Black Lives Matter Week

Dear Parents and Students,

This week we have been reflecting on the fight for civil rights and discussing the theme of Black Lives matter. Many schools across the world in late January and early February also celebrate Black Lives Matter week where the focus is on concepts such as equality, diversity, justice, peace and harmony. During this week students are reminded of the dangers or discrimination and racism and that everyone should be treated equally and fairly. These concepts are very much in line with our school values of love and respect and are particularly pertinent in the current geopolitical climate. We have played a song in the mornings and afternoons to reflect our theme, sung by Cynthia Erivo called Stand Up from the film ‘Harriet’ about the anti-slavery movement in the United States in the late 19th century.

IB Philosophy: Global Mindedness and Equity

Furthermore, the IB philosophy holds at its core the concepts of international mindedness and diversity. Standard C2.8 of the Principles and Practices of the IB states The written curriculum provides opportunities for reflection on human commonality, diversity and multiple perspectives. Teachers devise units of inquiry and statements of inquiry which seek to do just that.

In secondary assembly students had a presentation on human dignity, equity and equality and had to write a short sketch exemplifying these concepts.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

This week we also commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day which is observed across the world on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the most notorious of the Nazi concentration camps.The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2005 establishing the day as an annual commemoration.

Educational Tours and Personal History

This week teachers from the Individuals and Societies faculty in secondary school have been hosting educational tours in the I & S wing, focused on the Holocaust, giving students a meaningful learning experience that brings history to life in a thoughtful way. The students explored the life and story of Anne Frank, helping them connect personally to the human experience. This approach deepens their understanding of the past while reinforcing the importance of dignity, remembrance, and historical awareness, making it a powerful and relevant part of their history education.

Both the Black Lives Matter movement and Holocaust memorial day offer opportunities for us to explore diversity, discrimination, racism, anti-semitism and the need for an open-mind, respect and love for each other.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Field Trips

Children in Class 6 Waldorf enjoyed a trip to the Planetarium this week whilst Grade 1 IB students visited the Royal Goat Farm as part of their unit of inquiry.

Academic Excellence: Mathematics Olympiad

A number of our students Grades 7-9 participated in a Pan Cypriot Maths Relay Olympiad on Thursday. We wish them every success.

Honoring Education: The Feast of the Three Hierarchs

Finally the holiday this Friday on 30th January celebrates education and life long learning. The Three Hierarchs is a significant holiday in Greek Cypriot schools, honoring the patron saints of education: Basil the Great, Gregory the Nazianzen, and John Chrysostom. The day is intended to commemorate Greek literacy, education and learning. This week our Greek teachers have been explaining this holiday and its significance to their classes and primary children had an assembly on the importance of lifelong learning.

I wish you all a calm and relaxing weekend.

Best Regards
Deborah Economou
Head of School