In an atmosphere filled with joy and emotion, the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools proudly hosted their VCE graduation ceremony on Saturday, 7 December, at the Greek Center.

The event was graced by members of the Board of Directors and the Education Committee, including Mrs. Eleni Chiotis and Mrs. Spyridoula Demetriou, who warmly congratulated the graduates and wished them every success in their future pursuits. The ceremony was hosted by Ms. Maria Bakalidou, Principal of GCM Schools, while the keynote address was delivered by the esteemed Professor Nikos Papastergiadis from the University of Melbourne.

Professor Papastergiadis inspired the graduates with a thoughtful and engaging speech, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as they embark on the next phase of their lives following the completion of their secondary education.

This year, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 46 students who completed their studies in Modern Greek and five students who graduated in Ancient Greek. Teachers Mrs. Anthi Tzani, Mrs. Eleni Demetriou, and Mr. Odysseas Kripotos shared their pride and emotions, commending the students for their dedication, progress, and effort.

“This evening is not only a celebration for our students but also for our entire school community,” said Ms. Bakalidou, Principal of Greek Community Schools. “We are incredibly proud of these young individuals who continue to uphold the Greek language and culture and achieve their goals through hard work and perseverance. We hope they carry forward the same passion, determination, and vision into their adult lives, fulfilling their dreams.”

Following the official ceremony, the celebration transitioned into a vibrant Greek feast. Students and teachers joined together in singing, dancing, and enjoying live music, creating an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, shared memories, and optimism for the future.

The Greek Community of Melbourne warmly congratulates the graduating students and wishes them every success in their future endeavours. Their progress and contribution will serve as shining examples of the enduring value of Greek education and the cultural heritage it embodies.