High achievers awarded by the Greek Community of Melbourne

Melbourne. On Tuesday evening the Greek Victorian VCE students who excelled in their final exams were awarded at the Mezzanine of the fifteen story Greek Centre.

Along with students and parents, in attendance was the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs Collin Brooks, Greek language teachers, media and other special guests.

Dr Nick Dallas the convenor of the GCM’s education committee first acknowledged the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation and then the students. “The fact that we have students who third, fourth and fifth generation and continue to do Greek to such a high level is admirable.”

He congratulated those of Greek background that excelled in specific subjects and encouraged the students to engage with their identity and language “as that is the strength of multiculturalism in our state.”

“Continue to engage with the Greek Community, become members, attend their events, volunteer for projects, give something back to your community, you’ll feel better for it,” Dr Dallas said.

Minister Colin Brooks addressing the VCE high achievers and guests at the Greek Centre. Photo: Peter Kakalias

The new Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks spoke after and acknowledged the First Nations People of Australia. He welcomed “all the wonderful VCE students, and their families, and joked how he was “the only person in the room who’s not fluent in Greek” but welcomed all with “kalispera” (good evening).

He said that by the fourth year of this government’s term, he would “come back” and “have a conversation in Greek.”

“I am proud to be Victoria’s newly pointed Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and to be here with you all tonight celebrating this fantastic achievement.”

“After all the challenges that students have had over the last few years and I know that, my son finished VCE last year, and this is an impressive cohort of young people who showed their determination to learn, to grow, adapt and overcome obstacles.”

The minister said that Victoria “values the voice of young people.” He then heaped praise on the Greek community’s contribution to the social, economic, and civic society of this state.

“As you all know, Melbourne is home to more than half of Australia’s Greek population and as state, and as a society we are richer because of our diversity and Greek Australians have contributed greatly,” said Brooks.

President of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis addressing the students, parents and other gathered at the presentation. Photo: Peter Kakalias

Then the president of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis spoke and acknowledged the First Nations, “their elders past and present.”

He thanked the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks “for attending the event and making the Greek Community of Melbourne one of his first ports of call since his appointment to this portfolio.”

He added that he looked forward to more exciting projects in partnership with the minister and the Victorian government.

Papastergiadis said that the Greek Community of Melbourne “has education as its core service offering.”

It was a large gathering of students, teachers, parents and officials at the high achievers’ presentation at the Greek Centre Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Photo: Supplied

“These are the people that will drive change and continue to regenerate our community, and contribute to this great multicultural city, state, and country that we live in.”

“Importantly, the fact that the minister is here as one of his first events as a minister, exemplifies his commitment to multiculturalism and importantly to our community.”

Papastergiadis then directed his comments to the students and said: “This is the beginning of a journey for life.”

“You should be open to exploration not only in terms of listening to teachers and parents but also to your peers.”

Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks with Sofia Vlachou who scored 50 for her VCE modern Greek. Photo: Supplied

Students’ voices

Neos Kosmos spoke to some of the high achievers of which most were female. Sofia Vlachou scored 50 for her VCE modern Greek from the Victorian School of Languages, who said she hoped to be “accepted in a law course and to complete a double degree.”

Sophia Linardou, who arrived from Greece two years ago, also scored over 50 for her VCE Greek. She completed the course in the GCM school while attending McKinnon Secondary College.

“I want to finish year twelve as I am now in year 11, and hopefully continue to university” Sophia said.

Sophia Linardou, arrived from Greece two years ago, scored over 50 for her VCE Greek and wants to attend university. Photo: Supplied

Eirini Vergaki, also born in Greece and arrived in 2014, said that being born in Greece and was “definitely useful” in Greek and English as well as all her other subjects.

“It’s so useful to have an understanding of a second language especially the Greek one because it is so highly structured.”

“I am dreaming of practising law but haven’t decided which area yet, I am still in year 11 so next year I will focus and try to do just as well in my next subjects.”

Eirini Vergaki, was born in Greece arrived in 2014, said that being born in Greece and was “definitely useful” in Greek and English. Photo: Supplied

Emily Papastamatopoulos from Nestoras College was born in Australia and achieved 50 in Modern Greek and is one of the few who also attended the John Monash Science School.

She felt that for those born in Greece the language “comes more naturally to them.”

“I did have to practice a lot more, and in the end my teachers really helped me,” Emily told Neos Kosmos, who is going on to study science.

Emily Papastamatopoulos unlike many of the other high achievers, was born in Australia and is one of the few who also attended the John Monash Science School. Photo: Supplied

Sofia Vlachou who scored 50 for her VCE modern Greek from the Victorian School of Languages wants to be a lawyer. Photo: Supplied