St George College, South Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St George College is the first Greek Orthodox school in Adelaide, South Australia. This co-educational college, established in 1983, operates under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and is the direct responsibility of the Greek Orthodox Community. It is located on the corner of Henley Beach Road and South Road in the suburb of Mile End - using the site of former Thebarton High School.
Contents |
[edit] The emblem
The motto, written in Greek : "ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ" (AH-in aris-TEV-in) means: "Forever Excelling". The emblem of the school includes the shield of St George with the Christian Cross at its centre affirming the importance of the Orthodox Faith. The olive branch and the sprig of wattle symbolise the meeting and interaction of the Australian and Greek cultures.
[edit] Management of the college
The Board of Governors was appointed by His Eminence, Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia on the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Community-Parish of St George Thebarton. Currently, the principal of St George College is Mr. George Panagopoulos. Formerly the deputy principal for a number of years, Mr. Panagopoulos' administration of the school has been generally hailed as one of good sense, innovation and a conciliatory approach to the students and teachers. This is in contrast to the more autocratic tenure of his predecessor, respected yet stern educator Mr. Kostas Fotiadis or Photiadis, who departed from the school amidst reciprocal acrimony. Coincidentally, Mr. Fotiadis was also the inaugural principal of the college and was reappointed in 2001 to the position on the belief that his second period in office would be temporary. Under the principal operates the deputy principal, in practice at the college always a more active and officious figure who interposes to dispense chastisement and correction to wayward students. The concensus among parents is that the college operates efficaciously owing to the industry and benevolence of the staff, with, however, minor bouts of disorganization and sluggishness.
[edit] Atmosphere
The School day begins at 8:40 in the morning until 3:10 in the afternoon. The office is open from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm. St George College is a relatively small school with current a student population of about 680 students from Reception to year 12. St George College's primary schooling is of a generally high standard. Its high school, which has been operating for a few years, is getting to its feet. Recently, as of 2007 in particular, the general academic strength of the grade 12 students has improved and the collge teachers entertain auspicious hopes that students will excel in their final examinations.
Overall there is a friendly community atmosphere, with teachers genuinely interested in the students' education. The students get along well as they share a culture and religious background. All students from Reception to year 12 receive religious education in the Orthodox faith a few lessons a week. The Greek language is taught compulsorily up until year 10.
