Melbourne: Oakleigh Grammar School honoured ‘the immortal 1821’
For another year, the students of the Greek Orthodox School “Oakleigh Grammar” celebrated the ‘immortal 1821’ by participating in all the community events for the Greek National Anniversary of March 25, 1821.
On Saturday 18th March 2023, a delegation of twelve students attended the Wreath Laying Ceremony organised by the Victorian National Commemoration Committee and held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. The students accompanied by the Principal of the School, Mr. Mark Robertson, as well as the President of the Steering Committee, Mr. Christos Damatopoulos, paid tribute to the immortal heroes of 1821, but also honoured the bonds of friendship that unite Greece and Australia.
On Sunday, and after three years, the entire School took part in the big parade at Lakeside Stadium. Before the commencement of the parade, a delegation of students from the Senior High School Class represented the School at the official Doxology and Memorial Service for our historic Anniversary held at the Cathedral of Saint Eustathios, which was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The presence of the School impressed the public who applauded the students. Also impressive was the appearance of the Oakleigh Grammar drummers, who were part of the official marching band, along with the other two day-schools.
On Friday, 24 March 2023, the traditional school celebration took place where elementary school students took part. The celebration is organised every year by the School’s Greek Department and the responsible teachers. The celebration was opened by the School’s Byzantine choir under the direction of the teacher Mr. Konstantinos Damatopoulos. The students chanted festive hymns, as well as the National Anthems of Greece and Australia. The program was rich with songs and poems.
The presentation was made by the students from the 10th Grade: Eleni Kousourakis, in English, and Sotiris Andrikopoulos, in Greek. The event was graced by the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis, who enthusiastically spoke about the double celebration of March 25. Also present were the President of the Victorian National Anniversary Committee, Mr. Tony Tsourdalakis, the President of the Steering Committee, Mr. Christos Damatopoulos, as well as other Members of the Board of Directors. The students impressed all the guests with their impeccable performances.
On Saturday, 25 March, the day of the anniversary of the National Regeneration, the students participated in numerous events. A delegation of students attended the Divine Liturgy and then the Doxology at the Holy Church of Saints Anargiri. In the Divine Liturgy the School choir participated by chanting the hymns of the day. Students proudly and holding the national flags high, paid tribute to the heroes of 1821.
At the same time, the Grade 10 students took part in a series of festive events. They started from the centre of Melbourne where they had the opportunity to see the ceremony of Raising the Greek Flag in Federation Square. They continued with the official Doxology at the Cathedral of Saint Eustathios, where His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis was officiating. Finally, the students went to the Australian-Hellenic Memorial where they attended the special ceremony organised by the Hellenic Branch of the RSL. Students, Eleni Kousouraki and Alexandros Korlos laid a wreath on behalf of the “Oakleigh Grammar” school. Afterwards, the wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Shrine of Remembrance, where the students Stamatia Georgis and Eleni Koutsantonis represented the School and laid a wreath on behalf of all the students.
The Head of Greek Culture and “Student Representative Council”, Ms. Natasa Spanou, congratulates all the students of Oakleigh Grammar School who respectfully celebrated the great celebration of the Greek Nation, proving that they remember their ancestors with pride.
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