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SANTA MARINA RETREAT
On the 25th November 2009, a group of around 70 students from Classes 1-4 went on an excursion to Santa Marina Retreat, located near Paraklessia.
The event was organized by the Santa Marina Retreat instructors and workers who had 5 activities for us to try out. Archery, Horse Riding, Wall Climbing, Golf and a Tour.
My own experiences were happy, memorable and extremely funny.
We got to the retreat after a trip on the bus and we were given a warm welcome by the instructors. We were told to choose an activity. Personally, I went for the golf activity first of all.
Some of the people in my group were Lefkios and Stephanos G. from 1A and a few others from different classes. Our first activity was golf and we had a go at putting on a green. Most of us did very well, and for some it was their first time!
Our next port of call was the Horse Riding activity. At first, I admit I was a little bit scared to ride on the horses. But someone gave me a push, and the rest, as they say, is history. I had a second go as well!
After a relaxing break, we headed for the wall climbing activity. I was terrified!!! But then I think I maybe went bonkers for a second, and had a go!!! Unfortunately, I couldn't get up to the top.
I was looking forward to Archery most of all. We were all very good at the activity, and had a few laughs during the activity and a few bulls-eyes were struck!
Our last activity was the Tour, and everyone agreed it was a relaxing way to end the day.
Our final activity was lunch. When lunch was ready at the counter there was total CHAOS!!!!!!!! We talked and cracked some jokes and, typically, when we had to leave the retreat we were all unhappy, but we could all agree that it was a memorable trip, and one we would like to experience a hundred times more.
By James Stephenson, Class 1A
Trip to Brussels
On the 24th of November some of class 6 and 7 students went to Brussels for the politics trip. We were all looking forward to it from the start as it was the first trip abroad with friends for most of us. Furthermore, we all really wanted to see what the capital of the European Union looks like. Unfortunately, some people told us that Brussels is a dull city beforehand.
When we actually got there, we discovered that Brussels is not a dull city at all. It striked us with its fantastic architecture. It is amazing how the city combines modern buildings, such as the Manhattan area or the European Parliament and Commission, the medieval gothic churches and the European style houses. Most of us fell in love with that city by the end of the trip.
The area we stayed in was awesome. The hotel was situated close to most of the shops and restaurants, so we did not have to travel anywhere night time. In addition to that, we simply enjoyed walking around the area and looking at the people's way of life there.
However, the reason for us actually going to Brussels was purely educational, political to be precise. On the first day of the trip our teachers took us to the European Parliament and the European Commission. In the Parliament we managed to see the conference room and the MEPs which were currently in Strasbourg. Furthermore, we learnt how the decisions of the European Union affect us directly and indirectly. This was a wonderful lecture delivered to us by one of the employees of the Parliament.
Briefing at the European Commission was not as good as the one in the Parliament. The man there included a lot of irrelevant information into his presentation and could not answer simple questions that were asked by the students. Yet, we learnt about some of the features of the EU.
On our last day we had a chance to go shopping. The shops in Brussels were absolutely amazing! All of us bought so much stuff, that we did not know how to fit it in our suitcases and some of us had problems closing them. However, the most important is that we had fun. This trip was extremely productive. Being a politics student, I can say that studying politics is extremely interesting but actually seeing how people make political decisions is highly educational. Even the people who do not do politics enjoyed the trip as they saw the headquarters of the EU.
In my opinion we were on our best behaviour all the time, or at least almost all the time. Hopefully, our teachers - Mr. Efstathiou and Miss Tsikkou will take us somewhere next year as well.
Katya Mozloeva
GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP
On Thursday, 5th November, class 1a and 1b set out on a Geography field trip to the Alassa Dam in Limassol.
Our aim was to observe the weathering , erosion, mouth of the river, river-bed, tributeries and the drainage basin. All of which we had covered in our recent lessons.
It was very interesting to see everything we had discussed up close. To actually see how weathering played a part in changing the landscape, how erosion changes the formation of the rocks and also being able to see the mouth of the river.
One of our tasks was to measure the depth of the water and see how fast it rises. We measured it at approximately 9.20 am it was 40cm deep and 12.2m wide. We measured it in one hours time and found that it had risen to 58 cm deep and the width became 3.62m further along the bridge of the river.
We saw how the river eroded the riverbed and the land changed shape. Mr Tittiris gave us a task to see how the force of the water is by placing as many logs into the river to try and stop the water flowing. But of course this was impossible and it was good to see this practical experience.
Generally, I think it was a good study and I learned a lot from it, as well as proving to be a good day for the whole class who also had fun.
By ELINA MICHAEL, 1A
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition 2009
The Duke of Edinburgh is a progressive programme where students are given the opportunity to acquire map skills, recreate themselves through social interaction and athletic activities and take part in hikes where individuals learn the importance of both independent and team work.
The silver expedition eligible for students over the age of 15 took place on the 25th of November. Lasting for 3 days and 2 nights, the hike ended on the 27th of November. The route followed was from the mountains of Troodos, down to Mesapotamo, Moniatis village and uphill to reach Kato Amiandos.
Hikes such as these are not experiences to be forgotten. Trailing through the rocky mountains we all voiced the same question: "How long to go?" Although the day seemed endless, upon reaching the camp site the only reminder of our endurance was our back and our feet which seemed to have turned to lead. Unable to move, huddled around the fire, cooking our souvlakia, our pain, the cold, seemed to have been forgotten as we all got to spend quality time with each other.
Despite the fact that too often we were heard complaining, it was a great experience we would be glad to repeat and we find ourselves eagerly awaiting to hear the announcement for the next hike.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the Duke of Edinburgh coordinators: Mr. Tittiris for helping and encouraging us onwards, Mr. Graham and to the assisting students waiting for us at the checkpoints.
Mayar Rantissi 5A, Andria Kades 6A
Dr. Yiota Demetriou - The Dancing Queen Foundation
"I'd rather walk than drink and drive"
Yiota Demetriou, is an ex graduate of the American Academy, who's life was tragically taken away on the 16/11/08, two days before handing in her dissertation to be proclaimed officially a Dr. in Child, Educational and Clinical psychology after 11 years of studies,abroad, away from home and she was going to be the first Child Psychologist with a PHD in Cyprus. Her ambition to make children's world a better one did not leave with her though. Friends and family have been helping to set up the DR. Yiota Demetriou - The Dancing Queen Foundation which is now ready. Its aims are to continue Yiota's ambitions and make a difference in this world like she would have done.
On Saturday, the 14/11/09, the foundaton organized an event,a walk of 12.3 km across the Limassol seafront with the motto: "I'd rather walk than drink and drive" in which around 200 people took part . A substantial amount of money was raised by the participants and will be donated to institutions housing children with mental and physical disabilities. The aim of this walk was to show people that there is an issue with drinking and driving, causing accidents, in which innocent lifes are taken away and their dreams are cut short. People should have in mind that by drinking and driving, they do not only put their own lives in danger, but also the lives of innocent people.
Remember: "I'd rather walk than drink and drive!"
Rafaella Procopiou 7b
VISIT OF U. S. AMBASSADOR TO AMERICAN ACADEMY, LIMASSOL
The Honourable Frank Urbancic, U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, was the guest speaker at a special whole-school assembly held by the American Academy Secondary School in Limassol today. He addressed an audience of more than 300 students and staff about the U.S. educational system and what it can offer to the academic high-performers of such a school.
Despite its name, the American Academy is a British International school which offers its students a British educational programme culminating in IGCSE and A level examinations. Although the majority of its graduates proceed to universities in the U.K., a significant number look elsewhere and ambassador Urbancic wanted them to understand the special strengths of the American university system - its diversity, flexibility and affordability.
Two Cypriot students spoke warmly of their experiences at two different U.S. universities, and Anna Argyrou introduced and explained the work of the Fulbright Commission in Cyprus in giving impartial advice to any student who wishes to know more about higher education in the U.S.A.
The ambassador, who has worked in many countries and has degrees in French Literature and Byzantine Studies, clearly conveyed his passion for education. His speech was appreciated by the students and he was warmly thanked by the Head Boy and Head Girl of the school. Ambassador Urbancic made clear that this visit would be the start of a continuing programme of partnership to help Academy students to pursue their university studies in the U.S.A. if they wished to do so.
LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE
European Conference on Disability and Dyslexia in Krakow, Poland
The Principal of the Learning Support Centre, Mrs Stella Siama, and our Educational Psychologist, Dr Eleni Rossides, attended a European Conference on Disability and Dyslexia held on 22 and 23 October 2009 at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.
The conference focused on new technologies in education and learning for people with disabilities,dyslexia and other learning difficulties. A major part of the conference was devoted to the concept of equal opportunities in higher education and employment.
Dr Rossides was one of the main speakers elaborating on "Adult dyslexics and provisions at the higher education level".
International - European Evening
This year, on Saturday the 7th of November, the American Academy Limassol carried out its annual International evening. This is by far one of the most prestigious events in its school calendar.
This event was an attempt to implement the American Academy's new project: "THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLAMENT through education," which is co-funded by the European Parliament itself. The event's entertainment programme was therefore dedicated to celebrating the countries of the European Union.
Mr. Marios Vourgos, the Cypriot director of "The European Institute of Cyprus," was the event's honoured guest and speaker. During his speech he discussed the significance of the European Union in Cyprus as a whole and drew particular attention to its basic principles.
This event was a great triumph on the whole, as the American Academy students successfully fulfilled the programme's aims. The school orchestra captured the musical essence of each European country with its conception of different musical sounds, the school choir sang many cultural European songs, and there was a performance of traditional European dances.
The theatrical presentation of "European Mythology" and the European flag parade with its individual glimpse into each country were particularly astounding.
However, the most remarkable part of the evening was the great diversity of International dishes, deserts, and beverages that had been prepared by different families before the event for all visitors to taste. This part of the event was indeed a tremendous delight.
The International - European evening was attended by many parents and family members, as well as by friends of the American Academy and other people that have developed a high regard for the school's European agenda.
Getting to know all of these countries by understanding, accepting and respecting their diversity and fundamental principles, is one of the long-term aims that the American Academy Limassol has set out to achieve.
The American Academy is indeed a multi-cultural community in action!
Limassol Secondary School - Excursion Day
Wednesday 25th November
All students in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 will participate in an Activities Day at Santa Marina Retreat. This will involve a range of new and interesting activities for the students to try out. There will be a charge of 25 Euros per student (including lunch) for this excursion. Please ensure that your son/daughter brings this sum to school on Wednesday morning and gives it to their Class Tutor. They should dress suitably for vigorous outdoor activities.
Students in Years 5, 6 and 7 will visit archaeological sites in Palaio Paphos. There is no charge for this excursion, but they should bring money to buy lunch with.
All students should arrive at school at the normal time on Wednesday for a prompt start. They should be available for collection from the school from 1.00 pm onwards.
The Coral Bay adventure 6th November 2009
After 2 years being in this school it was the first trip we had that everyone enjoyed it. The trip to the famous and adventurous Coral bay.Coral bay is located in North of Paphos.
This unspoiled wilderness with a bumpy landform and a beautiful scenery was the reason that made us learn all the process of the rivers and seas. What we didn't understand in class was clearly shown in Coral bay. The hydraulic action, the longshire drift and all the rest.
We were able to try out how to measure the length of the swash, took many pictures, took stones to show the weathering and had a great time working as a team.
Lastly but not leastly I would like to say that my classmates and I thank mister Tittiris for this great trip that combined education fun and adventure.
The Hike 24th of October, 2009
This was my first time going hiking. In the bus most of the people talked with each other or listened to music, and it was fun mainly because they were not so many people so it was not crowded. When we got off the bus, we started walking on a rocky road, surrounded by trees and with a fascinating view.
We had around four check points, but with some breaks in between to wait for some people to catch up and not go the wrong way. I asked someone for a stick that they were holding and they gave it to me and I name it sticky. I invented a new run called the epic run. It is epic because I hold the stick in my mouth and hold my pants while I run because they kept falling.
When we reached the final check point and rested for a while, we went a few meters down were the bus was and most of the people went to a mini market to get some food and drinks after those well walked twenty kilometers.
Fanias Anthony Daniele
Charity Event 08, 19, 20th of October 2009
The American Academy of Limassol once again proved that it's not all about academic achievements and placed the spotlight on our students' social involvement. Yet another fruitful year of charity events such as Civvies day, Anti Cancer Society and Friends day and Radio Marathon, in which the vast majority of Classes 6 and 7 students took part shows that we really do care about what's going on in the world and are ready to do our best and make things better.
Hard work and persistence from the staff and students combined with generosity and friendliness of all the people increased the charity budget by another 7,419.67 EU, which we all hope will help those in need on our island. Many people, who before could merely donate money to charities, were now given the opportunity to experience the sheer excitement, thrill and pride of being involved in the actual process of raising the money.
One of these people was the new student of the 7th grade of the American Academy, Krystal Tsiattalos, who proved to be extremely eager to help and very socially charismatic. Hours which she sacrificed on collecting money for the Radio Marathon brought 570 EU, the largest amount collected by an individual throughout the whole school! Hopefully more people like her will take action and help those in need.
We would like to thank her and all other students as well as the staff member in charge, Yiannakis Tittiris, for all the hard work and care they showed throughout all these event. The American Academy will continue taking part in charitable events and hopefully more and more people get involved in improving our society.
Maria Nushikyan 7B