North County Greek Language School

Summer Camp for Kids - BE GREEK FOR A WEEK

2012-02-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Greek School Christmas, North San Diego

2011-12-19T22:20:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our students for completing their first quarter of the 2011-12 school year. We ended the year with a small holiday celebration and performance of Greek Christmas carols for the congregation of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Συγχαρητήρια στους μαθητές μας για την ολοκλήρωση του πρώτου τριμήνου του σχολικου έτους 2011-12.

ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ

Thanks to all the parents for encouraging their children to practice and learn the Greek songs. The North County Greek School classes will resume January 8th.

Our classes take place in North San Diego in Cardiff-by-the-Sea at the Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. New students will be accepted for the spring quarter for both our youth and adult greek language classes. Please contact, Andreas Letsos, greek school director, at nc_greekschool@yahoo.com for more information.

Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος

GREEK FAMILY NIGHT - ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΒΡΑΔΙΑ

2011-11-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween Games at Greek School

2011-11-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

Greek Language students

build vocabulary skills through BINGO.

Our Greek Language school students got into the Halloween spirit and played Greek Halloween Bingo.

Each student got a Greek Bingo card and plenty of candy to use as markers.

The teachers were calling out the Greek names for each spot and the race was on for who could complete a row or column and cheer BINGO!

The students got competitive while having fun !

At the end of the games, the students got to keep all their candy.

Everybody had fun.... even though some students did not find the right spots to place the candy.

The Twelve Olympian Gods

2011-10-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

North County Greek Language School

of Saints Constantine and Helen

presents

The Twelve Olympian Gods

Sunday, October 16 @ 2PM

Cultural presentation for Greek School students and family

· Arts & Crafts

· Learn about Greek mythology

· Test your knowledge

· Win prizes

Greek Language School at Greek Festival - Sept 10 & 11

2011-09-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival features Greek imports, Greek Language lessons, music, pottery, jewelry, game booths for kids, an open marketplace selling fresh deli specialties, and a traditional Greek coffeehouse. The Greek festival also has a large assortment of Greek cuisine, including Gyros, a slow-roasting rotisserie lamb; Tiropites, which are cheese pitas; rizogalo, a thick rice pudding; and taramosalata, a caviar dip; homemade traditional pastries like baklava and galatoboureko, a custard pastry; traditional Greek roast coffee; and Greek wine and beer.

Come by our Greek Language School booth and learn how to write your name in Greek.

Greek Camp June 21: What we're doing today!

2011-06-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Campers first day was a big hit. We started our morning with Yoga with Miss Kristi, began painting our airplanes and building maps of Greece. We learned some language basics and made new friends a long the way.

In our cooking segment, the campers learned how to cook Tiropita. Our resident chef Eva Marie, celebrated the Greek spirit with this playful display with this international abbreviation for Greece.

Father John enjoys helping the campers!

Here's what we have on our plate for today: cooking koulourakia, dancing the Sirto, language lesson will center around shopping at the market, theatre arts - Aesops fables. We will begin building our own ancient greek temples.

Τρομερή επιτυχία στην πρώτη μέρα της κατασκήνωσης - με τυροπιτάκια, μαθηματα ελληνικής γλώσσας, ο απαρέτητος χορός, αναδρομή στην αρχαία ιστορία και θεατρικό σκετς πανω σε μύθους του Αισώπου (Ο Βοριάς και ο Νοτιάς). Σήμερα πάμε για ψώνια στην αγορά, πλάθουμε κουλουράκια, μαθαίνουμε για τον Ερμή και τους άθλους του Ηρακλή.

Greek Summer Camp: Monday June 20th

2011-06-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Our Kids' Cultural Arts Camp: "Be Greek For A Week" starts on Monday. Kids ages 4 to 15 will experience the sites, sounds, images and traditions of Greece. This is a hands-on camp so if your child is participating, please dress them for a mess, not to impress.

Greek God of the Day: Athena

Theme/Language Arts: Travel

Arts & Crafts: Airplanes & Map of Greece

Cooking: Tyropita

Dance: Basic Steps, Sirto

Mythology: Ikaros

Thanks to our volunteer organizers: Carol Tohsaku, John Georgopoulous, Eva Marie Kailas, Nadia Sinno, Despina Tsoleridou, Connie House, Linda Kounelis and Yiorgo Letsos.

Shout out to our GOYAN counselors: Danielle T., Christy G., Fotini, Niko L., John K., and Andreas S.

Special thanks to our Sponsors:

AHEPA, Hellenic Cultural Society, Ralph's Supermarket, Trader Joe's, Stater Brothers, and Henry's.

San Diego Greek Festival June 2011

2011-06-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Greek Festival Summer season of has started with a bang! Last weekend, the Greek Festival of St. Spyridon in San Diego attracted large crowds. People of all ages delighted in great food , the folkloric dancing, and the authentic greek coffee and pastries.

Being Greek means relishing the world around us and enjoying life to its fullest ... and what an excellent way to celebrate life by going to a Greek festival and learning about the culture and traditions of Greece.
( See the summer Greek Festival schedule below.)

If you live in North San Diego, mark your calendar to attend the
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Festival - Cardiff by the Sea
When: Sept 10-11, 2011 Sat 10 am - 10 pm, Sun 11 am - 9 pm

Where: 3459 Manchester Ave. #32,
Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007
Cost: $3, Children under 12 Free; free parking at Mira Costa College
www.cardiffgreekfest.org

In fact you could make a summer out of attending Greek Festivals! Treat yourself and family to delicious Greek food, imported beer, live Greek music and dancing. You can also attend church tours and admire the byzantine architecture and golden dome which are characteristic of most of our churches.

Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

Here is a list of Greek Festivals in Southern California:

St. George Greek Festival
When: June 4 & 5, 2011 Sat-Sun 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 10846 Downey Ave. Downey, CA 90241
Cost: Seniors and kids under 12 Free
Info: www.stgeorgedowney.org, (562) 862-6461

St. Paul's Greek Festival
When: June 24-26, 2011 Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-9 pm
Where: 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA
Cost: $3, Free for kids under 10, Seniors 65+ Free Admission on Saturday Noon – 5:00PM
Info: www.stpaulsirvine.org, (949) 733-2366

St. Demetrios Greek Festival (Ventura County)
When: June 25-27, 2010 Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 10:30 am – 9 pm, Sun 10:30 am – 7 pm
Where: 400 Skyway Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010
Cost: $2, Free for kids under 12, $1 off with coupon on website
Info: www.vcgreekfestival.org, (805) 482-1273

South Bay Greek Festival
When: July 9-11, 2010 Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-9 pm
Where: 722 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Cost: $2, Free for kids under 12, $1 seniors, Free with coupon on website.
Info: www.sbgreekfestival.com, (310) 540-2434

St. Barbara Greek Festival
When: July 30-31, 2011 Sat - Sun 11 am - 7 pm
Where: Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Avenue, near the corner of Calle Real and W. Junipero Street (101 North, exit at Pueblo Street)
Cost: Free
Parking: Parking is a challenge, so arrive early if you want to park close.
Info: www.saintbarbara.net, (805) 683-4492

St. Spyridon Festival
When: August 27-29, 2010, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat -Sun 12-10 pm
Where: 1391 Chaffee Street, Upland, CA.
Cost: $2, 12 and under free, Happy Hour on Friday 6-8 PM (Free admission, discounts on food).
Info: http://stspyridon.ca.goarch.org/, (909) 985-4411

Antelope Valley/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Festival - Lancaster
When: Sept 3-4, 2011, Sat 11:30 am-9 pm, Sun noon to 7 pm
Where: St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 43404 30th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93536
Cost: $2, Children 12 and under Free. Military ID free. $1 entry with coupon on website.
Info: www.avgreekfestival.com, (661) 945-1212

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Festival
When: Sept 3-5, 2011 Sat-Mon 12-10 pm
Where: 5761 E. Colorado, Long Beach, CA 90814
Cost: $3, kids under 12 free, Mon 12-4 Free for all, Discount coupon on website
Info: www.lbgreekfest.org, (562) 494-8929

St. George Greek Food Festival
When: Sept 10-11, 2010, Fri 3-11 pm, Sat 1-11 pm
Where: 401 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Cost: $3, Children under 12 Free
Info:www.forministry.com/USCAGOARCSGG5/, (661) 325-8694

St. Sophia Greek Festival
When: Sept 10-12, 2010 Fri 5-11 pm, Sat 1 - 11 pm, Sun noon - 10 pm
Where: 1324 S. Normandie, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Cost: Friday $3, Sat-Sun $5, kids under 12 free, $1 off coupon on website
Info: www.lagreekfest.com, (323) 737-2424
Note: St. Sophia is next to a Latino Catholic church and invites a Latin band to play a set on Saturday and Sunday when the Greek band takes a break.

St. Anthony Greek Festival
When: Sept. 16-18, 2011, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-9 pm
Where: Santa Anita Racetrack, 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007
Cost: $3, 12 and under free.
Info: www.hellenicfestival.org, (626) 449-6943

St. Nectarios Greek Festival
When: Sept 23-25, 2011 Fri 5-10 pm, Sat-Sun 12-10 pm
Where: 20340 Covina Blvd., Covina, CA
Cost: $2, children 12 and under Free
Info: www.saintnectarios.org, (626) 967-5524

"Be Greek for a Week" Kids Summer Camp June 20 -24

2011-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Greek Cultural Camp for Kids Comes to Cardiff-by-the-Sea

There's still time to register for the "Be Greek for a Week" Kids' Cultural Camp which starts on June 20th and runs through the 24th. The camp features a virtual trip to Greece and is suited for kids ages 4- 15 yrs. Full-day and half-day programs are available.

Campers learn about Greek Mythology, History, Geography through hands on arts and crafts and other interactive sessions.

New this year is the theater session where kids re-enact in Greek language Aesop's fables.

"The kids love to learn to cook and eat traditional foods," said Andreas Letsos, director, North County Greek School.

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters: AHEPA, Hellenic Cultural Society, Ralph's Supermarket, Trader Joe's, Stater Brothers, and Henry's.

If you like to BE GREEK FOR A WEEK, join us by emailing at: nc_greekschool@yahoo.com
............................................................................................................
Ελληνικό Πολιτιστικό πρόγραμμα για παιδιά στο Κάρντιφ-by-the-Sea στην Καλιφόρνια

Υπάρχει ακόμη χρόνος να εγγραφές στο Ελληνικό Πολιτιστικό πρόγραμμα για παιδιά που αρχίζει στις 20 Ιουνίου και διαρκεί εως την 24η. Η κατασκήνωση αναπαριστά ένα εικονικό ταξίδι στην Ελλάδα και είναι κατάλληλο για παιδιά ηλικίας 4 έως 15 ετών. Ημερήριο και μισής ημέρας προγράμματα.

Οι κατασκηνωτές μαθαίνουν για την ελληνική μυθολογία, ιστορία, γεωγραφία μέ εργοτεχνίες και άλλες διαδραστικές ασχολίες.

Φέτος, η κατασκήνωση περιλαμβάνει και θεάτρο όπου τα παιδιά χρησιμοποιούν την ελληνική γλώσσα με θεματικά παραμύθια του Αισώπου.

Why Learn Greek?

2011-06-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Why Learn Greek? Here are 40,000 reasons!

A 14-year-old eighth grader Sukanya Roy of South Abington Township, Pa., took home the 84th Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy and the more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. Sukanya's winning word was cymotrichous, which is Greek for wavy hair (Cyma, κύμα = wave, tricha τρίχα = hair).

Γιατί να μάθετε Ελληνικά; Ορίστε 40000 λόγοι!

Η Sukanya Roy, ένα 14-χρονο κορίτσι στην Νότια Abington Township, στην Πενσυλβανία κέρδησε το τρόπαιο στο 84ο Εθνικό Scripps Spelling Bee και περισσότερα από 40.000 δολάρια σε μετρητά και βραβεία. Η κερδίζουσα λέξη ήταν cymotrichous, η οποία είναι ελληνικά σημαίνει κυματιστά μαλλιά.

Πάνω απο 12% των λέξεων της Αγγλικής γλώσσας ειναι βασισμένο σε και προέρχεται απο ελληνικές λέξεις.

Secrets of the Parthenon - Τα μυστικά του Παρθενώνα

2011-05-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Για 25 αιώνες ο Παρθενώνας έχει πυροβοληθεί, πυρπολήθηκε, κλονίστηκε από σεισμούς, λεηλάτηθηκε απο τα γλυπτά του, καταστράφηκε σχεδόν ολοσχερώς από έκρηξη, και παραμορφωθηκε από καλοπροαίρετη ανακαινίσεις. Έχει γίνει από ναός, σε εκκλησία, σε τζαμί, σε αποθήκη πυρομαχικών και σε χωματερή. Ποιό θα μπορούσε να είναι το επόμενο βήμα;

Δείτε μια επιστημονική έρευνα για τα μυστικά της απαράμιλλης ομορφιάς του που ξεδιαλύνει τα αρχιτεκτονικά και μηχανικά μυστήρια αυτού του αρχαίου ναού.

Δείτε το τηλεοπτικό πρόγραμμα
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-parthenon.html

For 25 centuries the Parthenon has been shot at, set on fire, rocked by earthquakes, looted for its sculptures, almost destroyed by explosion, and disfigured by well-meaning renovations. It has gone from temple, to church, to mosque, to munitions dump. What could be next? How about a scientific search for the secrets of its incomparable beauty and astonishingly rapid construction? With unprecedented access, NOVA unravels the architectural and engineering mysteries of this celebrated ancient temple.

You can watch the program at:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-parthenon.html

XΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ Σ'ΟΛΕΣ ΤΙΣ ΜΗΤΕΡΕΣ - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

** Η Μανα – του Γεώργιου Μαρτινέλλη **

ΜΑΝΑ κράζει το παιδάκι,
Μάνα ο νιος και μάνα ο γέρος,
Μάνα ακούς σε κάθε μέρος,
Α! Τι όνομα γλυκό.

Τη χαρά σου και τη λύπη,
Με τη μάνα τη μοιράζεις,
Ποθητά την αγκαλιάζεις,
Δεν της κρύβεις μυστικό.

Εις τον κόσμον άλλο πλάσμα,
Δεν θα βρεις να σε μαντεύει,
σαν τη μάνα που λατρεύει,
σαν τη μάνα που πονεί.

Την υγειά της, τη ζωή της,
Όλα η μάνα τ’ αψηφάει,
Για το τέκνο που αγαπάει,
Για το τέκνο που φιλεί.

Όπου τρέχεις, πάντα η μάνα,
Με το νου σε συντροφεύει,
Σε προσμένει σε γυρεύει,
μ’ ανυπόμονη καρδιά.

Κι αν σκληρός εσύ φαρμάκια,
Την ποτίζεις την καημένη,
Πάντα η μάνα σ’ απανταίνει
Με τα ολόθερμα φιλιά.

Δυστυχής όποιος την χάνει,
Ο καημός είναι μεγάλος.
Σαν την μάνα δεν είν’ άλλος,
Εις τον κόσμο θησαυρός.

Κι’ οποιος μάνα πια δεν έχει,
Μάνα κράζει στ’ όνειρό του.
Πάντα Μάνα στον καημό του,
Είν’ ο μόνος στεναγμός!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mothers cannot be categorized
Because they are all one of a kind
They are the ones that every time we cry
They would be there right by our side

It doesn’t matter if they have black hair or blue eyes
I have come to realize
That their eyes light up like the sun
Every time they are proud of what we have done

Every time that we hang out
They are always so fun to be around
Whenever we are together we have the best time
That we could possibly have in our mind

They are the ones that are always next to us
And the ones that would always be there for us
Sometimes we seem to not thank them enough
For all the things that they have done

We should be grateful for the things that they have taught us
And pray for them to live and see us grow from day to day
Let’s take a minute to thank them for all the things that they have done
And tell them that

Time and space doesn’t count
Because I know you will always be around
Nothing can ever separate us from each other
Because I know you will always be my mother

MARCH 25th -- CELEBRATION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

2011-03-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Presidential Proclamation – Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy

President Barack Obama will host a White House reception Friday March 25 in honor of Greek Independence Day.
By The White House on 03/24/2011

The national holiday is celebrated annually on March 25 and commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. It coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church's celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God.

MARCH 25th -- CELEBRATION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

By Anthony G. Ziagos, Sr. Publisher, The Merrimack Journal

The celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 25th draws inspiration from one of the holiest days for Greek Orthodox Christians, the Annunciation of the Theotokos. This is the day that the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a child. Bishop Germanos of Patras seized the opportunity by raising the banner of revolution, in an act of defiance against the Turks and marked the beginning of the War of Independence. Cries of Zito H Ellas and Eleftheria H Thanatos can still be heard today. These freedom fighters, or klephts as they were called, of Greece sacrificed much for their country. Kolokotronis, Nikitara, Karaiskakis, Bouboulina, and Mpotsaris are some of the heroes of the revolution.

The struggle for independence was supported abroad by intellectuals of the day. In addition to the Secret Society of Friends (Filiki Etaeria) and the Sacred Band (Ieros Lohos) prominent world figures including Lord Byron of England, Daniel Webster and Dr. Samuel Gridly Howe of the United States raised the interest level among Europeans and Americans.

After centuries of unsuccessful uprisings and failure of the Ottoman Empire to assimilate and convert the Greeks, The War of Independence began in 1821 rising up against 400 years of occupation and oppression by the Ottoman Turks. The origin of the Turkish occupancy began in 1453 with the fall of Constantinople (currently referred to as Istanbul). All true and faithful Hellenes living in their occupied homeland reacted to the Turkish oppression and resisted the attempts to deprive the Greeks of their heritage, their freedom and their religion. During the dark years of the Ottoman occupation, thousands were killed and tortured for attending church or teaching their children culture, history and language. It was the Greek Orthodox Church that helped to retain their very identity by the institution of Crypha Scholia (Hidden Schools).

For eight years the fighting ensued, until 1829, when the Sultan Mahmud II, facing Soviet troops at the gates of Constantinople, accepted Greek independence with the Treaty of Andrianople.

Greek Flag
The flag of Greece has not changed since the revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. The white cross in the upper left hand corner covering one fourth of the flag signifies the important role of the Greek Orthodox Church in the formation of the Hellenic Nation. The blue and white alternating stripes represent the sea and the relentless waves of the Aegean. According to legend, the Goddess of Beauty Aphrodite emerged from these waves. There are nine stripes representing each letter of the Greek word for freedom, Eleftheria.

Copyright 2002 Middlesex Media Exchange
*** NOTE: This article originally appeared in the March 2002 Edition of The Merrimack Journal at www.merrimackjournal.com.

Greek Independence Day Celebration Features Local Celebrity

2011-03-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Emily Laliotis

We are very excited about this Sunday's Greek Independence Day celebration in Cardiff, sponsored by the AHEPA organization, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Guests will be treated to entertainment by our own local celebrity, Emily Ann Laliotis who will sing the anthems of Greece and the United States. Laliotis recently competed and won the "Greeks Got Talent" competition held in February in Ontario California.

According to Laliotis, "winning the competition was an honor" for her as she is proud of her Greek roots. She is an active member of her church and a member of CH GOYA and the folkloric dance group.

The North County Greek Language School students will perform skits, poems and songs in Greek and will be followed the SCH folkloric dance groups.
The celebration follows the Sunday service and commences at 12 noon. A complimentary Lenten luncheon will be provided.

City of San Diego Proclamation of GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY - 2011

2011-03-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

The City of San Diego

Proclamation

Presented by the Office of the Mayor

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

WHEREAS, the people of Greece gained their independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821, after 400 years under Turkish rule; and

WHEREAS, Greek Independence will be celebrated in major cities in the United States and around the world to mark the 190^th anniversary of independence on March 25, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the first of the three Greek Orthodox Christian communities of San Diego County was formally organized in 1927 and today the Greek Community numbers more than 20,000 people since the first migrations to San Diego in the mid-19t^h century; and

WHEREAS, the Hellenic Cultural Society was established in the City of San Diego in 1965 by visionary Greek Americans, to preserve, protect, and propagate the 5,000 year history and culture of the Greek people and to assist Greek migrants in their adjustment to their new country; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Hellenic Cultural Society of San Diego is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through learning, community service, and volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, on March 25, 2011, the Hellenic Cultural Society and members of the Greek community of San Diego will celebrate Greek Independence Day to recognize and honor those who fought for the independence of Greece. NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, THAT I, JERRY SANDERS, the 34^th Mayor of the City of San Diego, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2011, to be "Greek Independence Day" in the city of San Diego in commemoration of the 190`^h Anniversary of Greece's Independence.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND, THIS DAY, AND HAVE CAUSED THE SEAL TO BE AFFIXED HERETO:

/s/Jerry Sanders, Mayor

City of San Diego

*********************************************************************

Join the "Greek Independence Day" presented by AHEPA and North County Greek Language School on March 27 @ Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Church.

Certification of Attainment in Greek Language - Πιστοποιητικό Ελληνομάθειας

2011-03-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Τhe Examination Center for Southern California.ισ at

the University of California, Irvine

Examinations at all levels cover all four language skills: Listening, Reading Comprehension, Writing and Speaking. For more information please email: nc_greekschool@yahoo.com or call Andreas Letsos 760.688.6047.

Important Information about the 2011 Examination

Examination Date, Time and Location

Level		Dates
	A1 (ages 8-12)	Tuesday, May 10, 2011
	A1 (ages 12 and older)	Tuesday, May 10, 2011
	A2	Tuesday, May 10, 2011
	B1	Tuesday, May 10, 2011
	B2	Wednesday, May 11, 2011
	Gamma 1	Wednesday, May 11, 2011
	Gamma 2	Thursday, May 12, 2011

The examination will take place at the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae
University of California, Irvine
220 University Tower (4199 Campus Drive)
Irvine, CA92697-5550
The exact times will be announced at a later time.
Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted from February 1^st until March 21^th 2011. There will be no extensions.
Please note that the dates for the examination and all rules and policies are established by CGL. Examnination centers do not have the authority to make changes.

Application materials

Application form and Information
A questionnaire
A photocopy of an identification document (passport or driver’s license) certified by a Notary Public or by a Greek Orthodox Parish Priest
A check payable to The Regents of the University of California (see fee schedule below).

Examination Fees

$ 80 for level A1
$ 95 for level A 1 and B 1
$ 105 for levels B 2, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2

Application materials should be sent to :
Thesaurus Linguae Graecae
c/o Examination Center
University of California, Irvine
220 University Tower
Irvine, CA 92697-5550

For additional information and all questions about the exam, please contact: Ms Eleni Tsaggouri
Tel: (626) 398-7930
Fax: (626) 398-7930
Email: staseleni@earthlink.net

Application materials may be downloaded from this site. They may also be obtained through the various Greek schools, other examination centers, and Ms Tsaggouri, the contact person for this center. For further information candidates could visit the website of the CGL http://www.greeklanguage.gr/certification/node/3

Keeping up with the rich Greek Culture

2011-02-21T22:44:00.000-08:00

An amazing event takes place every year in California: Folkloric Dance Festival (FDF) which brings together the most talented young Greek dancers, singers and performers to celebrate their Greek heritage through traditional Greek dance and song. Dancers and attendees come from all over the west coast and this year from Hawaii and North Carolina as well.

In the 2011 FDF, some of our Greek Language School students participated and danced while singing in Greek. It is great to see the young kids learning Greek dances and embracing our Greek culture while building a strong cultural foundation.

What is this event about?

It’s about the dancers who practice feverishly to make sure that every dance step is in sync.

It’s about the volunteer dance directors who volunteer their time to make sure their young dancers understand the balance of friendly competition and importance of their culture.

It’s about you, the singers and choral directors who express our Greek heritage and faith through beautiful songs.

FDF is a great event where one can find concentrated talent. Greek heritage and culture among individuals, families and communities expressed through folkloric dance, art, music and language. Even though FDF contains an element of competition, it is not the highlight nor the sole purpose for coming together to participate. Medals and awards are used as an expression of appreciation from one dancer to another in honor of the recipient's determination, dedication and accomplishment.

Watching the young dancers continuing their Hellenic heritage is very inspiring. I felt proud to be a Greek-American, and vow to promote, encourage and perpetuate the Greek heritage and culture. Congratulations to all participants, organizers, parents. I look forward to next year's FDF.

Greek Words for the day

2011-02-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Sign up for free and you will receive three Greek words every day. Simple way to enhance your vocabulary.
Clikck here: http://www.greektionary.com/

Greek is probably the language that most influenced other languages around the world. Many English words derive directly from Greek ones, and knowing their origin and meaning is important.
Below you will find 12 Greek words that are commonly used in our society. The next time you hear someone saying “Kudos to you,” you will know where it comes from.

1. Acme
The highest point of a structure. The peak or zenith of something. One could say that Rome reached the acme of its power on 117 AD, under the rule of Trajan.

The acme of modular, factory-built, passively safe reactor design, however, is found in South Africa. People there have been experimenting with so-called pebble-bed reactors for decades. (The Economist)

2. Acropolis
Acro means edge or extremity, while polis means city. Acropolis, therefore, refers to cities that were built with security purposes in mind. The word Acropolis is commonly associated with Greece’s capital Athens, although it can refer to any citadel, including Rome and Jerusalem.

The Beijing Olympics torch relay reached the ancient Acropolis in Athens on Saturday amid heavy police security and brief demonstrations by small groups of protesters. (New York Times)

3. Agora
The Agora was an open market place, present in most cities of the ancient Greece. Today the term can be used to express any type of open assembly or congregation.

The most characteristic feature of each settlement, regardless of its size, was a plaza—an open space that acted as a cemetery and may have been a marketplace. It was also, the archaeologists suspect, a place of political assembly, just as the agora in an ancient Greek city was both marketplace and legislature. (The Economist)

4. Anathema
Anathema is a noun and it means a formal ban, curse or excommunication. It can also refer to someone or something extremely negative, disliked or damned. Curiously enough, the original Greek meaning for this word was “something offered to the gods.”

Some thinkers argue that while collaboration may work for an online encyclopedia, it’s anathema to original works of art or scholarship, both of which require a point of view and an authorial voice. (USA Today)

5. Anemia
Anemia refers to a condition characterized by a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of the red blood cells (or of the hemoglobin). Over the years, however, the term started to appear in other contexts, referring to any deficiency that lies at the core of a system or organization.

In comments to the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher, the lone dissenter in last week’s decision to keep the federal funds target at 2%, said the U.S. faces “a sustained period of anemia” and that “in the second half of this year we will broach zero growth.” Last week Fisher wanted higher rates, his fifth-straight dissent in favor of tighter policy. (The Wall Street Journal)

6. Ethos
Translated literally from the Greek, ethos means “accustomed place.” It refers to a disposition or characteristics peculiar to a specific person, culture or movement. Synonyms include mentality, mindset and values.

Consumerism needs this infantilist ethos because it favors laxity and leisure over discipline and denial, values childish impetuosity and juvenile narcissism over adult order and enlightened self-interest, and prefers consumption-directed play to spontaneous recreation. (Los Angeles Times)

7. Dogma
Dogma refers to the established belief or set of principles held by a religion, ideology or by any organization. Dogmas are also authoritative and undisputed. Outside of the religious context, therefore, the term tends to carry a negative connotation. Notice that the plural is either dogmata or dogmas.

It’s not a new type of web, it’s just where the web has got to – it’s also a terrific excuse for much chatter on the blogging circuit, and a huge amount of dogmatism. (Financial Times)

8. Eureka
The exclamation Eureka is used to celebrate a discovery, and it can be translated to “I have found!”. It is attributed to the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes. While taking a bath, he suddenly realized that the water displaced must be equal to the volume of the part of his body he had submerged. He got so excited with the discovery that he left his home and started to run and shout “Eureka!” through the streets of Syracuse.

Those eureka moments in the shower or on the bus when something suddenly starts to make sense only happen if you keep plugging away. (The Guardian)

9. Genesis
Genesis means birth or origin. There are many synonyms for this word, including beginning, onset, start, spring, dawn and commencement. Genesis is also the name of the first book of the Bible.

And when Mr McCain headed to the safe shoals of policy wonkery, Mr Obama flayed his idea of calling for a commission to investigate the genesis of the financial crisis as the resort of politicians who don’t know what else to do. (The Economist)

10. Phobia
Many people wrongly think that a phobia is a fear. In reality it is more than that. Phobia is an irrational and exaggerated fear of something. The fear can be associated with certain activities, situations, things or people.

Poorer communities have a phobia of undercooked food. Very advanced societies enjoy their fish and meat either raw or very close to it. To the French their idea of cooking a steak is so perfunctory one might as well hack the thing off the cow and tuck in. (Financial Times)

11. Plethora
You have a plethora when you go beyond what is needed or appropriate. It represents an excess or undesired abundance.

In California, for example, some neighborhoods have been blighted by the plethora of empty homes. Joe Minnis, a real estate agent for Prudential California, knows foreclosed homes in San Bernardino that have been systematically stripped, trashed and tagged by gang members. (Business Week)

12. Kudos
Kudos means fame or glory, usually resulting from an important act or achievement. It is interesting to notice that in Greek and in the Standard British English, Kudos is a singular noun. Inside the United States, however, it is often used in a plural form (e.g., You deserve many kudos for this accomplishment!)

They deserve the kudos because they could be deemed responsible for the marked improvement in the commercials during Super Bowl XL last night. (New York Times)

Class Schedule 2011 (Jan - Mar) - Προγραμμα Μαθηματων (Ιανουαριος - Μαρτιος)

2011-01-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

Scholarships for Students of Greek Decent

2011-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Students Take Advantage of This Scholarship Opportunity: We'd Love to See One of You Win!

The Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to students from across the United States.

Established in 1990 for the education of Greek-American Students.
Non profit status 501(C)(3).
Awards $100,000 in Scholarships.
94 cents from every dollar after dinner expenses goes directly to Scholarships.
The HTSF annualy receives over 1000 applications.
To date over $1.5 million has been awarded to more than 600 Greek American Students

For more details, guidelines and application visit the HTS website. http://www.htsfund.org/
Deadline to apply is January 31, 2011.

Καλαντα Χριστουγεννων - Christmas Carols

2011-01-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

Students of the Greek Language School sang Greek Christmas Carols using the traditional musical triangles during the annual Christmas celebration of Sts. Constantine and Helen. The audience applauded the student's performance of the Greek carols. It only took three in-class practices and parents' help at home. Thanks to both students and parents for their help in making this event possible!

Santa Claus visited the students and gave presents.

Οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού σχολείου εψαλαν τα Χριστουγεννιατικα Καλαντα με τα παραδοσιακά τρίγωνα τους κατα την διάρκεια της ετήσιας γιορτής στην εκκλησία των Αγιων Κωνσταντινου και Ελένης. Οι ακροατές χειροκρότησαν την ελληνική απόδοση του "Καλην Εσπέρα Άρχοντες" - οι μαθητές έμαθαν τα κάλαντα μέ τρείς πρόβες στο σχολειο και την βοήθεια των γονιών στο σπίτι. Θερμά ευχαριστώ σε όλους τους μαθητές και γονείς που βοήθησαν στην εκδήλωση.

Ο Αγιος Βασίλης επισκευτηκε τους μαθητές και μοίρασε δώρα.

Christmas Carols - Κάλαντα Χριστουγέννων

2010-11-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Our Greek Language school students will sing traditional Christmas carols in Greek during the church service on Dec 12^th. You can listen to the carols at : Christmas carols

Here are the Christmas Carols lyrics:

Holiday Class schedule is as follows: classes on Sunday, December 19^th will be from 12pm to 1pm, and we will be on break from December 20^th through January 4^th. Please mark your calendars.

Greek is the first language in the world

2010-11-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

Greek is the first language in the world. Greek and Chinese are the only languages spoken today whose origin was known more than 3,500 years ago. Greek is not a dead language The Greek language and culture spread across more than 35 centuries, providing an unbroken link between modern day Greeks and their illustrious ancestors. Unlike the more widely taught Latin, Greek is a living language currently spoken by more than 11 million people in mainland Greece and by several million Greeks spread across the world. The Greek language is not only alive in Greece, but has a second life; its alphabet, vocabulary, syntax and literature are present in all languages.

The Greek language and civilization managed to spread east and west, without a single conquest and without a single unifying political organization behind it. The Greek language relates to philosophy, psychology and sociology.

Greek is just a wonderful language full of beautiful words and fascinating concepts. Initially, people can be daunted at the idea of learning a language with a different alphabet, but we've actually found that while it adds an extra dimension to the learning, people take to it quite quickly and really enjoy it once they get going.

We offer languages classes for both children and adults and hope you will make this the time to learn to speak Greek!

Please sign-up to receive our blog posts, so you don't miss out on upcoming classes and events.

The Greek Athenian Owl

2010-11-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

One of the most treasured coins of Collectors worldwide is an ancient silver coin from Greece known as the Athenian Owl tetradrachm. It’s collected not only for its beauty, but because this coin was a stabilizing force in the known world, at that time, and is a reminder of all that has emanated from the era known as the “Golden Age.

Each Greek city made its own silver coins, and they made them to look different from each other so you could know right away which city the coins were from. Greek minters made coins by putting a blank coin on a metal stand and setting a metal punch (like a stick as big around as one coin) on top that had the image carved into it, and then hitting the metal punch with a hammer to drive it into the coin and transfer the image.

The Athenian Owl has to be one of the most remarkable of the ancient Greek coins. These coins were hand struck from dies that were hand carved in there actual size. So, one will find a lot of variations in the coins due to the artesian who crafted the dies, and the mint from which the coins were struck. The weight of the coins varies slightly, but one will find that they all are approximately 17 grams. There are enough variations to be found that if one was to purchase 50 of these coins, no two would be exactly the same.

The Athenian Owl was not just a coin originating from Athens. It was a coin that was known for its silver purity. It stabilized the known world economy, and was accepted everywhere as good legal tender for trade and commerce. As a matter of fact, this coin was such a stabilizing factor that it was manufactured and remained in circulation for over 300 years (from around 430 to 99 B.C.).

One side of the coin features the portrait of the helmeted goddess Athena.

According to Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and skill. Her mother was Metis (goddess of wisdom, and Zeus’ first wife), and Athena was the favorite child of her father, Zeus. Zeus feared that Metis would bear him a son who would be mightier than he was, so he swallowed her. Metis began to make a robe and helmet for her daughter. The hammering of the helmet caused Zeus to have agonizing headaches. To alleviate the pain, Hephaestus (a son of Zeus) split open the head of his father with an axe, and from it emerged Athena, fully grown and wearing the robe and helmet her mother made.

Athena named the city of Athens after a contest with her uncle Poseidon, to win the favor of its citizens. The two gods were to provide a gift to win the favor of the populace. Poseidon struck his trident into the side of a cliff and produced a spring, but it turned out to be salt water. Athena gave the people an olive tree to provide wood, food and oil.

The reverse of the coin depicts an owl (Athene noctua), and the more recent coins show the owl perched on and amphora.

We all know that the owl is a representation of wisdom, but the latest theory by Greek Mythologists tells us more. Athena had the ability to change her form (shape shifting). It has also been noted that both Athena and the owl seldom appear together in Greek paintings and sculptures.

The conclusion is: Athena is the owl, and the owl is Athena. They are one and the same.

The letters ΑΘΕ, as a reference to Athens, also appear on the reverse of the coin.

The Greek Owl 1 Euro is a symbol of the goddess Athena, as it was depicted on an ancient Greek "four drachma" in 5th century BC. The owl which sees well in the night is closely associated with the goddess of wisdom.

The significance of Athena's owl culturally in ancient times is that Athena actually IS the owl. Most of the images of an owl in ancient Greece only represent Athena. Rarely does she appear with a symbol of an owl and she never seems to appear with an owl. The pairing of the two evolved together so that even now in present day the owl is upheld as a symbol of keen wisdom and world knowledge.

GREEK FAMILY NIGHT

2010-10-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Greek Language School: Fall 2010 quarter starts with record attendance

2010-09-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Γειά σας!

The teachers of the Greek School would like to welcome our students, families and friends at the 2010-11 school year! This is a exciting year because:

Student attendance increased by 55%.
The school is accredited by San Diego Unified School District
Have a new preschool language immersion class
Plan to start an Greek Language Certification Program

We offer a number of classes for all learning levels and accommodate student availability.

Please contact Andreas Letsos for more information 760.688-6047

email: nc_greekschool@yahoo.com

Ευχαριστώ

Fall Class Schedule - Classes Start Sept. 26th

2010-09-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER A PRE-SCHOOL CLASS AND SATURDAY CLASS THIS QUARTER. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM : WWW.NCGREEKSCHOOL.ORG OR E-MAIL US AT NC_GREEKSCHOOL@YAHOO.COM.
Please note: Pre-school parents can choose a once-a-week or twice-a-week program option for their children.

Come Meet The Teachers: Sept 11 & 12

2010-09-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Come Meet The Teachers at the Greek Festival

Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

Please stop by our booth and introduce yourself! We look forward to meeting you and discussing our educational program with you and your family.

Experienced Native Greek Teachers

ANDREAS LETSOS, director of the Greek Language school, was born and raised in Greece. After completing his Electrical Engineering Degree from the Polytechnic University of Salonica, Greece he attended San Jose State University where he earned his BSin Computer Science Engineering. He has been teaching the Greek language for over 15 years to children and adults at schools in San Francisco and San Jose and has been at the North San Diego Greek Language School for over eight years. He is the educational and cultural liaison between the Greek Consulate Education Office and local Greek communities.

MYRTALI ANAGNOPOULOS, teacher and founder of Sts. Constantine and Helen North County Greek Language School. She was born in Greece where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the Polytechnic University in Athens, and teaching credentials as High school professor. She has been teaching Greek language courses for over 14 years and published Greek Language textbooks and numerous educational materials. She is an active member of the Hellenic Cultural Society of San Diego and has been recognized by its board for outstanding performance and service in teaching the Greek language and promoting the Greek Culture.

STEFANOS POULIS, teacher, currently pursues a graduate degree in Computational Statistics and Machine Learning at the University of California San Diego and works as a statistical consultant for several companies. He received a Masters Degree in Physical Sciences in 2007 from the University of Northern Colorado and a BS in Operation Research from the University of Piraeus Athens in 2005. Mr. Poulis has a deep knowledge of Ancient and Modern Greek language and has taught children and adult students all levels of Greek and Ancient Greek language for the past five years

Greek Fonts - How to Update Your Keyboard

2010-09-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Add Greek fonts to your keyboard

Ελληνικό πληκτρολόγιο στον υπολογιστή σου -

To help our students actively use the Greek Language, we offer these tips for adding Greek fonts to your keyboard:

Ακολούθησε τις οδηγίες για να εγκαταστήσεις Ελληνικό πληκτρολόγιο στον υπολογιστή σου
Step 1
Go to Start, Control Panel, Region and Language
Step 2
Click on the Keyboards and Languages tab and then Change keyboards
Step 3
Click on the Add… button
Step 4
Select the Greek Polytonic keyboard
Step 5
Click the Apply button
Step 6
Select the EL option in the bottom toolbar to enable the Greek keyboard
Step 7
This is what the Greek keyboard looks like. To enable the accent, use the ” key before typing the letter.
Step 8
In a Word document, make sure the Greek language option is selected.
And that’s all there is to it. This step-by-step guide should apply to all recent versions of the Windows operating system.

Why speak Greek?

2010-08-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Why speak Greek? I encourage everyone to learn as many languages as possible, especially the Greek language! It is a known fact that students learning a second language enhance their academic skills by improving their abilities in mathematics, writing, and reading. It is believed that when students learn a second language, such as Greek, they tend to outscore those who are proficient in only a single language on tests of nonverbal and verbal intelligence.

Like a muscle being exercised, the brain is able to function better in terms of organization, memory, and expression. When someone has to express themselves in another language, it automatically improves their ability to do so in their native tongue as well. In addition, learning Greek enables the comprehension of the role language plays in shaping our thought patterns.

It’s all Greek to me…An estimated 12% of the English vocabulary has a Greek origin, while numerous Greek words have English derivatives. Greek words have been widely borrowed into other languages, including English, mathematics, astronomy, democracy, philosophy, thespian, athletics, theater, rhetoric etc. Moreover, Greek words and word elements continue to be productive as a basis for anthropology, biomechanics, cinema, physics etc. and form, with Latin words, the foundation of international scientific and technical vocabulary, e.g. all words ending with "-logy" ("discourse").

Talk to Yia-Yia…In addition to the legacy benefits of being able to communicate with relatives, friends and acquaintances who speak Greek, language students enjoy the benefit of achieving greater divergent thinking, creativity, and cognitive development. Learning the Greek language enables a person to adapt to and be more open to cultural diversity. It increases the understanding and compassion for other cultures. This becomes a powerful tool in fighting stereotypes and bigotry.

Competitive Advantage… Pragmatically, having a second or even third language on a college application or resumé is a strong advantage and sometimes a requirement. It demonstrates the capacity to learn and assimilate complex systems of information.

We offer languages classes for both children and adults and hope you will make this the time to learn to speak Greek!

Fall classes start the week of September 26th. Please sign-up to receive our blog posts, so you don't miss out on upcoming classes and events.

The Art of Ancient Greek Pots

2010-08-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Ancient Greek pots are an important part of Greek history because they give us a glimpse into what life might have been like over 2,000 year ago. Here, North County Greek school students create their own beautiful pots using their imaginations during our summer Cultural Art and Language Immersion Camp..

Students use their imaginations creating Ancient Greek Art.

This is an easy-to-do project at Greek School or at home with your kids.The supply list is basic and probably something that you already have on hand. The project requires very little preparation ahead of time.


Student gets creative with story telling design.

An art project appropriate for a wide age range of students. You can choose from orange and black designs or white and black depending on the supplies you have on hand.


Students featured Greek mythological figures on ancient pots.

Our Supply List:

Construction paper (black and/or orange). We used the larger 11x17 size.
Pre-cut template. We chose the Hydria - a vessel used for carrying water - for its simplicity and it provides ample space for kids to get artistic. For sample designs you can enlarge and use visit the Birmingham Museum site.
Crayons or Black permanent markers for drawing.
Greek images (optional) - you can find these in coloring books, and various websites.We borrowed ours from Phillip Martin.

32nd Annual Greek Festival: Sept. 11-12th

2010-08-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to join us and experience the Greek Culture, food, sights and sounds right here in Cardiff-by-the-Sea at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. A family event, held from 11am to 9pm featuring live music and dancing, the annual festival is well-attended by the community.

You can dine street style as you stroll the open air market, shopping for traditional Greek foods and specialty items. The event offers visitors a chance to make new friends, practice speaking Greek over coffee and handmade pastries in the "Kafenio" or dine with family over a carefully prepared meal based on traditional recipes under the big white tent!

Something for Everyone
Your children will delight in the "carnival-like" game booths that line the streets and they'll crave the warm "Loukoumathes" (donuts) that drip with honey.

Not only will you have a chance to watch our award-winning dancers and listen to the contemporary band the Olympians, you will have a chance to learn some basic dance steps in the Taverna. A fundraiser for the Church, the festival features a live auction with some unbelievable finds, the Yia-Yia's Attic resale booth and a raffle for a sleek 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan.

View the magnificent mosaics, stained glass windows and learn about the iconography adorning the Church during tours held each day at 1pm and 4pm.

Registration for the Fall Quarter is Underway

2010-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

Please join us on Sunday, September 19th at 11:30am for the Orientation Meeting in the Fellowship Hall of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

The North County Greek Language School offers an accredited modern Greek Language program for children and adults. Our language studies also include Greek Cultural Arts, Traditions and History.

We offer classes at all levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced and use the latest technologies available in our teachings. All of our teachers are native Greek speakers and hold advanced degrees from major universities.

Our students and families enjoy quarterly gatherings as an opportunity to speak the language, celebrate national holidays and participate in theater arts. In the summer, we offer a week-long language immersion camp and language sessions based on student demand.

Educational Goals:

Our goal is for every student to develop all facets of Greek Language learning such as reading, writing, syntax and grammar with Modern Greek spoken in Greece today.

Program Details:

The school year is divided into three quarters: Fall, Winter and Spring. Each quarter consists on 10-12 classes.

Tuition Fees: Youth classes are $140 per quarter; sibling discounts are $120 a quarter; Adult tuition is $140 per quarter. Book cost ranges from $15 - $30 and vary per class. Fees are due the first week of each quarter and are non-refundable for missed classes. Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis.

If you cannot make the orientation, please contact us at nc_greekschool@yahoo.com. Classes start the week of September 26th.