Dr Eftychia Parla is an experienced educator and Principal in Primary Education, with a strong commitment to thoughtful and effective school leadership. Her professional interests include formative and improvement-focused evaluation, teacher professional development, and the cultivation of contemporary social and interpersonal skills among pupils. Her approach to leadership emphasises collaboration, trust and reflection, with a focus on translating educational theory into meaningful everyday practice. She also has a deep appreciation for books and literacy, encouraging creative approaches that bring literature into the life and environment of the school and nurture children’s curiosity, imagination and enjoyment of reading.

Food and nutrition education form a distinctive area of Dr Parla’s expertise and a subject for which she has a genuine passion. Her approach goes beyond teaching the principles of healthy eating, viewing nutritional literacy and practical food skills as important foundations for life. She promotes child-centred, experiential learning through which pupils explore, prepare and enjoy wholesome food while gaining the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices. Her work also highlights the social and cultural dimensions of food and its value in fostering independence, creativity, cooperation and shared experiences. By connecting learning with practical activities, school-wide initiatives and collaboration with families, communities and specialists, Dr Parla champions a school culture in which healthy eating and a positive, informed relationship with food are woven naturally into children’s everyday lives.