The inaugural meeting of the faculty members of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation School Units that kicked off the start of the academic year 2020-2021 was held on Thursday, September 3, 2020.  Due to the unique circumstances that prevail this year as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, the meeting took place in the IC Hall in the presence of a minimum of attendees.  All the speeches were live-streamed to teachers via the Internet. First to speak was Professor Costas Synolakis, academician, who in his first official address as President of Athens College stated that he is highly honored to be taking up his new duties. At the same time, however, he appreciates the great responsibility and challenge he faces to ensure that the College continues to lead the way in the field of education.

 

Next to speak was the newly appointed General Coordinator of the HAEF School Units, Dr. Christos Papanikolaou, who in his address emphasized that the College Administration and teachers are heirs to the educational vision of the School’s founders. As such, they are the ones who will perpetuate the founders’ conceptualization and reinforce the School’s mission, deciding on what, if any, improvements, the prevailing times may require.

Mr. Chrysostomos Symeonidis, who took over the newly established position of Director of Social Welfare and Diversity, then gave his opening remarks, prefacing His Excellency, Gabriel, Metropolitan of N. Ionia, Filadelfia, Heraklion and Chalkidonos, who greeted the teachers ahead of the start of the new academic year.

A videotaped speech by Board of Trustees member, Professor Bill McDiarmid ensued. In his discourse, titled “What Skills and Knowledge Will Ours Students Need? Evolving technology and the future,” he outlined the skills and qualifications students must acquire in the face of the technological demands of the future.

Interschool Coordinator of the College’s Psychoeducational Department, Dr. Maya Alivizatou, then spoke about the promotion of school prosperity.  As she pointed out in her presentation, throughout the new academic year coordinated actions will be implemented for students of all grade levels, as well as for teachers, parents and administrators, aimed at raising awareness about mutual respect for each individual’s personality style and respect for diversity.

The meeting came to a close with a videotaped presentation by the Director of the College Libraries, Ms. Alexandra Papazoglou, and librarian, Mrs. Roxana Theodorou, on “Fake News and How to Deal With It.”