LOTE

This term, our Year 2 students proudly welcomed their parents into their Greek classroom for a special “Behind the Classroom Door” session. The occasion was both joyful and meaningful, as students and families came together to celebrate the upcoming “OHI” Day, a significant event in Greek history that symbolises courage and national pride.

The children delighted their parents with a lively performance of a traditional Greek song, showcasing their growing confidence and enthusiasm for learning the language and culture. Smiling faces filled the room as the students sang with pride, bringing to life the spirit of this historic day.

Following the performance, parents and children collaborated on a hands-on craft activity, creating beautiful laurel wreaths, a traditional Greek symbol of honour and victory. The atmosphere was warm and engaging, with families enjoying the opportunity to share in their children’s cultural learning journey.

It was a memorable session that highlighted the strong connection between home and school, and the joy that comes from celebrating language, culture, and community together. Bravo to our wonderful Year 2 students, to their teachers Mrs Pavlidou and Mrs Varsamis and to their families for making the event such a success!

Participating in Hellenic culture and language competitions offers students a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and preserve their heritage. These experiences not only strengthen Greek language skills but also deepen appreciation for Hellenic history, traditions, and values. Organised by various cultural and educational bodies, such events inspire pride in students’ identity and foster a lasting connection to their Greek roots.

This year, students from different year levels proudly took part in two Hellenic competitions, achieving exceptional results!

Students from Years 5, 6, and 7 proudly participated in the 2025 Australian-Hellenic Memorial Student Competition, organised by the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation. This annual event encourages students to explore and reflect on Greece’s role in World War II, including significant historical events such as the Greek Campaign, the involvement of the ANZACs in Greece, and the Battle of Crete.  The competition is open to all Victorian schools where Greek is taught, providing students from Year 1 to Year 12 with the opportunity to engage with these important chapters of shared history.  We are thrilled to announce the following winners, who received their awards at a special ceremony held on Saturday, 18 October, at the Australian Hellenic Memorial.

Zoe Shamaris (Year 7) First Award Yr7-Yr9 Category

Allegra Walsh (Year 7) First Award Yr7-Yr9 Category

Michael Tsatalios (Year 7) Second Award Yr7-Yr9 Category

Peta Webster (Year 7) Encouragement Yr7-Yr9 Category

Panayiota Dimopoulos (Year 6) Second Award          Yr4-Yr6 Category

Luca Dellis (Year 6) Encouragement Yr4-Yr6 Category

Kate Wang (Year 6) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

Martha Zhou (Year 6) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

Victoria Costa (Year 6) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

Tanya Ranjit (Year 6) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

Katia Panagiotopoulos (Year 6) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

Eleni Damatopoulos (Year 5) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

Olympia Milonas (Year 6) Encouragement Award Yr4-Yr6 Category

The 13th Greek Student Film Festival returned this year, once again giving students the chance to express themselves in Greek through creative and imaginative filmmaking. The festival encourages collaboration, builds confidence, and may even inspire the next generation of filmmakers. In Victoria, the event is proudly presented by the Greek Film Festival, the Greek Community of Melbourne, the Education Office of the Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne, the Department of Education and Training, and the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria.

This year’s theme was “Democracy”, inviting students to explore and interpret the concept in innovative ways within a short five-minute film.

Oakleigh Grammar proudly submitted two entries in the Secondary School Category — and we are delighted to announce that both films were among the winners, taking out First and Second Place! Their creativity, teamwork, and passion for sharing Greek culture through storytelling were truly outstanding. Congratulations to all students involved on this remarkable achievement!

Natasha Spanos

Academic Leader - LOTE