In an atmosphere of emotion and optimism, Mandoulides Schools hosted a welcome event for Mr. Aatif Hassan, Founder and Chairman of Dukes Education, on the occasion of the historic school\u2019s integration into the international Dukes Education network. The event was attended by executives of the Group, parents, friends of the school, and representatives of the educational community and the state.<\/p>\n
Dr. Aspasia Chasioti, General Academic Director, welcomed the audience, highlighting that this new collaboration marks a creative continuation with children at its core, noting: \u201cWith a shared vision and a drive for creation, we move forward together for a school that evolves, grows stronger, looks ahead, and progresses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs. Aikaterini Mantoulidou offered a moving retrospective of the school\u2019s history from 1978 to today, referring to the vision and work of Evangelos Mantoulidis, the numerous student and alumni distinctions, and the strategic decision to join Dukes Education: \u201cMy family\u2019s decision to become part of Dukes Education is not a business one. It is a strategic choice to ensure a dynamic presence and continuity of the Schools in the future, with respect to their values and identity.\u201d Mrs. Mantoulidou also presented the close collaborators who continue in leadership positions, ensuring the continuity of the school\u2019s mission, including: Dr. Aspasia Chasioti (General Academic Director), Eleftheria Toutountzi (General Director), Ourania Dantsi, Ioannis Daountakis, Georgios Chasiotis, Paris Dinktsis, Sofia Nikoloudaki, Georgios Chatzopoulos, Maria Papadopoulou, Apostolos Pattakos, Evangelia Chatzistefanou, Christina Bosi, Panagiotis Siopis, and Ourania Papathanasiou.<\/p>\n
Mr. Aatif Hassan, Founder and Chairman of Dukes Education, presented the Group\u2019s vision, which since 2015 has evolved into a leading international educational organization, emphasizing: \u201cThis is not the end of an era but a creative new beginning. Mandoulides Schools remain a Greek school with a European perspective and international orientation, ready to offer even more opportunities to its students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Ricardo Tavares, Director of Dukes Plus, presented the Group\u2019s specialized services that support schools, such as career programs, guidance for admission to top universities, summer schools, and the Future Ready program for skills development and career orientation.<\/p>\n
Mr. David Fitzgerald, CEO Europe, introduced the Dukes Education team, highlighting the high level of leadership within the Group. The team included Philippe Grosskost (Managing Director Central & South Europe), Libby Nicholas (Group Education Director), Daniela Vasile (Director of Learning Central & South Europe), Claire Little (Director of People Europe), Liza Humphrey (Director of Admissions & Marketing Europe), Marc Henry<\/p>\n
(Director of Properties Central & South Europe), and Dr. Ricardo Tavares (Director, Dukes Plus).<\/p>\n
The event was musically accompanied by the Mandoulides Schools\u2019 orchestra and choir, offering moments of emotion with a unique program. A cocktail reception followed in the school gardens, where guests had the opportunity to converse with Mr. Hassan and the Dukes Education executives in a festive and meaningful exchange of ideas.<\/p>\n
Among the attendees, in addition to parents and friends of the school, were Mr. Kostas Gioulekas, Deputy Minister of Macedonia and Thrace; Mr. Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation; Mr. Dimitris Kouvelas, Member of Parliament for Thessaloniki A\u2019; and Mr. Alexandros Koptsis, Regional Director of Education for Central Macedonia, who honored this significant event for the city\u2019s educational community with their presence.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, Mr. Aatif Hassan and his colleagues also met with the school staff.<\/p>\n
The integration of E. Mandoulides Schools into Dukes Education paves the way for international recognition, innovative programs, digital transformation, and targeted investments, while the school\u2019s philosophy, values, and identity remain unchanged.<\/p>\n
