Dialogue between Principals (Q&A / Interview)
Two Schools, One Shared Goal: The Principals of 1st Primary School of Ialysos and 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes Exchange Perspectives
The success of the inclusive sports event organized under the ESOL (Social Inclusion through Sport) program at the Ialysos Indoor Gymnasium was the direct outcome of close, exemplary cooperation. To capture the institutional and pedagogical foundation of this initiative, we sat down with the Principal of the 1st Primary School of Ialysos and the Principal of the 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes.
In the joint interview below, both school leaders share their experiences, discuss coordination challenges, and present a unified vision for the future of inclusive education.
The Decision to Collaborate and Initial Objectives
Interviewer: What was the main motivation for bringing together two distinct educational institutions under the ESOL program?
Principal of 1st Primary School of Ialysos: "Our primary motivation was to offer our students an authentic life experience. In general education, we often discuss acceptance and diversity in theory. We wanted a program that breaks stereotypes in practice, turning values like solidarity and respect into active experiences on the sports court."
Principal of 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes: "For us, the priority was visibility and social openness. Children in special education have immense capabilities that often remain unseen. This partnership provided an ideal opportunity for them to step outside their familiar setting, interact equally with peers, and feel part of a broader community."
Design Challenges and Managing Expectations
Interviewer: What were the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for the event?
Principal of 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes: "Anticipating the sensory and motor needs of our students was our greatest challenge. A large venue like the Ialysos Indoor Gymnasium can induce stress for a child on the autism spectrum. However, the scientific team structured the sports stations with such precision that anxiety turned into excitement."
Principal of 1st Primary School of Ialysos: "On our end, the challenge was properly preparing our students to approach their peers from the Special School with natural ease, patience, and respect rather than pity or hesitation. The way our students stepped up as peer mentors exceeded all expectations."
Memorable Moments on the Court
Interviewer: If you could highlight one specific moment from the event, what would it be?
Principal of 1st Primary School of Ialysos: "I distinctly remember one of our students, without any prompt from a teacher, slowing down his pace and taking a teammate from the Special School by the hand so they could cross the finish line together. At that moment, I knew our goal was achieved."
Principal of 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes: "For me, it was seeing the smiles on our students' faces as they held up the commemorative 'Friendship Plaque.' Feeling that they accomplished something meaningful together with the other children was an empowering moment they will never forget."
Future Steps and Legacy
Interviewer: What is the lasting takeaway from this collaboration, and how do you plan to build on it?
Principal of 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes: "The main takeaway is that we opened a path that must remain open. We proved that special and general education can and must work together. Our goal is to institutionalize this partnership through regular joint activities."
Principal of 1st Primary School of Ialysos: "I completely agree. The bridge built between the 1st Primary School of Ialysos and the 1st Special Primary School of Rhodes is permanent. The future of education lies in inclusion, and we are committed to leading similar initiatives moving forward."
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