The future of the Greek language program at Northcote High School has been secured, with Year 7 Greek to be offered in 2026 and Year 8 continuing in 2027.
This outcome follows extensive advocacy and constructive engagement between the Victorian Government, Northcote High School, Pharos Alliance and community representatives to protecting language education in the inner north.
State Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous MP, who has been in close and active communication with the Department of Education throughout this process, confirmed that the State Government will support the delivery of Greek at Northcote High for the next two years.
This ensures the program can continue without placing financial pressure on the school and provides the stability needed to rebuild enrolments and strengthen the pathway.
Ms Theophanous said, “Language is identity, belonging and the bridge between generations. It’s important that our schools continue to reflect the community languages present in our suburbs – because they preserve so much more than vocabulary.”
“Teaching Modern Greek in school ensures that children can access the language, stories and cultural threads that connect them to their parents, grandparents and the Greek Australian community that has helped shape our state. It also ensures there are high-level language skills to support key sectors like aged care, social services and education in our multicultural community,” Ms Theophanous added.
“I’m incredibly proud that through strong community advocacy and constructive engagement with government and the school, we have secured Greek at Northcote High for 2026 and 2027. My sincere thanks go to the Pharos Alliance for their tireless advocacy, Principal Chris Jones for his cooperation, and the government for acting quickly to protect this pathway.”
The outcome was shaped through several weeks of collaborative discussions, including a dedicated meeting between Ms Theophanous, and leaders of the Pharos Alliance, including Dr Stephie Nikoloudis, Denise Diakodimitriou and Theo Markos.
The Pharos Alliance has played an active role throughout this process, engaging constructively with government and the school, bringing forward practical proposals, and championing the ongoing need to support community languages.
Professor Joe Lo Bianco AM, President of the Pharos Alliance, said, “The Pharos Alliance extends its deep gratitude to Kat Theophanous MP and to Principal Christopher Jones for working constructively with us to ensure the continuation of Greek at Northcote High School.”
“This is a powerful example of government, educators and community coming together to support Victoria’s multicultural and multilingual character,” Professor Lo Bianco said.
“We now call on families across the inner north to embrace this opportunity by encouraging their children to study Greek and help secure the program’s long-term future.”
Pharos continues to work with multiple language groups to strengthen bilingual learning policy across Victoria and ensure that cultural and linguistic traditions are supported through the education system.
It builds on the work of the Member for Northcote in growing bilingual language learning in early education, including through Greek Family Storytime at Northcote Library, and in securing funding for La Trobe to continue offering Modern Greek as the last remaining tertiary level course in Victoria.
For Northcote, a community shaped by decades of Greek migration and cultural contribution, the continuation of Greek at the local high school represents more than just a curriculum offering. It preserves an important educational pathway, safeguards cultural connection for families, and supports the next generation of Greek-Australian students in accessing their heritage.
The Department will work closely with the school to strengthen communication with families, highlighting how student subject preferences influence the long-term viability of the program. This will support improved enrolment awareness and contribute to a sustainable pathway in the years ahead.
Christopher Jones, Principal of Northcote High School, said: “I welcome this support, which enables us to continue offering Greek to Year 7 students in 2026 and Year 8 students in 2027. We value the diversity of our language program and the cultural richness it brings to our school.”
