Step into the world of Saints Anargiri Greek Language Centre, where a rich legacy of giving back to the Greek language has thrived for 60 years. Founded by the Oakleigh Community, the institution has always had one primary objective: to preserve the Greek cultural identity of its students through the teaching and immersive learning of the Greek language.
Sts Anargiri offers a special play-based learning programme for preschool children aged three and four, which is now recognised by the Ministry of Education. The Modern Greek lessons, from foundation to Year 10, combine teaching strategies developed by the Greek Ministry of Education for students learning Greek abroad and are aligned with the standards of the State of Victoria’s Modern Greek Curriculum.
The school also offers an Ancient Greek curriculum for high school students up to VCE, accredited by the Victorian Department of Education.
Educators at Sts Anargiri School believe that students who study Ancient Greek develop a greater understanding of Modern Greek, as it forms the basis of the modern language.
“It is a living language that has survived through the ages until today. All programs offered are based on pedagogical practices that promote lifelong learning for children by equipping them with the tools to continuously develop their skills in the Greek language,” says the school’s director, Kostas Pataridis.
Classes are held in the evenings from Wednesday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. Sts Anargiri considers the home-school partnership as very important in supporting learning and fosters it through programs and events throughout the year.
“Through introductory or feedback meetings between parents and teachers and cultural, religious, and historical events to celebrate important national and religious anniversaries, a sense of community is fostered that encourages all stakeholders to participate as much as possible to celebrate our rich cultural and historical identity as Greeks living in the Diaspora,” says Pataridis.
Sts Anargiri Greek Language Centre offers various programs that run alongside and complement the official curriculum.
“The programs we offer are: immersion in Greek culture through dance, song, and music during class; a dictionary program in the first-grade class with free dictionary provision to students; weekly group online oral language practice sessions at no extra cost to school students; participation in community life through an active presence in historical and religious events; special events, open to the public, held throughout the year with an emphasis on the Greek language and culture; and the use of the Greek language as a medium of communication.”
