Culture
Culture is an important need of education and so are events that promote culture, cultivate inclinations and skills, and bring students into contact with selected representatives of arts and letters. A state-of-the-art fully equipped 500-seat cultural center hosts all the cultural events of the Schools.
Events such as the International Student Conference, the "Zografeios Agon" short story contest, the Panhellenic student "Art Competition," and the Simulation of the European Parliament Plenary establish the Schools in the field of arts and letters.
International Student Literature Conference
Mandoulides Schools - Zografeio Lykeio
An original and creatively conceived kind of student conference has been taking place, with great success, since the spring of 2012 in Istanbul, organized by Mandoulides Schools and Zografeio Lykeio, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The 7th International Student Literature Conference:
Antonis Samarakis. The Eternal Adolescent
April 10th - 14th 2019, Istanbul
Organized by Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul and Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, was successfully held at Zografeio Lykeio from 10 to 14 April. The attendance of the delegates exceeded all precedent.
About 450 participants, students and teachers from 19 public and private schools from Greece, Cyprus and Istanbul met with scientists, writers, actors and journalists. If Antonis Samarakis could see how many children uttered his name at this congress, he would have been happy. His wife, Eleni Samaraki, who made the opening speech, agreed that this is exactly how he would have felt.
The life and work of Antonis Samarakis emerged through the original ideas and presentations of the students, the contributions of the scientists and the discussions that took place. It is worth mentioning that the theme of the conference was multifaceted and highly interesting, while a particular reference was made to how relevant and prophetic Antonis Samarakis is throughout his work, still until today.
At the same time, issues related to his prose and poetry, as well as his relation to history and language were analyzed and discussed while the reasons for which his works have been translated in multiple languages were also examined.
The 7th International Student Literature Conference was broadcast live by Livemedia.
Giorgos Theotokas, the Constantinopolitan
March 14th - 18th 2018, Istanbul
The 6th International Student Conference "Giorgos Theotokas, the Constantinopoilitan," organized by Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul and Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, was held with great success at Zografeio Lykeio.
For five days, from 14 to 18 March, students and teachers from 20 public and private schools of Greece, Istanbul, Cyprus, and America met with scientists, writers, actors, artists and journalists, and approached the life and work of the Constantinopolitan writer of the Generation of the ΄30s Giorgos Theotokas.
In 2019 the conference is dedicated to Antonis Samarakis, the eternal adolescent!
Odysseas Elytis: The Poet of the Aegean
March 30th - April 3rd 2016, Thessaloniki
The 5th International Student Literature Conference was titled Odysseas Elytis: Poet of the Aegean,” and organized by Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul and Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Because of the recent tragic events in Istanbul at that time, the conference was held at Mandoulides Schools in Thessaloniki, from March 30th to April 3rd, and was dedicated to His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch and the 25 years of his work. Some 300 students and teachers from 18 public and private schools of Greece, Cyprus, the U.S., and Istanbul met with prominent academics, writers, actors and journalists.
It was a unique journey on the wings of a dream, with "art, luck, and courage" over the universal roads mapped out by the work of our great poet Odysseas Elytis. The conference theme was multifaceted and compelling. Particular reference was made to the universality of Elytis and the Byzantine echoes of his great work, "Axion Esti." Issues relating to the translations of his poetry, to numerology, solar metaphysics, and the artistic measure of the poet, as well as to Elytis’ theoretical thinking, and to his unique literary language were analyzed and discussed.
G. Vizyenos. The Road to Istanbul
March 12th - 15th 2015, Istanbul
The 4th International Student Literature Conference "G. Vizyenos: The Road to Istanbul," organized by Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki and Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, was held with great success at Zografeio Lykeio. The number of participants exceeded all expectations. About 300 students and teachers of 16 public and private schools from Greece, Cyprus and Istanbul met with literary scholars, writers, actors, and journalists in a unique and rare collaboration in honor of our great poet and novelist G. Vizyenos.
The tragic life and the multifaceted work of G. Vizyenos emerged through the students' innovative ideas and actions, the lectures of literary experts and the discussions held. Participants followed G. Vizyenos’s long life journey from Vizyi to Istanbul, to Cyprus, to the major capitals of Europe until his tragic death in Athens. The theme of the conference was multifaceted and highly interesting. Particular reference was made to the routes Vizyenos followed; issues related to his poetry, prose, and techniques; and the importance of his psychoanalytic and ideological interpretations. The use of satire in his work and his views on language were analyzed and discussed while his theoretical thinking and unique literary language were also approached.
G. Seferis: From Izmir to Istanbul
March 20th - 23rd 2014, Istanbul
The 3rd International Student Literature Conference, “G. Seferis: From Izmir to Istanbul,” organized by the Zografeio Lykeio and Mandoulides Schools, was held at Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The hearts of the participants and others who were lucky enough to attend still beat to the rhythm of this extraordinary event.
The 180 students and teachers from 15 Junior - Senior High Schools of Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Volos, Chania, Nicosia, Istanbul and New York, along with the literary scholars, writers, poets, musicians, and actors, provided a unique source of creativity which, with its strength, originality, and imagination exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations of the organizers.
150 Years C. P. Cavafy
April 11th - 14th 2013, Istanbul
The 2nd International Student Literature Conference commemorating the 150 years since the birth of poet Constantine P. Cavafy was organized by the Zografeio Lykeio in collaboration with Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki, and held at the Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Students and teachers of 13 Junior - Senior High Schools from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey as well as Egypt, together with writers, poets, musicians, actors, performers and journalists, comprised a unique, never-depleting source of creativity which surpassed with its strength, originality and imagination even the most ambitious expectations of those responsible for its organization.
100+1 Years Alexandros Papadiamantis
March 15th - 18th 2012, Istanbul
With great success, the 1st Student Literature Conference "100 + 1 Years Alexandros Papadiamantis," on the life and work of the great novelist from Skiathos took place in Istanbul, organized by the Zografeio Lykeio and Mandoulides Schools, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Under this ambitious project, writers, academics and artists came together with students from throughout Greece and from Istanbul, to jointly study and approach the work of Papadiamantis. Specifically, 142 students participated in the conference from 12 schools of Greece and 3 of Istanbul, 40 teachers, 3 authors, 2 actors, 1 clergyman, 6 academics and His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos himself. There were 8 sessions, 21 readings of short stories, 1 theatrical performance, 4 theatrical events, and an exhibition with artistic creations of the students displayed in the halls of Zografeio Lykeio, in churches and onboard a vessel cruising the Bosporus.
As part of the annual International Student Conference held in Istanbul, Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul and Mandoulides Schools of Thessaloniki are reviving the “Zografeios Agon,” a competition organized by the Philological Association of Istanbul in the late 19th century to award 10 of the best essays “on living monuments,” essays that present “Greek dialects, traditions and customs of the Greek people,” with the “generous sponsorship of the founder of the competition and great benefactor of the Association, Christakis Efenti Zografou.”
International Short Story Contest “Zografeios Agon 2018” on the theme:
“Around the Neighborhoods of Istanbul”
Announcement of Results
The results of the short story competition “Zografeios Agon” on the theme “Around the Neighbourhoods of the City”, as decided by the jury, are as follows:
| 1st place | Short Story Title | At Eternal Spring’s Feet |
| Pen name | Magdalini Anastasiadou | |
| Full Name | Nektaria Petrou | |
| 2nd place | Short Story Title | On the Crossroads of Nations |
| Pen name | Perotis | |
| Full Name | Vasiliki Paraskevoulakou | |
| 3rd place | Short Story Title | Father’s City |
| Pen name | Konstantina Theodorou | |
| Full Name | Katerina Iordanou |
Jury Members
Chair: Katrin Velissari, ex-Director of the National Book Centre (EKEBI)
Thanasis Valtinos, Writer, President of the Academy of Athens
Themis Panou, Actor, Writer
Giorgos Skampardonis, Writer
Katerina Schina, Journalist, Literary Critic, Translator
International Short Story Contest “Zografeios Agon 2016” on the theme:
"Istanbul: Real City or Dream City"
Announcement of Results
The results of the short story contest titled "Zografeios Agon" on the theme "Istanbul: Real City or Dream City," according to the decision of the judges are:
| 1st place | Short Story Title | Mpit Pazar |
| Pen name | Nicholaos Parthenis | |
| Full Name | Dora Karathanasi | |
| 2nd place | Short Story Title | Everyday life |
| Pen name | Knight of the Rose | |
| Full Name | Alexandros Charkiolakis | |
| 3rd place | Short Story Title | Istanbul, real or dream city |
| Pen name | Tsafar Kamnenlis | |
| Full Name | Alexandra Chrysikopoulou |
Judges
Chair: Katrin Velissari, Director of the National Book Centre (EKEBI)
Thanasis Valtinos, Author, President of the Academy of Athens
Konstantinos Mpliatkas, Journalist
Themis Panou, Actor, Author
Giorgos Skampardonis, Author
Katerina Schina, Journalist, Literatary Critic, Translator.
International Student Literature Meeting
Mandoulides Schools - Zografeio Lykeio
An original and creatively conceived kind of student conference has been taking place, with great success, since the spring of 2021, organized by Mandoulides Schools and Zografeio Lykeio, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
"At nine o’clock," as the poet C.P. Cavafy would say, began the 2nd online International Student Conference on Literature. The conference was co-organized by Mandoulides Schools and the Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul 7 and 8 April, 2022.
A total of 200 students from 25 schools in Greece, Istanbul, the island of Imvros, Nicosia, New York and Johannesburg; 50 teachers from secondary and tertiary education; and 45 selected representatives of the arts and letters had the opportunity to exchange thoughts, questions, and reflections on the teaching of literature today.
Topics discussed:
- Literature in a time of crisis
- Redefining the pandemic: therapeutic writing
- Poetry and current affairs: thoughts and feelings about the poetry of the Covid-19 pandemic
- Finding love during difficult times
- Pandemics in literature
- Loneliness as the protagonist in literary pieces
- Literature and History in times of crisis
- Black versus white: the time of antitheses
The meeting was held via the Zoom online platform and was broadcast by Livemedia.gr
"At nine o’clock," as the poet C.P. Cavafy would say, began the 1st online International Student Conference on Literature with the imaginative title given by conference advisor Mr. Costas Giavis: "Rethinking Literature in Schools." The conference was co-organized by Mandoulides Schools and the Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul 15 and 16 April, 2021.
A total of 170 students from 22 schools in Greece, Istanbul, Istanbul, the island of Imvros, Nicosia, New York and Johannesburg; 46 teachers from secondary and tertiary education; and 50 selected representatives of the arts and letters had the opportunity to exchange thoughts, questions, and reflections on the teaching of literature today.
Topics discussed:
- Teaching literature in high schools today
- The ideal literature course: suggestions for teaching and reading
- Can poetry really be taught?
- Creative writing or essay writing?
- The role of the reader, the role of the writer, the role of the literature teacher
- Contemporary Odysseys and forbidden texts
- How does the book resist the phantasmagoria of new technologies?
- Foreign literature and literature in translation
- Writers confess: choices, difficult times, joys and impasses
- Literature on stage and the silver screen.
The meeting was held via the Zoom online platform and was broadcast by Livemedia.gr
Events in Collaboration with Zografeio
- Singing in Istanbul… with Glykeria!
- Singing in Istanbul...with Thanasis Polykandriotis
- Students from Istanbul and Thessaloniki sing with Kostas Makedonas
- Children Drawing on the Wall...with George Hatzinasios at the Philological Association "Parnassos"
- Children Draw on the Wall…with Giorgos Hatzinasios
- Zografeio Lykeio Students at Mandoulides Schools
- Thessaloniki - Istanbul: We Sing Together...with Dionysis Savvopoulos
- 120 Years of Operation of Zografeio Lykeio with Evanthia Rempoutsika
- A Magical City…
- Tale without a Name
- Dionysis Savvopoulos with the Choir and Orchestra at Zografeio
In the framework of the “Culture Road” festival, Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul in collaboration with Mandoulides Schools organized a unique cultural event, which took place in the main hall of the renovated Opera House of Istanbul on Saturday, May 28th, 2022. During the event, the amazing singer Glykeria sang songs accompanied by her 11-member orchestra and a choir consisting of 125 students! The concert was attended by more than 2,000 people, both Greek expatriates and Turks. Istanbul was filled with Greek songs! Τhe entire Greek Diaspora exclaimed “We are here and we keep going!
The students of 6th Grade have travelled to Istanbul in order to present the musical performance “Singing in Istanbul...with Thanasis Polykandriotis,” accompanied by the orchestra and choir of Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul.
Students of Zografeio Junior High School of Istanbul and the 6th Graders of Mandoulides Schools experienced unique moments as they shared the stage of the Philological Association "Parnassos" with the distinguished composer George Hatzinasios to present the show "Children Drawing on the Wall..." on March 13, 2017. The large audience that attended the show was enthused by the students, who gave their best and deservedly stood beside the leading creator. Both children and adults were pleasantly surprised by the honorary presence of the great singer Manolis Mitsias, who sang all-time classic songs along with the composer and the children.
The event was held with the kind support of the Panhellenic Women’s Organization PANATHINAIKI (Neo Psychiko department) and under the auspices of the Philological Association "Parnassos."
Children Draw on the Wall…with Giorgos Hatzinasios
20/11/2015, Istanbul
The vast audience, comprised of Greeks and expatriates alike, witnessed a unique experience by attending the anniversary event titled "Children Paint the Wall...with Giorgos Hatzinasios" in honor of the Virgin Mary of Pera and the 122 years since the founding of Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul. Mandoulides Schools’ 6th grade students traveled to Istanbul, met their fellow students of Zografeio Lykeio, and together they shared the stage with the leading creative artist Giorgos Hatzinasios, in an event with “colorful brushstrokes,” enthusiasm, and of course much good music. The show was held at Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul where Giorgos Hatzinasios, before going on stage and sitting at the piano, added his own touch to the canvas painted by the children, to give a message of love and creative coexistence. During the event, he was proclaimed by the Director of Zografeio Lykeio Yiannis Demirtzoglou as an "Honorary Zografeiotis" for his contribution to Greek music.
Zografeio Lykeio Students at Mandoulides Schools
22 - 26/09/2015, Thessaloniki
The student exchange program, under which students of Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul were hosted by families of Mandoulides Schools’ students was achieved with great success. The aim of the program is for students from Istanbul to gain better knowledge of the Greek lifestyle, practice the Greek language, and create close bonds of friendship with their peers from Greece. During the 5-day trip students attended classes at Mandoulides Schools while they experienced Greek hospitality and the daily routines of the Greek family.
The Zografeio Lykeio students, accompanied by their Director Yiannis Demirtzoglou, the President of Mandoulides Schools Mrs. Aikaterini Mantoulidou, and the Schools’ Director Aspa Hasioti, were received by his Eminence Varnava, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Neapolis and Stavroupolis and, after paying their respects at the Metropolitan Church of St. George, dined together.
Regarding this project, the Director of Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul Yiannis Demirtzoglou said: "It is very important for our students to become linked with Greece, to get to know the Greek way of life, and especially to develop lasting friendships with their peers in Greece, despite the geographic distance separating them.”
Before departing, the Zografeio Lykeio students, together with Mandoulides Schools students, biked along the Thessaloniki seafront near the White Tower, enjoyed lunch at Aristotle Square and seeing a film at a nearby cinema, and gave promises to one another to meet again both in Istanbul and in Thessaloniki. It was a journey full of love and emotion.
Thessaloniki - Istanbul: We Sing Together...with Dionysis Savvopoulos
20/11/2014, Istanbul
In an event where excitement and music dominated, hundreds of expatriates and Greeks applauded Dionysis Savvopoulos on the stage of Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul, who was accompanied by students of the Zografeio Lykeio and 6th grade students of Mandoulides Schools. The students, in an original and imaginative way, greeted Dionysis Savvopoulos, the songwriter from Thessaloniki, who has family origins in Istanbul and who sang songs plucked from the common tradition of both cities. Dionysis Savvopoulos sang with the students, and shared memories and favorite stories of his father, George Savvopoulos, who lived in Constantinople. The story of the "Psomathianos" folk singer who was enchanted by fairies and lost his voice literally stole the show. During the event Dionysis Savvopoulos was proclaimed by the Director of Zografeio Lykeio Yiannis Demirtzoglou an "Honorary Zografeiotis" for his 50-year contribution to the Greek song. The honorary plaque awarded by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.
120 Years of Operation of Zografeio Lykeio with Evanthia Rempoutsika
20/11/2013, Istanbul
Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul celebrated 120 years of operation and contribution to education and culture with a concert by Evanthia Rempoutsika on the evening of November 20th. Zografeio Lykeio’s choir, Mandoulides Schools’ choir and the En Dynami choir participated in the concert.
A Magical City…
21/03/2013, Istanbul
Sixteen students from the Zografeio Lykeio and 71 students from the 5th grade of the Mandoulides Elementary School experienced an unforgettable event, as they presented the stunning musical "A Magical City," based on the fairytale by Eleni Priovolou, written specifically for the Zografeio Lykeio and Mandoulides Schools students’ musical.
Tale without a Name
19/11/2010, Istanbul
A large audience of both expatriates and Greek nationals visiting Istanbul attended the play "Tale without a Name" performed by the theatrical group of Mandoulides Schools in the events hall of the historic Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul, within the framework of the events for the celebration of the Virgin Mary, held in that historical school.
Dionysis Savvopoulos with the Choir and Orchestra at Zografeio
11/04/2010, Istanbul
Mandoulides Schools and the historic Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul organized an extraordinary concert with the participation of the singer Dionysis Savvopoulos, accompanied by the orchestra and choir of Mandoulides Schools as well as the choir from Zografeio Lykeio, at the ceremonial hall of the Zografeio Lykeio. The event was honored by the high presence of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.
Honorary Events
Patrons of the Nation
08/02/2015, Thessaloniki
In a heartwarming honorary event, the Cappadocian Association "Agios Vasileios - Vasileiada” and Mandoulides Schools recognized four important Greek figures for their distinguished service to Thessaloniki and Hellenism: Yiannis Demirtzoglou, Director of the Zografeio Lykeio of Istanbul and Archonta M. Referendario of the Great Church of Christ; Anastasios and Ioulia Mpillis, great benefactors; and Nikolaos Papageorgiou, great benefactor, Honorary Chairman of Papageorgiou Hospital, President of the Papageorgiou Foundation, and Archonta Referendario of the Great Church of Christ.
Ioannis Tsoukalas, Emeritus Professor of Aristotle University and a Member of European Parliament, together with author Giorgos Skampardonis, spoke of the timeless presence, work and contribution of these Greek benefactors.
Thessaloniki, City of Great Educators
05/12/2012, Thessaloniki
Mandoulides Schools organized an event honoring the outstanding educators of Thessaloniki as part of the celebration of one hundred years since the liberation of Thessaloniki, under the general title "Thessaloniki, City of Great Educators."
Biographies and works of great educators who influenced the development of the Greek language were presented at the event, held at the Cultural Center of the Schools.
Speakers included renowned professors, journalists and authors such as: Giorgos Anastasiadis, Giorgos Papanastasiou, Kostas Bliatkas, Giorgos Dellios and Thomas Korovinis.
Through special video and photographic material, prepared and presented by students of the Senior High School, extensive reference was made to the biography and works of Manolis Triantafyllidis, Dimitris Glinos, Alexandros Delmouzos, Gianni Kakridis, Linos Politis, Emmanouil Kriaras, Christos Tsolakis and Evangelos Mantoulidis.
In an atmosphere of emotion, nostalgia and joy, the meeting of Mandoulides Schools graduates took place as part of the events for the 40th anniversary of the Schools, which were established by the late philologist and educator Evangelos Mantoulidis.
It was a night of honor and memory that gave the opportunity to students of the past 40 years to bond and forge closer relationships.
The event paid tribute to beloved teachers who were always zealous in their pedagogical and educational work at the Schools and they all remembered unforgettable moments of school life.
Art Competition
The Art Competition is addressed to junior - senior high school students in Greece and the Diaspora and encompasses theater, poetry, music (musical and choral ensembles,) painting, photography, and video production. Students have the chance to cultivate and display their skills in artistic expression and creation, while recognizing the value of art in contemporary times in an educational environment that teaches and ensures fair play. Their participation in such a contest strengthens their confidence, improves their social skills, and is an ideal opportunity to meet with peers, communicate, and create. The Art Competition takes place every year on the Mandoulides Junior - Senior High School premises (12th km Highway Thessaloniki - N. Moudania, Thermi, Thessaloniki).
Mandoulides Schools held the Panhellenic Student Art Games, from Thursday 2nd until Saturday 4th March 2023. Art Games are addressed to junior-senior high school students of Greece and the Diaspora and are about theatre, poetry, music (musical and choral ensembles), painting, photography, and video production.
Thus, the students had the opportunity to develop and show their artistic expression and creativity skills while realizing the value of art in modern times, in an educational environment that teaches and ensures fair competition.
The Games took place on the premises of Mandoulides Schools (12th km. of National Road of Thessaloniki – Nea Moudania, Thermi, Thessaloniki).
The Games were live-streamed on Livemedia, the Schools’ Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
Sponsors:
CITY College - University of York Europe Campus, National Theatre of Northern Greece, Livemedia, Kobatsiaris Bros SA, MEVGAL, Miltos, Plaisir, Gousios
Media Sponsors:
“Makedonia tis Kiriakis”, “Tipos Thessalonikis”
GRTimes.gr, Livemedia.gr, makthes.gr, thessnews.gr, typosthes.gr, viosimi.gr
Flash 99,4, Status 107,7
Mandoulides Schools held the Panhellenic Student Art Games for the eighth year in a row, with the participation of students from 27 public and private schools from Greece and the Diaspora.
This year, due to the unprecedented epidemiological data, students competed only in the categories of poetry, painting, and photography.
Since 2015, Art Games have been a youthful artistic step and a great cultural and educational celebration. Their objective is not really the prize but rather the effort, the competition, and the development of creativity, coexistence with peers, fruitful reflection, and artistic expression.
The jury of each category, which consisted again this year of renowned personalities from the artistic field, was very satisfied and greatly impressed by the level of students’ creations, effort, and talent.
The epidemiological data do not allow us to have this educational and cultural celebration in Mandoulides Schools, as we used to. We hope next year will be as it used to be before!
Mandoulides Schools held the Panhellenic Student Art Games for the seventh year in a row with the participation of students from 11 public and private schools from Greece and the Diaspora.
This year, due to the unprecedented epidemiological data, students competed only in the categories of poetry, painting, photography, and video. The topic of this year’s event was individual responsibility as presented by Nikos Kazantzakis in Ascetic; “Love responsibility. Say; “I, I alone must save the earth. If it is not saved, it is my fault”.
Since 2015, Art Games have been a youthful artistic step and a great cultural and educational celebration. Their objective is not really the prize but rather the effort, the competition, and the development of creativity, coexistence with peers, fruitful reflection, and artistic expression.
The jury of each category, which consisted again this year of renowned personalities from the artistic field, was very satisfied and greatly impressed by the level of students’ creations, effort, and talent.
For the sixth year in a row, Mandoulides Schools hosted the Panhellenic Art Competition for schools with the approval of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs (112215/Δ2/10-07-2019). It took place from Thursday, 20 to Saturday, 22 February, 2020.
The Art Competition is aimed at students of junior and senior high schools of Greece and the Diaspora, and it includes theater, poetry, music (orchestra and choir ensembles), painting and photography. In an educational environment that teaches and ensures a fair competition, students have the opportunity to cultivate and present their skills in artistic expression and creation, while realizing the value of art in modern times.
Art Competition 2020 was broadcast live on Livemedia.gr
It was with great success and with the participation of more than 600 students from 25 junior and senior high schools from Greece and the Diaspora that the Panhellenic Art Competition was held for the fifth year at Mandoulides Schools with the approval of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs.
The students competed in theater, poetry, music (orchestra and choral ensembles), painting and photography.
In an educational environment that teaches and ensures a fair competition, almost 600 students and teachers had the opportunity to cultivate and present their skills in artistic expression and creation while realizing the value of art in modern times.
The jury for each category, composed of eminent personalities of arts and letters, commended the level of the students’ creations.
On the last day of the event, awards were presented to the participants while the audience enjoyed a musical and dance performance that the students of Zografeio Lykeio had prepared.
We are grateful to Eurobank, Mevgal, Melissokomiki Dodecanesou, Livemedia and The University of Sheffield - International Faculty CITY College for sponsoring this event.
It was with great success and the participation of at least 600 students from 37 high schools of Greece and the Diaspora that the Panhellenic Student Art Games were held with the approval of the Ministry of Education for the fourth consecutive year at Mandoulides Schools. In Art Games students compete in theater, music, poetry, painting, photography, and video.
The 2017 - 2018 Art Competition took place over three days full of culture, education, creative meetings and coexistence with peers, fertile reflection, joy, and optimism for the new generations. Students had the opportunity to cultivate and showcase their skills in artistic expression and creation, to realize the value of art in modern times, and to create with sensitivity and compassion.
On the last day of the Art Competition, awards were presented to all winners.
The 2016 - 2017 Panhellenic Student Art Competition, which was organized with the approval of the Ministry of Education for the third consecutive year by Mandoulides Schools, were held with great success and the participation of 600 students from 25 junior and senior high schools of Greece and the Diaspora. Students competed in theater, music, poetry, painting, photography and video.
It was a 3-day event full of art, culture, education, creativity and collaboration with peers, reflection, joy, and optimism for the new generation, where students had the opportunity to cultivate and show off their skills in artistic expression and creation, to realize the value of art in modern times, and to create with sensitivity and compassion.
The awards ceremony was held on the last day of the Art Competition. Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul participated in the ceremony with a music and dance performance by Zografeio students. The audience was thrilled with the video "A Love Story ...", which transported them to Constantinople and the Valoukli Nursing Home on Christmas Eve. The awards were then given to all categories.
The 2015 - 2016 Panhellenic Student Art Competition, which was organized with the approval of the Ministry of Education for the second consecutive year by Mandoulides Schools, were held with great success and the participation of 600 students from 42 junior and senior high schools of Greece and the Diaspora. Students competed in theater, music, poetry, painting, photography and video.
It was a 3-day event full of art, culture, education, creativity and collaboration with peers, reflection, joy, and optimism for the new generation, where students had the opportunity to cultivate and show off their skills in artistic expression and creation, to realize the value of art in modern times, and to create with sensitivity and compassion.
The awards ceremony was held on the last day of the Art Competition. It began with the screening of a documentary video, created by students of the Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul, titled "How Many are the Greeks of Istanbul?" followed by a music and dance performance by Zografeio students. Panagiotis Kountouras and Stathis Kolias then presented the awards to outstanding participants in all categories.
Students’ creativity and expression through art unfolded during the inaugural national student Art Competition organized in 2014 - 2015 by Mandoulides Schools, where more than 300 students representing 19 junior and senior high schools from Greece and abroad competed in theater, poetry, music (musical and choir ensembles), painting and video categories. During the three days of the competition, which took place with the endorsement of the Ministry of Culture and Education from April 23rd to 25th, 2015, students of the schools that took part were able to express themselves artistically and explore creative and constructive communication channels.
Participants were focused mainly on fair play, creative contribution, coexistence with peers, fruitful discussions, and artistic expression, rather than on the attainment of a prize.
European Parliament’s Plenary Session Simulation
One of the most basic and essential goals of a Greek school with a European character and a global orientation is to strengthen its European identity and to cultivate a national and European conscience in its students. An important prerequisite to having a European identity is for the youth to come into contact and familiarize themselves with the statutory bodies of the European Union that support democracy and its future.
With the approval of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Mandoulides Schools, are holding the “Simulation of the European Parliament Plenary Session” on Thursday and Friday, 19th and 20th January 2023, for 10th and 11th Grade students of all schools in Greece.
The simulation process consists of the creation of eight committees, to which more than 120 students of 10th and 11th Grade will be allocated. Each of these committees proposes a bill to vote on and receives the corresponding questions and rebuttals to individual articles from the other committees. The goal is, through a fruitful and constructive dialogue, to issue eight bills that will provide solutions to important issues, by taking a vote.
The event is supported by the European Parliament Office in Greece, and the Delegation of the European Commission in Greece.
The simulation will take place on the premises of Mandoulides Schools (12th km. of National Road of Thessaloniki - Ν. Moudania, Thermi, Thessaloniki), where there is a 500-seat theatre, 4 ultra-modern sports arenas, art, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, a library, and open courts.
Sponsors: Livemedia, MEVGAL, Gousios
With the approval F15.1/151206/Δ2/30/09/2019 of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Mandoulides Schools are holding the "Simulation of the European Parliament Plenary Session" for students of 10th Grade of all schools in Greece on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 January, 2020.
The simulation process consists of the creation of eight committees, to which more than 120 students of 10th Grade will be allocated. Each of these committees will propose a bill to vote and receive the corresponding questions and rebuttals to individual articles from the other committees. Τhrough a fruitful, constructive dialogue and after a vote, eight bills will be issued and solutions to important problems will be proposed.
The event is supported by the European Commission Representation in Greece, the European Parliament Office in Greece and the Europe Direct Information Center - KEDITH. Sponsored by Livemedia.
Mandoulides Schools, with the approval of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs F15.1/159008/D2/25/09/2018, are holding the "Simulation of the European Parliament Plenary" for students of 10th Grade of all schools in Greece on Thursday and Friday, January 17 and 18, 2019.
During the plenary, the students were divided into eight committees (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety; Culture and Education; Human Rights; Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; Women's Rights and Gender Equality Opportunities; Transport and Tourism; Industry, Research and Energy; Employment and Social Affairs). With the guidance and suggestions of the Chairs of each committee, they had the unique opportunity to be informed, exchange views, reflect, propose resolutions, and provide solutions to current issues of global interest.
The first day of the students’ works was addressed by Dr. Charis Kountouros, Public Relations Officer of the European Parliament Office in Greece. The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Leonidas Antonakopoulos, Head of the European Parliament Office in Greece.After the completion of the works, awards were presented to the students who excelled by Mrs. Maria Spyraki, MEP, Mr. Kostas Gkioulekas, MP of Thessaloniki and Mr. Giannis Demirtzoglou, Principal of Zografeio Lykeio in Istanbul.
With the approval F15.1/156402/D2/20-09-2017 of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Mandoulides Schools held the "Simulation of the European Parliament Plenary Session" for students of 10th Grade of all schools in Greece on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 January, 2018.
The simulation process consisted of the creation of eight committees, to which more than 120 students of 10th Grade were allocated. Each of these committees proposed a bill to vote and received the corresponding questions and rebuttals to individual articles from the other committees. Τhrough a fruitful, constructive dialogue and after a vote, eight bills were issued and solutions to important problems were proposed.
The event was supported by the European Parliament Office in Greece.
The theater of Mandoulides Schools Cultural and Sports Center was transformed into a European Parliament Plenary hall on Thursday, November 12th, 2015, when 10th Grade students of eight schools from all over Greece acted as MEPs and participated in Committees that brought bills to vote, accepted amendments to individual articles, and voted for or against articles and bills.
The Simulation Session of a European Parliament Plenary, which was approved by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs and supported by the European Parliament Office in Greece and the European Commission Representation in Greece, is part of the EP School Ambassadors program and at its launch, ''EP Ambassadors'' teachers and students, who successfully participated in the pilot phase of the program in 2016, were presented with awards.
The event was attended by the First Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Mr. Tasos Kourakis, MEP Mr. Kostas Chrysogonos and Head of European Parliament Office in Greece Mr. Leonidas Antonakopoulos.
On Thursday, November 12th, 2015, a "Simulation of the European Parliament’s Plenary Session" was organized at Mandoulides Schools.
The simulation consists of the formation of four committees among which more than one hundred 10th and 11th Grade students have been allocated. Each of these committees put a bill to the vote and accept corresponding amendments to individual articles proposed by the other committees. The program’s objective was to produce four bills, following a vote that to provide solutions to burning issues such as human rights, education, environment, and employment, through a fruitful and constructive dialogue.
The event was attended by the Head of the European Parliament Office in Greece Leonidas Antonakopoulos, and MEPs Ioannis Gklavakis and Chrysoula Paliadeli.
Theater
The Schools, believing in the value of theater education, have introduced to their curriculum a variety of activities related to the art of theater. From Kindergarten to High School, student theater groups perform ancient and modern drama. The aim of the theater group is to cultivate theatrical education. Through the collective experience of values, through cooperation, responsibility, dialogue, respect for others, critical thinking, expressive power, imagination, creativity and self-expression, students learn to love art and culture and acquire the ability to actively participate in broader cultural developments. Within a climate encouraging enthusiasm and confidence, performances that achieve the objectives of theatrical education are presented.
In the way of A. S.
Theatrical show based on Antonis Samarakis' stories
En Teleia
3rd Prize, Panhellenic Art Competition 2019
Honorable Distinction, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2008 (Ministry of Education)
Honorable Distinction, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2007 (Ministry of Education)
2nd Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2006 (Ministry of Education)
1st Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2005 (Ministry of Education)
3rd National Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2005 (Ministry of Education)
1st Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2003 (Ministry of Education)
National Honorable Mention, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2003 (Ministry of Education)
"The Billy - Club Puppets"
1st Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2002 (Ministry of Education)
2nd National Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2002 (Ministry of Education)
"Troades"
2nd Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2002 (Ministry of Education)
1st Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2001 (Ministry of Education)
National Honorable Mention, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2001 (Ministry of Education)
1st Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2000 (Ministry of Education)
National Honorable Mention, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 2000 (Ministry of Education)
2nd Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 1999 (Ministry of Education)
1st Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 1998 (Ministry of Education)
National Honorable Mention, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 1998 (Ministry of Education)
2nd Regional Prize, Panhellenic School Theater Competition 1996 (Ministry of Education)
Orchestra and Choir
The cultivation of musical culture is a tradition at the Schools. Students of the orchestra and the choir accompany school and extracurricular cultural events. Each ensemble, independently or together, has been awarded first place in the student cultural competitions of the Ministry of Education and at international music festivals abroad. They have also collaborated with important Greek artists such as Manolis Mitsias, Giorgos Hatzinasios, Dionysis Savvopoulos, Lavrentis Mahairitsas, Dionysis Tsaknis, Nikos Papazoglou, Loudovikos of Anogia, Evanthia Reboutsika.
This program is aimed at Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade students. Objectives of the program are:
- Experiential approach to the world of music through games, drama and visual work
- Attainment of sufficient knowledge for children who want to continue their musical studies.
Exploring Movies at Mandoulides Schools
Mandoulides Schools promote students’ contact with the Seventh Art by presenting film-related programs titled Movie Camp, Cine Club, and Frame Rate, designed for students of the Elementary School, Junior, and Senior High School respectively. As part of their cinematic experience, students engage actively in dialogue immediately following each screening, exploring the themes of the script, the director’s outlook, and the students’ own personal impressions of the film. The discussions are moderated by talented actor and director Panagiotis Kountouras, with whose help a voyage into the magical world of cinema - in pursuit of meanings hidden within each film - begins.
Movie Camp is a cinematic adventure that is expected to fascinate the viewers. It features a selection of films from different genres, each characterized by directorial excellence and a bold artistic approach, that have a common denominator: the inner journey of a hero. Screening include The Truman Show (1998, directed by Peter Weir), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013, directed by Ben Stiller), and Inside Out (2015, directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen).
Cine Club illuminates exciting human stories that teach love through a particularly interesting point of view. Screenings include Cinema Paradiso (1988, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore) and Dead Poets Society (1989, directed by Peter Weir).
Frame Rate explores ideas and attitudes of people in real stories and places that, thanks to the cinematic lens, remain unchanged over time. Screenings include The Wave (2008, directed by Dennis Gansel) and Slumdog Millionaire (2008, directed by Danny Boyle).
In Film Workshop, students learn the main types of cinema and the basics of screenplay and direction.
The main objectives of the program are:
- The participation and distinction in international, European and Panhellenic competitions under the auspices of the European Union and the Ministry of Culture.
- The participation in the Film Festival as well as the Documentary Festival of Thessaloniki.
- Getting into contact with professionals in the field of cinema.
Debate
Since 2001, students of the Schools have trained in Greek language rhetorical speech contests, including debate, impromptu, motivational speech and expressive reading. In this way, they cultivate critical thinking, are familiarized with the formulation of grammatically and aesthetically correct discourse and practice rhetorical style, always within the framework of each respective contest’s rules. The result of their efforts is the great success achieved on a local and national level.
Dialogue plays a very important role in everyone’s life. It awakens people’s spiritual and mental powers and satisfies their innate need for communication. Dialectics was the basis of science and a faithful ally of knowledge.
As part of the above reasons, the public speaking club provides students with training in rhetoric and debate.
Dance
Mandoulides Schools, out of love and respect for Greek Tradition, have established the Traditional Dance Festival. By teaching traditional dances, we help students understand the value of tradition and keep alive the elements that characterize us and unite us as a nation: our origins, our ancestry and our customs.
Through musical and kinetic practice young students develop their musicality, rhythm and imagination while exercising their body, mind and their expressiveness. In classes with older students, the integrated teaching of classical ballet begins.
The aim of the program is for our students to learn to move in harmony, following the rhythm of music with coordinated movements. The result is the acquisition of grace and improvement of posture.
The main objective of the program is for students to be initiated in the art of dance and kinesiological expression. Students are taught to stand and walk while properly controlling their body. Modern Dance increases muscle strength and develops joint agility while controlling body weight. All this is achieved with the help of diaphragm breathing, which enhances the heart and expands the elasticity of the lungs. The benefits, however, are not just physical. Music contributes to mental balance and dance is a manner of expression, an escape from daily routine.
Visual Arts
Students creatively express themselves through visual arts and receive distinctions on a national and international level. Awards and prizes are bestowed in international, European and national art competitions.
Mandoulides Schools launch the “Little and Big Pioneers” art program, in collaboration with Melissa Publishing House, wishing to emphasize the direct relation of education with art and showcase its catalytic role in shaping the personality of children.
Art has to be an integral part of all levels of education, with innovative ideas, in conjunction with each lesson, so that the student can be transformed from receiver to creator, while teaching will turn from a formal process into a creative activity, full of life, intensity and passion for knowledge.
Using the books of Melissa and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, New York), students of 3rd Grade - 9th Grade study the life and work of great artists, become inspired by their work, and begin to create.
The aim of the program is for every student to get acquainted with great art pioneers, and to highlight the messages of their works and their creative approach. Students will also be informed about the artistic trends of each artist’s era, they will study their style and motifs, and they will reflect on and showcase their timelessness.
Students of each grade of elementary school will deal with the work of a specific creator through the following books:
• 3rd Grade: Magritte's Apple by K. Verplancke, translation by V. Iliopoulos
• 4th Grade: Yayoi Kusama. From Here to Infinity by S. Suzuki
• 5th Grade: Vincent van Gogh by P. Geis, translation by V. Iliopoulos
• 6th Grade: Young Frank, Architect by F. Viva, translation by Ch. Boulotis
Junior high school students study the books:
• Magritte's Apple by K. Verplancke, translation by V. Iliopoulos
• Vincent van Gogh by P. Geis, translation by V. Iliopoulos
• What Degas Saw by S. Friedman, translation by Ch. Boulotis
• Matisse’s Garden by S. Friedman, translation by Ch. Boulotis
• Leonardo da Vinci, by P. Geis
The program is concluded in spring with an art exhibition at IANOS Culture Chain, where students present their own personal and group creations.
Mandoulides Art Day
Students: 4th Grade- 6th Grade
Art Day is an innovative idea that the Schools inaugurated. The school opens its gates to elementary and junior high school students of Mandoulides and other schools, giving them the opportunity to work in areas of artistic creation.
Young Scientists: Exploring Laboratories from an Early Age
Students: 4th Grade- 6th Grade
Within the framework of this program, students collaborate in groups in order to create a solar-powered car. The principles of mechanics, energy and its conversions, as well as the development of engineering skills, are blended in a mix of learning and fun, with impressive results.
Rhetorical Speech Tournament in English
Panhellenic Forensics Association tournament: dramatic and comic duets, oral interpretation of literature, oratory, impromptu speech, group discussion and, of course, debate, where students test their theatrical and public speaking skills in English. Students need to go through an audition to join the Forensics club and older students are given priority due to the requirements of the competition. Students who are interested in joining should indicate this club as their first option.
Mandoulides Schools endeavor to prepare their students as active citizens both on a national and on an international level, and as members of the Panhellenic Forensics Association they offer preparation programs in English Debate.
Debate is an integral part of the Forensics tournament.
Debate programs operate at the Junior – Senior High School as part of the students' participation in the respective Panhellenic tournament.
The aim of the program is to prepare students in the best possible way so that they can participate in tournaments and debate camps both in Greece and abroad, competing against students from English-speaking and private or public schools of Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, and Patras.
During the preparation programs, students are trained in presentation techniques and skills so that they can gain the attention and interest of their interlocutors. At the same time, they learn to research issues of global interest, support their views and
produce substantiated and meaningful speeches in English until they become confident public speakers.
Let's Talk, a non-competitive English language rhetoric speech tournament for 6th Graders, first launched at Mandoulides Schools’ initiative in 2013, was hosted most recently at Anatolia College.
Some 80 students from public and private elementary schools of Larisa, Xanthi and Thessaloniki met and exchanged views on issues related to their age (Debate, Group Discussion) while they also read literary extracts of their choice in their own expressive way (Oral Interpretation of Literature). Thus, the students came into contact with public speaking for the first time at such a very young age and had a unique time with their peers.
Literature and Discourse Programs
A series of lectures and debates on current affairs by today’s leading experts in many fields, such as: A. Antonopoulos, C. Giannaras, S. Theodorakis, S. Kouloglou, T. Lalas, L. Lazopoulos, I. Manoledakis, P. Noutsos, M. O'Connor, G. Souflias, M. Sfakianakis, P. Tsimas, C. Tsolakis, V. Tsouderou, G. Tsoulfas, S. Protopsaltis.
A competitive spelling game between Junior High School classes that fosters fair play and raises students’ concern for correct spelling, etymology and the meaning of Greek words. Eugene, the Grammar Expert, is a program named after the Byzantine Greek grammarian who created the first dictionary with Greek words classified in alphabetical order and the spelling rules that needed to be followed.
An historical knowledge game that aims to urge students to love history by having fun and gaining experience that will certainly prove useful in the future, because history, much like our lives, goes in cycles.
Within the framework of the Bookmates program, students have the opportunity to become acquainted with books, authors, and illustrators of a publishing house during the school year. In this way, books become a game, joy, knowledge, communication, an act of creation. Books are man’s best company.
Under this program English Garden students read literary books not only to practice their English, but also to enjoy reading and to share the joy with their peers, teachers and parents.
