The Hellenic spirit was alive and thriving on Friday, June 13, as AHEPA Australia’s Grand and District Lodges of NSW, in collaboration with the NSW Education Committee, hosted an unforgettable evening celebrating Greek language education at Blakehurst High School.
Held at the Bexley Golf Club in Sydney’s south, the event titled ‘Greek: Ignite the Flame, Embrace the Journey‘ brought together dignitaries, educators, students, families and supporters in a warm and lively show of unity and pride for the Modern Greek language program.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric with purpose. With a full house and a programme rich in tradition and inspiration, the evening was not only a celebration but also a strong call to action for the continued preservation of Greek language and culture in Australia.
The evening was expertly emceed by educator and community figure Dimitrios Kametopoulos, who kept the program running smoothly with warmth and humour. The night opened with blessings by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.
In a heartfelt speech, AHEPA Australia Grand Lodge President, Theo Skhinas, explained the organisation’s decision to support Blakehurst High: “We actually approached Blakehurst High School because we realised that they’re onto something very, very good. They’re continuing their tradition — our inheritance — for the Greek language.”
The event’s main speakers echoed this sentiment. The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, reminded the audience, “I’m not here to judge anyone’s Greekness… I’m here to make sure that the bond between Greece and the diaspora is maintained in 30, 40, 50 years… Greek is the fuel, together with our religion, that will maintain our Greekness in the years to come.”
Mark Buttigieg MLC, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, described the lack of support for language education as “a tragedy and an indictment on government,” and pledged to push for stronger investment in the arts.
“When you’re speaking another language, you’re thinking differently,” he said. “It gives you a different perspective on life.”
Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos, representing Georges River Council, spoke passionately as both a civic leader and Greek Australian: “To the students here tonight, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment. Learning Modern Greek is an investment in your future… you help keep alive a vibrant cultural heritage that continues to inspire and unite our community across generations.”
Dr Alfred Vincent, Honorary Associate of the University of Sydney, reflected on his long-standing advocacy for Greek studies in Australia.
“Sadly, language teaching in Australia has been in decline for decades,” he said, but stressed that organisations like AHEPA and passionate educators give us hope.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr Vassilis Adrahtas, Lecturer in Modern Greek Studies at the University of New South Wales; Evangelia Lyris, Director of Educational Leadership for the Port Jackson area and Supervisor at the Secondary College of Languages – Kogarah High Campus; George Mpliokas, representing Pharos NSW; and Evia Kyriacou, Secondary Curriculum Advisor for the NSW Department of Education.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Progress Awards to six outstanding Blakehurst High School students. The awards were presented by Consul General Mallikourtis, Maria Alexandrou ($2,000 on behalf of the Chrysanthy and Tess Malos Trust, Daughters of Penelope), Litsa Diakovasili ($500), and Costa and Eleni Lianos ($500):
- Deon Matheos – Year 12 Modern Greek Beginners, Top Achiever Modern Greek Semester 1
- Fotini Fioravantis – Year 12 Modern Greek Continuers, Continued Excellence in Learning
- Martha Christofilopoulou – Year 12 Modern Greek Continuers, Continued Excellence in Learning
- Foteini Apostolidis – Year 9 Modern Greek, Continued Dedication to Learning
- Alexia Kontaxakis – Year 8 Modern Greek, Continued Excellence in Learning
- William Manos – Year 8 Modern Greek, Continued Excellence in Learning
AHEPA also recognised the generous support of community donors who contributed to the sustainability of Greek language education. Donations included:
- $1,000 from Grand Lodge AHEPA Australia in NSW
- $1,000 from Chapter Heracles 12
- $500 from Chapter Antigone 27
- $500 from the Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW “Karaiskakis”, Asterios Tsintzas
The generous donations totalling $3,000 will directly benefit the Modern Greek program at Blakehurst High School.
Ex-students and HSC Distinguished Achievers Eleanna Gatsi and Justin Chow shared heartfelt reflections on their personal journeys with Greek studies, leaving a deep impression on the audience. Justin, whose family background is Chinese, captivated the room with his story of rediscovering Greek in Years 11 and 12 after a break in Years 9 and 10.
“The initial reason I started learning Greek is because I was fascinated by Greek mythology… and later I believed learning Greek would help me better understand parts of the Bible,” he said. He went on to earn a Band 6 in the HSC with a score of 93, attributing his success to the dedication of his teachers and his own perseverance.
Eleanna, now studying Speech Pathology, spoke about how Greek language classes helped her connect with her cultural roots, strengthened her confidence, and shaped her academic path. She movingly described how learning Greek was not just an academic exercise but a personal journey that enhanced her sense of self and identity.
Their messages underscored the emotional and transformative power of language learning, resonating deeply with both parents and students in the room.
Teachers Mary Fotiadis and Natasha Vacchio offered a detailed presentation about the curriculum, student work and the lasting emotional impact of learning Greek. One touching moment was a parent recounting their child gently greeting their grandmother in Greek for the first time: “Γεια σου, γιαγιά.”
“It wasn’t just about speaking Greek,” the teachers noted. “It was about reviving connection, honouring memory and bringing identity to life.”
The background to this unique event also speaks to the power of grassroots collaboration. AHEPA’s Education Committee took the initiative to reach out directly to Blakehurst High School, one of the few state schools with a full Year 7–12 Greek program. The school has continued to support both heritage and non-heritage learners through classroom-based instruction, HSC preparation, and strong university entrance results.
Celebrations continued into the evening with a traditional performance by the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney Dance Group, who energised the crowd with vibrant Greek folk dances, and a lucky door prize draw that added excitement to the joyful gathering.
The message of the evening was clear: learning Greek is not merely about grammar or grades — it’s about identity, belonging and intergenerational connection. And as the slogan repeated throughout the night made clear, now more than ever is the time to “Ignite the Flame, Embrace the Journey.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
