Culture
Melbourne had the privilege to host a very special exhibition dedicated to Minor Asian and to Hellenes of this part.
The Educational Institution "Hellenism of Anatolia - From the Aegean Sea to Pontos", under the auspices of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations, organised the 1st Exhibition of Museum Artifacts from the Unforgotten Homelands of Hellenes, on the occasion of the somber anniversary of the 100 years since the uprooting from their ancestral homelands in Asia Minor, where they flourished for 3000 years.
On Monday 29 May, commemoration day of the Fall of Constantinople, students in Year 8 LOTE-Greek Class together with Mrs Spanos had the privilege to visit the exhibition.
Students came into contact with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the region, such as: original objects, from the few that the refugees managed to save and bring with them, as well as copies and various audiovisual material linked to culture, history and daily activities of Anatolian Greeks.
Students also participated in a forum and explored how a large part of the Greek diaspora was uprooted from its homeland and integrated into central Greece where it influenced and contributed to the shaping of modern community life and culture.
On behalf of our school we would like to thank the Organiser Committee of this worthwhile exhibition and especially Ms Yiota Stavridou for her outstanding presentation.
On Wednesday 14 June, Oakleigh Grammar had the privilege to welcome the well-known Greek singer Nikos Oikonomopoulos. Board Members and Principal Mr Mark Robertson took Mr Oikonomopoulos on a school tour. Staff and especially enthusiastic students had the opportunity to meet with Mr Oikonomopoulos and get some photos with him as well as some autographs. His genuine compassion and warm interaction with the students and staff left an indelible mark. He implored students to embrace their Greek heritage, faith and language and to embrace who they are by being their authentic selves.
On Monday 29 May, commemoration day of the Fall of Constantinople, The Educational Institute "Hellenism of Anatolia - from the Aegean Sea to Pontos", under the auspices of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations, organised a special award ceremony for the students and teachers who took part in the 2022 Student Competition based on the theme ‘100 Years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe’. This is an annual student competition honouring the Hellenism of Anatolia and all students of Greek and non-Greek background who are studying the Greek language can participate.
The students’ works were displayed in the 1st Exhibition of Museum Artifacts from the Unforgotten Homelands of Hellenes.
Students who attended the award ceremony were very excited to see their work been part of this worthwhile exhibition!
Congratulations to all students who took part in the competition, and especially to the following students for winning:
Sophia Mawal (Year 6) – 1st Prize Winner
Saverio Arcuri (Year 9) – 1st Prize Winner
Alex Nguyen (Year 7) – 2nd Prize Winner
James Long (Year 10) – 2nd Prize Winner
Mikayla Haralambakis (Year 10) – 2nd Prize Winner
Helen Kousourakis (Year 10) – 3rd Prize Winner
Natasha Spanos
Hellenic Culture Coordinator
LOTE Chinese
We are excited to share the fantastic culinary adventure that our Year 7 to Year 11 students embarked upon during their recent excursion to a Chinese restaurant in Chadstone. This mouth-watering outing not only introduced our students to the flavours of authentic Chinese cuisine but also provided them with an opportunity to witness the mesmerising art of hand-pulled noodle making.
As our students arrived at the bustling restaurant, their senses were immediately captivated by the aroma of aromatic spices and sizzling dishes. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the chance to try the renowned hand-pulled noodles. Gathered around the display window, our students watched with fascination as skilled chefs effortlessly crafted long, thin strands of noodles through their masterful technique. It was an awe-inspiring display of culinary expertise!
To complete this unforgettable dining experience, our students eagerly indulged in a variety of dishes. Among the most popular choices were the tantalising beef noodles and succulent lamb kebabs. Each bite was a burst of flavour, showcasing the unique blend of spices and ingredients that define Chinese cuisine. It was a true feast for the taste buds!
Beyond the delectable food, this excursion also served as an educational experience. Our students gained valuable insights into Chinese culinary traditions, discovering the cultural significance of food as a means of bringing people together and celebrating shared heritage. The excursion encouraged our students to embrace new flavours and broaden their culinary horizons, fostering an appreciation for the diverse tapestry of global cuisine.
We hope that this extraordinary outing has inspired our students to explore different cuisines and appreciate the diversity that surrounds us. Let us continue to encourage a spirit of culinary curiosity and embrace the flavours of the world!
Lydia Liu
MYP Learning Leader (LOTE)