For the past 47 years, Lalor North Primary School has been at the forefront of bilingual education, offering a unique program where not only Greek and English are taught but all subjects are delivered through both languages.
Spearheaded by Mr Dimitris Politis in 1977, the program has been steadfastly coordinated by Mrs Connie Diakodimitriou, the Greek language teacher at the school. Alongside her, Mrs Anna Koutsouroupa and Mrs Maria Kefalidou contribute to the success of the program, with assistance from Mrs Toula Georgakli.
Mrs Diakodimitriou proudly declares that the program’s uninterrupted 47-year run is a testament to its success. The philosophy underpinning the initiative revolves around the idea that students learn a second language (Greek or English), more effectively when they have solid foundations in their mother tongue. The simultaneous cultivation of the first language alongside the acquisition of the second language enriches cognitive development and propels children towards fostering positive personalities.
Both languages are considered equally important at Lalor North, employed in the teaching of all subjects. This philosophy has guided the program from its inception to the present day, with teaching approaches evolving in line with modern educational theories. Scientific research supports the program’s effectiveness, demonstrating that knowledge acquisition seamlessly transfers from one language to another when both languages are adequately developed.
In accordance with these findings, Mathematics is taught in Greek up to the Second Grade and in English in subsequent grades. This allows for a smooth transition from Greek to English as students progress into the Third Grade. Beyond the classroom, students actively participate in numerous cultural events and activities, such as dying Easter eggs, celebrating Greek Independence Day on the 25th of March, engaging in Greek dance lessons, and partaking in an annual Greek festival for their parents.
The school also involves students in broader cultural events like the Student Oral Speech Festival organised by the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria, the Flag Day celebration, and a painting competition on the relationship between Australia and Greece during the two World Wars, organised by the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation.
Moreover, students take part in various school activities, including the Book Character Parade, sports competitions, school camps, swimming programs, art classes, gymnastics, and technology-focused lessons. The emphasis is on a balanced teaching approach between the two languages.
Mrs Diakodimitriou concludes with pride, “I am proud to teach Greek in the bilingual program for over 10 years, positively influencing the lives of the children I teach, inspiring them, and helping them learn a second language. It’s important to note that former students entrust us with their children, having beautiful memories from their student years. This year, we have a third-generation student, something that deeply moves us!”
