Hellenic Culture 

November is a very special month for Oakleigh Grammar School community! 

On Wednesday 1 November, it was the feast day of Sts Anargiri, the Patron Saints of our church. As part of the Faith Life of our School, Year 6 students attended the Divine Liturgy and represented the School community.

Oakleigh Glendi was back this year!

The Oakleigh Glendi, staged by the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District, took place on 4 and 5 November. On Sunday afternoon, students from Junior and Middles School performed different songs and dances. Of course one of the highlights of the event was the participation of Drummers and Flag Bearers at the annual Oakleigh Glendi Parade.

On Sunday 19 November, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne organised a memorial service to commemorate the 157th Anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery. The event took place at the Holy Monastery of “Axion Estin” in Northcote.  Selected students attended the event.  Senior School SRC members Sotiris Bakalis and Victoria Khatchmanian laid a wreath showing their respect to those who lost their lives. 

Congratulation to all students who represented Oakleigh Grammar School in all these significant events!

Natasha Spanos

Hellenic Culture Coordinator

Junior School Orthodox Christian Studies

In Orthodox Christian Studies during this Term, the students in the Engage Phase learn about the events of the Nativity. They focus on the role of the angels and archangels in the Orthodox Christian faith. The students understand the values of kindness by studying the story of the innkeeper and patience by making an advent calendar, preparing themselves for the joyous birth of Christ. They recognise the importance of being humble by role playing the scene of baby Jesus in the manger and the need to praise the Lord through reading the Bible passages on the singing of the angels when they announced to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem the joyous news of the divine event the birth of Christ. Our students recognise that Jesus came to the world for all people and discuss ways that they can show the kindness, the forgiveness, the acceptance, and the love that God shows to us. 

Students in the Explain Phase through the story of “Joseph and the Coat of Many Colours” explore the importance of forgiveness and having a strong faith to God. They make connections in how being proactive, making right choices and personal integrity were used by Joseph in the Old Testament. Students will design their own symbol of God’s love, kindness, and compassion. 

In the Elaborate Phase students will analyse the meaning of Christmas. They will participate in class discussions, and they will complete individual and collaborative tasks on the Parables of Chist, their deeper meanings and will reflect on ways of incorporating them in their daily lives. Students use the Bible as their guide in all Orthodox Christian Studies classes. Finally, all students from Year Prep to Year 5 practise chanting the Nativity Hymn.

Varvara Pavildou

Orthodox Christian Studies Teacher 

Middle  and Senior School Orthodox Christian Studies 

In our Middle and Senior school students have been wrapping up their year of learning in Orthodox Christian Studies.

Our Year 6 students have looked at Monasticism and the Lives of Saints and how they are Athletes for Christ and role models in our lives.

In Year 7, our students have concluded their study on worship and the Divine Liturgy with learning about and making the offering bread – Prosphoron. 

Our Year 8 students concluded their work on the Sacraments/ Mysteries of the Church and their role and significance in our lives.

All of our students have had the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Confession and participate in the Divine Liturgy.

On behalf of our Chaplain Rev Fr Stavros Kakavas and the Orthodox Christian Studies Department we wish you a blessed and Holy Christmas and New Year.

Dean Damatopoulos

Orthodox Christian Studies Leader