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Three weeks. Six locations. Countless archaeological sites. Mountains, monasteries, churches, caves, castles, boats, buses and beaches. And approximately 20,000 steps a day.
It was an incredible three weeks.
From the moment we arrived in Athens, we were on the go. We explored ancient Athens, the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, watched the Presidential Guard, took a cable car up Lycabettus Hill and visited Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.
And that was just the beginning.
From Athens, we travelled through Kalamata, Nafplio and Patras before heading north to Veria, Kalambaka and, finally, Thessaloniki. Along the way, we explored monasteries, churches, archaeological sites, fortresses, museums and caves. We cruised around the islands of Aegina, Hydra and Poros, travelled to the Corinthian Canal and visited places rich in history, faith and tradition.
The boys spent a night at Mount Athos, while the girls visited Souroti Monastery and venerated the resting place of St Paisios. We saw the tomb of King Philip, visited St Andrew's Cathedral in Patras and the Church of St Dimitrios, and climbed the steps of the White Tower in Thessaloniki.
We learnt traditional dances at Pefka Dance Academy, swam at beaches and pools, shopped, ate and made the most of every opportunity along the way.
Our aim was to experience Hellenic culture in all its forms: the language, history, Orthodox faith, food, music, traditions, architecture and, above all, the people.
And while we packed an incredible amount into our itinerary, some of the most valuable moments came when we stepped away from the schedule and allowed ourselves the freedom to experience a place as it unfolded.
Our students were exceptional. They represented Oakleigh Grammar with pride, embraced every opportunity, looked after one another and made the most of this experience. They should be incredibly proud of themselves.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful teachers, Mrs Bouquet, Mr Ryan, Mrs Spanos and Father Stavros, for their care, commitment and support throughout the tour.
We set out to give our students an experience they would remember for the rest of their lives, and I hope we have done just that.
For three weeks, they walked through thousands of years of history and culture. They heard the language, tasted the food and experienced places they had previously only read about. For others, revisiting familiar places alongside their friends offered an entirely new perspective.
They had opportunities to explore, learn beyond the classroom and share experiences with their friends that will stay with them long after the suitcases are unpacked.
What an epic tour.
I could easily have stayed for another three weeks. And judging by the conversations at the airport, I don't think the students would have minded either.
Kali sinechia
Paula D-Tsiagalos
Year 10 and 11 Year Level Leader and Senior School Pastoral Coordinator
Last week marked a significant milestone in the lives of our Year 12 students as they formally concluded their classes and celebrated the end of their journey at Oakleigh Grammar. It was a week filled with excitement, laughter, cherished memories and poignant moments of reflection, as students looked back on the friendships, experiences and opportunities that have shaped their educational journey. For some, this marked the culmination of 13 years at Oakleigh Grammar, while for others, their time with us has been shorter. Regardless of when they joined our community, each student has contributed to the unique character of the Class of 2026 and will forever remain part of the Oakleigh Grammar family.
The celebrations commenced on Monday with our much-anticipated Celebration Morning. Under the glorious spring sunshine, students and staff embraced the festivities with tremendous enthusiasm, enjoying plenty of laughter, friendly competition and, of course, getting thoroughly soaked! It was wonderful to witness the genuine camaraderie between students and staff, reflecting the strong relationships that have developed over the years. The morning concluded with soft-serve ice creams before students departed at midday, bringing their final day of classes to a memorable close.
Tuesday provided a particularly meaningful opportunity for our students and their families to gather in thanksgiving and celebration. Most importantly, the morning commenced with a Doxology, offering thanks to God and seeking the intercessions of our Patron Saints, the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian. The service was led by our School Chaplain, Rev. Fr Stavros Kakavas, and beautifully chanted by our Year 6 Byzantine Music students, whose prayerful singing added a special sense of reverence to the occasion.
Before the conclusion of the Doxology, Fr Stavros conveyed the blessings and heartfelt wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne. Addressing the graduating students and their families, Father reflected on the invaluable role of parents, who have laid the foundations upon which our young people have grown, and the important responsibility of the School in nurturing not only their intellectual development but also their spiritual formation and character. He reminded students that education extends far beyond academic achievement; it is about becoming people of integrity, compassion, humility and faith, who will make a positive contribution to the world around them. Importantly, he reassured our graduates that both the Church and the School will always welcome them with open arms, wherever life's journey may lead.
Following the Doxology, families and students enjoyed morning tea before gathering for the Formal Graduation Assembly, where our Year 12 students were celebrated in the presence of much of the Oakleigh Grammar student body.
In his address, our Principal, Mr Mark Robertson, encouraged the graduating class never to forget the community that has nurtured, supported and guided their growth. His words served as a timely reminder that while their formal schooling may be concluding, the relationships, values and sense of belonging they have developed will remain with them long into the future.
A particularly moving highlight of the assembly was the heartfelt address delivered by School Captain Elena Logan. Overcome with emotion and gratitude, Elena reflected on the honour and privilege of attending Oakleigh Grammar, affectionately describing the School as her family. Her words captured the deep sense of connection and belonging shared by so many of our graduating students.
In a touching gesture of appreciation, our Year 12 students presented their VCE teachers with flowers, acknowledging the dedication, encouragement and countless hours of support they have received throughout their senior years. Another special moment came when our youngest students, the Prep cohort, presented each graduate with a commemorative Class of 2026 sash. This symbolic exchange between our youngest and oldest students beautifully reflected the continuity of the Oakleigh Grammar journey and provided our graduates with a meaningful keepsake of their time at the School.
The assembly concluded with the Class of 2026 formally processing out for the final time, marking the end of an important chapter in their lives.
Thursday evening brought the week's celebrations to a fitting conclusion with our Graduation Dinner, held this year at Vogue Ballroom. It was a wonderful evening of celebration, bringing together students, families, friends and teachers to recognise the achievements and shared experiences of this remarkable cohort. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the evening were extraordinary, with the Class of 2026 and their families making the most of the occasion, filling the dance floor and creating memories that will undoubtedly be treasured for years to come.
As our students now turn their attention to their final VCE examinations over the coming three weeks, we pray that God grants them clarity of mind, calmness of spirit and the confidence to approach each examination knowing they have prepared and given their very best. We remind them that while examinations are important, they do not define their worth, their character or the person they are becoming. Their journey is about far more than results; it is about the values they carry, the choices they make and the way they live their lives.
To our Class of 2026, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude. It has been a privilege to accompany you through this important chapter of your lives, to witness your growth, celebrate your successes and support you through the challenges along the way. Each of you has left your own mark on our School community, and I hope that you depart Oakleigh Grammar with a deep sense of gratitude, lasting friendships and the confidence to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. May you always remember that you are part of a community grounded in Faith and Wisdom, and that true success is found not simply in what we achieve, but in who we become and how we serve others.
To our parents and families, thank you for the trust you have placed in Oakleigh Grammar and for the sacrifices, encouragement, love and unwavering support you have offered your children throughout their educational journey. You have been their first teachers, their constant source of strength and their greatest supporters.
As we farewell the Class of 2026, we do so not with a sense of finality, but with hope and anticipation for all that lies ahead. We entrust each of our graduates to the loving care of our Lord Jesus Christ and the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos and our Patron Saints, the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian.
May our Lord bless and guide your every step, enlighten your minds, strengthen your hearts and grant you wisdom, courage and discernment in all that you undertake.
To the Class of 2026 and your families, thank you for the memories, the friendships and the many blessings you have brought to our Oakleigh Grammar community. May God grant you all good health, every blessing and many fruitful years ahead.
Dean Damatopoulos
Acting Year Level Leader - Year 12
