Students from St John’s College have taken their study of Modern Greek beyond the classroom, visiting the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora at La Trobe University as part of their VCE Greek studies program.
The visit offered students a unique opportunity to engage with rare and original archival materials that trace the journey of Greek migration to Australia and the wider world. Among the highlights were historical records directly linked to the school’s own past, including photographs and documents connected to the College’s founder, Rev. Father Ierotheos Kourtessis, and rare images of St John’s original campus on Drummond Street, Carlton.
The students, guided by Lead Archivist Emmanouela Giannoulidou, explored primary sources and undertook independent research into migration stories that shaped Australia’s multicultural landscape. They also received an introduction to La Trobe’s Greek Studies program from Lecturer and Program Coordinator Dr Stephie Nikoloudis, gaining insight into future academic pathways.
“This was an invaluable learning experience,” said Kristian Raspa, Director of Hellenism at St John’s College.
“We believe that learning Greek is not just about mastering the language – it’s about understanding our story, our heritage, and where we fit into the broader Australian narrative.”
The excursion reflects St John’s broader mission to nurture student identity, academic inquiry, and cultural connection. By immersing students in the lived experiences and achievements of the Greek diaspora, the College empowers them to see language as a bridge to history, belonging, and community.
More photos:
