Message from Mandoulides Schools President
Dear Parents,
Mandoulides Schools have been a community of quality education and responsibility since their establishment.
In the difficult times of COVID-19 that our planet is experiencing, the big family of Mandoulides Schools, both teachers and administrators, with consistency and a sense of responsibility, have responded to the new challenges. They all declared their strong presence, and with determination and solidarity adapted to a new educational environment, so that we can continue serving our students with quality education and conveying this strong message of support to all students and parents: the Schools stand by you and offer you a safe, supportive learning and communication environment.
The new reality
From day one of the suspension of the operation of the Schools for preventive reasons, we activated our infrastructure and systems to implement a program of asynchronous distance learning support for students, which we immediately expanded with the synchronous distance learning program, using the Microsoft Teams application and the digital platform my mandoulides.
Distance learning, both synchronous and asynchronous, is constantly enriched in hours and classes, while it addresses the special demands of digital classrooms, taking into account the individual needs and skills of each age and student, and aiming at the gradual familiarization of students with the new environment and, above all, the awareness of the requirements of this learning environment.
Teachers have given their best as part of a huge effort, in order to keep in touch with students and leave the doors open to knowledge. In a very short time they have learned to teach, be taught, and collaborate online.
Distance learning is the new reality for everyone, teachers, students, and parents alike. The difficulties were quickly overcome, and now the students of Kindergarten, Elementary School, Junior High and Senior High School, with a participation percentage of 95%, are meeting with their teachers, talking to them, getting answers to their questions, and correcting their homework together. Digital classrooms are filled with children's voices, smiles and jokes, as well as knowledge, creation and collaboration on a daily basis.
The next day
We are experiencing an unprecedented crisis. In just a few weeks, our daily lives have changed dramatically. Borders, shops, and schools have closed, churches are empty. The pandemic has brought fear and uncertainty, and it demands tremendous amounts of patience, composure and responsibility from all of us.
I am aware that a lot of people have urgent questions about tomorrow. Although we do not yet have answers to many of your important concerns, we are trying to plan, within the context of extreme uncertainty, our return to school, provided epidemiological statistics allow such a return, always with student safety in mind and a sense of responsibility.
Though we still cannot answer many of your reasonable questions, and as the rapid development of the events has shown us that every decision is subject to change, I would like to assure you that the Schools will keep doing their best for their students and will live up to their name as well as the trust they have been enjoying all these years from parents and students.
Our decisions will depend on the decisions of the government and the advice of experts. We will do whatever is possible to keep the members of our community safe and healthy, to protect the dynamics of our educational community, and to maintain seriousness and education of the highest standard.
We remain at your disposal for anything you need, and are deeply grateful for your trust and support.
We all hope for the best for our children, so let us convey to them messages of safety, faith and optimism during these holy days.
Please accept my warmest wishes for a Happy Easter, with health, strength and courage to the whole family of Mandoulides Schools.
With sincere appreciation and the hope that you stay safe and healthy,
Aikaterini Mantoulidou
Mandoulides Schools President
