More than 30 students at Xavier College in Melbourne have now expressed interest in teaching Ancient Greek in the 2027 school year, when just a few months earlier there were only three applicants and the continuation of the course was considered doubtful.
The turnaround came through the school’s collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne , which mobilized when it became apparent that a 148-year-old tradition was in danger of being interrupted. Ancient Greek has been taught at Xavier College since 1878 .
Earlier this year, the course’s future was considered uncertain for three main reasons: low enrollment, difficulties in finding teachers , and scheduling problems, as teaching hours coincided with those of Latin.
John McClelland , a lawyer and parent of a student at the school, played a key role in bringing together the stakeholders. After discussions with Professor Anastasios Tamis , a working group was established to develop proposals to support the course and encourage students to take it.
The group included representatives from the Greek Community of Melbourne, universities, professional organizations and alumni of the school, including Vasilis Papastergiadis , Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris , Dr. Nikos Dallas , Professor James Tatoulis AO , Barrister Joseph Tsalidis , Legal Officer Jason Georgallis , Professor Tamis and Mr. McClelland.
The proposals submitted included collaborations with the Classical Studies departments of the Universities of Melbourne and Monash , lectures and seminars with guest speakers, support with teaching materials, scholarships and awards , as well as the possibility of students participating in educational and cultural programs organized by the Greek Community in Greece.
On July 30 , members of the team met with Xavier College Principal Lee MacMaster , Director of Learning and Development Monique Dalli , and Rector Fr. Chris Middleton . The meeting discussed both the educational value of Ancient Greek and the practical issues of student numbers, staffing, and the curriculum.
Professor Tatoulis referred to the possibilities of strengthening the school’s ties with the Classical Studies program of the University of Melbourne, while Joseph Tsalidis raised the possibility of collaboration with Dr. Andrew Connor of Monash University, with presentations to students and families.
Xavier alumnus Jason Georgallis, a lawyer, highlighted the benefits of learning Ancient Greek in developing analytical skills and understanding issues of language, history and culture. Professor Tamis, for his part, argued that Greek and Latin should be treated as complementary and not competitive subjects within the framework of the classical tradition.
The initiative builds on Xavier College’s previous successful collaboration with the Arsakeia Schools in Greece. Since 2001, students studying Ancient Greek have participated in educational visits to the country, with enrollment in the course skyrocketing from nine students in 2001 to 53 in 2004 .
Following the July meeting, Mr. MacMaster sent a letter to students and families about the importance of Ancient Greek and the opportunities the new partnership opens up. In the course selection phase for 2027, Ancient Greek attracted 23 applicants — a number that has since surpassed 30.
“This is a significant result and shows what can be achieved when the community and educational institutions work together for a common purpose,” Mr. Papastergiadis said in a press release, adding that the Greek Community of Melbourne will continue to support the teaching of both Ancient and Modern Greek at all levels.
Finally, the Greek Community recognizes the action pioneered by Miltiadis Paikopoulos , founder of the AGON (Ancient Greek Outreach Network), which unites organizations and stakeholders for education in Ancient Greek in Victoria and beyond.
