Verdala Junior Lyceum hosts Comenius meeting

Guzeppi Despott Junior Lyceum in Verdala recently hosted a group of teachers and students currently participating in a Comenius project entitled "My school is my castle: Myth or reality?"

The participating countries are Latvia, Lithuania, Germany and Malta. Among those present were the headmistress of the Latvian school, headmaster of the Lithuanian school and the assistant director of the German school.

This year it was our turn to show off Malta's jewels and our school to these prominent people. One German teacher said he was always of the impression that Malta was just a rock in the Mediterranean but later confessed Malta was an extraordinary island full of warmth and liveliness.

As the two teachers taking part in this project, we warmly welcomed the group to our school, accompanied by seven of our students who are also actively taking part.

After a formal speech by our headmaster, the visitors were taken around the school to familiarise themselves with the school and its surroundings. They were amazed by the breathtaking view of the various villages and towns and of our Grand Harbour from the school's roof.

Rita Debattista, senior co-ordinator for geography, made a speech accompanied by an audio visual presentation of the history of our school. Our students also prepared welcoming banners and flags of the countries involved.

Discussions regarding plans and objectives for the new year were followed by lunch at our school, prepared by Judith Saliba, a member of the School Ladies Circle, a committee formed by teachers and parents.

Highlights of a walking tour round the three cities were Fort St Angelo, the marina in Vittoriosa and the Inquisitor's Palace. The group also visited Mdina and the Mdina Experience, Valletta and The Malta Experience, and Gozo.

A farewell party offering traditional Maltese food was also organised.