The rich culture and history of the west’s Greek community will be on display when a Yarraville language school opens its doors for a day of festivities.
Celebrations to mark the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox language school’s inaugural open day will include traditional Greek dancing, loukoumades (Greek donuts) and a sausage sizzle.
Father Alexandros said the school and church had become the epicentre for many Greek migrants within Yarraville and the western suburbs, with the Greek community now including second and third generations.
“We are proud to say we have 148 children enrolled with our school program, from prep classes to VCE – and we welcome new enrolments for 2018,” he said.
“Additionally, the Greek language program is offered and is inclusive of both children from Greek and non-Greek backgrounds.”
Father Alexandros said the school had an accredited VCE program and had enjoyed formal recognition by the state department of education for more than 20 years.
Originally established during the late 1950s, St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church was rebuilt in 2003.
Father Alexandros said many older Greek Australians were happy to see their grandchildren attend Greek school and maintain their Greek language skills.
“The importance of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church and its Greek language school cannot be under-estimated, having helped many Greek Australians preserve their Greek cultural identity over the years,” he said.
The church also hosts a weekly youth group and cooks free meals for the elderly on Thursdays.
The open day will be held from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, November 11, at 5-9 Murray Street, Yarraville.
