With 560 students and growing, Alphington Grammar School is regarded as one of the Greek Community’s jewels. The school prides itself on its Hellenic heritage, while 30 per cent of its students come from a non-Greek-speaking background.

“Families are attracted to the school’s multicultural mix and the importance the school places on developing the whole child, its traditional values and the importance of community and service,” says principal Dr Vivianne Nikou.

“Alphington Grammar School is proving to be a big alternative to the high-fee-paying schools around us.
“There are affordable choices of schools out there, and certainly parents are prepared to make sacrifices and prioritise education as part of their expenditure,” she adds.

Academic achievement is not the only factor parents look at when choosing a school. Choosing a school that nurtures and develops the whole person and the experiences their child will have when mixing with other children in that school environment is pivotal.

Parents are concerned about safety and risks that their child will be going into, which is why they thoroughly examine the pastoral care and support their child will receive. The values that will underpin their child’s education, how the school tackles bullying, the school’s transition program from Year 6 to secondary school and how the school integrates technology into the classroom are all key points that need to be answered.

“Because of our size, an Alphington Grammar education recognises the individual strengths and needs of every student, seeking to draw out the very best in every child. Educating and caring for each child is our area of expertise and what sets us apart,” Dr Nikou explains.

“Our support structures result in confident, resilient students who have a good sense of self-worth, are community minded and ready for life beyond school. We encourage all our students to believe in their potential, live the school values of ‘Aspiring to Excellence’ and become involved in all the opportunities an Alphington education provides them.”

Appreciating diversity and embracing the melting pot of backgrounds at Alphington Grammar School now sees Year 9 and 10 students undertake part of their studies in places such as China, Turkey, Gallipoli, Greece, Vietnam or alternatively, students can choose the Australian-based programs in outback areas such as Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Darwin and the top end, living on Aboriginal work stations and visiting Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.

“Alphington Grammar has a lot to be proud of. Our school is a vibrant and vital part of the local community, providing quality education to the inner north-east. We are committed to remaining relevant to the needs of our students and continuously review, revise, improve and strengthen all aspects of our programs and facilities,” chairman of council, Mr Nick Koukouvitakis, clarifies, as the school embarks on the next stage of its campus development plan.

This plan will see a new multi-storey entrance, school administration and upgraded student facilities in the first part of 2017. Stage II of the building project will begin later in the year and will include a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) Centre with a flexible student learning hub and a new library resources centre.

“This is a truly exciting time for Alphington Grammar School, its students and its community,” Dr Nikou enthuses. “Alphington Grammar is clearly committed to providing facilities that maximise the learning opportunities for its students, thereby demonstrating its philosophy of aspiring to excellence.”

Providing first-class facilities, optimised for effective teaching and learning, goes hand in hand with ensuring staff are exposed to high level professional learning opportunities to enhance and develop effective teaching, learning and continuous improvement.

Alphington Grammar also offers a range of scholarships each year, for both current and prospective students. Scholarships are available in academic areas, music, Greek language, arts and general excellence, and are currently open for application for entry to the school in 2018. Please visit alphington.vic.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships for details and application requirements.

To learn more about Alphington Grammar, its community, its programs and its campus, visit its Open Day on Saturday 18 March between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm, or register for a regular school tour during a typical school day. For further information head to alphington.vic.edu.au