During the weekend of the 8^{th -} 10^th December, seven pupils from our school took part in the 12^th Costeas-Geitonas Model United Nations (MUN) which this year had as its main theme ‘The Rise of Populism’. Our pupils acted as delegates of Turkey and the Republic of Korea in the Human Rights Committee, the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, the Environmental Committee, the Disarmament Committee, the Economic and Social Council and the Special Conference on the Rise of Populism.

They discussed and debated topics as diverse as addressing the risks of cyber-terrorism, enhancing humanitarian assistance in times of conflict, ensuring access to healthcare for migrant populations, analysing the rise of populism as a threat to human rights or finding measures to counter hate speech.

MUN participation is very popular in our school and although this year only seven pupils took part, they were the most dedicated pupils to MUN ever attending, with one of them taking part on crutches and very bravely climbing up the many steps of Costeas-Geitonas school! As always our pupils made a noticeable presence in their Committees, with one of them being voted the best delegate of the Special Conference. The dedication of all our participants is remarkable since, as they describe it, they enjoy meeting other young people and learning a lot about world affairs through serious discussions on contemporary problems; and this became even more apparent in the way they have already started to prepare themselves for their next conference. Well done to all!

On Thursday 7th December, in order to enhance the children's learning and to make the most of the festive season, Year 3 visited Paradise Park in Acharnes. The children had a whale of a time decorating Christmas shortbread biscuits with melted chocolate and sprinkles. They  took part in tremendously fun activities which included a ride on a horse drawn cart with Santa, built an obstacle course and played lots of group games too.

"This is the best day EVER!" exclaimed one excited pupil. We have to agree it certainly looks like they had a lot of fun!

The half term holiday saw a group of sixth-formers travel to Krakow in Poland. The highlight of the trip was, of course, the visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau where over 1 million people were murdered during the Holocaust. Despite the awful weather conditions it was an interesting and moving day during which the group spent 3 hours at Auschwitz, the site of the prison camp, before traveling to take in the unique atmosphere of Birkenau with its iconic railway, guard tower and wooden barracks.

As well as visiting the camp there was an interesting trip to the Wielszka salt mine, as well as many hours investigating the beautiful city of Krakow and its museums. Another highlight was the visit to the Jewish quarter and Jewish museum where Mrs. Monika Goldwasser told the fascinating story of how she survived the liquidation of the ghetto when her parents smuggled her into a local convent from where she was adopted.

Counselling psychologist Marialena Kalyva Dragazi will be talking to parents, and taking questions, on the subject of “Internet and Gaming Addiction”. The presentation will be in English and will take place in senior school. Parents who are attending should make their way to the senior school reception area from where they will be directed to the room hosting the presentation. 
The problem of children suffering addictions to the internet and online gaming is a concern for many parents, I know, and so I ask you to contact either telephone or email the senior school (seniorschool@slc.gr) or junior school (juniorschool@slc.gr) to let us know if you plan to attend this presentation. 
Ms Kalyva Dragazi has worked with the staff of St. Lawrence College in the past and, being aware of how knowledgeable she is, and what an effective communicator she is, I am very pleased that she has agreed to return to our school to speak to parents on this important theme. In addition to making this presentation, Ms Kalyva Dragazi will be in school for two full days working in several year group sessions with pupils from Years 9-13 on the theme of self-esteem and the worrying problem of self-harming among teenagers.  

The presentation will take place at 9:00 am on Monday 11th December
 

Eight pupils of our school will take part in the 12th “Costeas-Geitonas School” M.U.N. (Model United Nations) Conference which will be held on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of December 2017 at the Costeas-Geitonas School.

The Costeas- Geitonas School M.U.N. conference is THIMUN Affiliated Model United Nations and its higher level is certain to be appreciated and enjoyed even more by the pupils taking part. This year the CGSMUN conference focuses on The Rise of Populism.

The pupils have to be at Costeas-Geitonas School at 9:00 am on each day and will have to stay there until approximately 6:00pm. On Friday morning only will they be taken from our school to Costeas-Geitonas with our school bus.

Pupils will take part in the exciting Annual Talent Show. Parents are very welcome to come along and be amazed at the variety of talents pupils will  be enthralling the appreciative audience with. The show will begin at 1pm and will go on until approximately 2:50pm.
 

Starting at 9:30 am and finishing at approximately 11:45am we will have our Annual Quiz. Teams from each Key Stage will compete against each other as they are tested on their general knowledge skills. 

The Annual Speakathon in the Cultural Hall starts at 9:30am and goes on until 3pm. An example of important topics that will be discussed by the teams are:
-Professional athletes should not express political beliefs at sporting events.
-Abolish prison as a punishment for non-violent crimes.

Key Stage 3 trip to the theatre at Megaro Mousikis in Athens. Almost 50 pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 will have the opportunity to watch ‘Shadowland’ performed by the New York Pilobulus Theatre Company. The show will commence at 5pm and last about 1 hour and 30 minutes.The pupils will leave school at the end of the day (3:30pm) and return to Ag. Konstantinos Square Glyfada (outside the Public store) at approximately 7:30pm.

Year 7 Multi curricular visit to The Acropolis and The Acropolis Museum. The pupils will have a guided tour of The Parthenon and enjoy wonderful views whilst learning about the history of the ancient city we live in.

Year 7 will enjoy a visit to Attica Zoo at Spata as part of the Science Curriculum completing a variety of written tasks to help them better understand the mammals, reptiles and birds on show at the zoo. The pupils leave school at 9am and will return at the beginning of lunch break.

We will be holding the first of this year’s careers mornings for KS4 & 5 (Years 10 – 13) on Monday morning 8: 50am – 10:10 am. The visiting speakers are our ex-pupil Kareen Naiman (nee Kareen Pong) a charity worker, Mr Andreas Persidis who founded a biotech company and  Mr Stavros Halkias who runs a games company. 

The pupils of years 4, 5 & 6 were burning up a serious fever, DISCO fever nonetheless, on Friday 24th November 2017. They had a blast, it has to be said! The dancing was frenetic, and when THE HAT was placed on their heads, boy did they go for it! They were searching out the spotlight to show off their talent and enthusiasm for getting down to the music. 

Of course as usual, the pizza, juices and litres of water were consumed with as much gusto as the music, so all in all it was undeniably a success. Well done to all the children and teachers who participated so enthusiastically and kicked off the weekend to a roaring start!

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, the children in Early Years had a wonderful celebratory feast on Thursday 23rd November 2017 to mark this special holiday. They learned all about the pilgrims, the Mayflower, and they even donned bonnets and hats in the traditional style. 

When asked about why it was important to share their food around a big table, one happy little voice piped up, "We want to give food to our friends like this!" Yes indeed, sharing with friends is very important. And fun too by the looks of it!

On Wednesday 22nd November 2017 Year 4 had a special visitor, Mrs Navarro, who came to talk to them about her specialist subject, the Maya civilisation. This was a valuable visit to enhance the children's understanding of a topic studied in History.

Teachers and pupils were fascinated by her interesting and insightful presentation which made clear her in-depth knowledge of this subject. Everyone found it both informative and enjoyable, a fact that was reflected in the many questions put to her. The children's curiosity was piqued, and she taught them many amazing facts about this great civilisation.

Many thanks to Ms Navarro!