By Kristian Raspa
On Sunday, June 2, I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Conference of the Modern Greek Teachers Association (MGTAV). This event was a remarkable gathering of over 50 dedicated Greek educators from across Victoria, creating a vibrant atmosphere for professional development and networking. As the Head of Hellenism, I had the privilege of working closely with MGTAV’s committee to bring this conference to St John’s College, underscoring our school’s commitment to fostering Hellenism and promoting Greek language education.
The conference featured eight distinguished presenters who delivered a variety of seminars tailored for both primary and secondary educators. These sessions provided valuable insights and innovative strategies for enhancing Greek language education, perfectly aligning with our school’s dedication to promoting Hellenism and Greek heritage.
One of the highlights of the day was the keynote presentation by Elena Pirovano, who captivated the audience with her session on engaging multilingual students in the language classroom. Her exploration of translanguaging as a pedagogical stance offered a fresh perspective on leveraging students’ linguistic resources to facilitate deeper learning and cultural connection. This approach resonated deeply with our educators, inspiring new methods to support our diverse student body.
Our language team at St John’s College actively participated in the conference, seizing the opportunity for networking and professional development. The exchange of ideas and best practices among educators was truly inspiring, reinforcing our shared goal of advancing Greek language education through contemporary tools and approaches.
Hosting this conference at St John’s College was a proud moment for our institution, not only showcasing our commitment to educational excellence but also highlighting our role in community engagement and cultural enrichment. This event reinforced our dedication to providing our students with a dynamic and inclusive learning experience by embracing innovative teaching methodologies.
The MGTAV conference exemplified the strength and vibrancy of our educational community. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to advancing Greek language education were palpable throughout the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such passionate educators and look forward to continuing our journey together, inspired by the insights and connections forged at this remarkable event.