Hellenic Culture 

May has been a busy month for Oakleigh Grammar students who had the honour to participate in several Hellenic Culture events. During Holy Week, students attended different services including Holy Friday where they carried the Epitaphio, chanting in the choir and being Myrrhbearers.

From 7 May to 10 May selected students attended the annual Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Schools Event (GOAANSE) that took place in Sydney. This year, St Spyridon College hosted the games. Students competed in different sports such as Boys and Girls Futsal, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Boys Football, Girls Netball, Boys and Girls Basketball, and Boys and Girls Table Tennis. 

Once again, the highlight of the three-day event was the Creative Arts Festival. The night was dedicated to Hellenic Culture and students had the opportunity to express their artistic talents through singing and dancing. Oakleigh Grammar students proudly presented two dances from the Aegean Islands. Congratulations to all students who were successfully qualified to attend the GOAANSE and created unforgettable memories with the friends from the other six schools of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 

Another significant event was the commemoration of the 105th anniversary of the Genocide of the Greeks.  The Australian Federation of Pontian Associations together with the Coordinating Committee for the Commemoration of the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontus invited Oakleigh Grammar to attend the memorial church service at the Holy Monastery of “Axion Estin”.  Wreath laying was followed immediately after the conclusion of the service at “The Monument to the Fallen” which was located at the rear of the Monastery. The event took place on Sunday 19 May and the aim was to keep alive the memory of our ancestors who were victims of genocide.  SRC students Michaela Millar from Year 11 and Iliana Moshoulis from Year 6 showed their respect by laying a wreath on behalf of Oakleigh Grammar community.

This special month has concluded with the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete.  It is important to remember that Australian and New Zealand troops were involved in ten days of desperate fighting against German forces on the strategically important island of Crete. On Saturday 25 May, selected students attended the Wreath Laying ceremony which was conducted at the Shrine of Remembrance.  Students had the opportunity to meet with the Deputy-Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Vice-Admiral Mr Christos Sasiakos and exchanged some views about education in Australia.

On Sunday 26 May, selected students represented our School community at the Doxology for the Battle of Crete which took place at Greek Orthodox Parish of The Transfiguration of Our Lord in Thomastown. After the church service students attended the Opening of the ANZAC Hellenic Memorial of Northern Suburbs.

Congratulation to students who represented our School in these significant events and showed their respects to Greeks and ANZACs.

Natasha Spanos

Hellenic Culture Coordinator