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Building Relationships with the Class of 2026 

The freshman class (Grade 9) at Pinewood this year will graduate from high school in 2026. These 15-year olds are embarking on their first year of high school and will spend the next 4 years learning, exploring their interests, and growing into fine young women and young men. 

Science tells us that "students learn, perform best, and develop skills and confidence when their educational experiences provide high support to foster engagement, show them they belong and are valued, and are culturally sensitive to the students’ experiences and needs" (Global Science of Learning, April 2021).


This is true for all ages, yes, but freshman year is a unique time in the life of a student because the accomplishments and challenges they face in the next 4 years will play a wholly pivotal role in what they do after high school. 

So, in line with science and sensibility, Dr. Rofaelas and I are excited to initiate a new tradition. Every year, we will meet individually with all freshmen at this time of the year to learn about each student's dreams, to ensure that they feel valued, and to understand how we can support them through their high school years. 


This modest yet significant annual tradition is just one small part of a systemic approach to relationship building for student success at Pinewood. We look forward to this and a whole host of other initiatives to nurture a school culture wherein authentic relationships are the cornerstone of thriving in today's world and for our students' futures. 

Secondary Students decked the halls
Last week our Secondary student council decorated the hallways. Untangling the lights was definitely the most challenging activity of their day!
 
The other students continued working on decorating their doors. The winning doors will be announced tomorrow and will be shared in our next planner!
 
Elementary Student Council supports Make a Wish
The Elementary Student Council proudly supports the Make A Wish Foundation by hanging handwritten wishing stars filled with heartwarming words and joy on a tree branch. Join our efforts with a symbolic donation of 2 Euros to raise money and help the charity to make sick children's dreams come true.
 EY & Elementary Opthalmologist visit
On Monday Dr. Catherine Brozou (Pediatric Ophthalmologist) and Mr. Antonios Dimitriadis (Optometrist-Optician) from Optikonxpress visited our Early Years and Elementary students. They conducted a vision screening in order to detect possible vision problems that may affect the student’s ability to be successful in class. 
A Pinewood Student at the Horse Trials Finals 

A day of glory for Stefanos Lagoumakis, Class of 2028, who won first place in the regional Children’s Division and is the Children Champion of Northern Greece for 2022. Stefanos just started horse riding training on February 2022, and from September 2022, he started participating in equestrian competitions. The equestrian club that Stefanos rides in, is the Thessaloniki Equestrian Center (AKITH).

We wish Stefano good luck in his future endeavors.

EY & Elementary Winter Show
Spirit Week at our Elementary
We are excited to announce that Elementary Student Council is organizing their Spirit Week from 19 to 22 December. The themes are :
  • Monday Xmas Jumper 
  • Tuesday Twins 
  • Wednesday Fancy Dress 
  • Thursday Pyjamas
Let's enjoy the last week before the Winter Break!
Student Services Webinar
In our upcoming webinar with the Student Services team, we will discuss the Positive Behavior Support and Interventions program, its importance on children's development, and its applications in school. 
 
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an approach to supporting students to be successful in school. PBIS was developed from research in the fields of behavior theory and effective instruction. PBIS supports all students through interventions ranging from a school-wide system to a system for developing individualized plans for specific students. School-wide PBIS focuses on the development and implementation of proactive procedures and practices to prevent problem behavior for all students and improve the school climate. 

The webinar will take place online
Tuesday, December 20 at 17:30

Congratulations to Kalypso Isaidou on her acceptances to University of York (in two different programs) and the University of Strathclyde.


Kalypso has 4 out of 4 acceptances so far and is waiting for the 5th and last decision.

Holiday Cards by Pinewood Art Club - Secondary

Pinewood’s Secondary Art after school club, has prepared a series of Winter cards designs to celebrate the festive season! Middle school and high school students have created small artworks which became the cover for our festive cards. The cards will be used to raise funds for the local children’s organization, "CHILDREN’S HEARTS" which supports kids who are fighting severe congenital heart diseases.

 

The cards come in a set of 2 and cost 5 Euros. The cards will be sold at the Elementary and Secondary reception desks. Our Elementary student council will also sell them during the EY/Elementary Winter show!

Secondary Student Council / CAS Project 

Student Council and IBDP CAS students call everyone to join their initiative and gather breakfast products to support over 160 families in need through the non-profit organization “WE OFFER FROM THE HEART”. The organisation aims to help destitute families. Such initiatives foster respect and open-mindedness for other communities, unite and educate.

 

The Drive will run until Dec 21. Please donate the following products: Peanut butter, jam, rolled oats, canned fruit in juice, nuts, seeds, milk and milk substitutes, cereals, cereal and protein bars, granola, dried fruit, honey, cookies, crackers, toast bread

 

DEADLINE DECEMBER 22 
info@pinewood.gr
Wish Star Initiative
 
Make-A-Wish Greece grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. They collect donations through the Wish Star program.
 
By simply donating 2 euros for a Wish Star, you receive a paper star, which in turn becomes a star of love, thus making the life of a sick child full of light and hope!
 
You can buy your star at the Elementary and Secondary reception. Our Elementary student council will also sell them during the EY/Elementary Winter show!
 
DEADLINE DECEMBER 22 
The Joy Project
 
Pinewood Elementary students chose to support the 'Initiative For The Child'. This organization gets custody of abused/neglected children after a prosecutor's order or a court decision and raises them in a family atmosphere. The organization was developed with Niarchos and Laskarides funds and they won the Hyatt Community Grants award in 2016. The children are currently living at  Vergina House, a family-run hostel for the long-term accommodation of children at risk.
Elementary students and Faculty and Staff will prepare a box with a gift and a card dedicated to each one of the 45 children that the organisation accommodates. Our after-school jewelry club and art club students are also preparing artistic gifts for the children.
 
Parents and students can contribute by bringing a gift that can be included in the boxes. We are collecting gifts for boys and girls ages 6 to 15.
 
DEADLINE DECEMBER 16
The third session from the NESA Parents as Partners 2022-2023 Fall webinars: Manage Your Family’s Screen-Time So It Doesn’t Manage You! with Joy Marchese took place yesterday, December 6. Click the below button to watch the recording.
info@pinewood.gr
ELEMENTARY

December 21: Winter Show at the Elementary -LIVE and Livestream (zoom)

December 22: Last day of classes -Early release – 12:00 

Dec 23-Jan 6: Winter break, NO SCHOOL

SECONDARY

December 14-15: Secondary parent-teacher conferences on campus

December 22: Last day of classes -Early release – 12:00 

Dec 23-Jan 6: Winter break, NO SCHOOL

info@pinewood.gr
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14km Thessalonikis - Moudanion, Thermi, Thessaloniki


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