Dear students, colleagues and parents,

It is with great pleasure that I send you this message of welcome as the new Executive Director of École Socrates-Démosthène. I am honored and excited to be part of this exceptional educational community and to serve the entire Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, after having served as principal for over 24 years, both in the South Shore and in the Greater Montreal area.

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to my predecessors, who helped lay the solid foundations on which we will continue to build. Together, we will continue the tradition of academic excellence and personal fulfillment for every student.

Our school is much more than a place of learning. It’s a dynamic environment where each of you plays an essential role in creating a positive and caring learning atmosphere. As Director, my commitment is to ensure that every student feels supported, encouraged and inspired to achieve their most ambitious goals.

We will implement new and innovative educational initiatives to meet the needs and interests of all our students, taking into account the diversity of our talents and passions. We also encourage personal development, fostering creativity, critical thinking and mutual respect.

In light of the above, we will be working on the following issues, among others:

  • The digital shift and the application of technology in the classroom, in line with MEQ guidelines, including access to the Biblius digital library;
  • Continuous improvement of our languages being taught, with an emphasis on oral and written communication both inside and outside the school;
  • Enhancing the value of French as the primary language of learning and as the basis of the school’s success plan;
  • Enhancement of our English language program;
  • Enhancement of our Greek program with the learning of Greek (and ancient Greek) and a proverb every year starting in preschool;
  • Implementation of the Moozoom program in class and at home to help students develop their socio-emotional skills;
  • Updated after-school and lunchtime activities offered by Educ’Action and other providers;
  • Welcomed CF Montréal as a soccer club on our campuses;
  • Continuous improvement program for our teaching staff and development of pedagogical best practices;
  • Modification of our marketing approach with regard to open house dates, virtual image, admission periods and online registration;
  • Going green by eliminating paper documents and putting all administrative documents online on the Student Portal;
  • Online payment of tuition and activities through the Student Portal;
  • Updated code of conduct and protocols;
  • Application of new provincial regulations on student protection, physical violence and hate crimes;
  • Application of Bill 25 on the protection of personal information.

I am confident that our collaboration with teachers and staff will create a stimulating and rewarding learning environment for all. Together, we will form a close-knit team, ready to overcome challenges and celebrate our successes.

To this end, we welcome two new members to our management team as School Organization Managers: Laurence Galipeau-Minotto, a teacher and parent at the school, and Sophie Boucher, who has been Director of Démosthène for several years.

I invite you to become fully involved in the life of our school by actively participating in community projects and educational initiatives. The success of our school depends on everyone’s commitment and participation.

Don’t hesitate to come and see me if you have any questions, ideas or concerns. My door is always open to listen and support you.

Together, we will create a memorable school year, rich in achievement and learning.

Welcome everyone, and may this year be full of success and fulfillment!

Yours sincerely,

Georgia Tsakalis