International Book Giving Day @ DES!
Once again, this year, we sent books and our love to the library of the Chalki Primary and Secondary School in the Dodecanese. As part of our schools’ collaboration in the Miles and Souls program, this year’s Book Giving Day allowed us to support the schools’ libraries on our remote island!
Love matters!
#Des #InternationalBookGivingDay2025
As the world welcomes the Chinese New Year 2025, hearts are filled with joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the Lunar New Year is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals across China and many other parts of the world, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and among Chinese communities worldwide.
This vibrant and auspicious occasion, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the arrival of the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac—a year symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and resilience.
Des Middle School recently hosted a robust anti-bullying poster competition to raise awareness and foster a respectful, inclusive school environment. Students from grades 7 and 8 participated, creating vibrant and meaningful posters that addressed the impacts of bullying and encouraged kindness, empathy, and unity.
The winning posters were selected based on creativity, message clarity, and visual impact. First place went to GEORGE FILIOS, a seventh-grader whose design used bold imagery and a slogan, “SPEAK OUT FOR THOSE WHO WON’T”, emphasizing unity against bullying.
These outstanding entries will be displayed throughout the school, reminding everyone of the daily importance of kindness and mutual respect.
The Interactive European School participated with remarkable success in the final phase of the International STEM Olympiad held on 10-16/7 in The Hague, Netherlands.
The International STEM Olympiad is a remarkable competition that brings together the world’s brightest young minds in various STEM disciplines. The event aims to promote excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by encouraging students to push the boundaries of innovation and discovery.
Representing Greece, the DES team, consisting of nine outstanding students, travelled to The Hague and competed with students from 30 countries in Europe, America and Asia, successfully advancing to the grand final!
Our students, truly the best of the best, demonstrated unparalleled ability and dedication in math, science and programming. Their skills, intellect and our school’s enriched, diversified program helped them stand out among thousands of applicants and return to Greece with 14 medals, proving that an enhanced educational program leads young, bright minds to academic excellence.
It is with great excitement that we announce the distribution of the medals won by our children in the grand final:
Medal distribution:
Mathematics: 6 Medals
Sciences: 2 Medals
Programming-Coding: 4 Medals
English Hi-Lingua 1 medal
Online Exam Winners 1 Medal
The teachers and parents accompanying the students to the competition experienced great emotion and pride. In a statement: “We are very proud of our students’ achievements at the International STEM Olympiad. Their success at such a prestigious, global event reflects the passion and high educational standards of our school.” they emphasized that these awards demonstrate both the quality of the educational program and DES’s commitment to fostering a solid foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and nurturing the talents of our future leaders.
On the other hand, our participating students experienced great pride as they deservedly represented Greece and their school and achieved high performance. Their statement: “Competing in the International STEM Olympiad was a challenging but rewarding experience. Winning these medals is a dream come true, and we are grateful for the support from our teachers and school.” demonstrates the dedication they have shown throughout the year as well as their love for excellence!
DES is a bilingual, international educational institution in the municipality of Vari, Voula, Vouliagmeni. It is dedicated to providing high-quality education and cultivating a passion for learning in students. With a strong emphasis on STEM education, the school equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a rapidly evolving world.
At DES, we are deeply honored and grateful for the recognition of our projects, innovative actions, and pioneering programs at the Educational Leaders Awards 2024. This acknowledgement, among many other nominations, is a testament to our commitment to excellence!
Specifically, the DES was distinguished in the following categories:
More than 250 high-ranking education officials, representatives of Agencies, Universities, Professionals, and press attended the Award Ceremony, applauding the innovation and quality of the nominations of our country’s educational units and teachers.
We continue to contribute vigorously to the educational change of our time.
Decades That Changed the World: A Journey Through Time from 1900 to 2024
The Year 1 summer play at DES School, “Decades That Changed the World,” was a heartfelt and captivating journey through time, spanning from 1900 to 2024. As the young performers took the stage, they transported the audience through pivotal moments of history, each decade brought to life with music and stories. From the roaring 1920s to the transformative 1960s and into the innovative 21st century, each scene was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and progress that have shaped our world. The children’s enthusiasm and talent shone brightly, evoking nostalgia and hope, reminding us of how far we have come and the endless possibilities. This remarkable performance showcased their incredible abilities and united us all in a shared appreciation for the past and a hopeful vision for the future.
PYP IB EXHIBITION 2023- 2024 Team: Artificial Intelligence
Interview with Dr.John Tsitsiklis, Professor at MIT
Dear Year 6 graduates,
Today marks a significant milestone in your educational journey, a day of celebration and reflection on all you have achieved. You have left an indelible mark on our school, from your outstanding academic performance to exceptional leadership skills. As you stand at the threshold of new adventures, take a moment to appreciate how far you have come. You have faced challenges with courage, embraced learning enthusiastically, and grown into remarkable individuals ready to embark on the next chapter of your lives.
Graduation is not just a culmination but a commencement. It is a testament to your unyielding effort, resilience, and commitment. As you stride ahead, carry the wisdom gleaned, the bonds forged, and the moments treasured. Remember, the future is a canvas waiting for your strokes. Envision grandly, toil diligently, and never cease to believe in your potential.
Heartfelt congratulations, Year 6 graduates! We are not just proud of your accomplishments, but we are also excited for the remarkable things you will achieve. Your potential is limitless, and we can’t wait to see you shine in the world. Continue to radiate and let your inner light guide you to boundless possibilities.
Celebrating culture and diversity at our annual Spring International Festival at DES, we enjoyed a deliciously vibrant experience where flavours from around the world united. Many thanks to the parents for their incredible contributions, from preparing various international dishes to helping organise the event. Your efforts made this festival a true celebration of our community’s rich cultural tapestry, a source of pride and connection for all of us, creating beautiful memories and fostering a spirit of global togetherness.
#CultureCelebration #DiversityInFood #SpringFestival #GlobalFlavors #SchoolEvent
DES is the first school to participate in a simulation exercise (Analog Simulation) of the Mars Society Hellas (hellas.marssociety.org), the Official Chapter of The Mars Society International (marssociety.org).
The students embarked on a truly unique journey, taking instructions from headquarters, following the astronauts’ exploration routines, and even experiencing a simulated solar storm. They delved into the fascinating and inhospitable environment of the planet Mars, searching for and discovering rocks and water. The DES was completely transformed into a Martian landscape for two consecutive days, providing a one-of-a-kind experience. We express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Alexandros Krasakis for his exceptional coordination, preparation, and sponsorship that made this collaboration a unique and unforgettable event!
DES@MARS 2024 is an Interactive Mars Analog Simulation exercise from DES School with Mars Society Hellas (hellas.marssociety.org) – The official Chapter of The Mars Society International (marssociety.org) for elementary and high school grades.
The students, acting as real astronauts, had a holistic experience that allowed them to test and improve their abilities in STEAM activities, such as [specific activities], as well as in social skills – leadership and teamwork. This unique opportunity enhanced their academic knowledge and fostered personal growth and resilience.
Ad Astra DES School Astronauts, the pioneers of a truly unique experience in the Martian landscape.