My country, my city, my school

MY COUNTRY, MY CITY, MY SCHOOL

G.O.A.L. Games for Active Learning Project Nr: 2019-1-RO01-KA229-063665_3

Dimotiko Scholeio Defteras Pano

Introduction In this presentation you will have the opportunity to get to know our country, our community and our school.

The Middle East and northeast Africa.

Anton Balazh/Shutterstock

Just click and find us on the globe! https://drive.google.com/open?id=1f5GGZfp4qXdAgV39hLQ6kulXxy2fBQRa&usp=sharing

Cyprus, our country

Cyprus is an island situated at the southeastern part of Europe.

It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with an area of 9251 square kilometers.

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“

The writer Richard Byron once said about Cyprus, "History in this island is almost too profuse. It gives one a sort of mental indigestion." He's not wrong!

«Cyprus history goes back over 9000 years and it has seen romance, turbulence and an interesting variety of cultures…

Because of this, the island is literally one big open air museum. The remains of many of the civilisations are still visible today, from Byzantine art, Ancient Greek architecture, Venetian ruins and Ottoman restorations. Many legendary figures of history, such as Richard the Lionheart and Cleopatra, have also left their mark in the island’s legacy» (Essque Residences, 2013).

Cyprus, an island rising from the ocean Cyprus is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Aphrodite’s name in Greek means emerging from the foam (afros = foam, anadisi = emerging).

“The legend of the birth of Aphrodite, emerging through the foam of the sea waves, can be compared to the geological birth of Cyprus, in the sense that the island rose from the ocean. The nucleus of this phenomenon is the mountain range of Troodos, which is 92 million years old. The rocks of Troodos were created from the ancient oceanic bark, which started rising from the sea 10 million years ago. First emerged from the sea the Troodos massif on to which limestone sediment began to attach gradually leading to a drop in the depth of the seas. The last to become attached was the Pendadactylos range to the north of the Troodos massif. Cyprus emerged from the sea 1,85 million years ago” (SAGT, 2009).

Cyprus, our history The island of Cyprus is the bridge that links three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, and its strategic position has made it sought after for many centuries. Any civilization has attempted (and usually succeeded!) to take over the island. The Romans, Egyptians, Ottomans and Greeks are just a few of the civilizations who can stake in a claim in the history of Cyprus.

If you want to learn more about our long history, you can click here and visit our historical timeline.

Cyprus, our island Its long history and rich civilization makes the island of Cyprus a popular historical travel destination. Additionally, it enjoys an enviable reputation as a sun and sea holiday destination, with year-round sunshine, blue skies and warm waters.

In the video “Cyprus welcomes the world!� (Visit Cyprus, n.d.) you can find out all the reasons that make our island a beloved destination.

Archaeological treasures

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Heritage sites

Choirokoitia settlement (6000 BC), Larnaka

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay (down)

Paphos Palaepaphos (Old Paphos), the “birthplace of Aphrodite”, was, according to the tradition, founded by King Kinyras, while according to another legend, Agapenor was the founder of the city and the sanctuary.

Nea Paphos (New Paphos), founded by Nikokles, the last king of Palaepaphos, towards the end of the 4th century, became later, during the 2nd century BC, the capital of the island reaching the peak of its wealth.

Palaipaphos, Kouklia, Paphos

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

of UNESCO

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

Nea Paphos, Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

Painted Churches in the Troodos Region (murals of the Byzantine and postByzantine period)

Ancient monuments

Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates, Episkopi, Limassol

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay Ancient Kourion, Episkopi, Limassol

By Dimitris 12 Vetsikas in Pixabay

Tombs of the Kings, Archaeological Park, Paphos

Roman Odeon, Archaeological Park, Paphos

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

Sanctuary of Aphrodite on Palea Paphos

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay 13

Castles and fortresses Saint Hilarion Castle, Pentadaktylos, Kyrenia

By Yolanda Coervers in Pixabay

Larnaka Medieval Castle

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay Buffavento Castle, Pentadaktylos, Kyrenia

By Demet75 in Pixabay

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Kolossi Medieval Castle, Limassol

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

Famagusta Fort, Famagusta

Kyrenia Castle, Kyrenia

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

By Yolanda Coervers in Pixabay

Paphos Castle, Paphos

By Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

Byzantine church of Panagia tou Araka, Lagoudera, Troodos

Monasteries Photos by Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay Monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, Kalopanagiotis, Troodos

Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church, Kakopetria, Troodos

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and churches

Ayia Napa Monastery, Famagusta

Byzantine church of Panagia Angeloktisti, Kiti, Larnaka

Church of Agios Varnavas and Ilarionas, Peristerona, Nicosia

Stavrovouni Monastery, Larnaka

A combination

Photos by Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

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of tradition and modernity

Limassol Marina

Modern architecture, Limassol

A marvelous climate

Photos by Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

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and wonderful beaches

Natural beauties and Photos by Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay

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outdoor activities

Tastes and

flavours

, a i s o c i N y t i c our

ÂŤNicosia has been the capital of our island for over one thousand years. It is the administrative, commercial, financial, religious, higher educational and cultural centre of our island. Big corporations and a plethora of smaller business are based here.

Beyond its rich and treasured historical and cultural heritage, making it a cradle of culture, Nicosia continues to forge a path of cultural expression and creativity, while being an important centre of knowledge, research and technology .

With a rich and visible history of over 6,000 years, bearing witness to the tumultuous past of Cyprus, Nicosia is the last divided capital of Europe and claims a deserved place at the pinnacle of European culture. It also seeks to act as a bridge between the countries of the region and the European UnionÂť.

Constantinos Yiorkadjis, Mayor of Nicosia

Old Nicosia walls Drawing of the walled city of Nicosia, (by Lara Alphas 2010) Photo from Flickr, copyright mia papia The Medieval (Venetian) Walls Photo from Flickr, copyright Ria Petridou

Nicosia’ walled city

Famagusta Gate Photo from Flickr, copyright Christoph Derndorfer

Presidential Palace Photo from Flickr, copyright Herman Van Rompuy

Archbishop’s Palace Photo from Flickr, copyright Hans Svendsen

Nicosia’s old Town Hall

The Old Court House Photo from Flickr, copyright fluffballs

The Pancyprian Gymnasium, founded in 1812 by Archbishop Kyprianos at a time when Cyprus was still under Ottoman rule, is the oldest high school on the island, operating as a Music Lyceum.

Photo from Flickr, copyright Andreas Andreou Konaki of Hadjigeorgakis kornesios Photo from Flickr, copyright Demetrios Demetriou

The Liberty monument Photo from Flickr, copyright Bas 1953

The Roman Nicosia Aqueduct

By A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace) - Own work, FAL

Hamam Omerye

By A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace) - Own work, FAL

Cyprus Archeological Museum Photo from Flickr, copyright Alasse_Fae

Ledra pedestrian street in the old commercial centre Photo from Flickr, copyright Andrew Milligan sumo

Nicosia Folk Art Museum Photo from WikiPhotoSpace, copyright Margaret Hayon

The traditional neighbourhoods of Laiki Geitonia

By NicosiaNew - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Nicosia, the world’s Barricade separating Nicosia since 1974 Photo from Flickr, copyright Yee-Kay Fung The United Nations 'Buffer Zone' or the “Green Line” Photo from Flickr, copyright Yee-Kay Fung

Ledra street crossing point Photo from Flickr, copyright Yee-Kay Fung The abandoned Nicosia airport in the buffer zone and the flag of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus carved out on the occupied slopes of Mount Pentadaktylos Photo from Flickr, copyright x-andra photography 30

last divided capital city

https://padlet.com/andrych7980/Cyprusproblem

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DEFTERA

our y t i n u m com

Deftera community consists of two administratively separate communities, Pano and Kato Deftera, built on the banks of Pedios river, about fifteen kilometers from Nicosia. There are various versions regarding the name of our community. The most prevailing version is that the name derived from the name “defteras�, that is, the man who held the tax books.

As it appears from the archaeological finds of the Necropolis found in 1973, Deftera has been inhabited since the time of the Geometric and Archaic times. During the Middle Age, Deftera is referred to as a feud of the Order of the Knights Templar at the time of the Frankish rule. In 1312, it was taken over by the Knights of the Order of St. John. There are reports that at the time of the Venetian domination, Deftera, together with the neighbouring Psimolofou community, were the property of the Patriarch of Antioch.

Until the mid-twentieth century our community was a purely agricultural community, engaged in the production of cereals, vegetables and fruits, mainly kaisia (a Cypriot variety of apricots) (Deftera, n.d.).

In recent years, Monday has evolved into a suburb of the capital, with all the amenities for residents.

By An. Antoniou, CC BY-SA 3.0

Panagia Chrysospiliotissa The church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa, that is ‘Our Lady of the Golden Cave’ (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is located near Kato Deftera village. It is believed to date back to the early Christian period. The shape of this small church inside a cave is very rare in Cyprus. It is carved into a rock about 50 meters high on the banks of the Pedieos River. From there, the pilgrim can climb the 104 steps and gaze all over Deftera and the surrounding area.

A large religious festival is held on August 15, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Important sights Photos by Dimitris Vetsikas in Pixabay Saint Mnason’s church

Monastery of Saint Herakleidios

Monastery of Saint Herakleidios

Machairas Monastery

near Deftera

Tamasos Dam

The Holy Metropolis of Tamasos and Oreinis Apostle Andrea’s Russian Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church of Saint Kyriaki the Great Martyr and Saint Ioannis Hozevitis Built in the courtyard area of the Holy Metropolis of Tamasos and Oreinis

Tamasos Archeological Site

Our school

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Dimotiko Scholeio Defteras Pano is a historic school. It was founded during the Ottoman domination, in 1874, and is the 31st school founded nationwide.

Since its inception, the school has been operating in various community settings. In 1911 the central school was built and operated, with the main building being the place where the new elementary school now operates, namely at Makariou III Avenue 21, Pano Deftera.

The school was built at the expense of the community church and cost ÂŁ300. From 1911 until 1915, it operated as a mixed school. From 1916, a separate girls 'school was created, and therefore, until 1934, it operated as a boys' school. In 1935, the girls' school was abolished and, until its demolition in 1969, for a new building to be built, operated again as a mixed school.

(Drousiotis, 2005)

Welcome to our school!

Our school’s demographics During the school year 2019-2020, our school numbers 273 pupils aged between 6-12 years old. There are 14 classes (2 classes for each grade / 3 classes for the 2nd and 6th grade). There is also a Special Education Unit for students with special needs, who are integrated into the mainstream classes, in some subjects.

The demographics of our school reflect the composition of our wider multicultural society.

In particular, the majority of the students are Greek Cypriots or from mixed marriages and come mostly from middle socioeconomic backgrounds. We also have some students with a migrant or refugee background, coming mainly from Romania and Syria, respectively.

Newcomers are integrated in the regular classroom and receive reinforcement teaching in Greek, during the first two years of their arrival in Cyprus.

The teaching staff of our school consists of 24 educators: the headmaster, three deputy headteachers, two special education teachers, one logotherapist and seventeen classroom or specialty teachers.

Students' origin Both parents Greek-Cypriots Both parents non Greek-Cypriots

Students’ of other nationalities origin 17

One parent Greek-Cypriot

19.05% 5.13% 6 4 1 75.82%

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Our school uniform In Cyprus pupils wear a uniform at school.

When the weather is hot, boys wear grey shorts and a white T-shirt. Girls wear a white T-shirt, too and a blue skirt. They wear black shoes and white socks. When they have Physical Education, they wear black shorts and their trainers.

When the weather is cold, all pupils wear grey tracksuits.

During special occasions, pupils wear their formal uniform: Boys wear a white shirt with a blue tie, grey trousers and black shoes . Girls wear a white shirt with a blue tie, blue skirt and black shoes. If the weather is cold , they can wear a blue jacket or coat.

(Andrea Charalambous and Anna Tsinonta, Grade 6)

Our school subjects

Our m u l u c i r r u c

Greek

Mathematics

History

Geography

Science

Religious Studies

Arts

Physical Education

Music

English

Health Education / Life Education Design and Technology – Digital Technologies Education for Sustainable Development

Our timetable TIMETABLE TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

TIME

MONDAY

07:45 - 08:25

40'

40'

08:25 - 09:05

40'

40'

09:05 - 09:25

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

BREAK (20')

09:25 - 10:05

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

10:05 - 10:45

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

10:45-10:55

BREAK (10')

10:55-11:35

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

11:35-12:15

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

40'

12:15-12:25 12:25-13:05

BREAK (10') 40'

40'

40'

Educational programs in our school

Our school has always been involved in educational programmes and competitions of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute and the Ministry of Education and Culture, in organizing conferences and other school activities and in European educational programs, aiming to promote our students’ engagement and active participation in topics related to the environment, sustainability, ICT, human rights, culture, intercultural cooperation and acceptance.

Among others, we had the chance to participate in the Erasmus+ KA2 project “Languages 4 All” (2015-2018) and in the eTwinning projects “All different, all the same”, “My roots, our roots”, “Together for the planet”. For its successful participation in some of these projects, our school has received an eTwinning school label.

Our school in the “G.O.A.L.” project

We are very pleased and excited to be a part of the Erasmus+ programme and the project “Games for Active Learning”. We believe that together we can achieve the best possible cooperation and the best possible results!

We look forward to getting to know each other and learning more about the daily lives of children in Austria, Greece, Italy and Romania.

But mostly, we look forward to playing and having fun while making new friends in other parts of Europe.

Let’s get started for our GOALs!!!

References Δευτερά (n.d.). Ιστορική Αναδρομή. Retrieved from https://www.deftera.org/gnoriste-ti-deftera/i-kinotites/istoriki-anadromi/ Δρουσιώτης, M. (2005). Δημοτικό Σχολείο Δευτεράς 1874-1991. Κοινοτικά Συμβούλια Πάνω και Κάτω Δευτεράς. Retrieved from https://www.deftera.org/enimerosi/ekdosis/dimotiko-scholio-defteras-1874-1991/ Essque Residences (2013, June 12). Tale of a sad traveller… [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://essqueresidences.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/tail-of-a-sad-traveller/ Nicosia Municipality (n.d.). Mayor’s Welcome. Retrieved from http://www.nicosia.org.cy/en-GB/mayorsoffice/welcome/ SAGT (2009). About Cyrpus. Retrieved from https://www.cs.ucy.ac.cy/~mavronic/sagt2009/cyprus.htm Visit Cyprus (n.d.). Cyprus welcomes the world! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/kb2-6zemmj8 50