Oakleigh Grammar played host to the 2024 Hellenic Arts Gala, bringing together students from both their school and St John’s College Preston in a celebration of the Hellenic Arts.
The biannual event saw the two sister schools combine at Oakleigh Grammar on Wednesday 4 September (having last been held at St John’s College in 2022), with students able to engage in and showcase their talents within Greek Arts.
The Gala began with a prayer and blessing, presided over by Reverend Father Stavros Kakavas, before the pupils engaged in a series of workshops on Greek Dancing, Bouzouki, Ancient Greek Theatre and Art.
The school expressed their appreciation for the contributions of the facilitators in running the four workshops: Ms Bettiol – Chorus Building and Ancient Greek Theatre, Mr Karakottas – Greek Dancing, Mr Krestas – Bouzouki, and Ms Sacco and Ms Scarlatta – Hellenic Artwork.
The students shared a meal after the workshops, with Rev. Father George Frangos addressing everyone before dinner and conveying the blessing of His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
Speeches were given by the Principal of St John’s College, Mr Ponsford, and the Deputy Principal – Strategic Initiatives and Advancement of Oakleigh Grammar, Mr Ryan.
The St John’s College Principal praised the Oakleigh Grammar staff for their hospitality.
A group of St John’s Art students and their teacher Ms Theofanis had earlier visited Oakleigh Grammar on Wednesday 21 August 2024, and joined select Art and Visual Communication Design students at Oakleigh Grammar in creating a collaborative artwork based on Hellenic themes.
The final artwork between the two schools was presented during the formalities of the evening, with the student artists being acknowledged and awarded for their participation.
Students who excelled in the workshop rotations of the evening were also awarded for their high efforts and ample enthusiasm.
The evening concluded with dancing and music played by a DJ to provide a light conclusion to the Gala.
Among the guests in attendance were: Rev. Father Leonidas Ioannou (Presentation of Our Lord Paris), Antonis Tsourdalakis (President of Intercommunities and Parishes Council of Victoria – Greek Archdiocese of Australia), Maria Trantafyllou (Acting Education Coordinator of Australia & New Zealand – Greek Consulate), as well as St John’s College’s Mr Raspa (Head of Hellenic Culture at St John’s College), Ms Sarigiannoglou (Head of Senior School) and Ms Giannos, (Orthodox Studies Teacher).
The schools extended their gratitude to Nick Karakottas, Academic Leader (Arts & Design) and Natasja Spanos, Head of Hellenic Culture and Academic Leader (LOTE), in organising the event, as well as the Oakleigh Grammar staff in general for contributing to the event’s success.
