Farewell Thermi
July 2024
Dear Pinewood,
It’s hard to believe that after 3 eventful years, the time has come to bid you farewell. To some you may just be any old school, but to me you've served as a home (a very green one). On my first day of school I remember walking into a silent classroom and tripping over my chair. As embarrassing as that was, you proved to be a place where difficult situations could be turned into opportunities for laughter. That certainly marked a defining moment of what my time in Pinewood was going to be like; a journey filled with unexpected surprises. Not warning me about how challenging the IB program is would be your greatest surprise. But I forgive you, because you've been the backdrop for countless unforgettable memories. You have taught me several things; that effort is more important than the outcome, that you should treat people the way you would like to be treated, and that I am terrible at volleyball. Additionally, I want to thank you for teaching all of the students how to be alert when a fire alarm goes off as well as taking us out of maths class. In terms of your physical traits, I have to say the library was your best feature. It made students look hardworking, while in reality, we were just gossiping about the latest school drama.
Being a part of the prom committee was something that I will always cherish. Raising money for the prom might have been a challenge, however, every effort was made worthwhile once we gave 12th graders a night to remember. On top of that, as thrilling as it was spending hours preparing for Valentine's day, eating free chocolate was too. This campus has experienced several bake sales, so I must say we are leaving you well fed. I would like to apologize to your gazebo and your benches for all the senseless conversations they had to hear and all the school couples they had to watch. I’m sure they will enjoy the quiet atmosphere once we move to the new campus.
You have given me the opportunity to grow as a student as well as an individual, therefore, I would not change a thing about the experience I have had on your campus. However, I am looking forward to having access to all of the new facilities at the Anatolia campus in Pylaia that will allow me to reach higher heights as a student, as without any change you cannot exceed your own limits. Although you have given me endless opportunities to grow into the person I am today, leaving you behind will allow me, as well as all the other students, to adapt to a new atmosphere, and prepare us for the changes we will endure once we leave for University.
Valeria Lebedeva Alexopoulou
Valeria Lebedeva Alexopoulou completed a summer internship where she archived Pinewood stories and memories during the move from the Thermi campus to the Anatolia Campus in Pylaia. She first enrolled in Pinewood back in 2021 and will graduate with the Pinewood Class of 2025. This will be the first graduating class out of the newly built Middle & High School at the Anatolia Campus.