Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet and long time campaigner for justice for Cyprus, visited Manor Hill Greek School yesterday to present GCSE and A level certificates to successful students. The event took place at the Totteridge Academy in Barnet Lane which is where Manor Hill School is based on Saturdays and around 500 parents, children and teachers were present. Guests of honour included the head of Cyprus Education Mission in the UK, Maria Papalouka.
The presentation ceremony was introduced by the school's head teacher, Michael Ellinas, who thanked Theresa for her support for Manor Hill School and for the Cypriot community.
Before presenting the certificates, Theresa was invited to give a speech to the parents, teachers and children present. She said "I pay tribute to the brilliant work of Manor Hill School and all its students. The school provides a wonderful opportunity for children with Greek Cypriot heritage to learn more about the Greek language and Greek culture."
"As the place where European civilisation first emerged, the impact of Greek culture on European history has been profound, not least because of the hugely influential role of Greece in the early development of Christianity. Every year, Greek Education Day is an opportunity to remember that Christian heritage and to honour the memory of the Three Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom."
"I congratulate all the students on their successful studies. Greek A level is a really tough exam and the fact that so many have been awarded A or A* is a huge achievement."
Theresa Villiers has been a regular visitor to Manor Hill Greek School and has assisted them on a number of matters.