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.

Hockey Week Highlights:
Our Hockey Week kicked off on April 2nd with double PE periods dedicated to hockey drills and coaching sessions. Led by our dedicated PE teachers and hockey coach, Neophytos Ioannou, students honed their stickwork skills, passing, shooting, and participated in exciting mini-games. The energy and dedication displayed by both boys and girls were truly remarkable, making it a memorable start to the week.

The excitement continued on April 4th, with Year 1 students once again engaging in hockey activities during their double PE periods. This event marked the first of its kind at our school, and it was heartening to witness the enthusiasm and progress of our young athletes.

Inter-House Competition: The highlight of Hockey Week was the inter-house 7-a-side hockey competition, held during junior boys' and girls' afternoon games on April 4th and 5th, respectively. Students had the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test in a competitive setting. Congratulations to Newham for clinching the boys' tournament title in a thrilling penalty shoot-out, and to Wolseley for dominating the girls' tournament with impressive performances.

Salakian Trophy: To conclude Hockey Week on a high note, we hosted the second leg of the Salakian Trophy on Saturday, April 6th. Our young players faced off against the experienced ESOBGA team, showcasing their determination and teamwork on the field. Despite a hard-fought match, ESOBGA emerged victorious with a narrow 5-4 win. Special commendations to Vicken Khasho and Nefeli Polyviou for their outstanding performances, with Nefeli receiving the coveted goal of the match award.

Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, coaches, and supporters who made Hockey Week a resounding success. Your dedication and sportsmanship embody the spirit of The English School athletics.

Hockey Week was a testament to the talent, passion, and camaraderie within our school community. As we celebrate the achievements of our young athletes, we look forward to nurturing their growth and success in sports and beyond. Here's to many more memorable moments on the field!

Stellar Performances Across the Board
Our teams didn't just participate; they excelled, marking their presence with every sprint, leap, and throw. The competition was fierce, but our students rose to the challenge, securing impressive positions and personal bests.

Senior Girls 400m
The crowd was left in awe as Andrea Ioanna Georgiou blazed through the track, securing a phenomenal 2nd-place finish in the Senior Girls 400m. Her performance was not just a race but a narrative of perseverance.

Senior Boys 200m
Speed and strategy were the game's name as Evangelos Petasis demonstrated his athletic prowess, clinching 2nd place in the Senior Boys 200m. His dash to the finish line was a thrilling moment of triumph.

Field Events: A Testimony of Strength and Skill
In the field events, Giorgos Agapiou earned a commendable third place in the Senior Boys Hammer throw, while Georgios Vasilopoulos matched the feat in the High Jump. Both athletes showcased the results of rigorous training and sheer willpower.

Senior Girls Triple Jump & 4x100m Relay
Not to be outdone, Myra Ioannou leapt to a respectable 5th place in the Triple Jump. The synergy and coordination were on full display as the Girls' 4x100m Relay team, consisting of Chrysanthi Rokopou, Sofia Lydia Nathanael, Mariza Zembyla, and Myra Ioannou, raced to a solid 5th place finish, demonstrating that teamwork indeed makes the dream work.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Inspiration
As we look back on the day's events, we're reminded that the true victory lies not in the medals and positions but in the spirit of our students, who embody our institution's values: excellence, camaraderie, and resilience.

We congratulate all participants for their outstanding achievements and thank our coaches, staff, and supporters who cheered on every step. These are the moments that define us, the experiences that inspire future generations, and the milestones that we will look back on with pride.

A Display of Exceptional Talent and Teamwork
The girls played with an unmatched work rate and stylish attacking combinations, overwhelming their opponents with their pace and precision. Forward Anna-Maria Hatzantona led the scoring spree with four outstanding goals, proving to be a formidable force in the team's attacking lineup. Maria Leandrou contributed significantly with two goals, including a remarkable long-range effort that left spectators in awe. Kyveli Matsi’s versatility was on full display, scoring two goals, one of which was a powerful header that underscored her aerial prowess.

Nayia Stephanou added two goals to the tally in the first half, her dribbling and creativity cutting through the AEK Larnaca defence. The scoring was rounded off by Irene Yianna, the team captain, with a sensational long-range shot that found the top corner in the second half, a fitting conclusion to a game dominated by the English School Girls U15 team.

The Team Behind the Triumph
The victory was a collective effort, with each player contributing to the team's success. The full roster of players who shared in this incredible achievement includes:

• Andrea Iacovou
• Maria Leandrou
• Kyveli Matsi
• Nayia Stephanou
• Irene Yianna (C)
• Victoria Georgopoulou
• Anna-Maria Hatzantona
• Popi Koumenidis
• Alessandra Coll-Gabrielides
• Stella Anastasi
• Nadia Cagnetti
• Maria Christodoulou
• Marielena Neophytou
• Andrea Gavriel
• Leni Solomou

Guiding the team to victory were coaches Georgio Kyriacou and Alexandros Solomonides, whose strategies and encouragement were instrumental in this remarkable win.

Celebrating a Historic Victory
This win is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and spirit of The English School Girls U15 football team. It’s a proud moment for our school, reflecting the excellence of our sports program and the potential of our young athletes.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to the team and their coaches for this historic victory. Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have brought honour and pride to our school. Here's to many more successes in the future!