Athletics Competition

Junior Boys Athletics Team Results:

  • Alexandros Middleton: Secured 1st Place in the 300m Hurdles event, demonstrating exceptional skill and speed.
  • Antonios Kyriakides: Showed remarkable versatility, claiming 3rd Place in both the 150m race and the 4x100m Relay.
  • Emmanuil Fotiou, Kyriacos Makris, and Andreas Floridis Formed a formidable trio and clinched third Place in the 4x100m Relay.
  • Iakovos Antoniou and Konstantinos Stavrou: Displayed impressive resilience, securing 4th and 6th Place, respectively, in the 100m Hurdles event.
  • Alexandros Raffi Parikian: Demonstrated strength and skill, earning 4th Place in Shot Put.
  • Constandinos Kyriakos Pedonomou Middleton: Showed determination, finishing 8th in the challenging 600m race.
  • Panos Tsentas: Despite facing obstacles, they exhibited great sportsmanship during the 300m race.
  • Christian Skriver: Unfortunately, he cannot compete due to injury, but his spirit remains undaunted.

Junior Girls Athletics Team Results:

  • Ioanna Ioannou: Impressed with a 2nd Place finish in Pole Vault, showcasing her talent and dedication.
  • Katerina Hajigeorghi: Demonstrated skill and precision, earning 7th Place in the Discus event.
  • Maria Michaela Chatziiosif and Leni Solomou: They showed endurance and determination, securing 7th and 9th Place, respectively, in the 600m and 1000m races.
  • Simoni Diaouri and Nefeli Demetriades: Displayed athleticism, claiming 12th Place in Triple Jump and Javelin, respectively.
  • Konstantina Marnelou and Stephie Dracou: They showed determination and spirit, finishing 12th and 15th, respectively, in the 80m and 150m races.
  • 4x100m Relay Team: Despite a commendable performance, they faced disqualification, but their effort was truly admirable.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our athletes for their outstanding achievements and commendable sportsmanship. Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of your accomplishments—a special thank you to Yiannos Papaioannou for his support and guidance throughout the competition.

 

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