The departure of Manos Tzimbragos from the helm of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Language & Culture Schools after seven and a half years was viewed with sadness. A highly respected educator, his secondment came to an end and he will return to Greece.
The Community’s efforts directed towards the Greek government to facilitate an extension of Mr Tzimpragos’ tenure unfortunately did not bear fruit. He leaves behind a successful legacy where the Community expanded its programs and campuses, made a conscious effort to improve its teaching staff and professional development, and also modernise its curriculum.
His input during COVID-19 was also exceptional, helping the schools prosper despite the pandemic.
Maria Bakalidou, known to students of the Greek community for her exceptional teaching, will step into the role of principal.
Ms Bakalidou came to Australia from Orestiada in Thrace with her family in 2012 as part of the brain drain during the Greek economic crisis.
A graduate of literature from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, she has been teaching Greece at the community schools since 2013 and is a familiar face in the community.
READ MORE: Manos Tzimpragos, the visionary who helped keep the language alive in the Antipodes
During her tenure with the Greek community schools, she has successfully helped many students achieve exceptional results and played an instrumental role in the creation of two new school campuses to cater to the needs of newly arrived students from Greece. She has also overseen campuses of the outer suburbs of Melbourne and is the coordinator of VCE programmes.
She has worked very closely with Mr Tzimbragos all these years, which has allowed her to appreciate the challenges, opportunities and prospects of the Community’s diverse language programmes. Her work with the Community will help her step into her new role with ease.
She is expected to take over Mr Tzimbragos’ duties at the start of July.
