Northcote High School’s 40 year old Modern Greek language program is at risk of being discontinued due to the low number of students taking the subject, according to a press release by The Pharos Alliance.
On Monday, November 6, Pharos representatives Denise Diakodimitriou, Theo Markos and Dr Stephie Nikoloudis met with the principal of Northcote High School, Chris Jones.
During the meeting, the representatives explained the mission of Pharos, a broad-based alliance dedicated to the revitalisation of the teaching and use of Modern Greek across all sectors in Victoria/Australia, and enquired about the future of Greek at the school.
Mr Jones agreed that ‘Greek is an important part of the school community but also of the local community’ and said a large cohort of students with Greek background attend the school.
The Principal then pointed out that there has been a concerning recent drop in student enrolments in Greek language subjects. Currently, the Year 7 Greek language class for 2024 will not go ahead unless more students enrol in the subject.
In their press release, The Pharos Alliance encouraged people who are zoned in the Northcote High School area to consider enrolling in Year 7 Greek for 2024 to “ensure the long-term future of the program.”
“Enrolling in the Greek language program at Northcote High School is about cultural immersion. The dedicated educators and resources make this journey engaging and rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to explore Greek culture first hand,” the press release reads.
“By enrolling in the Greek program, students embrace a culture which continues to be vibrant today. They gain a broader perspective on the world and open doors to future opportunities.
“Whether it’s connecting with family, here or overseas, or understanding STEM terminology better (which is mainly derived from Greek) or obtaining a workplace advantage (with future Greek-speaking patients or clients) or preparing oneself for a richer travel experience to one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, learning Greek at school is an obvious choice.”
For further information, please contact Pharos-Revitalising Greek on 0411 789 798 or email mgta.vic@gmail.com
