Greek language students of Coburg West Primary School (CWPS) are still in limbo following CWPS Principal Mark Colagrande’s announcement that Greek language lessons will be cut from the school’s program next year in favour of Italian.

Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Vice President Theo Markos says the situation has escalated but it is hoped that contacts he made with Victoria’s Health Minister Jenny Mikakos and acting Premier and Education Minister James Merlino will result in a positive resolution for the students and the future of the program.

Mr Markos told Neos Kosmos that “we are looking at a decision over the next week.” He is critical of the schools decision to cut the classes and points to a “contentious consultation process that is flawed and not a reflection of the community.”

READ MORE: Coburg West Primary School plays ‘numbers game’ in decision to cut Greek language lessons

George Zangalis, retired convenor of the committee for the teaching of community languages in government schools, was saddened by developments at Coburg in a letter to Neos Kosmos this week.

“The good news of the 22-student mission to Greece, or some other country later on, in no way make up for the horrible news that yet another  from the  handful of  remaining  government schools teaching Greek in Melbourne will stop doing so next year,” he wrote, in reference to WCPS that will be “denying the right to over 100 students to learn the language of their choice and that of their community.”