By George Tserdanis
With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28.
This year’s event, presented by students from the Junior and Middle Schools, was dedicated to the timeless message of freedom, unity, and peace inspired by the heroic spirit of the Greek people in 1940.
The celebration was hosted by the Middle School Captains, Chrisanthy Psaras and Paul Makris, who guided the audience through a rich and moving program with enthusiasm and confidence.
The event began with the National Anthems and the Opening Prayer, followed by beautiful Byzantine hymns performed by members of the school’s Byzantine Choir under the direction of Dean Damatopoulos.
Welcoming remarks were then offered by Mark Robertson, Principal of Oakleigh Grammar, and Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, who congratulated the students for keeping the Hellenic spirit and traditions alive abroad.
Emily Koutsovasilis from Year 8 opened the main part of the program with an inspiring speech in English about the historical meaning of October 28. Through her words, the audience relived the moment when Ioannis Metaxas proudly said “OXI!” and all of Greece stood united in resistance against invasion.
The Prep students followed with a heartwarming performance of the beloved song “Η Ελλάδα ποτέ δεν πεθαίνει” and impressed everyone with a delightful mini parade filled with smiles and enthusiasm.
Students from Year 1 shared their reflections on the importance of OXI Day, while Eva Bakalis from Year 8 delivered a powerful recitation of the poem “OXI”, honouring the heroes of 1940 and the courage of the Greek spirit.
Next, the Year 2 students performed the historic and humorous wartime song “Βάζει ο Ντούτσε την στολή του”, capturing the bravery and wit of the Greek people who defended their homeland in the mountains of Pindos.
The Year 4 students impressed the audience with a traditional Greek dance, celebrating the strength of rhythm and culture that connects generations.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation by Valantina Marinakis from Year 9 titled “The ANZACs in Greece during World War II.” With maturity and eloquence, Valantina spoke about the friendship and solidarity formed between Greek and Australian soldiers, highlighting the shared values of courage and humanity even in times of war.
The program continued with moving performances of “Της Δικαιοσύνης ήλιε νοητέ” by the Year 5 students, and “Αν όλα τα παιδιά της γης” by Year 3, both sending powerful messages of freedom, peace, and unity.
The Middle School Dancing Group concluded the artistic part of the celebration with a lively performance of the traditional Kalamatianos dance, filling the hall with joy and pride in Hellenic heritage.
At the conclusion of the event, hosts Chrisanthy Psaras and Paul Makris closed with the timeless quote: “Greeks do not fight like heroes; heroes fight like Greeks.”
The event coordinator, Natasha Spanos, expressed her heartfelt thanks to all students and teachers for their dedication, as well as to the parents and distinguished guests who honoured the day with their presence.
Among those attending were: Reverend Father Stavros Kakavas, School Chaplain and Parish Priest of Sts Anargiri Greek Orthodox Church, Reverend Father Georgios Adamakis, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Maria Triantafyllou, Acting Coordinator for Educational Affairs (Australia & New Zealand), Tony Tsourdalakis, President of the Intercommunities and Parishes Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, George Giannaros, Vice Chair of the Oakleigh Grammar Board, Sam Vassos, Treasurer of the Board, as well as Mark Robertson, Principal, members of the School Executive, staff, parents, and grandparents.
This year’s OXI Day celebration at Oakleigh Grammar was a living tribute to the courage and enduring spirit of the Greek people, which continues to thrive proudly through the new generations of the Greek diaspora.
