On Thursday, March 19, 2026, the all-day anniversary events celebrating 20 years of operation of the School of European Education of Heraklion (SEEH) were held with great splendor and high attendance. The celebrations began on the school premises and culminated in an open evening workshop at the "Kastellaki" hall of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.
The keynote speaker was the Secretary-General of the European Schools, Mr. Andreas Beckmann, who expressed his admiration for the high level of education, the multilingualism, and the creativity of the students.
The event was coordinated by the School Director, Androniki Spatharaki, and the Deputy Directors, Ms. Evangelia Tigka and Mr. Dimitrios Sfakakis, with the active contribution of the educational community.
Significant interventions were made by:
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Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, Governor of the Region of Crete.
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Ms. Eleni Maraki-Beladaki, Vice Governor for Education.
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Mr. Antonis Perysinakis, Vice Mayor for Education of the Municipality of Heraklion.
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Mr. Emm. Kartsonakis, Regional Director of Education of Crete.
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Ms. Maria Giannakou, Head of the Greek Delegation to the Board of Governors of the European Schools.
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Ms. Vasiliki Mpernikou, Deputy Head of the Directorate for Intercultural Education of the Ministry of Education.
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Ms. Vasiliki Ioakeimidou and Mr. Athanasios Koutroumpas, National Inspectors of European Schools.
Former National Inspector Margarita Kalogridou-Kolyva and other former officials of the European Schools, who played a decisive role in the founding and early steps of the school, took an emotional look back at the history of SEEH.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, the event was greeted by the General Secretary of Primary, Secondary, and Special Education, Mr. Giannis Papadomarkakis.
The events were also attended by representatives of the Church, Members of Parliament, officials from the Region of Crete, vice mayors, and other institutional bodies, confirming the institutional recognition and support for the work of SEEH.
A Multisensory Celebration
The activities constituted a Multisensory Celebration of Intercultural Education, during which the school community presented:
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Multicultural choral and musical performances.
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Multilingual theatrical plays.
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Traditional dances from various countries.
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Innovative artistic creations and activity learning stations inspired by the European curriculum.
Attendees had the opportunity to admire the new mural titled "The Abduction of Europa," learn about the work of the school's teachers, and participate experientially in a day full of creativity and culture.
Acknowledgments
The Administration of SEEH expresses its warm thanks to all participants and especially to the protagonists of this great educational festival — the teachers, students, parents, and guardians — for the creativity, passion, and sense of community that highlighted the school's intercultural identity.
"As a close-knit educational community, we endure, we create, and we continue our intercultural journey."
Special thanks are addressed to the Governor of Crete, the Vice Governor for Education, the Vice Mayor for Education, the Regional Director of Education of Crete and his associates, as well as the President of the Heraklion Chamber, Mr. Evangelos Karkanakis.
Gratitude is also extended to the General Director of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Ms. Stella Chrysoulaki, the Museum Educator, Ms. Stella Malliaraki, and Ms. Athina Sfakaki, licensed guide and author, for their multifaceted contribution and support.
The Administration of SEEH
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Androniki Spatharaki, Director
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Evangelia Tigka, Deputy Director
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Dimitrios Sfakakis, Deputy Director
