How St Nectarios Greek School gave me language, community, a backpack full of fond memories and a firm language foundation.
Greek school gave me a gift I’ll always carry with because it’s where I began ‘still speaking Greek’
Από μικρός κι από τρελός…
“From a child and from a fool…” As I understand it, Greeks use this phrase when someone does something bold without overthinking it. It fits perfectly for the, “Indian” kid walking into Greek school not fully sure what I’d signed up for, I just knew that I wanted to go.
I started at St Nectarios Church Friday afternoon Greek school when I was seven. I had been asking, pestering, my parents for two terms to let me go. I had some Greek heritage friends and wanted to see what this Greek school thing was all about. Late in the school year, my mother called Fr George, and I was in! Finally! And yes: I was the only non-Greek child in any of the classes.
Friday afternoons. The end of the school week. While everyone else was leaving campus and mentally checking out, I was checking in. I was heading into another classroom, another language, another culture, another world. Looking back, it’s one of the best decisions my family ever backed me on.
I still remember kids at school asking me, ‘why do you want to go Greek school?? You’re not even Greek! Being the only non-Greek child could have felt awkward. But it didn’t. People noticed, of course, and they had curiosity to know from where my interest in Greek stemmed. Most were very supportive.
What I remember most clearly: the adults and teachers welcomed me, like I was meant to be there, just like everyone else. I was not a visitor but a proper student who was genuinely included.
The language bit: how Greek slowly became “mine”
If you’ve been to Greek school, you’ll definitely remember it, and I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments. We had textbooks, worksheets, culture lessons, classroom games, dedicated volunteer teachers, and I had a small weekly dose of courage to raise my hand and, ‘give it a go’ as we say in Australia.
I still have all of my notebooks and my Greek123 textbooks. Go and take a look if you’re not familiar with them; I enjoyed them very much. And while you’re there - check out their engaging Greek123 blog. I still vividly remember the gratification I had when I received a new book level at the beginning of the year.
One thing that helped me stick with it was learning the structure of Greek bit by bit. I remember finishing a unit and thinking, I can actually read that now - that’s so cool!
Culture lessons that I still remember
I’m sure you’ve seen some of the language learning apps: quick phrases, streaks, ‘leveling up’. Useful, sure. But Greek school went much deeper and gave me the kind of cultural learning that will remain with me forever.
Community language schools are unique. Language is literally passed down, and where children absorb culture and identity through hands-on experiences. And someone like me can be welcomed into a community that wasn’t “mine,” but one that still made room for me.
Some of my fondest memories from St Nectarios were tied to our celebrations.
“Όχι” Day
National days, like “Όχι” Day, on 28 October and Greek National Day on 25 March were huge. I still remember the parades, the poems and the flags. The language we were learning had a long story, and deep pride behind it.
Τσουρέκι and κάλαντα and going carolling
Easter felt like the centre of the Orthodox calendar. I still remember the τσουρέκι (tsoureki)—sweet, braided bread often crowned with red-dyed eggs and the midnight “Χριστός Ανέστη!”, candlelight at church, and the joyful tsougrisma egg-cracking that says spring (and hope) has arrived.
And then there was Christmas. And one vivid memory: going κάλαντα (carolling) in Greek, λέμε τα κάλαντα (we say/sing the carols). Here’s what made it unforgettable: the teachers wrote Greek hymns out phonetically in English for me, so I could sing confidently.
Think about that for a second. They didn’t say, “Oh, he won’t be able to do it.” They didn’t leave me out or silent at the back. They translated the songs into a bridge I could walk across. I was part of the house to house singing.That’s the kind of teaching that sticks with you forever.
Inviting more non-heritage learners in
I’ll say it plainly: Greek school is often marketed like it’s only for Greek kids, since they would be the only ones who would be interested. But my experience is evidence that it doesn’t have to be so limited.
If a seven-year-old ‘Indian’ boy can walk into Greek School and come out with language skills, confidence, and a positive experience, other families would absolutely say yes, if they knew they too were welcome.
Ideas that could help
Run a “Bring-a-friend” month. Let students invite classmates for a few weeks. Most kids try things because a friend is there.
Use welcoming language. “Open to all learners” should be more than a line — it can easily become a vibe, from enrolment to classroom practice.
Tell your story more publicly. Schools should share photos, short reels, and student stories that alsoinclude non-heritage learners, mixed families and heritage learners.
Offer a clear beginner pathway. Make it obvious what a brand-new learner can expect in Term 1.
We can widen the circle. Community languages thrive when they’re both protected and shared.
Leaning in
If you’re an administrator, a teacher, or part of a Greek community school: consider how you might extend and “translate” Greek school for non-Greek families.
Because I’m sure other children are out there, exactly like that little seven-year-old ‘Indian boy,’ curious, eager to learn, and just waiting to be invited in, so we all can keep, ‘Still Speaking Greek.’
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