Meet Mr Paps — forever St Cats.

Our first Teacher Spotlight celebrates a much-loved educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Alongside his own reflections, this feature includes the perspective of his children, Rosa and Max — both St Cats alumni — offering a unique look at education as a lifelong journey.

For those who may not know you well, how would you describe yourself beyond the classroom?

My main interests outside of continuing to teach are cultural anthropology, history, politics, and literature. In my free time I enjoy making my own wine, having fun with my friends in a small Greek village by the sea.

Which part of your life’s journey feels most meaningful to you today?

The period between 17-30 years old, when I was studying and working in the Netherlands. Learn a lot and practice even more!

What first drew you to teaching—and what kept you inspired over the years?

During my student time in the Netherlands, I organized an evening school and taught Greek language and culture to Greek immigrant children who wanted to keep in touch with their roots alongside attending regular Dutch school. This is how I developed my skills in language teaching to children and through the years I became a specialist in teaching bilingual students. The evening school I set up was very successful and later was incorporated to the official list of Greek state schools abroad.

I think the main driving force that kept me teaching all these years (since … 1976!) was that I experienced how happy my pupils were when they realized that they had learned something while having fun. That sometimes made me more of a comedian rather than a teacher and this is what made all the difference!

Is there a classroom moment that still makes you smile when you think back?

My classroom was in the old Lower School building on the first floor, near the main entrance, and outside the window there was a sort of unfenced terrace (a flat roof of the building below) looking over the gate to the pool. From my classroom you could technically go there by climbing through the windows. Of course this was a dangerous restricted area and no one was allowed to go there. While I was teaching an …’infamous’ class (Erikos, Noel, Stephanie, and other gang members [from Class of 2005]), I sensed commotion. A school bag was on that terrace!  “Pleaseee sir can you get it??” all the class was demanding. I thought …ok, why not?! And I climbed through the window. The next moment the window was shut and locked and I found myself locked out, alone on this terrace, shouting, while the rest of the class was dying of laughter.  I stayed there for almost an hour screaming, threatening, swearing, while that famous class had the time of their life! Eventually when the bell rang, Mrs. Burbidge saved me…but I also had to withstand her teasing!!!

A great moment to remember! 

How did your view of education change as you moved through different stages of life?

In university, I studied social sciences and became a university lecturer in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, and I also conducted and coordinated academic research. But through the years I was drawn to the formative part of education. My goal was not only to transmit knowledge, but helping to develop critical thinking, which created independent learners and influenced personalities. Primary and secondary education offered me a greater challenge and I devoted myself to it!

Teaching often spills into life beyond school—how did the role shape you personally?

Family and friends often ask me about things and I start answering. In a certain moment, if my kids are around they will shout: Baba stop teaching !!!

What was it like seeing your children grow up within a school community you were also part of?

For the 10 years I spent in St. Catherine’s, school was my family. It was a wonderful feeling to have my kids around although I had to separate the role of the parent and the one of the teacher. For example, when in Year 2, I was asking my pupils (my daughter Rosa was among them) about something and they were all eager to answer raising their hands and shouting for my attention, my daughter was staring at calling me Μπαμπάκο (daddy)… my heart was broken but I had to give the word to other kids as well. That was a difficult moment. Or, when I had to give detention to my son Max, that was a bit easier, haha!

As both a teacher and a parent, what values mattered most to you around learning and growth?

Being honest to yourself, persisting with your goals, being polite and learning to enjoy life!

Looking at Max and Rosa today, what are you most proud of—not just in what they have achieved, but who they are?

Proud to be blessed with such children!

If you could share one piece of perspective with today’s St. Catherine’s students, what would it be?

A verse from a famous Greek poet: “Take water with you! The future will be dry”

Max Papadantonaki (Class of 2007) 

Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Department of Social Sciences and Global Studies at California State University, Monterey Bay

What was it like having your father as a teacher within your school community?

Honestly, it just felt normal growing up. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but looking back, it meant I was around a school where people really cared. I could see the effort my dad and other teachers put in every day, and that gave me respect for the place and the people in it. It made the school feel familiar and supportive rather than intimidating.

What did seeing school from both sides—as a student and a teacher’s child—teach you about learning?

It showed me that learning isn’t just about marks or being naturally smart. I saw how much work teachers put in and how important effort and attitude were. It taught me to take responsibility for my own learning and not expect things to just happen without putting the work in.

Dr Rosa Papadantonaki (Class of 2012) General Practionier. Exmoor Surgery. S London

How did growing up in a school where your parent taught shape your view of education?

I think a better question is, how did growing up in a home where my parent worked as a teacher shape my view of education, haha! Everything was always explained, or described, or correlated. Growing up, it gave me a deep understanding of the world around me, and a feeling of safety. I found that I enjoyed understanding things - what a great feeling! This is what motivated me to learn more, and I guess it is what drove me to choose a career path in which problem solving is a major skill.

When did you realise those early influences were shaping the path you chose in medicine?

Having Mr Paps at school, as well as at home really consolidated the idea that education is an integral part of life. I think I’ve subconsciously mirrored this in my career as a GP: a big part of my day is patient education and empowerment. And luckily I enjoy being the teacher just as much as I enjoy being the student!

Mr Paps reflects:
What teaching has meant to me is… engaging with my students in the pursuit of knowledge and enjoying the journey!

Want to be our next spotlight? Email us at alumni@stcatherines.gr or submit your Spotlight directly here. 

Curious to read about other St. Cats alumni? Check out our previous Alumni Spotlights!