📚 Welcome back, DES students! 🌟 As we embark on another exciting academic year, your teachers can’t wait to welcome you into your colourful and vibrant classrooms. To give you an idea, they all chose their favourite spot in their classrooms for you to see. We can’t wait to see you explore, learn, and thrive in these classrooms ❤️
In a world where technology reigns supreme, and the rhythms of life seem to accelerate with each passing day, a group of curious young minds embarked on a journey to uncover the forgotten gems of their grandparents’ past. Armed with a shared sense of wonder and a deep desire to bridge the gap between generations, they explored a world that once existed beyond the screens and virtual realms.
The streets, once the bustling playgrounds of their elders, had become mere pathways between destinations, devoid of the laughter, shouts, and camaraderie that once filled the air. As these kids embarked on their mission, armed with notebooks and eager questions, they sought to unravel the mysteries of a time when street games were the heartbeat of neighbourhoods.
The children embarked on a voyage of nostalgia and discovery with their grandparents as their guides. Each game and anecdote was a window into a bygone era, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in simpler times. The elders recounted tales of hopscotch, jump rope, marbles, and tag, each game a portal to a different world of imagination and excitement.
As the interviews unfolded, the kids were transported back in time. They could almost hear the echoes of youthful laughter, feel the anticipation of the next move, and sense the bonds forged through shared adventures. During their interviews, the generational gap seemed to dissolve, replaced by an unspoken understanding that the essence of fun and friendship transcends time.
Through their conversations, the children discovered the joy of creating their games, finding magic in the mundane, and cherishing the moments that often slip away unnoticed. The grandparent’s stories became more than just tales of games; they became life lessons, a reminder that the simplest pleasures can leave the most profound imprints on the heart.
As the interviews ended, the kids realized they had stumbled upon more than just stories. They had uncovered a treasure trove of wisdom, a connection to their roots, and a renewed appreciation for the intangible riches of human interaction. With gratitude and a newfound sense of purpose, they vowed to keep the spirit of those street games alive, share the stories, and ensure that the legacy of their grandparents’ childhood would continue to thrive in the hearts of future generations.
Educator Pepi Karoubalis gave an interview on Open TV’s “Hour of Greece” program on the occasion of the Interactive European School (DES) being recognized at the Education Leaders Awards 2023. As she pointed out, it is the second consecutive year that the Interactive European School has been recognized in this specific organization by Boussias Events.
Pepi Karoubali spoke about differentiated learning, which the educational institution has applied for 20 years, and concerns a particular teaching approach and methodology.
“The Founder of the School, Dr Billie Konstantara, introduced it to the teaching program to respond to all students and all learning types. Differentiation is implemented so that all students receive and work on the material they can respond to at a given time.”
She added that differentiation applies to all subjects, from arithmetic to PE. Regarding the benefits that the students get, she pointed out that “it is a process that allows the students to commit to the school, to feel safe and to restore the relationship because in modern times the relationship between the student and the school is not at its best”.
A friend is someone you know, like and enjoy spending time with. A friend may help you when you are in trouble or need help. The relationship between friends is what we call a friendship.
Activities that people do with their friends include:
Playing
Sharing
Working with each other and supporting each other with tasks that need doing
Compliment each other, and help them to feel good about themselves
Listen to each other
Make each other laugh
International Friendship Day 2023 is celebrated on 30th July, and it’s recognised on the same day every year. This event is sometimes called International Day of Friendship, too.
What is the history of International Friendship Day?
When recognising International Friendship Day 2023, it is the ideal time to think about the history of this important event.
International Friendship Day is an initiative born out of a proposal made by UNESCO when establishing the Culture of Peace.
The Culture of Peace is a set of values and behaviours that reject violence and aim to prevent conflicts. The Culture of Peace was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997.
Later in 2011, 30th July was established as International Friendship Day.
Friendship is the crucial gateway that builds bonds and develops camaraderie and trust.
As the golden summer sun descended below the horizon, the kindergarten kids’ summer day camp came to a delightful close. The air was filled with joy and accomplishment as the young campers gathered for their final activities. Each child proudly displayed their handmade crafts and artwork, beaming with pride at their creations. The playground echoed with laughter and playful chatter, signifying the deep friendships that had blossomed during their time together. The kindergarten kids’ summer day camp had been an enchanting journey of discovery, learning, and friendship, leaving them with cherished memories lingering in their hearts for years to come.
Diversity
Equity
Success
&
SILVER AWARD for the elimination of Discrimination & Inequalities in Education.
Differentiated Learning and Reinforcement of Learning Needs Program
On Monday, July 03, at the Conference Center of the University of Western Attica (formerly TEI Piraeus), the Education Leaders Awards 2023 Ceremony was held. For the 8th consecutive year, the Education Leaders Awards 2023 were organized in Greece by BOUSSIAS events to highlight and reward the academic units and activities, as well as the Educator of the Year that stood out, to upgrade the educational experience, both for students and teachers in the new digital age.
“Fish from Greece” Field Trip to the Argosaronic Fishfarms in Salamina
In the context of ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, the acquaintance of our students with the life cycle of fish and its nutritional value and following our invitation, on Tuesday, 30/5, the students of the 6th grade visited the ARGOSARONIC FISHFARMS fish farm of the family of our student Mathew Raftopoulos in Salamina. The visit included interactive games to learn about the life cycle – rearing and development of the fish at the different points – stations of the fish farm. The students were given hats, T-shirts, pads, and FFG (Fish From Greece) pencils. The visit ended on the beach next to the fish farm with a meal featuring fresh Greek fish.
A multidimensional and mostly interactive action!
The presentation of the fairy tale “The Flying Chickpeas” by Mania Armeliniou took place on the beach of Varkiza, with the 1st grade actively participating in the plot of the story!
A calm summer discussion about the value of friendship, nutrition and ecology allowed the students to make a meaningful connection with each other and with the environment!
Like all fairy tales, this one also consists of words ..which we made images & food for
thought, but the most important thing is that, in the end, we put them into practice!
We wore our gloves and tried for a better and “cleaner” tomorrow.
DES’ “Creative Writing and Illustration Workshop” in the 2022-2023 school year created a remarkable fairy tale that hides a treasure inside.
So in “The time … chest” that will travel into the future and be picked up by the children of the next generations, a priceless treasure will be hidden… Guess who it could be!
The students who participated in the writing of the fairy tale will present their fairy tale to all classes in the coming school year, strengthening skills intertwined with the philosophy of the IB -PYP program.
Each student will be able to illustrate their copy, giving a personal touch to the story’s plot!
Let us not forget that the same story touches each of us differently…