European Union Delegation to Australia: European Language Award 2020
This year our school was fortunate enough to enter the 2020 European Union Delegation Competition for outstanding improvement in Greek.
The Delegation of the European Union to Australia oversees official relations between Australia and the EU. As part of their educational and cultural outreach, they promote the learning of European languages such as Greek, which we are fortunate enough to offer at our school.
Congratulations to Anastasia Rigopoulos of 9I who received the award for ‘Outstanding and Academic Improvement in Greek’. Not only did Anastasia receive this award but also a $200 voucher from Dymocks. Anastasia was also asked to reflect on her experience with learning Greek. Congratulations and well done Anastasia.
Ms Ricco
(Greek Teacher)
How old are you?– 15
When did you start learning Greek and why? What sparked your interest? My parents are both Greek. At a young age whilst my mum was working, I was looked after by my grandparents who often communicated with me in Greek. I gradually became fluent in the language, as I continually practiced speaking in Greek. In 2011, I started Primary school at Lalor North which offered the Greek Bilingual Program, so my journey began from then and has continued into high school at Lalor Secondary College.
What do you love about Greek language/food/culture? What’s there not to love. Everything about the Greek culture is absolutely amazing, including the music, the dancing, the food, traditions, and of course the history.
Have you been to Greece? No.
Would you like to keep learning the language? Yes definitely. I would like to continue as long as possible.
What are your future plans after school? I am still indecisive about what I want to do after school.
Finally, how have you found the transition from learning Greek at school to learning it remotely during the Covid period? Has it been difficult? How do you stay motivated? The love for the language is motivation in itself. The transition from learning Greek at school to learning it remotely during the Covid period, has been effortless, but if there were any issues, I knew that my awesome and amazing Greek teacher, Mrs Helen Ricco was always there to help.
Anything else you would like to add …Since starting my journey from Primary School and continuing through to High School l have been privileged to have had the best Greek teachers to assist me in every way. The guidance and the support they have all shown me have always encouraged me to do the best l can.
