LOTE

Building Connections Through Greek:
Norwood International High School Visits Oakleigh Grammar

Oakleigh Grammar was delighted to welcome students and staff from Norwood International High School in Adelaide on Wednesday 2 September for a special Greek Immersion Program. The visit brought together students from Years 7–12 who study Greek at Norwood International High School with Oakleigh Grammar students, creating a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Greek language, culture and the connections that unite us.

The visit was a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two schools and connect students who share a passion for learning Greek. The visiting students were accompanied by the Deputy Principal Mr Matthew Maciunas and their Greek teacher, Mrs Maria Batzavalis.

The morning commenced with a warm welcome from Oakleigh Grammar Principal, Mr Mark Robertson, who welcomed the students and staff to our School. The program was organised by Hellenic Culture Coordinator, Mrs Natasha Spanos, and was carefully designed to provide students with a combination of cultural, educational and interactive experiences.

Students from both schools began by introducing their schools and sharing information about student life and their Greek language programs. They then participated in an engaging activity comparing the two schools, discussing areas such as school history, uniforms, subjects, timetables, sporting programs, camps and excursions, extracurricular activities, school traditions and opportunities to participate in Greece Study Tours. Students discovered a number of similarities while also enjoying learning about the differences between their school experiences.

Our visitors were then given a tour of Oakleigh Grammar, visiting the Junior School, Sports Complex, Library and Early Learning Centre. This provided the Norwood students with an opportunity to experience our School environment and learn more about the facilities and programs available to Oakleigh Grammar students.

Following morning tea, students participated in a fun and interactive Greek language activity, where they moved around the room asking and answering questions in Greek to discover things they had in common with one another. The activity encouraged students to use their Greek in an authentic social setting while making new connections and friendships.

The excitement continued with a Greek Quiz, with students working collaboratively in teams to test their knowledge of Greek language and culture. The morning concluded with Greek dancing, bringing students from both schools together to enjoy traditional Greek music and dance.

The final part of the program included the exchange of small gifts between the students and a group photograph, providing a lasting memory of the special day.

The Immersion Program was a wonderful example of how language learning can create meaningful connections beyond the classroom. Students had the opportunity to communicate in Greek, share their experiences, learn about another school and build friendships through their shared interest in Greek language and culture.

The successful visit has also opened the door for further collaboration between the two schools, with Norwood International High School extending an official invitation for Oakleigh Grammar to visit Adelaide in 2027.

It was a memorable morning filled with learning, laughter, cultural exchange and new friendships, highlighting the important role that Greek language and culture continue to play in connecting young people and communities across Australia.

Natasha Spanos

Hellenic Culture/SRC Coordinator Academic Leader LOTE