Last year, parents had the rug pulled from under their feet when they received an email from Coburg West Primary School’s Principal Mark Colagrande announcing that Greek lessons would be cut in 2020 in favour of Italian.
Following the efforts made by the Greek community, spearheaded by Theo Markos, Education Convener of the Greek Community of Melbourne, the decision was revoked and Greek was reinstated in the curriculum. Despite the pledge, most of the school year has passed without a Greek teacher appointed to the role for most of the year. Persistence however paid off, and a Greek language teacher has finally been appointed to the role.
The news was positive following delay upon delay for the registration of an educator for the language programme. On 16 June 2020, Mr Markos was informed by the school’s principal of the need to make a ‘no appointment’ to the position and readvertise the vacancy despite the fact that it was already mid-year causing students to miss out on months of education despite the Education Minister’s assurances that Greek would be offered.
READ MORE: Greek to stay at Coburg West Primary School! Victory for Greek language – and choice
Victoria’s Education Minister James Merlino addressed a letter of concern by Mr Markos. “I share your frustration, on behalf of the parents and Greek community, for the delay in the approval of registration for the selected candidate by the Victorian Institute of Teaching,” Mr Merlino wrote adding that he is “pleased to hear that the school will work as quickly as possible to have this position filled”.
“I understand your concerns about the continuity of the Greek language program at the school, which you have again raised in your letter. The Department of Education and Training’s North Western Victoria Region will continue to monitor the situation,” he wrote.
READ MORE: Minister for Education embraces Greek language program at Coburg West Primary