• 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 

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.  

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! 

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.

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!

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.

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.

Match Highlights: A 4-1 Win Against Geroskipou FC
Our team faced an early challenge in a match with fans on the edge of their seats, conceding a goal in the opening minutes. However, the girls quickly regained their footing, with Maria Leandrou delivering a spectacular response. Maria twisted and turned past the defence for the second match in a row, unleashing a powerful shot into the far corner, equalizing the score.

Anna-Maria Hatzantona added to the tally with a brilliant left-footed finish from a tight angle. Maria Leandrou continued to impress with a stunning long-distance free-kick—proving yet again why she's our set-piece specialist. Anna-Maria Hatzantona rounded off the scoring with a creative finish, lobbing the ball over the Geroskipou keeper into the top corner, ending the game 4-1.

A Fitting Tribute to Departing Players
Post-match, the day concluded with a touching tribute as the team and fans celebrated the significant contributions of our departing Year 4 players. Irene Yianna, Anna Maria Hatzantona, and Anna Maria Menelaou have been exemplary figures in the team, leading with passion and integrity. Their final U15 home match was marked by a standing ovation from friends, family, and fans, acknowledging their leadership and commitment throughout their time with us.

Looking Forward
As we bid farewell to a successful season, we look forward to the next. The legacy left by our departing players provides a strong foundation for our younger team members to build upon.

Thank you to all the supporters who have been with us every step of the way. Your enthusiasm and support have been invaluable. Here’s to future successes and the continued growth of our young athletes!

The event was impeccably orchestrated under the guidance of Fide Master Maria-Anna Stefanidi, a distinguished player and instructor renowned for her expertise in the game. Alongside her dedicated team from Shah Masters Chess Academy, the tournament unfolded flawlessly, earning accolades from both players and attending parents. The tournament not only showcased the emerging talent within our school community but also underscored the exceptional quality of our facilities.
 
Each participant emerged from the competition adorned with a medal and diploma, symbols of their dedication and skill. Noteworthy among the competitors were several students who not only participated but also distinguished themselves in their respective categories.

Pavlos Chrysostomou of 5 Green secured the 3rd position in the fiercely contested Open category, demonstrating remarkable strategic insight and resilience. Konstantinos Zambas from 6 White and Andreas Kyriakides (2 Green) exhibited admirable sportsmanship and strategic prowess throughout the tournament. Other notable participants included Konstantinos Trigkas (3 Black), Tourker Dogramadji (1 Red), Ioannis Christou (1 White), Teklos George (1 Yellow), Elpidoforos Nikolaou (1 Red) and Michaelangelos Apostolou (1 Green). Their commitment and passion for the game added to the competitive intensity of the event.

Special recognition is due to Elena Michaelides for her invaluable contributions to the organization of the tournament. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Stelios Kyriakides, an ES parent whose connections within the Cyprus chess community enriched the event.

Behind the scenes, the ES support team worked diligently to ensure seamless logistics and immaculate facilities, enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.

As the day concluded with a sense of mutual respect and admiration among participants, we eagerly anticipate hosting more such events in the future, further fostering a culture of excellence within the chess community at the English School Nicosia.