Sixty years of dedication. Forty years of transformative education. The Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and Oakleigh Grammar stand as pillars within their local community. As we ponder the remarkable longevity and growth of these institutions, one can’t help but wonder: What is the secret behind their remarkable success?
The answers lie within the insightful joint interview conducted by Neos Kosmos with Chris Damatopoulos, the Oakleigh Community Chairman, and Mark Robertson, the Principal of Oakleigh Grammar. In this exclusive conversation, they divulge the ingredients that have propelled this local community and its emblematic school forward, guiding them through the test of time.
RESILIENCE AND LONGEVITY BASED ON FAITH, CULTURE, SACRIFICE
When asked about the success of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh, Chris Damatopoulos, who has led the Community’s board of directors since 2019, attributes it to the core values on which the Community was built: “faith, culture, and sacrifice.”
“These values are the bedrock, guiding the Community’s journey and propelling it forward,” Damatopoulos says. “Faith, culture, and sacrifice have shaped the Community’s identity and propelled it towards greater heights.”
Similarly, at Oakleigh Grammar, Principal Mark Robertson, who has held his position since 2011 and serves as an ex officio member of the Community’s board, underscores the school’s philosophy of “embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing a family-oriented environment” as the key to its success.
“We believe in cultivating strong interpersonal connections rooted in respect, trust, and empathy, all while recognising the importance of providing enjoyable experiences,” Robertson says.
The secret to the prosperity of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and Oakleigh Grammar lies in their shared commitment to these core principles says Damatopoulos.
THE PAST AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE FUTURE
Damatopoulos’ and Robertson’ deep commitment to the institutions they steward, is anchored on a respect and knowledge of the past. Damatopoulos says the foundations of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh are the “very real needs of the first Greek immigrants who arrived in the area 60 years ago.”
“These pioneers, left behind familiar but harsh lives, and made tremendous sacrifices to establish new roots in a distant and very unfamiliar land. They recognised the importance of holding onto their faith, language, customs, and traditions as anchors for moving forward,” he says.
The journey began with the establishment of the first church at the site of the Technical School, which was owned by the Oakleigh Borough Council. This endeavor formed the nucleus of the community, which gained further stability after acquiring the first property and subsequently constructing St. Margaret’s Church in 1973.
Principal Robertson highlights the “vital” role played by the Community as a “reference point for the first wave of immigrants,” providing them with safety while enabling them to integrate into their new environment without losing their cultural identity.”The Community became an essential support system for the early immigrants, ensuring that their unique identities remained intact as they navigated the challenges of assimilation.”
“The establishment of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh not only met the immediate needs of the immigrants but laid the foundation for future generations to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing their new home. It stands as a testament to the strength of community and the enduring power of maintaining one’s identity in the face of change.”
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE PRIORITY
The significance placed on the next generation by the Greek community of Oakleigh is unmistakable. Just five years after its inception, they established a youth center alongside the community center, catering to the entertainment and communication needs of the first Greek children in Australia.
In 1983, the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College was founded and operated under that name until 2011 when it was renamed Oakleigh Grammar.
“The school initially emerged as a necessity to meet the educational needs of Greek-origin families living in the southeastern suburbs. Over time though it developed a curriculum and pedagogical philosophy that attracted the interest of the wider community,” says Principal Robertson.
COMMUNITY-SCHOOL: AN UNBREAKABLE BOND
The deep connection between the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and Oakleigh Grammar is evident in every aspect of their shared endeavours. Thus, this year, they proudly commemorate their bond through a series of joint celebratory events.
“The school is part of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and is represented in every community event,” says Robertson, and Damatopoulos adds, “A community event is inconceivable without the presence of our school.”
Reflecting on his time as the principal, Robertson cannot recall a “bad” moments, only some “challenges which, were overcome and brought about growth.”
Among the good moments, he includes the establishment of the N.P. Nikolakis Center for Academic Excellence at Oakleigh Grammar, which was inaugurated on Sunday, May 7.
Robertson expressed gratitude to N.P. Nikolakis as the primary sponsor of the Center, and to the State Government for their ” contribution of $1.5 million, which was allocated for the construction of the Center.”
THE FUTURE
This year, the foundations were laid for many other significant projects aimed at meeting the increasing needs and demands of the community. The board decided to create a “Community House” to serve its members and the broader community who have a need to reconnect and to re-build relationships after the deeply felt impacts of the pandemic and almost a year of lockdowns and isolation in 2020 and 2021.
“It is a Lifestyle Centre, focusing on the care and preservation of the mental well-being of the local and wider community members,” explains Mr Damatopoulos.
The Community House reflects the continued social development work that the Oakleigh Community has provided for years to those less privileged members of the broad community.
“The Community exists to reciprocate, to give back and serve its members. I am referring to the 14 small apartments that were built in 1986 for the accommodation of the elderly, as well as the additional 13 apartments that were purchased in 2019 to meet the needs of the disadvantaged and elderly. Now, with the ‘Community House’, we are taking another step forward, and we are very excited about this project,” says Damatopoulos.
Oakleigh Grammar has more good news to share ahead of its anniversary. With the advocacy and support of the Member for Hotham Clare O’Neil also Commonwealth Minister for the Cyber Sphere, the school can now install a cafeteria-canteen for students, staff, and parents to share. Along with the cafeteria, Robinson said that “plans have been submitted to the Monash Council for the approval of a six-lane swimming pool for Oakleigh Grammar, and we are eagerly awaiting the decision of the Council to support the application.”
For the college’s principal the new cafeteria is one more way of promoting the ethos of intergenerational, familial and community engagement, strengthening the College, the student body and the whole community.
Damatopoulos is keen to pay tribute to “the past Council members for their vision leadership, commitment, passionate dedication, and invaluable contributions” and says they paved the way for future generations. He makes clear his appreciation to the Church and its representatives, and their “pivotal role” in the establishment and prosperity of the Oakleigh Community.
“The church has served as the central focal point, a beacon guiding and influencing the development of all the structures that have emerged over time,” he said.
THE RECOGNITION
Damatopoulos the Community’s President and Chairperson of the College affirms that the Community’s demonstrated resilience is now reaping growth. He enthusiastically announces the celebration of the Community’s 60th anniversary and Oakleigh Grammar’s 40th anniversary, while attributing these significant milestones to the “tireless efforts and sacrifices made by numerous individuals.”
He expresses the Board’s admiration and respect for the clergy who have served throughout the years – “esteemed leaders of the Archdiocese, including the late Archbishop Ezekiel and the late Archbishop Stylianos, to the present Archbishop Makarios – their contributions are hailed with utmost appreciation.”
“Local leaders, the Parish fathers, are also honoured and commended, with special love in our hearts for he late Father Nikolaos Moutafis, and respect for the current Bishop Iakovos Tsingounis, Father Georgios Adamakis, and the present Father Stavros Kakavas.”
Damatopoulos also expresses great support and gives thanks to his fellow directors and extends recognition “to life members, members, volunteers, and the entire Melbourne community for their invaluable contributions over the years.”
“Without their unwavering support, the Community would not have reached its present stature. We offer prayers for continued support, aiming to pass on a profound and enduring legacy to future generations, guided by the enlightenment of Christ, love, and unity!” Damatopoulos says.
