Melbourne: Oakleigh Grammar 40th Anniversary Awards Evening

Wednesday 22 November saw Oakleigh Grammar stage its very special 40th Anniversary Awards Evening at Monash University’s Robert Blackwood Hall, marking the final whole-school celebratory event in this anniversary year. 

The Oakleigh Grammar drummers led a raucous processional to open the evening which was attended by students, staff, School board, VIPs and families.

The Junior School and Byzantine Choirs started official proceedings with the singing of the Australian and Greek National Anthems, which was followed with an Opening Prayer by Reverend Father Stavros Kakavas. The Byzantine Choir concluded the section with the Sts Anargiri Dismissal hymn and other sacred chants.

Renowned for his passion for the School and Greek Orthodox Community, Oakleigh Grammar Chairman, Chris Damatopoulos made an emotional speech, thanking the community and students for a successful year.

The night also featured a Greek Dance performed by Middle School students, addresses by the School Captains – their last official school duty and a Drama presentation by Year 5 students.

Principal Mark Robertson, spoke about the School’s theme for the year, “make a positive impact” detailing the ways in which students and staff have wholeheartedly embraced and enacted the theme. He recapped several highlights of the School’s anniversary year before praising staff and students, commenting that Oakleigh Grammar students inspire him daily.

The main purpose of the night was to recognise the efforts of Oakleigh Grammar students. Over 100 awards were distributed to deserving students, ahead of the announcement of 2024 student leaders.