Oakleigh Grammar was honoured to host respected Greek Australian community leader, Emanuel Comino, who visited the school this week to speak with Year 12 students about the importance of cultural heritage, stewardship, and advocacy.
Mr Comino has spent five decades championing the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, a commitment sparked in 1976 after a visit to the Louvre in Paris that prompted him to recognise the scale of Greek antiquities held abroad. This pivotal moment motivated him to establish what would become the first committee in the world dedicated to the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece – the International Organising Committee Australia for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles (IOC-A-RPM).
His advocacy has since extended across the world, including Australia, the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, and Europe – including Greece – where he has consistently raised awareness of cultural justice and historical responsibility.
Principal Mark Robertson welcomed Mr Comino’s visit, noting the significance of providing students with access to leaders who have demonstrated lifelong commitment to service and cultural responsibility.
“It was a privilege to host Mr Comino and an important opportunity for our students to hear first-hand from a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the return of the Parthenon Marbles,” Mr Robertson said. “His presentation was stirring and an example to our students of what one person can achieve if they have dedication and drive.”
In sharing his story, Mr Comino offered Oakleigh Grammar’s Year 12 students a lived example of values that resonate strongly within our community – integrity, respect, service, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right. His dedication to advocacy has provided inspiration to the Year 12 students to approach the rest of their studies, and their life after schooling, with both courage and humility.
Oakleigh Grammar extended its sincere thanks to Mr Comino for generously sharing his time, expertise, and passion with the school community.
