Index & Art 2 Messages 3 Activities and Events 4-5 Houses 6 Clubs 7 Messages, School Council and Prefects Photos 8

Transcript

1

2 Index Page Index & Art 2 Messages 3 Activities and Events 4-5 Houses 6 Clubs 7 Messages, School Council and Prefects Photos 8 Class Photos and Graduates Photos 9-13 English Drama 16 Poetry 17 Greek Classical Appreciation 20 History 21 Rafti Theodora, 6A Physics 22 Maths 23 Economics 24 Biology 25 Religious Education & Knowledge 26 Christoforou Evita, 3A Accounting 27 Chemistry ICT 30 Music and Career Assignment 31 Science Physical Education 34 Sports Activities 35 Art French 38 Staff Photos 39 Nicolaou Persia, 4A 2

3 Messages Welcome to our annual school magazine, PASCAL Platinum. This year s edition captures the theme of Cultural Diversity as this ideal unites us as we celebrate and embrace differences. In our current society it is crucial that we unearth how to inculcate and improve written English. With this in mind has provided a platform for pupils to exhibit a plethora of work as well as enable the school the opportunity to depict a behind the scenes view of the array of activities our children are engaged in. You will find that this edition is educative, encouraging and entertaining. I have always been very proud of our pupils and their ability. The material submitted for this issue of the magazine is outstanding. Our pupils have lived up to and possibly exceeded my high expectations and have proved that my pride in them was not the least bit misplaced. Since our overarching aim is to effectively turn out welleducated, ethical leaders who will infuse organizations with the influence of our standards and values throughout the world, I am honoured and indeed very privileged to share with our esteemed readers what I consider as fundamental to the successful management of a school. In this message I will briefly state the importance of team work as I cannot possibly, in so few words, expound on other factors that contribute towards the success of a school. A team can be defined as two or more people moving along a path of interaction towards a common goal. When applied to a school situation the team is made up of staff, pupils and stakeholders. We all move along, we interact and do have a common goal i.e. in pursuit of excellence both in academics and character. The purpose of a team is to help each other accomplish more than we could, working individually. This has proved true in our school. Where there is teamwork the results have proved to be superb. With teamwork, members are free to use their talents, gifts and skills more effectively. It is recognized that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and that one s weaknesses tend to reduce the effectiveness of his/her strength. Team work brings out the balance for better. Success in the school comes out of the recognition, appreciation and confidence in the team leader who must be in essence a team builder with a clear vision. The team leader must be a visionary. Like a fire that needs to burn consistently to generate heat and warmth, a team moves along the path to success by the power of team spirit. Team spirit must be fanned by the stakeholders, for example parents and others through encouragement and appreciation of the team s achievement. When a team works well, the effort needed to achieve the goal is divided making work a little lighter and the effects are multiplied. Yes, it is teamwork that has helped us to improve our performance every year as well as bring this magazine together! I would therefore like to conclude by extending my sincere appreciation to Mr. Lironis for compiling and formatting the material, the Heads of Department for collating the work, the teachers for offering encouragement and guidance, the parents for enthusing and supporting their children with their endeavours and the pupils for all their hard work. Thank you Team! Jodi Niki Rigas, Senior Mistress and Editor I have decided to share a story with you and hope that the message in the story is well received. His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a welldressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T- shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never happened in this church before!) By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a threepiece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves, "You can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?" It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The people are thinking. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do and now, they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel' Maria Ehrhartsmann, Senior Mistress 3

4 Activities and Events Beach Olympics 4th September 2009 A day on the beach to get to know each other in a relaxing, fun environment. European Youth Parliament 11th 13th September 2009 A simulation of an EU parliamentary session. 1 st October Celebration Independence Day celebrated during an assembly Apollo s Football Tournament 21st October 2009 Inter-house challenge Artemis Halloween Party 30th October 2009 Annual Halloween party organized by the House of Artemis. Lower School Trip Agros October 2009 One of the two school trips which are fun and educational. 4

5 Activities and Events Parade 28 th October 2009 PES Lemesos proudly participates in this celebration every year. Sports Day 4th November 2009 Track and Field events held at Tsirion Stadium. Fashion Show 12th November 2009 The 4th annual Fashion Show held at the Four Seasons Hotel MEDI.M.U.N th 17th January 2010 A simulation of a United Nations Conference, held at European University of Cyprus Hidden Talents Show 16th March 2010 Organised by the House of Poseidon. Public Speaking March/April 2010 Organized by the Rotary Club of Lemesos. 5

6 Houses Poseidon House Mistress: Ms D Mavrikiou House Deputy Mistress: Ms E Zanti House Captains: Kyriacos Iacovou, Stella Christoforou Event: Poseidon organized the Hidden Talents Semi Finals on 16th March and hosted the finals at the University of Cyprus on Friday 16th April Artemis House Mistress: Ms M Alem House Deputy Mistress: Ms J Eid House Captains: Nicolas Papamarcou, Theodora Rafti Event: Artemis organized the Halloween Party on 30th October Apollo House Master: Mr M Palamas House Deputy Master: Mr N Matsas House Captains: George Patsalis, Katerina Avgousti Event: Apollo organized the Mini Football Tournament on 21st October Demetra House Mistress: Ms T Vryonidou House Deputy Mistress: Ms G Miltiadous House Captains: Andreas Theocharous, Christina Averkiou Event: Demetra organized the Ten Pin Bowling Tournament at Galactica on 17th February

7 Clubs Arts and Crafts The main aim of this club is for members to enjoy themselves while being positively productive. They worked on the Fashion Show, Halloween Party, Carnival, National Celebrations and Christmas decorations. Entrepreneurial The aim of this club is to provide an understanding of economics topics such as exchange, rates, trade, tourism, banking and taxes. Music, Dance and Theatre You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in writing and express yourself more clearly, elegantly and effectively. You will be able to communicate clearly and successfully and thus boost your self confidence. ICT This year the main subject of the ICT Club was the academic aspects of a student that wants to study Computer Science. We visited a number of Universities of Cyprus and had several lecturers and professors to inform us. Self Defense T h e S e l f - D e f e n s e C l u b t a u g h t pupils how to use the basic techniques of self defense that would help them to protect themselves from an attacker and feel more confident and in control. Environmental In an earth sick from pollution man s health is impossible to heal unless we first heal our planet and to heal our planet we must change ourselves. History Whatever we live and experience now, we tend to understand better through History. Happy is the one that acknowledges his own history. Journalism This year we gave you the opportunity to enhance your skills in writing and express yourself more clearly, elegantly and effectively. Sports The Sports Club aims to make it possible for pupils to be introduced to activities that they would never normally have the opportunity to participate in. Photography This club promotes and encourages photography. Club activities include: planned club outings and events throughout the year, as well as workshops and competitions. 7

8 It is my pleasure and honour to write a message in the new edition of PASCAL English School Lemesos Platinum Magazine Lots of hard work, preparation and effort has gone into this magazine s creation, which intends to reflect the considerable effort of our pupils. PASCAL English School Lemesos, I know from first hand, is always actively involved in competitions and challenges like the Comenius, EYP, MEDI.M.U.N, Royal Commonwealth Essay Writing, Public Speaking Competitions, Maths Competitions, Literature / Poetry Competitions, Conferences, Theatrical Performances and many others. As a School, both pupils and teachers are always very enthusiastic and dedicated, having as main goal to achieve. My personal thanks go, in particular, to the Senior Mistresses of the School, Ms Jodi Rigas and Ms Maria Ehrhartsmann, for their support and guidance and for always being there. I would like to wish our Graduates all the best for the future. I am sure they will all be successful in their own way. Finally, I hope you all enjoy a good summer holiday and I can t wait to see you again soon. Despina Mavrikiou, Head of Year - Lower School I am very proud to address the Pascal Platinum edition. Another successful academic year has come to an end. The great effort shown by the pupils of Pascal English Lemesos resulted in great achievements in many areas. I wish all the best to our graduates and I hope that they have a successful and prosperous life. As an upper school coordinator I would like to thank Ms Despina Mavrikiou for the perfect cooperation that we had throughout the year and all the form teachers for their valuable help. I would also like to thank Ms Rigas and Ms Ehrhartsmann for their assistance and support. Finally, I hope that you all have a nice and relaxing summer and I look forward seeing you back in September with full engines. Marios Perdios, Head of Year - Upper School It is my privilege to have the opportunity to express a few words with regards to the provision of Careers Education and Guidance at PASCAL English School, Lemesos. Leading a young adult to make wise, free and serene decisions of possible professional and educational experiences is considered crucial for the development of an adult s character, skills and abilities. These are my aims, in order to lead PASCAL pupils to a perfect relationship within themselves as well as their existing environment. Currently, these applications start from year one and reach their peak in year six so our graduates are fully equipped to succeed and make a difference in their chosen post-secondary destination. We have proved to be successful, as our Pascal English School graduates, continually confirm our initial targets, on succeeding, having lateral yet realistic critical thinking, making a difference, but more importantly making responsible, respective and solemn representatives of our school. Eleni Zanti, Careers Counsellor Prefects School Council Back: Nicolas Panayiotou, Alexandros Ioannou, Andreas Theocharous. Middle: Mrs Maria Ehrhartsmann, George Patsalis, Yiannis Savva, Kyriacos Antoniou, Mrs Jodie Rigas Front: Louise O Brien, Stella Christoforou, Anna Elia. Back: Nicolas Panayiotou, Alexandros Nikitas, Andreas Soteriou. Front: Mrs Maria Ehrhartsmann, Androniki Elpidoforou, Nicole Avraam, Constantinos Tambouris, Mrs Jodi Rigas 8

9 PASCAL English School - Form 1A Back: Christos Christodoulou, Chrysanthos Matthaiou, Minas Mouskis, Yiorgos Christou, Panagiotis Moulashis, Takis Papadopoulos, Andreas Constantinou, Zak Yiassoumis, Yiannis Constantinides, Pambinos Charalambous, Christoforos Georgiou. Middle: Ms Eleni Zanti, Savvina Mita, Nicolas Chrysostomou, Anthy Kyprianou, Melina Theodorou, Olivia Photiou, Maria Efraim, Christina Loungridou, Melina Diogenous, Ernesto Sofocleous, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Ioulia Efthyvoulou, Kyriaki Stefani, Joanna Georgiou, Mrs Despina Mavrikiou, Nicoletta Korneliou, Antrea Karantoni, Georgia Voniati. PASCAL English School - Form 1B Back: Marios Charalambous, Menelaos Vassiliou, Demetris Pnevmatikos, Marinos Zinonos, Demos Paliosifitis, Alexander Groutides, Thanassis Panaretou, Alexandros Kimonos, Herodotos Papacostas, Filippos Efraim, Michalis Loizou. Middle: Andreas Elia, Christina Chatzicharalambous, Chryso Georgiou, Iliada Hadjisavva, Andrea Chrysafi, Ismini Issa, Stefani Issa, Constantina Mettouri, Georgia Tilemachou, Harris Berraud, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Dimitra Efstathiou, Andrea Christofi, Elina Solomonidou, Mrs Joelle Eid, Nikoletta Svana, Rafaela Papastylianou, Dafni Choratidou 9

10 PASCAL English School - Form 2A Back: Konstantinos Vasiliadis, Cleopas Socratous, George Ioannou, Konstantinos Araouzo, Maria Antoniou, Rolando Virardi, Alexandros Karamallis, Andreas Elpidoforou. Middle: Mrs. Vassiliki Vasiliou, Sotiris Markitanis, George Maratheftis, Chrysanthos Soteriou, Daniel Michaelidis, Christos Dimitriades, Pambos Telemachou, Nicolas Patsalis, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Astero Constantinou, Eleftheria Nikolaidou, Xenia Pieridi, Mrs. Chrystalla Papaconstantinou, Angela Kitsiou, Antigoni Papaioannou, Foteini Angelopoulou. PASCAL English School - Form 2B Back: Stafanos Sofokleous, Christos Markantonis, Alexandros Elpidoforou, Andreas Orphanides, Petros Avgousti, Constantinos Antoniou, Andreas Sazos, Louis Leonida, Panayiotis Efsathiou. Middle: Mrs Georgina Miltiadous, Angelos Nikolaides, Avgoustinos Papakyriacou, Aristea Philipou, Yvonne Manoli, Maria Zinonos, Xenia Menelaou, Michael Kazoulis, Marios Konnaris, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Georgia Virardi, Timothea Demetriou, Evangelia Tymviou, Mrs. Tina Vryonidou, Antroniki Elpidoforou, Stavrina Pieridi, Marilena Antoniou. 10

11 PASCAL English School - Form 3A Back: Christos Constantinou, George Elpidoforou, Iouri Kornienko, Demetris Constantinou, Michalis Antoniou, Alexander Krechetov, Christos Kaimakkamis, Stephen Cook, Andreas Efstathiou, Stephanos Elpidoforou, Middle: Ilya Smirnov, Diana Kokoeva, Atalanti Pourikkou, Georgia Efstathiou, Emili Loizidou, Natali Manoli, Sofia Agathou, Panayiotis Polemitis, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Andrea Ioannidou, Maria Averkiou, Maria Chatzicharalambous, Mr. Neofytos Matsas, Evita Chistoforou, Andrea Nicolaou, Yioulia Svana PASCAL English School - Form 4A Back: Neophytos Ioannou, George Voniates, Andreas Charalambous, Adamos Zavallis, Vrionis Theocharous, Paris Makris, George Constantinou, Andreas Soteriou, Yiannakis Kanakis, Rafael Efstathiou, Demetris Kanakis, Constantinos Petrides, Christos Sophocleous. Middle: Christos Zachariades, Elina Zavou, Diana Yioupi, Ioanna Zachariadou, Victoria Zavalli, Katerina Nikolaou, Constantina Stylianou, Constantinos Papadopoulos, Persia Nicolaou, George Adamou, Maria Ioannou, Mr Mark Bedford Front: Elena Patsali, Florentina Mela, Lea Abi Aad, Ms Andria Ioannou, Nicol Avraam, Maya Athanatou, Marilena Christoforou. 11

12 PASCAL English School - Form 5A Back: Timothy Vafeas, Charalambos Nicolaou, Constantinos Christodoulou, Christopher Berdanis, Michalis Leonida, Nicolas Petrou. Middle: Lily Abiaad, Alexandros Constantinou, Emilianos Vasiliou, Christiana Loizidou, Elena Tambouri, Aristotelis Marcou, Joby Ficardos, Stephanie Nicolaou, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Stavrina Demosthenous, Anastasia Pinzari, Tara Tsouloupa, Mrs. Rodoula Michaelidou, Panayiota Rafti, Christina Sialouna, Stephani Yioupi. PASCAL English School - Form 6A Back: Andreas Achilleos, Nicolas Papamarcou, Andreas Matthaiou, Ioannou Alexandros, Kyriacos Iacovou, Steven Spyrou, Andreas Sofocleous, Alexander Britton, Loucas Demosthenous, Aristarchos Christofi, Constantinos Odysseos. Middle: Mrs. Nicoletta Kynigou, Nicolas Panayiotou, George Patsalis, Stella Christoforou, Yiannis Savva, Constantinos Tambouris, Alexis Michael, Kyriacos Antoniou, Mr. Mark Bedford. Front: Christina Averkiou, Louise O Brien, Theodora Rafti, Mr. Lazaros Lironis, Stacey Armeftis, Anna Elia, Katerina Avgousti 12

13 PASCAL English School - Graduates Achilleos Andreas Antoniou Kyriakos Armeftis Stacey Averkiou Christina Avgousti Katerina Britton Alexander Christofi Aristarchos Christoforou Stella Demosthenous Loucas Elia Anna Iacovou Kyriacos Ioannou Alexandros Matthaiou Andreas Michael Alexis O Brien Louise Odysseos Constantinos Panayiotou Nicolas Papamarcou Nicolas Patsalis George Rafti Theodora Savva Ioannis Sophocleous Andreas Spyrou Steven Tambouri Constantinos Theocharous Andreas 13

14 English The English Teacher R.K.Narayan Character Analysis As the novel unfolds Krishna s unstable character evolves. At first, Krishna is disillusioned with his daily routine ( cease to live like a cow ), but then the arrival of his wife and seven-year-old daughter Leela gave new life to his monotonous and mechanical existence. In the first chapter Krishna seems to be a selfish and materialistic man who is disillusioned with teaching and the mundane way English is taught by admonishing, cajoling and browbeating, lacking creativity ( mug up Shakespeare ) with the goal to secure high marks. He is only interested in the financial aspect of his job and calls his job a pain. Krishna owns an alarm clock which goes off unexpectedly and he stifles its cries with a book. It symbolises his past life which is filled with the habitual, the routine and predictability in his life. He mocks Mr Brown who is the British chief of Albert Mission College as he is shocked that a student spelt honours without the u. He highlights Mr Brown s narrow-mindedness as he thinks that only the British way is correct. He uses irony to do this. One example is Ask Mr Brown if he can say in any of the two hundred Indian languages: the cat chases the rat. Christos Zachariades, 4B Matrix Have you ever had a dream, that you were so sure was real? What if you were unable to wake from that dream? How would you know the difference between the dream world and the real world? This is the major question presented in my favourite movie which is called The Matrix. The Matrix series consist of a trilogy of science-fiction-action films. However they present a cyberpunk story with many references to philosophical and religious ideas. The actors who play the major roles in the movie are Keanu Reeves in the role of Neo, Laurence Fishburne in the role of Morpheus Carrie-Anne Moss in the role of Trinity and Hugo Weaving in the role of Agent Smith. Generally I enjoy watching many and different kinds of movies, but the particular trilogy is special to me, due to the messages and symbolisms that it carries. The basic inspiration of the Matrix is that Earth is dominated by sentient machines. Personally, I have watched the trilogy numerous times and after studying several reviews and analysis of the context, I tried to interpret some of the messages and ideas in a way that they would appeal in my own personal life. Morpheus had said that no one can be told what the Matrix is and that you have to see it for yourself Ever since I begun exploring the mystery behind this masterpiece, I realized that the more I get to discover, the more I get to question my self One of the most imperative premises that the film resembles is Plato's Allegory of the cave which refers to realizing what is real in the three dimensional world once you manage to escape from the blinkers and enter to the enlightened side of life. The most astonishing quote of the Matrix in my opinion is do not try to bend the spoon, that s impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth: there is no spoon. Moreover, it would be a great experience for anyone to visit a movie studio. Personally I would attempt this in order to gain knowledge of how my favourite movies are erected. I was always curious of how they create the special effects which enrich the presentation of the movie and overwhelm the audience with a mixture of emotions and surprises. Your offer is a great opportunity for all the young people, including myself, who visualize of meeting movie stars and exploring a movie studio. Magia Athanatou, 4A Dear Katie, Hi! How s it going? Thanks a lot for your postcard. I m sure that you had a great time in LA. Well, today we went back to school. I wasn t that anxious to go back, like last year when it was my first day in a new school. I can t believe how fast summer holidays passed. Actually, I was glad to go back to school, because I missed my friends and lessons (believe it or not!). It wasn t that bad for the first day. We met our new teachers, but my classmates are the same. I forgot to tell you about my summer holidays. After school closed, I went with my teachers and school mates to Rodon Hotel in Agros. We stayed there for a week. After that, I went with my family camping in Akamas, in front of the sea. And then we went to a hotel in Protaras. I didn t go as far as you, but I had a nice time in Cyprus. Anyway, I d better go now. I ve got loads of homework to do tonight and imagine this is the first day. Take care and hope to hear from you soon. Lots of love! Timothea Demetriou, 2B 14

15 The English Teacher R.K.Narayan Character Analysis Krishna is a lecturer at Albert Mission College, yet he is dissatisfied with his work and his life. Krishna has fallen into a daily routine, where every minute of the day is set for a specific task. Moreover, Krishna is unhappy with his work, he even says that he would shred paper if he was given the same pay. Also, when he was notified that his wife and child were coming, he panicked and when finding a house seemed impossible he panicked, but for his good fortune he managed to find a house. At the railway station Krishna was anxious whether or not his wife would have enough time, in fact he paid someone to help him unload the luggage. Another characteristic of Krishna was that he was easily manipulated, this can be seen on two occasions. Firstly when Sinagaram managed to extract 8 annas from him when at first Krishna only gave a considerable smaller amount. Another occasion is when at the National provisions store Krishna was tricked by being given less sugar. When Susila pointed this out to him, it only angered him. Krishna is also badtempered. When Susila sold his alarm clock he became so angry he reduced her to tears although the alarm clock was broken and she managed to get a high price for it. Another fact is that he is somewhat distanced from his family since he refers to Leela (his daughter) as the child and Susila as the young mother. However, I believe this was only because he was insecure at first and he had no faith in himself as a father. Krishna seems to not have the ability to express himself since when Susila asked him to write a poem for her, he copies a poem from William Wordsworth. In conclusion, Krishna is tired of his monotonous life. However, with the appearance of his wife and child things seemed to be changing. Christos Sophocleous, 4B The English Teacher R.K.Narayan Character Analysis At the beginning of the novel, we see Krishna is lost, dissatisfied with his life, As I was nearing thirty I should cease to live like a cow. Krishna lives a life which he does not enjoy, he feels like there s nothing special about it. Even his job felt like it was not suited to him. He only worked as a lecturer for the money: my duty in the interval had been admonishing, cajoling and browbeating a few hundred boys of Albert Mission College. Krishna wanted to write poetry and when doing something you don t enjoy people seem to be miserable in their life in general. As readers we realize that Krishna was only working for the hundred rupees. Not living a life that made him happy, Krishna had nothing to write about, hence he barely wrote any poetry with the exception the day he swam in the river. He was delighted to do something different for once but then went back to his old way of life. All this changed when his wife and daughter came to stay with him. Even though at the beginning, he kept a distance since he was afraid of change, referring to his wife as the girl, he later took on responsibilities and lived a life which made him happy with his family, since he was greatly influenced by them. Charalambous Nicolaou, 5A Any student caught stealing at school should be immediately and permanently excluded There is no doubt that at school, students are not allowed to steal. However, there are students that are caught stealing at school. On the one hand, if a student repeatedly steals money from other students, he or she has to be excluded. It s not fair for the other students. If the student is caught stealing at school, then in the future he or she could steal from banks, shops etc. The student has to be permanently excluded or be given other serious and strict punishments. On the other hand, if a student is caught stealing a pen from the school office, it s not so serious, but he or she has to be punished because if he or she starts from small types of stealing, then it will develop into big forms of stealing. As a result, he or she has to be punished to stop stealing. Permanent exclusion is more appropriate when the student s misbehavior is serious. In conclusion, I believe that for serious types of stealing, the student should be permanently excluded. But if the form of stealing isn t so serious, the student doesn t have to be permanently excluded. Stavrina Pieride, 2B The English Teacher R.K.Narayan Character Analysis Krishna is a thirty-year-old man. He is a lecturer of English Literature at Albert Mission College, where he was a student himself. He feels that his life is monotonous and he wants to change it. Destiny takes his life in its hands as his wife comes to live with him with their seven-month-old Leela. Through different situations, we see Krishna acting in different ways which provoke different parts of his character. Krishna tends to be an anxious person. We can see that firstly through his desperate research for a house and then at the railway station, where he seemed panicked. We can see that through his frantic behaviour and also by the repetitions and exclamation marks. He keeps repeating how Susila will manage to get down the train without the baby being hurt from this. We also realise that he is an inexperienced person, who lives a monotonous life. This is also proved by the fact that when he has a bath at the river, he says that was a new world for him. Maria Ioannou, 4B 15

16 Drama What do you like most about Drama and what have you learnt from Feather Boy? The best part about Drama is the acting we do. I have learnt that you can achieve anything if you really want to. Michael Kazoulis, 2B I like the fact that we don t only read and act during lessons but we also understand and study simulated real life situations that the characters of the book experience. Sotiris Markitanis 2A I have learnt many things like how to act and the book has taught me not to make fun of weak people or bully them because they will be hurt. Xenia Pieride 2B I like Drama because I like to act like other people and it is a very interesting subject. I learnt that if a boy is not important to anyone and has no friends he can become stronger if he wants to make more friends. Nicolas Patsalis 2A I like the fact that everyone can show how he feels. I have learnt how to have confidence and found out who I really am. It s not right to stop others from their dreams. It s good to give everyone a chance. Marilena Antoniou 2B What I like most about Drama is how the lesson rolls. It s easy to understand the lesson and funny at the same time. The book has taught me never to give up and to keep trying no matter what happens. Rolando Virardi 2A I really love the Drama lesson, especially the time when we perform plays. It s exciting and it helps me understand the book. I learnt that there are difficulties in life but with a little help from someone that wants to help you, you can overcome everything and change your life to follow your dreams. Alexandros Karamallis, 2A Drama: Christmas Scripts by 1B Catherine is a girl who loves Christmas. Near her house lives Ms Fiona. Ms Fiona doesn t like Christmas. She is wicked and she gets angry when Christmas comes. Now, it is Christmas and Catherine goes to Ms Fiona s house to wish her a Merry Christmas and sing the Christmas carols. Catherine: Santa Clause is coming to town Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way Good morning Ms Fiona, it is Christmas. Ms Fiona: Ohhhh stop singing, stop! You know that I hate Christmas Day! Catherine: But it is a day for love and wishes. All people give presents to one another. All children are smiling and waiting for Santa Clause Santa Clause is coming to town Ms Fiona: I hate Christmas, I hate people smiling, I hate you! So, you can go now. I don t want to hear this song again. Catherine did not give up. Every night, Catherine would go to Ms Fiona s home and sing, sing, sing. Day by day, Ms Fiona became happier and on the fifth day, she started singing along with Catherine. The more she heard the carols, the more she liked them. Ms Fiona: Catherine, can you open the door please? Catherine: Good morning Ms Fiona. How are you doing? Ms Fiona: Hello Catherine. I m fine. I would like to give you these presents. Thank you for helping me understand the meaning of Christmas. Every time I heard the carols, I liked them more and more. Catherine: Thank you for the presents. I m very happy because you realized the meaning of Christmas. Ms Fiona: So, do you want to decorate the house with Christmas decorations and make cookies? Catherine: Let s get started! The End Christina Hadjicharalambous, Nicoletta Svanna, 1B 16

17 Literature Poetry Competition Upper School Winner Quatern Poem Oh! Faustus with the tainted soul! Your endless greed and ambition; To hell you bade your self as whole, Hands became your habitation. Books of power and of magic Oh! Faustus with the tainted soul! Wicked spells made you lunatic; Damnity then was not to awe Never solemn, never unfeigned Trapped in the cave you couldn t see; Oh! Faustus with the tainted soul! Through vow you tried to dry the sea! You grieve, you mourn you suffer more! Great hymns of praise to God are heard! Loathsome farewell, the hellish fall Oh! Faustus with the tainted soul! Maya Athanatou, 4A Poetry Literature Poetry Competition Lower School Winner Quatern Poem Pulling the trigger, it s midnight Your heart beating fast, without stop Your mind full of bad memories And just don t know what to do then. Focus on what you have to do Pulling the trigger, it s midnight Your plan is ready, just stay calm Find the victim, ready to act. Keeping your mind under control You got you to stay fearless at all Pulling the trigger, it s midnight Nothing to block your way of crime. Holding now a gun in your hand Aiming the target solidly Only one thing left to do, that s Pulling the trigger, it s midnight. Alexandros Karamallis, 2A How to Torture Your Mother Whatever she says Always say yes If she s wrong Don t ever say no If she tells you something Don t do it If she gets angry with you Don t give her attention She is always saying Clean your bedroom And the living-room And don t throw everything away You will let her talk to herself You will shake your head And you won t do anything At the end of the day Tell her you are the best mother, I love you so much And I know you love me too. Goodnight! Aristi Philippou, 2B If I was a Dog If I was a dog I d live in a house I d live with my family And I d eat all day long If I was a dog I d eat meat and fruit I d find my food by myself And I d sleep all day long If I was a dog I d like the way I look With my family and me Especially my meat If I was a dog I d like the way I look With my family and me Especially my meat If I was a dog I d have to learn to hunt And I wouldn t talk I d bark So I d choose to be a dog. Ismini Issa, 1B Diamante Poem DREAMS SUBCONSCIOUS, IMAGINARY SLEEPING, WISHING, THINKING FANTASY, VISION, ACTUALITY, GENUINE BEING, SEEING, KNOWING AUTHENTIC, FACTUAL REALITY Emily Loizidou, 3A If I was a Monkey If I was a monkey I d live in the jungle I d live with Tarzan And I d dance all day long. If I was a monkey I d eat meat and grass I d find my food by myself And I d be hungry all day long. If I was a monkey I d like the way I look With my sharp teeth and eyes Especially my tail. If I was a monkey I d have to learn to eat And I wouldn t talk I d eat So I d want to be a monkey. Demos Paliosofitis, 1B 17

18 Greek Ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας Όταν ο αφηγητής πρωτοξεκίνησε να ζωγραφίζει ήταν έξι χρονών, ζωγράφιζε κάτι από ένα βιβλίο. Όταν είδαν οι μεγάλοι τα σχέδιά του τον αποθάρρυναν και τον συμβούλεψαν να σταματήσει να ζωγραφίζει. Έτσι διάλεξε άλλο επάγγελμα, έμαθε να οδηγά αεροπλάνα. Γύριζε όλο τον κόσμο ώσπου έπαθε μία βλάβη στη Σαχάρα. Προσπάθησε να φτιάξει τη βλάβη, το επόμενο πρωί τον ξύπνησε μια φωνή που του ζήταγε να του ζωγραφίσει ένα αρνί. Έκανε δυο- τρία σκίτσα αλλά απέτυχαν, στο τέλος όμως τα κατάφερε. Ακολούθως του ζήτησε να ζωγραφίσει ένα κασόνι για το αρνί. Έσκυψε το κεφάλι του και κοίταξε το σχέδιο, έτσι λοιπόν γνωρίστηκε με το Μικρό Πρίγκιπα. Σιγά σιγά αντιλήφθηκε πως ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας έφτασε από άλλο πλανήτη. Την πέμπτη μέρα που βρισκόταν στη γη ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας άνοιξαν μία συζήτηση για τα λουλούδια, ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας έμαθε πως τα αγκάθια των λουλουδιών δεν χρησιμεύουν σε τίποτα και θύμωσε πολύ με αυτό. Ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας είχε δεθεί πολύ με ένα λουλούδι στον πλανήτη του. Φύτρωνε αργά αργά και ανυπομονούσε να το δει ανθισμένο. Ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας το φρόντιζε με μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον. Ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας έφυγε σε ταξίδι μεταξύ των αστεροειδών Όταν έφτασε στον πρώτο πλανήτη συνάντησε ένα βασιλιά, στο δεύτερο ένα ματαιόδοξο, στον τρίτο έναν μεθύστακα, στον τέταρτο έναν επιχειρηματία, στον πέμπτο ένα φανανάφτη, στον έκτο ένα γεωγράφο και μετά επισκέφθηκε τη γη. Εδώ στη γη γνώρισε τον αφηγητή. Παράλληλα συνάντησε μία αλεπού, η οποία δεν είχε φίλους και κανείς δεν την είχε εξημερώσει. Είχε ανάγκη να την εξημερώσει ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας, όταν την εξημέρωσε του δίδαξε την πραγματική σημασία της φιλίας. Επίσης του εξήγησε την διαφορά του δικού του τριαντάφυλλου με τα άλλα χιλιάδες ολόιδια τριαντάφυλλα που συνάντησε σε έναν κήπο, η διαφορά ήταν πως αυτά ήταν κενά γιατί δεν τα φρόντισε κάποιος ούτε τα αγάπησε ενώ το δικό του το φρόντιζε ο ίδιος και μεταξύ τους δημιουργήθηκε ένα αδιάσπαστο δέσιμο. Λίγες μέρες αργότερα ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας εγκατέλειψε τη γη και επέστρεψε πίσω στον πλανήτη του. Ο αφηγητής στενοχωρήθηκε αφάνταστα όταν ο Μικρός Πρίγκιπας έφυγε όμως δεν είπε τίποτα σε κανένα για τη ανυπόφορη λύπη που αισθανόταν. Αδιαμφισβήτητα θα θυμάται παντοτινά το μικρό του φίλο και θα εύχεται να περνάει καλά στον πλανήτη του. Συνοψίζοντας λοιπόν, το λογοτεχνικό του Μικρού Πρίγκιπα ήταν ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και συναρπαστικό βιβλίο, στο οποίο θα ανακαλύψετε πολλά κρυμμένα και σημαντικά μηνύματα που αφορούν την καθημερινή μας ζωή αλλά πάνω απ όλα το δέσιμο που δημιουργούμε με τους ανθρώπους αλλά και με τα ζώα. Η φράση «μόνο με την καρδιά βλέπεις καθαρά, την ουσία δεν τη βλέπουν τα μάτια» έχει χαραχτεί βαθιά μέσα στο μυαλό μου και θα με συντροφεύει στις καινούριες μου γνωριμίες. Λοιπόν και γώ με τη σειρά θα το πρότεινα ανεπιφύλακτα σε μικρούς αλλά και σε μεγάλους. Χριστόφορος Γεωργίου, 1A Σημασία Αξία της Φιλίας στην ζωή μας Η φιλία είναι η σχέση που αναπτύσσουν δυο άνθρωποι. Η λέξη Φιλία είναι συνώνυμη με τις λέξεις ειλικρίνεια αγάπη και σεβασμός. Αυτά τα χαρακτηριστικά είναι όλα όσα χαρακτηρίζουν ένα πραγματικό ή αλλιώς πιστό φίλο. Η γνήσια φιλία δεν ξέρει τι θα πει εγωισμός και συμφέρον.καθώς κάθε άνθρωπος χρειάζεται ένα φίλο, ο πραγματικός ξεχωρίζει στις δύσκολες περιπτώσεις, όταν εσύ χρειάζεσαι κάποιο να σου συμπαρασταθεί ή ακόμη όταν χρειάζεσαι στήριξη. Ακόμη θα χαρεί μαζί σου στην επιτυχία χωρίς να νιώθει μίσος ή ζημία, θα σε παροτρύνει να κάνεις τις σωστές επιλογές και θα θυσιαστεί χωρίς να ζητήσει αντάλλαγμα. ΦΙΛΙΑ : ΠΑΡΕΛΘΟΝ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ : Στην αρχαιότητα η φιλία ήταν αισθητή καθημερινά. Οι αρχαίοι ήταν πάντα φιλόξενοι.έβαζαν στον ξένο να φάει και να ξεκουραστεί χωρίς να γνωρίζουν ποιος είναι και από πού ερχόταν. Σήμερα η μόνη λέξη που αντιπροσωπεύει τη φιλία είναι το συμφέρον. Δεν κάνεις ένα φίλο χωρίς να σκεφτείς τι θα πάρεις από αυτόν.έχουμε την ελευθέρια να διαλέγουμε τους φίλους μας.οι φίλοι μας είναι ο καθρέφτης μας (παροιμία: «δείξε μου το φίλο σου να σου πω ποιος είσαι» ) γι αυτό πρέπει να είμαστε σίγουροι για τις επιλογές μας. Παλιά οι φίλοι ήταν έτοιμοι να παλέψουν για τους «κολλητούς τους». Σήμερα ο «φίλος» σε κάνει ότι θέλει και χωρίς να το καταλάβεις βρίσκεσαι αντιμέτωπος με τα ναρκωτικά και παλεύεις για να ζήσεις, γιατί ;,γιατί έκανες μια λάθος επιλογή στο παρελθόν που καθορίζει τώρα το παρόν και το μέλλον σου. ΦΙΛΟΙ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΤΗΤΑ : Αχιλλέας-Πάτροκλος : Ο Πάτροκλος μεγάλωσε σαν αδελφός δίπλα στον Αχιλλέα.Όσο καιρό πολεμούσε ο Αχιλλέας παρέμεινε δίπλα του. Συμβούλευε τον Αχιλλέα και προσπάθησε να τον πείσει να γυρίσει στον πόλεμο,αφού έφυγε μετά τον τσακωμό του με τον Αγαμέμνονα χωρίς να τα καταφέρει.μετά τον θάνατο του Πάτροκλου ο Αχιλλέας θρήνησε πολύ για τον φίλο του και πήρε εκδίκηση σκοτώνοντας τον Έκτορα και πολλούς Τρώες. Μαρία Αντωνίου, 2Α 18

19 Greek Στις μέρες μας η διάδοση των ναρκωτικών παίρνει απειλητικές διαστάσεις και έχει μετατραπεί σ ένα σοβαρό πρόβλημα των σύγχρονων κοινωνιών. Ποια νομίζετε ότι πρέπει να είναι η στάση της κοινωνίας και της πολιτείας απέναντι στα εξαρτημένα από τις ουσίες άτομα και ποια μέτρα πρέπει να παρθούν ώστε να καταπολεμηθεί η μάστιγα αυτή; Στις σύγχρονες κοινωνίες, η μάστιγα των ναρκωτικών έχει αποκτήσει τεράστιες διαστάσεις και έχει γίνει πλέον το σοβαρότερο πρόβλημα της νεολαίας. Τα αίτιά του μπορεί να είναι η χαλάρωση των οικογενειακών θεσμών κάτι που έχει οδηγήσει στο λεγόμενο χάσμα γενεών. Αυτό με τη σειρά του συντέλεσε στην έλλειψη κατανόησης και στοργής απέναντι στους νέους. Γι αυτό το λόγο, αυτοί καταφεύγουν στα ναρκωτικά τα οποία προσφέρουν παραισθήσεις ευφορίας στους χρήστες. Υπάρχει όμως λύση στη συγκεκριμένη μάστιγα. Ο καθένας μας μπορεί να βοηθήσει αφού είναι ένα φαινόμενο το οποίο δεν μας επιτρέπει να απαλλαχτούμε από τις ευθύνες. Κατ αρχήν, η στάση της κοινωνίας και της κοινωνίας πολιτείας δεν μπορεί να εκμηδενιστεί, αφού είναι λίαν σημαντική στην καταστολή του φαινομένου. Ως αποτέλεσμα, η κοινωνία πρώτη από όλους δεν θα πρέπει να περιθωριοποιεί αυτά τα άτομα. Θα πρέπει να τους αντιμετωπίζουμε με αγάπη γιατί δεν είναι όλοι κακοί χαρακτήρες αλλά αδύνατοι, με αποτέλεσμα να παρασυρθούν από συναναστροφές και να μπλεχτούν στα δίκτυα του λευκού θανάτου. Επιπλέον, η δύναμη των ναρκωτικών δεν μπορεί να υποτιμηθεί, πράγμα που σημαίνει ότι ο καθένας από εμάς θα μπορούσε να είναι μπλεγμένος σε αυτά. Αν κατανοηθεί αυτό τότε θα καταλάβουμε πώς νιώθουν οι τοξικομανείς και ότι κανένας δεν αρέσκεται στο να τον αποφεύγουν οι συνάνθρωποί του. Έτσι θα είναι ευκολότερο να προσφέρουμε σε τέτοια άτομα στοργή και τρυφερότητα καθώς επίσης να τα βοηθήσουμε να ξεφύγουν από τα πλοκάμια των ναρκωτικών. Η στάση της πολιτείας, δηλαδή του κράτους, παίζει εξίσου σημαντικό ρόλο στην καταπολέμηση της μάστιγας. Άρα, δεν θα πρέπει να υποτιμηθεί η επίδραση που ασκείται από το κράτος στους ναρκομανείς. Γι αυτό το λόγο αντί το κράτος να θεωρεί τέτοια άτομα ως εχθρούς, θα πρέπει εκείνοι να είναι ο πατέρας αφού οι ναρκομανείς συμβολίζουν τον άσωτο υιό ο οποίος αρχικά παραστράτησε όμως στο τέλος ακολούθησε ξανά την ορθή οδό. Είναι αξιοσημείωτη η σκέψη ότι αντί το κράτος να φυλακίζει τους ναρκομανείς, θα ήταν πιο υποβοηθητικό να τους βοηθήσει μέσω διαλέξεων ή ιατρικής περίθαλψης να κατανοήσουν οι ίδιοι την κατάστασή τους και να αποκτήσουν ισχυρή θέληση να εξέλθουν από αυτή. Λόγω της τεράστιας διάστασης του φαινομένου, θα πρέπει επίσης να παρθούν μέτρα προκειμένου να μειωθεί η χρήση ουσιών. Τα κράτη θα ήταν καλό να ανταλλάσουν απόψεις σχετικά με το συγκεκριμένο θέμα και να προβαίνουν σε πράξεις όπως είναι η δημιουργία κέντρων αποτοξίνωσης. Είναι ευλογοφανές ότι οι έμποροι ναρκωτικών οι οποίοι είναι αδίστακτα άτομα, θα πρέπει να τιμωρούνται αυστηρά και παραδειγματικά. Η συνεργασία κράτους-εκπαίδευσης μπορεί να επιφέρει αριστοτεχνικά αποτελέσματα. Γι αυτό η κυβέρνηση θα ήταν καλό να ενθαρρύνει το σχολείο να δημιουργήσει ενημερωτικά προγράμματα τα οποία θα προειδοποιούν τους μαθητές για τους κινδύνους και τις συνέπειες της χρήσης τέτοιων ουσιών. Αυτό μάλιστα μπορεί να γίνει και ως μορφή μαθήματος. Αν εφαρμοστεί η συγκεκριμένη νομοθεσία, τότε οι μαθητές θα κατανοήσουν τη σοβαρότητα του φαινομένου και θα καταβάλλουν προσπάθειες να το αποφεύγουν. Η οικογένεια είναι ο πυρήνας της κοινωνίας, άρα αφού η κοινωνία μπορεί να θέσει μέτρα για την μείωση τέτοιων ουσιών, η οικογένεια μπορεί με παρόμοιο τρόπο να επιβάλει αυστηρά μέτρα στους νέους. Είναι απαραίτητο οι γονείς να εκδηλώνουν αγάπη στα παιδιά καθώς και στοργή. Τουναντίον, αν δουν ότι το παιδί τους έχει ακολουθήσει μια εσφαλμένη πορεία και δεν λογικεύεται με το διάλογο οι γονείς θα πρέπει να στερήσουν από τα παιδιά τους πράγματα τα ο- ποία θα επιθυμήσουν. Ακόμα, ο γονέας μπορεί να προβεί και στο να χειροδικήσει αφού μια αρχαία παροιμία λέει σοφά ότι το ξύλο βγήκε από τον παράδεισο. Συγκεφαλαιώνοντας, κατά την άποψή μου τα ναρκωτικά σήμερα λόγω της τεράστιας διάστασης που έχουν πάρει, έγιναν ο χειρότερος εφιάλτης της οικογένειας και της κοινωνίας. Το πιο λυπηρό όμως είναι ότι νέοι άνθρωποι οι οποίοι θα έπρεπε να χαίρονται τη ζωή τους, χρησιμοποιώντας τέτοιες ουσίες, παίζουν παιχνίδια με το θάνατο. Ως αποτέλεσμα, αφού το συγκεκριμένο θέμα είναι λίαν σοβαρό, θα πρέπει πρώτα απ όλα η κοινωνία και το κράτος να λάβει μέτρα για την καταστολή της μάστιγας. Αναντίρρητα, όλοι μπορούμε και πρέπει να προσφέρουμε τη βοήθειά μας, άρα όποιος ισχυριστεί ότι δεν έχει ευθύνη, αυτός είναι διπλά υπεύθυνος. Άννα Ηλία, 6A 19

20 Classical Appreciation Η Ωραία Ελένη Όλοι ξέρουμε το μύθο της Ωραίας Ελένης. Την ιστορία της γυναίκας που για χάρη της ξεθεμελιώθηκε η Τροία. Που για χάρη της όπως λέει ο Ευριπίδης «ορφάνεψαν τα νυφικά κρεβάτια». Είναι όμως έτσι; Μπορεί όλα αυτά να είναι μύθος και η Ελένη να μην πήγε ποτέ στην Τροία; Μπορεί η Ελένη να ήταν μια καλή και πιστή στον άντρα της σύζυγος που κατηγορήθηκε άδικα. Ο Ευριπίδης έχει την δική του άποψη. Πάντα ερειστικός με το κατεστημένο ο τρίτος (σε ηλικία) μεγάλος ποιητής της αρχαιότητας έχει άλλη άποψη και τη λέει με τον τρόπο του. Τρωικός πόλεμος και διαφορετικές εκδοχές Μετά το θάνατο του Πάρη παντρεύτηκε τον αδελφό του Δηίφοβο. Ύστερα από την πτώση της Τροίας ακολούθησε το Μενέλαο στη Σπάρτη, όπου έφτασαν μετά από περιπέτειες οχτώ χρόνων. Από τότε έζησαν ήσυχοι την υπόλοιπη ζωή τους. Ωστόσο, ένας άλλος μύθος θέλει το Μενέλαο να καταπλέει στην Αίγυπτο και να συναντά την πραγματική Ελένη, που του εκμυστηρεύεται ότι η Ελένη για την οποία πολεμούσαν στην Τροία ήταν ένα ψεύτικο όραμα. Στο μύθο αυτό αναφέρεται ο ποιητής Στησίχορος στην περίφημη παλινωδία του, η οποία διασώζεται μες στο Φαίδρο του Πλάτωνα. Στον Ευριπίδη, παρουσιάζεται περισσότερο ως θύμα, παρά ως πρόξενος κακών. Ο Όμηρος στην Ιλιάδα παρουσιάζει την Ελένη ως πλάσμα ανθρώπινο με θεϊκή καταγωγή, αποφεύγει την κατάκριση και την καταδίκη, αλλά την παρουσιάζει συχνά να αυτοκαταδικάζεται μεταχειριζόμενη το επίθετο «κυνώπις» για τον εαυτό της. Αν και αγαπάει τον Πάρη, τον παρατηρεί, γιατί δεν είναι γενναίος. Μερικές φορές μετανιώνει και νοσταλγεί την πατρίδα της, τη Σπάρτη, τον άντρα της και την κόρη της Ερμιόνη. Εβίτα Χριστοφόρου, 3Α ΠΟΙΗΜΑΤΑ ΕΜΠΝΕΥΣΜΕΝΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΟΜΗΡΟΥ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙΑ ΕΡΩΤΗΣΗ: Η Ιθάκη στο ποίημα του Καβάφη λειτουργεί ως σύμβολο. Με ποια έννοια; Αναμφισβήτητα το έργο του Ομήρου, Ομήρου Οδύσσεια έχει επηρεάσει αρκετούς από τους μεγάλους μας ποιητές. Στο ομότιτλο ποίημα του Κωνσταντίνου Καβάφη, η Ιθάκη αποτελεί τον προορισμό του κάθε ανθρώπου για την υλοποίηση των στόχων του. Παρ όλες τις απρόσμενες δυσκολίες και τα ανυπέρβλητα εμπόδια που θα εμφανιστούν στο διάβα μας δεν πρέπει ποτέ να παρεκκλίνουμε από τον πρωταρχικό μας στόχο. Η ευχή του ποιητή σε κάποιον υποθετικό Οδυσσέα δεν είναι άλλη από την προτροπή του να παρατείνει το ταξίδι της επιστροφής του προς την Ιθάκη, για να αποκομίσει πιο πολλές γνώσεις και εμπειρίες. Όσο μεγαλύτερο είναι το «ταξίδι», τόσο περισσότερα και τα «κέρδη». Όσο περισσότερα είναι τα κέρδη, τόσο και το ταξίδι γίνεται αυτοσκοπός και η Ιθάκη η αφορμή ή το κίνητρο για το ταξίδι. Ένα κοινό σημείο με τον Ομηρικό Οδυσσέα είναι το γεγονός ότι ο επικός ήρωας από το ταξίδι επιστροφής μέσα από πολλά εμπόδια και περιπέτειες. Για τον πολυμήχανο Οδυσσέα, η Ιθάκη αποτελεί το μακρύ ταξίδι της ζωής, το μεγάλο νόστο της επιστροφής. Ο ήρωάς μας προσπαθεί με όλη του τη δύναμη να υπερπηδήσει τα εμπόδια για να εκπληρώσει το νόστο του, την επιστροφή του στην πατρίδα του, κοντά στην οικογένειά του. Το ταξίδι αυτό θα είναι πλούσιο σε μοναδικές και ανεπανάληπτες εμπειρίες, οι οποίες μας ενδυναμώνουν ως ανθρώπους. Όπως αναφέρει και ο καταξιωμένος ποιητής Καβάφης, «Τους Λαιστρυγόνας και τους Κύκλωπας, τον άγριο Ποσειδώνα δεν θα συναντήσεις, αν δεν τους κουβανείς μες στην ψυχή σου». Ο άνθρωπος δηλαδή κατά τον ποιητή διαμορφώνει τις περιστάσεις και όχι οι περιστάσεις τον άνθρωπο. Οι Λαιστρυγόνες, οι Κύκλωπες και ο θυμωμένος Ποσειδώνας συμβολίζουν τα εμπόδια και τους κινδύνους που μπορεί να αντιμετωπίσει ο κάθε άνθρωπος που έχει θέσει κάποιο υψηλό στόχο. Για να φτάσει κάποιος στο ταξίδι και στην πραγμάτωση του στόχου του πρέπει να περάσει πρώτα από εμπόδια για να φτάσει στο στόχο του, επίσης του έδωσε μια περιπέτεια που θα του μείνει αξέχαστη! Ο εξωτερικός κόσμος δε λειτουργεί παρά ως αφορμή για τον ποιητή για να εκθέσει την ανθρώπινη ψυχή και να αφηγηθεί το ταξίδι της. Ο Οδυσσέας που γυρίζει στην Ιθάκη αφού πέρασε από πλήθος περιπέτειες και κινδύνους, γίνεται σύμβολο ενός αδιάκοπου αγώνα στην πορεία του οποίου ο άνθρωπος πλουτίζει αποκομίζοντας τη γνώση μέσα από καινούριες εμπειρίες, συγκινήσεις, εντυπώσεις και μοναδικές στιγμές. Παπαστυλιανού Ραφαέλλα, Παλιοσοφίτης Δήμος, 1Β 20