More than three decades after its founding, Alphington Grammar School has paid tribute to the Greek-Australian visionaries who brought it to life. In a moving ceremony hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), founding members and their families were honoured for their determination to establish a school that would become a pillar of educational excellence and cultural preservation.
Among those recognised was 94-year-old Leonidas Argyropoulos, who visited the school to see firsthand what he helped create:
“The difficulties we encountered in starting this school were clearly worth it,” he said.
“I feel proud of what the school has become — and equally proud to have been part of the team that, 36 years ago, saw the need for this school. There was significant opposition at the time, but we persisted.”
The event acknowledged the contributions of six key founding figures:
Savvas Papasavas, represented by his son Lazaros
Peter Katsimandakos, represented by his son Steve
Stylianos Koukouvitakis, represented by his son Nick
Leon Argyropoulos, present in person
George Fountas, acknowledged in absentia
Each family received a commemorative plaque in recognition of their service and enduring legacy.
The journey to establishing Alphington Grammar was far from easy. According to the founders’ families, the project faced financial challenges, political resistance, and internal opposition from within the community itself.
“There were long nights, passionate discussions, and real obstacles,” said Steve Katsimandakos, recalling his parents’ emotional investment.
“But my father never doubted that what they were doing mattered. This was a promise to the next generation — that we would not forget who we are.”
“For my father, the school was about more than education — it was about preserving the Greek soul. A sanctuary of values. And today, when I see students dancing and speaking Greek, I know his vision became reality,” Lazaros Papasavas, son of Savvas, added.
Meanwhile, Stylianos Koukouvitakis noted the practical lengths to which the founders went.
“To increase their chances of success, the founders even proposed purchasing the school themselves on behalf of the community and acting as guarantors until it could take over.”
Dr Vivianne Nikou, Principal of Alphington Grammar, described the ceremony as a moment to reflect on a bold, pioneering vision.
“Since opening our doors, we’ve educated generations of Greek Australians and Philhellenes.
“Alphington has exceeded expectations — a testament to Hellenic spirit and determination,” Nikou added.
Current school chair Michael Karamitos echoed the sentiment, saying that “It was an honour to thank the founding members. Their vision laid the foundation for quality education while promoting Greek language and culture. Their legacy continues.”
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM offered a broader perspective.
“The GCM Board of the late 1980s knew that Alphington Grammar was more than a school — it was a vehicle for community empowerment. Starting from scratch, they faced every imaginable challenge but stayed true to their purpose. Today, Alphington is a thriving multicultural institution because of their leadership.”
Now approaching 1,000 students, Alphington Grammar School stands not only as an academic institution but as a cultural anchor — an enduring tribute to the vision, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of its founders.
“This school is more than a campus. It is the living legacy of our culture, language, and religion,” Leonidas Argyropoulos explained. “That’s what it means to be Greek — and that’s what we’ve built here, together.”
