Our History

Starting from humble beginnings in 1983...

The school became a reality when leaders of the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox Community together with the late Reverend Father Nicholas Moutafis established a school primarily to satisfy the educational needs of families of Greek background living in the South-Eastern suburbs. The School also provided an alternative educational facility for those in the wider community seeking the special curriculum and unique philosophy that integrated Hellenic culture and the Christian Faith into student learning…And so, Oakleigh Grammar (formerly Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College) was born.

Over the years Oakleigh Grammar has continued to reflect the changing face of its surrounding suburbs embracing and celebrating multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. The timeline below presents several important dates, milestones and moments in Oakleigh Grammar’s history that lead to today’s success. We hope you enjoy walking down memory lane with us.

History of Oakleigh Grammar

1983

Humble Beginnings

1983 Humble Beginnings
In 1983 the School began as a Primary to Year 8 institution and continued to grow each year until it was able to provide all primary and secondary classes. The first Principal to lead the School was Anita Papadopoulos.
1984

Planning for the Future

Under the leadership of Principal Elpiniki Pavlou, the first official plans for expansion were published and shared with the school community.
1987

New Principal Commences

Principal Con Papadopoulos commenced in 1987 and continued in this role for ten years.
1989

First Expansions Commence

1989 Firstexpansionscommence
With growing demand, the development of a new Middle and Senior School building commenced.
1991

Middle & Senior School Development

1991 Middleandseniorschooldevelopment
The Middle and Senior School Building was officially opened on 7 July, 1991.
1994

Junior School Development

1994 Junior School Development
As the ‘90s rolled on, the School continued to grow and the need for a new Junior School building was evident. It was officially opened on 6 November 1994.
1996

Library & Administration Expansion

1996 Library Adminexpansion
Just like the student population, the staff body was growing at a rapid rate and a new Administration and Library building was required (particularly considering the library was a portable classroom at the time). This building was officially opened on 3 November 1996.
1997

New Principal Commences

Ivan Papadopoulos was appointed as Principal of the School, having previously served as Deputy Principal.
1999

Early Learning Centre Developed

1999 Elc Developed
With a growing need for Early Learning in the south-east, the School and Community purchased the child care centre adjoining the property, allowing the School to offer a K-12 education to families.
2001

A New Gymnasium

2001 Anewgymnasium
A well-rounded education includes strong sporting opportunities and it was time to build a gymnasium. It was officially opened on 4 November 2001.
2001

A Deep Loss for the Community

2001 A Deeplossforthecommunity
The School and Community suffered a tremendous loss with the sudden passing of the late Reverend Father Nicholas Moutafis, who until his last day continued to drive the dream of the past Board to build a successful school that one day would be revered and respected worldwide.
2002

New Reverend Commences

The Very Reverend Iakovos Tsigounis commences as Parish Priest and School Chaplain.
2003

Arts and Graphics Wing Development

2003 Arts Graphics Opening
As creativity flowed within the School, so came the need for an Arts, Graphics and Media Wing. It was officially opened on Sunday 2 November 2003.
2005

New Principal Commences

Steve Charisis commenced as Principal of the School, having previously served as Head of Primary.
2007

Hospitality Expansion

2007 Hospitality Expansion
Students were granted additional opportunities when the new Hospitality Wing was completed in 2007.
2010

New Principal Commences

Patrick Power was appointed as Principal at the School.
2010

Early Learning Centre Expansion

2010 Elc Expansion
With growing demand came the need to expand our Early Learning Centre.
2011

New Reverend Commences

Following the ordination of the Very Reverend Iakovos Tsigounis to Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Reverend Father George Adamakis commenced as Parish Priest and School Chaplain.
2011

Principal Mark Robertson Commences

2011 Mark Robertson's Commencement
Mark Robertson was appointed as Principal and under his leadership the School has undergone a remarkable renewal process that has seen the School flourish and grow from strength to strength.
2011

International Baccalaureate Candidacy

2015 International Baccalaureate Candidacy
With the value of a well-rounded education evident, the School took on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. In 2011, our candidacy as an IB World School began. It would be a long road filled with hard work and dedication, but it would be worth it.
2011

Oakleigh Grammar Grows the Leader in Me

2011 Og Grows The Leader In Me
Recognising the importance of leadership, The Leader in Me Process was implemented based on Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
2012

New Beginnings

2012 New Beginnings
A spirit of enthusiasm and anticipation clearly marked the start of the 2012 academic year as Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College was rebranded as Oakleigh Grammar and opened its doors to students of all cultural and faith backgrounds.
2014

Unique 9ways Program Implementation

2014 Unique 9ways Program
As our Middle School students developed, it became evident that the implementation of a unique program for our Year 9 students would be highly beneficial before they commenced their Senior Schooling. The program was completely developed in-house as an experiential learning programme designed to specifically meet the unique needs of Year 9 students.
2014

Science Wing Refurbishment

2014 Science Wing Refurbishment
Recognising the need for updated facilities in the area of science, the decision was made to refurbish the Science Wing. It was officially opened on Wednesday 17 September, 2014.  
2015

International Baccalaureate Accreditation

2015 Ib Accreditation
After five years of hard work, long hours and a rigorous auditing process, Oakleigh Grammar was officially accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School in June of 2015. We proudly offer the accredited Middle Years Programme for students in Years 6 to 10.
2015

A New Vision

With new changes came new values, and so Oakleigh Grammar’s new Vision, Mission, Values statement was created. Discover our Vision, Mission and Values here: https://www.oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au/about-us/vision/ 
2016

The Arrowsmith Program

Arrowsmith Program oakleigh grammar
At Oakleigh Grammar, we strongly believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their capacity to learn. In 2016 we implemented the Arrowsmith Program, a rigorous learning model that addresses learning difficulties by identifying and strengthening weak cognitive capacities through the principals of neuroplasticity. Here we have founder of the program, Barbara Arrowsmith-Young with Oakleigh Grammar Arrowsmith students.
2016

Expanding Horizons

2016 Expanding Horizons
The School was granted a CRICOS license to enrol 20 International Students, and we now welcome students from China and Cambodia strengthening our multiculturalism and diversity. The school is now licenced to enrol 60 International Students.
2017

Brand New Library

Recognising the need to keep up with modern technologies and systems, it was time for Oakleigh Grammar’s library to be updated. The newly refurbished library is bright, colourful, spacious and a wonderful place for students to learn and study. It was officially opened on 28 June 2017.
2017

Contemporary Music Program

Music Program Oakleigh Grammar
With a strong music program in our Junior School, the need for one in our Middle and Senior Schools was evident. In 2017, Oakleigh Grammar introduced a contemporary music program for our older students. Many stars have shone brightly as their talents have been nurtured.
2018

Oakleigh Grammar Lighting the Way

2018 Oglightingtheway
Since its inception at Oakleigh Grammar, The Leader in Me Process has been a strong initiative and staff have worked hard to ensure it is delivered at the highest standard. To this end the School was granted Lighthouse Status and continues to lead the way in 21st century thinking and learning.
2019

The Archbishop’s Inaugural Visit

Oakleigh Grammar history
In August 2019, Oakleigh Grammar celebrated the inaugural visit and blessing by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Griniezakis Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia. His Eminence was warmly greeted with a welcoming assembly held in his honour followed by classroom visits and a special Church service at the School Parish, Sts Anargiri. This day will be remembered as a historic day and will be cherished for many years to come.
2020

Oakleigh Grammar Thrives in Remote Learning

Oakleigh Grammar history
As a result of COVID-19, Oakleigh Grammar created a sustainable Remote Learning Model where students and staff transitioned from School to home seamlessly. Our students rose to the challenge developing their technical skills and greater independence in their learning. The transition to online platforms and the growth of these skills is testament to our whole School Community.
2020

Leading the way in Education

Copy Of 2020 Congratulations Principal Mark Robertson
Congratulations to our Principal, Mr Mark Robertson who was recognised as one of Australia’s top ten Influential Educational Leaders by Knowledge Review Magazine.
2022

ANZAC Day Ceremony Special Appearance

The Ezvones at ANZAC Day commemoration
The Greek Presidential Guard, the Evzones. attended our ANZAC Day commemoration. The Evzones led a procession into the School’s Anzac Day Commemoration Assembly attended by Middle and Senior School students and staff and Father George Adamakis
2022

Educating Excellence

Teacher with students smiling and talking
Shelley Parkes, Head of Junior School wins an Educator Magazine Most Influential Educators Award and an Excellence Award as a finalist for Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-Government.  
2022

New School Chaplain

Img 3491
Reverend Father George Adamakis (pictured above) was farewelled and Reverend Father Stavros Kakavas welcomed as the new School Chaplain.
2022

State Soccer Superstars Crowned

Kids running on soccer field smiling
Oakleigh Grammar Years 5 and 6 Boys Soccer team wins Schools Sport Victoria State Championships – Football Primary Boys. The path to get to this point started at District level where Oakleigh Grammar competed against local schools (for a season in Term 2). The team went on to win the Division day against other District winners in a round robin, and then, finally took out the Region win at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.  The Oakleigh Grammar Champions conceded only four goals throughout the entire season, exemplifying the school’s 2022 theme of ‘Success is ours to achieve’.
2022

Debating Awards

8. Noah Peoples Swannie Award 1 225x300 (1)
Student Noah Peoples wins a prestigious Swannie Award at the Debating Awards and was named as one of five finalists for the Victorian State title.
2023

Celebrating 40 Years

Oakleigh Grammar Celebrates its 40 Year Anniversary