BROOKLYN – The new school year for students of Greek School of Plato in Brooklyn began on Saturday, September 12, with the traditional blessing of the waters service performed by Fr. Michael Gavris, the presiding priest of the ‘Kimisis’ – Dormition of the Theotokos parish in Brooklyn. In his welcoming address, Principal Leonidas Papoulias stated:
“As we mark the start of the new school year, I warmly welcome the members of the Board of Directors, the students, the teachers, the members of the Parents’ Association, as well as all parents and families.
“As a Greek school in New York, we have both the honor and the responsibility to keep the Greek language, history, culture, and traditions alive, while simultaneously equipping our children with the tools they need to thrive in modern society.
“This is our goal for the new school year – a year that begins with optimism and renewed energy, as our teaching staff is bolstered by new educators who will contribute their knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to our shared endeavor.
Principal Leonidas Papoulias with 8th-grade students. (Photo: The National Herald/Michael Kakias)
“With faith in our students’ potential and confidence in the strength of our school community, let us embark together on a new year filled with learning and success.”
The President of the Board of Directors, John Geroulanos, wished the students a creative, productive, and healthy school year; the teachers strength and patience in their vital work; and the parents fortitude and a spirit of creative collaboration. Fr. Gavris expressed, through The National Herald, the joy and honor he feels in officiating the blessing service for the start of classes.
“Through this blessing service, we seek the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit for students and teachers alike. It is a beautiful custom that we must uphold and never forget – not only in schools but also at every new beginning in our lives. I wish everyone a wonderful year, a blessed school year, and strength for the journey ahead.”
The Vice President of the Board of Directors, Kostas Karkas, stated: “The first day of school is always a special beginning, filled with expectations, dreams, and new goals. For us, the school is not merely a place for imparting knowledge; it is a living beacon of our homeland abroad – a place where our children connect with their roots, learn the language of our ancestors, discover our history, and experience the traditions and values of Hellenism.” Stella Kokkolis, President of the Federation of Greek Teachers and Cultural Associations of America, highlighted the importance of Greek schools within the Diaspora; she noted that they serve as the most vital pillar for preserving national identity, as they do not merely teach the language but also forge bonds between younger generations and Greece’s roots, history, and culture.
The President of the Parents’ Association, Evangelia Davanos, wished everyone a successful school year, stating: “Once again this year, we stand by our children and their teachers, ready to support them in meeting every need.”