A warrior for her children
“Mrs Nicolaou is a unifier, bringing people from different walks of life, cultures and backgrounds together."
In December 2019, Mondeor High School bid a very sad farewell to Vangelia Nicolaou, headmistress and member of the school for 45 years.
As tribute after tribute poured in from all over the world, the international impact Nicolaou has made became evident.
Former educators, parents and learners all expressed their gratitude and appreciation for all Nicolaou has done for them and meant to them.
From the Director General of Education to the youngest child, from the school’s neighbours to the community leaders, from the district to the universities, tributes and accolades flowed in.
Nicolaou spent her career caring for others, often at great personal cost.
She taught the children of Mondeor High to care for other people too, taking them on many outreach programmes, where the underprivileged and the poor could experience a small ray of sunshine in their lives, touched by the “Mondeor Magic”.
Nicolaou fed the nation. It’s impossible to be in her presence for longer than five minutes without her offering something to eat.
“She is a fierce and tireless fighter for what she believes in and her indomitable spirit is never crushed.
“She will strive for peace, often in the face of harsh aggression. She is a warrior for ‘her children’ and never, ever gives up,” said Heather Chapman, acting principal.
“Mrs Nicolaou is a unifier, bringing people from different walks of life, cultures and backgrounds together.
“She believes in the future of our land and strives to ensure barriers are broken down and harmony and ubuntu reign. She has created a universe of blue in a school that cares.
“Her little feet have left a gigantic footprint in the lives of the school, the community and education at large.
“We feel sure God has many future plans to use the vibrant energy and passion that still bubble from her, and that many special times with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandson lie ahead.
“We thank her for her selfless, passionate, dedicated service to education over 45 years. She might be going, but will never be forgotten,” added Chapman.
