The West Australian Modern Greek Language Teachers’ Association Inc. (WAMGLTA) held its annual Speak Greek in June Event this year but with a difference! It was no longer a competition. Rather, the “Event” offered an opportunity for students to speak Greek freely and without the competitive edge that existed in the past, allowing them to relax and hold natural dialogue or respond to questions in a natural way, whilst being video recorded. The students could speak on any topic agreed upon in consultation with their teacher.

Suggested topics included:

• Holding an everyday conversation with a peer and/or with a teacher/other adult
• Role play
• Reporting of an event
• Interviewing a famous person
• Reciting an original poem/singing an original song
• Presenting a talk on a topic
• Speaking online via Zoom or Teams, or other mode, with other students in a school in WA, the Eastern States, or even in Greece
• Any other approach that works well with the teaching/learning program being undertaken in the Greek Language provider where Greek is being taught

WAMGLTA is proud to announce that there were 26 students who participated in the Speak Greek in June Event from three educational providers where Modern Greek is taught, listed alphabetically below:

• Centre for Hellenic Studies, WA (CHSWA) – 2 students
• Greek Language and Culture Institute (GLCI) of Evangelismos – 19 students
• Immaculate Heart College (IHC) – 5 students

The topics were varied and all the students spoke with ease in front of the camera and in the presence of their teacher and/or peers. It was also encouraging to see the range of ages in the students who participated, from primary school children through to students undertaking ATAR level Modern Greek at the CHSWA.

Students were awarded a Certificate of Participation encased in a document wallet, along with a small prize of a USB for saving their work, and a confectionary. Special thanks are extended to Dr Con Berbatis and family for sponsoring this annual Greek-speaking event for the students of our local Greek language providers!

Centre for Hellenic Studies, WA – Modern Greek ATAR Students

Greek Language and Culture Institute of Evangelismos – Primary and Secondary Students

Immaculate Heart College – Primary Students

WAMGLTA congratulates all the students, their teachers, and their families for their wonderful work in this year’s WAMGLTA Speak Greek in June Event and we look forward to their ongoing participation next year and beyond.

Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis
WAMGLTA Chairperson
14 November 2022