Oakleigh Grammar celebrated the official opening of its N P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence last Sunday, 7 May.
The ceremony was graced by a stellar cast of dignitaries, including Archbishop Makarios, federal minister Clare O’Neil, Victorian minister Steve Dimopoulos, and Melbourne’s Greek consul general Emmanuel Kakavelakis, among many others.
This auspicious event marked the start of the Oakleigh Community Festival, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District and the 40th anniversary of Oakleigh Grammar.
Despite the cold weather the festival grounds were abuzz with activities for children, market stalls, live entertainment, and an array of food stalls and free rides.
Minister Dimopoulos praised the school’s “exceptional facilities and academic offerings” while Oakleigh Grammar’s principal, Mark Robertson, expressed gratitude to the Victorian government for its $1.5 million contribution towards the new academic centre. He also thanked the many stakeholders, including Minister Dimopoulos, for their unwavering support.
John Nikolakakis, a key sponsor of the centre, spoke about his family’s decision to sponsor the building as a tribute to his late parents’ “outstanding and inspiring legacy in the community.”
“Our parents were strong advocates for the Oakleigh Community and School, and always emphasised the importance of a good education,” Nikolakakis said.
He said that he hoped the N P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence would provide the “support necessary for Oakleigh Grammar students to excel and face challenges.”
Board chair Chris Damatopoulos unveiled four community-commissioned paintings and expressed gratitude to the community, saying that the event was a way of “giving back” to the vibrant and supportive wider community.
The festivities were preceded by a Sunday liturgy at Sts Anargiri Church, presided over by Archbishop Makarios. It was a day of celebration and gratitude for Oakleigh Grammar and the wider community.
Oakleigh Grammar in a statement said it was an “exceptional coeducational institution that provides an unparalleled learning experience from Early Learning through to Year 12.”
“Our school is committed to creating resilient lifelong learners and responsible global citizens by empowering young minds and placing students at the heart of everything we do.”
The statement said that the grammar school was founded on Orthodox Christian values and Hellenic traditions it makes cleat it promotes and celebrates, “diversity in a multicultural setting where a love for life is encouraged, good citizenship is valued, and academic excellence is our top priority.”
