The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night, as children darted around with balloons, parents filled the dancefloor, and teachers joined in at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) annual school dance.
The celebration stretched well past midnight, showing that Greek school is about more than grammar: it’s about γλέντι, culture, and community.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis said the night captured the essence of Hellenic education.
“Our school needs γλέντι to remind us that life is like a school, full of lessons and difficulties, but joy is necessary too. We are lucky to have exceptional teachers who bring Greek alive through singing, cinema, and dance, not just books.”
With around 58 teachers, 1,000 students, and 11 campuses, the GCM runs one of the largest Greek school networks outside Greece. Principal Maria Bakalidou, in her fourth year as head, said the dance has become a highlight. “For kids to learn Greek, they need to feel Greek, to dance and to connect,” she said.
For her, teaching is “a labour of love.”
“We stay back after hours, we work as a team, because we have a vision that serves a greater good, keeping our culture and language alive,” she said, praising the GCM for keeping fees affordable, but calling for government support.
“If multiculturalism is truly a cornerstone of Victoria’s identity, then funding our teachers and programs should reflect that.”
Teacher Syrmo Kapoutsi agreed: “Authorities often hold up multiculturalism as a banner of policy, but we need real backing: well-paid teachers, quality resources, and structures that allow communities to blossom.”
Veteran educator Ourania Papageorgiou recalled her father’s role in founding the Mathisi campus in Glen Waverly, which became part of the GOCMV in 2014. “When my father became sick, he asked us, his three daughters, if we wanted to continue his work. We are proud the GCM preserves his legacy by retaining the Mathisi name.”
Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs at the Greek Consulate, Moira Triantafyllou, has attended the annual school dance for the last three years. “Every time I come here, I feel like I’m in a Greek neighbourhood. Tonight gives us memories we all need. To our VCE students, I wish you strength and success. Believe in yourselves and you will achieve everything,” she said.
Learners of all ages were present, including two tables from the adults’ class (total adult learners are at 180 people.
“After my yiayia from Lesvos passed away, I wanted to connect with my heritage,” said adult student Nakoma-Sioux Wilson. “Learning Greek brings me closer to her and my extended family.”
Mauritian-born Christelle Sangeeleemootoo added: “What’s not to love about Greek language and culture? Learning Greek isn’t work, it’s joy. I read, watch films, listen to music, and speak with friends. It’s part of my life now.”
Both praised their teachers.
Education convener Nick Dallas said nights like this show why language and culture can’t be separated.
“We are in a period of attrition but our adult programs are expanding,” he said. “For some reason, they didn’t go to Greek school or realised in their adulthood they wish they had explored it. Better late than never.”
Online classes are also growing, and now reach students in Bendigo and Ballarat with discussions for interstate expansion. The preschool ELA program gives families a natural entry point.”
But Saturday was more about the dance. MC Christine Soumi closed with a laugh:
“Apart from grammar, us teachers know how to dance too.”
As the last songs echoed through the hall, one thing was clear: Melbourne’s Greek schools remain the living heartbeat of Hellenism.
