NSW: Saint Euphemia College celebrates achievements of students Styliani and Konstantinos

The Greek Orthodox College of St. Euphemia, in Bankstown, Sydney, celebrates the great success of two of its students, Styliani Koliris and Konstantinos Zisopoulos. Both are Year 11 students, who completed Year 12 courses a year earlier, and excelled in New South Wales in Modern Greek (Modern Greek Continuers and Modern Greek Extension respectively).

The successes of Styliani and Konstantinos are of great value as they have been working under adverse conditions for the last two years, due to the pandemic and the measures that have significantly affected the educational process. At the same time, it strengthens their effort in view of the new school year and the challenge they face in the HSC 2022 exams.

School teacher Mr. Theodoulou had an important contribution in the success of the two students of Saint Euphemia, with the excellent guidance and support he provided them both.

Who are these distinguished students?

Styliani Koliris

I was born in Sydney to Cypriot parents. I’m very proud of my Greek-Cypriot heritage and I am truly inspired by how such a culture is fused with rich history. As a Cypriot, I felt the need to embrace my culture and extend my knowledge about my background. I thank my school, St Euphemia College, and its Principal, Father Peter Mavrommatis for providing me with the opportunity to partake in accelerated Modern Greek courses. I also want to acknowledge my parents and my grandparents whose devotion to their Cypriot roots truly were the driving force of inspiration to not only undertake accelerated Greek, but to also perform in it. Ι want to dedicate this achievement to them! Along with that, I wanted to use this as a way of keeping foreign languages alive.

As time has evolved, we observe the loss of culture and language as a result of technology and globalisation, therefore by participating in a language course, I was able to be embedded within the beauty of foreign languages, the power they hold in shaping one’s identity and making one more aware of their cultural existence. For future students, I’d say the most significant aspect to perform in their studies, not only in languages, is to stay organised and stay on top of all your tasks. Also, to not forget to take time to check in on yourself personally and do something you love. My pinnacle piece of advice is to not stress over things that are out of your control; control what you can. Our focus and energy needs to be on the things we can control such as our attitude, effort and focus. With language courses, it is key to be constantly immersed with the language itself and do lots of practice to perfect your weaknesses because eventually, with practice, the weaknesses become your strengths.

Konstantinos Zisopoulos

My name is Konstantinos Zisopoulos and I completed the 2021 HSC as an accelerated student placing 1st in Modern Greek Extension and 2nd in Modern Greek Continuers. Around two years ago when I first entered my first ever year 11 class, I could only dream and imagine reaching these heights and performing at such a high academic level! However constant support and help from both my teachers, my parents and family members made a huge difference. Setting a goal and doing everything possible and, in my power, to achieve it ultimately led me to reach this outstanding achievement.

I was born in Athens, Greece in May 2004 however in that same year as a result of my Fathers occupation we moved to Melbourne where I completed my primary school education and later to Sydney where I began my high school journey at St Euphemia College. I have spent the majority of my life thus far in Australia.

For students across NSW now entering their HSC year (like me), selecting their year 11 electives or even just entering high school the advice remains the same. “To set a goal” I’m aware this advice might sound cliché and everyone’s probably heard it many times before but without a goal in mind, without the correct mindset nothing will motivate or encourage you to push on through the journey of high school and especially the HSC year which will undoubtedly be full of turbulent moments and situations of despair where you will want to desperately give up. It is those students who push through these difficult moments who are going to be able to see their goals and ambitions evolve into reality.

In the words of Zig Ziglar, “a goal properly set is halfway reached”. Furthermore, I’d like to add that when faced with a problem such as a disappointing result or simply not being able to understand a topic taught in class you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed. Instead focus on what you can do to improve your current situation. There is no such thing as failure, through failures we learn and grow. We explore pathways and sometimes those pathways do not lead us to a desired destination. That does not mean that destination and that pathway has failed us but that we have explored a way that is not equal to our ambitions, perceptions. I would encourage every student to try new things, learn from mistakes, it is through this way a student will profit and enjoy the journey of high school!

My decision to study Modern Greek for the HSC was certain. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would select any other subject over it. This is because the Greek language holds a very important part of my heart. Being born in Greece and coming from a Greek family it represented more than just an HSC exam. Instead, a way to represent my school, the Greek-Orthodox church and my culture in a foreign multicultural society. The Greek language is one of the richest in the world, its roots are continuously used to coin new worlds through languages. Its leading presence and historical evolution throughout the centuries place it in the most important languages across the globe.

In Australia the Greek language does not only derive its significance as a community language but is a politically and socially robust, organised and well committed maintenance of Greek-Australian heritage. Through selecting Modern Greek for the HSC, I aspired to contribute to this great language and culture in Australia and help with its strong continuation. That’s what makes the study of Greek so important to me. I would heavily encourage students to select Modern Greek for their HSC electives.