On Thursday 14th December, at 5.45 am, NESA released the results of more than 700 secondary schools together as well as those of over 67,000 secondary students across News South Wales.

NESA is “The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (abbreviated as NESA), the State government education statutory authority with the responsibility for the establishment and monitoring of school standards in the Australian state of New South Wales.

NESA replaced the ‘’Board of Studies’ in 2017. This year for the first time in many years, schools were informed of individual students’ ATAR scores and hour after the students received their ranks.

It was both comforting and exciting as the Head of College Mrs Amelia Katsogiannis shared with the teachers and the Parish Council the more outstanding results by the students.

There was genuine excitement and joy, not only for the students who achieved an ATAR of 90 and above, but also for the students whose hard work got them from an expected ATAR of 50 into the 70s and from the 60s into the 80s.

Jake Vassilis gained the highest ATAR of our College at 99.8. Receiving his results with humility, Jake encapsulates the Orthodox and Hellenic ethos of our College and the school motto “Aien Aristevein” – Forever Excelling.

The St Spyridon College HSC cohort of 2023 comprised of 69 Year 12 students and 9 Accelerated Year 11 students.

The College’s outstanding results consisted of:

– The College ranked 78th in NSW, placing the College in the top 10% of the State.
– ATAR of 99.8 attained by Jake Vassilis
– ATAR of 99.4 attained by Nektarios Kollias
– 19% of the cohort achieved an ATAR over 90

– 3 Top Achievers:

Nektarios Kollias – Classical Greek
Isabella Koutoulogenis – Modern Greek Continuers and Modern Greek Extension
Victoria Stathos – Modern Greek Continuers and Modern Greek Extension

– 4 All Rounders:

Kristy Bourdaniotis
Gabriella Guerrera
Nektarios Kollias
Jake Vassilis

– 44% of the cohort were Distinguished Achievers
– 55% of the cohort’s results were above 80
– 81% of the students achieved results in the top 2 Bands

Gathering with the students to celebrate their achievements, the Head of College Mrs. Amelia Katsogiannis proudly stated: “Each day at St Spyridon College is a celebration, an opportunity to embrace our motto, and a commitment to pursue Excellence in all our endeavours. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements. We are proud of all our students. “ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ” – “Forever Excelling”

Parish Priest Father Steven Scoutas, together with Fr Stavros Ivanos and Parish President Mr. Elia Economou commented on these outstanding results, “We wish to congratulate our Head of College, Mrs. Amelia Katsogiannis, the Heads of Departments, the Year Advisers, and the Teachers of our students. Indeed, hearty congratulations are extended to the parents, grandparents and siblings who contributed to the success of St Spyridon College at the 2023 Higher School Certificate examinations. We thank God and congratulate all of our students for their remarkable performance and outcomes. May Christ guide their footsteps deep into the future.”

“These encore screenings are an excellent last chance for Sydneysiders to catch some of the most talked-about titles at this year’s Festival,” says Festival Chair, Nia Karteris.

Audiences will be treated to additional screenings of the highly anticipated documentary Geoge Bizos Icon; the multi-award-winning film by Asimina Proedrou Behind the Haystacks; the 1st Greek animation Film Karagiozis; the signature film by Manousos Manousakis Cloudy Sunday (part of our From Thessaloniki to Auschwitz 80 years special tribute); Sydney-based director James Prineas’ comedy Lost on Kythera; and IMAN, our thought-provoking Closing Night film.

EXTRA SESSIONS @ PALACE NORTON ST:

Fri 27 Oct – Behind the Haystacks – 6.30 pm
Sat 28 Oct – Cloudy Sunday – 8.30 pm
Sun 29 Oct – Iman – 7.00pm
Mon 30 Oct – Lost on Kythera – 6:30 pm
Tue 31 Oct – George Bizos Icon – 6:30pm
Sat 4 Nov – Karagiozis the movie – 10:00am

Tickets are available at www.greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney/films

The 28th Greek Film Festival officially runs from 19 – 29 October 2023 at Palace Norton Street with extra screenings being booked by popular demand till Saturday 4th November 2023.

FESTIVAL DETAILS:

WHAT: The 28th Greek Film Festival 2023

WHEN: Thursday 19 October – Saturday 4 November 2023

WHERE: Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040

WEBSITE: www.greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney/films

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/greekfestivalofsydney

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/greekfestivalofsydney

For more information, please visit https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney/films

This literary event is scheduled for 25-26 November 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted at the Greek Centre, located at 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

The Greek Book Fair 2023 provides a unique platform for Greek-Australian authors, bookshops, and publishers to introduce and distribute their literary works to both the Greek community and the general public. The program includes engaging sessions such as casual talks, insightful panel discussions, exciting book launches, exclusive book signings, and more.

Opportunities for Participation

• Stall Reservations: Authors, publishers, and bookshop owners are invited to reserve individual or shared stalls at no cost.
• Author Talks: Share your literary insights and discuss your work with an interested audience.
• Book Launches: Unveil and sell your latest literary creations at the event.

How to Participate

For those wishing to partake in this literary celebration, kindly complete the participation form, accessible here: https://wkf.ms/47veHCf.

Contact Information

For inquiries and further details regarding the Greek Book Fair 2023, please do not hesitate to contact us at 9662 2722 or via email at info@greekcommunity.com.au.

The Australian Embassy emphasises, in a formal report about the visit, the great and important role played by the Department of Greek Studies, noting first that the teaching of Greek language and culture is a key component in Australian multiculturalism. The Embassy also points out that the Department “builds bridges of friendship”, since “this love for Greece contributes to the bonds of friendship between our countries being so strong and long-lasting”.

The Australian Embassy also recalls that Charles Darwin University’s Department of Greek Studies acts as a custodian of the Greek language and culture, with thousands of students enrolled in its courses over the past 20 years. The Embassy also congratulates the Department for its achievements and for its contribution to the community – in particular, its regular conferences on aspects of the Greek Diaspora and the programs it recently started to implement, to teach the Greek language to health and care professionals of the elderly.

Finally, the Australian Embassy wishes the students and Professor Frazis a wonderful stay in Greece, during which they will get to know the Greek culture, history and language better.

As a result of consultations with the Department of Foreign Education of the Ministry of Education, the introduction of the Greek language into the Curriculum of Saint Ignatius Schools and Orphanages in the Kolkata area is being promoted, commencing with the academic year 2024-25, with the inclusion of India in the jurisdiction of the Melbourne Education Coordinating Office.

The Saint Ignatius Schools and Orphanages (for Boys and Girls) in a rural area south of Kolkata operate under the administration of the Philanthropic Society of the Orthodox Church, an NGO founded by the Greek Orthodox Church. Sister Nektaria is the Director of the Schools and Orphanages and their operation is mainly based on donations from Organisations of the Greek Diaspora in the USA. Serious educational work is provided to approximately 650 children in the School and 125 in the Orphanage, in good quality school facilities and with a pleasant atmosphere, which are the fruit of the years of efforts of Sister Nektaria and the team that surrounds her.

The General Secretariat of Hellenism Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the competent Directorates and in close cooperation with the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi, promotes a wide range of actions to strengthen and highlight the modern Greek element in the economically and culturally important area of Kolkata. This framework also includes the strengthening of the operation and the highlighting of monuments of Greek culture such as the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of our Lord and the Greek Cemetery, the support of the Greek Club “Kyklos”, in which many Indian intellectuals participate, with the organization of Greek language courses, cultural events and the publication of translations into the Indian language of works of modern Greek literature, as well as the exchange of temporary exhibitions.

The General Secretariat of Hellenism Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs systematically supports and promotes a network of actions aimed at further promoting the strategic and friendly relations between Greece and India in the most fruitful and mutually beneficial way.

The program, starting on July 1st, until the 11th, will take place firstly in Thessaloniki and then they will visit Kavala, Serres and Xanthi.

The Summer Program initiative started in 2022 and it is the second year that it is decided to be held. The collaboration with the General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad brought positive results and, therefore, this possibility is offered to young people aged 18 to 24 to visit Northern Greece.

In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, the students of the Greek Orthodox College of Saint Euphemia, in the Sydney suburb of Bankstown, wanted to express their pain with a symbolic gesture, while also praying for the repose of the souls of the victims.

In the courtyard of their school, specifically on the basketball court, they unfurled a large Greek flag and painted 57 broken hearts on the floor, as many people as have lost their lives according to the authorities’ tally. At the same time, with their bodies, they formed the abbreviation RIP (“Rest In Peace”).

“We may be on the other side of the world, but our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this terrible event,” the school’s message said.

The Greek Independence Bicentenary Project Fund is a collaboration between the Museum, a group of Greek philanthropists, and community organizations to honor Greek Australian migrants.

The individuals being honored will be chosen by the Greek community in partnership with the Greek Welfare Centre.

The event, at Ripples Maritime Museum, featured remarkable images from The Evzones Collection by photographer Nick Bourdaniotis and, thanks to the generosity of the photographer, two were auctioned for the Bicentenary Project Fund.

On the night $32,950 was raised. This will be added to $18,400 already raised from a range of donors including philanthropists Bill Drakopoulos, Emmanuel Alfieris, Ahepa National Educational Fund Incorporated, the Daughters of Penelope, the Lemnos Association of NSW, and Ahepa NSW.

All donations in support of the Greek Independence Bicentenary Project are fully tax-deductible and can be made to the Museum until 30 June 2022. The Project aspires to honor 200 people of Greek heritage who do not have the means to donate for the commemoration.

Bill Drakopoulos said, ‘We are part of a long chain of proud Greek migrants who have forged new lives in our new home. We remain proud to be Greek and proud to be Australian. It is a great chance to honor those who came before us.’

‘All Australians stand on the shoulders of our predecessors. We live in a beautiful country with peace and prosperity. And we owe a debt of gratitude to those who carved the original journey for us to follow’, added Emmanuel Alfieris.

‘The museum has long recognized the important role of Greek migrants in the shaping of modern Australia and we are delighted to support this special initiative from the community to include more Greek Australians on the National Monument to Migration’ said the museum’s Acting Director, Tanya Bush.

About the National Monument to Migration

Australia’s National Monument to Migration commemorates those who have migrated from countries around the world to make Australia their new home. The name of any person who was born overseas and settled in Australia may be registered on the monument.

The National Monument features more than 30,000 names, including 1,623 of Greek heritage. Currently, Greece is number five of the top ten countries of origin listed.

The museum requests a brief story about each person being honored on the National Monument for publication on the museum’s website. The museum is amassing a selection of stories from these migrants; stories that, in turn, build the history of modern Australia.

In 2021 the Governor-General of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC elevated the status of the Museum’s Welcome Wall, renaming it Australia’s National Monument to Migration.

The National Monument to Migration is situated at the Australian National Maritime Museum lining its northern promenade facing Pyrmont Bay – historically near a place where many migrants arrived in Sydney.

For further information go to https://www.sea.museum/greek-campaign

For further information please contact:

Steve Riethoff
Head of Communication
Email: steve.riethoff@sea.museum
Phone: 0417 047 837

Photos by George Karantonis / Image Smart

The Presidential Guard of Greece will be in attendance during the weekend of the Greek Independence Day Parade in Philadelphia. The Parade will step off at 2:00 pm and will be at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. On the evening of March 19, a Dignitaries Banquet will be held at Adelphia in Deptford, NJ.

This year will be the first Greek Independence Day Parade during the tenure of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. In fact, this will be the first Greek Independence Day Parade in the entire world post-pandemic.

On behalf of all the Cretans of Australia and New Zealand, we shout “AXIOS – PANAXIOS “, in Mr Tsourdalakis’ letter to His Eminence, providing the promise that “we will be by your side, to support you, in every call of yours”.

The letter in detail:

Yours Eminence,

Happy and Blessed New Year. I wish from the bottom of my heart that every moment you walk in 2022 is full of health, love, peace and strength, while every goal you set will be achieved. It is with great emotion that flooded us when we heard the good news of your election as the new Archbishop of our beloved Crete.

Knowing personally how remarkable your character is and how much you will offer by assuming the highest ecclesiastical office, we are grateful to our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Synod that voted for you for the office of Archbishop of Crete. We are convinced that your beginning as the new Archbishop of Crete is the beginning of a new creative era for Crete.

I had the honor and pleasure to know you personally and to have worked with you since 2010 where you took over the position of Metropolitan of Rethymno and Avlopotamos. I have always been very proud that in my particular homeland, Rethymno, such a respectable, active but always humble Metropolitan served our church.

In each of my trips to Crete we always met exchanging views on how we could support our compatriots in Crete and especially in Rethymno but also to take advantage of a constructive relationship of Cretans Abroad living in distant Australia bringing them closer to their homeland.

A milestone for me personally in the many years of cooperation we have as President at the World Council of Cretans was your official visit to Antipodes in March 2013 where you were invited by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia to the Clergy-Laity Conference in Sydney, as well as to the Blessing of the Agiasmo for the Melbourne Cretan Association. It was a great honour for the Cretan Greek Diaspora to receive the then Metropolitan of Rethymno & Avlopotamos Evgenios.

On behalf of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, I would like to warmly congratulate you on your position as the new Archbishop of Crete and wish you every success in the great work ahead of you, but also in the great legacy left by the former Archbishop of Crete Ireneos, whom we had the honor to have with us in Australia in 1975 as Metropolitan of Kydonia & Apokoronas and since then a very close cooperation.

On behalf of all the Cretans of Australia and New Zealand we shout “AXIOS – PANAXIOS”. As President of the Cretan community here in Antipodes, I feel deep emotion that I have a friend in you, while I will have the honor to work with you again. We promise that we will be by your side, to support you, in every call.

With Cretan and cordial greetings, We hope to meet in Crete in the summer.

Antonis Tsourdalakis

President

SOURCE: vema.com