Each year since 2010, the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation (AHMF) has held its annual School Competition on the weekend before OXI Day (October 28).
The first students to receive awards are now young professionals. AHMF President Steve Kyritsis hopes the awards will inspire future generations to remember their heritage.
“It’s an excellent way for young children to engage with their culture and history, fostering a deeper understanding,” he told The Greek Herald, adding that it provides an opportunity for both individual students and schools to explore the significance of OXI Day.
“Thousands of children have participated. Our goal is for kids to learn why we created this monument. It’s a monument to the ANZACs and Greek veterans who sacrificed so much during WWI and WWII. We have an obligation to remember them. That’s why we initiated this project.”
Olyvia Vlahos and Carly Haralampopoulos, both 12, learned about the day then-Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum, marking Greece’s entry into WWII, from their teacher Mary Lefteriotis. The Greek national day holds special meaning for them as both their great-grandfathers fought in WWII. Learning about Greece’s history helps them connect with their own family stories.
Olyvia, with ancestry from Lefkada, Kalamata, and Epirus, wrote a poem and drew a heart combining the Greek and Australian flags.
“Our teacher told us about the ANZACs who fought in Greece during WWII, so I focused on Greek-Australian friendship,” Olyvia said.
Similarly, Carly, with ancestry from Nafpaktos, highlighted the bond between Greeks and Australians in her submission.
Their teacher, Ms Lefteriotis, explained how opportunities like the annual OXI Day competition offer a more holistic learning experience by integrating history, art, and language.
“Each year, we discuss both world wars, the ANZACs, and the Greek-Australian connection. We emphasise the friendship between the two countries and the importance of honouring heroes. Then, we participate in this competition and visit this monument to pay tribute to these heroes,” Ms Lefteriotis, a teacher at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools, said.
Kalliope Batziakis, a Year 8 student, attended with her family to receive her award for a Greek-language poem.
“It’s important for us to connect with our heritage,” Kalliope told The Greek Herald.
Despite never having visited Grevena, Kastoria, Farsala, and Mytilene, her heritage is from these parts of Greece.
“I wrote a poem, in the Greek language, about the friendship between Greece and Australia during wartime. We must remember the sacrifices of our ancestors,” Kalliope added.
Lalor North Primary School, Victoria’s only bilingual state school, was well-represented with seven student awards. Families from the school gathered, shared banter and showcased the strong sense of community and kinship within the school.
Lalor North Primary School teacher Connie Diakodimitriou noted increased student enrolments. After a period of decline, the Bilingual Greek Program has expanded to three classrooms again, and enjoys the support of Elizabeth Bryan, the school’s principal.
“Word is spreading about the work we’re doing, and more people are discovering our school,” Ms Diakodimitriou said, emphasising the unique benefits of the bilingual program, allowing students to engage with their culture and history.
“Students are excited to participate in events like this and learn about their heritage. They are proud Greek Australians.”
Greek-Italian-Australian student Gabriella Vitale, a Year 5 student at Lalor North Primary School, enjoys being in a composite class where she gets to revise her work by helping younger students.
“I enjoy helping them and getting to know them,” she said.
Her mother, Yiota, said subjects taught in Greek and English have ensured her children have excelled in both languages.
“We enrolled them because we live nearby, and it has been great. They’ve developed language skills in both Greek and English and receive plenty of individual attention in class,” she said.
Maira Triantafylou, Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs of the Greek Consulate of Melbourne, an educator herself, congratulated the students and teachers for their efforts in learning about Greek history and language.
“Your participation today demonstrates your strong commitment,” she said.
Greek Consul General to Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis highlighted the deep historical connection between Greece and Australia, despite their geographical distance.
“This monument serves as a constant reminder of our shared history. Its success has inspired others to follow suit,” he said, emphasising the importance of children building connections with their past as a way of shaping their future.
Peter Andrinopoulos, event coordinator and host, thanked attendees and sponsors for their support. He pointed in particular to the importance of sponsors for this annual tradition to continue and invited any Greek Australian business, education institute or benefactor to sponsor a prize to help encourage young students to connect with their roots.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
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