ESRM Latest News

12 October 2018 

Author visit at ESRM

On October 12th we had the honour of a guest reading by the Greek children’s author Antonis Papatheodoulou. In front of a small group of our native Greek-speakers he presented his wonderfully illustrated and award-winning story „One last letter“. It follows the days of retirement of Mr. Costas, the only mailman on a small Greek island. Before he retires, he sends out one last letter to each of the residents and while doing so, he ponders about all the messages he has delivered to their homes over the years. As Mr. Costas reflects upon the news he brought to the people, the children witness the power of the written word and the impact Mr. Costas had on his community. Mr. Papatheodoulou sat on the floor in front of the children and delivered this wonderful and meaningful story in a very light and approachable manner. Later he asked the children to deliver some good messages - how easily the children could deliver 8, 9, even 10 good messages by themselves. But one bad message had to be delivered, and it was impossible to do alone. The children learned how much easier we can lift heavy burdens, when we carry them together. 
Lastly, the author placed some cut out letters in front of the students. Words like ‘house’ and ‘boat’ were spread out on the floor. ‘What about the people who cannot read the written word? Can we change these words to pictures?’ the author asked. So the children formed pictures with the letters. It was a great and interactive and meaningful author’s visit! 
A big thank you goes out to Mr. Papatheodoulou for taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit us, and Mrs. Anastasiadou for organizing this event.