The competition was fierce, with a plethora of remarkable submissions that left the judges with the arduous task of selecting the winners. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students for their astounding and imaginative creations. Among the myriad of remarkable emblems, four designs stood out as the popular choices among our discerning panel of judges.
Let's delve into these captivating emblems that epitomize the extraordinary talent of our young designers.

Congratulations to all for their outstanding achievements!

Organized by the French Institute of Cyprus, with the support of the French Embassy in Cyprus, the event celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and the profound impact of the "France" experience on the personal and professional lives of individuals, as well as their positive contributions to society, the environment, and culture.

The evening was embellished with captivating musical and artistic performances, complemented by speeches delivered by alumni representing diverse professional fields. Through the diverse portraits shared during the event, the myriad experiences of Cypriot alumni in France were brought to light, inspiring the younger generation aspiring to study in France.

The Modern Languages department would like to thank the French Institute, especially Ms Helene Iosephides, for providing this exceptional opportunity to our students.

In a fiercely contested competition, Petros emerged as the champion in the Juniors category (Height 1:30-1:35) and has been honoured as the Junior Champion of Greece for the year 2023. Despite not having Greek citizenship, Petros' outstanding performance has earned him this prestigious title. We are immensely proud of his dedication, hard work, and the remarkable heights he has reached in his athletic journey.

We have attached some photos from the competition to share the joy and excitement of this milestone achievement. These visuals capture Petros' determination, focus, and sheer brilliance in action, showcasing his talent and immense potential.

Petros' recent victory as the Junior Champion of Greece 2023 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the invaluable support he receives from his family and School. 

Well done Petros we are very proud of you!

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Andreas Demetriou for his unwavering support and guidance in nurturing the mathematical talents of Giorgos Gavriil and Philippos Rouvas. His dedication and commitment have played a crucial role in preparing these students for this extraordinary opportunity.
 
The Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad is an internationally recognized competition that brings together young mathematicians from various Balkan countries and beyond. It serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their exceptional mathematical abilities and compete against other talented individuals.
 
The JBMO will involve a series of challenging mathematical problems that will test the students' problem-solving skills, creativity, and mathematical reasoning. It is an opportunity for them to further enhance their abilities and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting.
 
Good luck, Giorgos Gavriil and Philippos Rouvas! We are confident that you will represent us admirably at the 27th Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad.

The International Mathematics Competition, scheduled to take place virtually from 1st to 7th July 2023, provides a unique platform for talented young mathematicians from around the world to showcase their skills. This competition will challenge our students with complex mathematical problems that will test their problem-solving abilities, logical reasoning, and creative thinking.
 
We are proud to have Mr. Andreas Demetriou, a highly respected member of our faculty, leading the team Cyprus in the competition. His guidance and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our students.
The fact that three out of the eight students selected from Cyprus hail from our school is a testament to the exceptional mathematics program we offer and the dedication of our students and teachers. It clearly indicates the high calibre of education and nurturing environment our school provides.
 
We wholeheartedly support Giorgos Gavriil, Philippos Rouvas, Ioannis Ioannou, and the entire Cyprus team as they embark on this remarkable journey. May their hard work, determination, and passion for mathematics propel them toward outstanding achievements in the International Mathematics Competition.

This annual competition, often referred to as the world championship of mathematics for high school students, will take place in Chiba, Japan, from July 2 to July 13. Ara's selection is a testament to his exceptional mathematical skills, unwavering dedication, and relentless hard work.

The International Mathematical Olympiad gathers the brightest young minds from various countries to engage in a series of demanding mathematical problem-solving challenges. Renowned as a prestigious event, the IMO showcases the participants' exceptional problem-solving abilities and fosters cross-cultural exchange, collaboration, and the establishment of lifelong friendships among the participants.

Ara Mahdessian's inclusion in the Cyprus delegation to the IMO is a remarkable honour. His selection reflects the recognition of his outstanding mathematical prowess and the countless hours he has devoted to his studies. As Ara prepares to represent our school and Cyprus on the international stage, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes.

Ms Colmenarejo had the opportunity to meet the Head of the Modern Languages Department, Ms Crambert, its Line Manager, Ms Popi Grouta and the Careers officer, Ms Natasa Ashiotis. Ms Colmenarejo had several appointments with parents and students who expressed their interest in the university, and she informed them about courses, procedures, requirements etc. 

The presentation on IE University, an international institution with campuses in Madrid and Segovia, Spain, left a lasting impression on parents and students. During the captivating presentation, Mr Andrea Coppola- IE Regional Director of Italy and Southeast Europe, introduced Professor Mario Berta, an esteemed entrepreneur who talked about "The Science of Peak Performance: Become the Best at What You Do" to the audience. 

According to Professor Berta, achieving personal peak performance relies on four essential pillars: mindset, nutrition, exercise, and recovery. He stressed that cultivating a growth mindset is crucial for improvement, as a fixed mindset can hinder progress by keeping individuals within their comfort zones. Additionally, periodization—a practice involving planned periods of rest and preparation—is essential to optimize performance when it matters most.

The pursuit of excellence requires several key skills, as Professor Berta outlined. The fundamental steps are selecting the right individuals, empowering them to connect, and creating the best working environment with optimal conditions. Furthermore, consistently providing challenging tasks and refusing to settle for comfort zones fosters continuous improvement. Lastly, a culture of self-perpetuating excellence can be nurtured by acknowledging and recognizing achievements.

As a valuable takeaway, Professor Berta recommended four books to explore further the concepts discussed: "Mindset" by Carol Dweck, "Peak Performance" by Steve Magness, "Winning" by Tim S. Grover, and "The Rise of Superman" by Steven Kotler.

Excitingly, the school plans to stay connected with IE University and aims to bring them back to campus next year. This will allow more students and parents to learn about the university's programs and offerings.

In conclusion, IE University's visit to Cyprus proved to be an enlightening experience, offering valuable insights into the science of peak performance. Students and parents were captivated by Professor Mario Berta's presentation, which underscored the importance of mindset, nutrition, exercise, and recovery. The event began a potential collaboration between the English School and IE University, opening doors for future opportunities and continued academic and personal growth.
 

 From engaging escape rooms to delectable degustation events and inspiring university presentations, the department has been committed to offering its students a comprehensive and enriching educational journey.

Let's embark on a thrilling recap of the highlights from the 2022/23 academic year, showcasing the incredible activities that shaped the cultural landscape of the department.

Escape Rooms: A Journey of Problem-Solving and Teamwork
The academic year kicked off with an adrenaline-filled adventure as students embraced the challenge of escape rooms. Working together, they solved puzzles, deciphered clues, and navigated through intricate scenarios that tested their language skills, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities. These immersive experiences fostered a sense of camaraderie among students while providing a unique opportunity to apply their language knowledge in a fun and interactive setting.

UCY University Visit: Opening Doors to Higher Education
In collaboration with UCY University, students had the privilege of exploring higher education opportunities in the field of languages. Representatives from UCY University shared valuable insights, program offerings, and career prospects, inspiring students to pursue their passion for languages beyond the classroom. The visit sparked curiosity, helping students envision their academic futures and guiding them towards a path of success.

Dia de los Muertos: Celebrating Mexican Culture and Tradition
A vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, the department immersed itself in the festivities of Dia de los Muertos. Students learned about the historical and cultural significance of this revered holiday, creating beautiful altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and traditional artefacts. Through interactive workshops and artistic expressions, they paid homage to loved ones while deepening their understanding of Mexican customs, folklore, and the concept of honouring ancestors.

French/Spanish and German Degustation: A Gastronomic Journey
The department treated students to a mouthwatering degustation experience, indulging their palates in the flavours of French, Spanish, and German cuisines. From flaky croissants to tantalizing tapas and hearty sausages, students savoured an array of traditional dishes prepared by language enthusiasts. These gastronomic adventures not only delighted their taste buds but also provided insights into the cultural intricacies and culinary heritage of the countries they were studying.

Museum Visits: Exploring Art, History, and Heritage
Throughout the academic year, the Modern Languages Department organized enriching museum visits, enabling students to appreciate art, history, and heritage from various regions of the world. From ancient artefacts to contemporary masterpieces, students immersed themselves in diverse artistic expressions, expanding their cultural knowledge and fostering a deeper appreciation for global perspectives. These visits sparked meaningful discussions, encouraged critical thinking, and nurtured a sense of cultural awareness among the students.

Christmas Market: Spreading Festive Cheer and Cultural Delights
The holiday season brought a sense of warmth and joy to the department as students explored a magical Christmas market. They wandered through beautifully decorated stalls, immersed themselves in seasonal music, and indulged in traditional treats. The market served as a melting pot of cultures, where students experienced the diverse holiday traditions and festivities celebrated around the world. It was a moment of unity, celebration, and shared cultural experiences.

Universities Presentation: Charting a Path for Language Scholars
Recognizing the importance of higher education, the department organized presentations by renowned universities. Esteemed representatives shared valuable insights into language-related programs, scholarships, and career opportunities. Students gained a deeper understanding of the academic pathways available to them, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future studies. The presentations served as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world applications, inspiring students to pursue their passion for languages and equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary for their educational journeys.

Bake Sale: Satisfying Cravings for a Good Cause
The Modern Languages Department also demonstrated its commitment to making a positive impact through a delightful bake sale. Students, faculty, and staff came together to bake an array of delicious treats, ranging from traditional delicacies to international delights. The bake sale not only satisfied cravings but also raised funds for a noble cause. The department's dedication to community engagement and social responsibility was evident as they combined their culinary talents with the spirit of giving, creating a memorable and impactful event.

The 2022/23 academic year was a remarkable journey for our  Modern Languages Department. Through engaging activities, cultural immersions, and diverse experiences, students explored the beauty and intricacies of different languages and cultures. The department's commitment to providing a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom has fostered an environment of curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for global diversity. As the academic year comes to a close, the Modern Languages Department looks forward to continuing its mission of inspiring and empowering students to become global citizens with a deep appreciation for languages and cultures.

Over the past two years, as part of the PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education) program, a series of workshops were conducted to enhance students' learning abilities.

During these workshops, all students were introduced to the functions of the brain and the workings of memory. They gained a deep understanding of the importance of spaced and interleaved revision techniques for achieving success. Moreover, students were exposed to various study techniques that could assist them in revising effectively and completing their homework assignments.

Specifically, students were guided on how to utilize mind maps, flashcards, and other review techniques to condense their notes and review study material. Many students have embraced these methods and have experienced notable progress as a result.

During a recent assembly in Year 6, some students showcased their effective use of mind maps and flashcards while preparing for their IGCSE exams, resulting in outstanding academic achievements. Additionally, many lower school students in Years 1-3 have adopted these methods as they prepare for common assessments and exams.

We are delighted to witness the positive impact of these strategies on our students' learning outcomes. The TLC remains committed to providing ongoing support and guidance to enhance the educational experience of our students further.