Over 200 people attended the annual award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University’s Arts Precinct on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The event was held as part of the celebration of the International Day of Greek Language 2025, making it an even more special occasion.
Among the attendees were the successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, Heads of Languages in NSW schools, representatives of community organisations, and Greek community media.
Distinguished guests included His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yiannis Mallikourtis; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Head of the School of International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Professor Julian Droogan; the Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of the School of International Studies, Dr Wes Robertson; the President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd., Theophilos Premetis; the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Michael Christodoulou; and members of the board of directors of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Giorgios Kotsiras, the Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece, Zetta Makri, and the President of the Centre for Greek Language in Greece, Emeritus Professor of the Philology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Papaggelis, delivered brief speeches via video and warmly congratulated the successful candidates, their teachers and their families.
In his video message, Mr Kotsiras emphasised that “the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad includes among its key objectives the strengthening of the Greek language and culture, with a particular focus on younger generations. In this context, we are developing initiatives to support Greek language learning by leveraging modern technological tools… and the provision of distance learning courses in collaboration with Greek universities.”
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate, warmly congratulated the successful recipients and acknowledged their achievement which made their teachers, their schools and their families proud.
Dr Koromvokis also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of parents and families by saying: “Somehow, in the midst of this whirlwind of modern family life, you make time for Greek education, whether it’s waiting in your cars during lessons, helping with homework late in the evenings, or driving long distances to ensure your children can attend their Greek classes. Your presence here today demonstrates this unwavering commitment.”
“Without your daily support, encouragement, and sacrifice, none of this would be achievable. You transform what could be seen as just another academic requirement into something far more meaningful – and we greatly thank you for that!” she added.
The event and the Greek language exams 2024 were sponsored by the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd. MC was the Greek language teacher, Mary Vartzoumas.
The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is a globally recognised title that proves the level of proficiency of its holder in the market and is considered a prerequisite for the practice of various professions in Greece. The registrations for the Exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2025, which is conducted under the auspices of Macquarie University, are now taking place. For more information click here.
*All photos copyright Effy Alexakis, photowrite
