From 26th–29th November, twenty-five Year 10 and Year 11 pupils studying Spanish had the opportunity to visit the capital of Spain and immerse themselves in Spanish culture and daily life. This marked the first-ever trip to Spain organised by the MFL department, and all participants had been eagerly looking forward to this exciting experience.

Despite the cooler weather compared to Athens, the sun accompanied the group throughout the trip, allowing them to fully enjoy exploring the city centre on foot. They wandered through the historic heart of the city, discovering beautiful and fascinating locations such as Plaza Mayor, the old Moorish quarter and the Palacio Real, all while learning about Madrid’s rich past. This wonderful experience was enhanced by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Javi, who made the city tour even more enjoyable.

Throughout the trip, pupils were also given a daily “mission” consisting of fun and practical tasks designed to encourage them to practise their Spanish in real-life situations. Working in teams, they enthusiastically completed the challenges by interacting with locals and observing their surroundings, with the winning team receiving a small treat at the end of each day.

The second day of the trip was dedicated to visiting two of Spain’s most important museums: the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum of Contemporary Art. There, pupils had the opportunity to admire masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age (16th–17th centuries) by renowned artists such as El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, as well as some of the world’s most significant Flemish paintings dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries.

In the afternoon, the group headed to the nearby Retiro Park to enjoy some free time before returning to the hotel.

Day three was one of the pupils’ favourites, as they went on a day trip to the picturesque medieval city of Toledo. There, they visited one of Spain’s most important and impressive cathedrals, marvelling at its vast size and remarkable architecture. Exploring Toledo’s narrow, cobbled streets was a truly memorable experience.

That same evening, another unique experience awaited them: a captivating traditional flamenco show in the heart of the city, which impressed pupils with its passion, rhythm and unmistakable charm.

Our boys’ and Over- girls’ 16 football teams travelled to Thessaloniki from 4–7 December to take part in the Aegean Tournament, hosted by Anatolia College.

Many schools from across Greece competed in the tournament. While neither team advanced to the semi-finals this year, both performed very well, losing only one game each throughout the competition.

Our footballers gave their all on the pitch and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime. We are extremely proud of the way they represented the school, both on and off the field.

A big thank you to the coaches Mr Strzemiecki and Mr Styliatis for training and accompanying our teams on this fantastic school trip.

Our Charity Ninjas Fundraising Events on 9th and 10th December were full of excitement, creativity, and festive cheer! Festive Jumper Day brought a splash of colour to our school, with pupils and staff wearing bright, sparkly, and super-creative jumpers. The winning designs in KS1 and KS2 were especially fantastic, with wonderful handmade creations that really wowed everyone.

The Charity Ninjas Holiday Stall was buzzing with activity across both days. Pupils loved selling handmade gift cards and wrapping paper, showing off canvas book bags with pupil artwork, and enjoying warm hot cocoa with mini marshmallows. It was brilliant to see everyone working together and having fun while raising money for a great cause 

All the money raised will be donated to PAAPAV (Branch for the Rehabilitation & Recovery of Children with Disabilities – Voula), formerly known as PIKPA Voula, supporting children and young people with disabilities. We are incredibly proud of our school community for spreading kindness, generosity, and festive joy!

 Charity Ninjas Festive Fundraising Fun! 
Our Charity Ninjas had an amazing time on 9th & 10th December, spreading festive cheer across the school! From bright, sparkly, and super-creative jumpers on Festive Jumper Day to the buzzing Holiday Stall, there was excitement everywhere.

 The KS1 and KS2 winning jumper designs truly wowed us with their fantastic handmade creations, and the Charity Ninjas loved selling gift cards, wrapping paper, and canvas book bags featuring pupil artwork. Pupils also enjoyed warming up with hot cocoa and mini marshmallows 

 All the money raised will be donated to PAAPAV, supporting children and young people with disabilities. We are so proud of our school community for showing kindness, creativity, and teamwork!

On Wednesday, 10th  December, the Greek Department hosted a Greek Book Exhibition in collaboration with Kalendi Editions. Throughout the day, pupils from all classes had the chance to explore a rich collection of contemporary Greek literature, discovering new titles and selecting books that matched their interests and reading level.

A highlight of the event was the presence of guest authors Vassilis Motsakos, Marianna Koumarianou, and Eleni Svoronou, as well as Aggeliki Mastromichalaki. The authors spoke to pupils about their writing, answered questions, and signed books, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with literature through personal interaction.

Their presentations captured the pupils’ attention, sparked thoughtful discussions, and brought the stories to life. The exhibition was lively, well-attended, and truly successful, enriching our school community with a deeper appreciation for Greek books and storytelling.

We look forward to hosting many more inspiring literary events in the future.

Our Charity Ninjas enjoyed a wonderful morning on Sunday, 16 November 2025, taking part in the third tree-planting event of the season organised by OLOI MAZI BOROUME (All Together We Can), in collaboration with the Municipality of Ilioupoli and with the participation of citizens, pupils, volunteer groups, and local organizations.

The activity took place on the western slopes of Mount Hymettus, near the Ilioupoli fire lookout station. Under beautiful weather, pupils, families, friends, and staff worked together to support reforestation and environmental recovery efforts across Greece.

Pupils enthusiastically planted saplings alongside their parents and teachers, gaining hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and enjoying a morning filled with teamwork and community spirit.

To continue the celebration, several families and staff gathered afterwards for a friendly lunch in Ilioupoli, rounding off a meaningful and memorable event.

A big thank-you to everyone who participated and helped make the day such a success. Our Charity Ninjas continue to show how small actions can make a big difference!

Congratulations to our IA Bronze students, who successfully completed their first training expedition to Mt. Parnitha over the last two weekends! Despite some rainy weather and getting a little wet along the way, spirits stayed high and both groups embraced the adventure with enthusiasm.

Over two days of hiking and an overnight stay at the Flambouri refuge, pupils enjoyed warm meals, shared stories by the fire, and built great memories together. They also dedicated a significant part of their time to developing their orientation and navigation skills — learning how to orientate their maps correctly, calculate total distance and estimated walking time, and even how to take a bearing with confidence.

Out on the trails, groups practised putting these new skills into action, supported by rotating team leaders who each had the chance to guide their peers and take on a leadership role.

Well done to everyone involved! This is a fantastic start to their IA programme and a brilliant foundation for the journeys ahead!

It has been several years since the St. Lawrence Times shut down its printing press but now we are very excited to present to you a new vehicle for school news: the St. Lawrence Edition.

The St. Lawrence Edition is the brainchild of three Year 12 pupils, Melina Anastasopoulou, Penelope Androna and Silia Konti, who were determined to bring the format up to date whilst also retaining the features that make a school newspaper interesting and informative. With a little guidance from Ms Michaelides, Ms Kladidis and Ms Meritt, the girls invested a huge amount of their time into creating a beautiful digital format of the newspaper, which has already been shared with pupils to huge acclaim.

Our editors are currently working away on the next edition, due to come out just before Christmas, but before that, we want to share with you the first edition and we hope you will agree with us that it is impressive work. Well done to all involved!

Read it here: St. Lawrence Edition

Our school proudly hosted the annual Under-16 Boys’ Football and Under-16 Girls’ Volleyball tournaments on November 11th, with six schools participating in each event.

After an exciting day of competition, both of our teams advanced to the finals, having won all their group-stage matches. In the final, they faced strong opponents and, despite their best efforts, narrowly missed out on first place.

We are extremely proud of both teams for earning silver medals and second-place trophies. Their hard work, sportsmanship, and team spirit were truly inspiring.

Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the coaches, Mr. Strzemiecki and Ms. Dikaioulia, for their outstanding guidance and dedication to their teams.

In late October, St. Lawrence College honoured Oxi Day for 28th October, a pivotal moment in Greek history that symbolizes courage and unity. This day commemorates Greece’s historic stand in 1940, when the word “Oxi” (“No”) echoed as a powerful declaration against oppression.

Our celebration featured the school choir and others, performing traditional songs that stirred hearts, alongside dramatic scenes of the past. Pupils also presented traditional dances reflecting the pride of Greek heritage.

Through music, drama, and dance, we paid tribute to this great day with deep respect. Oxi Day is not just a historical milestone—it is a timeless reminder of freedom and dignity.

Under a beautiful blue sky on a sunny autumn morning in the War Cemetery at Paleio Faliro, St. Lawrence College was honoured to take part in the British Embassy’s Remembrance Day Service. This solemn occasion brought together ambassadors, dignitaries, and members of the international community to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service.

Our Junior School pupils played an important role, assisting as wreath layers for a range of dignitaries and helping with the sale of poppies to support the Royal British Legion. Their participation reflected the values of respect and remembrance that we hold dear.

Senior School students Max Stephenson and Ivy Mae Geraci represented St. Lawrence College with distinction, delivering poignant readings during the ceremony. In addition, Senior School pupils contributed musically, playing violins and singing as part of the service. Their performances added a moving and reflective atmosphere to the occasion, complementing the solemnity of the readings and the significance of the day.

Among those in attendance were many ambassadors and officials, including the British and American Ambassadors to Greece, underscoring the importance of this annual event.

We are proud of our pupils for their contribution to this day of reflection and gratitude.

On the crisp evening of 17th October, our school grounds transformed into a vibrant celebration of the season as families, pupils, and staff gathered for the much-anticipated Autumn Festival. Children arrived dressed in delightful costumes, adding a splash of colour and creativity to the festivities. From trending memes to spooky Halloween-inspired outfits, the parade of costumes brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Pumpkins — carved, painted, and creatively decorated were on display showcasing the artistic talents of our Junior school children and families. The glowing displays added a warm, festive charm to the evening. Music filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere and the rhythm of the evening was matched only by the buzz around the busy food stalls. There was something delicious for everyone to enjoy.

A special shout-out goes to the Junior School Charity Ninjas and the Senior School Services Society, who hosted a variety of engaging games for children. Their dedication to community service was truly inspiring.

The Autumn Festival was more than just an event—it was a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the joy of the season. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a memorable evening!

Over the past couple of weeks, our school has taken part in two exciting tournaments, featuring four of our Over 16 teams. We were proud to host the Boys Football and Girls Volleyball tournaments, while our Boys Volleyball and Girls Football teams travelled to ACS to compete.

All our teams represented the school with outstanding skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. A special congratulations goes to our Boys Over 16 Football team, who earned a bronze medal after winning two out of their three matches on the day.

We would like to extend a big thank you to our coaches, Ms Dikaioulia, Mr Strzemiecki, and Mr Styliatis, for their hard work in preparing the teams.

Finally, we wish both our Over 16 Girls and Boys Football teams the very best of luck in their upcoming tournament in Thessaloniki later this year.

As part of our KS4 programme, pupils had the opportunity to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Rhodes during a recent 3-day educational visit organised by the Head of Year 11 and the Head of Greek.

Highlights of the trip included a guided tour of the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, featuring landmarks such as the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the historic Street of the Knights. Pupils also visited the ancient site of Lindos, where they explored the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena, as well as the picturesque village below.

The group enjoyed a relaxing visit to the Kallithea Thermal Springs, renowned for their natural beauty and historic architecture, and spent time at the unique Valley of the Butterflies. Other memorable stops included the interactive Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo and the tranquil Seven Springs nature reserve, a hidden gem known for its lush greenery, waterfall, and scenic walking paths.

This immersive experience allowed pupils to deepen their understanding of Greek history, culture, and the natural environment, while also building lasting memories with their peers. It was a truly enjoyable trip for everyone involved—with both pupils and teachers relishing the chance to explore, learn, and spend time together in such a beautiful and historically rich setting. The combination of educational value and shared experiences made it a memorable highlight of the school year.

Well done to this year’s International Award Silver participants for successfully completing their adventurous journey in Mt Menalon! Over three days, the students navigated mountain trails using only a map and compass, working in teams and making decisions independently. Along the way, they stopped at two monasteries nestled in the landscape—one of which, Prodromou Monastery, is built into the side of a rock, offering breathtaking views over the valley below.

On the second night, after completing the longest and most challenging hike of the expedition and having the chance to end the hike with a swim in Lousios river, the group gathered by the banks of the river to light a campfire. There, they roasted marshmallows and enjoyed a well-deserved meal under the stars—a memorable moment of rest and connection in the heart of nature.

Each evening, pupils set up camp at their destination, carrying all their gear and supplies throughout the expedition. The team covered over 30 kilometres on foot and demonstrated outstanding resilience, teamwork, and determination. A huge congratulations to our Year 11 IA team for this incredible achievement!

The Greek Department, in collaboration with the Head of Year 7, organised a successful educational trip to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum for our Year 7 pupils, on 9th October 2025. 

As part of a multi-curricular experience, pupils explored the ancient citadel and learned about its rich history and architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. With the guidance of an English-speaking tour guides, pupils enjoyed breathtaking views over Athens and gained valuable insight into ancient Greek civilisation. The visit continued at the Acropolis Museum, where pupils had the opportunity to view artefacts from different historical periods and deepen their understanding of everyday life in ancient Athens. It was a memorable and enriching day for all involved.

 Experiencing history so vividly sparked curiosity, inspired thoughtful questions, and left our pupils with lasting impressions of Greece’s remarkable cultural heritage. It was a truly outstanding example of learning beyond the classroom.