Students from Clarinda Primary and South Oakleigh Secondary College secured their Greek ties through artistic and cultural performances.
Both schools joined forces to dance the Zorba, whilst Clarinda students took part in the play The Gingerbread Man and students from South Oakleigh performed The Four Candles. Meny Zapantis from Clarinda Primary and Sophie Stamatelatos from South Oakleigh organised the event and the coming together of these two schools that value their Greek language program.
“This was a very emotional night for all staff involved,” Ms Stamatelatos told Neos Kosmos.
“Firstly because of the grandparents who attended the night. We owe so much to this first generation of Greeks. They have taught us about hard work, pride, resilience, respect. Furthermore, our students also pulled at our heartstrings. Not only our current students, who wear their ‘Greekness’ with pride, but our new arrivals from Greece. To have both principals, Debbie Locco, Jean Hellerud and assistant principals Helen Koziaris and Karen Mackay support our programs is also very encouraging. We value their support in every way.”
Arnie Ioannidis, an English teacher from South Oakleigh College said: “As an English teacher, I recognize the importance of challenging gifted and motivated students. South Oakleigh College offers Enrichment Programs in various subject areas including English, maths and science. We have been given a $100,000 grant to develop a state-of-the-art TV studio that provides another facet to student learning.”
