Year 2 turned their Unit of Inquiry on Nutrition into a vibrant, hands-on experience that blended learning with pure joy. After preparing their own healthy snacks, students gathered in the school garden for a wholesome picnic — made even more unforgettable by a visit from our beloved school donkeys. Sharing fruits and vegetables with them gave the children a heartfelt lesson in kindness, empathy and caring for others.
Through moments like these, students discover that healthy living goes far beyond what we eat. It is about connection, community and the joy of giving. By pairing nutrition with meaningful experiences, our young learners are building habits that nurture both their well-being and their hearts.
The first DES@Mars mission was born in 2024 at DES, paving the way for a new era of educational space exploration. In 2025, the journey continues even more dynamically as students are transported to the year 2101, where the Martians Pro work to build a sustainable human community on the red planet. DES@Mars 2025, created by DES School in collaboration with Mars Society Hellas—the official chapter of The Mars Society International—marks the second Interactive Mars Analogue Simulation in Greece and transforms science fiction into a vivid, hands-on reality for elementary- and middle-school students. More at https://deschool.eu
The new mission, titled Mars & Earth: For a New Future of Humanity, immerses children in a multidimensional scenario where they become tomorrow’s astronauts, scientists, engineers and leaders, called to confront the scientific, social and ethical challenges of life far from Earth. With strong emphasis on STEAM learning, teamwork and leadership development, the experience brings them face-to-face with the true essence of exploration.
For younger students (Grades 1–3), the adventure begins with their first landing on Mars. They are invited to solve riddles, raise the Mars flag and identify essential resources such as water using fundamental research tools. For older students (Grades 4–6), the narrative becomes more complex: a conflict between Earth authorities and Martian settlers highlights issues of justice, economic independence and self-governance. The Treaty of Peaceful Coexistence is on the verge of being signed, the Mars Declaration of Independence is gaining momentum, and Mars Free Radio is bringing together the voices of the colonists envisioning a new interplanetary future.
The action remains vivid throughout the mission. Communications take place through walkie-talkies; mission doctors assess the crew’s readiness with a thermometer and an oximeter; water is searched for with a metal detector; and a sudden solar storm—signalled by an alarm—forces astronauts to evacuate immediately. In the background, Mars Free Radio broadcasts messages of freedom and unity between the two worlds.
At the end of the mission, every student receives a Certificate of Participation, mission badges, lanyards, stickers and their personal action cards, tangible reminders of an experience that leaves a lasting mark on imagination and learning.
A warm thank-you goes to Alexandros Krasakis for designing and coordinating this pioneering program, which continues to inspire hundreds of young “astronauts” to dream without limits.
All mission material—from photos and descriptions to role details and activity insights—is collected both on the DES blog and on the Mars Society Hellas blog, allowing everyone to explore how the experience came to life across both editions of the program:
Spooky smiles and magical moments filled DES Primary School this Halloween!
The word Halloween derives from the phrase All Hallows’ Eve, referring to the evening before All Hallows’ Day, or All Saints’ Day, a Christian feast honouring saints and martyrs. Over time, the old English word hallow (meaning “holy” or “saint”) combined with even (meaning “evening”) evolved through the Scottish dialect into Hallowe’en, and eventually into Halloween. This linguistic transformation reflects how the ancient religious observance intertwined with older Celtic harvest and Samhain traditions, creating the modern celebration that blends sacred remembrance with folklore and festivity.
Bridging Generations in the Digital Age: A Global Conversation on Social Media Use
Today, our middle school students engaged in an enlightening international dialogue as part of the Round Square Postcard Event, “Screen Shift: The Generational Divide.” Together with peers from Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the UAE, they explored how social media usage varies not only between generations but also across diverse cultural and national contexts.
The discussion offered a thought-provoking look at how technology influences communication, identity, and social interaction worldwide. Students reflected on how digital platforms can both bridge and widen generational gaps, fostering global understanding while also revealing distinct cultural nuances. Through open dialogue and collaboration, they embraced the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Communication, and Leadership, developing empathy and intercultural awareness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
A Day of Remembrance and Reflection – DES Middle School Field Trip
The National Anniversary of October 28th is not merely a date. It is a moment of collective remembrance — a reminder of the courage and dignity of a people who stood tall against the darkness of fascism.
In honour of this historic day, the students of DES Middle School embarked on a meaningful field trip to Distomo, a place where the message of October 28th takes on flesh and bone.
At the Museum of the Victims of Nazism, our students came face to face with images that leave no one untouched — people who paid the price of freedom with their lives. The documentary we watched was not just a history lesson; it was a call to remember and be aware. There, before the evidence of barbarity, the “NO” of 1940 became an act of bravery and self-sacrifice.
We then visited the Mausoleum, where the souls of the innocent victims rest. From above, Distomo stretched out peacefully under the sun, and every stone seemed to carry a story of sacrifice. Standing before the names of men, women, children, and the elderly who were unjustly lost, we felt the weight of History — and the strength of Memory, which reminds us that freedom is never given, but earned with blood and soul.
The field trip concluded in Livadia, where students explored the picturesque alleys and the springs of Krya. After the quiet emotion of Distomo, this walk gave everyone a chance to reflect and share their thoughts. It was a gentle reminder that life, despite the wounds it carries, goes on — and that light always finds a way to overcome the darkness.
This day will remain engraved in our Memory not simply as a school trip, but as a journey that made us more mature — a journey that taught us quiet gratitude for what we have and a silent promise never to forget.
Because Memory is the quietest, yet the strongest way to resist.
Today at DES, we honoured the national anniversary of October 28th with respect and emotion. From our youngest to our oldest students, the school was filled with colours, flags, and songs in a celebration dedicated to memory, peace, and freedom.
In the school courtyard, our students proudly marched, holding their flags high and paying tribute to the heroes of 1940. Their voices came together in a shared rhythm — one of gratitude for all those who fought for our country and its ideals.
The younger children travelled back to 1940 through stories, songs, and art, discovering the power of the word “No” and the courage of the women of Epirus. Our students created their own doves of peace, filled with words and feelings, while the older ones, through literature, reflection, and writing, gave voice and meaning to remembrance.
Today was more than just a celebration — it was a reminder that history lives on in the hearts of our children, in every look, every smile, and every word written to help us remember.
EcoSense: AI-Driven Environmental Awareness in Lisbon
From October 12 to 18, 2025, the vibrant city of Lisbon hosted the Erasmus+ project EcoSense: AI-Driven Environmental Awareness, which brought together students and teachers from Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. This innovative program focused on using artificial intelligence to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among young people. Participants collaborated in workshops, field activities, and cultural exchanges, exploring how technology could help build a greener future. Beyond its academic and environmental achievements, EcoSense truly embodied the spirit of Erasmus — fostering friendship, cultural understanding, and lifelong learning through shared European values. #ErasmusPlus #EcoSense2026 #AIForEnvironment #LisbonExperience #GreenFuture #CulturalExchange
As part of the Erasmus+ Exchange between Greece and Sweden, our school welcomed Swedish students for a week of learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. The visit brought together Greek and Swedish students in a variety of enriching activities — from friendly football matches that built teamwork and connection, to joint academic projects that deepened intercultural understanding. Together, students compared two documentaries — one about Greece and one about Sweden — analysing how filmmakers use sound, colour, and imagery to construct different versions of “reality,” and reflecting on the shared and unique aspects of their cultures. In a special Erasmus Observation Lesson with our Year 9 class, participants explored rhetorical speech through ethos, pathos, and logos, inspired by Sophocles’ Antigone. By performing key speeches from Antigone and Creon, students brought ancient drama to life and discovered how classical thought continues to resonate in modern European education. This vibrant exchange embodied the Erasmus spirit—learning through dialogue, creativity, and friendship across borders.
The second meeting of the participating countries — Greece, Turkey, Romania, and Ireland — within the framework of the Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) programme took place in the city of Ünye, Turkey, from October 6th to 11th, 2025.
The Greek delegation consisted of five junior high school students and two teachers from our school. The main objective of the programme was to encourage students from all partner countries to participate in a student conference focused on environmental issues, challenges, and solutions. Each student had prepared to represent a different country from around the world, presenting the major environmental problems that the nation faces, as well as proposing practical and sustainable solutions to address them.
Throughout the conference, participants emphasised the importance of international communication and cooperation in tackling global-scale environmental problems and highlighted the responsibility of each country to take action toward a more sustainable future. The proceedings included opening and closing statements, interstate dialogue, and debate sessions conducted in accordance with international standards and best practices. In total, approximately 30 speakers took part in the conference.
The host country, Turkey, had prepared an excellent and well-organised programme, enriched with a variety of cultural and collaborative activities that strengthened the bonds among the partner schools and ensured the event’s overall success. Our students had the opportunity to visit the Turkish partner school, explore local landmarks and cultural sites, and meet with both the Head of Education and Culture of the city and the Mayor of Ünye.
During the two-day conference, our students represented their assigned countries with great success and eloquence, demonstrating confidence and strong debating skills. Special recognition was given to the six students from all participating countries who received Speaker’s Awards for their outstanding performance. Among the awardees were our students Coralia Ferrari and Angelina Drosou, who both received honourable distinctions for their exceptional participation.
This week, DES students engaged in an enriching exploration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant and time-honoured celebrations in Chinese culture. Through interactive storytelling, creative crafts, and cultural presentations, our learners deepened their understanding of this special festival — from sharing mooncakes to admiring the full moon as a symbol of reunion, harmony, and gratitude.
We were delighted to have the support of our amazing DES Chinese mothers, whose enthusiasm and generosity brought the celebration to life. Their guidance and participation made the activities even more meaningful. A special thanks also goes to our Chinese students, who confidently shared their knowledge and traditions with their classmates through engaging presentations and performances.
At DES, we are dedicated to promoting global citizenship and fostering intercultural understanding. By integrating cultural celebrations into our curriculum, we encourage students to appreciate the diversity of human experiences and to develop empathy, respect, and curiosity for the world around them.
Wishing a joyful and meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival to all who celebrate!
