Category: School life

At Avenor, the Parents’ Choir has become more than just a musical project – it’s a celebration of community, passion, and the joy of singing together.

What began as a modest initiative with just a few members has grown spectacularly, bringing together over 30 parents who, with their energy and enthusiasm, turn every rehearsal and event into a special moment.

Find out from Ioana Gafencu – teacher of music and the initiator of this project, how this success story came to life within our community.

 

Eight years ago, when I joined Avenor, I was thrilled to discover the Teachers’ Choir, a group of passionate colleagues who enjoy singing together. It’s not about singing professionally—that’s not the goal. It’s about the joy of singing together and bringing happiness to those around us. Beyond the enthusiasm of the choir members, the excitement of students when they see their teachers perform is immense. They are always delighted to participate in the artistic moments prepared by teachers for special occasions—like Romania’s National Day, Christmas, or Cultural Celebration Day—when our community comes together.

 

For me, this project was a perfect fit. I am, at my core, a pianist. I graduated from the Bucharest Conservatory, majoring in Musical Performance, Piano. Since entering George Enescu Music High School in 9th grade, I’ve been involved in choir singing, and my passion for it has only grown since. Singing in a choir brings me immense satisfaction. That’s why one of my dreams has always been to lead and sing alongside a choir. It’s my way of sharing the joy of music with those around me.

The children’s choir—Just Sing—was the first choir I directed at Avenor. Being part of such a connected community, the idea of forming a Parents’ Choir came naturally about two years ago.

I launched this project with great emotion, sending an invitation to all parents in our community. The only requirement was a passion for music. I wasn’t looking for professionals or specialists, just the joy of singing and spreading that joy through music.

To my delight, many parents responded positively to my invitation, and I quickly realized how much a project like this was needed and how beneficial it is for both the choir members and their audiences. Music is a form of therapy that shows its effects every Monday morning when the Parents’ Choir meets for rehearsal. Monday mornings have become a small celebration of singing, positive energy, and well-being.

What started with just over 10 participants has grown to over 30 members. Initially, we timidly prepared one or two songs, but now we’ve become a true force with a full schedule and a rich repertoire.

I must admit that the enthusiastic reception of our performances by the entire community—students, parents, and teachers—has greatly contributed to this evolution. As a conductor, it’s fantastic to witness the growth of this project so dear to me and the dynamic development of our choir during both rehearsals and performances.

We sing with joy at every community event, and, because I dream big, I aim to take Avenor choirs beyond our campus. After the extraordinary experience with Just Sing at the Musica Orbis Festival in Prague in summer 2024, where we participated in a choir competition, it’s now the Parents’ Choir’s turn to make its voice heard beyond the school.

Poveste de Crăciun  Charity Concert, an initiative born from an invitation by Father Francisc Doboș, a dear friend of our community, offers us the perfect opportunity.

In this concert, aimed at supporting a humanitarian cause organized by the Roman Catholic Church of Sacre-Coeur, the students from Just Sing and the parents from the Parents’ Choir, alongside a special guest—Nicholas Lupu, a professional opera singer, actor, and trainer with experience in various artistic fields—will perform on December 14 for an audience eager to experience moments of joy and emotion.

Beyond this major event, we will carol throughout December on various occasions—at the Winter Shows, the Christmas Fair, and during our alumni’s homecoming—spreading the joy of singing to everyone.

I would like to thank all the members of the Parents’ Choir for their energy, enthusiasm, and the magic this project brings to our community.

Now in its 8th edition, the Avenor Christmas Charity Fair is one of the longest-standing projects in the Avenor community, and despite the years passing, it continues to be cherished by everyone. Whether it’s the participating students, their parents, or the school’s friends who attend the fair each December, the magic surrounding this event only grows stronger year after year.

A key strength of the Avenor Christmas Charity Fair is the commitment of the student organizing team, who, despite exams, projects, and daily school life, find the time and energy to pour into this initiative. Beyond the carols, games, and treats, the event is also a symbol of generosity.

Sonia and Ana, 11Omega, are the coordinators for this year’s edition, and they are eager to share their thoughts and emotions about this heartwarming project in the interview below.

CARRYING THE TRADITION FORWARD 

For us, the Avenor Christmas Charity Fair is an event that will remain in our hearts forever. When Maria, now a graduate, suggested we take over the project last June and continue the tradition of the fair, we had no idea about the scale of the work ahead—countless hours behind the scenes, endless calls to sponsors, or the challenge of coordinating a team of over 40 high school students.

At the time, the fair only represented the delightful smells of popcorn and cotton candy wafting across campus, the excitement of games like Wheel of Fortune and Hop Hop Challenge, the thrill of the raffle, and the fantastic performances. And this is what makes the project truly unique: regardless of age, status, or interests, the Avenor Christmas Charity Fair brings the magic of Christmas to everyone.

The magical atmosphere, carols, delicious treats, fun with classmates, and a variety of creative activities are moments we aim to carry forward as we work to create another unforgettable experience for all participants this year, ensuring that the passion and tradition continue.

With the support of our community, last year we raised €10,000 for our charitable cause, Asociația Blondie, helping to fund the purchase of Romania’s first air ambulance, which transports critically ill children and infants to specialized clinics abroad.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE PROJECT 

This year, our team is made up of 42 ”elves” –  volunteers in the organizing team. Each member has a special role within the team, and together we collaborate to create an unforgettable event.  The seven departments—Logistics, Sponsorships, Finance, Marketing, HR, Arts & Crafts, and Photography—each have specific responsibilities that ensure the smooth running of the event. We all rely on each other, and we’ve learned that success comes from effective communication, collaboration, listening to one another, and respecting the opinions of those around us.

Naturally, there are challenges—moments of panic, delays, and days when hope seems lost. But the thought of the final result and the joy we experience during the fair keeps us motivated and focused, helping us find solutions along the way.

THE CHARITABLE CAUSE OF THE EVENT

For this edition, we have set ambitious goals.

Our aim is to raise 50,000 lei for the Tasuleasa Social Association, our chosen charity for this year. We are thrilled to contribute to the renovation of two houses in Târnăvioara, which will serve as hospitality hubs for travelers along Via Transilvanica, allowing locals to showcase their crafts and offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s cultural heritage.

In addition, we hope to bring together 1,000 people—children, parents, and friends of the community—to the Avenor campus to enjoy the fair, while also encouraging generosity and spreading the Christmas spirit.

Achieving these objectives is undoubtedly challenging, especially as this is the first event of this scale and complexity we are organizing. It’s even more difficult because we must also continue our student responsibilities—tests, exams, projects, and more. But we are determined to move forward, dedicating ourselves with passion to this meaningful project that benefits both our community and us. The learning experience and the joy it brings are unmatched by anything else.

We are in the final stages of preparation. Now is the time to come together, to contribute in any way we can—through resources, time, or simply by attending the fair—to make this event a success.

The Avenor Christmas Charity Fair is not only about giving; it’s about bringing our community together through solidarity and generosity.

We warmly invite you to join us for the 8th edition of the Avenor Christmas Charity Fair, which will take place at the Avenor College campus on December 5th and 6th, from 14:00 to 16:00. Let’s celebrate the magic of Christmas together and create unforgettable memories.

Now in its second edition, the 24h Business Challenge is on its way to becoming a tradition among the independent projects led by Avenor students.

This competition challenges student teams to develop a business plan within 24 hours, based on a specific brief revealed on the day of the event. Each team’s mission is to present the most compelling plan to a jury of professionals from various industries.

The event was initiated by Ioana, a 12 Delta student with a passion for business. Together with Ana (11 Alfa) and Horia (11 Alfa), she successfully managed the event’s organization under the mentorship of Valentin Brabete, Teacher of Economics & Business Studies.

This initiative highlighted the students’ innovative and collaborative spirit, offering all participants valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

Learn more about this inspiring project directly from its organizers.

A UNITED AND INDEPENDENT TEAM

”This year, our project team brought together 20 students from grades 9 to 12, divided into four departments: event management, communication & curation, sponsorships, and marketing. Alongside Ana and Horia, I worked closely with all the volunteers, and it was exciting to see the expertise of returning team members who were part of last year’s event, as well as the enthusiasm of new teammates who joined us this year.

We maintained close communication with the department coordinators, and we believe our success was rooted in the spirit of collaboration that defines our school.

I’m especially thankful for the support of Mister Valentin, our  teacher of Economics & Business Studies , who guided us once again this year. He was always present, offering not just logistical and technical help, but also moral encouragement and valuable professional advice.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents in our community for their incredible support—whether as sponsors, speakers, or jury members for the competition.” shares Ioana, 12 Delta.

 

LESSONS LEARNED 

“As with any complex project, we encountered many challenges. The limited time available for organizing and the smaller team size created some pressure. At times, communication between departments was challenging, and the task flow experienced delays.

However, by maintaining clarity, prioritizing effectively, and collaborating closely, we managed to overcome all obstacles. The key lesson was that the success of a project depends on the people involved—dedicated, open-minded individuals who are willing to work together,” says Ioana, 12 Delta.

IMPACT OF THE EVENT

“Beyond the competition itself, the 24h Business Challenge provided participants with valuable learning opportunities. The workshops led by experts offered key insights into fields such as marketing, finance, and leadership. The feedback from the jury helped participants refine their ideas and improve their presentation skills. I wish I could have participated in those workshops too. 🙂

Most importantly, the event served as a true teamwork exercise. In just 24 hours, participants learned to collaborate efficiently, listen to each other, and develop their ideas collectively. The relationships built during the competition will continue to grow well after the event ends,” says Ana, 11 Alfa.

“The 24h Business Challenge wasn’t just a competition; it was an opportunity for personal and professional growth for both the participants and the organizers. We developed key business skills, learned to perform under pressure, and worked alongside experts who inspired us.

This event truly represents the spirit of the Avenor community: courage, collaboration, and a commitment to making a difference. We are proud of our achievements and excited for future editions,” says Horia, 11 Alfa.

 

 

EVENT FORMAT

Spanning 24 hours, the event brought together six teams, each consisting of three 8th and 9th-grade students. To prepare for the competition, participants took part in four workshops led by industry experts:

• Finance, with Ioana Bucin
• Marketing, with Mirela Pitu
• Leadership, with Laura Dragomir
• Sustainability and Social Impact, with Adrian Cocan

These sessions were designed to equip participants with practical tools and inspiration to develop their business ideas. Each student had the opportunity to attend two of the workshops.

This year’s edition centered on social entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on the partnership with Tășuleasa Social. Teams were challenged to transform two houses in Copșa Mică into sustainable social enterprises based on the principles of the circular economy.

The jury included:

• Cristina Tomescu – a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in national franchises
• Diana Segărceanu – entrepreneur and founder of Avenor College
• Paul Burzo – lead architect of the Tășuleasa Social project

The Run Green team, made up of three 9th-grade students, stood out with their innovative proposal for the Run Green Academy and Community Workshop. These spaces would host workshops for both locals and tourists, fostering engagement with the Tășuleasa community. Their concept showcased creativity, practicality, and a strong grasp of social entrepreneurship principles.

 

Starting school is an important milestone for both children and parents. It marks the transition from the familiar environment of nursery to a new educational setting, full of challenges and opportunities.

To support families preparing for this step, Avenor is organizing a special workshop on November 28th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, designed specifically for nursery parents whose children will start school next autumn. This event aims to address parents’ questions and curiosities, which are perfectly normal at this stage.

What Will You Learn at the Workshop?

For children aged 5 and 6, starting school involves much more than simply acquiring books, notebooks, uniforms, and backpacks.

It is a major change that can influence their self-confidence, well-being, academic performance, and adaptability. Managing this transition properly and preparing for this new beginning is essential, and parents play a crucial role in providing their children with a confident and enthusiastic start.

“From a psychological perspective, the transition from nursery to school also considers you, the parents. This involves your own school-day memories—such as uniforms, ribbons, badges, and backpacks—alongside the hopes and aspirations you hold for your children, who are approaching this milestone for the first time and can only envision what lies ahead. It also encompasses the expertise of primary school teachers, who will guide and welcome the children as they embark on this new chapter.

Together, these elements come together in a cohesive and supportive way to facilitate a seamless transition from nursery to school.” says Ioana Botez, Counselor at Avenor Nursery and one of the event hosts.

 

To learn more about the agenda and the event, please refer to the presentation page.

How to Register?

To participate, please complete the registration form. 

Attendance is free, but places are limited, and priority will be given to parents who register early. The event is open to all parents interested in the workshop’s topic.

Why Should You Attend?

For many parents, the transition from nursery to school comes with questions and uncertainties: Is my child ready to go to school? What are the school’s expectations? How can I help them integrate? 

The workshop brings together educational leaders and counselors from the Avenor team, who will share valuable insights based on their experience guiding students through this transition.

Their perspective will be complemented by the experiences of a few parents who have already gone through this stage. These parents have been invited to the event as guest speakers to share their personal stories.

Through this panel discussion, we aim to address the questions of parents attending the event, offering practical advice and solutions to facilitate the transition from nursery to school.

This year, we’re relaunching the School from Home program, a component of the PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education) curriculum, designed to support parents as they navigate the journey of raising their children.

School from Home is a parenting program that provides a secure space for parents within and outside the Avenor community to discuss the topics important to them, guided by Avenor school counselors, psychologists, and experienced specialists.

This year, the program kicks off with a workshop dedicated to parents of nursery and primary school children, inviting reflection on the things we don’t talk about. Alongside Avenor psychologists, we will be joined by special guest PHD. Bogdan Ion, a psychologist with over 30 years of experience in clinical psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy, and a parent in our community.

In preparation for this event, Ioana Botez, Avenor Counselor and host of the November 13 workshop, shares briefly below about the things we don’t talk about and, above all, the challenges parents face when confronted with these subjects.

SCHOOL FROM HOME

When we think about how we’re raising and educating our children today, it’s clear that we’re parenting in one of the most progressive eras. We want to be the best parents possible, even if it sometimes means putting our own happiness and fulfillment on hold.

The notion of parental sacrifice is as old as time itself, yet it has taken on new dimensions in today’s world, where we sometimes believe—perhaps optimistically—that we can control all aspects of our children’s environment. Of course, the younger they are, the more we feel responsible for shaping their thoughts and preferences.

But then they go to their first sleepover, attend their first camp, or even spend a weekend at their grandparents’ house, and we realize that complete control is impossible. Instead, we need to focus on keeping open lines of communication with them—any time, anywhere. Or, rather, we need to be prepared to engage in the discussions they bring to us, often unexpectedly.

Are we truly ready for this?

Today’s kids are often bold conversation partners, especially when it comes to topics we might not have broached with our own parents—such as sexuality, death, spirituality, and bullying. And maybe more!

At Avenor’s nursery and primary school, we’ve decided to start with these subjects in a panel discussion for parents, where they can engage with our counselors and special guest, PHD. Bogdan Ion, a father and a specialist in several fields, including psychotherapy.

As organizers, we encourage you to bring up the questions you may find challenging so that we can discuss them in depth at the November 13 event.

SCHOOL COMPLEMENTS FAMILY

School is here to support the family, like a safety net where children feel safe to discuss topics they may not feel comfortable addressing at home. If you find certain subjects difficult to approach, lean on us! We’re here to explore the things you may avoid discussing at home—thoughtfully, respectfully, and with prepared answers that keep conversations clear and simple.

And as we focus on facilitating our children’s learning and growth, isn’t it only natural to look inward and work on our own understanding of these themes?

Join us on Wednesday, November 13, starting at 9 a.m., at the Forest Library in Greenfield, for the School at Home parenting workshop, titled The Things We Don’t Talk About.

Our aim is to address these topics—whatever they may be—with care, compassion, and critical thinking. We know how to keep silent. But our goal is to enhance our ability to communicate about topics like sex, death, spirituality, and bullying, so that, by the end of this journey, we become more self-aware, confident individuals and parents.

This year, at Avenor, we are setting out to reflect more deeply on the experiences we all go through in a school setting. What makes us feel good at school? What elements help us stay connected, and what gives us a sense of belonging?

In our journey to view our experiences from this perspective – one aimed at fostering mutual understanding – we’ve chosen trusted partners to help us “measure” what we feel. David Willows and Suzette Parlevliet, the creators of [YELLOW CAR], have spent recent years developing a tool that lets us explore the emotional landscape of our school experiences. It’s practically a new way of listening.

A New Way of Listening

Imagine a school hallway on a Monday morning. The air is filled with conversations, laughter, and quick steps to classrooms. We know these sights and sounds, but what about the feelings that accompany them? For Avenor, these emotions—whether joy, excitement, or even anxiety—form the core of our community. We want to go beyond traditional feedback to truly explore the significance of these feelings.

The Felt Experience Indicator, developed by David Willows and Suzette Parlevliet at Yellow Car, invites students, parents, and teachers to share more than just their opinions. We want them to tell us how they feel—something traditional surveys rarely capture. David and Suzette bring a deep understanding of how emotions shape experiences, and through their work, they help schools see beyond the surface, revealing the connections and emotions that unite us.

The Story Behind Yellow Car

David and Suzette didn’t just create a survey tool. They founded  [YELLOW CAR] as a touchstone for schools that believe education is about more than the structured hours in class and a specific curriculum. They wanted to offer communities the language to talk about what it means to belong to a group. The Felt Experience Indicator is the result of years spent in international schools, understanding the emotional dynamics of communities of parents, students, and teachers.

“We have been so excited to see the way in which students, parents, and school employees around the world have shared their experiences. The insights we have gained have been profound and, in many cases, are leading to meaningful change” says David Willows, and this is what we’re hoping to happen at Avenor also. 

The Avenor Experience

In our classrooms, hallways, playground, and sports fields, emotions come to life every day. Through the Felt Experience Indicator, our community has the chance to give shape to these emotional dimensions, highlighting where we feel connected, valued, or where we might need more support.

This process will unfold in two stages: first, a brief, anonymous survey open to everyone. Each response adds a piece to a larger picture—a snapshot of life at Avenor. In the second stage, we’ll hold focus groups to explore the themes emerging from the survey. These discussions will allow us to go deeper, to hear the personal stories behind the data, guided by David and Suzette, who will ensure every voice is heard, every story respected, and integrated into our shared experience.

A Journey Worth Taking

This partnership with  [YELLOW CAR] is more than just a project; it’s a journey—one that honors every voice, celebrates what makes Avenor a place so many call home. As we gather insights from this process, we know they’ll help us not just refine specific aspects, but also continue our story with a coherent focus on how people feel, beyond just what they do.

By listening in this way, we create an empathetic environment, open to understanding and continuous growth. And as we move forward together on this journey, we know that how we feel at school isn’t just important—it’s fundamental to who we are.

To celebrate  International Teacher’s Day, Avenor College proudly hosted the 4th edition of the “What’s Worth Learning?” conference, featuring a remarkable guest: His Excellency Giles Matthew Portman, the British Ambassador to Romania. The Ambassador’s presence brought fresh perspectives and invaluable insights to the Avenor community, sharing both personal experiences and professional wisdom on essential life skills.

His Excellency’s keynote address touched upon crucial topics such as adaptability, the importance of doing what you love, mastering public speaking, developing emotional intelligence  and lifelong learning. Delivered with a blend of humour and humility, the Ambassador encouraged students, teachers, and parents alike to consider these skills as vital for both personal and professional growth.

Adaptability: A Key to Success

One of the core themes of the Ambassador’s speech was adaptability, a skill he emphasised as fundamental, particularly in a world that is constantly changing. Drawing from his own diplomatic career, he shared personal stories where being adaptable allowed him to thrive in challenging circumstances. His message was clear: adaptability is an essential life skill, one that helps individuals navigate unexpected situations and seize opportunities. For students, the lesson was especially poignant—while having a plan is important, flexibility in the face of change is equally crucial.

Do What You Love

His Excellency also spoke about the importance of pursuing passions. He candidly shared that his original career path had nothing to do with diplomacy—he was once convinced that he would become an architect. His advice to students? It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do right now. “The career is what happens to you while you’re busy worrying about it,” he said, urging students to focus on what they enjoy and excel at, rather than following a predetermined path.

Public Speaking: A Skill for Life

Another critical lesson the Ambassador imparted was the value of public speaking. He emphasised that in any career, the ability to effectively communicate in front of an audience is indispensable. Programs like Model United Nations (MUN), which encourage public speaking and debate, were praised as opportunities that students should seize to develop this skill. His Excellency highlighted how practice is key—the more you speak publicly, the better you become at it.

Emotional Intelligence: The Soft Skill Employers Value

In addition to IQ, the Ambassador spoke passionately about emotional intelligence (EQ), describing it as an increasingly valuable trait in today’s world. “EQ is incredibly important to employers,” he said, “because it reflects your ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences.” He encouraged students to take part in extracurricular activities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or volunteer opportunities, which help build emotional intelligence by fostering collaboration and empathy.

Learning Beyond School: A Lifelong Journey

A recurring theme throughout the Ambassador’s speech was the idea that learning never stops. While academic success is important, he emphasised that wider life experiences—often gained through extracurricular activities—can teach valuable lessons that traditional classroom settings may not. Reflecting on his own school years, His Excellency admitted that he wished he had been more involved in extracurriculars, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

When asked about one of his biggest life lessons, the Ambassador shared a powerful message: “It’s okay to admit when you don’t know something and to ask for help.” He explained that acknowledging gaps in knowledge and seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a strength. This humility, he said, is one of the most important things to learn—whether in school, in a career, or in life.

As the conference concluded, His Excellency left the Avenor community with a profound reflection: both good days and bad days are learning experiences, and each day offers an opportunity to grow.

We thank His Excellency for the visit, for sharing his personal experiences with us, and for the lessons delivered in such an open and engaging manner.

Based on a recommendation received years ago from Professor Mircea Miclea—to intentionally find or create “molecules of joy“, which he described as “those small details in each of our lives that give us hope and help us get through difficult moments“—Valentin Brabete, Teacher of Business Studies and the Form Tutor of 9 Omega, found such a molecule in the schoolyard and then created one himself, sharing the message below with us.

As a school, seeing students of all ages, not just high school students, as we are already accustomed to, can initiate and successfully implement student-led  projects is a confirmation that the transformative education we pursue at Avenor is effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.

The testimonial message we invite you to read is evidence that conceptual learning, skill development, and the building of moral character—the pillars of learning at Avenor—are being successfully applied in the everyday lives of our 4th-grade students.

”I am writing this message to share what was, for me, a truly wonderful experience—one that filled me with awe, joy, and pride.

This morning, Anna Rebecca saw me on duty and invited me to a show at 12:10 in the Mini Park. I got there. The kids were on stage, with an audience of other students (younger classes, I think) in front of them. Around, there wasn’t a single adult who seemed to be organising them.

And the show began—musical numbers, magic acts, an Eminem song performed with such exuberance and ease by a super charming little boy, Anna Rebecca trying to make herself heard as the presenter between acts, yet never intimidated by the murmurs from the audience, the soloist coordinating the percussionists, Albert acting as stage guard and interpreter, another girl who seemed to be part of the production team and coordinating her peers…

 

 

A colleague, a teacher at Primary, joined at the beginning of the show, and with great curiosity, I eagerly asked her what I was witnessing. She knew there would be a short performance but didn’t have more details…

The performance went on for a minimum of 20 minutes, featuring at least 5 distinct acts.

In the end, I understood the purpose: a show organised by the students for their beloved Miss Raluca, whom they miss, and to whom they recorded individual video messages at the end. I found out from my colleagues at Primary that these students had practised on their own for several days. They found their own audience, and at no point did an adult intervene throughout the entire event, except to remind the students passing by the Mini Park during break to be quiet.

I observed the interactions among the protagonists during this performance, and everything happened with empathy, care, and mutual respect, even when things didn’t go exactly according to their plan.

For me, it was a surprise and a joy, and the display of talent I witnessed was a perfect illustration of the Avenor Student Profile in all its 7 dimensions:

• Inner Balanced – Aesthetics and Belonging

• Independent and Connected – Autonomous, Disciplined, Leaders

• Active Positive Citizens – Empathy, Community, Engagement

• Explorers – Risk Takers

• Effective Communicators – Listening

• Creative Thinkers – Innovative

• Future Ready – Friendship, Ambition

I am deeply impressed; this is a wonderful testament to the incredible efforts of the Primary team.

I am very proud and grateful to be a part of this team.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We are excited to welcome Stephen Marr as the new Head of Primary & Nursery at Avenor. With a diverse background in education and a deep passion for nurturing young minds, Stephen brings a wealth of experience from his 18-year career across the globe. From his early days as a Secondary School Mathematics teacher in the UK to leading schools in Oman and Romania, Stephen has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence in education. In this interview, we get to know more about Stephen’s journey, his educational philosophy, and his vision for the Avenor community.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What or who inspired you to pursue a career in education?

I am Stephen Marr, the new Head of Primary & Nursery at Avenor. I have been living in Bucharest for ten years with my wife Antonia and three-year-old son Alexander; nine of those in the Greenfields compound. 

I have worked in education now for eighteen years.  After studying Accountancy and Finance at Aberdeen university, I embarked on a career in finance for Citibank, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. However, the financial sector was not the correct fit for me. I was fortunate to find my true calling in 2006, initially as a Secondary School Mathematics teacher, before moving into the Primary sector. Education became a vocation for me right from the start and I have endeavored to inspire all the students in my care since that day.

My early teaching days were spent in Nottinghamshire, England, where I learnt what outstanding learning and teaching was. I then moved into the international sector spending time in Oman, Muscat. There I was the Head of my Key Stage and our results placed us in the top 5% of international school. The last nine years I was Principal of another Bucharest school, growing it from a small Primary into an outstanding rated all-through school.

As a BSO inspector, you have certainly visited many schools, and as a professional, you have worked in various schools around the world. In your opinion, what are the traits that make a school the best fit for its community?

I have been a school inspector since 2022, and have been fortunate to observe learning and processes in various countries. I consider myself to be a life-long learner and in addition to assessing and advising schools, I am always looking to learn something from each school that I am in. 

The best schools understand their communities and how their students learn best in their contexts. There are of course some consistencies across all schools; students learn best when the teaching community has high expectations, is consistent in its practice, and ensures that the curriculum is relevant and fun. 

What is the most interesting fact you learned about Avenor so far?

The name “AVENOR’ is very interesting; of course, making up the school values of Adventure, Vocation, Excellence, Nature, Opportunity, Relationships. If all these ingredients are in place, then we will ensure that students leave Avenor as well-rounded, creative, independent, and ready to succeed in the 21st century.

What do you hope to find at Avenor?

I hope to find a wonderful community full of enthusiastic and kind children that are curious, creative, and full of energy for learning. I also hope to find passionate and caring teachers, and parents that are truly our partners. A family orientated environment with high academic standards and pastoral care. A school that provides a balance between academic rigor and enjoyment, and that is committed to producing future leaders and international citizens.

In the last week of June, Oana Asaftei, Romanian language teacher, and Octavia Paul, Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Leader, set off with four high school students to foster a partnership between Avenor and Tășuleasa Social. Their train journey to Bistrița would immerse them in the world of volunteerism and reveal the Via Transilvanica project, which Avenor has supported since 2020 by sponsoring a milestone placed in Agârbiciu, Sibiu County.

We spoke with those involved in this inspiring story, filled with many lessons, to understand what this escape from daily routine meant for the students.

THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THE INITIATIVE

Upon recognizing that our school’s values align with the mission and vision of Tășuleasa, we decided to collaborate and support each other. In a constantly changing world, we are committed to staying grateful and mindful of everything around us.

During these days together, our students engaged in various household activities, such as setting and clearing the table, washing dishes, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness and order in shared spaces, and painting the wooden houses in the Tășuleasa campus. These tasks taught our students about responsibility and the significant impact of fulfilling their roles in society. Managing daily chores helped them develop a sense of order and organization. Although painting houses is challenging and can be risky, this task highlighted the importance of following safety rules to prevent accidents and complete the work successfully.

Driven by love and respect for nature, the students climbed Tășuleasa Hill, where they prepared wood from a tree damaged by a recent storm. Collecting wood from a fallen tree confronted the students with an unexpected situation and demonstrated the importance of creative problem-solving and critical thinking. They realized that natural resources could be used responsibly.

Their hands-on work in the Tășuleasa campus provided the satisfaction of a job well done. Most activities took place outdoors in a beautiful landscape, offering the students peace and relaxation through direct contact with nature.

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS LEARNED

Our students had the chance to socialize and participate in activities with students and volunteers from schools in Cluj, Bistrița, and Germany. During this time, they shared common values and saw through the eyes of the project founders the importance of community contribution and respect.

In two days, we covered about 30 kilometers, part of the route through the „Ținutul de Sus” and the other through “Terra Saxonum.” Walking the Via Transilvanica routes fostered a deep appreciation for the country. The beauty and diversity of the places we visited often made the students exclaim, “How beautiful it is here!” We believe this experience nurtures a love for heritage. Preparing for the journey taught the students what to pack in their backpacks and showed them that the journey itself is a source of joy.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“Here, we had the opportunity to meet Tibi and Alin Ușeriu, learn the history of the ‘Tășuleasa Social’ project, and hear about some future plans. We were invited to visit two houses in Copșa Mică, which Tășu volunteers will renovate.

After leaving the Tășuleasa campus, we visited Copșa Mică and the future fort to be built there. One house will serve as a resting place for Via Transilvanica hikers, and the other will display handcrafted products made by the local Roma community, available for purchase in the online store alongside ‘Via Transilvanica’ branded products.” said Mihai from 11 Delta.

The students described their time at the Tășuleasa Campus as “a fun and exciting experience” (Ana – 11 Omega), “these days helped us discover the uniqueness of the surroundings, and we want to continue the adventure” (Horia – 11 Alfa), “completing the volunteer days left us fulfilled” (Sonia – 11 Delta), “we shared our gratitude for this place and these warm people who welcomed us with open arms” (Mihai – 11 Delta).

We eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with Tășuleasa Social, contributing to the development and promotion of the Via Transilvanica project, traversing this “road that unites,” and supporting their future projects.