Languages News
Beginning Of Term 3:
Languages News
Greek Lote at South Oakleigh College
The Greek Lote Program at South Oakleigh College, holds a proud and historic place in the SOC education. The Greek Lote team are deeply proud of the unique program, which continues to flourish thanks to an unwavering support of the families at school and the South Oakleigh community.
The Greek Lote Program provides students with a comprehensive, content-based education, enabling the students to develop their full potential. The teaching of the program allows students to learn the language in a natural and an immersive environment.
South Oakleigh College Education Support Staff from the Greek Consulate – Education Department, also support the Lote program in the classrooms by translating English resources and/or modifying Greek texts. The role of the support staff is to also listen to the students read daily and provide support in the classroom. The Greek Lote Program is well-resourced in all year levels.
Each Greek class is also supported by a dedicated team of Lote teachers delivering instruction in Greek. These educators work in close collaboration to plan and deliver a rich, integrated curriculum that aligns with all areas of the Victorian Curriculum.
Term 3 - Year 7 Hercules Assessment task.
Our school approach fosters deep connections between learning areas and encourages students to explore concepts through their critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity. Learning is student-centred, with opportunities for inquiry, collaboration, and self-directed exploration, allowing students to take greater ownership of their learning journey.
Each Greek Lote class at school follows a carefully structured weekly timetable, ensuring an equitable balance in Greek instruction. While only one teacher is in the classroom at a time, staff work as a cohesive team to maintain continuity, consistency, and depth in learning.
Term 3 Year 8 project - Athens/Spartan experiences.
The Greek Lote team provides a diverse and dynamic classroom environment where students are immersed in a truly global education.
The Greek Curriculum Program at South Oakleigh College offers students meaningful opportunities to connect with and celebrate both Australian and Greek cultures. The program is also designed to foster communication skills, cultural pride, and a respectful understanding of Greek values.
Students explore Greek traditions and cultural practices through a variety of engaging, hands-on experiences. These include celebrating Easter, participating in cultural cooking sessions, and acknowledging significant Greek National Days, such as Ohi Day and Greek Independence Day. These activities help bring the language to life in an authentic and memorable manner, strengthening students’ cultural knowledge and language fluency.
A key highlight for the school this term will be attendance of senior students to the Hellenic Museum. Through music, dance, drama, storytelling, and public speaking, students proudly showcase their skills while developing confidence and creative expression.
Strong ties with the Greek community are also an essential part of the Lote program. Students regularly participate in local community events, creating a bridge between school life and the wider community. They also take part in whole-school cultural days and special events, ensuring they are fully integrated into the life of the school while enjoying unique learning opportunities. Through these experiences, students develop into confident, respectful, and culturally literate young people, equipped to thrive in a diverse community.
Anestis Ioannidis
Greek Lote Team.
Japanese Club
An Update on Tanabata
Since our last newsletter about Tanabata, the bamboo tree display in front of our Reception now features many 短冊 that represent the wishes of our students and school community. Though the season for Tanabata is over, the tree will feature again in our display for next year’s Open Night.
だるま (Daruma)
At the start of Term 3, multiple classes have discussed goal setting with our students across Mentor Groups and academic subjects. Our Year 7 students were no stranger to this as we spent some time to learn about だるま (daruma), a talisman of good luck for anyone who has a yet-to-be-fulfilled wish or ambition. だるま are notorious for only having one eye featured in the face of the doll, where, once upon the achievement of the person’s goal, are then filled in. While traditional だるま are made from papier mâché, our students created おりがみ (origami) versions in class.
Bonnie Tynan
Classroom Teacher (Japanese)