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Hello, my name is Dimitris Mastrodimitropoulos, I have lived here in NS for most of my life, since I finished Lyceum in Greece. My occupation is in the Information Technology field but I have been teaching the Greek language at the Greek school here since I was a university student. I have taught grades 1 through 6. Currently I am teaching Grade 5 in ta classroom setting and an Adult class for beginners online. I enjoy teaching very much, I try my hardest to see things from the eyes of the students and make adjustments if necessary as I try to educate them in the greek language and culture.

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My name is Sophia Georgopapadakos. I am a mother of three children of ages 15, 12, and 10 years old and I came from Greece 7 years ago. My good knowledge of English proved that it was good only in Greece. I suffered, I felt disadvantaged, and I did not want to go out of the house for several months. I tried to enroll in school; however, they did not accept me, because adult schools in Canada are only for immigrants, and I was not an immigrant; I was born in Canada. Finally, I registered in the Seneca Academic Upgrading program, I studied very hard and one year later I registered in the 9-1-1 and Emergency Services Communication Program, from where I graduated with honors.

In Greece, I have studied “Shipping Business”, “Bookkeeping & Accounting”, “Business Administration & Economy” and I interrupted my studies in “Computer Science” because we came to Canada.

I love the Greek language, I love books. I love everything related with Greece especially the sea. My place of origin is in the southern part of Greece, close to Cape Tainaron and named Tsikalia, where the sea literally meets the sky.

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Hello everyone my name is Suzy and you will never guess my baptismal name. I was born in Canada and moved to Greece at the age of 14 years old where I had to study Greek in a high school and realised studying Greek in Greece is nothing like studying Greek in Canada.
After completing LYKEIO (senior high school) in Greece, my whole family moved back to Canada.
I have the Greek language coming "out of my ears' since  I teach on regular basis in different schools.
At this point I am teaching on line and I have to say I am very comfortable using the google classroom and soon realised how good I am with technology.
I have 3 beautiful adult kids age 23, 21, and 18 and am trying to always pass a lesson to them through or discussion. I have taugh tthem to be proud of our Greek culture and to speak Greek as much as possible. Now whenever my kids come across an english word thats sounds like Greek, they always say..."Now that comes from the Greek word.........." After all, we are a BIG FAT GREEK Family

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My name is Sarah middle name is Stavroula  everyone knows me as Sarah.
I was  born and raised in Athens, Greece. I have lived in Toronto since I was about 13 years old. I did move back and lived in Athens and  Samos island for almost 7 years, before returning to Toronto.
I love Greece and this rich language; love the literacy and poetry.
I cannot imagine not teaching Greek studies either here or abroad. I have taught in Greece as well as here, I just love to learn through my students every day!
My dream is to travel and teach across the world our language and heritage.
I am drawn to countries such as Australia, Africa, remote places and dangerous like Congo Of Democratic Republic - their community had me  in tears years back. I saw one of my older students ( that  happened to move to Congo)  being in the parade celebrating March 25th our independence.
Seeing our heritage our flag our language across these great boarders across the world really... I realized I want to teach there one day!

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Hello everyone!!
My name is Elaine, Eleni in Greek.
I was born in London, Ontario. We moved to Toronto when I was 8.
I started working with children when I was in high school as a helper in a daycare and then ran after-school programs at a community centre.
Once I completed my studies at University, I fulfilled my lifetime dream of moving to Greece. I believe that I am blessed because I was able to experience life in the country  where my parents were born. A country rich in culture and traditions with such an amazing history.
I taught EFL for 22 years in Greece and loved every minute of it. I incorporated our Canadian customs and celebrations as much as possible. Since moving back to Canada( 2 years ago), I now teach Greek at the Hellenic Academy of York on Saturdays. I look forward to each and  every lesson with my students, knowing that I am contributing to enriching their minds by teaching them about our rich culture and heritage.
I truly miss the connection I normally have with my students and their parents' from in class teaching. So looking forward to getting back to a classroom setting!!!!

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Hi Everyone! I took some of the ideas from the Building Relationships document and added my own personal twist.
Below, you will find a photo of a hat with smaller images that look like some of the letters from the alphabet.
Each of these images speak to a characteristic of mine. I try to be mindful of these when building relationships with students and people in general. As a side note, the name that is created by these letters is a short form name. When creating this prop with students, any word or acronym of their choice can be used.
C (Letter): Door Handle
-important to keep doors open for students (encouraging speech, growth mindset)
-the door represents the passageway from one area to another; symbol for discovery (students coming into class with the notion of opening their minds to possibilities, discussions, etc.)
H (Letter): Bridge
-important to be a bridge for students during their development
-metaphorical (be what helps them to get to where they need to be)
-"True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own." - Nikos Kazantzakis
R (Letter): Rope
-encourage resourcefulness; encourage students to use their resources
-such resources can be their peers (create opportunities for collaborative inquiry and foster a climate of "respect the process, embrace the grind"
I (Letter): CN Tower (Travel) (the non-Torontonian speaking hear)
-travelling helps students to make connections with other people, and opens their mind to learning new things
-can be local "travelling", within one's own city/town
-travelling also allows an opportunity for self-discovery
S (Letter): Music (Instrument)/Musical Literacy
-deliver lessons and activities by multiple methods (differentiated instruction)
-use music to raise their mood, make them relaxed, use it as background "noise" during work periods
-ask for their music preferences, filter through, and play
-use as a way to kick off the class (as they walk in before the bell)
O (Letter): Basketball
-connect with students through their extra-curricular activities
-foster a healthy mindset (holistic health)
-use this as an opportunity to instill in students that learning happens beyond the classroom, and that many skills are transferrable and used in many aspects of life

By: Chrisovalantis

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I came to write but of course I got distracted reading all your amazing and inspiring entries!!! So... I am now speechless, which for me is such an impossible state to be the most of the times! Reading all your entries made me realize that I am at the right place! There is so much to learn from you and I feel blessed!

Hmmm..... what to say about of me, the person of all trades and master of none!!! When I was teaching my own class, I used to do a break the ice activity based on the book "The Most Important Thing". Well..... when it was my turn to speak, I was going on and on to the point when a brave student will say "Huston we have a problem. Mrs. Drivas, you are breaking the rule". Oh ... how much I loved that moment!! The moment when the student becomes the teacher!!!!! Then, I would stop and an another student will say "The eagle has landed!"
After all this bla,bla,bla....., who wants to build a relationship with me and become a team teacher? I hope at least one of you all chooses me!

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My name is Stefanie or Stefania in Greek and I am very passionate about teaching! I teach adult Ed during the week and Greek school on Saturdays. I enjoy teaching grade 2 and children at that age group, especially when I see their eyes light up with knowledge or a connection they made; I find it very satisfying. I was also very fortunate to experience life in Greece for 11 years and finish high school there. I love learning new things and building relationships. I find that building relationships not only with the students but also the parents, goes a long way for their education.

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Hello everyone,
My name is Ageliki which comes from the Greek word "Aggelos" and means Angel. I was born in Canada, raised in Greece and returned to continue my studies. I love teaching children especially at the Elementary level, therefore I became a Teacher and teach Greek. I am a summer girl and that shows from the love that I have for ice cream and swimming. Also, I love singing, dancing, sports and hands on projects such as planting a garden and home renovations. Building relationships is an important part in our life. A quote that I follow "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

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My name is Katerina. I was born and raised in Kalamata, Greece and I live here in Canada for a number of years. I enjoy Greek music, sightseeing, going to the movies and having a nice dinner out with friends and family.
I also enjoy travelling whenever I get the opportunity and going to the beach (and who doesn't enjoy the beach).
I work for a food Distributing Company which I like very much.
And I teach  at the Greek school. Teaching Greek keeps me close to my family roots. I like teaching young kids their parents and grandparents heritage.
I enjoy watching children's eyes when singing a Greek song or a Greek poem or even learning steps for Greek dance.
Being a teacher to you all is my privilege and something I truly cherish.

ARISTOTLE:
Good habits formed at youth make all the difference

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My name is Demitra and my name comes from the greek goddess of Harvest as well as the saint Demetrios. My name fully represents my love for nature and especially flowers. I was born here in Toronto Canada but grew up in Greece on a beautiful island lesvos. I lived there for about 11 years and returned to Canada to complete my post secondary studies. I am grateful to have been raised in Greece as I learned the culture, language and traditions which will be helpful in passing it down to my future family and the next generations. I believe it is very important too be fully educated around your culture and background in order to help maintain its originality and keep it alive for as long as possible.

Demitra C.

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About me: My name is Amy and in Greek it is Amalia. I am from the beautiful place called Gytheio "the land of Gods" located in the southern part of Greece in Mani. I was born in Toronto but had the blessing to spend 10 years in Greece which has made me who I am today. From the young age of 7 up to 17, I lived in Gytheio and this experience made me appreciate my Greek roots, my culture and and all the history that comes with it. Once I came back to Toronto for studies and being so passionate of anything that is Greek, I decided on my spare time to be an Ambassador of my Greek culture by being actively involved and serving our community at large for over 30 years. I have been an International Instructor for over 20 years and currently hold the position of Director of Education with the Hellenic Canadian Community of York region overseeing the HAY program. I take joy greeting students in class, meeting parents in the hallway on our appreciation days,  having our Greek coffee and discussing the happenings of the month within our community and attending Board meetings to plan our next initiatives as a community. On a full time base I am a working and busy mom of two kids Georgio 16, Jennie 9   and a husband that keeps me on my toes 24/07 :) I am thankful and blessed to have created lifelong friendships out of my involvement and I am looking forward to meeting you all and making new friends out of this learning journey as well.  

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About me: My name is Amy and in Greek it is Amalia. I am from the beautiful place called Gytheio "the land of Gods" located in the southern part of Greece in Mani. I was born in Toronto but had the blessing to spend 10 years in Greece which has made me who I am today. From the young age of 7 up to 17, I lived in Gytheio and this experience made me appreciate my Greek roots, my culture and and all the history that comes with it. Once I came back to Toronto for studies and being so passionate of anything that is Greek, I decided on my spare time to be an Ambassador of my Greek culture by being actively involved and serving our community at large for over 30 years. I have been an International Instructor for over 20 years and currently hold the position of Director of Education with the Hellenic Canadian Community of York region overseeing the HAY program. I take joy greeting students in class, meeting parents in the hallway on our appreciation days,  having our Greek coffee and discussing the happenings of the month within our community and attending Board meetings to plan our next initiatives as a community. On a full time base I am a working and busy mom of two kids Georgio 16, Jennie 9   and a husband that keeps me on my toes 24/07 :) I am thankful and blessed to have created lifelong friendships out of my involvement and I am looking forward to meeting you all and making new friends out of this learning journey as well.  

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Here is our traditional "Maniatiki tripleta" which is a yummy snack mainly made in Mani.

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I am from fresh berry and vegetable smoothies.

I am from hockey arenas and football fields.

I am all for keeping a positive outlook no matter what life throws at us.

I am from my love for my children, family and friends.

I am from needing a cup of coffee to help me through busy days.

I am from multi-tasking and accomplishing various goals on a daily basis!

I am from being positive, compassionate and very caring!

Joanna M.

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After having read Building Relationships With Your Students,  I thought I would take a different approach to introducing myself and I decided to create an I Am From poem that paints a picture of who I am.

This is my take ...

I Am From ...

I am from fresh cut soccer fields and volleyball courts,

from squeaky basketball shoes and wet hair on a Sunday morning.

I am from the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

I am from the smell of oregano and the powerful zest of a lemon,

from the pride and beauty found in ancient relics.

I am from philosophy, democracy and a history that has grounded its roots around the world, much like the roots of an olive tree.

I am from hard work and perseverance,

from the ink smudges on my left hand.

I am from the sleepless nights and early mornings,

from cold coffee and warm tea.

I am from my mother and father’s guidance,

from “We give up leisure in order that we may have leisure, just as we go to war in order that we may have peace.”

I am from my friends and family,

from my tall, little brother and the wisdom of my grandparents.

I am from flipping through the pages of an old picture book my grandmother saved,

from the memories I’ve had, and the ones that are yet to come.

By Athena Tassis

What is an I am from poem?

Compose your own I am from... poem/monologue, inspired by George Ella Lyon.

Following is a list of possible prompts, but feel free to allow your imagination to lead you to new places! Use adjectives, similes, repetition, pauses, etc. for dramatic effect. Add details to make the images vivid and clear.

I am from...

(repeat I am from at the beginning of each new statement)

o   familiar foods that you love

o   sights, sounds, and smells that live in your sense memory

o   voices from the past- familiar sayings, words of encouragement, admonishments, impactful words from someone who matters to you

o   places that hold meaning for you

o   work/labour that is part of your life (past or present)

o   objects and/or animals that you have cherished

o   people from your life - those you love; those who have helped shape who you are

o   elements of nature that you appreciate

Play with the order of your statements to find a rhythm and cadence that pleases you.

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1. I like to watch movies of all kinds.
2. I believe that learning new things helps me to evolve in all areas of life.
3. I always want to set high goals and I am happy when I achieve them.

My favorite saying is a phrase said by Aristotle: "knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom"

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1) I always remind myself we are all created by a higher power , hence we are all part of a divine force and part of a same group(belonging)
2) Language is magical and holds many levels of communication (loving)
3) I love myths and symbolism, it connects the past and the future (connecting)
*A favorite book that put the seed of teaching in me is "One child counts the stars" by Menelaos Lountemis, which depicts a child having to move around villages due to poverty, and having to actually become a teacher to younger kids, to make a living.

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My name is Anatoli and as most of you know my name means sunrise in Greek. That name is totally me, I am always happy and I always smile and make people laugh!  I am a full-time student at York University studying law. I've been in Canada for 4 years and I am so happy to be part of this diverse society. I never thought I would love something more than law but now teaching is my passion and every day I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to teach Greek. I believe that Greek is the most beautiful and the most poetic language in the world. When I teach Greek I feel like I am doing something more than just helping my students learn the Greek language, I feel like I am teaching them about their Greek identity. I love reading books, I love walking and I love learning languages. My dream is to travel the world and expand my horizon. I am living my life to the fullest and I want to become the best teacher I could be!
I am posting my favorite poem.