‘Love is the greatest refreshment in life’ - Pablo Picasso
Dear Colleagues,
This week, our school community is embracing the vibrant spirit of Tsiknopempti, a much-loved Cypriot tradition that forms part of the Carnival season. Known as “Smoky Thursday,” Tsiknopempti is a day when families and friends gather to enjoy traditional food, music, and celebration ahead of the Lenten period. It is a joyful expression of togetherness, heritage, and community life in Cyprus.
As an international school, we believe it is important for our students to understand and appreciate the culture of the country in which they live and learn. Exploring local festivals such as Tsiknopempti helps our students develop cultural awareness, respect, and a deeper sense of connection to the wider community. At the same time, it provides a meaningful opportunity to share traditions, compare customs from around the world, and celebrate the diversity that enriches our school.
Throughout the week, students have been learning about the history and significance of Tsiknopempti through a variety of activities and discussions. Unfortunately due to a very poor weather forecast for the day itself - 12th February - we decided to postpone it until next Friday 20th when we can give the children a chance to perform their dances and songs in drier weather and combine the celebrations with those of Carnival. We look forward to a festive and educational experience that reflects both our international identity and our strong connection to Cyprus and we also look forward to welcoming parents to join the students and teachers in these celebrations. Thank you to our amazing Greek faculty and The Tsiknopemtpi committee for all their work in this project.
This week is also the day of women and girls into science as designated by UNESCO intended to shape a future where science and gender equality advance equally. We are delighted that our science learning is open to all genders and that our girls get the opportunity to develop their scientific and mathematics skills. This will help them to enter degree courses and professions such as science, medicine and engineering. In the Primary assembly we learned about Marie Curie, Mae Jemison, and Katherine Johnson and their significant contributions to STEM. We also discussed how their work influenced the development of modern safety practices, from the use of gloves and protective clothing in laboratories to the creation of backup procedures that help safeguard technological systems today. MYP5 students participated in a Junior Achievement Sci-tech Challenge in partnership with ExonMobil. From this challenge a team consisting of 50% girls will be selected to represent The Island School in the Cyprus STEM Challenge in March. In MYP wellbeing time, students had a presentation and discussion on different Women scientists across the world where they learnt about famous scientists such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin and Sunita Williams.
Also this week our DP1 students have been completing their Group 4 Science Project and Study at the Terra Cypria Educational field centre in Kritou Terra in Akamas. They enjoyed exploring the local river, flora and fauna to carry out a number of experiments and data collections to help them to complete their assessed project. Meanwhile, the CP1 students were based in school focusing on a Personal & Professional Skills Project. Their challenge was to research and develop a game based resource that could be used in Grade 10 to 12 wellbeing sessions to develop ethical perspectives and ethical decision making. These will be integrated into the wellbeing plan for the next academic year.
Thanks to Sharmistha, Alexey, Ellie, Ivan and Tania for all your work on engaging our students in science this week!
In MYP this week students enjoyed a different style of learning as they explored inter-disciplinary units examining concepts across more than one subject area. They were assessed for these IDUs as part of their MYP mandatory programme.
The Interdisciplinary Unit this year showcased an inspiring range of engaging and thought-provoking learning experiences across all MYP year groups.
MYP 1 students explored the power of inquiry — understanding how and why asking questions is fundam we ental to learning. They developed scientific language through structured questioning and investigated variables to strengthen their research and investigative skills.
MYP 2 students immersed themselves in the world of Greek civilisation — examining lifestyle, governance, and language development. Their visit to the Greek village of Arsos in Cyprus provided authentic, first-hand insights. The hands-on clay work allowed them to explore the ceramic traditions of the era, bringing history vividly to life.
MYP 3 delved into the medieval travellers’ era through intensive research, culminating in the creation of handcrafted journals. Students designed and constructed their own journal pages and covers, dyed paper with coffee to recreate a medieval aesthetic, and wrote scripts using sharpened sticks and ink in calligraphic styles — a beautiful amalgamation of Arts and Language.
MYP 4 journeyed into the world of historical engineering by studying trebuchets. Connecting past innovations with modern Technology and Design principles, students built working models and tested them in real time using water-filled balloons — seamlessly blending fun, experimentation, and conceptual understanding.
MYP 5 explored leadership and performance optimization. Through mathematical models and data analysis, they investigated how athletic performance can be predicted and enhanced — applying real-world data to understand team management and individual performance dynamics.
The successful culmination of three dynamic days of interdisciplinary learning was thoughtfully conceptualized, meticulously planned, and executed seamlessly. Many thanks to all ur amazing MYP teacher facilitators and of course to Sharmistha for orchestrating the three days!
What truly stood out was the overwhelmingly positive and genuine feedback from our students. In random conversations with learners across different grades and during class drop-ins, we consistently heard reflections filled with excitement, curiosity, collaboration, and deep learning. That is the true measure of success of the IDU.
In our drive towards strong academic outcomes, we place a high value on the development of English. To support this we launched our monthly debate this week for Grade 11 students. This month's topic is ‘Automation and Jobs: Should tech leaders prioritise automation that increases efficiency, even if it leads to significant job losses in certain industries?’
Our DP 2 students this week and next are sitting their mock examination before the final assessments which start at the end of April. We wish them the very best in their preparations and rigorous studies. Thank you to Tagir and Grajina for all the organisation and good luck to DP teachers for the marking!
Finally, as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s day tomorrow in our Montessori classrooms, celebrations are designed to strengthen community and nurture social development. On Friday, 13th February, we held a Valentine’s Pyjama Day focused on friendship, kindness, and positive peer relationships.
The day began with the children preparing a handmade “Friendship Post Office” box, encouraging thoughtful communication and written expressions of appreciation toward classmates. We also conducted a whole-class bonding activity titled “We Are Love Connected.” Using a string net exercise, the children visually explored how each member of the class is connected and how words and actions impact one another.
Throughout the day, students participated in collaborative arts and crafts activities and shared Valentine’s cookies in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The event placed strong emphasis on empathy, respectful communication, and building meaningful friendships within the classroom community.
The celebration successfully supported social-emotional learning and reinforced our Montessori values of mutual respect, connection, and community. A big thanks to all our wonderful Montessori team!
As one of our school values, 'love’ is at the heart of our daily life at The Island School. In a world full of conflict we look to the beauty of love to remind us of our common humanity.
Wishing you a lovely weekend in the company of your loved ones
Best Regards
Deborah Economou
Head of School
Dear Colleagues,
This week, our school community is embracing the vibrant spirit of Tsiknopempti, a much-loved Cypriot tradition that forms part of the Carnival season. Known as “Smoky Thursday,” Tsiknopempti is a day when families and friends gather to enjoy traditional food, music, and celebration ahead of the Lenten period. It is a joyful expression of togetherness, heritage, and community life in Cyprus.
As an international school, we believe it is important for our students to understand and appreciate the culture of the country in which they live and learn. Exploring local festivals such as Tsiknopempti helps our students develop cultural awareness, respect, and a deeper sense of connection to the wider community. At the same time, it provides a meaningful opportunity to share traditions, compare customs from around the world, and celebrate the diversity that enriches our school.
Throughout the week, students have been learning about the history and significance of Tsiknopempti through a variety of activities and discussions. Unfortunately due to a very poor weather forecast for the day itself - 12th February - we decided to postpone it until next Friday 20th when we can give the children a chance to perform their dances and songs in drier weather and combine the celebrations with those of Carnival. We look forward to a festive and educational experience that reflects both our international identity and our strong connection to Cyprus and we also look forward to welcoming parents to join the students and teachers in these celebrations. Thank you to our amazing Greek faculty and The Tsiknopemtpi committee for all their work in this project.
This week is also the day of women and girls into science as designated by UNESCO intended to shape a future where science and gender equality advance equally. We are delighted that our science learning is open to all genders and that our girls get the opportunity to develop their scientific and mathematics skills. This will help them to enter degree courses and professions such as science, medicine and engineering. In the Primary assembly we learned about Marie Curie, Mae Jemison, and Katherine Johnson and their significant contributions to STEM. We also discussed how their work influenced the development of modern safety practices, from the use of gloves and protective clothing in laboratories to the creation of backup procedures that help safeguard technological systems today. MYP5 students participated in a Junior Achievement Sci-tech Challenge in partnership with ExonMobil. From this challenge a team consisting of 50% girls will be selected to represent The Island School in the Cyprus STEM Challenge in March. In MYP wellbeing time, students had a presentation and discussion on different Women scientists across the world where they learnt about famous scientists such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin and Sunita Williams.
Also this week our DP1 students have been completing their Group 4 Science Project and Study at the Terra Cypria Educational field centre in Kritou Terra in Akamas. They enjoyed exploring the local river, flora and fauna to carry out a number of experiments and data collections to help them to complete their assessed project. Meanwhile, the CP1 students were based in school focusing on a Personal & Professional Skills Project. Their challenge was to research and develop a game based resource that could be used in Grade 10 to 12 wellbeing sessions to develop ethical perspectives and ethical decision making. These will be integrated into the wellbeing plan for the next academic year.
Thanks to Sharmistha, Alexey, Ellie, Ivan and Tania for all your work on engaging our students in science this week!
In MYP this week students enjoyed a different style of learning as they explored inter-disciplinary units examining concepts across more than one subject area. They were assessed for these IDUs as part of their MYP mandatory programme.
The Interdisciplinary Unit this year showcased an inspiring range of engaging and thought-provoking learning experiences across all MYP year groups.
MYP 1 students explored the power of inquiry — understanding how and why asking questions is fundam we ental to learning. They developed scientific language through structured questioning and investigated variables to strengthen their research and investigative skills.
MYP 2 students immersed themselves in the world of Greek civilisation — examining lifestyle, governance, and language development. Their visit to the Greek village of Arsos in Cyprus provided authentic, first-hand insights. The hands-on clay work allowed them to explore the ceramic traditions of the era, bringing history vividly to life.
MYP 3 delved into the medieval travellers’ era through intensive research, culminating in the creation of handcrafted journals. Students designed and constructed their own journal pages and covers, dyed paper with coffee to recreate a medieval aesthetic, and wrote scripts using sharpened sticks and ink in calligraphic styles — a beautiful amalgamation of Arts and Language.
MYP 4 journeyed into the world of historical engineering by studying trebuchets. Connecting past innovations with modern Technology and Design principles, students built working models and tested them in real time using water-filled balloons — seamlessly blending fun, experimentation, and conceptual understanding.
MYP 5 explored leadership and performance optimization. Through mathematical models and data analysis, they investigated how athletic performance can be predicted and enhanced — applying real-world data to understand team management and individual performance dynamics.
The successful culmination of three dynamic days of interdisciplinary learning was thoughtfully conceptualized, meticulously planned, and executed seamlessly. Many thanks to all ur amazing MYP teacher facilitators and of course to Sharmistha for orchestrating the three days!
What truly stood out was the overwhelmingly positive and genuine feedback from our students. In random conversations with learners across different grades and during class drop-ins, we consistently heard reflections filled with excitement, curiosity, collaboration, and deep learning. That is the true measure of success of the IDU.
In our drive towards strong academic outcomes, we place a high value on the development of English. To support this we launched our monthly debate this week for Grade 11 students. This month's topic is ‘Automation and Jobs: Should tech leaders prioritise automation that increases efficiency, even if it leads to significant job losses in certain industries?’
Our DP 2 students this week and next are sitting their mock examination before the final assessments which start at the end of April. We wish them the very best in their preparations and rigorous studies. Thank you to Tagir and Grajina for all the organisation and good luck to DP teachers for the marking!
Finally, as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s day tomorrow in our Montessori classrooms, celebrations are designed to strengthen community and nurture social development. On Friday, 13th February, we held a Valentine’s Pyjama Day focused on friendship, kindness, and positive peer relationships.
The day began with the children preparing a handmade “Friendship Post Office” box, encouraging thoughtful communication and written expressions of appreciation toward classmates. We also conducted a whole-class bonding activity titled “We Are Love Connected.” Using a string net exercise, the children visually explored how each member of the class is connected and how words and actions impact one another.
Throughout the day, students participated in collaborative arts and crafts activities and shared Valentine’s cookies in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The event placed strong emphasis on empathy, respectful communication, and building meaningful friendships within the classroom community.
The celebration successfully supported social-emotional learning and reinforced our Montessori values of mutual respect, connection, and community. A big thanks to all our wonderful Montessori team!
As one of our school values, 'love’ is at the heart of our daily life at The Island School. In a world full of conflict we look to the beauty of love to remind us of our common humanity.
Wishing you a lovely weekend in the company of your loved ones
Best Regards
Deborah Economou
Head of School